A Crown of Scales

  • ashen knight;

    ashen knight; (100)

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  • ashen knight;

    ashen knight; (100)

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    The tavern was, as usual, packed, and not because the Princess was in it. No. Charlotte had made sure that Rose would not be so easily recognized despite being the very face of the kingdom, and had picked them a spot from which they could see almost all of the tavern and yet be noticed but so few. It was a late night on the last of the working days and all the workers had come gathering here to celebrate the ending of a tough week, to rest their weary arms and their weary legs. Even some of the soldiers were slacking off a little, standing less on guard at their post, and more relaxed and eased into the atmosphere. A petty fight over a pint would break out now and then, or a few gambling lads would squabble over the last bet, but it never got out of hand. Thus, Charlotte deemed it safe for her Princess - not that her Princess was helpless. She was quite the charm and quite the fighter. Charlotte smiled softly - and a good friend.

    "Look there," she whispered to her friend, nodding with her chin towards one corner of the tavern, "The bard has barely taken his eyes off you. Look how he's singing. He shies away when you look in his direction but the songs are all about a pretty woman and a man hopelessly in love." She giggled. It was nice, to not be so formal around Victoria when it came to times like these. No need for 'my lady' and 'your highness'. It would ruin their cover and fun too quick.

    "So what about this Knight of yours? He's getting bolder every time he comes back." Charlotte pulled a pout, "Do you reckon he'll ask for your hand? Not that he has any chance, he is just a knight after all. Not a drop of royal blood in him. Though I admit," she picked a few strands of her hair and wrapped them around her finger in thought, "He's not bad looking. Quite handsome." And with a glance to her friend quickly added, "At least, he must be - since so many ladies swoon over him."
    November 30th, 2016 at 04:33am
  • Sweet.Persephone

    Sweet.Persephone (100)

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    Victoria looked over at the bard, seeing how he instantly moved his head when she looked. A small laugh came from her lips before giving the man a small wave. Instantly he smiled over at her, and Victoria could even see his ears turn red a bit. It was nice acting like one of her people for once instead of a princess. Plus it only reinforced the fact that she was truly beautiful. It was nice to know, and it didn't mean as much when your people or servants told you so. They all tried to suck up to her as the night heir of the crown. "I must agree with his songs. He is quite hopeless." Victoria joked. "I just hope he does not muster up the courage to come over here or you might have to intervene, Charlotte."

    Turning her head, she smiled widely at her friend. It was times like these that she enjoyed the most. She didn't have to be the princess, there were no expectations for her. All it was, was her and her best friend having a grand time. Charlotte was the person that she trusted most in this world, and it was nice for them to just be two people than being the princess and her lady in waiting. "Though I suppose that I could just knock him out and we can make a run for it before anyone notices it's me." Victoria teased, a flicker of amusement entering her eyes. Oh how she would love to cause a bit of a scene. Victoria was always causing trouble for her dear friend.

    When talk of the knight came up, Victoria couldn't help but let out a sigh. "Bless that man's soul. You are right in saying that he continues to get bolder. The last time he came, he asked for a private dinner with me! Surely he knows that there is no chance. And it is not like I have been leading him on either." Victoria hesitated for a moment before giving Charlotte a slight look. "Well not too much that is. I am afraid that he will ask father for my hand, which he will not receive." She let out a small hum. "Though you are right. He is quite handsome." Victoria moved her hand up to the large gem necklace she was wearing.
    November 30th, 2016 at 04:51am
  • ashen knight;

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    "I hope he does not muster the courage for he if were to come over, I'd have to move and that means losing sight of a very handsome man." Charlotte echoed, and couldn't help a little smirk as she glanced forward at some man drinking with his friends. Those nice full muscled arms, the scruff on his face - clearly just a farmer, but goodness - so handsome. "I'm sure you can handle the bard yourself. He's like a small twig, he's young too. You will kick him and he will break." She giggled. "Nobody would recognise you if you started a fight - a princess does not fight." She winked.

    Taking another sip, she listened to her friends lament on a dinner with the knight. "And did you accept his request?" She eyed her friend over the tankard, "Or break his heart and stomp on it. I feel he chases you because you are the only one that refuses him." She rested her chin on her hand, and teasingly drawled out, "So distant, Tori, so cold, like a beautiful faraway cold star."

    The door of the tavern opened, and the movement perked Charlotte's curiosity who looked over and took a moment to eye the newcomer. She grasped Tori's hands, "Look! Not now, but towards the door - oh! he's walking to the bar." She inclined her head lightly in the newcomer's direction. A man with wolf fur hung over his shoulders and down his chest, a cloak flapping a little behind him in a wind that did not stir anything around. His steps were sure yet silent. He reached the bar and quietly ordered a drink, then retreated to a corner of it and sat down, his head hung low and facing away from the crowds.

    "Do you know of him? He's a Ranger from the South, goes by the name Nikola, the one of agile fingers and keen eye. They say his worth is that of a hundred men, yet he is in no army." She continued to hold her friend's hands. "Some say he is a sell-sword. Indeed it's mysterious that every time he makes an appearance, someone dies on the night." She paused then grinned, "Well, not always. But you have got to dwell in these rumours a little more. He is a man of mystery. But look the way he holds himself, you think he were a Lord of a hundred lands."

    The man, Nikola, shifted and as if he caught a whiff of something, sharply looked over to the two girls. Charlotte seemed to jump and quickly looked away. He was a man whose face was rarely seen, but even when it was without its hood, it was difficult to capture his features it seemed. A thin cloth covered one eye, and it in turn was covered by a few strands of loose hair. When he turned a little more, one ear was adorned in rubies and sapphires and emeralds. Nikola looked towards the two a little more, his one eye lingering on girl whose hand was held and more so on the gem around her neck that rested in between her fingers, but looked away again when his drink was served.

    Charlotte seemed to breathe out a sigh of relief when he did. "It is better we avoid him, I think. I've heard too much bad."
    November 30th, 2016 at 05:47am
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    "To say that I stopped on his heart is an overreaction to what I did. It was required of me to inform the brave knight that it was quite inappropriate to request a private dinner. Many of my eligible suiters are not allowed that luxury." Victoria told her friend with an eye roll. Though she couldn't help but feel her heart sing when Charlotte called her Tori. Oh she loved that nickname. And only few were allowed to use it. "And if I am such a distant star, then he should know better to admire from afar. Though if a simple yes to one of his requests will stop his consistent pestering, perhaps it is a yes I should give."

    Victoria's eyes rested on Nikola as he entered the tavern. Even as he looked at them, she felt no need to turn her head away. Charlotte was right, the way he looked and held himself was quite strange. It was like he had the command and respect of a king. Very strange indeed since even the most powerful nobles in the kingdom did not always have that air of quality around them.

    "You should know better by now than to tell me to avoid someone." Victoria turned her head to Charlotte, curiosity shown clearly in her eyes. She raised her eyebrows a bit. "Now should I head over to this great warrior, or should I try to get him to come over to us?" She began to twirl the gem around in her fingers a few times before letting go. "Maybe it would not be such a horrible idea to meet a man who is an army in himself."

    She let out a small hum as she moved her fingers over her lips. "Such an interesting face. And his ear is covered in gems, how bold." Victoria leaned back into her chair, a smirk coming over her face. "It would be a much greater accomplishment if this great warrior came over to us, would you not agree?" Victoria called over a bar maid and had her send another drink to the mystery man on her charge. Then she turned her head, staring at him until he looked over. At which point, Victoria gave him a small wave and a cheeky smile.
    November 30th, 2016 at 06:06am
  • ashen knight;

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    Charlotte put her hand up in a stopping gesture, "You and I both know that if you say yes to him, he will take it as a welcoming, and continue it on. I know I am not one to command your love life but he makes me uncomfortable sometimes. The way he looks at you..." She closed her eyes and shook her head, shuddering. Not a pleasant feeling in all honesty, despite his looks. He looked upon her like she was some trophy or prey to be scored and conquered.

    Looking shocked at Tori's suggestion, Charlotte put a hand to her chest and leaned in. "Don't be silly! Great warrior? He is a man who fights for nobody but himself. Perhaps yes he has pockets overflowing with gold coin but they sail that coil is soiled." She nervously bit her lip and watched as her friend continued to admire him, almost regretful in having ever pointed him out. Though she couldn't help but jump on the thought train with her friend, adding quietly, "I wonder if those gems are pierced into his the ear. How does he get them to stay there so perfectly?" Again, she shut her mouth and with a small groan watched as Tori ordered him a drink. Mistake! her mind screamed, but alas it was too late. The drink was delivered and Nikola - with minimum surprise - looked back over at them when the bar maid told him of their gift.

    Her little wave and cheeky smile was received, and answered only with the hint of a smirk and the slightest incline of his head. It also seemed to attract the bard - who changed tune to something more bolder and stood from his spot to make way to Tori. This Nikola also perceived and without turning his head shot the bard a sidelong glance. Charlotte sank further into her chair. The bard advanced to Tori's table unaware of Nikola's watchful gaze.

    "You waved to him," Charlotte murmured, "But summoned the young lad of bard."

    The bard slowed on approaching their table, as if he were simply doing his daily rounds of walking around the tavern and singing. He neared closer and closer, and just as it seemed that the bard would reach their table, Nikola appeared from the crowd, his foot sharply hitting the edge of the empty chair on one side of Charlotte and Tori. The chair sharply scraped across the floor for a short distance. The spurs on his leather boot clicked lightly as they spun from the force. Charlotte jumped. The bard faltered. Nikola regarded the bard with a rather smug look, and waited until the lad quickly passed on before turning his face towards Tori and locking his eye on hers.

    "My lady." He did not bow his head in greeting as one would do to a higher class. "You have the finest form of hands, upon which your rings sit so wonderfully. I could not help but notice." He did not look at her hands as he spoke though, he had seen the few rings that sat on her fingers and while he did not see her skin, the form was enough. The rings and the gems that bared lured him over, not the hands, but now that he was closer - it was the gem at her neckline that above all governed his attention. His lips twitched into a sly smile.

    Now that he was closer, Charlotte could observe a little more. His gem'ed ear was on Tori's side, teh same as the covered left eye, but the right side of his cheek had a faint scar - barely visible, extending from the corner of his lips up to the bottom of his ear which - despite being hidden by hair - had tears, looking a little shredded. Charlotte couldn't help but stare, and Nikola was aware of it. He shifted ever so slightly, and the hair fell over, hiding the ear. He pulled the chair back, and sat on it.
    November 30th, 2016 at 07:48am
  • Sweet.Persephone

    Sweet.Persephone (100)

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    Victoria was beyond relieved when Nikola had stopped the bard from going to her table. That had been a miscalculation on her part. Though still Victoria had managed to get what she wanted. The mystery man was now sitting at their table. Oh and it was so much better than staring at him from far away. His face was so interesting. It seemed to be a painting that expressed battles. It was clear that this man had been through much. Maybe she could even get him to tell her a story about one of his scars. Or maybe even about his eye.

    "You are quite observant." Victoria told him as she stretched out her fingers. It was interesting to see how quickly the man was able to caught on. "Now my friend here says that says that you are a ranger from the south. Which I fully believe. However are you really worth a hundred men? You do seem very strong and like a skilled warrior, however how can one man be worth a small army?" She didn't have anything in particular to talk about. Victoria just wanted to get a closer look of the man. Plus she was always ready to purposely do the opposite of what her father or friends say. Sometimes she saw it as a personal challenge.
    November 30th, 2016 at 08:10am
  • ashen knight;

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    "Observant?" He repeated, and smiled confidently. "That I am." Was he going to deny it? No. His eyes saw all and everything. As if to tease him, she stretched her fingers, displaying all the gems and rings and he couldn't help but glance down. But on the way from her face to her fingers, his sight was caught again on the gem at her necklace. Perhaps he looked at it for a little too long, enchanted by its size and beauty. A fine thing to add to his collection, yes.

    Maybe to the mounds and hoards of gold and jewels he kept safe, or to the collection he wore on him everyday, from the golden spurs of his leather boots to the jewels in his ear to the gem-studded clasps of his clothes and cloak, and the bigger jewels in the hilt of his sword.

    "Hm," he did like a little flattery, who wouldn't? It spiked his interest, and his curiosity. What had her friend told this lady? What did the people speak of him? He leaned forward on to the table, propping his elbow and his cheek near his hand but not quite resting it on there. Instead, he simply held near. "If I told everyone who asked, then I would not be one of the few men worth a small army now, would I? What makes you so different that I should tell you, hm?"
    November 30th, 2016 at 08:43am
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    Victoria couldn't help but smirk slightly when Nikola asked her what made her special. Oh, if only he knew. Though as much as she enjoyed having her fun, she wasn't stupid. There was no way in Hell that Victoria was going to tell him that she was the crowned princess. Especially not in a tavern where everyone would make a fuss. Plus it wouldn't be worth the fury of her father. "Oh I am sure that I am just like all of the other people you meet on your wild adventures and great travels." Victoria said as she waved it off.

    "Though you are clearly an intelligent man, knowing that if you gave away your strategy it would make you easy to beat. And wouldn't it just be a tragedy if a great warrior like you were to fall. However, I do not know who my friend and I could possibly tell it to that would make you worry. Best not to say since we may tell one of our suitors about the legend we met in the tavern. And once a man knows, all men will know. After all, men are such gossips about this type of thing." Victoria placed a finger and thumb on her chin, grinning over at Charlotte for a moment.

    Victoria laid her eyes back on Nikola. "It makes me wonder if there would be a way to convince you to tell a normal girl like me the truth." She let out a small sigh and leaned back into her chair. "Oh, but if you can't tell us what makes these rumors true about you, perhaps you can tell us a different rumor. Surely a man like you would know of some of the most interesting tales."
    November 30th, 2016 at 06:23pm
  • ashen knight;

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    Nikola gave her a short smile. Was she like all the others? Perhaps. He had seen some very beautiful women and thus she was not the only one who was graced with charms and looks but what attracted him to her was not her face nor body, but the gem and the gem alone called out to him so loudly he could barely keep his eyes elsewhere. This gem would be his. She spoke out loud some of the reasons behind his silence, and he had nothing to add to it. She was right, but he would not give her the confidence.

    "Convince? You could always exchange. A piece of information for a small price..." he trailed off and his eyes pointedly slipped down her neck to the gem. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her friend stiffen a little and like bait he pounced on her hesitation. "Is it precious?" He smirked, tilting his head and looking at Charlotte. The woman huffed, "Not at all. I simply find it strange that you seek a mere gem in exchange for a rumor."

    Nikola raised a brow and turned to look at her, leaning forward a little as he turned, making a tiny swinging motion. "Oh? You doubt the validity of my strength?"
    "If it is worth a priceless gem, then yes." Charlotte met his eyes with a steady gaze of her own. He was buying into it, it ticked him that she undermined his confidence. And at the same time she did her best to downgrade the gem. Make it seem so unimportant and hopefully lose his interest. Or distract the attention altogether. Tori would not give away such an heirloom.

    Giving a soft 'hmph', Nikola caught himself and leaned back on the chair, casting his glance towards the gem-adorned woman. "Another rumor? I'm afraid I do not have the ear for rumors about me. The men I spend my time around hardly ever speak." He took his tankard and took a gulp, muttering into it, "The dead don't whisper."

    "Is it true you breathe out smoke?" Charlotte piped in.

    Nikola choked on the drink and coughed into the tankard, setting it down and wiping his mouth. "I do what?" he let out a small blow of air as if to blow away the nonsense he just heard, as if some fly had landed on his shoulder and cursed at him in the language of man.
    Charlotte glanced at Victoria with a smug smile, "And they say you are a beast in human form, and the eye you hide is proof of it."

    "Oh?" He looked amused, then smug again, "That's a little nonsensical isn't it? Do men fear me this much to make tales of my being inhuman?"
    Charlotte glanced to Tori, prompting her to ask more. Oh yes, they could play this game.
    December 1st, 2016 at 12:36pm
  • Sweet.Persephone

    Sweet.Persephone (100)

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    Victoria quickly became annoyed when Nikola basically asked the gem around her neck. Now that was something she would never give. Her necklace was a family heirloom that she almost never took off. Her mother also wore it almost daily before she died. It was the most important possession that she had of her mothers. Plus Victoria was sure that no story Nikola told would be worth her necklace. How dare Nikola think she would trade such a prize for his little stories. However, she need not say a word for Charlotte quickly took care of the situation.

    Quickly, Victoria's mood changed as Charlotte began to speak about the rumors. Her hard glare lightened up and there was a clear relaxation to her body. It was easy to see what her friend was doing and Victoria was more than ready to join back in. While she knew nothing about this man, Victoria did want to know more and she was interested in getting him to speak. "Well surely no normal man would have such large rumors and mystery around him? Perhaps you are no beast, but there must be something...unhuman about a man such as you."

    Victoria looked to the side thoughtfully. "But is it not true that rumors come from somewhere? After all such tales do not appear from thin air, and surely they would not catch as much fire as this one without some truth. Perhaps you are some great smokey beast with an unusual eye." Victoria eyes went back, staring right at his eye hidden behind the cloth. "If the proof to your innocence is showing the hidden eye, why not show it then?" Charlotte was curious as to what his eye looked under the cloth. Oh and she would love to get him to show it.
    December 2nd, 2016 at 01:56am
  • ashen knight;

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    Although he noticed the sudden change in her mood, and it spiked his curiosity, Nikola did not mention it nor did he point it out. In fact, he pretended to never have seen it. Though her change in mood was tempting in its own mysteries. Why did she get so defensive? Did the gem matter to her? Would she cry and scream and plead if he ripped it from her necklace, tore it out from her hands? Would she crumble in on herself and become a miserable weeping human nothingness? Humans were weak. So weak.

    He scoffed and dismissively waved a hand at their words. "The men spread rumors and lies to make themselves feel better. They are ashamed to be outmatched by me, and so they don't accept me as one of their own." He lifted his chin a little and looked at Victoria. "I dare say the most inhuman thing about me is simply that I am better than any swordsman, archer, or warrior you will ever have in your kingdom." He set his drink down, leaning forward a little, smirking, "I dare bet it too."

    Nikola sat back and rocked his chair back a little, pushing off against the leg of the table, aware she was looking to his hidden eye. No. He could not pull it up. He knew what lay beneath, his true dragon eye, the only thing that occasionally failed to hide after being in human form for far too long. The signs were all showing. The smoke that he suppressed within him, the eye that gave him out, the heaviness of the room around him. It was suffocating. And while he did not show it, he certainly felt it. And her questions were not helping. He closed his eyes and smiled. "Nonsense. There is nothing inhuman about my eye, only that it is ill. As I said, your men and all those who start the rumors simply cannot accept that I am superior to them. That is all and final." No, he would not show her. And if she dared reach up and take it from his face, he would slap her arm away before she could even touch him. He did not have to see to know where she was, to feel the air around him.
    December 5th, 2016 at 12:35am
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    As Nikola closed his eye, one of her eyebrows raised. She did not understand what sort of eye illness would only affect one and not the other. Though she would not argue with him about it. After all, she was no physician and it was not like she spent a lot of time with those who were sick and injured. That was another nice thing about being royalty. No one really expected her to have bedside manners. And most of the nobles were in full health. It was too bad when Nikola would not show her through, but she would never have just reached over and grabbed his eye patch. Victoria did have manners.

    Victoria's eyes widen with mischief and a small smirk came over her lips as she thought of an idea. She glanced over at Charlotte for a moment, knowing that the next words that would come out of her mouth would probably give her a disapproving look. Oh she might be getting herself into some trouble here, but it would be so much fun.

    With a small scoff, Victoria glanced down at her cup, spinning it around a bit before lifting it up. "Well, you may be good, but you certainty are not the best warrior in this kingdom." She said before taking a drink. Victoria set her cup down. "Now that honor would be for Knight Dain. I am sure that he can cut you down in a matter of minutes. After all, his tales of heroism have spread throughout the land. And I have only heard of your legends tonight. There is no doubt that he is the best knight...or rather the best fighter this kingdom has ever seen."
    December 5th, 2016 at 03:48am
  • ashen knight;

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    The moment her friend even uttered the idea, Charlotte wished again - and possibly not for the last time - that she should have never mentioned Nikola nor pointed him out. Though surely Victoria would find a way to find out and ask her eventually.

    Nikola did not even blink nor flinch as she counteracted his claims, keeping his eye closed and his arms folded, leaning back in his chair and rocking it back the tiniest of bits. "Oh? The Knight Dain?" He cracked open an eye and peered out at her from beneath his lashes, looking rather smug in return, mirroring her smirk. "And I am sure that he could not." Had Nikola heard of this knight? Of course. It was hard to not hear about him - all the ladies would whisper and swoon at the mere mention of his name and many soldiers would talk about him and discuss his heroics over a campfire while Nikola lingered nearby, sneering softly under his breath at the mentions of this heroic man.

    He had met many so called heroic men.
    And he had eaten all that dared challenge him.

    This one would surely be no different. What could any mortal man do against him?

    "I would challenge him, but I am afraid I'll butcher him and have to take his place in service." Nikola laughed once and sharply and raised his head now, looking straight at Victoria. "He can have his lousy title. I do not need to prove my prowess to anyone. I know I am strong because I am."

    "You claim all this, but you avoid challenging him?" Charlotte teased.
    Nikota tilted his head in slight admission, "Avoid because I think your petty knight may die by my hand."
    "And what if, say, a tournament for the best knight was held?" Charlotte carefully looked towards Victoria, leaving the suggestion open. It wouldn't be a rare or uncommon thing, and certainly not unheard of.

    "A tournament does not show a man's prowess in battle, you need the real thing." Nikola snorted. "I heard that the city south of here was burned to a crisp, and the lone survivor claimed it was a dragon. Is your Knight travelling there to fight this dragon? I didn't think so."
    December 9th, 2016 at 04:46pm
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    Victoria scoffed at Nikola's mention of the dragon to the south. "And I do not see you making your way to fight this dragon either." She gave him a pointed look. Hearing of her cities burning to the ground did not sit well with her. Though there was little anyone could do against a dragon. Those who were able to defeat them merely got lucky. "Even rulers rarely send whole armies to fight dragons. Going to fight those beasts is like a death sentence." With a small shake of her head, Victoria continued. "A knight's ability should not be determined on whether or not they have a death wish and just happen to survive."

    "And if dragons were easy to beat, I assure you that they would all be exterminated. There would be no reason for a kingdom to allow them to continue if they were. Dragons destroy whole cities just to increase their hoards with no thought of the people inside of them. And I am sure you remember the myth about castle on the mountain that an old King had to abandon due to one too. That story would be enough to scare people into attacking." As Victoria started to get heated up, the gem around her neck seemed to flicker for a moment. Though the flicker wasn't bright enough to attract the human eye.

    "Though if you really think that beating one is a determinate of a strong warrior, then why do you not head down there yourself and fight the thing? If you were to bring back its head, I am sure that the King would give you a fortune, and gems even better than the one you wanted to barter from me." While Victoria did not like Dain, she found it ridiculous that his bravery and ability was being determined by his willingness to fight such a beast. Though if Nikola were to bring back it's head, she would be more than willing to keep her mouth shut about Dain.
    December 9th, 2016 at 05:26pm
  • ashen knight;

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    "That is," he wiggled a finger at her, "Because I do not have an army. I am no idiot to face a dragon alone." How funny. He had seen many idiots throughout the course of his life come up to the castle and try lure him out - or challenge him in any place at any time. And he simply burnt them to a crisp, roasting them in their sheets of metal armour, or ate them. Even small armies. What a joke. "Yet there have been few that strategically have killed dragons," he returned, catching himself at the last second and correction from my kin to 'dragons'. He lowered his eye, quietly adding, "And those who have stolen from them."

    Nikola straightened, coming to life and reality again just in time to see the gem around her neck flicker. And just like that it had his attention, held him captive. What was so enchanting about this gem? Something more than its size and beauty, something... something that drew him closer. Like the smell of fresh food, wafting out from a window but hidden from view. It teased him, irritated him. Nikola realised he had gripped the inner of his elbow, where his arms were crossed, a little too tight. He forced himself to take a breath and relax. "The old King was a fool overridden by greed for the gold that he found. Greed and gold are a perfect recipe to call a dragon." He smirked and tore his gaze away from the gem, back at her. "Oh?" Nikola leaned forward again, closing the distance between him and her, leaning slightly over the table in a way that made Charlotte worry. "Bring back its head? Not even all the gold and gems that your King can offer me would have me do such a reckless thing. I would ask for more." Nikola let the smirk grow a little more, his eye narrowing in a dream like fashion, "Such as the kingdom itself, perhaps even the Princess. They say she's beautiful. Though," he pulled back, shrugging nonchalantly, "I've never seen her. Don't care."

    With a small breath, he added conclusively, "No. I will not go fight the dragon. I am strong, but I am not stupid. Besides, I don't need to. I am no Knight. I have no obligations, unlike some."

    "But you insist the Knight Dain needs to? What if he reasons the same as you?" Charlotte asked.
    "Except, he is a Knight," Nikola corrected her, shaking his head. "It is part of his job, no? Some dragon files down, burns villages, he's got to do something about it, no?"
    December 11th, 2016 at 04:15pm
  • Sweet.Persephone

    Sweet.Persephone (100)

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    @ ashen knight;

    "There are limitations as to what one should expect a knight to do. And why should the king waste good knights on what is likely a hopeless cause?" Victoria said with a small sigh before standing up. Overall, she had been quite displeased with this conversation. She really got none of the information that she wished to receive. She had been curious about Nikola's past and getting him to show his strength. Though it seemed that would not be happening tonight. "My friend, and I should be going now. It is getting late and we should not be out after midnight for who knows what kind of thieves will start watching the path home."

    "Though i will mention that I heard that there will be a tournament at the castle soon. And I also heard that the knight Dain will be there to impress the princess. At this point, it is almost guaranteed that he will win and receive the grand prize. I do not what it is but it is always substantial. Last time prize was enough to feed a family of five for a year." Victoria glanced down at Nikola expectingly. "Though anyone is able to enter. Perhaps this will be your opportunity to show that you truly are stronger than the knight, and even win some money. Or if you are not interested in that, the princess will be there so it will be your chance to see her. Maybe you'll find that she is worth killing a dragon over." She gave a small smirk before turning around and heading out of the tavern. Though suddenly she stopped.

    Victoria took a few steps away before looking back at him. "Oh, and I forgot to mention, the tournament is a duel. Perhaps that is enough to simulate the feeling of a real battle for you. Anyways, I am sure that the specters would appreciate seeing a close fight next week if you do happen to show. I mean, if you honestly think you can beat him." With that, Victoria headed out with Charlotte in tow.
    December 11th, 2016 at 04:51pm
  • ashen knight;

    ashen knight; (100)

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    @ Mother.Of.Dragons

    A hopeless cause? Nikola frowned. A dragon was no mere 'hopeless cause'. To defeat one would bring them many decades if not centuries of peace. If he had to think like a human, he would have thought its a reasonable sacrifice. But he did not argue it. Arguing it would only bring more suspicion on himself he figured, and he didn't want any - at all. It was enough being watched like an odd bird, he did not need more eyes on him. It was hard to breathe as it is already.

    He would have let her go without a word except one grunt to show his lack of contempt at her labelling it a 'hopeless cause', had she not mentioned the tournament. He lifted his head and inhaled the air through his nose, testing her scent. She carried a little something he couldn't put his finger on. It was not fear and there was no anger... He lightly rocked his knee from side to side, awaiting as she spoke, explaining the tournament and throwing his mind into thought. He could participate. Would he win? He had faith in his abilities, he had faith in his strength...

    A duel was far more interesting. He was sold. "I will attend, if you come."
    Watching her leave, he didn't linger long, heading out himself and disappearing into the night.

    Charlotte hurried beside Victoria, her hand clenching into a fist in excitement. "Did you hear that? He said he will come if you are there. He will be in for a surprise. He will recognise you, I'm sure." She looked around the street in search for anyone who may overhear but kept her voice low despite the emptiness. "Do you think he will come? Everyone knows Dain is to be reckoned with, and his strength and victories are no rumour - they are fact." She looked to her friend, "What will happen if Nikola wins, I wonder."
    December 15th, 2016 at 05:59am
  • Sweet.Persephone

    Sweet.Persephone (100)

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    @ ashen knight;

    It had been easy to convince her father to hold the tournament. There had been some time since they held the last one, and the castle did love seeing the sport. Plus with the recent burning of the city to the south, the kingdom needed some cheering up and proof that their knights were strong. A tournament was an easy way to do both.

    So the morning of the tournament, Princess Victoria took her time getting ready. She was rather sure that Nikola would come to participate. And oh was she so excited to see the complete look of shock on the man's face when he realized he had been talking to the princess just a fortnight ago. She also hopped that he would win to knock Knight Dain a few pegs down. The man kept getting more consistent with his requests to court her. And Victoria was getting rather sick of it. Dain simply had no place on her suitor list despite his reputation as a knight. It took more than that to court a princess and he seemed to not understand that.

    Victoria brushed down her dress and just slightly moved the tiara on her head before turning to Charlotte. There was quite a large smile on her face. "Oh I am so excited for the tournament today. I hope that Nikola will be there. And it would even better if he wins too." She smirked a bit before turning back to the mirror. Satisfied with how she looked, Victoria headed out of her room and made her way down to the tournament. It was about to start soon and she needed to get to her seat besides her father.
    December 15th, 2016 at 10:15am
  • ashen knight;

    ashen knight; (100)

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    @ Mother.Of.Dragons

    Stepping back from her princess, Charlotte lowered her hands and let the woman adjust her tiara as needed per comfort. She put her hands together in slight worry, and looked her friend over. "What if he wins - what do you think he will ask for? He will recognize you, I am certain." She ran her fingers through her own hair then, "What if he asks you for your hand, or the gem? He seemed interested in it." Following her out, Charlotte kept by her side until they reached a more public place, then fell a little behind and obediently followed to the princess's seat. It was high on a balcony, overlooking the main arena. Men would fight here, and behold their gaze of the princess. She would be their courage, their trying force. Many would fail. Already, Charlotte could see Dain standing to one side, The duels often started out on horses, and often ended on horses. One would knock the other off, and put a long spear to their neck and that would be that. Sometimes, the swords came out to play. That was the most fun part. The fight was until surrender, or the loser was rendered useless or weak. Never near death. Charlotte waited for the crowd to calm as they greeted the princess, and then the King, and quietly sided by her friend's chair. Apart from Dain and a few other familiar faces, she did not see Nikola.

    He, however, was present, and he was lurking a little behind. Being one to experience the tournament for the first time, he was put with the other new knights and ones who did not hold as much fame. It was degrading to a little point, but nothing to be done about it. He would not complain. The tournament started with them, and people paid very little attention. Nikola was not called out until the tenth fight, near the end. The horse was a bother. He would rather have his feet firm on the ground and a good two swords in his hands than this spear and reins. He scowled, tugging them lightly to ease the horse and eyeing his opponent on the other side of the arena. The horn sounded and the two charged at each other. The other young knight raised his spear and as they neared, tried to dislodge Nikola from his saddle. If Nikola had a shield, Nikola would have used it - as every other knight, but Nikola threw that shield away and in place he held a short sword. He used the spear to deflect the blow, and the two ended up riding past each other with no event, the crowd looking on in curiosity. Some murmured, was he insane to drop the shield given to him in exchange for a sword? It seemed so, but as they rode at each other again, Nikola reached out and grabbed the man's spear. Somehow, the saddle slipped off (cut loose at the previous charge by Nikola's sword), and the man tumbled off the horse. Nikola sharply turned his horse around, raised the spear and threw it. The spear hurtled towards the dazed knight on the ground, skewering the ground by the man's head. The crowd gasped.

    Nikola tugged the reins a little, trotting up to the knight who had frozen in his spot, and smirked, raising to look at the judge of the tournament. The Judge looked rather surprised. "D-dead," he stated, singing the end of this current match, and announcing the victory to Nikola. The crowd looked uncertainly to the King, who raised his hands and clapped - clearly entertained. The crowd followed suit.

    It was only then that Nikola finally made eye contact with her, whom he spotted from his waiting spot. Oh, she played him well. A princess, eh? He smirked right back at her, and rested his gaze on the gem at her neck. With a smug confidence, he left the arena.

    The next few rounds in which he participated were also short. Some knights tried to block his sword before he could cut their saddle, and if they did fall on the ground - they tried to get back up quickly. Most failed, the spear flying towards them and skewering the ground beside them with only a hand's width to spare. Only two managed to avoid his sword. One of which, at second charge, Nikola dislodged from the saddle itself by swinging the sword at the horse and startling it somehow enough that it jerked and reared and the man fell off. The other Nikola ended by leaping off his own horse mid charge and tackling the man off the horse and onto the ground, holding the sword to his neck. With every win, he would incline his head to the King in respect, and then smirk at her. Teasingly, it seemed. As if every time he said, Watch me, I will win again.

    The final round was up, it seemed, with only six contestants left. Dain was also winning all his duels, and did not seem fazed by Nikola's winning streak. The other four kept looking over, trying to figure out how to beat Nikola, wanting no shame in being trumped by an unknown.

    But before the final round could proceed, there was a break, and in that break, many nobles gathered around Victoria and her father, and stood there discussing what they had seen, placing their bets - most on Dain, as usual. One of the nobles, a middle aged man and friend of the family, sided by Victoria and after exchanging pleasantries and formalities, he said, "What do you think of this nameless one? Quite the show. Nothing of the norm. He has no knighthood etiquette, and he fights like the ranger and feral he is. And yet he has won against many of our knights already." He paused, sipping on his wine and putting a cherry into his mouth, "But he faces the elite now. His tricks... I do not think they will carry through." He quizzically looked to Victoria, wondering her opinion.
    December 17th, 2016 at 01:53pm