Hello my lovelies.
As you know I disappeared for a while, but with good cause I promise! So a big factor of it was in my final testing and then state boards for my nursing licence. So, as of earlier this month I am a official licenced Nurse. It's kind of scarey to be honest but I love it. Ontop of that my fiancé and I have spent the past four months house shopping and final found, signed, and closed on one! It's a cute little place that we are slowly working on turning it into our lovely little nook. We'll get there eventually right! Also, yay for wedding planning! Venue is booked and is just breathtaking and fitting of our Venetian Masquerade wedding. Yes it's going to be around Halloween and we are beyond excited to be planning all this for fall of 15. So, I'll ask you readers for a bit of personal help at the bottom. Feel free to help me out with this. Also, chapter 18 is already written and depending how well you folks like this chapter I'll be good to post it soon! Remember though your opinion helps shape the chapters and format as well as how quickly I post it. So just keep me up to date!
3's from Huginns Muse
P.S. I'm still looking for a Beta. Chapters would be sent anywhere from every 7-14 days. I would like someone versed in different mythology however open enough to twist it to work in the Pierce universe. Someone bold enough to tell me if a idea is eh, or crap and even submit some of there own 'wouldn't it be awesome if this happened or blah blah' I think you get the idea. Credit of course will be given, hope to hear from you soon. Please submit via private message.
-In Tortall-
Freedom is only a dream. Lianne seemed to be repeating that a lot lately as she sat in her solar working on needlepoint .Apparently her governess still thought it important to try and impress her soon to be savage family with fancy stitchery. Already she was growing to resent them, she saw how their eyes wandered when they were at court or took trips into the city and she hated to say it, but it was not lust filled. She had seen the look for vengeance, for violence and blood before and even now she recognized it in his eyes. No matter how gentle he spoke or spoiled her with tokens of his so called unfaltering devotion she could see the warlord and madman hidden deep behind those lashes.
With summer coming to an end things started to change. Already there were whispers about the 'budding romance' between her and the warlord Gerolt. Pushing the needle almost violently through the stubborn fabric so she heard it pop; got her a glare from her governess then. How was she not supposed to be angry by next spring she was to be married off and dragged north before the snows and frost set in? And of course they expected everything of her, to be the civilized lady and perform her duties and get with child as quick as possible. Just the thought of those lying eyes raking over her made her shiver.
"Are you cold dear?" The gentle echo of the older woman carried through the room making her realize her reaction was an actual physical room. At first she smiled and was going to answer as she had been taught, politely and continue on with her work. But as it stood she was already at her breaking point. Tossing her needlepoint down she stood up swiftly and seemed to lose it.
"No, I'm not cold. I'm annoyed and frustrated and beyond upset and I do not care who sees or knows it!" She tried not to stamp her foot with such a reaction but gods above did she want to. Her hands stood at her side clenching fistfuls of her dress to keep from flying every which way. "And don't even start telling me ladies do not raise their voices because I've heard mother and the Lioness yell plenty of times to know that ladies can be just as loud and vocal as men!" The gray haired governess just sat there jaw hanging as if demons had possessed the young princess.
"My lady…" She stuttered trying to find words to appease the girl, even rising from her own seat and starting toward her. In an instant Lianne's hands came up as she took a step back not wanting comfort.
"No, you don't get it. You were what, the fourth of fifth of your father's daughters. You didn't have to get married off like he was hawking some piece of meat or shiny bauble. They didn't even –ask- me, course my siblings at least got spoken to before they were betrothed but do I get that luxury? No, I get a means to a end and no choice in the matter. It's like the damned pig said 'I'll take that one' and I'm being wrapped up for him to devour and I'll have none of it!" She had backed herself against a wall then, hands fumbling to hold herself upright as everything started to hit her all at once. Ever withheld emotion over the past months since she first met Gerolt crashed down around her and she felt as if she was drowning. Her governess moved to try and hold her upright, muttering words to try and sooth the girl before calling for help as the princess started to go feint in her arms.
"I won't, I belong to no one!" She tried to call out before she crashed under the waves and into darkness.
-In Gaul-
The dancers tent was its usual bustle of laughter and music that night, though despite the cheer a lingering sadness hung around those in it. Some danced, while others ate exotic fruits, pastries, and meats. The young women that had arrived that summer were almost unrecognizable. Some in a physical sense, others it carried deep into their soul. Most sat around the fire pit on huge overstuffed pillows, their heads or arms in the laps or embraces of their fellow sword sisters.
Twinned in the mix lay Ashely dressed in dancers regalia, the tiny specs of metal on her headpiece, belt and top catching the light every time she so much as breathed. Her arms were decorated with designs the color of fresh turned clay. It was made from staining the skin with a pigment Victoria and her people had found in their travels. All the girls in the tent wore it of some sorts, some on bare shoulders or backs, other their feet and some much like Kel wore it upon their faces in a delicate pattern on their chin or dipping down from the center of their forehead.
That summer had passed faster than any other Kel could remember, long hours spent with learning the art of dance for both fighting and seduction. She learned how to properly apply face paint and act like a lady in different courts, even some standing from Tortall's that she as a lady knight had never been privy to. Afternoons full of hunting, fishing, archery, jousting, and learning to fight beside her wolf Onna had helped to past the time faster than she wanted it to. Part of her was going to deeply miss waking up to the smell of the cold sea, watching as despite the heat, islands of ice passed by and lead to dances or music. This was the life she had craved, the perfect balance between warrior and woman and she had finally seen just how it all could come together.
The training had been good on both her and Ashely, trimming them down even more. Ashely had sprouted up another inch and catching up to Kel in height. Even Kel seemed spooked when she had stood before the mirrors to dress for their final day that morning. The summer sun had helped to lighten her hair even more, strands of bold red and gold raced through it now. Her body held as much curve as the women of Gaul now, and every time she moved you could see the muscle twist and turn under the thin layer of skin.
"As you know, this fall most of you will be taking your vows to the gods." Victoria finally spoke up as she stood then. Despite her short height and red hair she was like every other woman in the room, a perfect example of how soft yet fierce women could be. "That is of course, if the gods are still with us." She started across the tent then, stopping at a large trunk. "For this, I bring you each a gift. This summer has allowed me to see into your spirit and soul, something some of you still have yet to piece but I feel maybe I can help this along. Our belief is that when you pass on those with the fire and true of heart, soul, and spirit go on to a place so unlike this world you can't even begin to describe it. Here, you live a full true life for eternity until the horns ring again for you to protect and defend the gods and this sanctuary." She pulled a few items from the chest and set them before her while she spoke. Kel and Ashely both sat up, listening with great interest as neither of them had heard such before. "The people of Gaul, we are always to be the guardians to the gods. Regardless of if they turn their backs to us or not, we are their children. We were the only children to take the mantle of their sister of chaos and fight against it so we could save the rest. We took such sacrifice and shouldered it without a second thought, and we would do it again if only to spare them the pain of losing their most beloved of children. The gods may have turned their back to us as tainted, but we will forever be their shield in the afterlife." She picked up a few items and walked back to the group, her consort as she had called the olive skinned man before picked up the rest and followed after her. "When you take your vows, many of you will be asked what lay's in your spirit. Some have seen it, others have not. I've a gift for you all of what I truly see." She lifted up doe then, the creation carved from wood but seeming the perfect model of such right down to the fur.
"Elizabeth." She offered the figure to the girl then as she stood to take such, she had wheat blond hair and big soft blue eyes. "You of all the girls are the most gentle soul, you take every stride and stroke of your blade with such grace that I've not seen in a long time. I've seen you give your place in line so those who you feel worked harder may eat, bath or ride before you. This sacrifice is part of who you are and never let anyone take it for granted." The women leaned in to kiss each other's cheek then forehead in traditional salute. Taking a step back she began to go through the other women, tokens of wood, stone, metals in all shapes of animals were handed out. When she neared Kel she motioned for her and Ashely to rise.
"It is not tradition, to present a gift to those who are not yet ready to take their oath. However, you two have shown such compassion I cannot begin to describe. Ashely, you have blossomed from a scared skittish young woman to someone strong, do not lose it. And Keladry you have given our people such love and embraced them as your own, something I fear not a single woman here could do as easily as you have. For you, I give you this." She held out a small carving from white stone of a wolf. It sat patiently, just watching the world around it. "You face the end of something and rebirth of another with such dignity and courage she seemed the only proper fit. Such loyalty and protection to one's family, including extended and the ability to take advantage of changes can only be summed up as such a creature." She closed Kel's hand around the figure and let the woman sit and be wrapped up in her own thoughts that she barely noticed her talk to Ashely.
"And for you, my darling little one." She held out what looked like two ebon wings outspread. "You always find light within the darkness, and do not fear rebirth but accept it with a smile. Your wisdom and your respect to ancestry is what grant you this. Never forget who, and what you are. It is your strength." She helped Ashely actually put on the necklace before slipping away and clapping her hands. "Now then, shall we continue with our last night? You ride to the village tomorrow, and who knows when our paths will cross again."
No one hesitated as the music started up again and everyone moved to sing or dance. Kel didn't even argue as bottles of spirits started to be passed around along with tidbits of food. It was going to be a long and unforgettable night.
-In the Capital-
"What in the gods are you doing?" Byron nearly shouted as he slammed open the door to his cousin's room. Xamos say at his work desk by the window fiddling with tiny bits of metal and a small stone kiln that's glow was bright enough to light up the entire room. "I'm starting to wonder if you're ever going to come out of this cave." The young prince just laughed as he threw himself up on the desk not caring where or what he was sitting on.
"Yes well, some of us like to do something besides pester others." Xamos's reply was quick and tart as he put down the bit of scale mail he had been working on. His cousin perked a brow in interest as he looked over what Xamos had been working on. To must it would not have seemed like much but the young prince knew better. The blackened steel was some of the best coin could buy, and the few feet he had finished had been soldered together so as the rings wouldn't let go during the heat of battle.
"You really think she'd choose you?" He asked finally, keeping his voice low enough that it wouldn't carry out and into the hall. Xamos's hands froze then before they continued to work. "You don't think the maidens warned them about you. About your curse, who would want to take that burden?" He leaned over to snatch the sketch that was half hidden under a sketch book. "Don't get me wrong, it's sweet and I wish I could say otherwise or wish you the best but in all honesty do you really want to burden Kel with that?"
"What are you getting at!" Xamos finally stood up and slammed his hands against the table. Byron slipped off the table then and put a hand upon his cousin's shoulder. Xamos jerked away and moved to clean up his table as if nothing was going on, not a single ounce of emotion escaped his mask then.
"What I'm getting at, is the fact that you're pushing her to pick. To pick between her home, and you. You who will have to give us a child to carry on your burden. Can you ask that child to be the offspring of such a woman? A woman who already has sacrificed everything, can you ask her to give our people her child as well." His tone was stressed, as if it almost cost him pain to even speak of such. Pacing now he could not seem to keep his hands still as they raced from his pockets to fiddle with his shirt cuffs or even rake through his hair. "Hell, Kel is like a sister to me and I just… I love you both and I can't and do not want to see her go through that."
"Do you feel for her cousin?" Xamos tried to hide the curl at the corner of his lips then, though he didn't meet his cousin's gaze.
"Me, gods no she's just…"
"If you cared for her and wanted her in your bed then you should have made a better effort. Oh we know the whispers of you disappearing for days on the hunt; they say you go to visit her. That naming her your sword sister was to keep people's faith in her, and you. So tell me, is it true? Is that why you are trying to bait me and drift me away from your precious woman of prophecy." Xamos barely had time to react before he was thrown up against the desk, his face inches from the kiln as his cousin had his fingers so tightly wrapped in his hair he couldn't even move his neck.
"You dare, don't play stupid with me. Keladry is a sister to me, the mere thought of becoming her lover almost sickens me. So, if you dare think you can even spill such venom again I will certainly cut out your tongue." He snapped then before letting go to leave Xamos chuckling and rubbing at his neck as he stood to his full height.
"I care about your precious prophet dearest Cousin," He snarled then before reaching for his blade and strapping it to his waist. "But don't think I forgot what blood you damned me with. Who can love a bastard cursed by Chaos herself. You'll get your bastard born heir, I'll see to it."
His words were enough to chill the room despite the kiln and the small fire going. Byron couldn't say anything but stand there with his chin raised and chest out. He hated talking like that to family, hated to put his cousin in such a position but he had little other choice. Xamos didn't so much as look at him as he strolled out of his room leaving the prince alone with his thoughts and something he had crumpled up and tossed at the fire in his passing. Curiosity getting the better of him when he was alone he wandered toward the fire to pick up the sheets of paper and just stared in awe.
The drawings were damn near perfect to what even he thought Kel would grow into before they would leave Gaul, though she was placed within armor fit for any of the noble house. Each sheet was a breakdown of the layers of said armor to great detail down to the notes and where and when to buy the appropriate materials. The under dress was a creamy white silk complete with a bodice so as she could take her armor off and wear the gown without worry of being dressed for court. Practical enough that it had no extra layers to add more body to her, it would only add to her height budding hourglass figure. Wolves embroidered with a white just a shade or two darker would trim around the scooped neckline and wrists. Her boots while black held matching detail work though were practical for both riding and fighting. Each layer of the maidens traditional armor was tweaked just enough to add more detail, from the embossing, embroidery or etching right on down to the sculpting of her helm and pauldrons. There was even a side drawing of a war harness for her wolf Onna and set for her new war charger. He had covered everything and intended for her to ride back to Tortall as no mere knight.
"Byron?" It was his mother this time that broke the silence having watched him from the doorway at great lengths. The young man nearly jumped turning to look at her and offer her a halfhearted smile. "What ails you, I know that look. And don't lie, you are your fathers mirror right now."
She never did give him room to argue as she practically glided across the floor to perch upon the edge of Xamos's bed. Patting it was the order for him to sit and talk. He did so with a very heavy sigh.
"I think I hurt Xamos." HE offered her the sketches to look at while he spoke. "I only wanted to protect her, she's… she's like my sisters mother. I just didn't want her heart broken, or his for that matter." He sighed as she just tucked the papers away in her dress.
"I keep on forgetting just how young you are with how you act so much like a king already." She let out a wistful sigh before taking his hands in hers and giving him a squeeze. "IF there is any force in this world that is truly unstoppable it is love my dear son. Love was enough for me to run away from the Maidens for what I thought was some simple guardian. If their love is true, no force can stop them and we must help to protect that as best we can." She closed his hands together. "Love is so fragile, so weak and dangerous. It can shatter with so much as a look, and it can bring countries to their knees. Why do you think we keep nudging you to meet ladies but not settle less your heart calls to them?" He sat there in silence, head hung and ashamed at just how he treated his friend and cousin.
"I.."
"Didn't think, few do rationally when they think they are protecting those they love. But it is the way of the world. After your words, we will truly see if their love is strong or not. Now, I came to find you with a simple request." She teased him then as he finally looked up at her and tried to offer a smile. "Your father would like for you to meet some of the ladies." She held up a hand quickly before he could say more. "I know I know, but he's getting old and would like to see young ones running around. We're not forcing you to choose just humble us and at least agree to meet some of these young women."
"Fine fine.." He grumbled. Her face lit up then as she sat up and started to drag him out of the room.
"Good, let us start now then!"
Ok so I mentioned a touch of personal help. I'm hunting down the perfect gown for my Halloween Venetian Masquerade. To go with the theme I want over the top, fluff, fun.. .well just google Venetian Carnival or masquerade to get some examples! Anyhow, in my hunt for the perfect dress I'm leaning toward something red or black I'm asking for you folks ideas, I did fall in love with one dress by Vera Wang however 4.5k for a dress is just… insane in my opinion So just link your favorite pick bellow your comment!
Edited, I just found out you can't link things in comments /sigh. SO Feel free to private message me the links and then in a few chapters once I get some good ideas I'll share with you all 3's Huginn