Re: Hope Falls

Phoenix Sat 22 Jul - 14:55

“When she learned how to read, Kenna would come into my room, my bed, with whatever book had taken her fancy. She would tell me the story, read it out… She was always so amazed. She loved stories. Myths… heroes and villains and the princess falling in love. Every story the same - but not the same so she’d be amazed over and over.”

“They knew. Oh they knew.”

**BestNameEva** Sat 22 Jul - 15:01

Karina laughed silently, just two sharp exhaled of breathe through her nose. Pressing her lips to Lucian's fingertips once more. "Next time she comes to see you, if it is okay with you and her.... I would love to meet her properly."

"It still would have been nice... if I'd said it more."

Phoenix Sat 22 Jul - 15:06

“You can add them to your prayers and rituals… you can add them to yourself, if it means so much to you.”

“Next time she visits I’ll ask.”

**BestNameEva** Sat 22 Jul - 15:11

"I will, yes. I'll.. add them. I'll do it like I should have done the other ones. Properly."

"Thank you and if you.. if you want to start talking to the twins then. I am sure we can just happen to come across each other more often when they are with me."

Phoenix Sat 22 Jul - 15:32

“The highest way to honour them.” Isolde nodded, kissing the top of his head.

“I’m sure I can find some shinies for them.”

**BestNameEva** Sat 22 Jul - 15:45

"That may work for Eden, but Ira isn't impressed by things that sparkle and glimmer. A puzzle box, a book, a game of chest or... something to help him watch the birds. That is how you'll win him over."

"What is going to happen next - with the creature? I assume dad isn't here because he is pretending he isn't upset by anything so.. what court duties is he doing to keep his mind off of it?"

"I think I have barely thrown enough parties since our new Seer and yourself have joined us here," Magnus directed to Izsak, stood in the grand hall as he held Zaria's hands. Stepping from side to side to dance with her - the music from the piano trilling at a cheerful pace as Matilida practiced. "I must start making her something to show off, like my chef is. Are you talented in anything Kazinsky? What of your traits can I parade in front of the nobility that will help your people?"

Phoenix Sat 22 Jul - 15:50

“Arranging letters to Horvat and Zaretsky. They should be here - they’ve both had attacks. And if there are more of these things…”

“Duly noted. I’ll find something, don’t worry.”

“I’m no good at things you need me for. You have no use for soldiers who can get captured.”

**BestNameEva** Sat 22 Jul - 15:58

"You are no longer a victim, the war is over. Though I meant an interest more holistic." Magnus reprimanded, gently guiding his daughter off of his feet. "Z, would you like to go and ask Matilda to teach you how to play? I believe it's Eris' turn to dance. If her father is okay with that."

"Will they be meetings I can attend?"

"And... if Kenna does agree to spending time with me, what does she like? How do I engage her?"

Phoenix Sat 22 Jul - 16:09

“Stories.” Lucian reminded her gently. “A book that belonged in the library of an ancient sorcerer…a necklace with an amazing story of what a knight went through to get it on his Queen. A pair of boots that have walked through the darkest valleys and brought the wearer out alive. She grew up at Sea with her family telling her all sorts of tall tales…”

“Of course. You’re my heir. You’re of age, it’s only appropriate.”

“But my turn?” Zaria pouted as she turned to her father. “My turn.”

**BestNameEva** Sat 22 Jul - 16:19

"You've had your turn, and you'll have it again soon. Go and see Matilda." He resting a hand kn her back to gently push her towards Matilda just as the music came to it's conclusion. Directing to Izsak once more; "So, is there anything? What did you do before you were a solider?"

"Stories... I feel like a birdbox is a much easier bonding experience. I have the more difficult job on my hands." Karina mused. "I hope she hasn't heard any stories about me."

"Good. Good, I would like that."

Phoenix Sat 22 Jul - 16:31

“You were my first love… she knows about you. You feature in a lot of my past from my home… She’s heard about everything here, every one.”

“You’re a man now Kael. No longer my heir just in name, but in role. The more your confidence increases the more you’ll be doing.”

Zaria sighed deeply, pouting as she made her way to Matilda.

“I didn’t do much, Magnus. I was the plaything of the Alpha. I didn’t need to work.”

**BestNameEva** Sat 22 Jul - 16:41

"It doesn't have to be work, I am not specifying that." Magnus' voice edged into irritation, though only momentarily. Clearing his throat to try and get Eris' attention, bowing when she peeked out from behind Izsak's legs and offering out his hand; "It would be an honour if the lady would like to dance."

Eris swallowed, gripping more tightly onto her father's trousers as she looked from him to Magnus, and back again.

"Zaria." Matilda greeted happily, pulling her onto her lap with only one arm, the fingers of her spare one already beginning to play the next piece. "Do you want to watch me play, or help?"

"As long as she is well aware that it was your fault I fell in that pile of horse shit, that it was you who spooked the crazy beast that you chose from that market place to begin with." Karina snorted in play.

"I still feel much to young compared to other people in my position."

Phoenix Sat 22 Jul - 17:03

“If you want to dance with the King then go ahead sweetheart. If you don’t that’s okay, but remember your manners either way, mm?” Izsak encouraged gently. “Yes please or no thank you.”

“Dad made me.” Zaria crossed her arms over her chest, scowling deeply.

“Sounds like you shifting blame again.”

“You are young. But you also have experience none of the others do. One day you will be leading them. It’s important that they see you, know who you are so they trust you to do that.” Isolde moved to squeeze his hand. “The people at the palace have warmed to you already as leader. It’s good.”

**BestNameEva** Sat 22 Jul - 17:14

"No.... thank you." Eris eventually whispered, too nervous to look Magnus in the eyes as she said it. Doing her best to hide behind Izsak's legs out of sight once more.

Magnus just nodded, straightening his shoulders as he returned to their conversation. "You must find something to help you heal Izsak. The war was traumatic for many. If you need work to help you, then I can provide that - I have the perfect role for you but the condition to it will be you returning to - or finding - something else too. A hobby. It doesn't matter what it is."

"Made you? Oh, well, no one should ever make you do anything."

"The people at the palace are... fine. Our people are fine, they don't make me feel so nervous." Kael whispered. "With the King's though. How much will I be able to speak without it disrespecting you? How seriously will I be taken if I do speak?"

"You just don't know how to take responsibility."

Phoenix Sat 22 Jul - 17:22

“They both have heirs. If they expect respect for their own children then they know you’re entitled to it too.”

“Good girl.” Izsak encourages as he gently brushed his hand across her hair. “You have no idea. No idea what I went through. Absolutely none. You may think you’ve heard, but it won’t even be a fraction. And it didn’t stop when I got home. I don’t need a damn hobby. I need every Fae that every laid hands on me watering their ancestors with their blood, but I’m not allowed to do that. So I’ll pass and focus on taking care of my little girl.”

“He wants your girl… not me. But my turn.”

“I think we both know not being able to take responsibility is not one of my flaws.”

**BestNameEva** Sat 22 Jul - 17:37

"Green is not a good colour to wear, Zaria." Matilda frowned, eyes flitting toward Magnus and Izsak when she heard the tones changing.

"I never claimed to know," His voice dropped to a simmering calm. "Reassess your tone when you are speaking to me, Izsak. The wars have been traumatic for all of us, I watched your-" He bit his tongue, glancing down to Eris momentarily; "She is your first, I do not have a first. I needn't remind you what species was responsible for that, nor will I point out how said species is treated the best out of all three Kingdoms here despite it. I am trying to help you - all of you. Your hatred will morph you into something you are not, your unwillingness to move on will stifle you. I want you to prosper here, but if you speak to me like that again then we will have issues. My kindness has limits."

Karina shook her head, tutting. "Whatever you want to believe."

"Their heirs are children, little children. They won't see the realities of working through it yet." Kael grimaced. "It's a nervous excitement."

Phoenix Sat 22 Jul - 17:49

“I doubt you tell your wife to heal, to move on, to get over it all - we all hear her cry out at night sometimes Your Highness. The nightmares don’t go away for her either but I’ll bet not once have you ever told her it is turning her the wrong way.” Izsak shook his head as he clicked his tongue. “My daughter is so goddamned nervous because even in the best Kingdom for us as you put it she as a child feels she is unsafe and made to feel so by the bastards that walk these walls. Tell me - if people dared tell your child when she was with you that she wasn’t actually yours, would they still be breathing? Would they have their heads if they cornered her mother in the corridors and called her a traitor? I have to keep my goddamned mouth shut every single time because you have brought me to heel like a dog and remind me of it and if I gave any of them what they deserved then my family would have to live without me. There are punishments for those who make you mad as you’ve very much just reminded me - the rest of us have to contain it so forgive me if I don’t have the time, energy or inclination for a goddamned hobby!”

“I’m wearing blue?” Zaria frowned in confusion as she pulled at her dress.

“Excitement is good, it is better than being scared.”

“Mm. I believe I have a gorgeous women in bed with me right now. I’m very happy believing that.”

**BestNameEva** Sat 22 Jul - 18:10

"It's just a saying, honey, it means that jealousy isn't a very nice trait." Matilda whispered, smoothing her hair down gently as she got to her feet and pottered off of the stage to make her way over to Izsak and Magnus.

"If you do not come to me with these things then how can I fix them? I am no Seer, I do not just know things." Magnus shook his head. "I am sorry you and your child are facing such hatred, especially within the walls. I'll address it as soon as possible, but unless you give me names of people it will have to be a blanket warning and they aren't effective. I have never told my wife it is turning her the wrong way because she socialises, she goes out and flourishes. She is not using her experiences as excuses to not have a life. I am trying to look out for you."

Phoenix Sat 22 Jul - 18:24

“Not jealous. Mad.”

“You don’t get it Magnus. If you truly want to help me and my family, release Matilda and let us live off in the forest and fucking far away from here.”

((Night))

**BestNameEva** Sat 22 Jul - 18:33

"Release her? Those kind of decisions are not mine to make, Izsak. Even if I could offer restbite, tell the Guardian's it is a holiday if they cotton on and question it, it is temporary. She would have to come back, or be sent elsewhere." Magnus let out a sigh, edging a step closer to the wall - tempted, but not quite leaning against it. "I have rules I must follow too. The chain of command does not finish with me."

Matilda gently slipped her arm through Izsak's, leaning her weight into him, brushing hed thumb in slow circles against his skin to soothe him. "I think a holiday is certainly something we would appreciate, Your Majesty."

"You do, and you aren't even dreaming. Lucky man." Karina laughed softly.

"Oh, fear is there somewhere too. Mixed in with... everything. It is a lot to feel all at the same time."

(( Night night ))

Phoenix Sun 23 Jul - 3:16

Lucian kissed the top of her head as he tightened his arms around her, sighing in content as he closed his eyes once more and settled back into the pillows.

“You get to break the biggest one and now your Seer is your wife. Yet living as a family in our own home with mine is too rule breaking to consider. This is what I mean when I say you don’t get it Magnus. The life you lead, the privilege that drips from you. I don’t need a damn respite.” Izsak shook his head, bending down to pick up Eris before heading off back to their rooms.

“You’re handling it well, I’m proud.”

**BestNameEva** Sun 23 Jul - 9:21

"You dont have to live within the..." Magnus trailled off as he walked away, rubbing at the corners of his eyes tiredly with a sigh. Calling quietly over to Zaria, "Come on Z, let's go and find your mother."

Matilda offered an apologetic smile, following a few steps behind Izsak. Her pace quickening once out of sight of the King until she could wrap her arm around Izsak's once more, speaking in a hushed tone, "We aren't literal prisoners, love. There are no cell bars, no gates that are locked. If you want to take that risk, if you want to leave..."

Karina peeled herself away from his chest, resting her head beside his only for a moment until a knock on the door interuppted them. "Don't say a word, I'm not here. I'm out, doing... important Seer things." She whispered.

Phoenix Mon 24 Jul - 3:26

“Dad?” Zaria asked as she lifted her arms up.

“It’s not worth the risk to you, Matilda. It’s not fair.”

Lucian nodded at her request, moving his hand to run through her hair.

**BestNameEva** Mon 24 Jul - 5:52

"Yes?" Magnus asked quietly as he raised her off of the floor, one arm beneath her and the other resting on her back to keep her to his chest. Kissing the top of his head as he began to leave the room.

"We aren't treated correctly, none of us." Matilda swallowed thickly. "The Guardian's may be... cold but they are not unreasonable, not illogical. It will be the blood leech that will have a harsher punishment then they would ever give me."

"Karina," Devika's voice was muffled through the closed doors, voice trembling lightly. "Are you in? I'm - I'm sorry. It's Eden."

Karina's shoulders tensed, pushing herself up and swinging her legs over the bed to grab clothing. "One minute - what's happened?"

Phoenix Mon 24 Jul - 7:56

“You wish I was Alex?” Zaria asked as she fiddled with the buttons on his jacket, having overheard part of the conversation with Iszak.

“I just hate being where we aren’t wanted. I hate living here knowing people want us gone, want me dead.”

“Let’s just say I’m in here to help out with planning something for Dagmar’s birthday on Conans behalf.” Lucian murmured as he quickly got up, gathering his clothes from around the area.

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