To Pierce a Steel Heart (MT, IC, Ended)

[Camelone]

-snip-

February 20, 2018
"Have you not wondered why a High Kingdom only has a king and not a high king Princess Freja? According to the ancestral laws the High King must be married or have a legitimate heir but out of respect for me the nobles have taken a hit to their pride by allowing me to continue as Warlord of Camelone and merely a king. Once I am married things will return to normal, the dukes will be called kings once more and so on and so forth." Frederick turned to look at Freja and a small smile formed at his lips for a mere second before he gripped her hands.

"Princess Freja I do not know at this moment but I believe that I could love you, the embers are there I believe anyways... I pray they stroke a greater fire than be a sign of a dying one. I am a warrior king with numerous victories and songs sung of my deeds, a God fearing man who trembles at the slightest sleight to the most loving Lord, but most of all I am a man who is in the process of losing himself." Tears started to form up in his eyes and he pulled Freja into a strong hug, his tears could be felt on here shoulders "Princess Freja please do not let me face my nightmares alone tonight please."

-snip-

February 22, 2018
Frederick was impressed by her insight and nodded "A quite impressive display of culture and eloquent oratory skills, especially after being put on the spot so suddenly." A smirk crossed his lips as he looked over the painting once more "I do say that a true Camelonean lives to fight, whether it be on the field of battle, in the back alleys of the cities, or even in contemplative silence as demons stalk around you in the darkness. And so I fight, for my country and for the future of my House. With my marriage I shall be proclaimed High King, and my wife shall be Queen over a land teeming with warriors ready to wet their blades to protect her honor but who shall she be?" As the question hung in the air Frederick moved with the speed he could only have cultivated in many years of war, he pinned Ameni against the wall with one hand and held her by the waist with the other so that she wouldn't be able to squirm away to easily. He talked into her ear, close enough for her to feel his breath.

"Why should I allow proud Camelonean warriors to kill and die in your name as well as my own? Why are you here Lady Ameni? Your nation is so vastly different to Camelone that I am... intrigued by your interest in being my wife."

-snip-

February 25, 2018
Frederick was mildly surprised that someone else had decided to come out to the hot tub tonight and upon seeing that is Maria he couldn't help but think that perhaps it was not exactly a coincidence, but then again there was a higher likelihood that it was one, he had seen her in the tub once or twice. Gesturing with a hand for Maria to enter he said "If you wish Duchess Maria."

While Frederick enjoyed her company, and was immensely grateful for her help in the past, he had become a little cautious around her lately, he had kept tabs on all of his former classmates to see what they were up to. Maria was definitely not someone to be trifled with and while he liked her as a friend and she was attractive he also was aware of the bite that she had and for there to be at least a mild disdain for his people's way of life. His life was not one of personal affection, despite his desires, instead it was one of politics, which even touched his love life, and marriage ties with Clan Schtenko could very well be a bad call for the stability of the realm, not even mentioning how the bishops and abbots would react. Frederick shook his head to clear his thoughts, now was not the time for politics but instead it was time to relax and maybe even catch up with a friend.

[Greater vakolicci haven]

Maria lay her clothes by the side of the hot tub, the cold seeming not to have much of an affect on her bare skin as she gracefully entered, letting her legs drop and the water rise up to meet her. She knew, looking at Frederick's pensive face that this was her chance to impress him; it was her opurtunity to show that she could be a good wife and queen: and looking at the man she shared the tub with she decided it wouldn't be all that bad a prospect.
"It's nice to see you relaxing," Maria spoke softly, on a still night like this their was no need to raise ones voice, "You're kept working extremely hard. Do you enjoy it?"

[The Frozen Forest]

Sturdy arms enveloped the princess as she was drawn into a warm body. Soft tears dripped onto her and she could pick up the jagged breathing of the disordered man with whom her arms gripped. Her idea of King Frederick as a characteristically strong man whom held back emotions of pain was shattered with the wetness she could feel running through her hair. Her heart cracked and began to ache for the man who begged her not to leave him to sleep alone through his nightly horrors. Her emotions were bent and she buried herself against him, her face stoic and her arms embracing him even more so. She turned her eyes up to see the champagne-blond hair of a man who smelt of pleasant fire. "The things you've done...for the sake of your people and Camelone...i find it of no surprise that your allowed the time you need to find a wife."

"You won't be alone tonight." She made her decision, which was driven by the emotion of her heart for the man before her. Her empathy, it was something she tried not to show but something she couldn't ignore. Frederick's words released butterflies within her, she was unsure of his meaning but trusted his intentions when he made his request. "I think i'm falling for you..."

[Camelone]

Maria lay her clothes by the side of the hot tub, the cold seeming not to have much of an affect on her bare skin as she gracefully entered, letting her legs drop and the water rise up to meet her. She knew, looking at Frederick's pensive face that this was her chance to impress him; it was her opurtunity to show that she could be a good wife and queen: and looking at the man she shared the tub with she decided it wouldn't be all that bad a prospect.
"It's nice to see you relaxing," Maria spoke softly, on a still night like this their was no need to raise ones voice, "You're kept working extremely hard. Do you enjoy it?"

"Even I must relax every now and then, even if I wish I could continue indefinitely." Frederick admitted as he gave a small smile "As for if I enjoy my work I would say I do. There is nothing in my life except for my duty to Camelone and my people, God himself entrusted the stewardship of Camelone to me and if I fail than I will no doubt be held accountable before the Throne of God when I die. Kind of makes you want to work hard I say." While the last part came off as a joke there was real belief in his words, a belief that all his actions would be judged before the Lord had caused Frederick to dedicate his life to Camelone as a cleric would dedicate themselves dutifully to the Church.

Sturdy arms enveloped the princess as she was drawn into a warm body. Soft tears dripped onto her and she could pick up the jagged breathing of the disordered man with whom her arms gripped. Her idea of King Frederick as a characteristically strong man whom held back emotions of pain was shattered with the wetness she could feel running through her hair. Her heart cracked and began to ache for the man who begged her not to leave him to sleep alone through his nightly horrors. Her emotions were bent and she buried herself against him, her face stoic and her arms embracing him even more so. She turned her eyes up to see the champagne-blond hair of a man who smelt of pleasant fire. "The things you've done...for the sake of your people and Camelone...i find it of no surprise that your allowed the time you need to find a wife."

"You won't be alone tonight." She made her decision, which was driven by the emotion of her heart for the man before her. Her empathy, it was something she tried not to show but something she couldn't ignore. Frederick's words released butterflies within her, she was unsure of his meaning but trusted his intentions when he made his request. "I think i'm falling for you..."

"Thank you, thank you Princess Freja." Frederick was able to say after he got control over his emotions once more and cease his crying. Pulling away from the hug he wiped his eyes and gave a small smile as he looked down at Freja, a silent argument going on in his head if he should kiss her or not to which he decided not to and gestured towards the couch "You can sleep on the couch Princess, I shall take one of the chairs. I do not desire to make you uncomfortable this night I just need someone's presence this night, I apologize for the inconvenience." He had begun to try and retake the stoic persona he first showed to everyone when they first met but he was having difficulty achieving that.

[Halazy]

February 22, 2018
Frederick was impressed by her insight and nodded "A quite impressive display of culture and eloquent oratory skills, especially after being put on the spot so suddenly." A smirk crossed his lips as he looked over the painting once more "I do say that a true Camelonean lives to fight, whether it be on the field of battle, in the back alleys of the cities, or even in contemplative silence as demons stalk around you in the darkness. And so I fight, for my country and for the future of my House. With my marriage I shall be proclaimed High King, and my wife shall be Queen over a land teeming with warriors ready to wet their blades to protect her honor but who shall she be?" As the question hung in the air Frederick moved with the speed he could only have cultivated in many years of war, he pinned Ameni against the wall with one hand and held her by the waist with the other so that she wouldn't be able to squirm away to easily. He talked into her ear, close enough for her to feel his breath.

"Why should I allow proud Camelonean warriors to kill and die in your name as well as my own? Why are you here Lady Ameni? Your nation is so vastly different to Camelone that I am... intrigued by your interest in being my wife."

Uh. Uh. Decency first, war later. That was what Ameni's teachers had told her about diplomacy, but her martial arts teachers had taught her to fight first and negotiate from a position of strength. Oh gods, who was right? Was this some kind of test, or an actual threat? Her sister Veli's voice intruded on her thoughts. "You're representing our family, try doing us proud this time." Imaginary Veli was just as patient as the real woman, but, Ameni decided, completely right. She stomped on the king's foot with all the force she could muster, and in his brief moment of pain and distraction, slipped out of his grasp.

Or, tried. Frederick, with his proper combat training and more demanding life, was simply much too strong for Ameni to escape him, though she did gain about half an inch. "W-we're warriors too, King," she proclaimed with all the force of will she had, "We all l-learn to protect our homes a-and each other, and we don't back away w-when fights come to us." Pleaseworkpleaseworkpleaseworkpleaseworkpleasework... Ameni stared into the king's eyes, forcing herself to lock her gaze there until he broke it.

[Greater vakolicci haven]

Maria paused, considering what she was going to say before she spoke. As she did, her hand gently massaged Frederick's strong back; despite his relaxation he still seemed very tense.
"I would be lying if I said that I didn't want to put something more in your life," she finally said, rather quietly. "These other women, they came because their fathers told them to go. They want to become your wife just to become a queen...to make the family proud. I signed up for this because I wanted to marry you...if you understand what I mean. My own life is very much dedecated to my families lands, and it's very stressful. Coming out here and trying to win your affection was finally something for me."

[The Frozen Forest]

She was released from the Kings grip suddenly, turning up to look at him more clearly. He merely asked of her that she sleep near to him, on one of the couches and as she had already agreed, allowed herself a quick nod of understanding. She noticed his failed attempts to regain his composure though said nothing in an attempt to not make him lose face in front of her. "Its quite alright, a night of uncomfortable sleep in return for comforting you from a nightmare world of terrors, its alright." She didn't have a blanket though she didn't need one as she was used to falling asleep in odd places. Whether on a Submarine or on a couch, she was content with it, at least enough so to fall asleep. This time however she waited for Frederick, waiting for him to rest before she did. Her eyes wandered to his uniform, curiosity bringing her to examine it with the utmost care. She noted the stylings on it and how they were distinctly Camelonean.

[Camelone]

Uh. Uh. Decency first, war later. That was what Ameni's teachers had told her about diplomacy, but her martial arts teachers had taught her to fight first and negotiate from a position of strength. Oh gods, who was right? Was this some kind of test, or an actual threat? Her sister Veli's voice intruded on her thoughts. "You're representing our family, try doing us proud this time." Imaginary Veli was just as patient as the real woman, but, Ameni decided, completely right. She stomped on the king's foot with all the force she could muster, and in his brief moment of pain and distraction, slipped out of his grasp.

Or, tried. Frederick, with his proper combat training and more demanding life, was simply much too strong for Ameni to escape him, though she did gain about half an inch. "W-we're warriors too, King," she proclaimed with all the force of will she had, "We all l-learn to protect our homes a-and each other, and we don't back away w-when fights come to us." Pleaseworkpleaseworkpleaseworkpleaseworkpleasework... Ameni stared into the king's eyes, forcing herself to lock her gaze there until he broke it.

"While intriguing you have failed to answer my questions Lady Ameni but I will yield and apologize." Frederick said as he let go of her and simply returned to staring at the painting that they were admiring before the event. "My apology is for frightening you and not for my actions, my first duty is to my country and people and so I must know everything I possibly can about my potential wife. Now would you please enlighten me of why you are here and why you are so timid? I do not want the cookie cutter response I want your personal reasons, not the political or the diplomatic response." He turned back to Ameni and looked her up and down before he took a step closer.

"Is there anything that I can do to put you at ease besides not doing what I just did? I do believe that one is self-explanatory." Frederick was being genuine with his offer, he wanted to see the fortitude of Ameni and also see if her demeanor was merely a show but her reaction seemed real and a pang of guilt was in his heart for scaring her.

Maria paused, considering what she was going to say before she spoke. As she did, her hand gently massaged Frederick's strong back; despite his relaxation he still seemed very tense.
"I would be lying if I said that I didn't want to put something more in your life," she finally said, rather quietly. "These other women, they came because their fathers told them to go. They want to become your wife just to become a queen...to make the family proud. I signed up for this because I wanted to marry you...if you understand what I mean. My own life is very much dedecated to my families lands, and it's very stressful. Coming out here and trying to win your affection was finally something for me."

"You didn't seem to place much interest in me when we were in school together, I can't help but feel that I have become attractive to you because of my position of power and authority. I apologize profusely if I am being much to cynical but it is hard to blame me for having that mindset due to the situation that I find myself in." Frederick said as he closed his eyes and with a sigh he moved away from here ever so slightly. "Do you know what the first duty of a High King is? It is sacrifice. I must think of more than just my own feelings and affections, the future of a nation and people hang on my decision here so I must sadly make a political decision as well as an emotional one. Would a marriage between us truly yield the best for our respective nations? So I beg your pardon but I have become very numb to emotions lately."

She was released from the Kings grip suddenly, turning up to look at him more clearly. He merely asked of her that she sleep near to him, on one of the couches and as she had already agreed, allowed herself a quick nod of understanding. She noticed his failed attempts to regain his composure though said nothing in an attempt to not make him lose face in front of her. "Its quite alright, a night of uncomfortable sleep in return for comforting you from a nightmare world of terrors, its alright." She didn't have a blanket though she didn't need one as she was used to falling asleep in odd places. Whether on a Submarine or on a couch, she was content with it, at least enough so to fall asleep. This time however she waited for Frederick, waiting for him to rest before she did. Her eyes wandered to his uniform, curiosity bringing her to examine it with the utmost care. She noted the stylings on it and how they were distinctly Camelonean.

Frederick gave her the only blanket that he had in the room to Freja "Don't even start to argue, you get the blanket." He said as forcefully as he could muster before he sat down in the chair and placed his feet on the table though he did not fall asleep instead he was staring off into the fireplace again, the reflection of the fire seemed to color his blue eyes to red. He just stared into the fire with a vacant stare as he tried calm himself down and return to sleep but instead his mind was so preoccupied that he could not even fathom sleeping anytime soon.

[Halazy]

"Hah... yes, not doing that helps..." Where to begin? "My real reason for being here is..." No, not there. Ameni started again. "My family got to where we are by stumbling onto a gold mine centuries ago. We didn't become nobles through great service to the Emperor or from conquests, we just had all the money in the southern provinces and bought what we didn't have. Ismin, my family's name, just means gold. The other great families have never liked us or even respected us, and Father... he decided to fix it. He thought marrying one of us to a real noble, or a king, might do it, but that kind of arranged marriage hasn't existed in decades."

Ameni took a breath, as though reloading. "He heard about your invitation, and he wanted to send Veli, my older sister. She can ride, shoot, and be better than me at everything else, but she said she does what she wants, so she got on a ship and went somewhere and Father was left with me. I agreed with Veli, but... I know Father meant well in his own way, but I didn't really get a say in it. He drilled some diplomatic rituals into my head, handed me the bow and sword I was supposed to give you, and told me not to blow it."

"I know I've made mistakes here, and that I still don't understand a lot about this country, but it does remind me of home, and so far no one here has used me as a pawn. You've only treated me kindly, too. Hah, well, except maybe just now, but I understand." She smiled; the whole thing was actually pretty funny now that she wasn't immediately threatened. Her heart hadn't stopped pounding, anyway. "If you''ll let me, I'd like to get to know you and your country better. I still don't even know why you pass wine around at the temple."

[Camelone]

"I can understand that, I have no doubt that the social isolation that comes from your families odd situation would lead to your father making such a decision. Of course it is not all that fair to you but it is understandable in some way. Your fellow nobles may not respect your families name but I will make sure that the nobility of Camelone will give you the proper respect fitting of your title, you are my guest and perhaps will even be my wife so it is only just." Frederick said before he put a comforting hand on her shoulder "I will try to be a more honorable and kinder host to you Lady Ameni, mostly so I do not do that to you again."

"Also I would not blame you for those mistakes, I would in fact blame those who did not properly tell you what to do and what not to do on your tutoring staff. Ignorance of something may keep you at fault in the eyes of the law but in the eyes of etiquette and customs it is merely something that can be learned and corrected so think nothing of your mistakes as I do not hod you accountable for them. Now if you would follow me I will gladly answer any question you have for me about either myself or my country, or even anything in between the two."

Frederick turned and began walking through the gallery once more at a rather slow pace so that Ameni could catch up rather quickly. When he was sure that she had followed he decided to speak "As for your first question the reason why we drink wine during Mass is because of our Lord Jesus Christ who before he was crucified gave bread and wine to his disciples telling them to eat and drink for they were the Body and Blood of God, of Jesus Christ himself. We believe the bread and wine still turn into the Body and Blood of Christ at every Mass by the power of God so that is why we pass wine around church. Does that satisfy that particular question?"

[The Frozen Forest]

Inexplicably finding herself holding a blanket she offered no protest. The immediate silence following them was broken only by the crackle of the fire. She let it stay as it were for a long minute, enjoying the calmness but also being intuitive enough to pick up on Fredericks restless intentions. Her eyes turned and she watched Frederick, who's eyes reflected the crisp burning of the fireplace and its contents, the sight made her wonder what sort of fire burned within Frederick. Was it one of passion? love? Maybe even vengeance or fury? If she didn't know any better she might diagnose him with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and so she felt the familiar sympathy wash over her. Freja's mouth moved but words didn't escape, and then they did. She sat up, letting the blanket drape over her shoulders as she patted the seat beside her quietly. "I'm still cold. Come sit with me." It was a lie but not placed maliciously. Perhaps being close would help him get his mind off of the issues at hand so he could sleep.

[Camelone]

Inexplicably finding herself holding a blanket she offered no protest. The immediate silence following them was broken only by the crackle of the fire. She let it stay as it were for a long minute, enjoying the calmness but also being intuitive enough to pick up on Fredericks restless intentions. Her eyes turned and she watched Frederick, who's eyes reflected the crisp burning of the fireplace and its contents, the sight made her wonder what sort of fire burned within Frederick. Was it one of passion? love? Maybe even vengeance or fury? If she didn't know any better she might diagnose him with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and so she felt the familiar sympathy wash over her. Freja's mouth moved but words didn't escape, and then they did. She sat up, letting the blanket drape over her shoulders as she patted the seat beside her quietly. "I'm still cold. Come sit with me." It was a lie but not placed maliciously. Perhaps being close would help him get his mind off of the issues at hand so he could sleep.

Pulling himself out of his thoughts Frederick looked over at Freja and made his way over to the couch "I do not know how we will be able to fall asleep if we are sitting next to each other but if you are cold than I will not argue." He said as he sat down and put his arms around Freja in the hopes of warming her up. While he may had at first voiced some sort of protest his eyes began to grow heavy and he started to lean more heavily on Freja, this was different and nicer than being alone all the time perhaps he should have looked for a wife earlier in his life and not have waited till he was 26. He whispered with closed eyes "I'm glad you are here Princess Freja."

[Greater vakolicci haven]

Maria sighed, she should have known it would come down to this. Politics and more politics; the things that often kept foreign leaders away from wanting to form marriage alliances with the ever-rebellious Schtenkos. The thing she had to try and get around if she wanted more nights lay beside the handsome man she was looking at right now...if she wanted to be queen.

"For our respective nations," she spoke quietly, if they weren't so close she doubted he would have heard it. "Why yes...I think it would. You gain a marriage alliance with the second most powerful family in Celeria...which just so happens to own one of the worlds 5 major banks. You gain someone who has leadership experience and can take some of the work off your shoulders; I hate to sound morbed, but with the workload that you give yourself, Camelone will also gain a longer-living high king as a result of not having so much work to do. And For Celeria...have you not considered that this would be the best possible thing for Celeria? King Blacksen, as the name suggests...is a king. Kings do not have to be afraid of anyone, and so they can make laws that gode the smaller clans into doing stupid things...look at the Pavlovic rebellion. What our marriage would give Celeria is the gift it's always needed...it'd give it peace."
Frederick would notice something in her voice as she spoke, it was so often in his. Maria could haide many things but she could not hide her passion and love for her long-suffering country; it was, after all what she had spent her life trying to heal.
"Look," she continued, "I appreciate that...my family have a bad reputation, I have an idea. For your upcoming coronation, why not invite all of our families to the celebrations, get to know the potential inlaws as it were. You may be surprised."

[The Frozen Forest]

Freja allowed a smile to grace her lips as the King joined her on the couch, wrapping his arms around her without her having to indicate for him to do so. It was nice, the warmth of another body on the beautiful piece of furniture, she wasn't cold before but she was definitely warm with the sudden closeness along with the fire-crackling. As his body relaxed and she felt his weight begin to slump against her lightly she suppressed a tired giggle, she hadn't expected him to fall towards sleep so fast, not that she could complain since that was what she was hoping would happen. She allowed her own body to mold against his, fitting in the crook of his body neatly, to which she heard him whisper. His words warmed her heart, more so than any fire could have. "I'm glad i'm here" she confirmed to the tiring King. "Get some rest..." she whispered barely audibly in a sweet voice which required no disguising. The next day she'd have to continue trying to win the Kings hand, but for the moment she could bask in what she could only describe as longing and attraction. Even if she failed her family, even if she returned home without a husband the trip would have been worth it.

[Camelone]

Maria sighed, she should have known it would come down to this. Politics and more politics; the things that often kept foreign leaders away from wanting to form marriage alliances with the ever-rebellious Schtenkos. The thing she had to try and get around if she wanted more nights lay beside the handsome man she was looking at right now...if she wanted to be queen.

"For our respective nations," she spoke quietly, if they weren't so close she doubted he would have heard it. "Why yes...I think it would. You gain a marriage alliance with the second most powerful family in Celeria...which just so happens to own one of the worlds 5 major banks. You gain someone who has leadership experience and can take some of the work off your shoulders; I hate to sound morbed, but with the workload that you give yourself, Camelone will also gain a longer-living high king as a result of not having so much work to do. And For Celeria...have you not considered that this would be the best possible thing for Celeria? King Blacksen, as the name suggests...is a king. Kings do not have to be afraid of anyone, and so they can make laws that gode the smaller clans into doing stupid things...look at the Pavlovic rebellion. What our marriage would give Celeria is the gift it's always needed...it'd give it peace."
Frederick would notice something in her voice as she spoke, it was so often in his. Maria could haide many things but she could not hide her passion and love for her long-suffering country; it was, after all what she had spent her life trying to heal.
"Look," she continued, "I appreciate that...my family have a bad reputation, I have an idea. For your upcoming coronation, why not invite all of our families to the celebrations, get to know the potential inlaws as it were. You may be surprised."

Frederick had to think of what Maria said, they were good points that she raised fairly logical and reasonable though he didn't know what she was getting at with the small part about kings. What would be the cost in Camelonean blood though? what entanglements would Frederick get his country in and would he expose the country to dynastic wars of foreign claimants trying to claim the throne of Camelone? That would be absolutely horrifying for a teasa to sit on the throne of Camelone, this idea of finding a wife among the teasa royalty and nobility was horrible now in hindsight, what was he thinking! Sealing away his thoughts behind his normal stoic exterior he gave a small smile.

"You never answered one of my questions Maria, why now, why are you interested in me now? You never seemed interested in me at school so why do you come here now in search of my hand? Politics is not the only thing that keeps my heart from you but do you not see the great chasm between us? That chasm is our personalities and beliefs, I fear that we are excellent friends but I am skeptical about the romantic nature of it." Frederick made sure to say romantic instead of sexually to convey the message that he was not in any sexual relation outside of marriage. "I think I will send out invitations as well to the potential in-laws thank you for that idea."

Freja allowed a smile to grace her lips as the King joined her on the couch, wrapping his arms around her without her having to indicate for him to do so. It was nice, the warmth of another body on the beautiful piece of furniture, she wasn't cold before but she was definitely warm with the sudden closeness along with the fire-crackling. As his body relaxed and she felt his weight begin to slump against her lightly she suppressed a tired giggle, she hadn't expected him to fall towards sleep so fast, not that she could complain since that was what she was hoping would happen. She allowed her own body to mold against his, fitting in the crook of his body neatly, to which she heard him whisper. His words warmed her heart, more so than any fire could have. "I'm glad i'm here" she confirmed to the tiring King. "Get some rest..." she whispered barely audibly in a sweet voice which required no disguising. The next day she'd have to continue trying to win the Kings hand, but for the moment she could bask in what she could only describe as longing and attraction. Even if she failed her family, even if she returned home without a husband the trip would have been worth it.

Frederick smiled a large and genuine smile at what Freja had to say, with his eyes closed he felt himself drifting away to sleep finally a sleep that he was sure would not be one of restlessness but more restful. He felt warmth that he had not felt in what seemed like forever, the empty and neglected part of his heart was actually burning brightly for once perhaps he was actually beginning to feel love again but than again perhaps it was just the after effects of Freja being the closest woman physically to him after another one of his night terrors. Frederick decided to brush that thought aside for the moment and just allow himself to sleep for once, he will sort it out in the morning... hopefully.

[Greater vakolicci haven]

Maria sat up more; this was a question she'd avoided deliberately, and she wanted to make sure the two of them were alone before answering it. seeing that they were, she took a moment to compose herself before answering.
"At school, their was that boy I was with, I'm not sure if you remember him. After you left, he began to get a little...weird. I could tell that after a point I became less a girlfriend and more a walking talking atm and gift despensor; so I ended it.
My next relationship was with a local noble in Celeria, William Rendos. That ended...very badly." She shuddered at the thought, "If you must know, he drugged and raped me. Yeah, I know what you're thinking and I thought it too...that I was stronger than anyone, that I was invinceable; it turns out date rape drugs don't care about how many Olympic medals you've won or how good a fighter you are, they shut you down anyway.
And so..." she paused, swallowing, "Since the age of 19 I've been with nobody. I've had absolutely no confidence to date anyone...you might think it's pathetic, hell I think it is. Don't you think it's weird that I'm single? One of the richest young women in Celeria...though I'm not particularly young now am I? I'm 25...people comment that I'm not married and wonder if I'm a lesbian. I decided though, when I read your advert that I was an idiot and decided I couldn't go on like this; hiding away from every young man because I'm scared they might do something bad to me. If I did that I'd die alone.
So after talking to a few friends I agreed to come; I told myself that if I didn't think I could love you, for the rest of my life, I'd tell you respectfully that we're still friends but this can't work for me. And hey...I'm still here aren't I?"
She bit her lip unsure of how to continue before whispering "Does that answer your question?"

[Camelone]

Maria sat up more; this was a question she'd avoided deliberately, and she wanted to make sure the two of them were alone before answering it. seeing that they were, she took a moment to compose herself before answering.
"At school, their was that boy I was with, I'm not sure if you remember him. After you left, he began to get a little...weird. I could tell that after a point I became less a girlfriend and more a walking talking atm and gift despensor; so I ended it.
My next relationship was with a local noble in Celeria, William Rendos. That ended...very badly." She shuddered at the thought, "If you must know, he drugged and raped me. Yeah, I know what you're thinking and I thought it too...that I was stronger than anyone, that I was invinceable; it turns out date rape drugs don't care about how many Olympic medals you've won or how good a fighter you are, they shut you down anyway.
And so..." she paused, swallowing, "Since the age of 19 I've been with nobody. I've had absolutely no confidence to date anyone...you might think it's pathetic, hell I think it is. Don't you think it's weird that I'm single? One of the richest young women in Celeria...though I'm not particularly young now am I? I'm 25...people comment that I'm not married and wonder if I'm a lesbian. I decided though, when I read your advert that I was an idiot and decided I couldn't go on like this; hiding away from every young man because I'm scared they might do something bad to me. If I did that I'd die alone.
So after talking to a few friends I agreed to come; I told myself that if I didn't think I could love you, for the rest of my life, I'd tell you respectfully that we're still friends but this can't work for me. And hey...I'm still here aren't I?"
She bit her lip unsure of how to continue before whispering "Does that answer your question?"

Frederick stared at her for a moment surprised at what he just heard and trying to figure out how to proceed from there "Well that is certainly a lot of information to take in, I was not exactly expecting to hear that. I do not think it is weird that you are single still, hell from what you just told me I do not even blame you." He moved closer and put a supportive hand on her shoulder "It is not pathetic Maria nor is it weird. If you ever need a friend I will be here to be your shoulder regardless of the outcome of this endeavor please always remember that." A serious look crossed his face "Please could you tell me if this William Rendos still lives? My Hawks would be more than eager to eliminate him from this world." Anger boiled in his voice as he fought to contain it and he was more than willing to deploy a fireteam of his own personal guard to send some Camelonean justice across the world. Frederick was the leader of one of the largest and best equipped, and trained, military's in the world and he was ready to use it when he deems it necessary.

[Halazy]

"I can understand that, I have no doubt that the social isolation that comes from your families odd situation would lead to your father making such a decision. Of course it is not all that fair to you but it is understandable in some way. Your fellow nobles may not respect your families name but I will make sure that the nobility of Camelone will give you the proper respect fitting of your title, you are my guest and perhaps will even be my wife so it is only just." Frederick said before he put a comforting hand on her shoulder "I will try to be a more honorable and kinder host to you Lady Ameni, mostly so I do not do that to you again."

"Also I would not blame you for those mistakes, I would in fact blame those who did not properly tell you what to do and what not to do on your tutoring staff. Ignorance of something may keep you at fault in the eyes of the law but in the eyes of etiquette and customs it is merely something that can be learned and corrected so think nothing of your mistakes as I do not hod you accountable for them. Now if you would follow me I will gladly answer any question you have for me about either myself or my country, or even anything in between the two."

Frederick turned and began walking through the gallery once more at a rather slow pace so that Ameni could catch up rather quickly. When he was sure that she had followed he decided to speak "As for your first question the reason why we drink wine during Mass is because of our Lord Jesus Christ who before he was crucified gave bread and wine to his disciples telling them to eat and drink for they were the Body and Blood of God, of Jesus Christ himself. We believe the bread and wine still turn into the Body and Blood of Christ at every Mass by the power of God so that is why we pass wine around church. Does that satisfy that particular question?"

With something between a relieved sigh and a laugh, Ameni replied, "Ah, yes, I think it does, but it raises many others, like why would you kill your god? And why do you eat his flesh?" They seemed like stupid questions to her, comparable to asking why the sun demanded sacrifices of wheat every morning, but something told her it was okay to ask. Despite what had happened minutes before, or maybe even partly because of it, she finally felt safe to open up more to Frederick. If nothing else, she thought, he was a truly principled man. She could do far worse than to be in his company.

"Could I come with you some day, to your sha- sh-" She needed a moment to sound out the word; every phoneme in it was anathema to her native Hala language. "Church, could I come to church with you to see this for myself? It sounds so... different from what I know."

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[Camelone]

With something between a relieved sigh and a laugh, Ameni replied, "Ah, yes, I think it does, but it raises many others, like why would you kill your god? And why do you eat his flesh?" They seemed like stupid questions to her, comparable to asking why the sun demanded sacrifices of wheat every morning, but something told her it was okay to ask. Despite what had happened minutes before, or maybe even partly because of it, she finally felt safe to open up more to Frederick. If nothing else, she thought, he was a truly principled man. She could do far worse than to be in his company.

"Could I come with you some day, to your sha- sh-" She needed a moment to sound out the word; every phoneme in it was anathema to her native Hala language. "Church, could I come to church with you to see this for myself? It sounds so... different from what I know."

"We could talk a really long time about Christian theology and history. The reason that Jesus was killed was because he offered himself up as the unblemished lamb, the perfect sacrifice, so that the sins of humanity would be washed away and those that trust in him will be saved from eternal damnation. Now those who killed Christ did not believe him, they refused to believe that he was the Son of God and God himself so they killed him by crucifixion but on the third day he rose again from the dead, it was a Sunday that he rose so every Sunday we celebrate his resurrection. As for why we eat his Body and Blood it is because it is written in sacred Scripture that on the day that he was betrayed he broke bread and blessed it saying it was his body and that we should eat in memory of him, he did the exact same thing with wine but stated it was his blood that time around. Like I said this can be a very long conversation." Frederick said grinning slightly.

"Certainly all are welcome to come to church but you will not be allowed to partake in the Holy Eucharist as only the Baptized are allowed to partake in the sacraments of the Church. I do hope you understand."

[The Frozen Forest]

The light filtering through the window was as soft and delicate as the snow that had been pouring since her arrival in Camelone. There was the sound of a bird chirping in the distance as she rose from her seat on the couch, forgetting the warm body that she had been against only moments prior. Her first concern was to open the blinds further and allow more light to stream in, it was too dark for her in the room. As she made her way over to the sheets she sighed loudly, there was a noise on the couch and she turned to see the still-sleeping body of the Camelonean King. Frederick, she wondered how late he usually woke up. It couldn't be much past eight or nine o'clock. Were all mornings this beautiful in Camelone? She would have to find out one day, the blinds couldn't stay shut. She flung them open, bathing the room in early morning light. She stepped away from the window, making her way over to Frederick. A gentle push and he was still firmly asleep, maybe it would be best not to wake him. She wasn't a cleaner but the Library they were in was clouded with dust. Her decision to begin dusting was immediate and without thought. It was a good morning, she decided.

[Greater vakolicci haven]

"He...lives," Maria spoke bitterly, her body trembling a little. "And I dare not kill him. I'm sure you understand, nothing would give me more personal pleasure than to say yes to your idea...but politics intervenes yet again as it always does. William Rendos and lord Gordavris are bound to one another. If I attacked Rendos, Gordavris would intervene; and a clan war would destroy the ballence of power within Celeria. Me getting my revenge on William would mean that thousands more will die. Do you understand now?"

[Camelone]

The light filtering through the window was as soft and delicate as the snow that had been pouring since her arrival in Camelone. There was the sound of a bird chirping in the distance as she rose from her seat on the couch, forgetting the warm body that she had been against only moments prior. Her first concern was to open the blinds further and allow more light to stream in, it was too dark for her in the room. As she made her way over to the sheets she sighed loudly, there was a noise on the couch and she turned to see the still-sleeping body of the Camelonean King. Frederick, she wondered how late he usually woke up. It couldn't be much past eight or nine o'clock. Were all mornings this beautiful in Camelone? She would have to find out one day, the blinds couldn't stay shut. She flung them open, bathing the room in early morning light. She stepped away from the window, making her way over to Frederick. A gentle push and he was still firmly asleep, maybe it would be best not to wake him. She wasn't a cleaner but the Library they were in was clouded with dust. Her decision to begin dusting was immediate and without thought. It was a good morning, she decided.

Slowly opening his eyes Frederick sat up from the couch and took a minute of blinking to realize that Freja was in the room as well, he must have fallen asleep rather quickly when he sat down next to her. Standing up rather slowly he began attaching his sword to his hip and his pistol holster across his chest, reaching to grab his pistol he checked to see if it was loaded and with a nod to himself he holstered it. With his wake up routine done he bowed his head slightly over to the princess who seemed to be dusting.

"Good morning Princess Freja." Was all he said before he made his way over to his the wall and pushed opened a panel to gather all information for the day, as he was looking through the documents his blood ran cold "Another accused necromancer. Just great." He muttered in Camelonean as he threw the papers onto his desk, the top one laying out the facts of the case, and put his head into his hands with a groan.

"He...lives," Maria spoke bitterly, her body trembling a little. "And I dare not kill him. I'm sure you understand, nothing would give me more personal pleasure than to say yes to your idea...but politics intervenes yet again as it always does. William Rendos and lord Gordavris are bound to one another. If I attacked Rendos, Gordavris would intervene; and a clan war would destroy the ballence of power within Celeria. Me getting my revenge on William would mean that thousands more will die. Do you understand now?"

"Ay... If you ever find yourself at war with that man and his ilk send word to me, regardless of what happens here in Camelone the blades of my knights will be at your service to eradicate them from existence." Frederick said rather seriously, his voice was calculating and held a ferocity to it. Taking another deep breath Frederick calmed himself down before he decided to continue "Is there anything else you wish to speak of?"

[The Frozen Forest]

The suddenness of his waking and the checking of the pistol caught Freja's attention, begging a understanding expression. She offered a light smile to him for a moment, not exactly fake but not warm either. "Good Morning" she offered back, returning and joining him by taking a seat across from him as he muttered something in his native language. She glanced at the paper he held in his hand, noticing that it was written in Camelonean Gallic, which she still couldn't read with any proficiency. "Whats got you frustrated?" She fiddled with her dress for a long moment, watching him and waiting for his reply. She needed to change soon, since she was still wearing what she'd fallen asleep in last night. It wasn't an immediate need, unlike whatever seemed to bother Frederick. She noticed the curious way he handled stress, drawing a similarity to other monarchs she had met. Perhaps she could help?

[Camelone]

The suddenness of his waking and the checking of the pistol caught Freja's attention, begging a understanding expression. She offered a light smile to him for a moment, not exactly fake but not warm either. "Good Morning" she offered back, returning and joining him by taking a seat across from him as he muttered something in his native language. She glanced at the paper he held in his hand, noticing that it was written in Camelonean Gallic, which she still couldn't read with any proficiency. "Whats got you frustrated?" She fiddled with her dress for a long moment, watching him and waiting for his reply. She needed to change soon, since she was still wearing what she'd fallen asleep in last night. It wasn't an immediate need, unlike whatever seemed to bother Frederick. She noticed the curious way he handled stress, drawing a similarity to other monarchs she had met. Perhaps she could help?

"Another person was caught trying to continue the work of the Mad Baron, bringing the dead back to life by the means of technology and science. Of course they have never even gotten close to being successful except for that horrifying prototype that was more of a robot with a corpse exterior that I made sure to burn and everything in that Godforsaken laboratory. I'm going to make sure I put this insane woman to death as well, this can not continue, this is true attempted necromancy and I will not allow people to raise the dead through macabre science." Frederick said as he shuffled through the papers once more. "I may have to increase my patronage for Tomb Guard orders to prevent this from continuing but so far all we can do is to use my Inquisitors and secret police to root out these insane individuals, truly a Camelonean problem isn't it?" He asked raising his head to look at Freja.