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by New Edom » Mon Jun 17, 2019 11:32 am
by Kyrenaia » Mon Jun 17, 2019 11:52 am
New Edom wrote:"Pleasure's mine!", I said with a smile, though I did ponder her words for a moment: I knew, that New Edom was that place, where nudism was apparently the social norm, at least in some parts, and she did say, that she emulated their Queen-Empress in that - nice and dandy, I was not into girls. Anyway, she then added, that she would dress like a civilized person for formal occasions. Which led to the question, if the Queen-Empress was not civilized or what? Anyway, this was not the moment to tease her for a slip of the tongue. "It has a bit of a railway station feel to it, that's true, but it's more like try-out for the School Football Team. We all want to become the striker they are missing, so we are all gathered here to see, who be up for the task... and right now, we are waiting for the Team Captain and the Trainer to arrive before we all go change into kit and out on the field to show, what we can."
Desdemona laughed lightly a moment. “It does feel like that doesn’t it. That’s a good point. Though, to be honest, my family are more interested in the diplomacy and social aspect. It’s all just fun so far. Not at the moment but...I suppose we’re taking a breather or something?”
I shrugged.
"Been there, was fun!", I finished with a huge grin. I didn't make the cut, though. Instead, I joined the fencing club.
“Were you? We all had to choose a team sport at my school,” Desdemona said, “And I chose swimming when I was younger. I became focused on equestrian later on, mostly dressage and show jumping. I have played polo but mostly for fun, they don’t really allow women to play professionally or compete openly in my country yet.” she added matter of factly.
by New Edom » Mon Jun 17, 2019 12:07 pm
by Kyrenaia » Mon Jun 17, 2019 12:25 pm
New Edom wrote:I nodded.
"I see.", I said, "We can choose any after-school activity we want and which is offered by our school. And in some cases, like the school orchestra or the sports teams, it also depends on the club itself." I shrugged. "My school had two football teams, I wanted to join it. During try-outs, I gave the Captain a sliding tackle, which almost broke her leg..." I grinned. "Little lassie couldn't handle it, so I joined fencing. Even made it to a few tournaments, where I competed quite successfully!"
For a moment, Desdemona looked shocked, and then she suddenly exclaimed, “Oh wait, when you say football, you don’t mean the game where you kick a round ball around on the field, you mean that game where you have a little rugby ball and you carry it, right? I was wondering about this tackling business!”
"Even fought for the Cubs' Trophy, that's the junior version of the Lioness' Trophy, and beat a Badawi twice my size in the semis!", I said with a huge grin, "Granted, his brother beat me in finals. It was fun!"
“What’s a Badawi?” asked Desdemona.
Regardless of the reply, she said, “Well, there are several competitions that I want to compete in for next spring. Zephyr, that’s my horse, we’re going to be training for it. To be honest, I’d be there now if I wasn’t here. We did very well on our last trail endurance test,” she said with a smile. She got out her phone and showed some pictures. “Here is Zephyr. Isn’t he a beauty? I love this breed in particular. They got imported to my country from Ayaca in the 16th Century.”
by The Frozen Forest » Wed Jun 19, 2019 10:48 pm
by Kyrenaia » Thu Jun 20, 2019 1:00 am
The Frozen Forest wrote:
The Princes were surrounded by maidservants and butlers and guards as they exited their rooms. Young women flocked about trying to get their attention-to ask what they would like for breakfast or if they needed their rooms made and cleaned while they were out. The questions were nonsensical-merely a formality that they were trained to ask every morning. As soon as the Princes left their rooms, the maidservants would sweep into them and frantically begin cleaning-making them spotless. The Chefs in the kitchens would already know what the Prince's wanted for breakfast and every other meal, and if they changed their mind then the kitchens would react accordingly, baking or cooking whatever their Princes requested.
Prince Ari was dressed in the finest ceremonial armor. It was encrusted with gold and precious jewels and blazened against his chestplate was the family crest of House Bjork-a Lynx with the national colors. Prince Ari had left the helmet behind and looked fully prepared to meet visitors from foreign nations, excited even. In contrast, Crown Prince Ivan's expression was twisted. He bit the inside of his cheek-a behavior that Prince Ari had always known to mean that Ivan was nervous about something. What could he say that would cheer his brother up? Their activities for the day weren't something they were able to control-it was fathers wishes that had brought the girls to The Frozen Forest.
"I would imagine they will be looking forwards to meeting you, your grace." A man came alongside the royals as they walked. He had a long blond beard and tanned skin and some of the biggest muscles in the Royal Guard. Alfred Tolkson was a loyal man, having served for twenty years for the King before being transferred to Ivan's security detail. He would be handling the general security of the Palace while the visitors were on the premises.
"Remind me, when did they arrive?" Ivan meant the girls, the foreign suitors. He remembered how his father had explained to him where they came from, why they were here, what was expected of him. The conversation had come quicker than he had expected-he could have sworn it had only been a week since his father's declaration at his nephew and nieces baptism. Find a wife yourself, or he would find one for him. Ivan supposed that this invitation of multiple potential brides was his fathers way of compromising with him-at least he could meet and decide who he wanted to marry somewhat. He had choices, a luxury that many of his ancestors didn't have.
"They have only been here a scant hour or two, your grace. We are still missing a girl or two who 'ought to be here by now. I'll have extra guards posted in case they should show up-they are right through those doors, your grace." Tolkson stopped at a pair of heavy wooden doors. They were older doors, probably installed two or three decades prior-judging by the small bits of wear and tear along their frames. Gently, Ivan pulled the brass knobs and the room opened up to him. It was his fathers old war room, before it had been moved underground.
Six women stood around the room and were talking with one another. Near the doors on the other side of the room were two lanky guards-more for show than actual protection, as there were also several guards in the room hailing from foreign nations. Ivan stepped forwards, ahead of his younger brother Ari. Ivan wasn't wearing a piece of ceremonial armor-rather he was dressed in a black tuxedo. It was more modern than what his family had suggested. He scanned the faces of those before him.
The first girl he recognized was Countess Magdalene von Eylstadt. She had striking gemstone-blue eyes and soft blonde hair that reminded him of a field of autumn grasses. He had never met her personally, but he was well aware of her family, the von Eylstadt's who ruled over Kuronami. They were a noble house with fine breeding and a respected history. Ivan recalled old news reports he had read about her being passed over in favor of her younger sister for succession to the throne in her home country. Ivan's cousin Svala had been particularly interested when he had told her that a Kuronamian was coming to court.
The next girl that his eyes fell upon was someone he didn't recognize-at least not apart from a name and a title. Princess of the Marshal Blood Ylara Etria from The Matriarchy of Noretias. There was no real diplomatic contact between Noretias and The Frozen Forest before this event-Ivan knew that it would change if he ended up taking the curious looking girl before him as his wife. She was farther away from the door, but even then he could pick apart her colder blue eyes and long golden-colored hair.
There was Princess of the Blood Desdemona Adah Elizabeth Davenant of New Edom. He remembered his fathers briefing-the woman before him had already had a proposal fall through. The Monarchy didn't know why it had, but it was a curiosity that was worth trying to come to understand. The girl was a brunette, something he didn't see much of among the upper classes-apart from his brother Ari and his brother in law Frederick. Ivan recalled that she was of house Obed and a relative of the Edomite King-Emperor.
Lady Kiaris Lukiva was an unusual one within the room. Her family was descended from Royalty-but had fallen into economic hardship, at least that was what had been determined by the Frozen Forestrian Intelligence Agency. Apart from some more menial details, Ivan didn't know much more about her. Maybe his family knew more, but he took her in as a curiosity. Not accounting for her unusual appearance-darker skin and hair and unusual clothing.
The final two girls that he noticed were both Kyrenaians. And he recognized them both, vaguely. Princess Rasha bint-Razia had to be ten years Ivan's senior-it was a wonder that she had been invited to come, given that fertility would be an issue his father would be concerned about. The King wouldn't have cared if it were not for the need to produce an heir to the throne, could the Princess do that in her 40's? Ivan noted her demeanor, he wouldn't be putoff of the age difference. The other girl was Princess Amana bint-Samir. He wouldn't have known about her if it weren't for her coming to court and his father preparation. He knew that she served in her military for several years, and that she was well educated. Her appearance was probably the strangest of anyone's though, with silver hair he had seen only once before, in Camelone.
"Ladies! I am honored to introduce his grace, Crown Prince Ivan Bjork of The Frozen Forest-Heir to the throne and proud veteran of the Frozen Forestrian Military." Tolkson announced to the those in the room, quite unnecessarily as his presence was already noticed. Prince Ari stepped aside in his full ceremonial armor, allowing Ivan to cross into the room for introductions. The first lady he came to was Princess Amana bint-Samir. He extended his hand gently and met her eyes.
"It's an honor to meet you, my lady." It was the standard greeting Ivan had been taught all his life. Nothing special or personal, but charming enough. Ivan offered a soft gentle smile, his eyes solely focused on the silver-haired girl with whom he was meeting first. He planned to formally meet all of the girls before dinner could begin.
by The Frozen Forest » Thu Jun 20, 2019 8:55 am
by Kyrenaia » Thu Jun 20, 2019 9:40 am
The Frozen Forest wrote:The Royal Palace, Truvaria
The Crown Prince felt the grip of Princess Amana bint-Samir. Her small frame standing straight in a show of confidence. Her eyes rolled over him and his met hers-blue meeting red. Ivan felt himself pulled into them, a moments glance seeming so much longer. Princess Amana's hair was pulled back into a ponytail-an unusual choice for someone at court. Not a particularly bad choice though, Ivan had always found ponytails to be an attractive fashion-if not a particularly lady like one. The moment passed and he found his tongue.
"How do i do?" Not quite what he expected her to say. Ivan eased back on his heel and looked towards the chandelier for a short moment, lost in thought. "I'm the future King of my nation, the destined ruler of this palace and the whole continent of Vinland. The Kriwi people will name me their High Chief and powerful lords will bend to my will on a daily basis. Despite all of that i have to admit that i am in fact a bit nervous. Meeting ladies as lovely as yourself would make any man light on their feet." Ivan met her eyes as he spoke, wondering how someone so unique could exist.
"How are you, Princess? I'm told you arrived scarcely an hour ago, here at the palace. Are you hungry? We will be having dinner shortly and i can have the Chefs prepare whatever you like." Ivan hated the formality despite being trained for it like a dog. He would rather ask her who had forced or convinced her to come and court him-an honest truth. First impressions though, they were important. That was what his family, friends and retainers had all told him when he asked for their advice.
by Kuronami » Thu Jun 20, 2019 11:45 am
by The Frozen Forest » Thu Jun 20, 2019 3:42 pm
by Kuronami » Thu Jun 20, 2019 4:19 pm
The Frozen Forest wrote:Magdalene von Eystadt-the older sister to the ruler of Kuronami. As he came up to her he offered his hand as he had with Princess Amana. The girl before him seemed excitable-radiating enthusiasm. A wide smile plastered across her face and the Crown Prince found himself smiling too. Her first words to him, apart from a greeting, were to inquire about food. He chuckled lightheartedly and nodded. "Right you are. You are Magdalene von Eystadt, right? We will have dinner as soon as i meet the rest of the women here, i could have some food brought down now if you are famished."
by Toraia » Thu Jun 20, 2019 7:05 pm
by The Frozen Forest » Fri Jun 21, 2019 11:18 pm
by Kyrenaia » Sat Jun 22, 2019 2:01 pm
by Toraia » Sat Jun 22, 2019 5:47 pm
The Frozen Forest wrote:The Royal Palace
The Crown Prince nodded in acknowledgment as she asked him to refer to her as Maggie. "Alright then, from this moment on i'll remember to call you Maggie. If you change your mind about wanting something to eat, it isn't any bother. You are our esteemed guest." He took a moment to appreciate her presence. Out of all the girls, Magdalena was one of his families favorites. She came from a good family which ruled a influential nation-He already knew that they would be pressuring him for details about her the moment they got the opportunity. Ari had also particularly favored her-he thought that an alliance with Kuronami would be help towards a major economic boon for the country-easy for him to say when he didn't have to choose between all the Royalty and Nobility in the room to marry. He had to admit that she was a pretty girl-not quite as unique as the red-eyed Kyrenaian Princess Amana but her enthusiasm was charming. "My lady, if you'll excuse me. Oh, and may i introduce my younger brother, Prince Ari?" He smiled politely and stepped aside to allow his armor-dressed brother to step in and offer his hand.
Ivan's eye's fell upon a new girl, one that he hadn't noticed had moved from where she was originally standing. She had been on the other side of the room but now stood before him. Lady Kiaris Lukiva, the strange woman with exotic clothes and chocolate eyes. His own fell to her freckles and down to her lips, passing along until he observed her strange attire. Her clothes were loose and flowing and as he raised his eyes back to hers-which were quite avoidant of his-he noticed a ring of shiny metal in her hair. He was taken aback for a moment and then spoke. "My Lady" Ivan extended his hand softly in greeting, still trying to pry the girls eyes to meet his silently. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
by A m e n r i a » Sun Jun 23, 2019 5:54 pm
by The Frozen Forest » Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:02 pm
by Gerrst » Tue Jun 25, 2019 4:12 am
by A m e n r i a » Tue Jun 25, 2019 6:37 am
The Frozen Forest wrote:Truvaria, The Frozen Forest
The Crown Prince watched Kiaris as she greeted him with a somewhat standard compliment of his country and his people. What was more interesting was her description of her garb-in broken English she described to him why her dress was the way that it was. Mentioning how it was both practical and fashionable in her homeland. Practicality was something he could understand having served in the Military for several years. That is forgetting the fact that an entire region of The Frozen Forest practically rejected fashion in favor of being practical-that is The North Region. Kiaris mentioned how her clothes were fitting to the Forest, while he wanted to believe her he wondered whether she had ever seen a Frozen Forestrian winter or anything like it. Parts of the Forest were always blanketed in horrible snowstorms that left most of it uninhabitable by any but the hardiest people.
Kiaris compared him to an animal-probably the first time someone had ever made such a suggestion so seriously to him. Ivan found the knowledge to be insightful though, into her people. His people had also lived among the wilderness for hundreds of years, so he wondered what conditions people living in Toraia faced, what sort of animals lived there-or if they were just more aggressive-or if that was just how her people adapted. It was a curious thing.
"I hope you enjoy being here, my people are eager to meet you girls. My family is too, i suppose you'll meet them at dinner though. They are the ones who you need to make good impression on-they will judge harder than i will. It's nice meeting you, Kiaris. I look forwards to getting to know you over the next couple of days."
Politely stepping aside to let his brother meet Kiaris, Ivan moved on to the next girl. The closest one also happened to be the only one thus far that hadn't shifted her position when he came close. Almost like a lynx standing her ground when faced with a hunter. A challenge radiated from her aura and Ivan felt that but was undeterred. The girls had come to meet him, but that didn't mean that he didn't have to work at it just as hard. Ivan came up to Princess Rasha-Bint Razia as confidently as he had approached the other girls. As he came about halfway across the distance to her, a few steps, the doors suddenly flew open.
A girl with long jet black hair and high cheekbones looked around the room at the girls and him. Offering an informal and surprising "Sup" to them. Ivan turned and looked confusedly at the guard to her left, who shrugged his shoulders. So this was one of the girls who had come in late? Suddenly, as though realizing the faux pas of arriving late she turned to Ivan and bowed. Her apology sounded genuine enough and Ivan diplomatically stepped forwards to formally meet her. If he didn't it could have been considered rude. He decided to talk to Princess Rasha-Bint Razia after, regardless of developments or distractions.
"You are forgiven, my lady. I am the Crown Prince, Ivan." He offered his hand as he had with all the other girls so far. This girl was one he actually didn't recognize. He had been prepped by his father so that he already knew faces and names, but this girl's face and name didn't seem to make a connection with him. Still the Guards wouldn't have let her past if not for a letter, so she was supposed to be here.
by Noretias » Tue Jun 25, 2019 9:35 pm
by The Frozen Forest » Thu Jun 27, 2019 1:03 am
by Kyrenaia » Thu Jun 27, 2019 3:04 am
The Frozen Forest wrote:Truvaria, The Frozen Forest
Ivan shook the woman's hand and she wordlessly made her way over to the other girls. To his detriment, they all seemed to have assumed that he already knew each of them. He didn't. The girl whose hand he had shaken-she was lost on him. Ivan watched as she walked away, knowing that he would just have to properly reintroduce himself to her later. If because of nothing else but formality. Behind her came another girl with jet black hair and dressed in warm clothing. Her expression was one of confidence, a confidence that Ivan had seen before only in actors, jesters and psychopaths. Ivan saw through it immediately for the simple fact that he had seen it often during his travels of the world. It didn't matter to him as he recognized her. A member of the Sektbrunnen and from the nation of Gerrst.
Prince Ari came along to her a moment later, his hand outstretched. No doubt his brother would be eager to meet her given that she was an actress. Ari was a nationalist first and had been the biggest advocate for Ivan choosing a native bride, but Ari was also someone who happened to watch the latest movies. It wouldn't be surprising if Ari had seen one of Penelopes.
The Crown Prince looked over the girls he had yet to meet. A bubble of nervousness welling up in his chest-to be perfectly confident in all things was impossible. Never had he felt such danger as he did looking at them, these girls that were here to court him. Love had never been his strong suit-he doubted that it ever would, but being a King would involve more than just diplomatic or martial skills. He had to choose one of the girls and then he had to be with them for the rest of his life-forever a husband. Naturally his family would assess each girl more throughly than him-they would be judged and then they would try to sway Ivan, and so he had to form impressions of his own. Who were the girls he was meeting, and what were their goals?
More by mistake than on purpose, Ivan locked eyes with the girl from before. The older woman who seemed almost too old to seriously contend with her younger competition. Princess Rasha bint-Razia was not like the other noble girls, even at this particular event. Her boldness stood out, as did she-being at the back of the crowd and refusing to move closer. As though drawn in by his mental promise to himself, Ivan politely passed some girls and came to her.
"Princess Rasha bint-Razia." Ivan extended his hand, as he had with the other girls.
by Gerrst » Thu Jun 27, 2019 3:38 am
by The Frozen Forest » Mon Jul 01, 2019 7:07 pm
by Noretias » Mon Jul 01, 2019 8:57 pm
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