The Royal Procession of Princess Lynessa [OPEN]

[Lady Adelle]

Lynessa was awoken at dawn by the sound of bells in the clock tower ringing in celebration. The deep rich tones were coordinated perfectly so that the ringing was polyphony of sound that lifted the spirits of all the city's subjects. Nessa knew that by command of His Majesty King Ryven, every tower was to be rung all day in celebration. And unbelievably, the bells tolled in honor of Lynessa Orsoan, the future Princess of Kaharini. Today was the day she was to be officially recognized as an adopted member of the Royal family.

As Lynessa lay there, her thoughts drifted, perhaps from the after affects of waking from such a peaceful slumber. Her journey had begun at the age of only fifteen when her father had sent her away to live at court with her cousin. Nessa a pretty, flirtatious, new courtier easily gained popularity among the influential people at court. Many made relationships of good acquaintance; for many predicted that the Orsoan's girl might actually have the right stuff to end up as a major political figure in the kingdom. If you would have asked her three years ago whether she believed she would be a political power she would have laughed heartily and said, "Are you mad? Me? A political power? I'm just Lynessa...Nessa Orsoan."

And that is precisely who she was. She was Lynessa Orsoan, and starting today that made all the world of difference. Deciding that she had tarried too long in bed, the girl got out of her bed adjusting her silk gown that she had worn to bed. Her excitement last night had caused the chemise to bunch uncomfortably. The golden haired maiden walked towards her vanity and sat down examining her countenance in the mirror carefully.

She was what many considered to be "beautiful", with her pale natural skin color. Long, golden hair that always seemed to catch and draw whatever light the environment had to offer. Her eyes were brown, but they were bright and if the eyes were the window to the soul than one would see the shine of youthful exuberance in hers.

She washed her face carefully with the cold water from a jug, and made a mental note that she would have to ask some of the mages who had been assigned to her to heat some water so that she could bathe properly and wash her hair. Though Lynessa, a slightly vain creature (but what teenage girl isn't a little bit vain), never let her hair get dirty to the point where it was obvious.

Picking up her hairbrush, an antique silver hairbrush she ran it through her long blond hair smiling in the vanity's mirror as she did so. Looking at her self she smiled, and then let out a small giggle. "By sundown this evening, I will hold the entire kingdom in the palm of my hand," The Princess-to-be squealed with delight holding out her palm as though she expected a miniature model of the kingdom to fall into it.

Her reverie was interrupted by a knock at the door. An old maid came into the room, curtsying low carrying a silver tray of breakfast foods. Lynessa was touched by the gesture but her stomach fluttered with anxiety and anticipation. "Thank you very much, though I dare not eat, for I am far too nervous to even think about eating right now. Just leave the juice, if you will. And on your way out will you ask the mages to heat some water and have my ladies bring it up?" The old woman curtsied again, and then backed out of the door.

That was another thing Lynessa supposed she would have to get used to if she was to be crowned a princess. With her elevation of status, it was considered very poor manners to turns ones back on the royal family, even if turning around. From now on where she went, they lesser subjects would bow to her as a sign of respect. Instead, there would be only a handful of people who she needed to bow to. At first she had been uncomfortable with the formal treatment, but her father had explained that it was could not be helped, and that she would have to get used to their signs of respect.

By now her ladies in waiting had returned and were carrying buckets of water, with steam rising in graceful vapors. She gave a graceful nod of permission and her ladies filed into the bathroom with their buckets dumping them into the large tub. Once she was sure that her guards were not looking she striped naked and selected one of the vials of perfumed bath scents, her particular favorite was cinnamon. She was careful to add only a small amount to the warm water, so that it wouldn’t overpower, but leave on the faintest trace of the smell.

After she was cleaned from head to toe, she sat at her vanity while her ladies-in-waiting styled her long blond hair. Nearly an hour later of obsessing over her hair, which in her opinion, she could have easily styled herself, all her ladies had done was to sleek her hair into a ponytail, and then curl the end so that it fell in delicate girls at the back of her head. Upon her head an elegant and most beautiful tiara had been placed on her head. It was silver with diamonds encrusted in the precious metal. It was a priceless antique that had been guarded well by the former queen.

Next, she was prepared for her gown. Her corset was tied around her, and her gown of a beautiful silver color was put on her. She felt more beautiful today, in this very instant, as she looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror, than any other time. Nessa doubted that she could look more beautiful on thee day of her wedding. No expense had been spared for the presentation of the Kingdom’s new Princess.

Finally, there was a knock at the door. Her father and mother were shown in and they bowed low to their daughter, her father grasping her hand and kissing it. “Dearest mother, and most cherished father, do not bow to me, for though I am to be princess I could have never done it without your careful guidance. Rise, for the love of the gods please.” She said, tears forming at the corners of her brown eyes. Her parents embraced her, and she hugged them both doing her best not to cry, but she still failed miserably. After several moments of the embrace her father drew his wife close to him, and they looked at their daughter in all of her finery.

“Well, father and mother. It’s time for the royal procession. We must go to court, please, if you would do me the honor of escorting me to our people.” Lynessa said gracefully her voice shaken, she dried the cheeks and prepared to exit her apartment. She lead the company, with her parents behind her, followed by her ladies who had changed into finery, while no match for the princess’, still each had chosen something very beautiful to wear.

As she reached the courtyard of the castle, the entire royal court had assembled. Most of them on horseback, but she saw the prince’s standard as well as his Majesty’s further ahead. Her own standard, which had been designed for her, and this occasion was a silver dove on a field of blue with three stars forming a halo around the dove’s head. Lifting her gown, she crossed to her horse, a beautiful Palomino Arabian mare that would carry her through the royal procession.

A handsome gentleman of the king offered her help into the saddle and she gladly accepted. Sitting side-saddle she grasped the reigns of the powerful, yet gorgeous mare. “I think I shall call you Dazerene.” She said in the horse’s ear. The mare seemed to whinny in appreciation. Before the young woman knew it, the court had filed around her, with guards on either side to protect her, though no one would dare to harm the princess who was said to be, “the most beloved woman in the entire kingdom, and a princess that would be truly dear to the hearts of all loyal subjects in the kingdom”.

Lynessa snapped Dazerene’s reigns as the royal parade began, drummers from somewhere in front began a buzzing roll and trumpeters blasted notes of ceremony and celebration. Still, the bells had not yet ceased…the same bells that had awoken Lynessa not from sleep but from an old life…it was those same bells that ushered her into her new life. As Princess Lynessa Orsoan of Kaharini. And with that the procession left the palace gates, and into the cheering crowd that had gathered.

[Rose]

Raul was probably the first up that morning, having to do preparations for the parade. Being the head of Kaharini’s military, it was his duty to keep everything in order. Know where everyone was, know all of the schedule. Some would think that some special planner would be set to do this. Well, those people were wrong. Every time, it was head of the army, all to keep any possibility of having a traitor in the mist, causing any complications. With a professional strategizer, there shouldn’t have been any problems. Although there was always a flaw in every plan, weather it be from one soldier not listening to their commands or just a simple mistake in the planning, there was always a risk.

He had awoken early that morning, being sure that he would have plenty of time to ready himself. Direct orders to look his best. No, he wasn’t one to pull on his fancy armor, and parade around, making it obvious how high in the justice system he was. But on that day, he was to be intimidating, to some. Although it just made him look strong with power, and with his seventeen year old look. It would be shocking to one how old he was, or what Raul had gone through. All he knew at the moment though, was that there was a job to get done. That day, there would be a new princess.

He made haste with cleaning himself, being sure to leave no scent of sweat behind. It was a pet peeve, the boy always had to be clean. Just something that he had always gone by. A light mist of a sweetened smell lurked around him, yet still having that more of a ‘manly’ scent to it. His hair stay damp, pulling together in locks, and falling freely around his face. Pulling a small blade from his pocket, Raul turned his face slightly to the side, catching what light he had from the candle to shave. Usually, he didn’t have to. Not much hair came to his chin, but on occasion it began to show.

Running his fingers along the smoothed skin, satisfied with the outcome, Raul lightly stepped out of his bathroom after grabbing his toothbrush, and carelessly placing it between his teeth and right cheek. Rubbing his palm to his eyes, and clearing them of the night’s crust, Raul quickly made his way to his closet. Pulling out a black pair of jeans, easy to move around in for the morning, he quickly hopped with toothbrush in mouth, slipping into the jeans, and latching them shut. Pulling a belt around his thin waist, the boy finished with the brushing of his teeth, and finished the job in the bathroom.

”Wake up Raul…” He mumbled to himself while splashing some water upon his soft features. A light shake of the head, and a drying of his hands, the boy was out, back into his room. A few final preparations, and he was going to have to get into his armor. It wasn’t to bulkey, but rather extremely heavy. This didn’t bother the boy much though, seeing how he had become used to the weight, and wore it around like a simple pair of jeans, and a t-shirt.

By the time he was done with the rest of the preparations, the clock had stricken six in the morning. A light knock came to his door, just before it was cracked opened by one of the younger maids. “Sir?” The girl’s sweet voice quietly sung into the room as she peeked around the door. “Sir Severwitch? Are you awake?” His silver orbs slightly shifted up to meet her young face. ”Ya, I’ll be out in a bit. Thank you for checking.” The woman offered a small nod, and vanished from view, quietly shutting the door behind her.

Running his hand through his hair, the man quickly readied himself, changing into his armor. Shaking his head to fix his hair, and combing it with his fingers, the boy pulled his cape around his back, and lightly tied it on. ”Where’d I put that…” A quick search, and the man pulled on his sword, quickly making his way out the door as he looped it onto his belt. Clearing his throat, the man straightened his posture, and walked out to ready the ceremony…

A few hours had passed by, finally the ceremony being ready, as the man awaited the new princess. He was supposed to offer help to her, or whatever the hell she wanted. Quite honestly, he wasn’t really thrilled to meet the girl. Lucky he had amazing acting skills, that came in handy when acting to be a sweet gentleman. Most were so anxious to even see her, but he could live without it. Usually, princesses were beautiful messes. Snobs, and stuck to themselves. Sure, there was that possibility that she would be kind, but as of the moment he wasn’t thinking so. The girl would have to prove otherwise.

Waiting in his standard formation, the boy looked over the crowd, watching as the commotion centered to one location. A young blonde stepped forward, heading towards him. This was the time to shine. Lightly stepping forward, Raul took a formal bow, and spoke. ”Would you like help up m’lady?” Pulling himself back up, ever so smoothly, the boy looked up into her eyes. Eye contact, it was the key component to a conversation that so many had missed.

She had accepted his offer, letting him swiftly help her onto the young horse. Fixing it’s rains, and flipping it over so the girl could grab a hold, the boy took a step back to make sure everything was correct. ”I will be riding just in front of you, m’lady. I am Sir Severwitch, at your service.” He stayed on the ground for a bit, helping anyone else who needed help up onto their horse before returning to his own black horse, festively dressed.

Riding just to the point the was in front of the princess, Raul let out a slight sigh, and bent down to whisper to his horse’s ear. ”Show time, Callen.”

[Lady Adelle]

Lynessa smiled as the young handsome man who had helped her onto Dazerene's back went to assist anyone else that needed help. "Sir Severwitch," She thought to herself trying to recall if she had met the man previously. "I don't believe I've met him before, but with all the people I have been introduced to in the past few weeks it's entirely possible."

She returned her full attention to the procession, which looked as though it were ready to begin moving at any moment. Lynessa couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety, she had been among people her entire life, but never had the crowds been there specifically to see her. The citizens, who did not have access to the court, had developed an extreme fascination with her, never having seen or met her and this would be her first public appearance as the princess.

The gates of the castle opened and the trumpeters on foot blew several loud notes and began marching to the a steady beat established by several men playing snare drums. Behind the musicians common guards marched in a regimented military fashion. Followed by those guards were the knights in their glittering armor, and their richly decorated horses. Behind them rode a large number of courtiers, each surrounded on the outsides by a knight. First came the prince's entourage, though Lynessa couldn't see fully what was happening. Behind the prince, was the king's entourage an impressive gathering of the most privileged people in the kingdom. Her parents would ride ahead with the king in today's procession, a great honor for which her father was truly proud of.

Usually, a princess would have been in front of the king, being that he is the main figurehead of the entire kingdom, but since today there had been a slight modification and Lynessa was to ride behind the king. As Dazerene walked through the gates she could hear the cheers as her standard passed full view into the crowd. She heard thunderous applause, all of it for her. At first she smiled and waved shyly as people waved their hands or pieces of cloth to get her attention. Children pushed in between the knees of the adults to get a better look at the blond haired maiden astride the horse. Some of them looked too young to even understand what all the fuss was about. And as she proceeded down the road she became bolder, and less shy waving gracefully to the crowds on either side.

[Rose]

Technically, he could say whatever he wanted to the Princess. She couldn't fire him, seeing how the man was employed by the King, and only the King. A 'get out of here', or even as simple as the girl saying 'Your fired' would do nothing but make him laugh. But the boy wasn't that mean. Sure, he was extremely strict to his men, but nothing more. To them, he was a god. If they needed help, personal or physical, he was always the man that was there. Even the men's wives liked him, due to the boy's politeness. Always the best of the gentlemen in the location, yet there was some air of mystery that surrounded him. Never would he tell anything of his past, or share his feelings. Anything that one could catch, was the masked look on his face. Never of glory, or self loving, but rather of care, and a kind manor.

Scratching Callen's ears, and patting his neck, Raul lightly shook his head. Out of the nervous feeling of his first parade, seeing how he had only been the head of military for a little over a year, yet known by all, the boy pushed his fingers through his hair. It kept the hair from his eyes, and served as a slightly comforting motion for him. And with an obviously uncomfortable pull on his armor, the boy tapped Callen's side, and rode on with the crowd. After a few moments of riding, the boy paused, and looked back to the princess. Out of his orders, he was supposed to give her a bell to ring if something were to go wrong.

The girl's horse eventually rode to his side, Raul tapping his horse's side with his heel lightly once more for Callen to ride next to the girl. Outstretching his gloved hand, the small silver bell located in the center, the man softly spoke. There was something about his voice, that not even Raul understood, that was sweet and young, yet wise and comforting at the same time. "If you need me, danger or to speak, just ring this bell, m'lady." Once she had taken the bell, Raul lightly tapped Callen's neck to get the horse's attention. "Find the girl's father, Callen." With that, the horse was off to a quick run, weaving through the crowd.

Raul slowed to match the parade's pace as he made it near the girl's father. Callen was trained better than a well behaved soldier, doing everything that Raul was to say. He raised the horse from just a yearling, and wouldn't dare let anyone else ride him. That horse was babied, and probably the most inelegant there. It was even trained to the sound of a bell, which he had given to the princess for her protection. As far as the man was concerned, everything should be fine. His men knew that if they were to leave their positions, that they would have consequences... Which were just a lot more drills.

[Lady Adelle]

Lynessa was slightly surprised as the handsome soldier slowed the gait of his horse just enough so that he could ride beside her. She strained to hear him over the roar of the crowds as she passed by them. At first, the man said nothing, but instead revealed a silver bell in the palm of his gloved hand. When the young maiden realized that he intended for her to take it she reached for his hand gingerly, almost laughing at how his big hands dwarfed her small dainty feminine ones.

She smiled and nodded in appreciation of Raul's gift. "Thank you Sir Severwitch," She said simply not sure what to say. As he rode off to the front of the procession she took a moment to consider the bell, so tiny and there were probably a hundred or more bells of nearly the exact same make, but Lynessa was not foolish enough to underestimate it's value.

She discreetly tucked the bell into the pocket of her dress, and returned to waving and smiling at the crowd that had gathered to see her.

[Rose]

It was obvious he wasn't the only one that was amused by the difference of their sizes. The girl was small, and dainty, while he was rather tall, and built of pure muscle. Although he didn't show even a smile, but rather a flat line upon his lips, he was laughing inside. She gingerly took hold of the bell, probably not knowing how the bell had a certain pitch that was easy for his horse to hear. She had offered a small smile, and nod of appreciation before she spoke. "Thank you Sir Severwitch," She was obviously not sure what to say, so he just offered a small nod, and spoke but a single word quietly. "Welcome."

So she wasn't that bad, so far. The girl seemed kind, and actually pretty sweet. Perhaps the death of the last princess was a good thing? New blood running the kingdom, always nice to have for a Kingdom re-building itself. Holding his stance, the man trotted away on his horse, making his way to the front of the parade. his eyes shifted around the location, watching for any possible threats.

After a few moments of watching, he fell back into the people, checking on his men. He was moving quickly, being sure to make haste in his rounds. Stopping by some of the women, who had never ridden a horse before and helping them quickly, the boy returned to his pace, blending with the people. "You see anyone else that needs help Callen?" The horse looked slightly back, only enough to just barley see him, and shook it's head. "A'right. If you see one, go to them, a'right?" The horse nodded again, and continued on with it's pace.

[Lady Adelle]

Nessa continued her primary duty of smiling and waving at the adoring crowds, whose excitement had never died down. The people seemed to adore her very much, and though their cries were just as excited as ever, the roar became dull to the maiden and she lost her concentration. Slowly Dazerene drifted off to the side near the left side of the crowd. Nessa hadn't realized what was happening until people began to reach for her. "Princess! Princess Lynessa!" They shouted, their voices muffling together. People began reaching their hand out to touch hers, and she with hesitation met theirs. Soon people realized in a flurry that the Princess was shaking hands with the people and they rushed and crowded near one another to try and touch her. Some got overly eager and started grabbing at her hand.

Where her hand, pale, and clean elevated by her position in the saddle seemed to be reaching out to a different world one of filth, poverty, and little promise of advancement. She had gained everything, and it seemed like she was world's above them, and perhaps that's why the people began to pull at her hand as if hoping that some of her otherworldly fortune would somehow transfer it onto them.

"Ouch, they're hurting me."Lynessa thought as her arm was pulled painfully. The people didn't mean to but still she smiled on trying to get away, her remaining hand holding desperately to the reigns. The people's shouting grew louder and louder and they shouted their praises at her as they reached for her hand, multiple people grabbing her hand at one time. The awkward position of riding side-saddle made it hard to keep her balance and she swung her arms in attempt to regain balance. Where were the guards Shouldn't they be stepping in to help her? "Ouch, please. Please, let go, I am going to fall! Please!" She yelled in panic but the crowd's roars drowned her out. "Severwitch!" She yelled ahead hoping that the guard would come back and help free her from the grasping hands of the citizens.

[Rose]

The man's pace was steady as he quickly taught one of the, as he liked to call them, 'princess's stalkers' learn how to ride her horse. He was completely oblivious to the fact that she just wanted to be talked to, seeing how he had an accent making his voice distinctly different from any other. Once he had been satisfied with her ability to ride the horse, the boy lightly tapped Callen's neck, and led him to where the princess once was... She was gone. quickly looking around, he had seen the girl being pulled by the crowd, and holding the reigns as if it were her life line.

"Ouch, please. Please, let go, I am going to fall! Please!" "Callen." The horse instantly looked to the princess, and began to run back to her. What had she been doing all the way next to the crowd? Well, he wouldn't know. All that the boy knew, was that his men didn't see what was happening. "Severwitch!" Instantly his sword was drawn, and lowered slightly to his side. The boy quickly brought his horse just next to the princess, and looped his left arm around her waist while holding the sword to the crowd, slitting one of the wrists in the process.

"Men!" He yelled back, grabbing hold of the guard's attention, only for them to quickly make their way there, and to stop the parade. He slid the girl from her frightened horse over to Callen, letting the men take control of the animal and the crowd. "Callen, back away from the crowd." The jet black horse quickly brought them back to the middle of the Royal goers, stopping, and watching the commotion. He quickly made sure the location was secure before letting out a small sigh, and mumbling to himself. "Extra drills tonight..."

Raul had almost forgot about the princess, who was present just in front of him on Callen's back. He had been so used to only riding with one hand, that the left laced around the princess's waist holding her onto the horse wasn't apparent to him until he looked down. Quickly freezing up, the man pulled his arm out, letting the girl set on her own. "Um... Uh..." It was slight hesitation, giving his shocked mind a second to gather words, Raul spoke after clearing his throat quickly. "Are you alright, princess?"

[Lady Adelle]

Just as Lynessa was finally pulled out of the saddle, a strong arm looped around her waist momentarily knocking the wind from her lungs. Her eyes widened as she saw a flash of the blade and heard a man howl in pain and confusion. Lynessa blinked back tears as she saw the man clasp his wrist with his off hand to stop the bleeding.

Before she knew it she was astride Sir Severwitch's great black horse that she had heard called, "Callen." Though she was sure that Severwitch would have liked it if she hadn't noticed but she was quite aware of the muscular arm that was wrapped tightly around her waist. In her current state, the princess couldn't help but be enraged and that added contact made it all the more inappropriate.

The moment she heard his voice asking after her she turned in the saddle to face him, her eyes blazing and tear filled she positioned her hand to strike at his face and she swung at his face with an open palm hoping to land a blow. "You brute! You cut that poor man!" She shrieked angrily, tears flowing down her cheeks as she attempted to pummel the armored knight with her fists.

[Rose]

Looking down to the girl, he hesitated as she raised her hand to strike him across the face. Slightly bringing his head back, and closing his eyes as a way of bracing himself, Raul was struck across the face by the princess. He fell silent, wondering why the hell the princess was yelling to him. He wasn't done with the man, it was his job to have them not touch the princess. But he wasn't just going to leave him there with a slit wrist. "You brute! You cut that poor man!" That look of annoyance was filled in his eyes as the girl attempted to beat him through his armor. A light sigh, and Raul shook his head, returning to his professional look.

He had remembered this happening when he was younger, being beat by his parents. Literally, the boy wasn't able to move after those moments in time, causing him to have that strange part of his personality. It made him act as if he was indestructible, although his mother raised him as the perfect gentleman. This had twisted his personality to what it was that day. From all of that testing on him, his parents, and what his life had became... It was enough to change a man. But for now, he was attempting to be professional, while staring blankley down to the girl as she thoughtlessly punched his armor.

"Don't jump to conclusions, I was doing my job." Quickly jumping off of Callen, he looked up to the princess, and spoke quietly. "Just stay on Callen, I'll be back. If you don't that could effect you becoming the princess." the man vanished into the crowd, and quickly found the one he had cut. Lightly touching this man's shoulder, he offered a small, sorry smile, and spoke. "Sir, I'm sorry. Just doing my job." With slight hesitation, the man lightly nodded, and quietly spoke. "No, your fine. It just stings a bit..." "You mind?" Raul lightly lifted his arm, just as the crowd cleared enough for the princess to be able to see him. Usually, he wouldn't let Royalty catch him dead doing this.

He was slightly shocked, but the man nodded, softly speaking. "Um, sure. Thank you." Raul nodded, and quickly healed him, and stepped back for a small bow. "It's my honor. I am sorry for the troubles." Offering a friendly smile, and waving as he began to walk back to Callen, Raul brushed his hair back while clearing his throat. Straitening his his expression once more, to lack the smile, Raul looked up, noticing that he was visible. Well, if she were to see that would ruin the vision he had her seeing. Quickly looking off to the side, the boy walked forward, quickly jumping back up onto his horse.

Not even bothering to look down, Raul spoke with the voice he had been using with the girl. "We are bringing you home." A gentle tap to Callen's side, and the horse began to trot in the direction of the palace, being sure to keep it's stance as the three began heading on their way.

[Lady Adelle]

The princess stormed into the castle walls. Her ladies-in-waiting scurrying after her. She had drawn herself up to her full height, tilting her head back with absolute regal disdain. Anyone with a pair of eyes and a basic understanding of the way a woman's mind works could clearly see that the Princess Lynessa Orsoan was not pleased with the way everything had turned out. She was supposed to have a grand ceremony, but that had to be put on hold, and instead a private one would be performed at court.

It was not the type of coronation Lynessa had dreamed of, but it was all his fault. If he would've just helped her away from the crowd everything would have been fine. Raul Severwitch, was young, but his youth was apparent hacking up common people for her error. If that was going to be his method he wanted nothing to do with him.

In fact, she was so furious with the knight that as soon as he had slowed his horse down she had dismounted herself. And said clearly, "Your lucky that His Majesty is the only one with the power to get rid of you, because if it were up to me, you'd be dismissed from your post, court, and your titles stripped. You've ruined everything. Not for me, oh no! You've ruined it for them!" At that point she thrust her finger towards the gates to indicate the common people. With that she had turned her back to the knight, and sharply adjusted the tiara that had titled on her head in a horrible awkward and ungraceful position in all the commotion.

Lynessa did not stop until she reached her apartments at which she dismissed her ladies-in-waiting with a few polite words. Once the door had shut the girl ran to her bed and buried her face into the pillow so that they wouldn't hear her sobbing into the fabric. "Who am I kidding? Fancy clothes and a tiara don't make a princes..." Nessa cried lifting her head enough so she could remove the beautiful symbol of royalty from her hair. She dropped it beside her bed, and buried her face in the pillow again.

[Rose]

The girl was annoying. His prediction, was correct as far as the boy could see. The instant that he stopped at the castle, the girl rushed inside, angry at him for whatever reason. "Your lucky that His Majesty is the only one with the power to get rid of you, because if it were up to me, you'd be dismissed from your post, court, and your titles stripped. You've ruined everything. Not for me, oh no! You've ruined it for them!" The girl was pointing to out to the crowd, who was locked out of the castle grounds. Like this was Raul's fault, it was the damned princess who ruined their day, walking to close to the crowd. Dropping himself off of Callen, Raul just shrugged, and did exactly what most would have wanted him to do. Take the blame.

"My apologies, princess." She had already been storming into the castle by then, leaving him behind. A light shrug, and the boy quietly talked to his horse. "I did heal him. Not much more I could do, right?" Callen began to paw at the ground, and nod his head up and down. Laughing, the boy shook his head. "your a good boy." Patting Callen's head, the boy let himself pause as as Callen lowered his head, and stared up at him.

"... Callen.... What are you..." Instantly the horse's head jerked up into his chest, lightly denting his armor, and throwing him back. Raul landed back on the dirt, tumbling, and instantly putting the men on guard. "You son.. of a bitch... Callen..." Raul looked up with a crooked smile covering his lips as he quickly pulled off his armor, being left with some simple jeans as his clothing. "Get your ass over here!" The boy jumped at the horse, beginning to play with Callen as if he were just some big sort of a dog. In the end, Raul had ended with a split lip, and a few other assortments of cuts along him from falling into things as Callen threw him up, and away.

"A'right... Callen..." His breath was labored, the boy bending over to catch his breath. "You win." The black stallion jumped and kicked a few times before he had been done boasting about his win. "Ya ya ya, get it all out of you." With a light laugh, the boy quickly healed himself, and gathered his armor. "See ya later buddy." Patting the horse's nose, Raul walked inside, and to his room. He quickly changed into some casual clothing after taking a shower, and walked out to wander the halls. After all, it was his duty.

"Sir Severwitch, Sir Severwitch!" The boy looked over his shoulder, and awaited the older maid's words. "Come with me, now." With so many years of life, and he never got over the 'listen to your elders' thing. Although he was probably older than her, he still respected her as his elder. "Yes mam." Following the maid, he was stopped in front of the princess's room. The doors were not that thick, making it possible for everything to be heard. "Go in there and tell her your sorry."

Raul paused, and shook his head. "Yes young man, you go tell her. You just messed up her day! And don't you tell me that you didn't cut that man, I know you did." "No, I didn't do anything," The boy's voice was low, but still able to be heard. "She was the one that went near the crowd, and I healed him! I can't go against orders, but I can heal. And I did." "I don't care she thinks that this is all your fault, and you better go tell her that you are sorry." The woman opened the door, and pushed him in, pointing her finger to Raul just as he began to speak. "Raul Jeffry Severwitch you will tell that girl you are sorry!"

He lost. Although he was a higher rank than this woman, she could still boss him around. The boy just sighed, and put out his arms as if to say 'what am I supposed to do?' "It could be an insult me just being here. You know she doesn't want to see me, obviously not..." At that point, Raul had actually looked to her. The girl was crying, on her bed? His head lightly tilted to the side as he rubbed the back of his neck, slightly reveling the bar code, and code of 'X3O9' tattooed on the back of his neck. "Shit... you a'right?"

"What is this!?" The maid quickly snatched his ear, pulling Raul's head down, and looking to the tattoo. "When did you get this young man!?" "When I was being tested on, mam." the woman fell silent, and let go of his ear. Quickly exiting, she grabbed the doorknob, pointed towards him, and spoke. "You fix this." Quickly shutting the door, the woman clicked off down the hallway. "Ow..." The boy lightly rubbed his ear, and looked to the princess. "Hey, I'm sorry about ruining your thing. You going to be okay?" Crossing his arms, the boy stayed next to the door, ready to dart the instant that he would be told to. After all, might as well not make even more of a trouble, right?

[Lady Adelle]

As Lynessa sobbed into her pillow, she was too distraught to be paying attention to the conversation between the maid and the boy soldier Raul. In fact, she had no idea that anyone else was in her room which was probably a good thing because she would have sent them straight off with a series of firm reprimands. Lynessa was not an unkind girl, but she was still a girl...and more specifically a teenage girl. To have so much responsibility thrust upon you at such a young age was a difficult task.

"Hey, I'm sorry about ruining your thing. You going to be okay?"

Lynessa heard the words and her sobbing ceased immediately, she lifted herself off her bed with as much grace and composure as she could muster. The signs that she had been crying were quite obvious, her face was wet with tears and beneath her brown eyes were puffy and red. Her hair was disheveled and now fell a loose mess around her face. "Sir Severwitch," She said politely dipping her head to acknowledge his presence. She remained silent for a moment trying to consider what she might say to him.

After a moment's reflection she said, "You have no true need to apologize, you did your duty and for that you cannot be blamed. You also went above your duty by healing that man who would have never been hurt had I not made such an error. It was irrational of me to chastise you for if it were not for your quick actions, who knows how I may have been hurt...intentional or not." She said slowly her eyes never leaving Raul's. "In fact, it is I who should be offering you an apology," Nessa explained dropping into a low courtier's curtsy. She remained in the low curtsy, her eyes averted from the soldier.

[Rose]

Raul silently watched as the girl's face rose slightly from the pillow, and she turned to face him. The girl's hair had fallen around her face, and her eyes had turned red from the tears that swelled them. Her pillow beneath had become damp with the young girl's tears, staining it slightly darker than the natural color of the fabric. That was always one of Raul's soft spots, when girls cried that is. Just something about it made everything worse. This was why the boy avoided most things like the sort, seeing how it bothered him so much. But in this case, the boy didn't have a choice. He was literally told to come down to her room, by higher authority or not, and told to apologize.

"Sir Severwitch," The girl began while lightly dipping her head, showing that some amount of being polite actually existed in her mind. God did this one have mood swings. From polite, and happy, to rude and pissed off, to polite and sad. Nevertheless Raul smoothly offered a small bow, in return to her nod. It was a custom, what could he say. The boy was raised different from all of the others, making the little things stick in his head once he was around people. Alone with Raul, was like meeting a new person... If you were lucky enough to actually be that close to him. Usually, Raul found ways to constantly push people away, never wanting to get close to anyone just in case they passed on. That was the hardest part of being a vampire. You watched your loved ones slowly die off, one by one. But now that the boy's blood was tampered with, he had become human for the most part... Slowly converting back into a vampire...

"You have no true need to apologize, you did your duty and for that you cannot be blamed. You also went above your duty by healing that man who would have never been hurt had I not made such an error." Suddenly she was accepting what he had done? Well, it was his job. If doing that single action wasn't what he was told to do, the boy would have just swiftly moved in, and spoke to the crowd. He was one of those people that could move people. Why? He was never able to find that one. Guess people just tended to trust him for whatever reason. Raul lightly shifted to where his thumbs hooked into his pockets, and watched the girl as she continued on, her voice slightly changed from the tears.

"It was irrational of me to chastise you for if it were not for your quick actions, who knows how I may have been hurt...intentional or not." The boy lightly shrugged, and let his shining, almost un-natural, silver eyes stay in contact with hers, the girl looking to him or not. "Well, your new. You'll get a hang of it, and what the rest of the palace is doing." Raul stopped there, not wanting to ramble. It was a true fact, everyone messed up when they were new. For instance, Raul had messed up several times. Weather it be from paperwork, to just going with the wrong schedule. Then again, the boy did have a lot to fit into his schedule, making it harder than usual.

"In fact, it is I who should be offering you an apology," The girl directed her eyes away, and dropped into a low curtsy. "Uh..." Never had he become used to being basically bowed to, let alone by Royalty. At that point, the boy didn't know what to do. But he did wonder one thing. How did she get that low? A small tilt of the head, and Raul took a moment, just to think. Finally exiling the bow thought from his mind, the boy pushed his hand through his hair, and offered a faint smile. "Please do stand up. I still find that awkward when the staff do it."

Rubbing the back of his neck, Raul took his turn to talk. "Don't worry about it, you don't owe me any apology. I did knock the wind out of you, and you did slap me, so we are even. A'right?" Letting out a small laugh, only to cross his arms and look down to the girl, Raul leaned to her wall. "Trust me, you'll get a hang of it. Ya'll always do." He obviously didn't have much schooling. Only what his parents had taught him. Their way of teaching though, was different. He either got everything right the first time, such as mathematics, english, sciences, and 'the proper way to act', or he was beat. It was as simple as that. But now, Raul just sticks with his own learning style. Live it, learn it, teach it.

[Lady Adelle]

At Severwitch's request Lynessa lifted her eyes, and got up from the floor just as gracefully as she had sunk to it. She gave a sort of half smile at the idea that she was not the only one who had not quite adjusted to the sudden raise in rank. "I know precisely what you mean, I don't remember the last time I slipped into court and I didn't have people bowing and curtsying. Before the rumors started that I was going to be elected princess people hardly glanced, let alone dropped to the flow at my feet." She explained to the guard. Perhaps she was wrong to have judged the young man so, perhaps he understood the pressure and responsibilities more than she had originally thought.

"Don't worry about it, you don't owe me any apology. I did knock the wind out of you, and you did slap me, so we are even. A'right?"

The blond haired girl laughed in agreement. Perhaps Severwitch wasn't so insensitive or cruel, perhaps they could end up being good friends. Lord knew that Lynessa could use people she could trust here at court, where there was always someone waiting to bring you down.

And as if he could read her mind, he added that she would get used to the adjustment. "I hope you are right," She said hopefully.