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Post by Antaria Von Karstein on Aug 9, 2010 8:48:51 GMT -5
Granted, Antaria was a bit late, but she had a long way to travel, and part of that had been through the depths of a truly Imperial winter. The second part of it was that she had come all the way from the relatively far-flung Bavardia, a relatively new company whose distance from the center of the Empire ensured that it was rather no-nonsense but still a bit untamed. Still, though, the carriage of the excess Bavardian princess arrived in the courtyard before the whole affair had come to an end, which is all that could be hoped for. The wheels rolled to a stop in the courtyard. However, the king was still anxious about the safety of his daughter, so the carriage was accompanied by two Bavardian knights, who seemed as accustomed to the current biting cold as a pair of steel-clad polar bears, further fueling the stereotypes of the people of "that north country". Still, though, they dismounted, and dutifully opened the carriage for their princess.
Over her usual dress, however, she wore a blue hooded cloak, lined with thick, white fur. She gave a soft sigh, remembering the third reason she was late- her family had to decide whether to send her at all, as the princess hadn't been especially educated in proper diplomacy. In the end, however, they remembered that she wasn't being sent as a minister or marshal, but simply to find someone of the proper station to marry. Her eldest brother was the one who convinced the others to give her this opportunity, and so, here she was, in the courtyard of a beautiful castle that seemed worlds away from the "firebricks" of her home, that were properly lavish on the inside, but built for brutish, martial purposes without. Her knights dutifully began to handle her luggage, and the princess herself looked up at the spires and towers of what would act as a rather lavish guest house during her stay, however long it lasts. As she waited for any sort of greeting, however, she unsealed and unfolded the letter given to her by her eldest brother, the crown prince and Lord Marshal.
My Dearest Frederica,
Though it was difficult to convince our father to send you on this errand, it does please me that you have read this letter as it means you have arrived and my hopes were not in vain. Though you have been a bit neglected compared to us, your older siblings, one cannot live well without being able to have faith in one's closest. While our sister says that you are more useful away than home, now that you are not here to hear of it, I have every confidence that you will find a suitable bride that will bring glory to our beloved kingdom.
Sirs Heinrich and Johann are noble men of complete integrity, and you can depend on them to do whatever you require of them, or whatever is required of them to keep you safe in foreign lands. If any dark fate were to befall you, I do not know what I might do in my grief- nay, I know, but do not care to dwell on that abominable part of every man's mind that can make him into a beast.
However, never hesitate to remind your hosts that we have sent a beloved princess of our kingdom on a long journey in good faith. Tolerate what you must, but if they perform any of the most grievous insults on your person, write to me, and I will instruct you as to what you must say and do in response.
Prince-Marshal Otto Von Karstein
The princess looked up from the letter, and sighed happily. The cold didn't seem to reach her after reading that letter, and she looked around, beginning on the path further into the courtyard itself.
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Post by Virgilia de Artio on Aug 9, 2010 16:02:41 GMT -5
Another princess looked up as she saw the woman approaching. So I'm not the only princess arriving today. she thought and smiled at the stranger, hesitating a little before stepping forward towards the other princess. As she looked at the blonde she started wondering why she was here, to try and capture the heart of Princess Anactoria IV pherhaps. That would be the most logical reason after all she concluded.
Virgilia herself was dressed in a thin summer dress, despite the cold and didn't look like she was freezing at all. After getting some weird looks from the people she had met earlier she regretted not taking on more clothes that day as she didn't want to stick out in any way. She didn't wanted to be noticed as anyone too special only as someone you could trust because the reason as for why she was in this country was to hopefully make a better partnership with the Venus kingdom and not because she wanted Princess Anactoria as her bride. The fact about women together was new to her and she had never heard about it in her homeland. Maybe during this visit she could learn more about this new culture at least she hoped so.
She hadn't met any royal after becoming a mute and froze a bit as she didn't know how to greet this stranger without offending her. Raising a hand she waved slightly at the blonde beauty and didn't let the warm smile leave her face.
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Post by Antaria Von Karstein on Aug 9, 2010 16:51:30 GMT -5
Antaria soon stowed the letter with the luggage that was being hauled away to her room, and her green eyes soon caught sight of the other woman. She looked rather curiously at Virgilia- not even she, a native of Bavardia, would never think of wearing so little in the depths of any winter. Seeing that the woman was at least friendly, she bade her knights to go ahead of her while she went over to the quiet woman without winter clothes. Vergilia couldn't stick out any more if she had tried, considering the weather. Still, though, manners dictated that she shouldn't stare, and so Antaria made her way over to the conspicuous young lady, and gave her a shallow bow as a response to the young lady's wave.
She did her best to give a little stretch before speaking, but dared not open the coat and expose any part of herself, even theoretically, to the cold of the Imperial winter. She spoke, the warmth of her voice lending sweetness to the normal harshness of the Bavardian accent. "Well, hello there yourself- I do hope that you don't mind that I didn't give a proper curtsy, but it wouldn't exactly work well in this weather, or with these clothes. I'm Antaria Frederica von Karstein, youngest princess of Bavardia, here responding to the Imperial princess's invitation... Ah, how do you do?"
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Post by Virgilia de Artio on Aug 9, 2010 18:14:41 GMT -5
Virgilia looked at the princess' knights and she had to remind herself yet another time that she was alone on her visit. When she now gave it a seacond thought it was a silly idea to go to a strange country unprotected, especially considered that she didn't have any power to protect herself without human blood.
She mentally scolded herself for being so naive, thinking that people wouldn't notice how she dressed as she read on the blonde womans face that she indeed found it strange that someone would be outside in such thin clothes at this time of the year. Something in Virgilia wanted to speak out her reason to this lady, not seeing a reason to hide anything but she didn't want to ruin this potetional friendship, neither could she even voice it so she pushed the thought away.
Virgilia waved her hands as for telling her that she didn't minded at all, and her expression was understanding. When the princess told her, her name she immediately recognized it since Bavardia wasn't far away from Bernkastel. So she is indeed here because of the princess. She told herself before thinking of a way to reply the princess' question. Virgilia knew how to use sign language and she dearly hoped that the Bavardian princess would at least understand a little of it as she started moving her hands. 'That is a beautiful name. I am Virgilia de Artio the only princess of Bernkastel. Thank you for asking I am doing quite alright,' she stepped to the side a little and guesture towards some bags behind her before turning to the princess again. 'I just arrived as I assume you did too?"
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Post by Antaria Von Karstein on Aug 9, 2010 18:35:19 GMT -5
It was a good thing, then that languages were Antaria's strong point- there were few travelers who were more able to speak and understand as many languages as she could. It took a little while for her sign language to come back, but she soon recalled everything she had learned- thankfully, it wasn't all that difficult, at least for her, and she soon waited out Vergilia's response hanging on every 'word' that was woven by the other princess's hands. She gave a slow nod to the mute girl, and glanced for a moment over to her bag. "You must also forgive me if I do not respond in kind, with my own hands- I'm afraid that the weather is too cold, even for my blood. However, it is good to meet you, as well, your highness. A good meeting can push away the feel of all except the worst kinds of weather." She gave another shallow bow to Vergilia, glancing over to be sure that her knights were being properly careful with the more delicate parts of her luggage. Otto was not a fairy tale prince, and these were not fairy tale knights.
She looked over at the bags and thought a moment. "Well, it seems that people from all over are being invited- the invitation even said they had made up a room for me before it was decided that I should actually go. Curious, that... Well, anyway, it is good to see you, but... Pardon my question- while Bavardian winters are harsher than the ones over here, are you not cold, and shouldn't we go indoors, at any rate?"
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Post by Virgilia de Artio on Aug 9, 2010 18:57:33 GMT -5
Virgilia seemed to relax more as Antaria understood her sign language and they didn't have to go through the complications of not understanding each other. 'You too.' she replied and bowed as well. 'My ears are completely fine and I like listening to your voice, please don't feel that you have to use your hands to speak as well.'
Of course Virgilia had gotten the invitation, and maybe just maybe she was here herself as well mostly because of it. Was she just too scared to admit it to herself? Maybe she was actually here because she wanted to know what true love was like. Because she had never felt anything special for the men in her country? 'It must be a very big kingdom. I've heard there are many people that has been invited and there's room for everyone.' Hearing what the princess said Virgilia stopped moving her hands for a moment, wondering what to reply. 'I'm not cold. My body can handle any kind of weather without problems, especially cold weather.' She smiled a somewhat sheepish smile as she didn't tell Antaria the whole truth. 'But of course, you must be cold I'm sorry for keeping you out here for so long Princess Antaria.'
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Post by Rebekah Naphtali on Aug 28, 2010 23:15:59 GMT -5
As Antaria and Virgillia spoke - Well, as Antaria spoke and Virgillia signed - a lopsided form made its way up from the gates towards the courtyard. Wrapped unevenly in an oversized, fur-lined cloak and silk scarves, Rebekah trudged up the paved path of the courtyard, her wings twitching from the cold underneath her coverings, giving the impression of a hunched back gone desperately awry. She was used to the chill air of her aerial homeland, but something about the winter here cut her to the bone. Looking up from the ground, she noticed the other royals and picked up her pace, the trudging reticence gone.
She didn't seem to find Virgilia's dress strange. In fact, she didn't seem to find very much at all strange, nearly everything that surrounded her worthy of consideration and study. She clasped her gloved hands in greeting as she bowed to the others and spoke, a strange singsong accent discernible in her speech. "Good day! I am Rebekah Naphtali, a suitor!" Her diction was somewhat strange, and a little too formal for the situation, but she continued, squeezing her hands tighter and bowing slightly. "I trust you're suitors as well? It is a pleasure to meet the both of you!" She smiles broadly, the cold, or perhaps an awareness of how awkward her greeting was, bringing a red tint to her face.
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Post by Virgilia de Artio on Aug 29, 2010 9:02:20 GMT -5
Virgilia was about to start walking inside but then heard someone approach them and turned to the stranger. She immediately smiled warmly at the taller woman and waved at her, deciding to wait for the red haired stranger. As the stranger came closer she thought for a moment that she saw the other woman’s back moving as it there was something underneath her cloak but pushed the thought away.
Bowing back at the newcomer she couldn’t help but chuckle as she found the woman’s greeting both amusing and cute. Raising her hand up to her moth she then cleared her throat, feeling bad for her action. Lowering her hand again she shook her head at the stranger’s question and then bowed, lifting up her dress a little. When she looked up again, she was smiling back at Rebekah.
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Post by Antaria Von Karstein on Aug 29, 2010 14:29:32 GMT -5
Antaria blinked, and also turned to see the other greeter. She did give a wide smile at the other woman, however, and even looked her up and down, as though giving a small appraisal of the new subject at hand. The princess did give the same greeting- a bow to the other princess, and soon moves a hand to keep her tiara on her head in the face of a sudden gust. She smiled a bit after the girl vocalized, and gave a little nod as well, before beginning to speak herself. She did have a little giggle at the blush on Rebekah's face, taking a deep breath.
Antaria smiled. "Well, good day to you, too, though it is a day better spent inside of doors. you would be correct. This is Vergilia de Atio, princess of Bernkastel, and I am Antaria Von Karstein, princess of Bavardia. I would say that we are both suitors. I might say for myself, at least that I'm not necessarily here just to try for the hand of the Imperial Princess, odd as that my sound. My family might well be happy if I come back with any other royal bride." She blushed a bit at that admission. "But, I am pleased to meet you, in any case."
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Post by Rebekah Naphtali on Aug 29, 2010 15:34:51 GMT -5
Rebekah blinks and bobs her head. "Not a suitor! Oh my!" Her cloak twitches rapidly and then settles down again as she ruffles her wings in surprise. "It is quite a large city, though, so I oughtn't be surprised that there are some people here who haven't been sent to marry the princess." She doesn't seem bothered by Virgilia's laughter in the least and nods at Antaria, curtsying slightly. "Inside, yes! Yes! I would would hardly object to finding my assigned quarters, yes!", she chirps, taking short, quick steps towards the castle, heavy boots clunking against the stones of the courtyard. As she approaches the castle, she turns.
"Oh, yes, titles, how rude of me! Rebekah Naphtali, from- well- not quite a word for it in this language, can't properly pronounce it." She sings a beautiful note, holding it for a few seconds, before dropping back into her singsong speech. "The sky! The daughter of Naphtali, one of the kings of the sky! So I guess that'd make me a princess of the sky, even if I'm half-human. Oh my, I do go on!" She laughed nervously. "My father sent me here to try and win the hand of the Imperial Princess, but now that I'm seeing how many are here, I'm not quite sure I feel good about the odds!" She shook her head quickly. "Any royal bride?" She blushed slightly, and grins. "I'm sure that'll be easy for you. But I'm freezing! Come, let's find out rooms!" She chirped, walking quickly back towards the castle.
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Post by Virgilia de Artio on Aug 29, 2010 23:49:10 GMT -5
Virgilia frowned slightly at Rebekah’s reaction after she’d told her she was not a suitor. Taking a step backwards she partly hid behind Antaria, looking curiously and somewhat scared at the red haired girl’s back. It surprised her that there were so many women that would like to marry another woman. It truly did. In her country she didn’t think most people had even heard about it. But what now caught her attention was Rebekah’s cloak.
Quickly taking her eyes off the other woman’s cloak she faced Rebekah again, feeling a pang of jealousy hit her, as the red-eyed woman seemed to love using her voice, just as Virgilia herself had used to do. Forcing the jealous thought away she turned her attention back to Rebekah’s speak and then looked from the blonde woman to the red haired one as they both seemed to be blushing a little at once.
Virgilia looked back at Antaria as the princess of the sky started walking, with a smile and shrugged before taking the blonde princess’ hand, following Rebekah, though she quickly let go after a short moment.
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Post by Rebekah Naphtali on Aug 31, 2010 12:17:39 GMT -5
Rebekah bit her lip in confusion as Virgilia glanced at her writhing cloak, then laughed as she realized the source of her fright. "Oh! Oh, no, don't be frightened! They are just my wings." She let them stretch slightly under her cloak. "When I first came to the surface, they had attracted some attention I'd rather not have, and I was not prepared for how narrow things are down here, much wider doorways in the sky, so I bind them up when I travel. But do not be worried! I'm not abnormal. They are just my wings." Her tone, at least, was reassuring, even if her words didn't do much to reduce the sum total of mysteries.
She cocks her head as she looks at Virgilia, her constant chatter briefly ceasing as she considers the woman in front of her. "Why do you not speak? Are you shy? I was afraid to raise my voice when I first arrived. I did not speak surface languages so well. Sometimes I think I still do not." She shrugs, and smiles warmly. "But perhaps you'll get better!"
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Post by Virgilia de Artio on Aug 31, 2010 13:58:03 GMT -5
Virgilia gasped slightly as Rebekah told her about her wings, wondering what they looked like. She clasped her bare hands together and her eyes started sparkling, so this woman was an angel from the sky? That was certainly a dream coming true! How she wanted to draw this woman and memorize seeing such a person. She wanted to know about this woman’s culture and how it was like to live where she was.
Letting her hands fall back to her sides she chuckled a little again, finding it hard to imaging that such a chatty girl could be afraid to use her voice. The princess then shook her head a little and smiled sadly. “Uhm…” Raising her hands a little she used sign language. ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t speak.’ She didn’t expect this girl to know sign language, but she knew that Antaria would be able to translate this little sentence for her.
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