[CRP] Under a watchful eye

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Serafay
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[CRP] Under a watchful eye

Post by Serafay »

Serafay looked out the window. Besides speckles of light: hearths seen through shudders left ajar, lanterns outside the tavern, moving torches of the militia, a myriad of stars on the black velvety drape of the night sky. Everything was quiet. It was quite the contrast from Widu, and even more of the Capital, where grey and brown were the chief colours with some streets so narrow and building so tall no sunlight reached the cobblestone path. Silvervale wasn't a town by any stretch of the imagination. It was a big village however. One with a busy center, a handful of shops and houses, mostly made of wood, sitting next to each other. There was a small church with a beautifully kept graveyard full of trees and flowers. A wooden fence about a meter and a half tall stood protectively around the heart of Silvervale. Beyond that, as far as the eye could see, it was mainly farms dotted with larger houses built on foundation of stone. This one has a mill, that one vast pastures of sheeps while the other had an orchard that gave a variety of sweet apples. A river flowed near Sera's small castle. It had been enlarged by hand centuries ago, creating a pond. Originally, it has been more of a regular oval shape but erosion has given it a more natural look before trees had been planted to prevent the banks from receeding too much. It had given a special feature to the castle however; part of it was firmly planted in the water. A previous owner had made the master suite in that part and the princess had the intention of having a balcony built eventually. On the other side of the pond, which was about 50 meters across, an old forest stood proud. More often than not, the lowest branches were still way above anybody walking or even riding through the woods. A handful of little paths were barely tended to and the rest was either moss, a blanket of dead leaves or small shrubs and ferns. The youngest trees had been planted to replace older ones that had broken due to illness, insect or bad weather. Harsh winters were always a peril for those silent giant.

All of that, the Princess could only imagine beyond her window. She was eager to show all of it to Elisa the day after. Hopefully, the predictions were true and they would have mild temperatures and a beautiful sun for the upcoming days. A smile brushed on Sera's lips. The focus of her gaze switched from through the window to the reflection she saw on it. A silhouette had just entered the room and she would've recognized it anywhere. Turning on her heels, her face lit up and she opened her arms, running towards Jacob. For a moment, she forgot how tired she was of the journey and simply held on to him tightly. She could feel tension in his embrace as he could probably sense the same in hers. After a few seconds, she looked at his face and gave him a long kiss.

"My love, I was wondering if I would see you tonight. I'm happy that you came to see me even though there is a lot still to do. Elisa is just down the corridor. She's resting."

Serafay walked towards the seats near the fireplace and sat down. The couple discussed matters both serious and trivial, ending with little plaisanteries and small talk. Jacob, however, had still a lot to do and needed to leave. It was a good thing, if the young Winterbourne was realistic. She had to sleep if she wanted to be able to go through the next day in the best condition. Hopefully, Elisa would like some of the things she had picked and arranged for her. The future bride slipped under the cover with a tired sigh. The Reaper leaned to kiss her forehead goodnight and make sure she was tucked in comfortably before snuffing all of the candles and letting her escape to the Realm of dreams.... As he left, Serafay could only pray her night would be uneventful and peaceful.
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Elisa
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Re: [CRP] Under a watchful eye

Post by Elisa »

When Sera had asked her to be her maid of honour it had surprised her. It wasn’t something she would have expected. After all, Sera was a princess and she was a commoner. She did like Sera though, they had spent quite some time together in the tavern. And when the king wasn’t around they were quite informal as well. She remembered Sara telling her she could just call her Sara, though preferably not when the king was around. She wasn’t sure if that request would still be valid. And recently she’d probably forgotten about it a couple of times, but nothing seemed to have happened.

Elisa hadn’t really known what a maid of honour was supposed to do. At first she thought she was asked to be a special kind of maid –the servant kind. Turned out it wasn’t, luckily Sera had explained quite a lot to her by now. She’d help Sera where she could, and going along on this trip seemed to be a way she could help. Her teacher had been a little fussy about her being away at first, but when she learned it was related to a royal’s wedding she had come around quickly for some reason.

Elisa had been feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness about the trip. She always felt a bit nervous when she went to new places but Sera had given her a summary on what was to happen, and when, which helped to ease the nerves, as she knew a bit more on what to expect. Though sometimes knowing what’s to come will make you nervous instead. What did help greatly was knowing that Jacob had asked Anno to come along as well. She wasn’t quite sure why he had chosen Anno, but she was really happy about it. She had been on a date with him before, to the lake. But this was a proper travel trip, more than a day away. She didn’t expect there to be much private time, the trip was to help organise Sera’s wedding after all, but it was still really nice to have him around.

The road there had been long, but she got to drive it in a carriage. It had been quite exciting at first, looking around, the horses being there… But by the end of the day the ride had left her quite tired. Since she became an apprentice weaver and started school she’d been sitting a lot more then she had before. But even then she usually didn’t sit down for this long. Despite the soft pillows on the seats, this was starting to get to her. Though she tried to hide it of course. The ride hadn’t been boring, there’d been lots of talking along the way, which helped to speed time up while having a good time. Above this Anno was sitting next to her. At first she’d been a little shy with Sera sitting right in front of them. She had tried to subtly take his hand, thinking it might not be noticed. Later in the trip she eased up and was gladly holding hands and later even leaning against Anno. Despite being in good company, A whole day of traveling was still tiring so when the carriage stopped at their destination Elisa was secretly glad they had arrived. It had already become dark, so she couldn’t see much of the place and how things looked like. Apart from the light specs of the touches.

She was soon given her own room, Jacob’s, Sera’s and Anno’s would be close she knew. They had also kindly offered her a meal in the kitchen. She’d wanted to refuse but a growl of her stomach at that time and the woman inviting her insisting she should eat had convinced her to do so. She was hungry but didn’t want to cause trouble asking for food so late on the day. But they had already prepared something they had ensured her, would be rude to refuse as well wouldn’t it? After they went through the trouble already. It was quite a delicious meal. They must have known they would be arriving late, it was a lighter meal but even then Elisa experienced it as a luxurious meal. After the meal they had brought her back to her room. She was glad for that or she might have gotten lost on her way. She had been given a nice and big room. The thing sticking out most at this time being the large bed. It was a two person bed so it was much bigger then the bed she was used to sleep in. She nestled herself in the middle of the bed. The tiredness combined with the full stomach made her fall asleep probably even before her head hit the pillow. Not leaving her which much time to ponder about what was going to happen the next days.
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Jacob_Netter
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Re: [CRP] Under a watchful eye

Post by Jacob_Netter »

After Jacob had tucked in Serafay he listened at Elisa and Anno’s doors for a few seconds. Satisfied that they were well taken care off, he went to his chambers to grab a leather satchel, before letting his footsteps follow a by now familiar route through the castle to the gates, all the way to the blacksmith’s workshop.

Some time ago he had paid the local blacksmith to let him work on personal projects during the night.
In the last days he had finished the wedding rings and this night he was putting the final touches on a long rose gold necklace that he wrapped in goat leather strips.

An hour before sunrise he tied the last ends off, put a small dollop of horse tooth glue on it and wrapped the entire necklace twine and dipped it in a small pan of boiling water that he placed on the glowing coals some time earlier.
2 minutes later he pulled the pan off the coals and began to pack his satchel, in the end he tossed the hot water away and tied the long leather bound necklace around his neck, letting it cool down as he walked back to the castle, greeting the odd villager in passing.

Back in his rooms he lit a small fire in the fireplace and placed the necklace in front of it and prepare the incense and poisons he’d need for his ritual meditation and cleansing the coming day. Afterwards he snuck into Serafay’s room, lit the fireplace and laid on top of the blankets next to her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her in close, letting his mind fall asleep those few blissful moments before she’d wake up.
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Anno_Koji
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Re: [CRP] Under a watchful eye

Post by Anno_Koji »

He… was anxious… he knew that he liked Elisa, a lot, yet attending to official functions together… he could only hope that means the good times will not get got. As they traveled in the cart, he pointed out trees he recognized and forest animals, trying to keep the conversation going and her happy, entertained. His heart jumped with joy as her hand touched his, knowing that she sometimes shies away from showing too much affection in public.

The first thing that he did when they arrived was circle the castle, looking at ways he could scale the walls, he had seen better, but at the same time he had seen way worse, confident that they would do their job nicely and give him time to bug out with her if push comes to shove he goes inside. Checking for quick escape routes that would allow him to get out while carrying someone, spotting at least a few of them he smiles as he checks the rooms, staring with hers so he gets a quick lay of the furniture to allow for quick pickup before retreating to his own room to meditate.
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Serafay
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Re: [CRP] Under a watchful eye

Post by Serafay »

Serafay opened her eyes, giving them a second to adapt to the dim light of the sun filtering around the curtains. Jacob was facing her, his arm thrown on top of her affectionately. She knew that he wasn't sleeping; he didn't need it and often found more useful things to do to busy himself whilst the rest of the world slept. Nevertheless, he seemed to be meditating or retrenched in the depth of his mind. The young woman smiled and moved closer to him, pressing her ears on his chest as she had done in the first times they had met. The slow and steady drumming of his heart and another rhythm, less obvious, formed a now familiar symphony. Tomorrow morning, they would emerge of their cleansing separately and then be reunited in the Silvervale's sacred grove to pronounce their vows to each other. Sera squeezed the necromancer gently, her heart aflutter at the idea that she was so close to becoming his wife. How many months did she have to think about it? Yet it had never felt as real as it did in that moment. The next dawn would be her last as an unmarried woman. Joy put a lump in her throat as she bit her lip not to become too emotional. Jacob stirred and she lifted her gaze to meet his.

"I'm sorry" she started in a whisper. "I did not mean to interrupt your rest. I really needed to hold you to believe this is real... That you are real."

Worry obscured her beloved's face for mere second at the sight of her shinning eyes and her shy, hesitant smile but it vanished as soon as she rested her forehead against his. In moments of silence, they both enjoyed each other's company without the need for words, allowing themselves to be close and satisfied by the presence of the other. Serafay, alas, had to break the beautiful spell of that lazy morning by sitting in the bed and getting up. She walked to the window and opened the curtains in one swift movement, letting in the bright light of morning with a smile. She looked over the calm lake and towards the forest where they would both enter tomorrow.

"It's a beautiful day outside! That's perfect for the last minute preparations that need to be done. I would've felt quite sad to have Elisa walk in the rain to put up the ribbons and gather the offerings. Do you think she'd suddenly combust if I had a secret picnic arranged for her and Anno?"

The Princess turned with a mischievous smile, decided not to be swayed on that little surprise she was planning for her friend and maid of honour. With his gentle expression, she knew the idea hadn't even crossed her intended's mind.

- - - -

After spending a few hours with Elisa in the guest bedroom, showing her all the dresses, shoes and accessories she had picked for her and among which she was expected to make her choice, Serafay had spent a bit of time handling urgent matters that couldn't wait for the week she was adamant to take to enjoy the blissful life of a newlywed bride. A light lunch later, she had invested time into making sure everything was ready; her outfit was clean and hung to avoid creases, the sage was dry enough to smoke, her offering was secured in a small box, Jacob's wedding ring was in security with her jewels for the day. The maids had made sure the right oils were disposed near the baths and that additional candles were ready so there would be no need to fetch new ones during the night. The Princess gave her last instructions about the small but lavish dinner that would be served as a celebration the following day instead of the usual party. In a whirlwind of details, steps, gems and fabric, the sun went up and started its rapid descent towards the night. The young woman sat at the table with Jacob and their two guests, making nervous small talk and answering questions Elisa still had about her role. After Sera had finished her cup of wine, she got up, holding her future Lord's hand and took her leave but not before she had given him a long kiss, whispering in their embrace "I'll miss you tonight so I can never miss you again after". With a nod to Elisa, she said in her normal voice "In an hour. I'll get ready in the meantime" Her footsteps moved further and further away until the sound was but a vague echo in the distance and then vanished altogether.
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Elisa
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Re: [CRP] Under a watchful eye

Post by Elisa »

Elisa stretched herself as she was slowly waking from the sunlight entering the room. Her fingers grasping the soft fabric underneath them, her head snuggling in the soft pillow. She had slept like a baby party because of the long day yesterday but also because of the comfort of the bed. Judging by the sun she had slept in a bit. She hoped Sera and Jacob wouldn’t mind, she was here to help them after all. But if they did why hadn’t they woke her up? Only minutes after she’d woken a servant woman entered her room, almost as if she’d been waiting and heard the movement and took it as a sign to get in. Elisa was a bit surprised, not being used to somebody walking around the room setting things in order. Especially since she was still in her nightdress. The woman probably felt her unease and left the room when all was in place so Elisa could get ready. Or this was wat normally happened, she wasn’t really sure. To her surprise the water the maid brought in to wash her with was warm, it was a nice surprise. Elisa felt bad she hadn’t event thanked her, she’d been to transfixed to think about it. Hopefully she’d see the maid later and she could rectify, it was just morning and she’s probably already being a bad guest. After washing and dressing she found the woman standing close to her door, waiting to guide her down to breakfast if she wished. Elisa was glad as now she got the chance to thank her for bringing the water and the other things she’d set in place.

She enjoyed breakfast together with Anno, who apparently had been waiting for her so they could sit together. She liked that he had done that, even if it also made her feel somewhat guilty for sleeping in while he was waiting. The rest of the time before lunch she spend together with Sera. Much to her surprise they were looking for dresses for her to wear, not for Sera. There was, in her mind, a surprisingly large amount of options to choose from. She hadn’t expected she’d be given a dress to wear. But it was probably logical she had to look the part as well. It was nice to try them on, feel the different fabrics and designs of the dresses. They all looked really great, she wondered how she’d ever be able to make a choice. Luckily Sera was helping her pick. Some dresses were a little challenging to get into, how did noble woman do this on their own? Or was this why they had people to help them with it.

After lunch there was a new task for her, to gather flowers in the forest surrounding the castle and hang ribbons going in many directions. It wasn’t a particularly hard task at all and it was made even better when it was suggested Anno should go with her, for protection. She loved the idea of spending time together with Anno, though bit it the security part wasn’t the main reason for that. Excitedly she left to complete her task. It took a little longer to complete then it could have. She wasn’t sure if Sera and Jacob would realise, or mind…

Not long after entering the forest they had stolen a moment to share a kiss. It wouldn’t be the only one… there were probably more butterflies in her stomach then there were in the forest surrounding them. That was how it felt anyway. It was good that she had opted for a light outfit for the day as Anno came with the suggestion to climb a tree together. Elisa was hesitant at first, after all climbing a tree like that, without a ladder, wasn’t one of those things you were supposed to do was it? As a girl at least.. Elisa was glad she let Anno convince her though. He helped her a great deal climbing up, sometimes it even felt like he was lifting her up entirely but that was probably her imagination she thought. She didn’t dare to go super high so they halted on a still rather thick branch and sat down on it. Elisa wasn’t feeling very confident but Anno somehow always managed to calm her down and make her feel safe. He had wrapped his arms around her and she was leaning against him a little. Once she got a bit more confident in sitting there, she was enjoying it. There even were birds that dared to come close enough for them to see them.
After a while they continued and when Elisa was busy picking the flowers for Sera, Anno seemed to have been busy as well. Since he surprised her a little later with a flower crown he made for her. She loved it! It looked so nice, maybe she could even wear it to the wedding, would they mind?

After sharing a few more kisses it was time to return to the castle. Handing over everything to the right persons. There was some last information handed out over dinner and then Sera informed her it would be time in an hour. Now she was starting to feel a bit nervous. It would be her task to look after Sera during the night and make sure she was safe. She wasn’t sure what to expect for the night, what could happen. Above this she hadn’t actually stayed up all night before and she really hoped she wouldn’t ruin things by falling asleep, or any other reason for that matter.
When the time was there she went to Sera and the night could start.

*written with permission of Anno
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Jacob_Netter
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Re: [CRP] Under a watchful eye

Post by Jacob_Netter »

Jacob laid in Serafay’s bed, watching his beloved as she prepared some sort of plan, a mischievous one if her smile was anything to go by. Once she left to go take care of the last preparations he got up and went to his room to change into a rough woven woolen robe. It was undyed and thus of a greyish colour.

He once more checked if everything he needed for the night’s meditation and confession was prepared, before heading to the river outside the keep and slipping out of his robe. The water was rushing by at his feet, steady and undisturbed as if it were a fact written in the very fabric of the world. He stared at the water for minutes, letting the cold wind bite into his naked flesh, burrow through it and chill his bones. He touched the leather wrapped necklace that hung from around his neck for a moment, before stepping into the water. In mere moments he was swallowed up by the water and dragged into its depths. There he stood, letting his senses slowly adjust to the dim light around him, most of the sunlight being dispersed by the water above him. He looked up to observe that very thing for a few short moments, his mind finding a short moment of peace in it.

Soon enough his burning lungs pulled him out of this reverie and with a small frustrated push of his will he grew the Sea Serpent's gills on his neck. He coughed for a moment as his body adjusted to the sudden sensation of the water flowing through the gills and the last air was pushed out of his lungs.
He once more touched the necklace around his neck and went on his journey, the rough sand scratching the soles of his feet with every step as the current pulled and tugged on him, as if the river were brushing him down with a rough sponge, as if to cleanse both him and the necklace he was wearing of all impurities.

For hours he wandered pondering on what was to come, his oaths and promises, the alternate identity he had named the Salavein, the redeemer and whether what he was would be enough to protect any potential children Serafay might bear him. Whether he truly should let go of the past and look only towards the future or whether perhaps his soon to be wife’s resources would be a great boon in his hunt.

As time went by the leather strips around the necklace slowly started to loosen and by the time he climbed back on to the riverbank, they had vanished somewhere in the watery depths. The robe was where he had left it, but some foxes had found it a great place to curl up and enjoy the sunlight. He laughed at this before shooing them away slipping the robe over his head and heading back to the keep to grab his bow.

The next few hours he spent hunting a wild aurochs. The great beasts were a challenge to hunt but it was tradition in Windrip that the groom provide part of the feast by himself as a proof of strength and skill. Seeing this was also one of the last memories he had of Windrip before the battle between the Nomads and Sethos.
He returned to the keep in the early evening and set about skinning and butchering the large animal, before preparing several dishes with its meat, telling the servants in the kitchen to do with the rest of the meat as they pleased.

He headed to the great hall to spend the last hours before the Confession was to begin, in the company of his beloved, Elisa and Anno.
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