Medieval: the Kingdom of Kyth

[Kristykimmy]

(Collab with Lizica)

“Ambrose, have you seen Aldrich?” Lucinda asked, walking up to her Great-Uncle at the dessert table where he had just broken up the spat between the twin Princesses.

He informed her that Aldrich had gone out the side door, adding his suspicions that he was probably checking on one of his creations. Lucinda thanked him and headed out the same door, stopping to exchange hellos with Emery before she did.

She stepped out into the hall began to look for him. Lucinda went up one of the side passages and turned a corner that lead to the resident quarters of the Keep. There she nearly bumped into Babewyn and someone covered in some strange glittering pile of what seemed to be confetti.

“Aldrich, my lord, is that you?” Lucinda asked, biting her lip to try to hide the smile.

The mass of confetti came to a stop and turned in her direction; it even might have smiled, but it was hard to tell. Babewyn, meanwhile, began laughing hysterically. “Such good timing!” she exclaimed.

"Milady Lucinda, it's good to see you!" said Aldrich. It had been such a long time since he’d seen her. It seemed to him that Lucinda looked a bit more self-assured somehow; her months in Bern must have done her good. "How have you been doing? Your uncle has been telling me some good things. I hope you enjoyed the wedding festivities?" 

He paused for a moment and looked sideways at Babewyn as her giggles finally tapered off. Well. There really wasn't much to do by way of sidestepping his current appearance. "Ah, in case you're wondering," he said to Lucinda, pointing at himself, "we, uh, had a slight mishap in one of the entrance hallways. I'm going to try to get it off before I need to get back. --Magic confetti," he added.

"Magically sticky magic confetti," Babewyn clarified with a grin. 

“Were you the cause of that mishap, Babewyn?” Lucinda asked, shaking her head at the gargoyle. “For shame, he's the king.” Then, with a smile, “I hope you never change.”

Babewyn grinned back. “Pseudo-accident,” she piped up. “And will do.”

Lucinda looked at Aldrich, unable to hide the grin at his sticky predicament. “I am doing quite well. Good things? What has Ambrose told you?”

“Just that you were practicing singing and you were finding ways to help people in your hometown. Is that going well? Has the whistling vase been any trouble? Do you still write songs?”

As they turned a corner, Knead and Fantail hurried ahead, recognizing the way back to the king’s quarters.

“The vase is fine, it helps me along a good deal with the singing. No, I don't write songs any longer. It's hard to explain, but it was... a childish fancy. If I ever write songs again, they likely won't be epic ballads to be sung for the ages. I suppose the work I try to do in Destrier is going well. Time will tell on that score if anything I've done will change life for the better. Still, I try. If I don't, nothing will change. I have you to thank for this change, this awakening, if you will.”

“Have I?” said Aldrich, his face still difficult to see behind the confetti, but it looked a bit confused. “I—guess I’m honored to hear that, milady. In my experience, small kindnesses can change the world; and I’m sure that what you’re doing in Destrier has helped someone out there. I think you had that effect in Medieville.”

“Meeting you taught me to look beyond my own sphere. Because of meeting you, I learned of the reasons behind the Shadows' formation. I did not realize how helpless some of them felt before. Grandfather has always done his best to keep Bern prosperous, but that is on the grand scale. I can work on the small scale, and maybe that will lead somewhere too. What did I change here?” Lucinda knew Medieville had changed her, but couldn't imagine how she could have changed it.

Now the heap of confetti was definitely smiling. They came to a stop outside an ornate door. “Wait here, milady, I’ll be right back.”

As Aldrich pushed open the door, he could hear Babewyn behind him: “That’s kind of a silly question, isn’t it? You were the first person to tell us you liked his pottery. Really gave him a confidence boost. Plus, from that we got to go crazy testing the pottery. If nothing else, that was a plus. Also, you kept him from keeling over sick. Double-plus.”

“Did that really make such a difference? Honestly, I didn't realize there was so little love for the marvels Aldrich created. A pity, but I suppose they all love you now. While he was certainly ill, Babewyn, I don't think he would have died without my intervention,” Lucinda laughed. “You give me entirely too much credit.”

As Aldrich entered his room—so much bigger than his old studio, yet still quite lively—several inquisitive pairs of stone eyes followed him. Stippling, for one, made a clearly confused cheeping, and Sgraffito flapped up to the dresser, where Aldrich was heading. (Aldrich had finally sent the gargoyles one day to search for the bat’s missing ear in the cemetery. By some ridiculous miracle, they had found it within ten minutes, which still baffled him, but at least Sgraffito was whole again.) The others—birds perched on chairs, the sheep Bisque on the floor, and Rasp and Riffler still lightly squabbling in the corner by the drapes—watched Aldrich as he glitteringly plodded across the room through its light dust cloud.

“Babewyn scrounged up the buckets of unusable magic confetti for the wedding,” he explained to the sculptures. (He also looked pointedly at Fantail and Knead. A few of the other birds ruffled their feathers and returned to their business, quite unsurprised.) Finally, from above the dresser, Aldrich pulled down his marble staff from the wall and, retracing his steps back across the room, took it with him back to where Lucinda and Babewyn were waiting. A small entourage of sculptures fell in step behind him (and Slip and Fettle were in his hair, trying to figure out what the confetti was).

“You were one of the people who helped inspire me to make this staff, milady,” said Aldrich in greeting, as he lifted the staff to his shoes and was relieved to see that he could, indeed, siphon off the massive amount of sparkling confetti. “I originally made it to protect people.”

“And now you’re using it like a lint roller,” said Babewyn, chortling.

“You’ve got to work with what you have, Babewyn. If small things can be important, big things can be capable of smaller deeds, too.”

Lucinda laughed at that exchange and then grew solemn. “In all of the confusion afterwards, I don't know that I ever properly thanked you for saving me that day. If you hadn't arrived when you did... Well, let's not worry over could-have-beens.”

“You’re welcome, milady. And—thank you, as well. It was a...big day, and it helped to know that you were there safe in spite of all things. You also helped us make our way through the Keep.”

“I wish I could have done something more,” Lucinda said, thinking about Ilaria. She and so many others had lost their lives that day. She had not, which was why it was important to her to make a difference with it now. She shook the grim thoughts from her mind, it was not a day to let sorrows cloud. “Destiney would be so happy for her sister. You've become so good with your nieces. I assume that patience and kindness must have something to do with putting up with certain friends of yours all these years.” She gave Babewyn a significant look.

“We all wish we could have done more,” said Aldrich sadly, catching Lucinda’s drift. “I would hope that we’re all doing alright.” He paused softly. 

After a long moment, he took a breath, looked back up, and continued moving the cleaning staff over his sleeves. “...Speaking of... How are we doing on time, Babewyn? How soon will Hope be needing me in the wedding reception again?”

“You’ve still got some time,” said Babewyn. “You’re forgetting just how much people eat and drink during these big feasts. They go on for a while, and from what I could tell when we were in the hallway, ol’ Joff hadn’t even started belting out more songs. Oh—and uh, you missed a spot.”

“What? No, I didn’t.”

“No, here. And here. ...And here. You got rid of the confetti part, but the magic glitter part is still sort of—”

“Oh, for ‘Woo’s sake—How do I get it off.” 

Concentrating harder with the staff, Aldrich tried again. Fettle and Slip tittered slightly.

“Hm, little better,” Babewyn murmured after the second run-through. “Now you’re just sort of shiny instead of glittery. Maybe no one will notice.”

Lucinda covered her mouth to try to stop the laughter, but it broke out anyway. “Forgive me, but you must admit, it is somewhat comedic. It is late enough into the feast that most of them will likely have drank enough not to notice, or at least to wonder. At least, it will make for a fun story to tell the grand-nieces and nephews someday?”

She smiled, shaking her head. “I've missed you, Aldrich. Life is too normal in Destrier.”

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll laugh about it tomorrow, but first we’ve got to make it through today,” said Aldrich. With a sigh, he looked himself over one more time before depositing the staff back in the room and setting Slip and Fettle back down. He looked at Lucinda. “We missed you, too, milady—life is too hectic in Medieville.”

“You can drop the titles, my lord. We're among friends,” Lucinda laughed. “Perhaps your duties will allow you to come to Destrier someday. I promise I shall ensure it is slightly less hectic than Medieville. Only slightly, as I assume Babewyn will accompany you.”

“Ooh—a business trip!” said Babewyn. “We’ve never been to Destrier! I hear it’s cold, do you have snowball fight competitions in the winter?”

Aldrich rolled his eyes. “Now you’ve got her started,” he said to Lucinda.

Lucinda simply smiled at Babewyn's enthusiasm.

“Is that who I think it is?” said a sudden voice as they entered another corridor on their way back down to the wedding reception.

“It sure is!” came a reply. “He looks awfully resplendent today.”

“Well, his expression definitely didn’t look any brighter, so I guess he had to find some other way to compensate.”

“DOHOHOHOHOHOHO!”

“They haven't changed,” Lucinda commented, shaking her head. “I suppose that is good, in a way. So many things change.” Then to them, “Well met, Masters Standorf and Waller. We cannot stop, the king must return to the reception before people begin to search for him.”

“Hm, I don’t think it’d be the king they’d be searching for,” said Standorf.

“Yeah,” agreed Waller, “I think they would be much more excited to finally find that this game is finally done with!”

“DOHOHOHOHOHOHO!”

“Try not to insult anyone else today,” Aldrich instructed and waved to the busts as they went past. 

As Lucinda, Babewyn, and Aldrich once more reached the reception hall, the sound of chatter and song and excited laughter greeted them. 

“And yes, Lucinda,” Aldrich added at length, using her name, “the busts are the same as ever. And I suppose that when the whole world seems to change—even if for the better—sometimes it’s good to have something reliable...even if they’re sculptures that make continual wisecracks or accidentally douse you in confetti when you’re supposed to have other responsibilities.”

“But sometimes those are the best kind of sculptures!” said Babewyn. And Aldrich couldn’t help but smile.

SPOILER: Click to show

Lucinda goes to find Aldrich, who is covered in the glitter dropped on him by Babewyn. They talk as he tries his best to remove the stuff and then return to the reception.

[Tiger]

From the moment Ambrose hesitated even to take the band, Leif could guess what Ambrose’s answer would be. Magic was one of the few things Leif understood well.

Ambrose thanked him, explaining that he had grown used to the visions over time. It was a pity Leif couldn’t have helped him those ten or twenty years ago, when Ambrose had really needed it...but of course, even if he had known Ambrose back then, five or even fifteen-year-old Leif would not have been able to do much about it.

Leif nodded in reply, and he had to admit that he was a little relieved to hear it. Leif had reminded himself over and over again while planning and making the bracelet that suppressing magic wasn’t inherently evil, that he wasn’t doing what Duval had done to Xavier, that Ambrose could take off a bracelet anytime he wanted. Some magic was just too powerful to be controlled. Time magic in particular was said to be a great and often unmanageable burden. If Leif was going to help Medieville and its people with their magical problems, that might mean finding solutions that involved cutting off magic the way doctors sometimes had to amputate infected limbs, no matter his personal feelings.

Still, Leif’s own experience with suppressed magic made him very, very wary of subjecting anyone else to it. The waking nightmare of his unreleased archmage abilities was not a pain Leif would wish on anyone, not even temporarily. As frightening as the episodes of uncontrolled magic that had followed were, Leif would not have undone Lunari’s attack for all the money or raptors in the world.

Despite his words, Ambrose picked up the bracelet. Much like Leif, he barely put a finger inside one of the iron rings before clearly feeling the effects, wincing and hastily returning it. "I...don't think it works.” Apparently Ambrose’s wince was in response to something different than Leif had felt when he’d tried it. Carefully, Leif returned the bracelet to an inside pocket of the satchel as Ambrose continued, ”I'm sorry, Master Leif. My magic is very...particular, and I have a resistance to it by now. Thank you, it's very kind of you, but it will not work on me. Perhaps one day, I will tell you why, just not today. It's not a story for such a happy day."

“You don’t need to apologize,” Leif said, fastening the bag shut and returning his attention to Ambrose. “I knew it was a long shot when I made it. It was good practice, though, and knowing how to bend the iron might come in handy for other things...” He would probably have to disenchant the bracelet later; Leif didn’t particularly want a cuff with the ability to dampen his magic lying around the Manor for any knowledgeable thief or assailant to use. If he could twist one of the runes out of shape...or better yet, he could seal the whole chain so it would need to be unwound before being recreated. If Leif changed another of the runes, actually, that would lock it much more securely, and it might make the enchantment’s purpose more obscure….

Drawing his focus back to the conversation - he really needed to get better at avoiding mental tangents - Leif added, “I’d be interested in hearing what you know about your magic, if and when you’d like to tell it.” He was a little surprised to hear that Ambrose knew more than he’d previously let on - though Ambrose hadn’t really seemed to be looking for a solution at that time, so sharing all the details probably hadn’t been highest on his priority list. Certainly Leif didn’t go into his turbulent magical history when telling someone he was a mage.

"And don't feel bad about the band. It might not have worked, but believe me, I am doing much better now than even a year ago. I don't feel like I need to have my visions controlled, not anymore."

“That’s good to hear. Magic can be…” Leif gestured with his hand, trying to find a proper word. “It can be a trial, but when it’s said and done...I hope it brings you at least some small satisfaction.”

After all, Leif thought, if his magic had been properly released, he would have been living a very different life. He’d have taken his older brother’s place as Accipiter’s mage. He’d have had plenty to do besides watch the birds in the aviary or read about them from the solace of his room. In fact, he’d probably be able to come out of his room more often, and interact and learn diplomacy and eventually be married to some noblewoman in the hopes that they would have more powerful mages for their House...it was the kind of life he was supposed to have wanted.

Leif could not imagine how boring that life would have been, and how empty without his friends and his raptors and his Kirin.

Speaking of raptors; as Leif looked around, he saw Ayleth peering interestedly at something across the courtyard from her window. The kite was leaning forward, her wings slightly raised - Leif recognized the posture instantly and guessed she had found a mouse, likely attracted by the crumbs of food.

“Excuse me, Lord Ambrose,” Leif said with a quick bow. “I’ll have to enjoy the wedding after I stop my kite from terrorizing the guests.”

Leif hurried off, slowing as he reached the base of the wall. Ayleth still hadn’t taken off and Leif called her name sharply. The kite looked down at him; she’d grown smarter in the past nine months, surrounded as she was by so much magic, and could now recognize her name. She must also have recognized Leif’s disapproving tone, because when he held out his arm, she flew down to his glove and landed with her head hunched and sulking.

Heading for yet-another mostly-abandoned corner, Leif scolded, “Love, you can’t start hunting in the middle of a wedding. That’s the sort of thing that makes people not let you into ceremonies. ...Don’t give me that look - you had plenty to eat this morning. Let the mouse have a bit of cake.”

Ayleth twisted her head sideways to glower at Leif from one red eye, but her attention was quickly captured by movement somewhere else. The kite wasn’t at human-level intelligence just yet. Leif shifted Ayleth to his shoulder, but held onto her jesses.

“Maybe we should find you some friends with wings instead of arms, hm, Ayleth? Or - Hadrian’s wing should have healed by now. Maybe I can have him sent here and see if you two still get along. Medieville could use some little kite hatchlings.”

And in addition to Hadrian, maybe Leif would ask for Stark the gyrfalcon, so he would have someone to fly during the winter...though, Leif thought, with a smile he wasn’t even entirely aware of, he’d bet Kirin would love to see Forthwind, Jade Manor’s huge snowy owl...and Forth would probably like the winters and milder summers of Medieville anyway...

Eventually, Ayleth chittered and drew Leif out of his thoughts. “Are you going to behave now?” Leif asked the kite. Ayleth shifted from talon to talon, and Leif relented, giving her a bit of meat from the pouch on his belt. “That’s my girl.”

SPOILER: Click to show

Leif takes the band back from Ambrose (Celestial), actually a little relieved that he isn’t giving out tools of magic suppression. He’s interested in hearing the story behind Ambrose’s powers, but wants to leave the when and if up to Ambrose. Noticing Ayleth getting ready to swoop down on a mouse, Leif hastily excuses himself to go fetch her, and wanders over toward some more empty tables to scold her...and then give her a treat because Leif is a pushover for his birds.

[Liou]

The Kidde home had never been so busy. Thanks to Daria and Ciara's miraculous return, thanks to Lydia, to Arthur and the other regular visitors, Briar was well on her way to recovery. The activity was a bit overwhelming, even for Laurie, who had rarely stayed there for more than a few days at a time.
As his back improved little by little, he had been able to do more repairs around the house and the goats' pen, making everything more convenient for his sisters.

He had managed to sneak into town to run errands and to see Rosie, whose affections constantly surprised him. The tale of the robbery attempted at the Lock and Key shop by a Courdonian had left Laurie in a quiet, seething rage, determined to protect Rosie as much as he could. The incident with the Courdonian prince was still fresh in their memories, and he understood how vulnerable she might feel when her appearance drew unwanted attention.

He had let Rosie tell Morgaine the truth about his nature, because the connection between the two was too strong to keep such a secret, and Morgaine had done so much for Rosie's well-being that she deserved to know. In a way, Laurie needed a third party's opinion on his worth. He awaited Morgaine's judgement with bated breath, was a little confused when she didn't show a particularly strong reaction; then it dawned on him that she had accepted him, and he gradually became used to her presence.
She made him both comfortable and uncomfortable. She represented someone that Laurie had tried to become for his sisters, while missing her terribly.

As he spent more time at the Lock and Key shop, he offered to help them in any way he could. He had been expecting maid-like tasks, so he was honoured when Morgaine introduced him to her craft, despite his lockpicking past. It was a delicate art, completely unlike what he had done to locks before. She was a tough teacher, but Laurie was used to being ordered around and determined to prove himself worthy of her trust. He couldn't believe his eyes the first time she paid him.

Each of those visits granted Laurie more time with Rosalie. He discovered her home, her room, how she liked to organise her life, how to please her and surprise her. Rosie discovered how to overwhelm him with so much tenderness that for a moment, he forgot his inadequacy, the mockery, the certitude that he was unfit for intimacy. Slowly, he loosened up under her touch, his defensive instincts stopped feeling alarmed, he wrapped his mind around the fact that she liked him the way he was, and he dared to initiate contact himself several times.

He was still steeling himself for the moment when she would realise how strange and unnatural he was. She would eventually want a better man, someone who could protect her as well as Sieg Braham.

Even so, he felt an increasing temptation to stop resisting, to take a leap of faith and place his fragile heart right into her hands, where it belonged. One day, he would tell her what she meant to him.

Nevertheless, Laurie did not want to depend on the Lock and Key duo's generosity or on anyone else's. It would take a new job to keep the house inhabitable. He couldn't afford to sneak through town like a criminal anymore, jumping at the slightest movement in the shadows, checking for them at every street corner.

No one had searched for the traitorous, thieving maid yet, but it was only a matter of time. They must have been delaying Laurie's punishment so as to let him simmer in his fear until he crawled out of hiding, or they might have been waiting to catch Laurie off guard and trap him like a rat, tearing him from his sisters right after letting him reunite with them.
It was what he would have done in the Shadows' place, while putting on the same kind, harmless face as their king. He would never forget a betrayal like the one he had committed for the Grand Duke.
Even Elin's, Clarissa's and Arthur's visits could have been a trap. Laurie didn't dare ask them about the Shadows' current activities.

But he had to walk freely somehow and find himself a place. Laurie needed a new identity, and he only had one choice. He would have to introduce himself as a man again.

So he had forced himself to go to the tailors', wearing old, oversized male clothes into town for the first time, and still terrified that someone would recognise him.

The day when he made those momentous first steps should have left a deep, clear impact in Laurie's memories. Instead, it was just a jumble, a haze that still crept up on him every time he felt nervous.

It had mainly been the anticipation, the hours of hesitation in front of the mirror, pulling his hair back, testing every angle of his face and every subtle change of his expression, vainly hoping to make the reflection of a man appear.

Then it had been the heat that spread over every inch of his body, suddenly hypersensitive without a dress to conceal it. Time seemed to have sped up around him as he walked briskly, feeling the stares that were doubtlessly scanning him from head to toe like as many ants crawling over him. He stayed focused on the weight of his dagger and on reaching his destination without going through any secluded areas.

The actual session at the tailors' was a reminder of everything he had dreaded - questions, stares, being inspected and sized up.
But after the initial humiliation came something good: the guild had an opening for an apprentice. Laurie gathered up his courage and showed them how he could sew, thanks to the princesses' many dress fitting and patching up sessions. He didn't need room and board, only a beginner's wages. They soon reached an agreement. Laurie had found a place.

Later on, he discovered with amusement that some members of the guild had rather sneaky activities, not unlike what he used to do. He was glad to find that they were on the same wavelength. Even though Laurie did not join their network, it made them more willing to listen to his needs and respect his identity. Sharing a secret often brought people closer to each other, after all.

Laurie went back home regularly to bring them part of his earnings, and people began to see him in his new outfit. He became a brother again.
Laurie had prepared a whole story to turn his maid self into his imaginary twin sister and make her disappear. He didn't know if it had worked, but no one made fun of him, and that was the best result he could have hoped for.

Arthur seemed confused at first, for one tense moment, then shrugged it off and spoke to Laurie just like before. The boy was maturing fast. Laurie worried about his connection to the Shadows and growing attachment to Briar, but Arthur was as friendly as always, and after that night in Jade manor, he knew better than anyone else not to upset the ex-thief.

Laurie dreaded meeting Clarissa and Elin as his new self and giving the Shadows another secret to use against him. Clarissa gave him a fright, but after her initial confusion, she seemed to accept him. Elin took it a lot better than he'd expected.
Lord Ambrose Stallion, of all people, was the easiest, with the gentlest reaction - Laurie wasn't even sure if he had understood, at first, but it turned out that the noble really was that tolerant.

Though Laurie's new clothes were a lot more flattering for his figure, they could not completely shield him, and sometimes he couldn't escape all the stares that pricked his skin in the street when he hurried home in a mortified daze. The thought of Rosie's love and acceptance was the only beacon that guided him home in that fog.

But when she walked with him, everything changed. He didn't even need to dance or parade to charm the people who saw him. He, Laurie, could walk in public with a girl. She held his hand and led him to fun places, she spread her cheeriness and threw her keys. As long as she was around, there was at least one person who accepted his nature. She made him feel safe.

Little by little, he stopped feeling tracked. He was always ready to find her a treat, or to climb up a tree like a squirrel to retrieve a key that had flown too high. If anyone complained about her rather dynamic marketing strategy, he would be there to support her, to throw more keys - or to advertise them at least.

If the complaints became rude, or if any unwise men tried to do what the Courdonian prince hadn't managed, Laurie could always pop up behind them and let them make friends with his knife.

He sometimes heard people ask what on earth her keys were supposed to unlock. By now, Laurie had understood that they opened hearts.

Spring arrived and Rosie began to talk excitedly about the upcoming royal wedding. Thinking of the Raven's Keep only reminded Laurie of the gryphons, and the threat of the ruling Shadows that seemed to stare down at his every move, wherever he went in Medieville.

Rosie's enthusiasm eventually rubbed off on him, though, and his thoughts turned to visions of nobles prancing in a rush of sumptuous clothes and sparkling jewellery, and Rosie looking like a princess among them. He had missed the splendor of the Keep. The Shadows still hadn't shown any signs of hostility, and Arthur would be going.

Maybe Laurie could check what his favorite nobles had been up to.

SPOILER: Click to show

TRANSITIONPOST between the coronation and wedding.
Little by little, Laurie becomes more comfortable with Rosie (Rosalie Dylas (Maddy) <3). He helps Morgaine (Shinko) with locksmithing, wants to get another job anyway to help his sisters not freeze over winter, and decides to come out as a guy so that no one can arrest the thieving maid (haha he is so smrt).
So he goes shopping for new clothes and conveniently finds himself a job with the tailors' guild. Arthur (Birdy), Ambrose (Celestial), Rissa (Sporty) and Elin (Gelquie) and anyone else who visits the Kiddes get to see him walk around all awkward with his new identity.

[Thundy]

The Ballad of Mr. Tony Rayne

(author's note, in order for your head not to explode from the time paradoxes, follow the timeskips as if the current moment is the present)

642 YEARS LATER

Havana, Cuba

Tony was on the beach. How he came to be on the beach didn't quite matter to him at the moment for he was currently taking a sip of what was a quite excellent mojito. Somewhere close by a mortar shell whistled through the air and exploded in the sand, showering a certain Toyota with a fine dusting of the stuff.

“So yeah, Tony, here's the deal. There's a lot of perks to what I'm offering you,” said Steve Magerage, also sipping on a colorful drink and relaxing in a deck chair in a pair of swim trunks, a wizard hat, and sunglasses. “You get to travel the world and meet interesting people.” He gestured to the deck chair to his left, in which was a man with a beard and a beret.

“Who are you?” Tony said.

“I'm Che Guevera, who are you?”.

“Not really sure at this point in time,” Tony replied, still fairly puzzled as to what was going on, when moments before he had been trying to get home from work.

“Well we can't be stopping here too long, although this beach is cool. You should see it in the 23rd century when they build the space elevator here,” said Steve.

642 YEARS EARLIER

Tony Rayne, office worker, pencil pusher, cog-in-the-machine, was running through Raven's keep with a lit highway road-flare in each hand, screaming at the top of his lungs. In his shirt pocket the phone, now painfully on reserve battery power. Tony had never really been in a war. Sure, Steve had shown him some interesting things that had sort of been wars, but this time Tony was in it for real. Seeing as he had no real weapons or combat training, he took inspiration from Full Metal Jacket, and did his very best to make his war face convincing. The flaming sticks helped, as was the particular song he had chosen to play with the last of his battery power.

“PUSH IT TO THE LIMIT!” Spat the speakers.

“THIS IS definitely PUSHING SOME KIND OF LIMIT.” Tony shouted over the hiss of burning magnesium and the clang of steel.

“Duck!” Yelled Clarissa, Tony barely managed to get his head clear of a volley of crossbow bolts that came screeching in from an upper balcony in one of the castle's many halls. He scampered and took cover, ironically, behind a suit of armor. Clarissa took up a similar position behind a stone pillar.

“Thanks for the heads up,” Tony said. “Steve wasn't kidding about how you had a good eye for danger.”

“And he wasn't kidding that you would be playing the strangest music, what even is that?”

“It's the soundtrack to an action packed movie, sort of like what's,” there was a loud PING! as another crossbow bolt glanced off the suit of armor “going on right now.”
“What's a soundtrack,” PING! “or a movie?”

“I'll,” PING! “explain it,” PING! “later.”

604 YEARS LATER

Petrograd, Russian Empire

An enthusiastic, armed, crowd was storming an ornate palace in the snow. A river was running past the palace, but choked with ice and a very large warship. There was a dull thud as its cannons fired into the building, causing masonry to crumble and fall.

“This is what I do, I travel through time and space, looking for interesting moments to check out, or even sometimes, get a little bit involved. Take JFK for example,” said Steve, in a large fur lined coat, adorned with stars and moons.

“YOU shot JFK?” Tony said, shivering. He wished they could get back in the car so he could crank the heat up.

“Me? Goodness no, we played some raquetball during the Cuban missile crisis. He won too.”

605 YEARS EARLIER

It was a Shadows meeting, although at that time, there were only two. Elin Ryer and Clarissa Falconer were gathering at a tavern.

“Our numbers at the moment are quite low,” said Elin in a hushed voice “There is still quite a lot of support for the King, but should he die unexpectedly, we might have the opportunity we need.”

Clarissa nodded. “We simply don't have enough pairs of hands to do grunt work, when the time comes, who's going to help us recruit more members, let alone find the true heir? Too few people, and we don't stand a chance, too many, and we'll be caught before we know it.”

“Edgar Allen Poe once said it's best to hide things in plain sight.” Said a figure on a table nearby. Although Elin and Clarissa were talking fairly quietly, the man had still overheard. Clarissa, not knowing what to say, hoped the man wasn't an agent of the crown.

Elin however was more direct and immediately turned around to face the man. “Who's Edgar Allen Poe? Who are you?” But that once glance was enough to deduce the man was obviously a wizard.

“Just call me Steve,” he said turning around as well. “Oh now don't be alarmed, I'm a wizard, dude. I could easily crush your rebellion by turning you into, I don't know, a frog or something. But that's entry level wizard stuff. I'm going to help you out.”

“And just how will you do that?” Elin asked.

“Easy, I'm going to send you a little secretary, an errand-boy if you will. When King Starmey finally kicks the bucket, be on the lookout for a strange man and his metal box. It'll be brilliant, nobody will suspect he's part of your rebellion, because he's not even from here.”

“What, you mean from Courdon or somewhere else?”

“Something like that.”

205 YEARS LATER

Prague, Bohemia

Two regally dressed noblemen were in the act of being defenestrated by a group of farmers when suddenly a confused Tony poked his head through the door.

“Uhm, excuse me, but could you tell me the way to the year 1314?” They all just stared at him. One of those holding the men about to be thrown from the window into a waiting cart of manure below shrugged his shoulders, momentarily forgetting about his grip on the nobleman teetering on the edge of the window, who disappeared with a small yelp as gravity took over. “Didn't think so.”

Tony removed himself from the room and got back in the car, which was parked inside the building in a hallway.

“Steve, dude, I told you it was no good pulling over asking for directions.” Tony said, a little sternly. Steve just laughed.

204 YEARS EARLIER

The battle was drawing to a close, but there were still pockets of resistance and fighting in the keep. Tony's flares had mostly burnt out, he had ended up dropping one, and not only had his phone ran out of power, but also had the curious effect of saving Tony's life as a guard attempted to run him through with a sword. The blade glanced off the metal frame of the phone, but the screen was completely destroyed.

“I had THREE payments left on that to make, you JERK!” Tony yelled as he cracked the dude over the helmet with a tire iron from the trunk of his car. The guard's helmet clanged like a cathedral bell, and he fell to the ground, dazed, but still breathing.

Down the hall a further group of guards was attempting to flank the other group of Shadows, who had barred a door to prevent their progress. Unknown to the Shadows, the route was a dead end, almost literally. Destiney Raven had ordered that particular hallway renovated in the days before, and there was a newly constructed stone wall preventing their escape. It wouldn't be long before the guards hacked through the door.

Luckily, they hadn't yet noticed Tony. He briefly considered taking them all with the tire iron, but his brain chirped up “Man, that idea is pretty dumb.” His friends were in trouble, and Steve had stressed to him the importance of doing his part. That was when he noticed the barrel, tucked away behind a knocked-over table. Big letters painted on the side read “MEDIEVILLE ROYAL DISTILLERY, FINE SPIRITS FOR THE GENTRY” A smile spread on Tony's face, he pulled from his pocket a pair of sunglasses, which had a small note attached to it. “When the time comes, you'll know it – your pal Steve”. Tony put on the pair of raybans, and with a swift kick, shifted the barrel onto its side in the middle of the hallway. He quickly removed the stopper, and foul smelling liquid and fumes permeated the air. With another swift kick, he sent the barrel rolling towards the guards, trailing an oily line of liquor.

The barrel came to a rest against the against the ankles of one of the guards, a few of them stopped hacking at the door and looked down at the barrel, then looked back up at Tony.

“Hey fools! Uhhh...errr,” Tony's mind went blank. “I had a snappy line for this, but I forgot!” And with that, he threw down the last of his road-flare into the trail, and watched a blue ripple of flame shoot down the hallway, into the barrel of spirits, which promptly exploded, scattering the guards like bowling pins, and blowing both the doors off their hinges. Somewhere else, Corinne's finely tuned liquor senses picked up the destruction of the barrel, and she shed a single tear at the loss of potential drinks. Aurum Spindle and a rag-tag group of peasants stuck their head out of the door and surveyed the damage.

“Now THAT was cool! YEAH!” Shouted Tony, who for once in his time in Kyth, managed to do something to help others, instead of ruining everything with loud music and car crashes.

“Tony I'm not sure if that was brave, stupid, smart, or all of the above,” Aurum said.

“Me either, man, me either,” Tony said, taking off the sunglasses. “Pretty honestly surprised I didn't end myself with that.”

“Or me.”

“That too.”

67 YEARS LATER

London, England

In a scene that was becoming oddly familiar with Tony Rayne, a group of peasants were running amok through the city shouting phrases like “DEATH TO THINE POLL TAXE!” The journey of Steve and Tony was almost at an end, with Kyth and the year 1314 being the equivalent of the next off-ramp on the temporal highway, and Steve was finishing his explanation.

“You're bored, your life is dull, and you want to do interesting things. Well it just so happens that you're going to get a little taste of what I do, I'm going to drop you smack dab in the middle of one of these rebellions, they need help, low key stuff, you'll be able to manage it,” Steve said “Actual open revolt is just a small part of a very long chain of events.” He gestured to the peasants from their vantage point along the river Thames.

“Wait, so what actually am I doing then?” Tony asked.

“The technical name for your job title is a Scrivener.”

“What, like, I have to take down the minutes of meetings, that's what you brought me back 7 centuries to do?”

“No no no, far from it, sure yes, there are errands to run, people to recruit, and sneaky things to be snuck around, I think you'll find it's the best job you've ever had. And don't worry, I know how this ends, you think I'd just leave you to die?”

“Actually, yeah, probably.”

“Fair point, I won't be there -all- the time, I do have to pop over to the 28th Century for a little bit, and if I miss your death, well sucks to be you.”

“Great, thanks.”

“Hey don't mention it. Now when you get there you'll have 3 comrades there looking out for you, don't worry. A Blacksmith, a Butcher, and an Inn-Keeper. Each one has a neat set of skills, but this kind of thing is a team effort, and you're the extra pair of hands to help get things rolling.”

“And how am I supposed to find them, they're looking for me, sure, but how do I know if they are the right people?”

“Hey man, how many times do I have to explain this, I'm a time travelling wizard, you'll find them, I already know that, but I'm not going to tell you EXACTLY how, that'd ruin the fun.”

“You can be a bit of a jerk sometimes, Steve, you know?”

“You love me really. C'mon, when was the last time you had this much fun?” Steve lightly slapped Tony on the shoulder.

“College, I stole a golf cart and crashed it into Lake Eerie.”

“Oh yeah, speaking of crashing, you might want to buckle up, cause this last one is going to be a bit bumpy.”

67 YEARS EARLIER

It had now been a few weeks since the battle of Raven's Keep, when the Courdonians were defeated, and the Shadow's goal had been realised. Aldrich was now poised to assume the Crown, and an unsteady peace had fallen over the land.

“It's almost time, isn't it?” Asked Clarissa. Tony nodded, but didn't speak, he was lying on the roof of the car staring up at the clouds as they lazily rolled past. His thoughts drifted back to the first few days, when he had arrived in Medieville, how he had felt not only lost, but lost in time as well. But now, this place felt a lot like home, but it wasn't his real home. His parents and family would be worried sick if he never returned. And as much as he liked Kyth and its people, he was still a 21st century guy.

“You know, we all wish you could stay longer,” Clarissa said again.

“Me too, but Steve said he might be able bring me back here again some time, sort of like a vacation. I guess he was happy with how I did,” Tony said, sitting up.

“That would be nice, we might use your help again, the easy part is over, now we have keep the Kingdom from falling apart.” said Elin.

“You know what they say about revolutionaries, it's easier to blow up the trains than to make them run on time,” Tony replied. Before anyone could ask what a train was he quickly added. “It's like my metal beast but larger and more frightening.”

“Yeesh,” said Laurie. “That one's bad enough.”

“Maybe Steve will bring you guys to the future too, it might be a little unnerving at first, but hey I can show you guys the prosperous kingdom of Ohio, and the city-state of Cleveland.”

“That would be nice!” Piped up Arthur. “I wanna see the future!”

“If you think I'm keeping you on a leash all around the 21st Century, you have another think coming, Arthur,” said Laurie.

“Perhaps one day,” said Aurum.

Tony fiddled with a small, golden medal dangling from a ribbon of dark purple cloth, embossed in silver with the coat of arms of the Shadows. Aldrich had given it to him as a token of thanks after the battle. He rubbed his thumb over the quadrant containing the symbol of the Scrivener, a set of scales. On the back were etched some small messages, “Goodbye! Good luck! We'll miss you!” If all else failed, he still had this small reminder of his time in Kyth.

The past few weeks had been difficult, but somehow not only had they all survived, but actually managed to install Aldrich as the rightful heir. Of course, it wasn't quite a modern democracy with representation, and the feudal system was still in place, but ordinary folk were more likely to resonate with a leader who had been through the same trials of daily life that they had. Aldrich was the only one not present at the moment, but that was excusable when you were a head of state. Tony and Aldrich had shook hands and said their goodbyes the day before when the Shadows had been presented with medals in a ceremony not quite unlike the final scene of a certain movie about Stars and the Wars that happen around them.

From behind a tree stepped Steve Magerage, wearing his trademark robes, hat, and sunglasses.

“Heeeey, if it isn't my favourite group of insurrectionists! I knew it would all work out, literally, because I can see the future,” he said. A few of the Shadows rolled their eyes. “Time to hit the road Tony, nice engine mod on that car, 2 horsepower, very sick.”

“We don't have to hit 88 MPH do we? I can barely get it faster than 10,” asked Tony.

“Nah, that's only if it uses a flux capacitor. Anyway you better say your goodbyes, we've got another long journey back, and we need to take a little detour to outer space.”

“Outer space? Are you kidding?”

“Do I look like I'm kidding? No seriously, though, we gotta get going.”

Tony went around his group of friends, shaking hands, patting shoulders, and exchanged a hug with Clarissa, before climbing into the car with Steve.

“Don't forget to write guys! Just leave a letter in the castle and I'm sure an archaeologist will pick it up and I can go read it in the history museum,” Tony said. “it's been the best part of my life, I'm going to miss you, but I'm sure we'll see each other again at some point in the future, or maybe the past!”

“Goodbye Tony! Safe travelling! Have a good trip!” The members of the Shadows called out, waving. Tony waved back as the stereo fired up, playing more Huey Lewis, and as the vehicle disappeared into the ether, with the last few bars of the Back to the Future theme slowly fading out.

700 YEARS LATER

Cleveland, OH
An excited Tony burst into the gas station, his horses/car double parked outside, and slammed his credit card onto the table. He pulled out a small parchment with numbers written on it and a small message. “Dear Tony, no hard feelings about the conflict in Kyth, I hope this vision of mine brings you good fortune, regards, Ambrose Stallion.”

“GIMME A LOTTERY TICKET, NUMBERS 3, 7, 13, 17, 27, 40 AND 19!” Tony shouted. The clerk looked at him funnily, then burst out laughing.

“Ahahaha, great joke man, really good,” he said, wiping a tear from his eye.

“What's so funny?”

“Dude, those were the numbers that won the roll over last night, some lucky person netted themselves a cool 750 million bucks. Should've bought one yesterday.”

Tony threw his head back and his arms in the air and shouted to the sky “MAAAAAAAAGERAAAAAAAAAGE!”

THE END[/b]

[Liou]

((Starring Rosalie Dylas (Maddy))

Rosalie Dylas is a princess. Not a real one, but good enough. She had an old cranky protector named Morgaine, she had a brave knight that cares for her named Sieg, and she had a charming prince that she loves very much. In the stories the princess ends up happy, and in this story Rosalie Dylas ended up happy. Happily ever after.

There was a royal wedding which was much better than a royal funeral. Rosalie sat on her bed and brushed her hair. She had to look the prettiest ever for this wedding. She wanted to look wonderful and beautiful and she wanted to have a handsome man on her arm. Weddings were always lovely.

Laurie wasn't really sure what he looked like or what he was supposed to look like. He didn't mind wearing a dress from time to time if Rosie found it pretty. People still seemed confused when they met him, and he couldn't entirely stop himself from acting like a maid or like a sister at times.
He would never look quite as dashing as the other wedding guests' dates, but Rosie had chosen him, and he would honour her request.

As soon as he had heard about the royal wedding, he had got to work on a dress. He had been studying many techniques with the tailors' guild. The material came from his own pay; it would be his first real gift to Rosie. He'd worked on it at night, paying attention to every detail, hoping to give it a quality as fine as the princesses' gowns. A nice tailor lady had decided to give him a bit of help when she learned that it was for his girlfriend - Rosie's charm was irresistible.

Laurie hadn't bought his ticket to the wedding, it was a bit much for him. He didn't dare try to claim a connection to the Shadows and the king, as it might still be a little uncomfortable, despite what he had successfully stolen and unlocked for them. Arthur, however, was a very convenient connection, and had kindly provided Laurie with an invitation. After all, if Arthur wanted permission to take Briar to the wedding, it was only fair that Laurie should go with his own lady friend too.

Now Laurie was fiddling with the embroidered jacket of his new outfit. He strode up to Rosie's door and knocked.
"Is my lady ready?"

Rosie smiled at the knock at the door. Her prince had arrived. But she wasn't ready! The dress had proven an obstacle, she couldn't get it on by herself.
"No..." she said, putting down her brush and opening her bedroom door, "I couldn't get the dress on! Could you help me?"

"Of course." Laurie gave her a bow.
He went to find the dress in her room, inspecting his work with a critical eye and the nagging feeling that he had forgotten something important. It was a light, flouncy gown in a warm shade of pink, not as elaborate as what a noblewoman would wear, but with as much detail as he could manage, each little part sewn with love. The front of the dress was specifically designed to bring out the key that would no doubt be hanging over it.

He held the dress carefully on his arms and lifted it over Rosie's head once she was ready, guiding it so as to avoid undoing her hair. He made sure that it fitted properly around her shoulders, tugged it into place around her waist, then crouched with one knee on the floor to check the length of her skirts for the thousandth time.
"It seems to be all right," he said breathlessly. "I hope it's to your taste, fair princess."

She happily allowed him to do all this. A faint blush was drifting over her face.
"It's so pretty Lawrence." She said, giving it a twirl, "I love it." She extended her hand. "I'm ready to go now."

As soon as they were done, Laurie was immensely relieved, because of course she looked absolutely delicious in the dress.
"You make it pretty." He took her hand and gave it a light kiss before leading her outside, where a rented carriage awaited them.
He had saved up carefully over the past few weeks to afford the trip to the Keep. Laurie helped Rosie onto the carriage, and the horse soon took them up to the festive castle.

Rosie leaned in close to him on the ride there.
"You really are prince charming," she mumbled, smiling happily.

His head was full of fireworks before they even reached the Keep. The evening could have ended right there and it would already have been the best party ever.
Still, Laurie wanted to treat Rosie to the glamorous world he remembered.

As they reached the Keep, he was strangely reminded of the first time he had entered it, so long ago. He could see himself rushing up and down the halls to satisfy the nobles' demands. Now he was almost on equal terms with them, seated next to the best girl of all. In front of everyone, just like he'd always dreamed.

He remembered a few escape routes in case of an emergency, but the king and his Shadows had already had so much time to arrest him for treason that he was beginning to relax.

Laurie couldn't tell if anyone recognised his face. The first impression that he left on most people was probably "girl with no sense of how to dress". Rosie looked good enough for the two of them, though. So good that he had to stay alert, in case anyone needed a friendly warning. When he caught someone staring at them, he was never sure whether to feel defensive of Rosie, or targeted himself.

As he gazed at the wedded couple, Laurie was starting to feel more comfortable, so much that he dared to picture himself in their place. Of course, marriage was one of the things that he had never even considered, something that he had always been deemed unfit for.

However, he had never believed that he could walk in public in men's clothes, either. He hadn't believed that a girl would ever accept him. Yet that had happened.
What else might happen to him? Could this lucky streak continue?
He glanced at Rosie and back at the bride, his face flushing all of a sudden.

Rosie loved the wedding. She loved the noises and the sights and people in pretty dresses celebrating and being happy. She loved weddings. She began to think about her own. She knew one thing for certain, if she had one it'd be with Lawrence. She wouldn't marry anyone else. She'd either die an old maid or die with Lawrence beside her, that was what she decided.

"I love weddings! I hope mine is as amazing as this... No, I know it'll be even better!"

Laurie's eyes widened as he gazed into Rosie's. Could she be thinking what he thought she was thinking?
"I... I hope... yes, yours will be amazing. You would look so lovely. I mean..."
He quickly took a sip of wine.

She smiled at him. "You'd look amazing too," she told him. "At our wedding I mean."

Laurie nearly choked on his wine. He gasped for breath, eyes watering, trying not to cough too loud, and just gave Rosie a little nod.

"Are you ok?" she asked, putting a hand on his back and rubbing softly. "Don't choke, ok?"

"I'm all right, yes, thank you." He cleared his throat. "Thanks for being with me."

"Remember that night, at the feast, when you kept sending desserts to my table?" she asked. "I remember. That was one of the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me!" She took his hand. "Now it's my turn, come on." She dragged him towards where the food was.

They sampled all sorts of wonderful treats together, one of the best things to do on dates. Now that Laurie had no part in preparing the food, he enjoyed it even more. During the meal, they met various friends and acquaintances, stopping to greet them.

Laurie was pleased to see Arthur and made sure that he was being a gentleman with Briar, following him a bit longer than was necessary. He dared to greet his old friends from the inner Shadows' circle. And of course, he couldn't help but follow a few nobles too, basking in their radiance.

"Do you want to dance?" Rosie asked him with a wide grin, "Like how we danced at the festival?"

Laurie had relaxed considerably, and had one more glass of wine than he'd usually allow himself.
"Of course, my lady. Even better than at the festival!"
He held out his arm and strolled over to the dance floor with her.

She allowed him to lead her on to the dance floor. She didn't notice anyone's eyes but his, they didn't matter. They could stare at her if they wanted, she didn't mind. They could look, but not touch, only Lawrence could clasp her hand and spin her around, slowly slowly.
"You're such a good dancer," she told him, smiling brightly, following his lead. "I like this time better, because I can see your handsome face."

"I like this time better, because I don't have to hide from you."
Entirely focused on Rosie, Laurie had moved instinctively with the music, following Rosie's steps and trying to look good among the other guests. Now that she mentioned his dancing, he realised how familiar his moves were.

"And I had a good teacher."
With a mischievous little smile, he added light skips to the dance here and there, twirling his arms gracefully and even pirouetting around Rosie, letting her turn under his arm.

She giggled. Moving with him felt right and lovely. Like right out of a fairytale. The princess and the prince waltzing during a wedding, it was perfect.
"I could dance with you forever!"

He got bolder and allowed himself to prance around the crowd, whirling and arching his body shamelessly close to the nobles. He returned to Rosie, slightly breathless, when the music became softer.

Rosie leaned into Lawrence's arms. "This is really nice," she whispered, swaying her body to the music.

Laurie shifted to support her more comfortably. His fancy dancing had attracted a bit more attention than intended, but the adrenaline had worn off by now.
"Thank you so much for being here with me. No one has ever made me so happy before."

She blushed deeply. "You make me happy. The happiest in the whole world." She looked down, feeling her face burning.
"I love you."

The keys that hung from their necks swayed in harmony, clinking together sometimes.
Rosie had always been generous with her love. Laurie remembered her saying such tender words even before they'd known each other a month. Back then, he had been paralysed by his secret and unable to answer.

Now, in the glowing, festive Raven's Keep, with his new outfit and identity, with his sisters safe at home, and after making peace with the Shadows, he had a feeling that his life would turn out a lot better than expected.

"I love you too, Rosalie."

SPOILER: Click to show

Thiefkey murder you all with their cuteness.

[Killix]

SPOILER: Click to show

Weddings are delicious.

I posted in the epilogue, ARE YOU HAPPY NOW, KIRIN?

[Celestial]

It was a relief when Mrs. Braham decided not to investigate further into how exactly he knew Sieg. While he felt completely justified in what he said to the knight, he doubted that Morgaine would see it that way, considering how systematically he picked Sieg apart. He would rather not deal with an angry mother, even if what he did for Sieg was the right thing, judging by the changes in the half-elf since he last saw him. So instead, he directed his attention to the conversation at hand.

"It is hardly something you expect, for a knight to meet the Grand Duke himself," Alain said with a smirk before nodding. "Yes, I remember, he was quite fascinated, I often wondered when he got the change to fight. I remember breifly thinking that he should meet my brother, although I doubt my brother would have wanted to meet him at the time," he glanced at Ambrose briefly before turning back to Morgaine. "The irrigation system worked out quite well. We were able to divert some water from the many tributaries of the river Ursine to the more arid south of Bern, which proved to be invaluable when the drought struck. Southern Bern provides most of the food for the region but thanks to it, the drought did not affect us badly enough to create the same famine conditions as in Kine."

It had indeed been fortunate that Ambrose foresaw that. Judging by what Kine had been through and the way that Miller handled it, Alain new that Bern would have fared poorly too. However, he dismissed the thought, knowing that it did not happen like that, that his region had been spared such suffering. Instead, he turned his attention to the curious news about the elf provinces. The lack of raids on their people hardly surprised him, it was no secret that the Courdonians were behind it. Certainly an interesting development and it was good to know but it was not information he could currently use. So instead, while Morgaine and Sieg talked, Alain turned to Orrin.

"Perhaps...I do not have much contact with the elves of Nid'aigle but I am sure I can make something up about needing the help of a knight with elvish blood in particular, to deal with some of the threats lurking around Bern," he turned back to Sieg as the half-elf mentioned the creatures that Alain had described. He nodded with a small smile. "That and many more. Southern Bern is tame but the northern mountains are still full of wild things. You just have to go out there a find them, though I say Haflinger and another town in the mountains called Tarpan which is said to have problems with a vampire-like creature are good places to look in. And of course, the Langean border can never have enough knights looking over it."

***

Ambrose was glad that Leif did not seem offended that he had refused the gift. He had no doubt a lot of effort had gone into that band and it had come from the best of intentions but if it did not work, if it did the opposite in fact, he could not accept it. In a way, it was almost a relief to know that it did not work. The idea that his magic could have been controlled earlier, sparing him a lifetime of visions and everything that came with it, was a painful one indeed. Ambrose had realised he had had quite enough of that. Right now, when all was finally going right, he did not need thoughts of what could have been. Woo knew, he already knew plenty of what was going to be.

"I am happy that it was of some use to you, even if it did not work. It does not diminish the fact that I am grateful to you for trying," he smiled and nodded to Leif. "Once I figure out how to tell you, I will. I cannot predict how you will feel about it but I hope it will at least be of some interest to you."

Inwardly, Ambrose wondered if he would ever find the words. Leif was of House Jade, a house known for keeping tradition and respecting the gods, at least Lord Woo. If he told them that Stallion had killed a god so unceremoniously, it might just confirm the worst things that the Jades always suspected about his House, and they would be quite correct in their assumptions. Perhaps Leif would be shocked or angry at their disrespect. But then again, Ambrose did not know Leif all that well yet, he could not predict his reaction. Kirin would probably know better, perhaps if he ever did decide to discuss Cebeline and his time powers with the mage, it would be best to run it by him. But that was for another time. Ambrose turned to where Leif's attention had been attracted to and nodded when the younger man told him what had happened.

"Go ahead, Master Leif, before your kite causes any more trouble," he smiled. "And thank you again."

When Leif left, Ambrose was left standing alone. He turned and looked over the feast, scanning it to make sure everything was going smoothly. By all appearances, things were indeed going very well. There was still more than enough food, with the kitchens not stopping any time soon. There was plentiful drink too, judging by the looks of things, though it was going down quite nicely if the looks of some of the guests were to be believed. Everyone was enjoying themselves. There was nothing really wrong. Far from it.

There was Laurie dancing with his beloved, the keymaker. He could also see Xavier and Elin, looking happy in each other's company as they deserved. Briar was there too, with Arthur, and she too seemed recovered and happy with him. And of course, the main couple, Joffery and Hope, looking radiant and delighted in each other's company.

Ambrose would never know the happiness they felt, even without his...no, not madness anymore, powers, he was far too old for it. But that was fine. He had long accepted this fate, he had no desire anymore for somebody to love and love him back in that way. There were people he cared for and who cared about him too, many of them now, and that was enough. That was all he could ever have asked for.

He went back to the Stallion table and sat down, just watching the wedding go on. It was nice, just to have time to think and reflect. Even though he was alone, Ambrose really did not feel lonely. He was wanted and needed here, if not now then later. It was enough to be contented with.

Alain, however, glanced up from where he was to see Ambrose, sitting there alone. He gave Morgaine, Sieg and Orrin a polite nod.

"I hope you enjoy your adventures, Sir Orrin, Sir Sieg. Mrs. Braham, I am glad that you are doing better. I best be leaving you now, you probably do not want me hovering over your shoulder, especially not with that wine on the table," he said with a grin before turning on his heel and heading back to the Stallion table. There, he sat down beside Ambrose, smiling at him.

"Alain, hello," his brother smiled back, "You taken care of all you needed to?"

"Yes, Sir Orrin and Sir Sieg will be adventuring over Bern shortly," Alain picked up a goblet of wine that he had left.

"Good. I'm sure they will find plenty to do there, especially in the northern wilds," Ambrose sighed. "I do miss Bern a little. Even though I never had it as good up there as I do here...it is home."

"You should come visit at the end of the summer," Alain said with a smile. "Especially since Isabelle is getting married."

"What?" Ambrose turned his head quickly. "To who? Another noble?"

"Hardly. I would like Bern to remain with House Stallion," Alain laughed. "She finally told me about her lover, a knight in our service by the name of Hector. I had no reason to deny her, especially since marrying a commoner would allow her to keep her title. The wedding will be held in late July and I would like you to be there."

"I will try to be. I'm happy for Isabelle," Ambrose nodded and turned back to look at the other couples, all with seemingly bright futures ahead of them. "It seems like, just for now, everything will be alright."

"It won't last, you know that better than anybody," Alain said calmly, taking a sip of the wine.

"Of course I do. But isn't that all the more reason to enjoy it now, while we still can?" Ambrose lifted up another goblet and poured himself a drink too. Not wine, he would not dare drink wine especially now, but he wanted to have something. "I've seen enough of the future, Alain, I know where this leads. But now, here, everyone is as happy as they can be. Let them enjoy it. And let us enjoy it."

"Agreed," Alain nodded. "Here's to the king and the kingdom."

Ambrose raised his goblet to meet his brother's in a toast.

"May they continue to prosper."

SPOILER: Click to show

Alain is glad when Morgaine(Shinko) does not pry into his and Sieg's first meeting. They talk about Belial and Alain explains about the irrigation system and how it worked out very well for them. He is curious about the lack of raids on Nid'aigle but does not mention it, instead talking to Orrin(Omni), saying he'll do his best for Sieg before making suggestions for adventures.

Ambrose is glad that Leif(Tiger) does not mind him rejecting his gift and tells him that he'll eventually explain about his powers, though he wonders exactly how and when, since Leif is a Jade. When Leif leaves, Ambrose looks over the wedding, in particular taking note of the 'ships. And he's okay with not being invited to the 'shipping fest, since there are enough people who care for him. Nevertheless, when he goes to sit down, he is joined by Alain, who tells him the news that there will be a Stallion wedding in Bern soon. The brothers then drink to the present and to the future, because right now it's looking pretty good.

[Shinko]

((Collab with Rosalie Dylas (Maddy)))


It was getting late by the time Morgaine decided that it was time to cut her son off. After Alain walked away, Sieg and Orrin had proceeded to become very excited about the prospective adventures they could have in the future. They talked and drank, and talked and drank, until they were both rather thoroughly lubricated and the talking had escalated into a combination of uproarious laughter and bawdy singing. The old woman half led, half carried her son away from Orrin, who was distracted singing Dwarven drinking songs with his own mother.

“Time for you to go back to the inn,” Morgaine said firmly. “Before you get to the point where you can’t see straight anymore. We don’t want to force Master Leif to fish you off the side of the cliff again.”

“I’m perf… perfectly fine, Mama,” he said, his voice badly slurred and his footsteps faltering in a way which advertised he was no such thing. The locksmith only shook her head, and scanned the crowd until she spotted a familiar blonde haired teenager across the room. The keymaker looked to be alone- Laurie must have wandered off to get them drinks or say hi to Briar.

“Rosalie!” Morgaine called, hauling Sieg over to her partner. “We’re about to head off- your knight in shining armor has had one or six too many.”

“I have not,” Sieg insisted, trying to pull away and stumbling backwards several steps so that his mother was forced to grab his sleeve and drag him back upright. “Okay… okay maybe I have.”

Rosalie looked up to see Morgie and Sieg. He did not look very good. He looked drunk, he looked really drunk.

“Siegy you shouldn’t drink that much.” She put her hands on her hips and shook her head at him, “What would happen if I needed you and you were drunk? Someone could come and try to steal me away again and no one would be able to stop them because my knight is busy being drunk.”

She looked at Morgaine, “You should raise your children better Morgie.”

“Adult children are responsible for their own actions,” Morgaine said without a trace of pity. “And this manchild is just lucky he doesn’t get bad hangovers. Anyone else who drank as much as he has tonight would be laid out for a day afterwards.”

Sieg hung his head, adopting an expression of mock-contrition. “I’m sorry. I have done a terrible thing. I oughta be ashamed. Please don’t hold it against me, I know I can still be a good knight!”

He continued playfully on this vein, unwittingly vacillating between Kythian and Elvish after a while, until Morgaine prodded him and he realized what he was doing. The knight snapped his mouth shut with a blush, a trace of genuine embarrassment coming across his face. “Okay… I am really drunk. But in my defense Ilsa and Orrin are both drunker?”

He gestured across the room to the two worthies, who were indeed a good bit more inebriated and presently making hilarious scenes in their respective parts of the courtyard.

Rosie puffed out her cheeks, “That doesn’t mean it’s ok Sieg! I should discharge you from my services, you don’t deserve a lady like me.” She folded her arms, “Morgie, we gotta get this drunk idiot out of here before he brings disgrace to my name.”

Morgaine chuckled, but to her surprise the knight actually winced. His face practically glowed crimson with guilt and humiliation, and he glanced away muttering softly, “Sorry.”

Rosie bit her lip, "It’s ok, don’t be sad ok? I won't discharge you, it was a joke!”

“I think he’s too hammered right now to tell the difference,” Morgaine said, sighing. She glanced at her son ruefully. “You always were a rather melancholy drunk. I’m actually impressed you’ve been this cheerful up ‘til now. Buck up, she really was only teasing you.”

Sieg shrunk into his shoulders. “I really am sorry Rosalie. Not for the drinking, but for being an idiot in general. I… I’m trying to stop, you know the thing where I take stuff too personally. It’s just hard. It’s a really bad habit that’s hard to break.”

“It’s ok Sieg… I know you can do it.” She smiled at him, “You aren’t as bad as you think you are. Someday you’re going to see you how I see you, and I can’t wait till then.” She put her arm around him to help Moragine balance him. “You got me, and you got Morgie, and that’s pretty good. And we have you and thats even better.”

“She’s right, Sieg,” Morgaine put in, her usual smirk gentling into an affectionate smile. “One step at a time, alright? Woo knows it took Rosalie how many weeks to pry me out of my shell so I’d hire her? I have no idea why she was so persistent, or why she didn’t just give up on me, but I’m glad she didn’t. Don’t give up on yourself.”

Sieg chuckled, letting his weight rest on the two women for just a minute. “You two make a pretty good team, you know that?”

“We’re the best team around,” Rosie said happily, “Lock and Key! Morgie makes the lockboxes and I make the keys. Nothing else can open her locks like my keys, but my keys were made for her locks” Rosie said proudly.

“And a finer keymaker I could not have asked for,” Morgaine said. “Alright dear, I think I’d better get Sieg back to the inn before he passes out between us. I presume you’ll want to stay and get some more numbers in with Lawrence?”

Rosie felt a slight blush come over her face, “Yes, my prince needs me afterall.” She giggled.

“Alright then,” Morgaine said. “Don’t stay out too late just because we’re closed for the inevitable mass hangover tomorrow, you and I still have work to do.”

“I wiiiiill,” Rosie whined, “I’m not a child!”

“Don’t henpeck her, Mama,” Sieg said blearily. “You’re my mother, not hers.”

“As she frequently reminds me,” Morgaine said with a wicked grin. “And I’ll nag anyway. What else are partners for? C’mon then, let’s get you into a bed.”

“Bye!” Rosie waved as they both walked away. She had run away from Bern because she hated her family and she used to think she hated all families. But now she realized she didn’t. She had found her own family, not one that she was forced to love, one she actually, truly, loved.

Morgaine hauled Sieg away, casting one last glance over her shoulder to wave at Rosalie. Sieg did the same, winking to the keymaker before he and Morgaine rounded the corner and the younger girl was no longer in sight. The previous summer had been a trial, but the locksmith and her son knew that they had each other, and they had Rosalie. No matter what the future had in store for them, that was one thing of which they could be sure.

SPOILER: Click to show

Final closing post for Rosalie, Morgaine, and Sieg.

It’s been a fun game guys. Maddy and I had a blast working together and we hope you enjoyed the many misadventures of the Locksmith and the Keymaker.

[Elcie]

((Clare part written by Gelquie!))

Ilsa was enjoying herself. This may have been in part because she’d already had a couple of goblets of wine, and her inhibitions were even more lowered than usual. But she had quite a few reasons to be in a good mood today. She’d invented toasts for most of them, beginning with the lovely newlyweds and moving quickly into more and more inane topics. “A toast!” she cried suddenly, raising her glass. “To the new furniture I just ordered for the inn yesterday!” Oh. Oh, crap. She’d forgotten to make a toast to King Galateo, and he was funding this whole thing. “Uh, and the King. Mostly the King! And also new furniture!”

Most of the table was ignoring her by this point, but Ilsa happily took a drink anyway.

She sighed, setting her goblet down. “They always serve the best, these Ascensions,” she remarked to Clare Ryer. “Doubt I’d be able to afford this on a year’s earnings, so I must make the most of it.” Especially as she was getting to enjoy the festive atmosphere for free; Xavier had ensured that she received an invitation. Ilsa smiled fondly, searching him out in the crowd and spotting him by his distinctive red hair. He had his arm around Elin’s shoulders, and he was laughing. Between the fine green clothes and the way his face lit up when he smiled, he was unrecognizable as the terrified, starving beggar she’d taken in three years ago. It was good to see him so happy. House Jade had done him good… and so had Elin.

Ilsa elbowed Clare in the ribs. “Betcha two scrolls our Xavier and Elin manage to tie the knot before their lordships over there.” She jerked her head in the direction of Leif and Kirin, an impish grin on her face. “They’ll take even more of a push than Xavier, I guarantee it.” She shook her head. “Ahh, they’re good lads, though. Excellent furniture repairmen, as well.” Ilsa winked at Clare and took another sip of her wine.

When Ilsa elbowed Clare, the latter accidentally spilled some of her drink onto her dress. Ah, too bad; that was good wine. But it was only a little. And actually, it was a little hilarious, but maybe that was due to the swaying she had started to feel as she listened to Ilsa's proposition. She hadn't meant to get tipsy once she was done with the catering, but... Well, why not? Clare looked over at them and smiled, though not quite at the same level of Elin's smile as the couple laughed together.

“Risky bet, risky bet, could be close,” the words stumbled out of Clare's mouth. “But y'know, they still gotta figure out little things. Like when they're gonna live together, for one.” she winked. “Tell you what. Yer on. But I bet you another scroll that this bet'll be a close call.”

Ilsa grinned and finished off her goblet. “You got a deal.”

Yes. Life was good. Good business, good drink, and good friends around her… Ilsa Wright had never asked for anything more.

SPOILER: Click to show

At the wedding, Ilsa enjoys herself, is happy for Xavier, and makes a bet with Clare.

[Tiger]

((Posted with approval from Killix))

Ayleth quickly grew antsy being at level with the many people at the ceremony instead of above them, and Leif let her fly off. He watched to make sure the kite wasn’t heading for another guest-hunting perch; however, Ayleth had apparently had her fill of stalking Leif, and swooped off in the general direction of Marson Manor.

It seemed Leif had been wrong about any disasters occurring today. None of the tension that had thickened the air of the Bloody Coronation was to be found here. Maybe it had been foolish to worry at all. Leif had heard from Solis that the Courdonians were causing surprisingly little trouble under King Rafe. Not only had they mounted no response to the death of Malik, but their usual slave raids and border skirmishing had dwindled down considerably. Rafe might not be ruling for long, but at least Kyth had a chance to breathe in the meantime.

So, then...there was no reason not to relax. Leif had greeted and updated the Solis Jades, given them his book request, spoken with Ambrose, saved the wedding from Ayleth’s greedy stomach, and even socialized a bit. Finally - freedom. Leif took off his gloves and tucked them under his arm as he set off along the edge of the clusters of guests. He paused at the food table to take two glasses of cider, and looped a few donuts over his fingers while he was at it.

Leif found Kirin sitting a little apart from the crowd, near the section the Stallions had originally occupied. The rest of the House had dispersed by now, however, leaving plenty of empty chairs around. Kirin was busy sketching something in a small book, though Leif couldn’t see what. The Stallion looked up as Leif came down the aisle of chairs, and started to set his quill down.

“Don’t stop on my account,” Leif told him, taking the seat next to Kirin. The Stallion had turned the chair in front of him around to set down a drink and a few treats from the banquet table. Leif carefully slipped the doughnuts from his fingers to join the other snacks on the napkin laid over the table, and set the drinks down with a glance around for Ilsa. He didn’t spot the innkeeper, and hopefully she wasn’t going to sense that Leif was risking leaving rings on the chair from the water condensing on the glasses.

Leif took the satchel off his shoulder and set it on the ground along with his gloves. Kirin glanced at the bag as the potion bottles clattered against each other. “Everything looks all right to you, then?”

“As far as I can tell. I might’ve over-worried,” Leif admitted, taking one of the doughnuts. “...Actually, Ayleth was the one causing the most trouble.”

“Well, better Ayleth than a gryphon,” Kirin said.

“True. Poor girl’s probably just bored.” After a small bite of doughnut - these weren’t sprinkled with the same spices as the ones served around fall were; instead, to Leif’s surprise, one or two of the flavors were distinctly Corvid - he asked, “How are you doing?”

“Well enough. It was a nice ceremony, Joffery and Hope seem very happy.”

“Oh, Joffery is, I can guarantee that.” Leif felt like there was an opening there, a chance to say something like...something about...something to do with happiness and weddings but...he couldn’t quite get the words together, and even if he did, Leif had the feeling he’d just trip over them. There’d be other times, and places, where they weren’t surrounded by a bunch of people who, from Leif’s experiences as a wedding guest, were probably trying to plan the marriages of every couple around them anyway.

He looked back at Kirin, who seemed to have just faltered on saying something as well. Leif raised an eyebrow inquisitively, but Kirin just shook his head. “Nevermind.”

Leif eased back in the chair, almost instinctively putting an arm around Kirin’s shoulders. The motion might have been familiar to his arm, but somehow the rest of his body never seemed to get used to it; his heartbeat picked up and his stomach squeezed pleasantly as Kirin leaned against him. It was one of those rare moments Leif wasn’t wearing gloves, and he shamelessly took the opportunity to tease a few strands of Kirin’s hair. It still amazed Leif sometimes, that he’d earned someone’s trust and affection enough for this.

“I don’t know what else they have planned for the wedding,” Leif said, “but if it’s not important or over soon, I’m thinking we could leave early. Have a bit of quiet before we get overwhelmed with work at the Manors again.”

“The weather would be good for working in the garden, if we leave early enough,” Kirin suggested.

“It should be. Maybe we can finish that wall today - or, people keep telling me it’s going to start raining a lot; is there anywhere we need to barricade against flooding, love?” Leif blinked, catching the slip too late to do anything about it.

...It had really only been a matter of time. The more comfortable he became talking to Kirin, the closer and closer he came to slipping the terms of endearment usually reserved for his raptors into those conversations. To be fair, he did love Kirin more than any of the poor birds, but...it seemed like it would have been awkward. Somehow. Except it didn’t seem that awkward, with Kirin looking at him with amusement in his green eyes...

Leif grinned sheepishly back. “I...uhm…”

He sighed, gave up trying to explain, and gave Kirin a kiss instead. He had never been much good with words.

SPOILER: Click to show

Leif made out with Kirin and it was sexy.

[Sporty]

The wedding celebration was wonderful. The ceremony was beautiful, the reception lively, and Clarissa got a chance to catch up with friends that she didn't get to see as often as she liked.

That was the one downside to working in the Shadow Council -- since the whole point of the group was to allow for political influence from the working class, those who joined the council had to remain part of that working class by continuing with their regular jobs. As much as Clarissa approved of this, taking care of both the smithy and her council duties took up a lot of her time. It didn't really help that much of her free time was spent tinkering with her magitek inventions, either.

Clarissa smiled to herself as she sipped punch and mingled with the guests. Along with friends like Elin and the other council members whom she actually got to see on a regular basis, and friends she got to see a little less often nowadays like Briar and Laurie, she saw several visitors from the other regions whom she had only just gotten to know during the time of Aldrich's coronation. She spotted Lucinda, the Stallion girl who had helped her during the Bloody Coronation, speaking with Aldrich as they reentered the reception hall from some other part of the castle. And even after Ginger had spotted Aines and fluttered off after him, Clarissa managed to pick out a small kite and few other birds at the party as well.

When she took another look at the kite, though, she noticed Ambrose standing nearby. She grinned. Ambrose had turned out to be both an invaluable part of Aldrich's court and a valued customer at Clarissa's smithy, but even more than that he had turned out to be a great friend. His inventions were absolutely fascinating -- it was a shame that he couldn't work with enchanted objects, but his intricate creations, to her, almost seemed to have a magic of their own. That intricacy had also inspired a finer tuning in her own inventions... though the fact that she now could work with more than just scrap metal and gem fragments figured into that as well. Besides that, Ambrose was very thoughtful, intelligent and kind. In spite of the friction that had accompanied their first few meetings, Ambrose had managed to become one of Clarissa's first real noble friends.

Clarissa hesitated for a moment when Ambrose sat down at Stallion's table and Alain moved to join him. Despite everything Ambrose had told her about him, and everything that had happened since the coronation, she had never managed to fully trust the Grand Duke. It didn't help that he seemed to feel the same way about the former Shadows, but...

...Well. This was a day to celebrate, not to stew in old rivalries and suspicions. Allowing herself another easy smile, Clarissa approached the table and nodded respectfully to the two brothers in greeting.

"It's a lovely wedding, isn't it?" she remarked. Then to Ambrose, she added, "If you aren't busy, I was wondering if I could ask you a little more about the mechanics involved in the machine you're working on." Her face lit up as she spoke. "The gearwork involved looks complicated, but I'd love to better understand it. I don't think I've ever seen that many moving parts on a machine before. It would be wonderful to be able to work with those kinds of mechanics."

*  *  *  *  *

Now was her chance.

Aines had been busy before -- he was always busy, it seemed, and she never could seem to get a moment alone with him. It had been even worse before, when Ginger's speech was limited to that understood only by the other raptors and her understanding of castle culture was limited to what she picked up in the mews.

But she was no longer so limited, and now she found him at a nice, relaxed party. Now he was finished mediating in the fights between the young princesses, and more than that he might actually be retiring from his work. She didn't know what he would say; what he would think of the kestral who had fallen for a raven. But now was her chance, and whatever would come of it, she was going to take that chance.

With a deep breath and a sudden feeling of nervousness she'd never quite had in her previous exploits, Ginger flew up to Aines to proclaim her intentions, once and for all.

SPOILER: Click to show

Clarissa enjoys the wedding, and takes time to say hi to all her friends. She makes note of a few guests at the wedding, including some of the intelligent birds, and then sees Celestial and Alain. She approaches them and starts up a conversation with the former about fun inventor stuff, because hey, inventor buddies \o/ Meanwhile, Ginger finally gets her chance to try and woo icon.

Aaand that should be my last post for the roleplay. Thank you all so much for this awesome game; it was a real blast! *hugs everyone*

[Pixie]

Frederick had returned to Elacs a very rich elf. His predictions of the noble influx being a major source of income had proved very accurate. His underground power was cemented when he returned as wealthy as he did. Any competition could be bought over to his side or crushed. He stayed away from the Ophids still, only concerning himself with their secrets. There wasn’t any reason for him to let them take him back. No family or security could be found there, even with a new leader. Frederick’s father had been murdered the day Frederick left, and if he hadn’t Frederick would have came and taken his life. He had the money and the means.

It occurred to him that almost everyone who had directly caused his suffering was dead. Melvin had perished unexpectedly and somewhat unsatisfyingly during the events of nine months ago. Suddenly then, the man who had destroyed him with brutal torture and captivity was no longer a threat to him.

Likewise, Frederick had known what the consequences of leaving Ophid court would be when he did. He had realized many reasons to despise his father enough, and there had been no fear from the dubious promise. Frederick had been a young boy with little magical aptitude pushed beyond his limits for the sake of legacy. He had been a mere teenager left to suffer by knife, for two weeks, until his father could make up his mind. By this, he didn’t care if the threat was carried through to kill. Leaning it had been had not crushed him.

The damage lingered from the past, but presently, he was attending the royal wedding incognito. He had decided it would be best not to draw attention to his return after nine months of absence, if someone there who he was acquainted with recognized him. No doubt he had made enemies during his previous visit. He laid low, kept his glamour up, and stayed at a distance from those he was trying to avoid.

Frederick had been very busy in his time out of Medieville. A decent amount of the workload was management. He had enlisted more spies to lesson his personal burden and allow more free time for his studies. He had expanded through Corvus and beyond and found that infiltrating guilds still worked wonderfully as a way to spread his reach. He fed off of their close bonds and far influence to create an efficient network of spies. He disruption he had picked up from a particular Tailors’ Guild had been barely notable to him. His racket rooted itself through every street of Kyth. There were no true secrets in Kyth anymore.

Frederick did think about Xavier from time to time and wondered what he had been doing with his life in the past months. He was certainly not an enemy, but there was a certain pain felt at the thought of trying to talk to him. It was ironic, with the connection he felt to Xavier originating from a type of pain they shared between them. He knew that somewhere in the crowd, Xavier was probably with the woman Frederick saw him kissing during the Bloody Coronation.

Among all his contacts he could trust no one. There was a constant unease despite the happiness one would suspect someone very rich to feel. It was a lonely path but it was his choice and his will. It was as much as a choice as anything was to him, racketeering was all he knew how to survive by. It was good fortune to surpass mere surviving and be able to thrive. He could never buy love or security, it would never be his lot in life, but he could get himself what ever else he desired. He had a great amount of power and his freedom, and he shouldn’t have wanted anything else.

SPOILER: Click to show

Frederick is rich and powerful, but not exactly happy. He thinks about the people who shaped his life: his father, Lord Melvin, and Xavier (Elcie). He's taken over Kyth with his racket and has a quiet presence at the wedding.

[Birdy]

The wedding had been absolutely lovely. With his connections to the Keep, he’d managed to not only go himself, but also bring Briar and even get an invitation for Laurie and Rosalie too. (Laurie had insisted. Said that if Arthur was going to take Briar, then he’d better get an invitation for him and Rosalie too.)
And now, at the reception… everything was still lovely.

But especially Briar.

Arthur was happy she had felt well enough to come. After all those months of uncertainty and fear… he was glad she was doing better. (Every time he looked at her, he could not help but grin.)

And thankfully… Laurie seemed to approve. (At least he thought that’s what “If you ever hurt her I’ll break your legs” meant.)


His brothers had recovered nicely from their injuries sustained during the Bloody Coronation, and to this day Gareth sported a slight fear of heights as a result of his gryphon-riding adventure.

When they’d found out about Briar, however… well. They began taking their duties as older brothers very seriously. (Conversations with them after that rarely ceased to end before they had made Arthur turn redder than a tomato at least once.)


But all in all… it had been a good nine months. And the future was looking even better.

SPOILER: Click to show

Briarthur fluff and other stuff.

Something more proper (hopefully) coming later, because DEADLINES. *scarechord*

[Celestial]

After the brothers toasted, Ambrose heard a familiar voice and turned his head, smiling widely at Clarissa. It was good to see her here. He had given her the blueprints he had sketched out for the latest invention he was working on not too long ago. While he was hardly one to be impatient and demand progress, hearing what was going on with the parts he had asked her to make was certainly pleasant. So was getting to talk about his inventions. He did not get many opportunities so every chance was one he relished.

“Of course, Clarissa, I would be happy to,” he said before glancing at Alain. “If you don’t mind.”

“Go ahead,” Alain nodded, regarding Clarissa curiously. The blacksmith girl and a former Shadow...but apparently quite skilled, otherwise Ambrose would not have entrusted her with his inventions. He could tell she did not fully trust him but it was alright. He did not need all the members of the Shadow council trusting him immediately, he did he need to trust them fully after all, as long as they, as a whole cooperated. Nevertheless, he gave Clarissa a polite smile. No need to foster bad relations.

If Ambrose noticed, he chose to ignore the discomfort between the two. Instead, he got up from his chair and moved over to Clarissa, his face also lighting up with excitement.

“Part of it, I admit, is guesswork based on my experience with machines like that I’ve made before. It is a very complex device but I am confident it works; I got to see it in action. The sprockets should connect evenly and spin synchronised and the gears-” he shook his head, “It might be better if I had the blueprint and my notes, I could explain it better. But if you would like to see it as I’m assembling it, you are more than welcome to.”

At the Stallion table, Alain listened in to the conversation before turning around and smiling widely, taking a sip of his wine. In spite of his initial fears, things were working out just fine. His little brother was happy. He had gotten to keep his position, power and influence. The kingdom was prospering The Shadows were cooperating with Stallion towards a better future.

All that was enough for him to be content.

700 years later, in Albion...

“...and therefore based on the evidence we have gleaned from primary sources detailing the reign of King Galateo, from the way he was brought into power to the acts that were enacted under his reign as well as the influence of the initial stages of Parliament which at the time was named the Shadow Council, the conclusion that must be drawn is that the inception of modern democracy in this part of the world began when the Shadows ascended to power along with King Galateo Owl Ascension,” Dr. Diana Pallada concluded with a happy flourish and looked over the assembled students. Their eyes were wide and blank, which was to be expected considering they were undergraduates and non-historians too, of course they were not going to understand her complex theory on the emergence of the rule of the common people. Nevertheless, Pallada thought it was best to humour them, even if most of them were probably complete morons who would forget her brilliant theory as soon as they left the classroom.

“Any questions?” she asked, floating above the desk and folding her arms, looking over their clueless faces. They whispered amongst themselves for a while, casting nervous glances at the ghost at the front of the classroom. Finally, a timid hand went up.

“Uhh...Dr. Pallada, this is an anthropology class. What happened to Professor Bardsley?” asked the student in quiet voice.

“Yeah, why are we getting a history lecture all of a sudden?” another one shouted, folding his arms. “I didn’t sign up for this!”

Pallada scowled, her hands clenching into fists. In a flash, she had floated over to the second student, materialising a few inches from his face.

“History is the queen of the social sciences! To understand where culture came from, where every part of complex human society emerged out of, you need to carefully dissect and analyze the facts that have led up to this moment! What I have told you about is a pivotal moment in the history of the creation of modern democracy which even your small undergraduate brain should realise is instrumental to our culture today. History would broaden your mind, although your small mind probably cannot grasp the intricacies of the details and small events which have led up to this moment!” she screeched, rising off the ground as she did. Her fingers curled almost as though she was wrapping them around somebody’s throat.

“Yes,” the poor student whimpered. He shrank in his seat, trying to move as far away from her as possible. His eyes were as wide as saucers and he was quaking slightly. Pallada grinned, satisfied that she had made point and rose up, turning to the other student who asked her a question.

“Leland- I mean, Professor Bardsley is busy and asked me to cover his class for today. I could hardly say no to him,” she said, a small smile spreading across her face as she thought about Leland before she turned back to her desk, where her lecture materials lay. “Now then, since we have an excess amount of time, I have a paper being published in a periodical that I could read to you. I assume none of you have any objections to being educated, or at least trying to be.”

The students were silent. Pallada grinned and picked up her papers, adjusting her ghostly glasses and beginning to read.

“On the revolutions of the 14th Century: a comparison between the bloodless victory of the Shadows and the violent overthrow of the Courdonian slave system by the slave rebellion,” she stated. “The 14th century in this part of the world saw two major conflicts which can be classified as revolutions under the blanket definition of revolution as ‘a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favour of a new system’ as defined by...”

SPOILER: Click to show

Ambrose leaves Alain to his own devices and talks to Clarissa(Sporty) about inventoring. Alain, meanwhile, is happy with the turn of events the game has taken.

Pallada talks about her take on the events of the game and terrorises her dear boyfriend’s(PFA) students, as Pallada does.

But enough about Pallada. Thank you, guys! It’s been an absolutely amazing game! I thoroughly enjoyed everyone’s characters and I am glad you enjoyed the Stallion bros because I loved writing them. Thanks also for not killing Ambrose too. It’s been a crazy ride but I don’t regret any of it. Looking forward to side-ficing and side-roleplaying with some of you guys.

[Avery]

((collab with Lizica))

The wedding had started at noon, but by the stroke of midnight, the festivities were only just starting to wind down. As nobles and peasants alike filtered out to their respective dwellings, soon only those who either worked at the Keep or called it home remained. The maids were scurrying about with brooms in hand, as in the kitchens the Keep’s cooks carefully divvied up the leftover food up for its imminent delivery to the homes of Medieville’s poor; tomorrow, a whole lot of people who usually subsisted on bread crusts and mead would be waking up to fresh fruit, dried meats, and sweet, doughy rolls. As she hovered at the kitchen doors, watching the cooks fill basket after basket, the queen regent Maia smiled. Forty years apart from his family had not changed her son’s tender heart.

She was so enraptured with observing the kitchen staff that she didn’t hear said son approaching from behind until he set a gentle hand on her shoulder. She turned to face him, and noted with bemusement that his hair glimmered—not with dust, as it usually did, but what looked like tiny specks of gold. Automatically she reached up a hand and tried to smooth his cowlicked tresses; but they stayed firmly mussed. Some things, she decided, would truly never change.

“Did you see out the last guests, my love?” she asked him.

“Yes, I think they all made it out safely,” said Aldrich. “The last carriage is gone, and Emery is walking some of the more tipsy peasants home.”

“Wonderful.” She glanced briefly back at the kitchens. “This was a very good idea, you know. I’ve no clue why nobody thought of it before.” She looked back at her son. “How are the newlyweds?”

He smiled softly. “Up in their chambers. Lord Joffery tried to carry Hope up the steps.”

“As long as he didn’t drop her.” Maia chuckled. “So... I hope you had fun tonight. Weddings are so lovely, aren’t they?”

“They are! Hope looked so happy. And I think even the sculptures enjoyed seeing the ceremony. Did--did you enjoy how today went, too, Mother?”

“I did,” Maia said. “And wouldn’t you know, Galateo, I met the loveliest lady! One of Lord Webster’s granddaughters—very charming, she’s an artist you know, just like you. Paints, draws, all those things. We had the nicest conversation! And she was so intrigued by all your sculptures—why, I couldn’t help but invite her back tomorrow to get a better look at them.” With a coy grin that bordered on a smirk, Maia added, “I promised the sweet lady that you’d show them to her yourself. I hope you don’t mind.”

At first Aldrich just appeared nervous at the prospect of introducing all of his sculptures to a noblewoman he’d never met. But then, catching his mother’s sly grin, he swiftly flushed a bright red (which complemented the glitter).

“Oh, um,” he stammered thickly, “I, uh. I—I guess...I guess that’s—” An expression of panic and worry flashed across his face before he squeaked, “—fine?” Then he added quickly, “Did—did you warn her that not all the sculptures are, um, very good with people?”

“Yes. And she said that sounded perfect.” Almost conspiratorially, she whispered, “Stippling may have already gotten tangled in her hair.”

Aldrich’s red face wobbled into a defeated grimace. “I—I guess I have to apologize to her now, shouldn’t I.” He swallowed. “I hope she wasn’t too offended?”

“An apology would be the kingly thing to do,” Maia agreed. “And offended, no, but we mustn’t wait for offence to be a kind host, I do think.” She placed a hand on his arm and said cheerily, “I ought to get some shut eye, my love. And you should too. After all… Lady Asha will be here at 9am sharp.”