The Coronation of Moridanu, Queen of Morthika

[Moridanu]

*Moridanu gazed at herself in the mirror, surprised by the sadness she saw mirrored back in her own emerald orbs. Eliden brushed her Ladies’ auburn curls until they shone, before tying the delicate strands into an elaborate braid that started above her right temple and twisted over her scalp before falling down her left shoulder. Glancing down and to the left, Moridanu sighed a deep breath as her eyes fell upon the crown she would be adorned with later tonight. The gold gleamed in the late afternoon sun that shone through her open window, while the suns rays caused the precious gems to cast a myriad of dazzling colour around the room. Mathius had suggested that she spend some time looking at the crown before it became a permanent fixture on her young head, and Moridanu shuddered at the thought of wearing it forever. She didn’t want this life, the responsibility of being a Queen to all these people was more than she could stand, but she knew that this was the entire reason she had been created and was therefore, the cross she had to bare. Or crown she had to bare, in this case. Sighing again, she could not help but squirm in her seat as Eliden tutted and straightened her crooked old back.

~Now Miss, is that any way for a young lady to behave on the eve of her 16th birthday? Tonight is such an important night, why – your whole life is only just beginning..~

She trailed off as she collected the brushes and combs she had used to create the beautiful masterpiece that was now Moridanu’s hair as the young girl nodded and forced a smile to her soft pink lips.

~Aye Ma’am.. I d’not mean t’imply..~

Eliden hushed her, her sapphire blue eyes shining fondly at her young charge.

~ Ye do not have to explain yourself to me Miss.. it is a heavy burden ye must bare, but unfortunately it is yours alone. Thank ye lucky stars for Crowe, eh?~

At the mention of her sworn protector and closest friend, Moridanu’s smile deepened into one far more genuine.

~Aye, has he come yet?~ she asked hopefully.

Eliden laughed.

~So what if he has? Ye shall see him all in good time, why ye are not even half dressed! I shall fetch the girls to bring ye gown..~

And with that, she was gone in a bustle of blue skirts and mumble of her thick accent. Moridanu gazed back into the mirror, wishing that she could be like the girl she had read about last week called Alice. Reaching out with one shaking hand, she touched the glass and wondered if she could step through into a different fantasy world than the one she was about to live in. Up until now, she had lived a fairly sheltered life within the castle walls of Kendelah. With Crowe by her side, she had lived a relatively free and easy childhood, Mathius and the other elders working hard to keep the dark tales of Lucien and his horde of demons far from her. But it had been decided that her 16th year was to be the end of her innocence, the year of her coronation, and Moridanu knew that she could put it off no longer. She had been created to be Queen, to bring order to the land of Morthika and its people, and it seemed that now the time was upon her.

The arrival of Tainyia and Emoire broke her thoughts and their girlish giggling was soon contagious as they helped Moridanu into her elaborate rose pink gown. It was by far the most beautiful dress she had ever worn, and as she spun around in it, she saw the way that the light reflected off the thousands of diamonds that had been sewn into the long floaty skirts. The bodice was tight, revealing the first beginnings of what would soon be one of the most talked about chests in the land, and she looked down at her bulging cleavage in shock before clasping a hand to her mouth. Both girls looked as well and burst into another fit of giggles, until Moridanu joined them. Eliden came bursting in the room to see what all the noise was about and her blue eyes popped out of her head when she saw the young girls’ cleavage.

~Well! Where have ye been hiding those Miss? Hmmm?~

Moridanu blushed a shade similar to her dress as Eliden began to shift and move the dress so that her cleavage was not so prominent.

~There! That will have to do I suppose.. won’t Crowe be in for a nice surprise hmm?~

Moridanu gasped and blushed an even deeper pink, while Tainyia and Emoire seemed like they were about to wet themselves in fits of giggles. Eliden rolled her eyes and sent the two girls away to busy themselves with preparing for the Masquerade Ball.

While Moridanu struggled to catch her breath in her tight corset, Eliden went to the large walk-in closet and retrieved a small purple box. Carrying it over to the young girl, she handed her the box and Moridanu lifted the lid to find a diamond encrusted Masquerade mask in the shape of a butterfly. Pink diamonds that were the perfect match to her dress nestled in with dark rubies around the eyes, and Moridanu gasped as she looked down in wonder at it. Eliden said nothing as she lifted the mask out and slipped it over her young charges’ head, but Moridanu could see faint tears brimming in those old blue eyes she had come to love as though they had belonged to her own mother. Stepping back, Eliden nodded slowly, before she cleared her throat and breathed.

~There. Now, go look at yourself child and tell me ye are not a Queen..~

Taking a deep breath, Moridanu turned and gazed at herself in the mirror. Gone was the insecure girl who had stared deeply into the glassy surface only moments ago. Here stood a young woman, beautiful and confident about the path in front of her. It did not matter that inside she was shaking like a leaf. To anyone looking, here stood the Queen of Morthika.

~Now, I shall take this and give it Mathius..~ said Eliden as she stepped forward and took the royal crown. ~ Remember, there will be ten dances, then the coronation before the Royal dinner. And yes, you are expected to dance all ten dances.. Ye can only take ye mask off before the coronation, but make sure ye inform the guards if ye need to take ye leave for whatever reason before hand~

She gave the young Queen a knowing look before she bustled away. Stopping before she left the room, she turned around and gazed at Moridanu fondly.

~I could not love ye more if ye were m’own..~ she whispered. She had been gone only a moment when one of the guards appeared at the door and informed Moridanu that Crowe was waiting for her on the second floor balcony near the staircase. Moridanu nodded and took a deep breath.

~Here we go.. ~ she muttered to herself as she slipped quietly out of her room and went to meet Crowe. *

(( A few people have asked me who Moridanu and Crowe are, so... heres the link to their character bio:

morthika.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=light&action=display&thread=341 ))

[sabis]

'A celebration. The old ranger could see it clearly from his vantage point outside the city afew hours earlier, could see decorations being hung and preperations made. Imowen, his loyal, faithful companion hawk, had scouted the city a little bit for him, the bright eyed girl letting him know more. A coronation ceremony according to what she'd seen. She even found him a point in the walls that both lacked guards and had a nearby tree.'

'Less then twenty minutes later, he was over the wall, secretly entering the city via a long fifteen foot leap from a tree branch and a tucked-roll landing. He dusts himself off and Imowen lands upon his shoulder as he begins his meandering through the city streets. he scouts out several potential escape routes, monitors guard patrols, and gets a feeling for the markets. Thankfully he isn't fully out of place here, spotting more then one other fellow wilderness people. A druid or two, and more then one other ranger, but he's differant. It's not hard to tell to the initiated among the wilds he's been at home with nature for a very long time.'

'He gathers more information on the goings on of the day, even manages to snag an invitation to the main ball, despite his clothing. How he got it isn't certain to anyone but him, be it legitimate or illicit will only be told by who does or does not find their way in later. In his mind, he is a keeper of information, and family lines and royalty are important world events that can heavily affect the lands around the cities.'

[dakkon]

Dakkon took an arthritic step out of the carriage that had brought him and his master's ward to the palace. Although he was outfitted in a fine white dress uniform and richly woven red sash it was painfully obvious how decrepit the body beneath was. Even beyond his wispy silver hair there was a look of wanting to sleep buried deep in his myopic eyes. In two short years Dakkon would pass on into the next world; Extreme old age at last defeating the mercenary who had been known as the Brood General. On this night however, Dakkon was still alive and he had his duties to perform. Turning with the help of a cane he offered up a hand to his charge, the Lady Darthina*

"Thank you Uncle," the youth sweetly spoke as she stepped down. Her slender pink dress bobbed up and down with each step. It was a southern fashion from several years ago but she still favored the look for her own reasons.

"I'm just your Butler Miss, it suggests impropriety to grace me with the title of your Kin," Dakkon spoke reverantly down at her.

"Oh, but you're so much more interesting than family. By the way Uncle, I had been meaning to ask," The petite angelic looking girl leaned in close to her servant's ear "but after this *****'s birthday could you tell me another of your stories. You never did explain how you managed to defend the Gyeuth Pass with only three Razorboar squads..."

"I suppose, with the condition that you stay on your best behavior tonight. By the by, it must have slipped my old mind but isn't this a masquerade? Do you have your mask?"

"I do have a mask, as well as one for you uncle." From the carriage she produced two ornately crafted masks. The old man's breath caught in his throat as he recognized the faces etched delicately into their surfaces. His mask carried the same stern countenance he had worn all those years. Back in the days when he had led his mercenary troops at the behest of the highest bidder. Her mask as well brought back the memories, it was of his general and youngest daughter Alysia.

"I had them commissioned specially for us. Do you like them? I couldn't believe you used to look so dashing Uncle"

The old man tried to chuckle as he pushed back the memories threatening to overwhelm him. The things these young people did. "You are too thoughtful my dear."

"Think nothing of it Uncle. Now please rest somewhere comfortable while I attend to the formal niceties of this tiresome affair"

As Darthina left to attend to the ceremonies Dakkon wandered off in the direction of the servants quarters. His thoughts lost in the complexion of his mask so that he barely noticed the corridors he was soon walking through.

[Buffy Summers]

Buffy Summers softly let a sigh escape her lips as she arrived in a place that she obviously wasn't too familiar with; Morthika. Although this place wasn't too familiar with her, she knew why she was there, and that was to get rid of whatever had been messing with everyone residing there. Because of the situation she had been in with things back in Rome, she wasn't too surprised that she wasn't provided with much information. The good thing was, some of the Scoobies were arriving there soon to help her out a bit to take care of something. Buffy's first priority on her mind was to figure out the past that was attached with Morthika, and truth be told, things were a bit hazy in her mind at the moment just taking a look around the grounds where the palace was. Willow had done some research on the palace itself and Buffy just figured that coming to a Masquerade Ball was a great opportunity to just scope things out and get a feel for what the deal was etc.

Before she arrived there, the Immortal had given her a few gowns to choose from. Clothes to die for. Well, not literally. Clothes like celebrities wear to the Oscars: a golden ballgown; a red slinky thing cut down to here; something simple, shleek and jet black. She kept debating just putting back on her own clothes but he just insisted that irriving to something like a Masquerade Ball, it was sort of required to wear something elegant and sexy looking. A mask as well? hell, the minute he showed her the large selctions of masks, she just wanted to run out of the room, but she just chose the one that suited herself. All things considered even for Halloween back in high school she would rather wear the dress that turned her into a princess and almost got her killed by Spike. Well, that was just memorable. Grumbling to herself, she saw a few people walking in that were pretty damn strange looking and she just shrugged her shoulders figuring it couldn't get worse. A servant outside bowed to her, and she couldn't help but lift an eyebrow and smile weakly.

Buffy followed the man down marble floors and walls of white washed stone, lined with soft electric light and row upon row of framed pieces of art. Some were portraits and some were just landscapes. They climbed a flight of stairs, walked down another hallway, and then descended a flight of stairs. If the servant were a cabdriver, Buffy would have suspected he was taking the scenic route so he could charge her extra money. Instead, perhaps he was taking her on the scenic route so his boss could show off his enormous bachelor pad. Just about the time Buffy started wishing for hiking boots, and not two inch heels that were killing her feet as it was, she inhaled the heavenly scent of perfume or whatever it seemed to be. They turned one last corner and faced a large wooden door. As if by magic; it opened for them, revealing a glittering crowd of perhaps two hundred people in tuxes, and glittering gowns. Their attractive faces were illuminated by hundreds of candles and chandeliers hanging from above. It was like a picture in a glossy fashion magazine. Nibbling on her bottom lip, Buffy just walked inside and a few faced turned to her. "God, I hope Willow arrives here soon..." she whispered to herself.

[sabis]

'Once he'd had his fill of wandering town, he follows the obvious signs of celebration to the palace. He is a little impressed, due to the size of the place compared to the releative remoteness of this kingdom. He scopes out the entrances, plans several exits of course, and pulls his hood ever so slightly lower when he joins the crowd of people entering the building. he slips by the door guards with only a passing moment for them to even see his invitation, but not enough time for them to see him before he's vanished within the numerous oppulantly dressed well-wishers.'

'Thankfully, he isn't obsurdly out of place, with one of the druids and two of the other rangers both in attendance, and all dressed as he is, sans the hidden weapons. His arrows he stops a moment to cap off, sealing the leather quiver shut. He wonders, silently, how many people feel his presence, sense his aura that touches all supernatural beings near him. it doesn't cross his mind until he starts looking around that it's a masquerade. Arching a shadowed eyebrow, he mumbles to himself.' Well. At least my face is hidden, even if there is no mask.

[Crowe]

*Crowe had long since been dressed and ready, having awoken early in the morning and been unable to return to sleep. In the earliest hours he had crept silently, or as silently as he could manage with his favorite broadsword strapped across his back, down the familiar halls. His destination was one he often visited, and he resumed his usual place when he arrived, a small dimly lit alcove just down the hall from Mori's room where he had a good view of the door.
It was almost unnatural, his instinct to protect her, except that Crowe knew in his heart that it was the most natural thing that could be. Thus he would often come here where he could watch over her, unseen and unknown in the early hours, but ever protecting whether she knew or not. The guards stationed at her door for her protection noticed him come occasionally, prompting him to creep ever more silently and stealthily until they either stopped caring or he gained stealth enough to avoid their notice (most probably the former, Crowe had never been known for his grace).
As hours passed, it became time to dress and he, reluctantly as ever, left his charge to ready himself, driven, if by nothing else, by the knowledge that her wrath at his being late was the cost he would pay otherwise. He returned to his room and, as ever, felt part of his heart grow ever distant as his feet carried him away from her.
Needless to say he blushed a touch when that last thought dropped in on his nervous mind, and looked around in haste to see if anyone had noticed. He felt uncomfortable enough in the layers of finery draped about him they someone down the line had managed to call a suit. On outward appearance it would appear to be just that, but Crowe knew its treachery for what it was, and itched at the underpieces and blunderbums and whatever they had called those things strapped about his shoulders.
He had come to the balcony to get a final breath of fresh air before being propelled into a cascade of political nonsense, smiling here and there and everywhere to ensure that all the proper folk saw that he had smiled for them. He personally found it all nonsense that anyone need to be smiled at just to ensure that they would live on another day, but so it was and Mori would probably show him up in that arena too.
Moridanu...
His thoughts drifted as they often did back to her. What she had in grace would assuredly make up for his bumbling around in these ridiculous clothes. She had never thought herself a queen, but that he could never understand. He saw her standing regal and proud, delicate as a gentle summer breeze, yet firm as a mountain. Graceful as a dancing leaf falling in autumn, and more beautiful than anything else...
It was this thought of her beauty that was interrupted by the arrival of that very thing, and his, again startled, turn to greet her was accompanied by a nervous squeek and a veritable pair of lost body parts when his eyes nearly left his head to bury themselves exactly where that dress hoped everyone's eyes would end up. So it was only with the greatest of efforts that he pried his gaze back up to her eyes to leave them entrapped there (hopefully) long enough to say hello.*
"erm... uh... Oy, Mori, ent you a right.. er... beaut... well, you're lookin... er... queenly?"
*He was hopelessly lost, having been startled, surprised, and embarrassed out of any words he could have possibly gotten out in logical order, so he just shut his mouth and smiled awkwardly, finally understanding and being thankful that he was only expected to smile and not talk today.*

[Deleted]

On the ourskirts of the good kingdom of Kendelah, one of its busiest taverns was busier than usual tonight. The coronation of the queen was about to begin in several hours, and while the peasant citizens might not be able to dance in the grand ball or even see their queen until she stood on the balcony waving to them from on high, the atmosphere was still electric with merriment and zeal. The peasants were throwing their own parties in taverns across the land, and in Kendelah, it was no different. At the center of this particular tavern a circle had formed around a diminutive character who was entertaining the crowd with some delightful music from his lute and lungs...

"Oooohhh...Queen Moridanu-is-the-bestest-best-we'll-get! She'll-please-her-subjects-and-squeeze-her-court, and-toss-her-chair-amid-the-fort, and-throw-her-skirts-at-the-dirt, and-give-that-nasty-bastard-an-evil-smirk, and-when-all-is-said-and-done.....she'll-be-number-one!!"

Despite any lack of standard rhythm, the gnome bard could bellow amongst the best. His voice carried high and strong, but his words were often lost on the folk due to his uncanny nature of speaking faster than most people could think. However, the beat was strong and the music amusing, so everyone just laughed and clapped.

After several rounds of singing Moridanu's praises and how she'd defeat all evil, he gave a low bow and tipped his long feathered cap to the crowd, who poured coin after coin until the cap sank so low it dragged on the floor at his tiny feet. Pleased with himself, Throm dumped the coins into his knapsack and tucked his lute under his arm. The crowd was very well worked up now, but he insisted it was time he must be going.

"Where ya' off tah', bardie? Got yerself an invitation to thee coronation or sumthin'? Haw haw haw!" guffawed one drunk man.

"Oh-don't-you-worry-about-me, I've-got-things-to-do-and-people-tosee," replied Throm with a sly wink that hinted at something else. "Farewell-good-drunk-people!"

With that, Throm picked up his gear and his walking stick, and squeezed his way through the crowd and into the streets. With little regard for the people around him, the curious little 3'-2" gnome made a beeline for the castle. Tucked under his hat was the invitation he'd received as a gift from a friend.

[Moridanu]

*As Crowe’s dark eyes found their way to the area that she had tried so hard to cover up only moments ago, Moridanu blushed a shade of pink that was nearly the same hue as her pink gown. She could not help but offer a small, nervous laugh as he mumbled a compliment to her while blushing a similar shade himself. Drinking in the sight of him, Moridanu was slightly taken aback by how handsome he looked in all his finery. She knew that he would be feeling awkward and out of place in this apparel, but Moridanu thought that he had never looked more handsome. She was proud to be on the arm of such a handsome warrior, and she straightened her back as she moved closer to him.

~Ye be lookin’ mighty fine ye self Crowe.. who would’ve thought we would get ye into something resembling a suit, eh?~

The small alcove in which he stood offered a beautiful view of the city of Kendelah laid out before them in all its glory. Staring out over her beloved home, Moridanu was overcome with a sense of wonder and beauty that she always felt when thinking of her castle and her kingdom. Although tonight would signal the official beginning of her role as Queen, she had always thought of Kendelah as “hers” and as such, would die to protect it. Knowing that Crowe shared similar loyalties, she smiled over at him.

~Is it not the most beautiful Kingdom in all the land, Crowe? Look at the party lights! They are everywhere..~ she trailed off as she noticed that as well as the fairy lights that were strewn all over the castle, similar lights burned all over the Kingdom. She could hear the merriment coming from the several taverns that were nearby, and the sound of cheerful music was carried to her on the warm summer’s breeze. The sun had just set, painting the sky in beautiful shades of pink, orange and mauve. Hugging herself, Moridanu’s lips curved into a smile beneath her mask.

Turning to face Crowe, she laughed.

~Where is ye mask? Ye cant attend a masquerade ball without a mask, ye know?~

As the sound of the many people bustling about in the castle reached her ears, Moridanu shivered. Her nerves were just beginning to kick into high gear and she found herself shaking. Without even realising what she was doing, she reached out for Crowe’s hand, the one thing that could steady her nerves during such a nervous time.

~Are we ready for this?!~ she asked him, staring into his dark eyes. ~Am I?? It all starts t’night.. they expect.. I mean.. they want..~ she trailed off miserably, knowing that she didn’t have to explain herself to the one person who knew her better than she knew herself.*

[dakkon]

"Come One, Come all! Have your Destiny Read to you by One of the Fates Hisself"

The overzealous nursemaid shouted her pitch to the crowded room of children, her shrill calls a poor effort to mimic a booth vendor hawking her latest acquisition. The wonder filled eyes of the children lit up and they surged forward en masse to have their fortunes read. Wise to their ways the nursemaid was quick to shape the chaotic bunch into something resembling a line leading up to Dakkon.

Dakkon was not sure just how he had ended up in the Castle playroom helping to watch after children whose parents were at the Coronation. However, the chair the maid had led him to was quite plush and comfortable, so he was content to stay there for now.

The first child in line came forward hesitantly. He was chubby, squat and quite nervous. He also had what looked to be dried porridge stuck to his shirt.

"You're going to be a soldier in the army," Dakkon spoke to him with a tone of complete certainty.
The other boys all appeared amazed and cheered at their friends good fortune. Dakkon had kindly left out the part about every army needing cooks.

"Next," he said. A frail looking girl stepped up.

"Right now as I see it, you will never amount to anything."
The spindly youth sat down, clearly unhappily with her prophesied destiny. Dakkon considered it proof of free will that if you told a man where he was headed and he didn't like the sound of it, he could change his destination. Hopefully the girl would see Dakkon's warning in that light, even if she hated him for it.

...

Dakkon departed the room after running through the rest of the line. Soon he began to hear the sounds of the ballgoers conversing again. Sighing at the weight of his mask he placed it back over his head . To an observer he looked very much like the Brood General he had once been now. He emerged slowly into the crowded main, a shriveled and arthritic monster hidden behind a false face that had been his own. It wasn't long before he ran across Sabis.

Auras of powerful beings were like stars in Dakkon's experience. Every aura shone with light but there was nearly an infinite variety in their appearance. Some people's auras burned and flared red constantly, others were cool and steady in their radiance. If impressive auras like Sabis's were stars though, than Dakkons aura was a black hole. A star that had collapsed violently in on itself until it carried none of its former brilliance.

"Hello Sir, unusual attendees for a ball wouldn't you say?" Dakkon inquired offhand to the masked man Sabis. Dakkon nodded his head up to indicate the strange woman, Buffy, standing on the other side of the room. She had something of an unusual presence as well.

[sabis]

'When the elderly soldier greeted him, the hooded ranger nods, silently sizing him up from the shadows of his cloak. Only his lightly bearded chin is visible in it's infinately dark shades, the rest completely hidden by one of his favored acquisitions of his incredibly long existance. The cloak itself he acquired from a powerful wizard obsessed with how ugly he thought he was, who enchanted the cloak and it's hood to conceal him, and for the hood to be unremovable without it's wearer's while so long as they are alive. He has used it to great advantage since he got it, finding people ignore a man whose face they never see.'

'When he speaks, his voice is quiet, but strong, like a man at the peak of health and vitality, but the accent is... garbled. As though several accents have been rolled over his natural one, burying his origin in a jumble of possible nationalities. It is heavy though, the accents used selected for how well they blend into a voice pattern.' In my experience, good sir, any land in possesion of magic sees high numbers of the out of the ordinary. My people have a saying, that even with unlimited time, no man can see everything. So, what brings you here, sir? A retired general come to pay respects to the new generation, or an old warrior here to tutor those of us still in our prime?

'He knows Dakkon can feel it. It's usually the only reason anyone would approach him outside of battle. His aura touches every supernatural being he runs into, a "birth defect", as it were, among his people, who normally can only feel each other's auras. His is much stronger, making him a beacon to his kind, a giant glowing sign that says "Come and get me". Those who have felt such an aura before, however, always remember it. Remember his kin. The Immortals. Those who live throughout the centuries, never aging, always in the heart of battle, and always hunting each other in the hopes of one day being the only survivor and claiming the Prize, an unknown power granted the last living Immortal.'

[dakkon]

I am here as servant to the Lady Darthina De'sur. And please, just call me Dakkon. The General part of me died along with the rest of my children. *Dakkon extends his hand to shake sabis'. Fifty years ago the Brood General had wielded unrivaled power. Now his grip was weak and trembling, its vitality withered by the cold eyes of death*

Now, let us not talk of the past though I am curious how you know me. You are young!, you should be out enjoying the night and not talking to a dusty old man *Dakkon pounded his cane on the marble floor and nodded over to a few of the unattached womanfolk about* Here let me assist ye. My son Varis always used to say I made a good wingman. And he'd be the one to know a good wingman being an angel and all. *Cunningly Dakkon shuffled closer to one of the women about and then began to cough loudly. Soon he was hacking up air and flem as if his heart was aiming to escape through his throat. He not so smoothly winked at Sabis to communicate his plan...

Many details of the Brood Generals life were either lost or destroyed. One such unrecorded tidbit of information was that Dakkon had never listened when his daughter claimed that Varis was 'just saying that wingman bit to be nice.' *

[Crowe]

*As usual, the simplest of embarrassments sent Crowe into a blushing fit, but the biggest of problems didn't touch his demeanor. Mori's simple pokes and prods at his fine dress sent him into more fits of blushing and he looked out at the city, not to admire it, but to avoid the flattery that he knew was genuine. Looking at Mori's face would only reveal that it was true, and if he looked away just right he could pretend she was joking to make him feel better about how ridiculous he looked.
Once he had turned to the city, though, he joined Mori in appreciation for its beauty in a way that only Crowe could.*
"aye, looks like a right fine city wench all decked out in jewels. er... Suppose I should drop that language around 'em proper 'ow do's."
*Crowe then turned right about along with Mori to face the crowds, looking brave as ever with his attitude back in line. With Mori worried about her ability to run the kingdom, he knew his place and he knew it well. With a final wink and an overconfident smile, he slipped a gracefully designed black mask over his face, giving him an almost stoic look, though everything else about him contradicted that. The contrast, instead of looking ridiculous, seemed almost appropriate for the occasion of putting on a face that none present would believe just to remind everyone that what was behind the mask was much better. Crowe's spirits had lifted so much in response to Mori's apprehension, in fact, that he even dared a small, stealthy pinch to her rear end just as they were coming into sight of some guests, along with a small whispered encouragement.*
"Just like playing queen as a wee tyke, can't take yerself too seriously, else it's just no fun."
*As much doubt as she knew he had, that would surely kick her into gear, at least he hoped it would. Serious talk just built on anxiousness, and she needed to be relaxed. That was a job he could accomplish.
Just as quickly as Crowe's spirits had turned, they were rushed in to their places to ready themselves for their grand entrance. The crowd was louder now, not because Crowe and Mori were closer, but because anticipation was in the air. The crowds gathered into the main ballroom and clustered around the base of the stairs where Mori and Crowe would come in to begin the ball. Every guest wanted Mori's attention and favor and they would push their way to the front to get it, just as Crowe would push them right back to the back if they went too far to get it.
Within only a couple minutes, which Crowe spent in silence giving Mori the simplest of supports by holding her hand, trumpets began to blare outside of the castle signaling to all in the surroundings that the ceremony was to begin.*

[Moridanu]

*Moridanu gasped in shock and a secret delight as Crowe reached out to pinch her rear end, reminiscent of their playful youth together. She was tempted to squeal in shock and chase him around the castle, just as she had only a few months before, but as the grand ballroom came into view and she saw all eyes turned upon them, she stifled the squeal and fixed what she hoped appeared to be a cool, serene smile on her lips.

In a testament to the talent of the musicians assembled, they quickly finished the song they had been playing before the trumpets sounded to herald the arrival of the Queen. Behind her butterfly mask, Moridanu rolled her eyes at this ostentatious protocol but resigned herself to the fact that it was something she would have to get used to. Methias signalled to her with his eyes that they should wait at the top of the stairs to give everyone time to assemble before they should descend. He had gone through this procedure with her so many times that the signal was unnecessary however and Moridanu squeezed Crowes’ hand so tightly she probably left finger marks in his smooth skin.

~I owe ye one..~ she muttered through her smile which now felt as though it was starting to stretch unnaturally across her lips. How Crowe interpreted her words was entirely up to him as she had deliberately left them ambiguous. Licking her lips nervously as Methias gave the nod, Moridanu murmured ~Let’s go..~ as she stepped one pink slippered foot down the first stair, followed by the other one. Their walk down their stairs seemed to stretch on forever, and she tried to ignore the gasps and murmurs of the crowd assembled. Everywhere she looked, she saw nothing but smiling faces and when they finally reached the floor below, a rush of people surged forward, desperate to see the young Queen on this fateful day.

Without the need to be summoned, her guards appeared as if from nowhere, gently keeping people a respectful distance away from the young Queen and her warrior companion. Still, Moridanu could not help feeling a bit taken aback with the sudden unwanted attention and she gripped ahold of Crowe even more tightly. Then, suddenly the crowds were pushed further back and the strains of the first song began to play. Moridanu nodded at Methias as he gestured that they were to dance, and she turned to face Crowe.

~May I have t’is dance..?~ she laughed, surprised to hear the gasps of shock from the crowd around her. Methias shook his head in dismay and she could feel his disapproval coming off him in waves. Moridanu shrugged her shoulders as she realised that it was probably not considered to be particularly Queen-like to ask a man for a dance, instead she should probably act demurely and wait to be asked. To hell with that, she thought to herself as she smiled at Crowe and took his hand in hers, waiting for him to take the lead. Over his shoulder, she could see her head guard whispering urgently in his lieutenants’ ear while pointing outside, and she hoped that nothing was going to happen to ruin this evening for everyone. With so many turned out to celebrate the coronation and with so much drink and merriment flowing, a horrible thought slowly dawned on the young Queen. The coronation would be a perfect time for someone wanting to attack the kingdom of Kendelah to do so, as all the important people within the land would be gathered in one place. She turned to look for Methias, the worry making her back go rigid as she began to dance with Crowe. The look on Methias’ face only made her worry more however as she watched him rush out the glass doors onto the patio.

~Somethin’ is wrong..~ she fretted to Crowe. *

[sabis]

'Sabis, upon the General's turn and wink, has already vanished into the crowd. Despite the old ranger's clothing and clearly foreign nature, as his profession does not seem to be an uncommon one the few secnd glances he gets are more the respectful or admirative then the curious. But he can sense in the air what the Queen does as well. He can feel the increased activity of the court guards. He had watched her grand entrance with some curiosity, ever the cataloguer of grand events such as a coronation when he could be present. After all, what better historian then one who shall know endless years should he not be killed by another? But her dancing holds no interest from him..'

'He wanders around the room abit, disguising his movements, covering his tracks so to speak, until he gets near the outside of the room. Ever the crafty one, he finds one of the few other rangerly types, clearly an apprentice but experienced enough to be trusted by his master. Sabis walks right up to him and greets him quietly, asking him for a report of activities outside if he has one. His own experience and stature as a woodsman is quite clear among the sylvan circles of ranger and druid, so the young but initated boy should respond to him.'

[Moridanu]

*The young Ranger paled significantly at the approach of Sabis, bowing his head slightly in a sign of respect. He looked nervous, licking his lips every now and then as his dark eyes continued to scan the room. When he did speak, his voice was low and even, so as not to be heard by those around them.

~As I am not one of the guards on duty, I am not privy to the exact details sir. However, I tend to blend in to the shadows when I aim to, and as such I have overheard far more than I think they would like…~

He stepped outside onto the balcony, the land of Kendelah stretched before him in all its glory. Waiting for Sabis to do the same, he then proceeded to tell him what he knew.

~From what I heard, just before the coronation, the head guard put the call out for all of his guards to report back from their posts. The three guards down at the side entrance near the river did not report back, so he sent some men down to check on them. They were found dead sir, with their throats slit and their hearts ripped out. Something was written in their blood on the wall of their post, but I did not hear what it was, only that it said something about the Queen..~ he trailed off as a guard approached the two of them quickly. He opened his mouth to say something, but a closer inspection of Sabis seemed to satisfy his curiosity and he continued on his way without speaking to the pair.

Once they were alone, the young Ranger continued.

~My Master went down to the river to check things out for himself once I had relayed my news, telling me to stay here and watch over the Queen, so if there is nothing else you need sir I really should return to my post..~*