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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 2, 2008 19:15:32 GMT -5
Brone often went through the city to see the subjects, both rich and poor. He was in the richer section by now, walking through the streets. only the rich were always inside--very unlike the poor. His father always said: 'know your subjects and they will trust you.' So Brone tried to know them, but he barely got a chance, his name got in the way. What would he have said to a Prince? Nothing. So he was the prince and the people told him nothing that really let him know who they were. He sighed softly, his breath clouding into the air. He had more or less had given up on seeing anyone, on doing anything. It was dusk a he reached the easy path that would lead him to the palace when he heard a sound. Voices. Were they yelling? He turned and saw nothing, must have been from inside a house. But he couldn't help but wonder why.
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Post by Serena De Lorme on Dec 3, 2008 0:44:31 GMT -5
How did he possibly find out? It was years ago! It was Serena's thought as she was getting verbally chastised by her very angry father. Her brothers merely stood against the way, unable to say or do anything. Somehow, the Baron had found out about her affair with the witch and even her rendevous with the prince himself. There was only one reason and that was he was having her watched now, or informants took their time justifying their case against her. Either way, he was beyond angry now.
"How dare you bring even more shame upon our family! First a witch and now this?! What have you to say for yourself!"
"I did nothing wrong father! This war needs to end! At the time there was nothing wrong with it!"
"Nothing wrong with it?! You were sleeping with the ENEMY!"
"Why does it matter!! It was years ago! And you should be happy his own people killed him!"
"You think the witches did that? You are naive. Just as you couldn't even snag the prince while you had the chance. You are worthless."
Her brothers turned and left the room as Serena's eyes widened. "You...you had him killed... You knew..." she whispered, her hands balling into fists at her sides.
Her father scoffed and turned his back on her. "Of course. Now get out of my sight. You are no use to me. I have to do everything around here." Serena stared at his back as she trembled with silent sobs. The one man who returned the love she held... Somehow she managed to grab a cloak before her feet led her outside. The door slammed behind her as she ran down the street with no destination in mind, just to run. Her sorrow was so great that she didn't even see Brone walking the streets as she ran past him. Just to run...
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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 3, 2008 16:49:17 GMT -5
Brone did not need to see her face. He knew who it was. Serena. He had studied her back, he knew that shape. Brone knew that he could love her, he could be there for her, and he might have just made her his----At least, he would have tried had not Alex's words been buzzing in his head. Did he like the witch princess? Why was the very question bothering him, why was he so unsure? Why did he like Aarya's company? Brone wondered if, had he not known the young princess, he would give a second thought to taking Serena with him. But that was foolish, even if he loved Aarya, he could never marry her. But he had already turned the baron's daughter down.
Still, he smelled tears. "Serena." He spoke before he was aware of it. he doubted she would hear him, for she was running. No doubt emotions blind you. But he hated to see her as such. He wanted to be close to her, in some way--wether friendly or romantic he could not say.
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Post by Serena De Lorme on Dec 3, 2008 22:44:07 GMT -5
No, Serena didn't stop at the sound of her name, even though she heard it, and even though she knew the voice that carried it. No, her mind was too consumed at the thought that her own father betrayed her. Tobias, the first and only man she'd ever allowed herself to love... For so long, she thought it was because her people found out...but they had been so careful, making sure to stay on neutral territory so no one would be the wiser. Now she knew...her father...
The tears blinded her from the path in front of her as she headed towards the outskirts, closer to the forest. It was better that way... so no one could see her tears or how much her heart ached. It didn't help she was rejected once more before this, when she knew enough time had past so she could move on. But if even the prince himself didn't want to be with her, if her father hated her so much to be the one that caused her destruction, why should she have a life...
Even a vampire had their moments of ungracefulness and she found hers when she tripped over a rock in the dirt path and fell into the grass on the edge. She lay there for a moment as she sobbed now, before she picked herself up enough to crawl under a nearby tree and just curl up, her satin skirts like a black lake around her. She was worthless now...an old maid... No point in continuing on...
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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 3, 2008 22:49:51 GMT -5
Brone watched her run into the darkness, maybe it would have been best not to follow. He felt like somehow it was his fault. No no, a prince must not think like that. Every moment he spent with that witch, every moment he thought of her, he was softening. Emotions seemed to matter. it was scaring him. It was like he was less of a vampire, less of a man. He bit his lip slightly. But it was cruel to leave the woman sobbing, wasn't it? Or maybe he should leave her be.
He kept walking, keeping between the forest and the road that led to his palace. His mind still unsure. Finally he materialized near the spot she was and walked the rest of the way, making sure to make some noise so he did not startle her. He did not look at her, out of simple understood protocol. You never brought attention to tears, it was an unspoken vampire rule. Brone stood there for a second before sitting himself beside her and then looked at her slowly. "I know you do not want to see me." he said taking a reasonable guess. He faltered then, not sure what to say, he just wanted to give her a shoulder to cry on. But that was a witch thing to do and he looked away, closing his mouth.
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Post by Serena De Lorme on Dec 3, 2008 23:00:08 GMT -5
When she heard a sound nearby, something vampires rarely did, except in certain positions, she started to clean herself up, wiping away the tears and regaining her composure. By the time she caught the scent of who it was, she was able to just sit with her back against the tree and her face turned away, especially when a lone tear decided to make its appearance anyway. Damn it all... Why did the prince have to be there, and even follow her? Did he want to make known her disgrace.
"No, your grace," she murmured, taking the emotion out of her voice so she could at least attempt to seem normal. "I am always honored to be in your presence. What brings you among your people this night?" She tried to keep it light banter, despite the strain of keeping in emotion. Her father was right. She was useless as a ball of quivering sobs. Loving a mortal made you soft and remained that way.
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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 3, 2008 23:09:20 GMT -5
Brone looked at her. "I often walk amongst my people, but that was not the point." He said lightly, reaching out hesitantly to lay a hand on her shoulder. For a moment he quavered, uncertain as to what he should say, if anything. "I think too much like a witch recently, I came over to comfort you. I'm unsure as to if I can.... but I couldn't walk away." he said softly. "If you would rather be alone, I shall continue on my way." he said.
Brone would go if she wished, or stay if she wished. he only wished he knew what the problem was, maybe he could solve things for her. He had some power. Brone looked away from her again, dropping his hand into his lap. Gain the people's trust his father had said. No one trusted him with their trouble, maybe he had to let them into his heart, maybe that was why not everyone liked Vlad, he never opened up his heart.
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Post by Serena De Lorme on Dec 4, 2008 0:19:34 GMT -5
It gave Serena pause. Comfort? Slowly, her head turned towards Brone, her eyes still wet with tears, though her face was now dry. That one word reminded her of Tobias, just in the way of how...human it was. She knew the ways of her people. Comfort was not in their vocabulary. And for some, the ability to was far from their capacity to know. It was enough of a shock to her system for her to blink for a moment before turning her entire body towards him. She almost blurted out why she was upset right then and there, but she stopped herself quickly and moved her eyes towards the night sky.
"I would enjoy your presence, Brone. Perhaps having someone around that wasn't apart of the problem will help in the end, though it may result in my death." Loving a witch was unheard of, let alone sleeping with one and almost running away together with one. The only example of such a union was one filled with lies and deceit, which ended in death. She could only assume that the same would happen to her if someone else found out about her past and acted on it, even though punishment has already been given.
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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 4, 2008 15:33:21 GMT -5
Brone sighed, trying to read her face as she spoke. He caught himself again--why did he care about her emotions? Why was he looking for clues? "If you would like to talk, understand that I listen as a friend, not as the prince. The prince would not have followed you here, he is out on the road waiting for me." He hoped she understood his metaphor. He would not breathe a word, if she decided to talk to him. Even if it was information that was worthy of being killed. No one would know. He always kept his word. Always. She had to know that. "So whatever you say, will stay right here. Will stay with Brone, the prince will never know." The state would never be involved if it is indeed that dangerous a secret.
Brone wondered if she would ask about his sudden pull to comfort. Why was he acting so much like a witch would have? He felt so soft, so unlike a man, and he hoped that Serena did not see him that way, but that was all that crossed his mind.
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Post by Serena De Lorme on Dec 4, 2008 15:50:47 GMT -5
There was no denying that she had to think about it. There was so much that could go wrong, especially if he went against his word. But the prince...Brone wouldn't do that, would he? She didn't have friends. Lovers, yes, but that was the norm. It was rare to find a true friend, and this may be her opportunity. The sad thing is, she did want there to be more between them. But she'd take what she would get at this point. No use trying to cry over spilt blood.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly let go of the cold exterior, letting the sadness show on her face. It was hard, to do so in the presence of another. "Three years ago... I fell in love with a witch. I can't tell you why, there was just something about him...the way he cared...the way we're not supposed to, almost incapable of. We had planned to run away together. But the night before, when I went to see him, I found him dead, thought to have been killed by his own... But I just found out, it was my father's doing. He had his own plans for me, so he had me followed. Still does, just not tonight."
She made herself laugh, as she looked up towards the still darkening sky. The tears were back again, but this time, they would not fall. "Apparently he also knows what happened the other night. So I failed him twice now. If it were as easy as that." By then, she just shook her head, looking down and away. There was a feeling that admitting that little part would make it seem it was planned for them to meet. She didn't think so, she actually liked Brone. But it was the prince her father is after. And she now doesn't want anything to do with it.
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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 4, 2008 16:05:39 GMT -5
Brone listened to her words and felt a tug at his heart-- or at his emotions he was only recently slightly more in tune with. He sat silently for a moment, and when he started to speak, he could not look at her. For once, the prince did what no prince was ever supposed to do. He looked down at his feet. If his father could see him now, Brone would never be forgiven. "I wish I could love you." he said. "I did not mean to make your father see you as a failure. I am indeed drawn to you Serena but---" he paused, his voice dropping to a tone so low it might not sound like words at all. "I too am falling into an impossible love."
Brone knew Alex was right, the day at the castle had shown him all he needed to know. He was falling for the princess Aarya. There was no way he could ever marry her, no way they could be anything but secret friends, and polite diplomats. "If I was not slipping into her clutches, i would belong to you." Brone said with a small shake of his head. Maybe that would hurt her more "I know it would be better to go with you, and let her drop behind, since there is no possibility. But my heart will not listen to my head. I would be happy with you, but its not fair to you if my mind is always wandering to someone else." He sighed, wondering how much of that she ever heard or understood, but he had admitted it. Sometimes it was easier to talk to people who did not know you as well. Someone who just had to listen.
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Post by Serena De Lorme on Dec 4, 2008 16:15:28 GMT -5
Serena understood, more than he could possibly know right now. And it hurt, god did it hurt to know her chances at some sort of happiness was once more snatched away from her. But there was more that Brone could do that she. Even if she and Tobias had been able to go away, there was nowhere for them to go. There were more options available to him because he had power. A baron's daughter was only a step away from peasantry. Nothing more than a mere title.
"Listen..." She turned to face him again, reaching out to gently touch his cheek. No chance of an "us", she was reaching out for a "friends" now. "Don't let the chance you have slip away like I did. There is more at your disposal than you realize. You can try to end this war with your...genuine love for her. The mistakes of the past will make it a near impossible task, but if you really want to be with her...you should take that chance." Her hand fell away and she leaned back against the tree trunk, closing her eyes. "You have a true opportunity here. One I will never have again."
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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 4, 2008 16:22:59 GMT -5
"I would only make things worse," Brone said shaking his head. "I am against the war-- which is why father seems very uncomfortable with me taking his throne since he knows my feelings--even though I've never told him." Brone leaned his head back against the tree looking at the stars through the leaves. "I can better end the war from the seat of king than i can here. Here my father can still kill me if he finds out I am falling for her. We have nothing that would cause anyone to know, she doesn't even know. Her father will never let her marry me."
He realized that he had not disclosed the identity of the witch. That was a good thing, he just hoped he never let it slip. Maybe Serena was thinking she was someone of a low class and that would cause his father to be angry. the truth was it was a princess, the youngest, and the king would never willingly give her to Brone. "I could never run away, they need me here if anything will ever change."
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Post by Serena De Lorme on Dec 4, 2008 16:32:35 GMT -5
Well that did put a damper on things. She didn't know, nor did she want to, exactly what class his particular witch was. Her and Tobias were the same class, both low on the totem pole so no one would really miss her. But he was right, as a prince, soon to be king, even though he had more options, the consequences would be much dire. It was the part about her not knowing his feelings that tripped her up slightly. But she had her suspicions. "I have a feeling that whoever you love may return your feelings. The most dangerous part of this chess game, is the two of you revealing that to each other."
Slowly she rose to her feet, not to walk away, but merely to brush some of the dirt and leaves from her dress that she gathered from her fall. The snow had yet to make its appearance once again, since the weather warmed slightly, which she liked. Reminded her of him... "Don't run. I'm not saying that. I'm saying to make sure that you can have what you desire in the end. And don't get caught." Something made her blink and run a hand down her face, almost as an afterthought. "As far as we go, I would be grateful to call you friend. And if you ever need a cover story, this little vamp might be able to help," she remarked with a slight smirk. The pain was slowly ebbing away. The thought of helping him do what she couldn't was somewhat...a type of therapy...a way to make amends.
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Post by Brone Van Estra on Dec 4, 2008 16:38:26 GMT -5
Brone stood too, maybe all those years of ettiquite training of standing when a woman does was getting to him, but he couldn't help being imprinted. "I'll remember that, my friend." He said returning the look with a smile. He lay a hand gently on her back, a sort of thank you for her words.
And too himself he muttered, "I wish she were poor." That would make things easier. It would be easy for her to sneak away nights and join him somewhere in the mountains, but the most protected of the Waldewick children? He had to be kidding himself. Serena seemed to have such faith in him, maybe she wanted to help so he wouldn't live as she had to do. But it was better for him to leave Aarya alone and ensure they both lived, right? Or was it better to love once and die in the morning? He could not say.
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