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Post by Meridious Risgar on Oct 8, 2017 18:18:56 GMT
This takes place maybe a week or two after the horrors of the Final Dance ballroom massacre seen here: forceoftheashes.freeforums.net/thread/483/final-danceA day off was rare, but Meridious needed it. To say the scene inside the castle walls since that night was chaos would be an understatement. He’d watched as the King brought in mages and werebeasts and many others of creed and color and race, and had them interrogated before him. Sometimes things got rough, uncomfortable even, to those who acted suspicious with their actions and answers. Such things had played out everyday, all day, and when the option came up for even the King’s Guard to attend the vigil, or memorial row, he took it. He’d shed his fancy armor and white cloak for the venture, and was clad in common clothes which fell more along the lines of fancy-like and fit around his muscular form quite nicely. He stood before the scattered mess of trinkets and other sentimental artifacts of affections shoved in the ground. Each one was a death marker of sorts, where they fell to their death. People milled about, crying, watching, paying respects. Nudging the tether attached to his dog’s collar, Meridious and Flash moved about the rows, stopping every so often to reminisce over an old hunting or fishing buddy or former military member he served with, as he saw their names or associative marker standing up from the ground. There were still burn marks on the ground from the dragon and that red haired fire mage. The dilapidated building itself had been cleared out and the floor uprooted, leaving only the long field of memorialized horror in its wake. As he gazed over the seemingly endless rows of markers, he saw one that really stuck out. A toy wooden sword. “ What the??”. He made quick strides to it, nearly dragging Flash behind him, the pooch having trouble keeping up with his human’s hurried footfalls. As morbid as it may be, he hoped it would be an item pointing to another’s death, and for a moment upon reaching it he sighed a little bit in relief. That is, until he plucked it fully from the earth and removed the wet dirt and grime from it. There, scribbled across the blade section, was Meridious’s autograph. He had met the awe struck boy at the ball that would live in terrible infamy, and he’d begged Meridious to sign the very toy he now held. The boy had been an infection one, bright eyed and grinning impossibly wide. Meridious gripped the toy with white knuckles, hard, and wondered what savagery befell the poor child. Had he been crushed to death by a charging werebeast? Had he been evaporated by the dragon’s fire? Had it been at least quick and painless or had he suffered? He didn’t feel a sense of sorrow like he’d felt seeing the markers of his friends, this was different. Every hair stood up and muscled stood in high tense. His face shot a hue of red and his lips sneered back. It was a type of anger he’d never felt before. His buddies had lived a life of some sort, but the kid? He didn’t get a chance to live nothing. TBCB whomever. It’s open. You don’t have to post anything about Meridious if you don’t want to. |
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Post by Solara Ell Polst on Oct 8, 2017 19:32:58 GMT
Having recently moved back out of Imfala castle after a rather interesting talk with Connor, Solara had been camping out on her burned ranch. She had few qualms about roughing it and the air was much easier to breathe than it had been within the stone walls. She did however miss companionship of others. Her brother was around on occasion so that was a bit of a balm to her loneliness. She hadn’t realized it before they were gone just how much companionship her workers and servants had offered her. Without their presence she was adrift. But she had to keep moving. It was what immortals did. One couldn’t live the long lives that they did and let every tragedy rock them to the core.
She had stopped by the city to get a few things. A new overcoat to keep the cold chill of fall out of her bones. A small metal ring to replace a weakening one on the bridle of her stallion. It was by chance really that she overheard a few marketgoers speaking of the vigil being held at the castle. And if anything Solara was a curious being. She found herself moving there without really even deciding to do so. Her stallion was tied and her soft footsteps carried her to see the mass of castles, letters, trinkets that were piled in homage to those lost.
It was all a waste in her opinion. To leave these items for the dead. It wasn’t as if anyone could take that scarf their friend knitted or the doll they had for years with them when they passed. Dead was dead. Solara should know, she had been burying dead bodies for weeks. She continued to walk slowly among the mourners. A quiet shadow amidst a populace that was mostly human. She didn’t recognize the man at first, so different was he without his armor. And the look on his face was not one of concentration or a polite smile.
Rage. It was the most accurate emotion that she could attribute to him. Her dark eyes fell to the sword in his hands. The tiny wooden sword. A child’s death was always harder, somehow. Their little life snuffed out before they could really even begin to live it. The boy had appeared so happy, alive. It was hard to picture that same child now buried in the ground. Her lips pursed but it would have been a lie to say she felt true sorrow. She hadn’t known the child. But the situation was a sad one.
They needed to find out who was at fault for this, her thoughts still lingered on the human king. But these were suspicions she kept to herself. ”Meridious.” She said softly as she came up to his side. Not reaching out to touch him, to ground him as she might a good friend. They were but acquaintances before everything went horribly wrong. He hadn’t crossed her mind as someone she suspected of being a part of this twisted plot. Although it was entirely possible her first impression of him was entirely wrong.
She glanced down to see the dog at his side and smiled, fingers rolling back against her palm as she held out a hand for the beast to sniff. Her massive white dog had passed in the fire as well. Or at least she assumed as much. ”Hey there.” She said barely above a whisper then looked back to his master. ”You aren’t on patrol today.” The statement might sound odd but she truly didn’t know what else to say. She would likely extricate herself from the situation soon enough but she felt the urge to speak to someone. Especially someone who looked like he could use a bit of distraction from his grief.
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Post by Meridious Risgar on Oct 10, 2017 7:41:48 GMT
Deep in thought over the slain boy, Meridious didn’t so much notice the woman, but Flash did. The tug of the leash broke his attention, and brought it back to where it should be. Casting eyes that way, he saw the outgoing immortal he’d bumped into at the ball before it all went to hell in a fiery handbasket. Her presence took him aback a little. Raising a brow, he spied her with some suspicion and looked around, expecting to see her romantic link, Commander Connor, not far behind, which would have made him feel even more off guard. After all, their two kings had lobbed threats at one another that night, vows of war so to speak, and Connor being the Commander of said King’s army…. Well…..Hmm.
He watched as Flash licked her palm and shook it with his paw, then began sniffing at her as he doggy hugged her at the hip. ”Flash, come on. Leave her alone.” He yanked on the leash just a little bit and Flash took the hint, retreating back to him. He half laughed, half scoffed at her remark about him not being on patrol. ”Patrol? Is that what you call it, ma'am? It’s more like babysitting adults these days. Well, with the younger of the royals anyway, and their extended.”
And just like that he stopped, deciding to change the topic. ”Fancy seeing you here without the Commander, with everything that happened and the accusations being thrown around. I figured you’d be back at the ranch by now getting all the steeds bred and fed for the selling, at least until things blow over here.”[/color] He paused for only a moment and lit up with a head shake. ”Apparently my manners took the day off as well.” He took her hand and kissed it, only now having realized he’d skipped over the custom.
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Ranch Owner
Hetero.
Single.
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Authored by Rook.
Offline.
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Post by Solara Ell Polst on Oct 10, 2017 9:45:26 GMT
Solara didn't miss the look Meridious gave her surroundings, the slight arch of his brow. It didn't seem as if he was just surprised to see her but also that he was looking for someone. Quickly enough the moment passed and beyond a slight narrowing of her dark eyes she didn't react. Choosing instead to act as if she hadn't noticed. She had learned in her long life that one could learn much more from others if they didn't lay all their cards on the table. Sometimes acting clueless could be 'smart'. She accepted the kiss from the dog with a distracted glance and smile, finger fluttering out to briefly run across his muzzle. She took a half step away when the over-exuberant canine took a liking to her leg. She had no intention of being humped in the middle of a crowd of mourners. Talk about disrespect...
She crossed her arms in a relaxed manner to listen as he spoke. It was time for her to raise a brow this time. He had seemed so...formal at their last meeting. She hadn't expected to hear anything but him singing the royal family's praises. It was nice though to see that he was 'human'. Some took the guard role just a tad too seriously in her opinion. "I think patrol was a nice word for it. But I do imagine the younger generation can be a little harder to keep up with. I can hardly blame them for enjoying their youth though, you human's age all too quickly too not enjoy it." It wasn't meant as offensive but her words did on occasion come out harsher than she intended. Mortality was readily evident in their surroundings. People paying homage to their lost loved ones who had been torn away so unexpectedly.
The conversation took a sudden turn. One that didn't really settle well with her. Was she not allowed to travel without Connor now? Since when was her relationship with someone made into a ball and chain? A friendship at that, even if one with some rather...enjoyable, benefits. "I'm perfectly capable of traveling alone." She said carefully, perhaps a little indignant at being spoken to like some little helpless noble lady. Her fingers drummed on her arm as she found more words to say. "I didn't see a reason to need protection. As far as I'm aware the treaty is still in place and I am innocent of any crimes." She paused before speaking again. Considering her words. "Am I not welcome here, Meridious? If so I know the way out."
At the mention of her ranch Solara's features darkened and she turned her gaze to the dog at his side. Easier. She hadn't mentioned the destruction of her ranch at their last meeting. It hardly seemed fitting. But now in this setting, it was almost ironic that he would mention it. "I am in the process of rebuilding actually. And tracking down my horses. My ranch was attacked a few weeks ago so I'm still picking up the pieces." As much as the pain of her loss still stung she managed to keep her voice even and smooth as if talking of nothing beyond the weather or how the color of someones dress suited their skin tone. She could thank her mother for the trained poise she still benefited from, although she never would.
Suddenly Meridious was making an apology of sorts and taking her hand, placing a kiss upon it in an action that made her smile and shake her head a bit. "I'm certain it was a lonely old man who thought of that gesture, not that I mind with present company." He was handsome, she didn't deny that fact. It might be a little different if she had some elderly fellow making out with her hand with all the elegance of Meridious' canine. "But you needn't greet me with such niceties Meridious, if you are around me much I'm sure you will lose all impression that I'm a noble lady." She, of course, was referring to the lifestyle she had chosen with the ranch and horses, but there was an innuendo mixed in there as well. Solara Ell Polst, ever the tease.
"Walk a bit with me, Meridious? That is unless your charges need supervision." A smirk came to her lips and she began to walk, whether or not the guard decided to follow was his decision.
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Post by Meridious Risgar on Oct 11, 2017 18:10:47 GMT
Under other circumstances some of the things she said would have burrowed under the skin a little bit, but the events that happened too soon ago had dulled him. He tugged a shoulder up in a half shrug at her mentions of not needing protection and not committing any crimes. ”Crimes? No ma’am. It’s not the men of the oath you’d need protection from.” With his words he spanned a finger down the street in both directions, where the ever increasing presence of people, humans, were round about them. ”It’s them. I hate to say this about my own people, but paranoia in a time like this, so fresh after this terror, it makes them lash out without thinking first.”
He took a pause and shoved the end of the toy wooden sword back into the ground, then stood back up facing her.. He could tell she didn’t like some of his remarks, it was written in every line of her beautiful body even with it concealed under that overcoat, but there was nothing he could do about that. He leaned in close to her, where he could speak low so to not let prying ears hear. ”All it takes is one of them recognizing you as part of Commander Connor’s entourage to the ball. They’ll link you being immortal. They’ll want your head. The last thing some of them heard before escaping was our kings shouting death threats and words of war to one another, after all.”
It was true. All it takes is one, and Meridious knew there was probably more than one who wanted to get after immortals or mages or, well, any race outside of their own. The conspiracies were running wild. It didn’t help much that the human king had yet to make a speech to the humans urging restraint toward the other races while he and the upper hierarchy tried to figure it all out. Flash whined and ate at his leash, wanting to get back on the move. What Solara mentioned next brought Meridious into vexation. Why hadn’t he heard of Solara’s ranch being sacked and burned? Most of the royals and kings guard get their mounts from her. His brows dipped and met, he genuinely felt bad for the poor girl. The fact she spoke of it casually was testament to resilience.
He took her up on the offer of a walk. He had to. There was no way he and Flash could let her amble around town alone when some people were on pins and needles. She was either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid for going it alone thus far.
”I’m terribly sorry about your ranch. I had no idea. Wait..” He ran a finger under his clean shaven face about the chin, pondering real quick. ”That means you have no lodging. Nonsense. I will get you a rite of quarters. Temporary. Easy paperwork and access. I’ll get you holed up in a secure area, as I do with family when they pass through.” It was the least he could do. After he doled out the offer to her, he remembered back to the night at the ball, when he’d said he wished he could thank her in some way for breeding his warhorse Rocky. Now was the chance.
He stayed alert as they walked, batting back the urge to stare too long at her. It would be a daunting task.
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Hetero.
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Post by Solara Ell Polst on Oct 11, 2017 20:33:43 GMT
Her dark eyes followed his gestures to the people that milled about. Slowly she turned her attention back to Meridious. Appearing to contemplate her situation a moment before she dipped her head to him in thanks. "It is kind of you to bring the situation to my attention. I have been careless. But this realm is my home more readily than Imfala ever will be. I won't be pushed out by some gaggle of chickens afraid of what they don't understand." Her eyes cut back to the people then, a tiny smile on her lips. "I come to this town often and have never harmed anyone. If they chose to turn on me then that is their prerogative. But I'm not going to hide and cower away from a possible threat. It is hardly in my nature." Yes, she could indeed be very foolish and stubborn. But she had lived too many years to start changing now.
The man and his dog joined her and Solara moved along at a slow calm pace. In no hurry to get anywhere except for away from the palatable sorrow around the vigil. She didn't respond to his words about her ranch. It was very unfortunate and still a sore spot for her even if she didn't show it. However, his offer did make her look to him in surprise. "I do appreciate the offer Meridious, but were you not just telling me to be cautious in the presence of your people?" She smiled and shook her head, a soft refusal. "The gesture is appreciated but I am doing fine. I camp at what is left of my ranch and take up a room at an inn on occasion." Slender shoulders rose in a small shrug. "I couldn't take your charity regardless. How would it look for the king's guard to be protecting an immortal? Giving her temporary lodging?" She reached over to pat his arm reassuringly. "I assure you, I'm tougher than I look." She leaned in closer to speak again, not wanting to clue everyone around them in on everything about her. "I haven't lived over a millennium by being afraid of my own shadow."
It was a kind gesture especially given the current state of affairs. All the suspicion between the races. From someone so close to the king it meant more somehow. Although she could have been interpreting the situation completely wrong. It could have been a tactical move, keeping friends close and enemies closer. What better way to observe the immortal who had connections to the Commander than to keep her close? She didn't feel this was the case but that hardly made it impossible. She had learned many years ago that people were rarely who they presented to others. Her recent interactions with Connor could be a testament to that. He had lied to her. It had hurt but she understood his reasoning. Still...not telling someone that by touching them you could kill them was deceitful...especially a friend. So to think that a perfect stranger would try to pull the wool over her eyes was hardly a far-fetched thought.
Deciding to alter the course of the conversation away from herself Solara took a step closer to him and linked her arm loosely through his own in what could easily appear to be the kind guard showing a hapless lady around town. She was very much a tactile being although if her actions were innocent could be left up to interpretation. She could be playing a game of her own. Trying to work her way into the good graces of one of the kings men, to spy on the humans. It wasn't true but of course if she did hear anything that would be dangerous to Immortals she would inform Connor. She might hold very little allegiance to her people but she did have connections, friends, and she would protect them at any cost. "I feel like you know much about me but I know nothing of you. Other than you apparently have good taste in horses." A smirk followed her words.
"So tell me something about the tall, dark, handsome guard the king is lucky enough to have in his service. I would hope you don't share the popular opinion on people like myself, although somehow I doubt you would jump so quickly to conclusions. Hmm..." She tapped her chin with a single finger as she searched for questions. "You mentioned you have family, a wife and children?" She would suspect as much. Not that he was old but humans had a tendency to marry young and bear their children early, as flashes in the dark they had little choice. "Were you always a guard of sorts? Before your position with the king." She was curious, if he hoped for a silent companion to walk with he was accompanying the wrong immortal.
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Post by Meridious Risgar on Oct 13, 2017 9:44:02 GMT
He liked the boldness she spoke with. He’d perhaps underestimated her, even with her being immortal. Meridious had pegged her as rather young for an immortal, given her naivety about milling with those who might seek to do her harm as a form of vengeance or thinning down the ranks of the immortals. Perhaps he was wrong. Maybe she was brave; too brave for her own good maybe? ”Heh. I didn’t mean to bust your balls, erm I mean your ovaries about all of that. Was just concerned for your safety, and of course an immortal being slain on our street wouldn’t help mend any fences with your king.”
He hesitated for a brief moment when she looped her arm with his. It’d been a spell since he’d allowed that honor to a woman. His duty to the crown was always of paramount importance, as it is with most oath takers - not that he didn’t indulge in some hanky panky at the high end brothel that some may or may not know about, every once in awhile. There was also the chance she was trying to seduce him as part of spying. That wasn’t going to work; he had that scouted, but he couldn’t deny it felt good to be arm and arm with a beauty like her. All in all though, it was a smart move on her part, given the circumstances. The chances of some numbskull giving her grief was reduced now, not that she needed protection as she had stated. He embraced the act and played into it, moving his arm and thus hers closer to his side.
A brow arched high as she went about questioning why she’d lodge here when he’d warned her about the possibility of some clay brained paranoid person(s) doing her harm. ”That’s what I meant by secure lodging. Stone walled and gated area, maybe distric three or six. No weapons allowed beyond the checkpoint there. Would be assigned some guards to escort you wherever you went. Men I’d pick, whom I know I can trust. They hold vows to the crown like I do, and wouldn’t let anyone die under their watch. As you said, our races are not at war despite what a few might think. We’re still allies. Me providing this to you would be sensible given your contributions to our kingdom, and with your current…” He paused, not wanting to bring up the sore topic. ”... Situation” He understood her restraint though, and continued. ”Well, the offer is there. You can take a horse to water, but you can’t force him to drink.”
He winced at his own remark. Had he just compared her to a horse? It was a horrible analogy, one that was quickly erased by the nose pleasing aroma of the spices, fruits, incense and other goodies at the mouth of the Kimmisar Market/Bazaar. The atmosphere was festive as always, voices high and cheery mixed with aggressive haggling. Oddly normal, as if the massacre had never happened. It was was also the same market rife with thievery of merchants’ personal effects and such - he knew this all too well from patrolling there once upon a time. Meridious tugged at Flash’s leash, bringing him to a halt to allow foot traffic and a chariot pass by in front of them, the driver giving them the weird eye.
As they moved forward, Meridious swooped his arm across her lower back and cupped his hand at her hip, then pulled her close to his side while they pressed into the extremely packed marketplace. It was a sign to not mess with her, and also a preventive measure if some sticky fingered prick decided to pick at any of her pockets.. ”Get something if you want. Treat’s on me. Least I could do.” He was hell bent on repaying her good deeds, even if it was small gestures. Her delving into his personal life all of a sudden gave him pause. It wasn’t illogical to think she was entertaining him only for the purpose of eventually obtaining information on the king and other sensitive matters relating to the kingdom. He’d feel it out though. He was enjoying her adorable smirks and mannerism, so it couldn't hurt to escort her around.
”Yes ma’am, I always been a guard of some sort. Even when I was little. Joined the military when I was 15, knighted at 18, and now King’s Guard.” He forewent on his accolades during that time span, and the small celebrityhood thrust upon him, which was starting to manifest in the market as people waved at him, called out his name, and wished him well with the ladyfriend.
”I’ve eschewed marriage and children in exchange for service to the crown and the people. I’ve courted women in my time, here and there, but none held sway over my heart. From what I’ve seen in other people, love is a fickle thing anyway. Overrated. I’d rather be married to the sword and code anyway - neither will tear you down emotionally or be unfaithful.”
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Post by Solara Ell Polst on Oct 13, 2017 17:43:13 GMT
Her shoulders rose in a soft shrug and she grinned. "Well then it sounds like you will just have to keep me alive, it is quite a task I warn you." Her head tilted a bit as she thought, dark curls falling down the warm coat that had been a necessity. "Just think Meridious, you could be preventing war just by walking someone through town." Her tone was light and jesting despite the severity of the situation. She was hardly one to let herself be pulled into a dark mire of depression and worry. That was no way to live.
She noticed the slight shift of his arm that pulled her in a little closer and didn't pull away. It was the comment that related her to a horse that made a genuine laugh burst from her lips. "What is it with you men and associating me with animals? First Connor with a bear comment and now you with a stubborn horse one." Her phrasing might have sounded annoyed but it was obvious from her tone that she was amused. There were certainly worse things to be compared to than either of those animals. Solara was hit by a wall of spices then. Various scents that made her nose wrinkle from the potency of them. The urge to sneeze was barely stifled. Solara looked down at the dog when they came to a stop to allow a carriage by. She would need to get a new guard dog once the ranch was up and running again. Perhaps she would inquire from Meridious then where he had purchased his fellow, but that was, of course, a ways away.
"I thank you for the offer but I declined the Commander's offer of protection as well. I'm more capable than you men give me credit for. Apparently, I'm half horse and half bear so I'm quite the monstrous beast you see." She smirked and moved on from the topic. She couldn't tolerate being under someone's watchful eye constantly, just the thought of her every movement being observed was enough to make her cringe. She didn't leave the judgmental greedy eyes of court only to replace them with the silent judgments of someone who was forced to protect her. They were moving again and his arm moved away from her own. She looked to her side curiously. Had she offended him? It wouldn't be a first for her. But then she felt the warmth of his arm against her back. The curl of his fingers over her slender hip.
An unexpected movement from someone she assumed to be somewhat rigid in nature. But she was quickly learning there was more to Meridious than she might expect. ”Get something if you want. Treat’s on me. Least I could do.” Her brows rose at that. Her first thought of course that it was a show of sorts. Men did so love to wag their achievements and status around as if it were something everyone cared to see. But for someone who had brushed off his own accomplishments, it was perhaps an incorrect assumption. But it did make her curious as to his motive. She decided not to comment as she was unsure of his motives. She looked over at him when he spoke of his life. Fifteen years. Eighteen. Mere blinks of an eye for someone like herself. "It sounds like you never gave yourself a chance to stretch your legs. Jumping into a career so quickly-" But then she blinked and shook her head. "But I suppose that's how it must be for your kind. Using the time you have. It is admirable that you had a mindset for the military at such a young age. I'm pretty sure that when I was younger I was too busy being rebellious to care about much else." But being raised in a noble household she had that luxury.
"I was in my twenties when I received my immortality...from what I can recall at least. It has been a long time." He replied then to her question about his family and the answer surprised her. Love was indeed fickle and fleeting. It had been the very first betrayal of her heart that had corrupted her view of things like love and marriage. But being left to sleep in a cave while your fiance moved on with his life could do that to a girl. Had Connor's father not found her she would likely still be there if her ability could have kept her alive so long. It was the one and only time she had needed it. Hopefully, it wasn't something she would ever need to repeat.
"You have my agreement in that." She said with a small knowing smile. "Not to mention all the scandalous activities one would miss out on once they are tied to someone else. Well, I should reword that. The activities that they should miss out on." Infidelity was hardly unheard of. But Solara had never married so she could hardly say she knew the stresses that marriage might offer. She would like to think that she wouldn't be weak enough to slip though. Her people were known to be rather promiscuous. Immortality gave plenty time to grow bored with partners and move on to the next. But she felt the need to comment on the last part of his statement as well. "Someone can only tear you down emotionally if you let them....not that I'm trying to give you marriage advice. I'm hardly the person for that." She had moved a little closer, allowing her hip to brush against his on occasion as they moved.
She didn't miss the people calling to him, he appeared very well liked and known. Surprisingly. Common folk had a tendency to resent guards. But that was because of some who liked to push their weight around. Apparently he was no such guard to garner their loyalty in such a way. She was about to speak again when something made forceful contact with her back and knocked one of her shoulders forward with a soft pained grunt from her. She turned quickly, seeing only milling boding and no particular perpetrator. But an apple was steadily rolling away from her on the ground. She reached up to rub at the smarting location that ached a bit. Her dark eyes moving back up to the crowd accusingly. But she didn’t speak. Her lips drew into a thin line as her anger boiled, but only for a moment.
”I suppose you were right.” She said when she turned back around. But it was just a single apple thrown, not an attack of several citizens. So far… ”My immortality precedes me.” Her mother had been very racist. It was something that Solara had fought against tooth and nail. It was almost ironic that she would be met with it herself. She bit her lip and rubbed her shoulder for another minute before sighing and continuing on, albeit with a more watchful eye now.
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Post by Meridious Risgar on Oct 20, 2017 9:24:12 GMT
He gave her the court, letting her speak without his interruption. He liked the sound of her voice; it was eloquent and dare he say, sexy? “Perhaps you mistook Connor’s words? Maybe he was trying to say you’re cuddly like a teddy bear? Yes?” He kept a straight face, hiding the smirk. “You shouldn’t take the horse comparison as an insult actually. Horses are beautiful creatures.” He shot her a quick glance and smile. As he continued to take in her words, he was pleased to know she understood a few things about his kind, and him in general. ”Everyone wants to be a knight or soldier until it’s time to do what is asked of them to do. Most pass on the endeavour, sadly.” But not him. Meridious’ father was prior service so such a life was ingrained into him from the moment of birth. Her views on marriage was akin to his. Refreshing. “I’ve never understood the infidelity. If you’re unhappy, then let your partner know and try to fix it, and if that can’t happen, then move on before you start bedding down with someone else.” Her hip had been brushing against his periodically, something his body was starting to enjoy for some reason. As they embarked deeper into the market he eased her closer, hip to hip, as the mesh of humanity was getting thicker. Then the apple came. Flash came unglued, barking up a storm and trying to get after the sorry sack of swine who’d done it, but Meridious held him back and looked into the mass of people. Her bellowed for aid in stopping the perpetrator, which thankfully, given his ‘celebrity’, several of the merchants and helping hands of the vendors gave chase calling out the distance, direction, and clothing worn of the nefarious fruit thrower. They’d capture the person and bring him to the nearest check point for guards to take into custody and bring before the magistrate. As they did this, Meridious busied himself checking on Solara. He pulled her between two tents so that the wind and cold wouldn’t be too rough, and unshed her of her overcoat a little bit - just enough to see the area on her shoulder. He rubbed his calloused, rough hands around it as tender as possible. ”It was just the apple. Just making sure it wasn’t something else.” Fruit always fell from the booths, and he’d feared perhaps a dart or some other projectile had been used.”[/i] He placed the overcoat back to its original placement on her body and picked up the apple, waving it in his hand almost tauntingly. ”This could have been a rock or god knows what else, and aimed at your head instead.” To his surprise she agreed with him and his assessment of the people, or well, some of them anyway. He handed it off to a vendor, shook their hand, and pulled Solara cloe again, even closer this time. ”Come on.”He guided her through the market and past a checkpoint where they came upon a small cut out section of building. He checked in with the man at the window, who was busy shuffling keys and maps around in the background. ”Cadaresh. My friend. Need your help.” The man bolted to the window happy as can be. He was wearing thick spectacles that he that he adjusted upon seeing the gorgeous woman at his side. “Oh my oh my, Mer. You have acquired quite the beauty.” Meridious smiled and gave her a tight squeeze; one that said to go along with it. ”Yes sir I sure have. However, she was accosted earlier and taken of her personal belongings. We are already working on the investigation, the magistrate knows, and the provost marshal is on the hunt. But for now I need to get her a temporary rite of quarters.” Meridious gave her a look, hoping she’d go along with it and allow protection for once. Solara Ell Polst |
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Ranch Owner
Hetero.
Single.
Immortal
Authored by Rook.
Offline.
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Post by Solara Ell Polst on Oct 21, 2017 6:10:03 GMT
”Cuddly?” She repeated after him incredulously. Obviously still amused by the topic. ”Do I seem cuddly to you, Meridious?” Her lips twisted into a coy smile then. She could indeed be a bit of a pain, and it was cruel that she was looking to fluster the man. Surely something must get under his skin. ”Indeed they are.” She replied in reference to his comment about horses. But it wasn’t just beauty that drew her to them. It was their strength. The challenge they offered. Few things came easy with a spirited equine. She caught the quick look and the smile, one of her brows raising ever so slightly and the lilt of her lips moving upward. What a tease he was.
At the mention of being a soldier or knight she nodded slightly. ”I imagine the role itself is more attractive to some that the duties they require. Not everyone is suited for every job. Connor has been trying to teach me a bit about how to use a blade, but I fear I’m a poor student.” She laughed at her failure, but it in no way meant that she was giving up. She was stubborn like that. Her dark eyes drifted over to him as he spoke of infidelity, she felt no reason to add more to it. The statement seemed to stand for itself although it was something she had little experience with. For all her partners, flings, ‘friends’. She had only one actual relationship and it had ended rather dramatically.
The apple came then, and the chaos that followed. The angry canine, the yelling. She didn’t react other than to turn to watch. She hadn’t expected to be pulled into an alley so suddenly. Her eyes widened and a soft gasp tearing from her lips before she realized it was only Meridious. He tugged at her coat and her first instinct was to struggle, she did barely know the man. But when she noticed his focus was on the location she had been stuck she calmed and rolled her slender shoulders back to assist with pulling the coat down. ”It was nothing-“ She stared but his words came then. Something else. Well that wasn’t a pleasant thought. The feel of his hands over her back was though, even though the fabric of her blouse.
Her cheeks were a little pink when he replaced the coat. She straightened it and looked up at him when he spoke. She didn’t like being spoken to like a child and it was obvious on her face but she hardly felt like arguing with him. His concerns had just come to fruition after all. She inwardly groaned but moved to his side when he took off again. Feeling a bit of trepidation for just where he might be taking her or what he might have in mind. Soon enough they were stopped again and he was speaking to a friendly looking fellow. Asking about helping…her??
She looked back and forth between them, letting the comments that hinted at her being ‘with’ him roll off her back. She wanted to get to the meat of the matter. And then it came. The same conversation she had had with Meridious earlier except this time he was taking the lead, making a decision for her as if he had a right. She was glaring at him when he turned to look at her, as if waiting for her to strengthen this little story he was going on with. Did he really think that one little apple could make her run and hide? But Solara had been a noble and knew the games of wordplay. Her lips twisted into a forced smile as she sidled closer to Meridious. Her arms crept around his waist to rest comfortably there, as if it were something she did all the time. ”Meridious you shouldn’t bother this good man, I’m sure he has better things to do. I told you already that I can stay with my sister. Since…you won’t let me stay with you.” Oh yes, she was unhappy with his little decision to force protection on her. No matter the reason. And Solara could be quite the spiteful women when she chose to be.
She stretched up on the tips of her toes then to kiss his cheek, her lips brushing his ear with whispered words. ”You don’t decide for me.” The words were soft and meant for him alone, the look in her dark eyes was not a pleasant one. When she turned back to see the friendly fellow her smile only widened and the seemingly carefree happy woman in love façade returned. ”He worries so much.” One hand rose to lay against the guards chest. Her small thumb moving back and forth as if to calm him. ”He thinks I’m some delicate flower, its hardly the truth.” Another wide smile was given to the man before she stepped back. ”If you will excuse me.” Turning on her heel she prepared to walk away, to get out of the stranger’s earshot. And if Meridious cared enough to follow he would surely get an earful.
Meridious Risgar
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Post by Meridious Risgar on Oct 26, 2017 18:11:47 GMT
He knew he had pissed her off. He’d seen that expression in onlookers during the King’s walk about through the streets as well as in women he’d courted in the past -- especially during their irrational ill tempered moments spanning several days about once per month. He’d also seen it in the princess and others of the extended royal family when he didn’t grovel as they demanded him to. It was this practice of sight and handling of moods that gave him the resolve that would have bent the will of a lesser man. He played along with her beautifully. She may have been hellbent on flipping his plan upon its proverbial hind quarters, but she hadn’t a clue what he’d been through or how cerebral of those he’d had to deal with throughout his knighthood and Kingsguard duty. When she wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him, he replied in kind by running a hand down her back and giving her the cutest, most playful little swat on the rump followed by long, meaningful-looking smooch upon her pretty little forehead. Grinning ear to ear and keeping up the game, he looked at the man in the window. ”Ha. Listen to her, Fritz. She was accosted and wants to bed down at her sister's place, which is in slum bottom.” Fritz’s eyes bulged to astronomical size through his glass spectacles and his jaw dropped a little bit. “Oh my, deary. Heavens no. Listen to the good knight here my lady, that’s a very bad area. You’d get accosted every five minutes.” Both men shook their heads. ”She’s a brave one, which is why I’m so damned attracted to her. I tried telling her it’s against the oath to quarter unwed women in my chambers but she isn’t buying it.” That last line was a lie but Fritz, having never been a knight nor had any knowledge of such rules, just shrugged and took his word for it. Fritz smiled really big. “Welp, got one rite coming right up. I’ll make it west district, close to you, Sir Meridious.” Meridious gave him a nod and looked down at her. Leaning further, and to speak of what she’d whispered about not deciding for her, he whispered back, ”I’m not deciding anything for you.” And gave her a swift kiss on the cheek to keep up appearances And, yes, he’d be lying to himself it there wasn’t just a twinge of carnal, lustful selfishness in the smooch. As Fritz shuffled away getting all the needed papers and quil, Meridious played along with Solara. Every thumb trace and rub along his body was repaid with hand brushing through her hair softly and affectionately and her being pulled closer to him in a tight one armed embrace. Flash just sat there wagging his tail wondering why the hell they had stopped. And then she kind of excused herself abruptly and started walking away. Meridious pinched the bridge of his nose and just shook his head, before whistling a code to the guards at the checkpoint they had entered. The men turned and he motioned to her. They knew what to do. Impede her until he could catch up. Fritz handed him the rite and Meridious dashed up to her with Flash leading charge, and once there he waved the rite of passage at her and slid it into the pocket of her overcoat. ”By all means rip it up or use it. Up to you. This is to ensure I did all I could to help you and repay you for your services to the kingdom, and to protect you from being accosted. It’s close to my quarters actually so if you need me for anything all you have to do is send word. Had you not stormed off just now I would have told you this. Now you can be mad all you want, curse, slap me, but that’s not going to stop you from being monitored if only from afar until you’re out of our limits. Now if you’ll excuse me, Flash and I are going to Melfs for a hot meal. You can join us if you’d like. If not..” He gave the guards a motion of the hand and they parted ways for her, and he palm gestured to the market they’d came from just a little while ago. ”Then I hope you have a good day and please be safe.” Solara Ell Polst |
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Ranch Owner
Hetero.
Single.
Immortal
Authored by Rook.
Offline.
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Post by Solara Ell Polst on Oct 27, 2017 6:08:46 GMT
Did he really just slap her ass? Were she not playing the little game they were in she would have reacted. But as it stood she could do little more than smile like a fool. He was wittier than she had assumed at first, and of course knew she was playing this game as well and wouldn't want to drop her act. Bastard. After that she had made a quick exit. Or so had been her plan. Meridious had the gall to have some guards stop her. Their plated chests blocking her path while she wasn't greeting with a word of explanation. "You will let me pass!" She snapped at them, her pale lightly freckled cheeks growing pink as her anger mounted. It was one thing to take steps she hadn't permitted. It was another to physically bar her from leaving.
Getting no response from the men she turned around to see Meridious shove a folded paper into her pocket. She glared up at him as he went on about his reasons. Her glowering look not stopping. And when she was certain he was done speaking, right after he told her to stay safe she did the very thing he gave her permission to. One small hand flicking out in a sudden movement meant to leave the skin of his jaw stinging. "You are a very presumptuous man." She all but growled at him. Indeed all her years being the head of her household, controlling her ranch without the assistance of an equal had left her quite independent and stubborn. With the guards behind her now gone Solara looked over her shoulder, her horse wad tied not too far away. It was while she was still looking away from him that she spoke. Her words pushy and demanding. Just as she had felt his actions were.
"You will make it up to me." She said slowly. Turning back to him. Her dark eyes still held the traces of her earlier anger. She wasn't asking and he could very well just refuse. Some might even call her wording silly given that his actions had been kind. But not what she had wanted. She wasn't some helpless little doe that needed constant looking after and had no intention of using the quarters that he had obtained for her. Well...not in the long run at least.
She crossed her slender arms over her chest. Her lips turning into what could only be called a smirk. "So you were going to procure a place for me to stay and then run away to dinner without even showing me to my new 'home'. And here I presumed you had better manners than that, Meridious." And in a softer tone with a knowing look to her eye. "Even if you did rather brazenly slap my ass." Her dark eyes fell to the dog momentarily before flicking back up to the handsome guardsman. She gave little indication as to what might be on her mind. Her posture still appearing stiff and somewhat annoyed. Indeed she would seek reparations for his little 'slip up'. If he would allow her to.
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