Tay
05-31-2008, 11:27 PM
The only real light in Anora's room came from the candelabrum, only meagre amounts of twilight reaching into her royal suite. The air was heavy with the approaching storm, lending an oppressive mood to the evening. Anora's quill moved swiftly and confidently over good quality vellum. Her flowery, flowing hand already covered most of the material, a letter to her brother borne of sadness and yearning to see him again. It had already been a year, and now he had sent word that he would be remaining with the elves for a time longer.
She finished the letter with a sigh. She and Elrian had always been close as youngsters. To be apart so much had been one of the most difficult adaptations she had had to make as she, too, had taken up the responsibilities of a Princess of Caldilrium. She sanded the letter lightly, and set it aside to dry before stretching with abandon in the rare privacy of a chamber with no maids tending to her. She had ordered them all away for the evening, though one look outside at the vanished sunlight told her that it was time for eve meal.
A sudden chiming of the city bells, caused her head to jerk up and catch sight of her own radiant green eyes, staring alertly back at her from the ornate gilded mirror, on the other side of her writing table.
Rising to her feet, she leisurely moved across the stone floor, passing the humble fireplace, which nestled deep into one of the walls, and sparkled with flames of vigour that brought equanimity to her chamber. Unfastening the double doors, which opened onto the privacy of her own balcony, she caught sight of the first signs of winter, which had arrived with spectacular forcefulness. Heavy massed grey clouds hung low dumping large drifts of snow about the landscape, smothering the fields with glittering white.
The moderate light winds of the south blew in from across the sea, making it’s way toward the icy interiors of the northern realm. Anora shivered under her great cloak. She had been standing for only a few minutes, when she noticed the courtyard below filled with hurrying, shouting men lashing supplies to their steeds. She could see Baron Gor and Earl Rufus saddled and waiting for general Kenos. Turning her focus back to the sea, she spotted several galleons’ emerging into Anasor bay with their black and red sails blowing swiftly with the wind. Watching them closely she realised them to be from the island king Adeodatus, an aid in helping her father fight in the war. Looking outward to the rim of the eastern forest, she saw several watchers standing on the curtain wall of the large fortress, their eyes turned to the north where dark billows of black smoke arose and blew across the Angiro Plains. Beneath the haze orange spots of colour dotted the front where new fires emerged along the border. Directly below lay the hills of Cala’ their undulating mounds rolling downward toward the sea-side town of Cort - the capital's largest and most bustling port.
A knock on her door grabbed her attention and she hastily moved back into her chamber room and closed the doors behind her.
“Enter”.
A young page no more then twelve entered her room and bowed low.
“What news”.
“The queen has requested your presence in the great hall to welcome prince Adon and prince Dallin, from the island kingdoms,” he stated.
“Thankyou”.
Anora watched as the pageboy left closing the door behind her. Then the sudden influx of maids entering through a panel of doors on the opposite side of her room rushed toward her to help her get ready.
Anora entered the great hall which was lit with a few torches, that hung outwardly from the four walls, a large hearth burned brightly bringing a sense of warmth to the room. Large carpets of deep royal blue hung from the stone partitions and covered the tables and benches that occupied the floor. Beautiful glass windows showed a theme of her father’s ancestry in many vibrant colours’ that brought a tense yet vibrant harmony to the hall. Slowly making her way across the floor, she noticed her mother in deep conversation with Prince Adon and proceeded toward them.
“Prince Adon, you remember my daughter Anora”
“Your highness.” Adon bowed.
“The rumours of your great beauty are unsurpassed by the reality”.
Anora blushed and held out her hand to be kissed.
“Why thankyou Adon. I see you are growing more like your father in charm everyday”.
Standing next to the heir of the island kingdoms, the silent prince Dallin received a sharp poke in the ribs from his brother.
“Oh…. Um yes” he blushed as almost as redly as she. “I am also very pleased to see you once more your highness”.
Anora smiled shyly, and took a seat on one of the wooden benches, under one of the glass windows. The feelings from the first time she had met Dallin had resurfaced again, and she found herself in awe of him.
“Shall we continue on with why you are here?”
Adon moved aside and waited for the queen to take a seat next to her daughter.
“What news do you require first?” asked a rather sturdy man approaching the queen. His position told Adon, he was from the royal line and bowed his head in a sign of respect.
Anora stood to her feet and ran into Enar’s arms. “Your home” was all she said.
“It does me good to see you cousin” he smiled looking down at her.
“What brings you here” asked the queen.
“I will explain later.” Well?” he asked in a rather sordid tone at Adon.
“What of the settlements up north and up country” Adon asked.
“No word for some months. We fear the villagers may have returned to the mountains or have been murdered. Scouts had been sent three weeks ago, yet we have not heard from any” she looked concerned and ill at the thought. “The barbarians are moving fast across the south and into the north, claiming territories and then regrouping. I fear how long it will be until they are here”.
“The Dogen, Bar’ke, and Faren are assisting the barbarians, with their massed armies further south, which are pushing the barbarian armies up the southern coast line, along the route of Das’ Bar heading toward the three sisters” Enar stated looking angry. Adon listened closely as Enar continued. “ They are calling forth others who will raise up and fight for the Tormentor and his desire to seize more power and territory. It is said they are being led by a dark and ancient commander, one who has dwelt beneath the blood soaked land of D’Caihara”.
“D’Caihara!” shouted Adon. “ That name is subvert and deathly. It should never be uttered”.
Anora watched the concern fall upon all who were listening. She had never seen a name bring so much quiet to the great hall before. She had heard of the name and the horrors it had fulfilled within the prophecy during the third age and the disastrous effects it had, but what was it doing here, and now. Anora looked at her mother who seemed more in shock and disbelief then the others.
“What news from king Valtar”.
“The king and his army have retained hold over Twather, Ilosoh and Yar’voin, but are still under heavy attack” explained Enar in an annoyed tone. “ The eastern rim of the Esvoh River has been taken, Nor, Aes and Eskild have been plundered and burned, there is nothing left. The Hakon and Alatalas armies have brought some small relief to the king, raiding and attacking as many of the barbarian camps as they can, but they are loosing men rapidly. The leader of the barbarian army is Hedeon a fierce warrior, two of the king’s generals were beheaded in an act of supremacy”.
“What of the white towers of Daelyn?”
“They are protected by the Galathil and still stand strong, their light has not diminished yet”.
“I am glad to hear. My brother and I will ride to Twather and greet the king and see for ourselves what is upon us”
“I shall ride with you,” replied Artanis. “ It is my sworn duty to protect the kings guests and make sure they are safe”
“I did not see you there Artanis” the queen turned getting a closer look of him. “ If you wish to accompany them then I shall give you my blessing”.
“Very well then it is settled, my brother and I shall retire to our chambers ” Adon remarked bowing low to the queen and leaving the great hall, Dallin close behind.
Anora sat on the raised dais next to her mother and their favoured guests, as they overlooked the tables and benches, occupied by the fortress’s less exalted below. The conversation of war still lingered in her mind. She had not seen her father in over a month, and the thought of him dying, always brought forth feelings of dread. Looking across at prince Dallin, she could not get over how much he had changed. He seemed taller and so much bigger to her, then the emaciated young man she had seen so many years ago. His features were more striking, and more beautiful then she could remember. Turning she watched her mother and Adon talk with the duke of Ancali’mon, about recent and past events. The laughter that filled the hall, made her think of the days when there was no war, the warm summer breezes and the joy of being with her father and brother. But the years had seemed to grow colder and bitterer and yet this evening, joy was abundant. The sound of a small bell ringing alerted everybody. Servants approached the long tables and positioned an elaborate array of food and drink for all to consume.
“Where is prince Elrian?” asked Dallin looking at Anora.
“He has been away for a year doing an errand for father. He has been negotiating and attending meetings with the high elves, within the forest of Ma’re. I do not recall what this meeting is about, but it will be weeks before his return”.
“Does he know of the oncoming war between your realm and the enemy?” asked Adon.
She finished the letter with a sigh. She and Elrian had always been close as youngsters. To be apart so much had been one of the most difficult adaptations she had had to make as she, too, had taken up the responsibilities of a Princess of Caldilrium. She sanded the letter lightly, and set it aside to dry before stretching with abandon in the rare privacy of a chamber with no maids tending to her. She had ordered them all away for the evening, though one look outside at the vanished sunlight told her that it was time for eve meal.
A sudden chiming of the city bells, caused her head to jerk up and catch sight of her own radiant green eyes, staring alertly back at her from the ornate gilded mirror, on the other side of her writing table.
Rising to her feet, she leisurely moved across the stone floor, passing the humble fireplace, which nestled deep into one of the walls, and sparkled with flames of vigour that brought equanimity to her chamber. Unfastening the double doors, which opened onto the privacy of her own balcony, she caught sight of the first signs of winter, which had arrived with spectacular forcefulness. Heavy massed grey clouds hung low dumping large drifts of snow about the landscape, smothering the fields with glittering white.
The moderate light winds of the south blew in from across the sea, making it’s way toward the icy interiors of the northern realm. Anora shivered under her great cloak. She had been standing for only a few minutes, when she noticed the courtyard below filled with hurrying, shouting men lashing supplies to their steeds. She could see Baron Gor and Earl Rufus saddled and waiting for general Kenos. Turning her focus back to the sea, she spotted several galleons’ emerging into Anasor bay with their black and red sails blowing swiftly with the wind. Watching them closely she realised them to be from the island king Adeodatus, an aid in helping her father fight in the war. Looking outward to the rim of the eastern forest, she saw several watchers standing on the curtain wall of the large fortress, their eyes turned to the north where dark billows of black smoke arose and blew across the Angiro Plains. Beneath the haze orange spots of colour dotted the front where new fires emerged along the border. Directly below lay the hills of Cala’ their undulating mounds rolling downward toward the sea-side town of Cort - the capital's largest and most bustling port.
A knock on her door grabbed her attention and she hastily moved back into her chamber room and closed the doors behind her.
“Enter”.
A young page no more then twelve entered her room and bowed low.
“What news”.
“The queen has requested your presence in the great hall to welcome prince Adon and prince Dallin, from the island kingdoms,” he stated.
“Thankyou”.
Anora watched as the pageboy left closing the door behind her. Then the sudden influx of maids entering through a panel of doors on the opposite side of her room rushed toward her to help her get ready.
Anora entered the great hall which was lit with a few torches, that hung outwardly from the four walls, a large hearth burned brightly bringing a sense of warmth to the room. Large carpets of deep royal blue hung from the stone partitions and covered the tables and benches that occupied the floor. Beautiful glass windows showed a theme of her father’s ancestry in many vibrant colours’ that brought a tense yet vibrant harmony to the hall. Slowly making her way across the floor, she noticed her mother in deep conversation with Prince Adon and proceeded toward them.
“Prince Adon, you remember my daughter Anora”
“Your highness.” Adon bowed.
“The rumours of your great beauty are unsurpassed by the reality”.
Anora blushed and held out her hand to be kissed.
“Why thankyou Adon. I see you are growing more like your father in charm everyday”.
Standing next to the heir of the island kingdoms, the silent prince Dallin received a sharp poke in the ribs from his brother.
“Oh…. Um yes” he blushed as almost as redly as she. “I am also very pleased to see you once more your highness”.
Anora smiled shyly, and took a seat on one of the wooden benches, under one of the glass windows. The feelings from the first time she had met Dallin had resurfaced again, and she found herself in awe of him.
“Shall we continue on with why you are here?”
Adon moved aside and waited for the queen to take a seat next to her daughter.
“What news do you require first?” asked a rather sturdy man approaching the queen. His position told Adon, he was from the royal line and bowed his head in a sign of respect.
Anora stood to her feet and ran into Enar’s arms. “Your home” was all she said.
“It does me good to see you cousin” he smiled looking down at her.
“What brings you here” asked the queen.
“I will explain later.” Well?” he asked in a rather sordid tone at Adon.
“What of the settlements up north and up country” Adon asked.
“No word for some months. We fear the villagers may have returned to the mountains or have been murdered. Scouts had been sent three weeks ago, yet we have not heard from any” she looked concerned and ill at the thought. “The barbarians are moving fast across the south and into the north, claiming territories and then regrouping. I fear how long it will be until they are here”.
“The Dogen, Bar’ke, and Faren are assisting the barbarians, with their massed armies further south, which are pushing the barbarian armies up the southern coast line, along the route of Das’ Bar heading toward the three sisters” Enar stated looking angry. Adon listened closely as Enar continued. “ They are calling forth others who will raise up and fight for the Tormentor and his desire to seize more power and territory. It is said they are being led by a dark and ancient commander, one who has dwelt beneath the blood soaked land of D’Caihara”.
“D’Caihara!” shouted Adon. “ That name is subvert and deathly. It should never be uttered”.
Anora watched the concern fall upon all who were listening. She had never seen a name bring so much quiet to the great hall before. She had heard of the name and the horrors it had fulfilled within the prophecy during the third age and the disastrous effects it had, but what was it doing here, and now. Anora looked at her mother who seemed more in shock and disbelief then the others.
“What news from king Valtar”.
“The king and his army have retained hold over Twather, Ilosoh and Yar’voin, but are still under heavy attack” explained Enar in an annoyed tone. “ The eastern rim of the Esvoh River has been taken, Nor, Aes and Eskild have been plundered and burned, there is nothing left. The Hakon and Alatalas armies have brought some small relief to the king, raiding and attacking as many of the barbarian camps as they can, but they are loosing men rapidly. The leader of the barbarian army is Hedeon a fierce warrior, two of the king’s generals were beheaded in an act of supremacy”.
“What of the white towers of Daelyn?”
“They are protected by the Galathil and still stand strong, their light has not diminished yet”.
“I am glad to hear. My brother and I will ride to Twather and greet the king and see for ourselves what is upon us”
“I shall ride with you,” replied Artanis. “ It is my sworn duty to protect the kings guests and make sure they are safe”
“I did not see you there Artanis” the queen turned getting a closer look of him. “ If you wish to accompany them then I shall give you my blessing”.
“Very well then it is settled, my brother and I shall retire to our chambers ” Adon remarked bowing low to the queen and leaving the great hall, Dallin close behind.
Anora sat on the raised dais next to her mother and their favoured guests, as they overlooked the tables and benches, occupied by the fortress’s less exalted below. The conversation of war still lingered in her mind. She had not seen her father in over a month, and the thought of him dying, always brought forth feelings of dread. Looking across at prince Dallin, she could not get over how much he had changed. He seemed taller and so much bigger to her, then the emaciated young man she had seen so many years ago. His features were more striking, and more beautiful then she could remember. Turning she watched her mother and Adon talk with the duke of Ancali’mon, about recent and past events. The laughter that filled the hall, made her think of the days when there was no war, the warm summer breezes and the joy of being with her father and brother. But the years had seemed to grow colder and bitterer and yet this evening, joy was abundant. The sound of a small bell ringing alerted everybody. Servants approached the long tables and positioned an elaborate array of food and drink for all to consume.
“Where is prince Elrian?” asked Dallin looking at Anora.
“He has been away for a year doing an errand for father. He has been negotiating and attending meetings with the high elves, within the forest of Ma’re. I do not recall what this meeting is about, but it will be weeks before his return”.
“Does he know of the oncoming war between your realm and the enemy?” asked Adon.