Lysander's eyes are shielded against the sun, he watches as his raven soars out against the blaring sun. His response is tied to the raven's leg after they rid of the soldier's body. The Commander had to write his own letter of apologies to the family he left behind and another urgent letter heading towards King Alistair. Things were just getting started, it was a mystery as to how the hell the soldier contracted the plague. Was he near the Haunted Forest? That was impossible seeing as they were far from the South, they were in between the regions. Surely, it couldn't have seeped farther than they initially thought?
The Commander leaned back into his chair, he recalled briefly reading The Dark Ages era. It was mentioned scarcely in his books as a young student, the Commander barely had enough coin to learn from a low-ranking school. He did know the plague was mentioned, however small it was, it was enough to know that it matched with what was warned. During his training with the Knights of Gaia, some of the Knights mentioned the ichor making its way across the lands.
He grabbed his tankard, emptying its contents, and got up to start packing away his own things. The other soldiers were just getting ready to do the same. The shock of a fallen brother's death, however, did weigh on everyone in the encampment.
Across from the South-East, the wagons carried on as the Kingdom came both into view for either escort. The Soldier bringing Colby was telling him to hang just a little longer. The horse picked up speed, the yells continuing as he nearly drove the horse into the ground. The other heir continued to murmur incomprehensible words in low, hoarse whispers. His own carriage rumbling as the driver upfront announced they would be in the lands of Kingdom Lennox soon. Doctor Emerson continued to treat the plague, his opticals pushed up on the bridge of his nose as he watched the black ichor remain in its place, it was like it had a mind of its own.
He silently prayed to the Goddess, hoping this plague would not curse his family next.
—
"Look what the cat dragged out of bed," Rolant spoke loudly in the dining hall as Archie entered.
Archie waved a hand at him, dismisses his comment as he joins his best friend at the table. Long tables grace the hall, near wall to wall. It was mostly empty now, but dinner was coming up soon. He decided to have an early dinner alongside his best friend.
"How's the head?" He asked, taking a bite of the mush in the bowl.
"So-so." He retorts, it was mostly gone by now. Though he was still having a minor panging at the base of his skull.
He slurps up the noodles, "So, did you swoon over your bride-to-be?" He waggled his eyebrows at him.
Archie takes a bite of his own mush, "Something like that. Though we shall see what she's like in person. They finished the construction on the wall and where the summit is to be held." He retorts.
"You plan on wearing that finely maid tunic to the summit?" Rolant asked, a wry smile on his lips.
"Yeah. It's not like I'm packing any more fine fabrics." He admitted, slurping up more noodles.
"Really? Not even in your wardrobe at the castle?"
"My father had my room renovated into a study of sorts. Anyway, he uses it as his own, so I don't really have a room anymore. When I do sleep at the Castle, it's usually in one of my younger brothers' rooms." He admits further.
"Wow. It's like your father was ready to be rid of you." Rolant remarks.
"I mean, I was gone for half a decade. Couldn't have been easy not knowing if I were coming back or not. Guess he was just preparing himself for the worst." Archie shrugs his shoulders.
"Right. And I was waiting for my father to show." Rolant rolls his eyes. Surly his father couldn't have been that cold.
They bicker back and forth like this for the remainder of their food session. Rolant was being suspiciously adamant about questioning his own opinion about Elora. Perhaps he just wished to push his buttons, to see if he was already swooning over the Elven Princess. In fact, the Soldier was correct as he grabbed the male by the collar and sucker-punched him in the shoulder. Rolant started teasing him right then and there. The Prince put his utensils away towards the end of the bar, thanking the cook before heading back into his own chambers. He slams the door shut, a raven came flying in, disturbing the Falcon from its sleep.
"Lysander?" He murmured, walking over to break the seal.
His eyebrows rising, "What the hell is the plague?" Archie was wracking his brain for answers but couldn't seem to place anything worth noting. 'I'll just tell my dad later, I guess.' He thought to himself as another bird entered. It was the white dove, he felt like a birdman with three different distinct birds sitting in his room now. He fed them—the raven and dove—their respective food choices while his own messenger went back to sleep. A lopsided smirk worked its way onto his lips as he sat at his desk, pulling out another scroll and quill;
Hello, hello?
I received your herbs, though I'm afraid they arrived too late. The headache mostly subsided, I will be sure to use these the next time I'm in a tavern. Of course, I believe this is a start to building bridges of trust within the relationship we are meant to have, don't you think?
You will wish you were bored once you've met me, I can assure you. If that is true then I believe this is my last letter to you. I will no longer need to rely on quill and ink to get my message across. I wonder what your voice sounds like. I'm guessing strong and hoarse like your thick, fragile skull.
You're quite the humorous elf. Though I must admit another thing, it might inflate your ego once more, I was teased by dear Rolant at dinner tonight. I can only give you an insinuation at who.
That's amazing. I wonder if…never mind. Oh, what sorts of pastries? You must tell me in person (wink)
His most recent letter was…vague and rather cryptic. Though it is a private matter, I should inquire, did you learn anything in your lessons about a black plague? He says something about it, but it's something I cannot recall from my own memory.
Hmmm…then we can opt to have pets instead. Of course, our daughters would be charming and beautiful, just like…me (wink) Do not worry, I will share only my best sides (wink, again)
You're quite adamant, dear seamstress. I must imagine you wearing a mask at the summit though. Otherwise, the countries would be in an uproar when our love comes to light.
Hah! My mother has a wave of anger that can have the underworld shudder. Oh, I like to think our mothers are suspiciously alike in some ways. My father still cowers under her eye, even if he doesn't express it.
Well, that was most expected. I can see you soon, trying to hide your sneaking glances from across the room. Don't worry, I shall mention you find him dashing (wink)
I do not know how to swoon. You might be the first woman to try to do so. Though I should warn you, I'm rather desensitized to most attempted affections (wink) What can Elven Maidens provide?
Does this mean, your mother kicked you from her womb learning ballet before you could see? I can picture it now. A stunted Elven babe kicked from her mother's womb! I jest.
Though I'm pleasant in ink, I will try to do my best in person. Do not worry your pretty little head, I won't do anything to make you uncomfortable. I can be a Prince if that's what you desire. I can be the gentlest wind on a spring morning. After that one thought, it will now cost 500 gold for more thoughts. You can be added to my mailing list. I gave you a 50% discount just for being my betrothed (wink)
We shall see in the days to come, no? So, you've experienced love from the outside looking in? Interesting. My parents' are the only ones I've come to know. The others were on the road when a soldier returned to his loved one. I do not know of it either, so you can say I'm inexperienced in that area.
I welcome the attempt to duel me. I shall show Aiduin that we can be equal then I shall give him pointers. In-person, I shall see for myself how your family fares, just as you might say the same of mine, no?
She will if you manage to nestle your way into her heart. I will not lie, she's been rather opposed to this arranged marriage and peace treaty since the beginning. She's only squandering her qualms because she wishes to see my father's deal to come to fruition.
Am I jesting though? I shall be sure to bring the hounds to help me in finding such a lovely scent!
Unfortunately, I will not be there. You owe me, 20 coppers when you do not find me waiting for you in the end closet of the corridor in that marvelous palace of yours.
A Tired and Jestering Messenger,
Prince Archie Lennox
P.S The titles elude me this time. Though I will call you by your nickname in person, after the pleasantries are exchanged, of course. My dear strong-headed Elf. See you soon : )
Elora had spent a great part of the night looking for her Prince, by the time she reached the last closet she had realized he was not there. A small part of her felt foolish for even running around the castle like some common thief searching for someone she knew wasn't there. But, she had fallen for his jest, and to say the least, she was disappointed not mad. Elora walked back to her room, dragging her feet, the grandfather clock chimed making the hallway seem to stretch. Men, they loved to jest. She had been so easily fooled yet again that he was hiding in her home, knowing full well he wouldn't even be allowed past the gates. When she reached her room she flung the door open, the smell of food hit her nose and her stomach rumbled in response.
Sighing she sat on her bed and ate, mumbling curses under her breath about a narcissistic prince. When she finished eating she placed the plate to the side just as a tender knock hit her door, Elora looked up and walked over opening the door she saw a small elven child. The small symbol on his blazer told Elora he was a messenger.
"Here you are Princess, it's a letter from the Lennox Kingdom again." Elora nodded to the boy and took the letter before politely dismissing him. So the prince had decided to write back, how daring, she thought. She walked to her bed and sat on its edge reading over the letter, she had trouble staying displeased with him. Scanning the letter she noted he mentioned a plague. Elora lowered the letter to her lap and thought for a moment, she knew nothing by the name of the plague but she had been taught about something that may have been similar to it.
Elora walked over to her desk and sat down opening her drawer to grab a notebook, from her times studying. Reaching for her quill and paper she began writing her prince.
Dear Archie,
I hope you do not mind the informality, but I see that you mentioned your brother sending word of a plague. I have learned nothing of a plague, only darkness that is quite similar. I will send you my notes from the lessons I received, I have left a small paper on the page that you are looking for. From what I can remember, it is not something as simple as plague. I would suggest you bring it to your father, though he may already know of it.
On another note, I have spent most of my night running about my home like a common thief looking for you. Suffice to say I am tired, I will give you your coppers and maybe a hit as well. I daresay that I shall answer your questions in person come the summit, this letter will be quite shorter than the rest. And my last as my father has told me to prepare to leave for the summit.
I shall call you by your name if you will permit my informalities once we are properly introduced.
Your Seamstress,
Elora
Elora yawned before sending the letter off and climbing into her bed. She was much too tired to write anymore, as the quill would slip from her fingers as she dozed off. But, she was excited about their meeting and wondered if she might talk to her father about this 'plague.'
Archie was biting into an apple he snatched from the kitchens. He was back in his barracks packing away his things. Alistair wanted his son to remain at the castle for the time being. Not like he wanted to return to a place he no longer called home, but he was more comfortable staying in the barracks. After a heated argument with Rolant, he managed to get persuaded in leaving. The Soldier knew nothing about packing away clothes properly, so he tossed them all into his trunk; many just being tunics and pants with tears in them from training. For the tunic woven together by his betrothed, he folded it away into some tarp and put it in with the rest of his things.
His messenger, Egg, was locked away in the cage that was given to him. The Eagle looked none too happy to be put away like some common pet. This bird had more sass than him, and he was always ruffling his feathers whenever the Prince tried to talk to it. In came flying a dove with a letter attached to its leg, Archie clasped the locks shut on his single trunk and looked over to the windowsill.
"Honey, what have you brought me?" He asked the white bird who looked happy for whatever reason.
Gently, he took the parchment off her leg and unrolled it. A shorter letter than the previous ones sent. Chuckling softly at the last paragraph. After finishing reading it, he tucked it away into his bag with the others. Archie figured he'd take these around with him, mostly to keep from noisy bees and to stop the relentless teasing of his best friend. Archie had a messenger come and take away the dove to take to the castle who would be treated fairly. Gripping the handle of his bag, Archie picked up the cage of the falcon in his other hand. He walked to the entrance of his chambers, sparing one last glance at it like he was leaving forever. It was bare now. Most of his other things were already taken away earlier in the day.
Now, he only had his luggage, and Egg left. "See you soon, Elora." Archie left the door open, his footsteps echoed off the corridors. He receded further and further from the bare room until he turned and was out of sight. Sunlight filtered into the room, it was an orange hue meaning the day was just ending. Then, by chance a small jay had appeared on his windowsill, it started singing and then shot out into the orange, red, and yellow skies. The song would carry across to the other birds in the area and into the winds.