Dimmetri wasn't quite sure if his eyes were deceiving him or not. He wasn't sure if his mind was playing a very cruel joke on him as he stood in a strange and foreign tavern, in a state of stunned disbelief. Part of him saw this purple haired woman standing in the doorway and refused to believe even for a moment that she could possibly even be his missing daughter. However, the other part of him so desperately wanted this to be the truth, maybe even stretching the limits of his own imagination as he tried to draw similarities between the two. She had the same, unmistakable shade of purple hair as Iris had with Dimmetri's piercing blue eyes. Her face, though looking tired and older, had the same gentle curves and outline that Violet's had.
The last time anyone of them had last seen Violet she had been no older than eight years old. Still full of awe, excitement, and innocence that came with childhood youth and a spark for adventuring that often landed her in more trouble then not. It was, or at least seemed as though, that only a few days had gone by since they'd all jumped through the strange portal in the woods in pursuit of the over ambitious young girl. Violet had shown interest in portals and Dimmetri had taken the time to begin teaching her the basics that he knew. Dimmetri considered himself a bit of an expert when it came to portals and gates, but he realized he hadn't taken the time to stop and assess the portal himself before jumping through. He'd spent many years growing up studying and learning about the different kinds of portals and gates and even learned how to use them to his own advantage and will. It was considered common knowledge where he was from that portals and gates served primarily as a bridge between a gap in existence that allowed one instantaneous travel from one point to another. Mostly between that of far distances or even across entire planes of existence. However, Dimmetri knew that as commonplace as some portals and gates may have been, there were also a few that lead into the unknown. Either into some sort of other strange plane of existence unknown and uncharted by those who took the time to document such things, or they could even allow the movement between two entirely different worlds. The latter was much, much more rare and Dimmetri only knew of one in existence. However, he wasn't aware of any portals or gates that also made a jump in time. He supposed it wasn't entirely outside the realm of possibilities but most theories that he heard that might support such a theory were bordering on complete speculation. Such things were even regarded as possible fiction, even though deep down inside, Dimmetri had a feeling he had finally found proof of it's possibility.
However, a part of Dimmetri still refused to accept the possibility that the woman standing before them could in fact be their daughter somehow all grown up. Taking a closer look at her Dimmetri saw she was wearing a set of what looked to be heavier, more ceremonial looking plated armor made up of the same silver and gold color scheme the Lancers wore. Tall, 6" heels made her look much taller than she probably was and Dimmetri also noticed a small purple lion cloth that hung from the front of the armor. He also noted that this Commander seemed to be fairly young looking in terms of someone of her supposed rank. She had to have been at least in her twenties or so. Black eyeliner mixed with a dark purple eye shadow made her almost baby blue eyes sparkle even in the dim light of the tavern. She had a very womanly shape to her body that her armor had probably been tailored to to eloquently pronounce her features. She was, by all standards of the sense, absolutely beautiful and the more Dimmetri looked her over the more he saw the similar physics and details of his wife. The woman even slightly leaned off to one side with her hand placed upon her hip in the same way as Iris in her natural stance. The part of his mind that wanted to believe this was his daughter was growing more and more, pushing away his doubts as suddenly he felt a small lump in his throat. There was a deafening silence in the room that Dimmetri hadn't realized till then that was broken by Merrygolds words.
"Commander, these are the individuals we found in the Queen's gardens. We brought them with us directly here as you ordered" Merrygold stated prominently with a respective bow.
Dimmetri watched as the Commander took an extra moment to look around at the party inside the tavern. His body began to stiffen as her gaze lingered when she looked at both Iris and himself. This caused Dimmetri to take a shaky breath and to attempt to speak as he stepped slightly forward a bit.
"I'm sorry, but I don't think we caught your name. Your Lancers have only been referring to you as their commander, so…" Dimmetri said as his voice echoed from inside his mask and his words seemed to hang heavy in the air.
The Commander shifted her gaze towards him and Dimmetri watched as color seemed to quickly drain from her already rather pale skin complexion. Merrygold must have noticed this as well as she stepped forward and offered an aiding hand to her commander, who in turn held her hand up steadily to perhaps ward off any sign of weakness. She then closed her eyes and for a moment, took a deep breath and collected herself before reopening her eyes.
"My name is… Violet Galenthrope, Commander of the Queen's guard and her Majesties armies. But…" she paused as the solid facade she wore on her face began to break once more as her gaze shifted over the group.
There was an eerie silence for a moment as everyone held their breaths, hoping to hear what they unanimously hoped she might add. Dimmetri's heart raced and he could feel Iris's fingers intertwined with his. They each squeezed one another's hand and Dimmetri noticed the woman's gaze fell to their hands, a smile softly cresting her lips.
"I believe…I think that perhaps you may be the only ones that know me by some other name?" the commander asked, hope gleaming in her glassed over eyes.
The woman's expression was enough to break Iris, as she quickly let go of Dimmetri's hand and ran forward to embrace her child. The two women wept as they held one another and slowly fell to their knees in each others arms. Dimmetri didn't need to hear anymore as all doubt left him at that moment. This woman, this commander, was somehow their daughter. Much older and grown up now, but was undoubtedly in Dimmetri's mind now, Violet Ioena.
Dimmetri stepped forward into the embrace as well and threw his arms around his daughter and wife. He could just hear the sniffling coming from behind them over the sounds of near wailing from the two women. Dimmetri himself felt tears swelling up under his mask but didn't care as he felt the salty sting on his cheek as the tears soaked into the foam outline in his mask. It felt like a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders at last and though he felt there was still much to talk about and to be explained, he at least had his daughter back in his arms once more.
"M-Mom, is that really you?" Violet asked as tears ran down her cheek and caused her black eyeliner to run a little.
"Hush my sweet flower, I'm here now" Iris replied through choked tears herself.
Hearing the use of one of her childhood nicknames only caused Violet more tears as she pushed her face into Iris's shoulder and let the rivers run from her eyes once more. Dimmetri lifted one of his gauntleted hands up and carefully ran his finger through Violet's hair as she turned and looked almost directly into his eyes through the lens on his mask.
"I, I didn't want to believe that you'd finally come. But when I was told about a man in a black mask and purple drow-" Violet sobbed through her tears.
Dimmetri said nothing but pulled his daughters head towards his own. Dimmetri's armor was unique and one of a kind. It had become a sort of a symbol in a way in the North and Dimmetri felt that Violet would have been old enough to at least recognize that when they last saw one another. Thankfully she had and whatever description the Lancers had given their Commander at the time must have enough to spark some hope in her. Dimmetri felt whole again, though some things had clearly changed. However, he felt they'd cross that bridge when they eventually got to it. For the moment though, his family was back together and that's all he cared about.
After a short time later, when everyone calmed down a bit enough to choke back their tears again, one by one the others joined into the embrace as Razgriz approached with her own tears welled up in her eyes.
"Well shit kiddo, look at you. You went and got all big on us huh?" She said with a smile but clearly was holding back some of her tears.
Violet was still too overcome with emotions to answer back with a proper reply as she let out a small bit of laughter and wiped her eyes. Raz's smile grew as she stepped forward and took her time embracing her niece. Ezra had made his way over slowly as well and placed his hand on Violet's shoulder with a smile of his own. For him that was showing a fair amount of emotion aside from how he acted around his wife. For as long as Dimmetri had known him, Ezra had never been one to show close personal attachment to others. Razgriz had been the first to break through to him and behind closed doors Dimmetri had seen Ezra lighten up a bit more in certain other company. For him to smile seemingly so sincerely and take initiative to even touch someone else beside his wife was showing leagues of improvement since when they'd all first met.
"Well well well would you look at this? Who the hell let the little shit grow up so fast?" Destin said as he sauntered his way into the group and attempted to also embrace Violet.
Iris went to strike Destin's arm for swearing in front of her child when Violet replied.
"Heh, I remember you being so much cooler. '' Violet replied with a wry smile even as she did her best to wipe her running makeup from her face.
Destin recoiled as if he had been stricken by the physical embodiment of Violet's words.
"Well, fuck you definitely are your mothers child" Destin replied looking visibly offended for a moment before smiling even larger than before "You're screwed D"
He laughed as he looked at Dimmetri and embraced Violet anyways in his arms. Dimmetri could only roll his eyes behind his mask and shake his head. He then caught a glimpse of the door opening into the tavern as the large form of Wehlington filed his way inside and closed the door behind him. The sides of his mustache curled up at the sight he saw before him. Merrygold had tears in her eyes that she was constantly trying to wipe from her eyes before she made her way over to Wehlington in an attempt to get away from her emotions. Wehlington watched her approach and Dimmetri could see his large frame chuckle silently a bit as he shook his head then looked over in Dimmetri's direction. Dimmetri could only nod his head in a silent thanks in the moment as he continually had his arms around his wife and daughter. Violet must have suddenly noticed his presence in the room as well as she began clearing her throat and attempted to straighten herself out a bit.
"Lancer Wehlington. Lancer Merrygold. Good work on a job well done. Please, bring the carriage around and notify the Queen that I will, we will be arriving shortly."
Queen Mary Galenthrope paced nervously while muttering to herself inside the throne room. She had been like this for the past hour or so at least, pacing back and forth with a deep look of concern on her otherwise elegantly beautiful face. Her council didn't dare say a word as she babbled on almost incoherently. They were amongst the very few to ever see this side of their queen who was normally calm and collected yet powerful and intimidating in her own way. Even then though, most of them had only ever seen her act in this manner one other time before, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. However, Lancer Earl James Wehlington had seen this side of his Queen far more than most behind closed doors and especially in her early childhood.
Wehlington had gone ahead of the others at the order of his commander, Queen Consort to be Violet Galenthrope to send word to the Queen of the current situation and the reason for the others delay. His Commander was giving a tour of the capital to the strangers he had met only a few days ago. Earl had been there for both girls longer than most anyone else had still alive. He had once served Mary's father when he was in court and claimed he still remembered the day she was born. It had also been Earl who had found the young Violet long ago in the royal fields, in the same place where the strangers had appeared from. Back then the young Violet could barely remember what had happened to her but could recall what her supposed mother and father looked like. Earl remembered searching for months for her parents while Violet lived with the Lancers in their barracks. He hadn't forgotten the strange description of the Commander's parents even after all those years and when two people that matched the description suddenly appeared in the same field, he almost couldn't believe his eyes. He knew the news would be big not only for Violet but also for the Queen who had been Violet's best friend in their youth before they finally realized their love for one another. He knew the two girls better than anyone else and he could see the clear stress on his Queen's face as she paced back and forth.
"Your highness, I believe you truly have nothing fret over. Commander Violet seems to have the situation under control."
Earl watched as he saw his Queen pause for a moment, and perhaps realizing the indication of her actions, she straightened herself out a bit and turned to face the rest of the council. They were all seated at a large wooden table that had been built off the side of the throne room and royal court. Besides Earl himself, there were four others seated around the table and watching their queen. Each wore a different expression on their face conveying mixed emotions and thoughts that Earl knew all too well from each of them. With a heavy sigh the queen walked back over to her seat at the head of the table and sat down, fixing and smoothing out her long white dress as she did so.
"Right, my apologies. Such news was quite unexpected and I ask you all for your forgiveness for the way in which I handled the situation" she said as she looked around the table at everyone present.
"I believe it is more than fair to say that our queen has been under quite a lot of pressure as of lately. Far more than anyone should be allowed to handle on their own I might add. Perhaps it might be better if we reschedule this meeting for another time? Allow her highness to deal with the recent events." A man said with sunkissed skin and a broad accent with a strong, nasally voice (Australian).
"Perhaps our queen should take some time off, the council is more than capable of keeping our Kingdom running on its own for a time." A much shorter, fatter man asked with a posh accent.
"That will not be necessary" Mary replied before choosing her next words very carefully "I will deal with the current issue first and foremost but I will not forget the kingdom's other strifes and woes that have befallen us as of late. Let us meet back here again in two week's time, after the wedding. That should give everyone enough time for all of you to give me an extensive report by our next meeting. Now if you'll excuse me I wish to speak to Lord Wehlington alone."
The members of the council got up from their seats and bowed to their queen before filing out of the throne room, leaving Earl and Mary alone for the time being, still seated at the table. After a few moments had passed once the doors had closed behind the last council member, there was a loud thud followed by a grievous groan. Earl looked over to see Mary with her forehead firmly planted on the table with arms stretched out before her. He couldn't help but smile slightly at the queen's almost child-like behavior as she dropped her walls down infront of him. With a high pitched wine she began banging her fists like a child on the table as she cried out.
"Are you fucking kidding me?! Her parents? Her fucking parents just show up out of the blue? And at the worst possible time! We aren't even technically married yet! What if they don't like me?! What if they're against our marriage?! This is Violet's parents we are talking about here! Her super cool and awesome parents suddenly just show up out of the blue! Days before we are even married! And what the hell was that remark from Tensamire? That bastard is barking up the wrong tree right now! He's lucky I need his ass right now! Taking time off, I AM IN PERFECTLY FINE STATE TO RUN MY KINGDOM DAMNIT!"
Earl let out a sigh as she laid out all her thoughts and feelings in a verbal vomit across the table at him. In a way, Earl wished that Violet had just gone straight to the capital like she was supposed to, so that the two of them could work this matter out together. However he also knew that on the other hand that this was probably for the better. The two had a tendency to tiptoe around sensitive matters between each other, leaving the problem unsolved till it got to an extreme point in some cases. Though he had to give them credit, they had been doing better with that problem lately but this particular situation might deem two much for them to handle on their own. As much as it frustrated him sometimes, Earl was the voice of reason for the two of them as well as their anchor to fall back upon emotionally. It made perfect sense for him to be there instead.
Earl took a moment and adjusted himself in his armor. He hadn't bothered to change when he arrived at the castle and instead went straight to the royal court where he found the rest of the council in a meeting. He was getting a bit hot as beads of sweat rolled over his bald head but there was more important matters than one's comfort at the moment. He knew that his queen needed the council of her right hand, and of her father figure.
"I think you're worrying perhaps a bit too much. They seem like good folk and clearly they raised Violet well enough at a young age for you to want to marry her when you were both still younger. Although I agree the timing isn't the best, I believe this could open up a great number of possibilities for the both of you. And even some long awaited answers at last as well. Though, I feel I must remind you that this might still be quite a shock to them as much as it is for the two of you. The last time they saw Violet she was only eight year old. Some great time has passed since then and they are most likely still in the dark about the situation as much as we are. Be confident, but also be gentle with them. This is a lot for everyone right now it seems" Earl said, trying to calm her down some.
She let out her own long exasperated sigh as she looked down at the table, a clear look of nervousness still plastered across her face. Her bright golden eyes had dimmed as she was lost in thought. She must have been weighing his words a bit before she sat up right and looked over at him with a soft smile.
"I suppose you're right. I just wish I had more time to prepare myself to meet them. Violet always talked so highly of them when we were little. I just, don't want to disappoint them"
Earl barked out a loud abrupt laughter that echoed through the hall before he collected himself a little, "Mary, you are the Queen of Yellicia, strong and beloved by her people whom in which you rescued them from that bastard of an Uncle of yours. The kingdom is flourishing more now with you in charge then I've ever seen under any King I've ever served under. You are strong, kind, loving all the things anyone would want in someone who would wed their daughter. I am almost certain you have nothing to fear."
Earl then stood up and walked slowly around to her end of the table before kneeling down beside her. He was so much taller than her that even when he was kneeling down she still had to look up at him when she turned her head in his direction. He reached up his still gauntleted hand and brushed a stray strand of almost pure white hair out of her face and gently cupped her cheek as he looked into her eyes.
He then said in a soft voice "You are one of the strongest beings I have ever had the great pleasure of meeting in my life. This is nothing. Even if by some means they don't like you then so be it. You still love V, and she still loves you. You two will still get married even if I have to restrain her parents. But I don't really think that'll be necessary. They are going to love you."
He could see her smiling as he leaned forward and pressed his forehead to hers as he gently ran his fingers through the hair on the back of her head. He may not have been her real father but to him, she was as much as his own as she could be. Earl had once been her father's right hand and best friend and promised him long ago that if anything were to happen to him that he'd watch over Mary for him. When her father was killed by his own brother, it was Earl who looked after Mary and protected her. It was him who stood by her side as she led the revolution with Violet against her Uncle. He had been with her through so much, and he'd be with her through the current crisis as well and everything after until their time came for them both.
"Thank you, Ted" she replied as a mischievous smile crept across her lips.
Earl's brow furrowed but he let out another roaring laughter at the name. Ted was a nickname for Teddy Bear, or the name Mary had once given him when she was very young. It was a monicor on the man's massive size and strength but a large heart for when it came to Mary. He hadn't much been one for the name back then but now he recognized the meaning behind it and the comfort she took in his words. It was a nickname not even Violet had called him, though she had her own stroon of words and names she had called him from time to time as well. Seeing the obvious lift in her demeanor, Earl placed his hand on his knee and stood up beside Mary as he crossed his mighty arms in front of his body.
"Right then, go and get cleaned up young lady. You have some very special guests on their way"
Mary Galenthrope was certainly in a bit of a better mood after her conversation with Earl. Though she supposed it wasn't so much as a conversation so much as it was more like he was calming a wailing child. She smiled a bit to herself as she walked back towards her chambers and thought how she could never thank the man who watched over her for so many years. Though she'd certainly tried before she never felt like she was ever doing enough to truly repay him.
"You can repay me by living a long and beautiful life my dear" he had once told her in response.
She tried to take that to heart and made sure she lived everyday the best she could. However it wasn't only just so she could feed her need to repay the person who had literally saved her life more than once, but it was also for her people. After her uncle had killed her father and taken over the throne he had become the worst kind of Tyrant. Mary could still sometimes see the ghostly images of disembodied figures on pikes around the castle and the constant gloom that surrounded the kingdom. Mary made sure she did her best every day for all of those who not only lived through those dark times but also for those who thankfully never saw it so that they all could live a life of peace and safety.
Mary paused in her step for a moment just outside her bed chamber, her hand on the door knob as she stared at it lost in thought as her smile began to fade slightly. Peace and safety, she had fought so hard to try and keep her kingdom safe, to protect it from threats but near and afar. For a time, she had accomplished this goal. They were at peace and even allies with neighboring countries and the people within her own country were happy. However, little birds had begun whispering in Mary's ear that one of the nearby countries had suddenly had a new King come to power suddenly. This King was creating waves amongst his own people and had already made it clear he thought little of the other kingdoms' alliance. There had even been a few skirmishes between the Kingdom of Yellicia and the kingdom of the new King. Mary was beginning to wonder how much longer her people would remain safe and at peace for. War seemed iminiate at this point and she felt helpless as she thought of what that would bring with it.
Her grip on the door handle was tight before she turned it and opened the door, stepping inside her chambers as she looked and gave her room a quick look around. It was the same as she had left it earlier that morning for the most part. Her large bed was still a mess with the sheets thrown about it, just as she liked it. The laundry had clearly been done already and put away and the blinds on the large windows facing the mountains were all pulled back and opened. There was a smell of hot tea and something oh so heavenly thought brought her attention over to the small table beside her bed. Walking over to it, she found a fresh cup of steaming hot tea with a plate of freshly baked, dessert pastry that was cut into a square. It was dark, rich and made with some sort of chocolate and was considered a child's dessert in many cases. Mary beamed at it and before she reached down for it she noticed the dress laid out across the bed. It was a rather simple looking dress all things considered but was pure white like her hair. The fabric was super soft and comfortable and even had hidden pockets in which she relished in. She smiled as she picked it up off the bed and held it up to her body, admiring it as she turned and for the first time since entering the room noticed she wasn't alone.
Standing off to the side was a woman wearing a simple, plain, maids outfit with short black hair that was longer in the front then it was in the back with bangs. Her skin was gray in color but looked soft. She was also slightly taller than Mary as she stood silently with a soft smile on her lips. Mary could see stones along her cheek bones and her gray, almost bottomless big eyes as she looked over at Mary.
"Henrietta, you really didn't have to go through all this trouble for me" Mary smiled at the woman and gently shook her head.
The woman didn't respond but only smiled a little broader before she closed her eyes and gently bowed. Henrietta was an Earth Genasi and also Mary's hand madden for many years now. The woman hadn't muttered a word in years but had always treated Mary so kindly. If Earl was like a father to her then Henrietta was like a sister or even a mother figure at times. She always could tell when something was on Mary's mind and always brought her her favorite things to comfort her and help her feel better.
"Well I assume if you already have all this ready then you probably already heard the news?" Mary asked
The woman gave a small nod in affirmation as she smiled a bit shyly. She was rubbing her fingers through her dress in front of her and clearly knew that she technically shouldn't have known about the news yet. Mary just simply smiled and shook her head. She supposed it couldn't be helped from the woman who's secret side job was head of their kingdom's spy network. It was scary how silent the woman was and Mary often wondered if Henrietta was even in the room when she entered or if she had somehow snuck in afterwards. The woman bowed apologetically and lifted her hands before she began to make several gestures. Henrietta used her people's form of sign language in order to convey her words. Mary, along with several others within the castle had learned the language in order to understand what she was saying to them. Mary's eyes stayed on Henrietta's as she signed, a technique that Henrietta herself had taught her. Watch someone's face respectfully when they speak but always know what their hands are doing.
"Big news. Happy for you both. I started your bath"
Mary's shoulders slumped slightly at the last part. It was a bit earlier than she normally would take one but she would never pass up on the opportunity to sit and soak for a bit and let the troubles of the world wash off her body. If left on her own she could, and would, sit in the tub four hours at a time. She now knew that the tea and dessert were meant for her to have while she was in the bath and she absolutely basked in the idea.
"Oh Henrietta, where would I be without you?" Mary asked as she began letting her dress drop over her shoulders and fall to the ground.
"Do I have to answer that?"
After some time soaking in the tub and enjoying her treats, Mary reluctantly got out of the bath at Henrietta's behestmeant. She just wanted to stay in the bath until all the problems fixed themselves but even she knew better than that as she dried off and slipped into the dress that was on her bed before.
"Henrietta, I'd like for you to accompany me in the main court." Mary said as she tied her hair into a ponytail on the back of her head.
It wasn't that she didn't trust her right hand word of judgment, but Henrietta had a way of seeing directly into people's souls and seeing their true identities. She wanted to make sure these people claiming to be her best friend and fiance's parents were who they said they were and what their intentions and purposes may be. It was a very helpful tool Mary used when trying to figure people out and it also helped that almost no one knew whatever Henrietta was saying through her hand gestures. Henrietta nodded in acknowledgement as she brought over Mary's necklace and tied it around her neck for her.
"Alright, they should almost be here by now. Let's go meet our guests"