Cassia Thomson | 25 | Handmaiden to Princess Niamh | Female | Mentions: Niamh, Zoe, Kristopher (ind), Vesper (ind), Harland (ind)

At the mention of Harland and Vesper, Cassia laughed as the memories of what she'd been told came back to her. "The gossip I hear regarding that relationship is that they're known to bicker like an old couple. I haven't seen it for myself, but it ruins the allure of an assassin," she said in a joking manner.

Cassia felt her lips twitching upwards in a mischievous manner, "Oh, that's right, you know Prince Kristopher personally... you really must tell me more about him," she giggled lightly. "And Prince Kyro won't have to try hard to impress me, if what I've heard is correct," she giggled in response. She really was in a giddy mood at all the entertainment that was to come. It would be like palace drama, but a million times better. Oh, how Cassia had been blessed with this life.

She followed Niamh, still smiling at the teasing from moments before. Cassia was quite prepared to come to Niamh's defense lest any of the suitors treat her with disrespect. Not that Niamh needed it, but Cas found it quite entertaining when she was allowed to be curt with those above her due to her position.

Cassy held her hands clasped behind her back, resting on the back of the dress, which had a small metal ring hoop skirt to give it a bit of a rounder appearance in the traditional, though not dramatic, way. Her dress was a tame tea green, meant to blend into the background compared to the princess'. It was quite a flattering dress on her, but the colors still helped her to stick to her role as Niamh's support.

Gwyar ‘Aries’ Ariethous Fraoch | 21 | M | 6’7” | Suitor/Cryo Noble | Mentions; Rainier(Ind), Aibruvian Royals(Ind), Other Suitors(Ind), Vesper(Ind/Dir), Darwin(Ind/Dir), Edrys(Ind).

Gwyar stood back as Prince Vesper took the flowers and looked over them, reading into them. He’d read once somewhere that Prince Vesper understood the language of flowers, which was why he’d decided to do a bouquet and study the language to begin with. He’d been a bit rushed and had only looked for what he needed now, which was why he’d brought the books he had on the language with him. Because the language was definitely interesting, something he would like to learn more about.

--

As the Prince read over them, Gwyar could see his face grow a bit red at the Alstroemerias… He could certainly feel himself tense, had he gotten something wrong? That was a fine flower to use for a beloved Prince, right? A flower that worked for a birthday to one of the favored Royalty here? Given that the Prince kept the small smile as he continued onto the roses, Gwyar assumed it was fine.

--

“Thank you for the bouquet. The message was quite sweet.” Gwyar tried to keep his sigh of relief to himself, on the inside. He’d gotten it right then? That was good. “And I do agree, seasickness would make people do absurd things. And don’t apologize for someone’s behavior, especially if they are a lower station than you, you are the Son of an Earl and Earless who already has achieved a title for himself as a Knight, so hold yourself like it.”

--

Gwyar nodded, though he still felt like the apology was necessary. Even if the woman was not from Slerosea, she had been setting a bad impression for all the other suitors which had to be apologized for, if only so Prince Vesper knew not all of them were so disrespectful to those higher than them.

--

Then the Prince was smiling an almost teasing grin, and Gwyar was tensing in the shoulders again. “Though you may want to be careful with roses as to not send mixed signals.” The roses? What had he done wrong with the roses? Had he missed something? The Prince giggled as he put one of the roses into one of the braids in his hair closer to his face, and Gwyar decided he liked the sound. “It suits you. I hope we can become friends too.”

--

Oh, so he hadn’t messed up terribly? Just sent mixed signals concerning… Oh. Oh. Had he accidentally used too many roses and expressed romantic interest in the Prince? Gwyar had assumed that the rule of threes would be fine for this when it came to roses; he hadn’t managed to reach the part that spoke of the numbers and amounts in his books. It was Gwyar’s turn to feel his face heating up, mostly out of embarrassment, and he was about to force out an apology and explain…

--

“Aries!”

--

Gwyar perked up at his name, head turning to face the familiar voice as he was engulfed into a hug. He tensed immediately, hand that had previously been shaking going into a clenched, ready to go fist that he forced back open and awkwardly patted his old friend’s back. The voice had sounded like Diamond, and when the man pulled away, keeping a hand on his shoulder and looking up at him- It was definitely Diamond, those sparkling blue eyes and gap toothed smile were etched into his memory. He felt some of the tension subside at the certainty that this was his friend. Though…

--

Wasn’t Diamond a thief? Why was he here and able to stand out in the open without fear of capture? Fair, not many knew who Diamond actually was but- Gwyar was a Knight, shouldn’t he be making an arrest? Especially since they were in public? If news got to his parents that he had a chance to at least arrest the thief, let alone if the news got to his parents that he was friends with the thief- The tension returned just as quickly as it had left.

--

“Hey– Uh– How are you??” Diamond asked and then pulled away completely, looking him over. Aries couldn’t help but bristle slightly, but still found it in him to roll his eyes in response to the low whistle Diamond let out with a smirk. “Damn Aries. Lookin’ sexy, big guy!~ You gained a ton of muscle while I was away and– Oh! Vesper!”

--

Vesper?! No title? Were the two- Did Diamond have a high enough status here in Aibruvia to not have to give the Prince a title in speaking? How would that translate in Slerosea with his crimes there? Diamond wrapped an arm around his waist, and Gwyar forced himself to focus on the present. He could worry over everything else later, he had to keep a calm appearance at the moment. He could always ask his parents over letter what to do later. They would know, they knew better than he did. They always did in these matters.

--

“You’re gonna really love this guy. Biggest fuckin’ sweetheart in the whole of Slerosea! Probably even in the whole of all the kingdoms. Heart of gold I am telling ya!” Diamond giggled and patted his chest over his heart, Gwyar kept himself from reacting adversely. He wondered if he could convince anyone here to get him armor to wear underneath his formal attire, his heart was far too vulnerable at the moment. Thankfully, Diamond pulled away again, smiling and looking at him again and using a more Slerosean accent. “Man, it’s good to see ya! How’s it been goin’ in Slerosea?”

--

Gwyar was almost afraid that another Slerosean would put things together, that they would realize just who Diamond was. For if that happened- His parents, at the very least and most forgiving of the kingdom, would be told and allowed to punish him as they see fit for being friends with Diamond. At worst? Execution, for them both. But he couldn’t simply arrest his friend, one of his oldest and closest friends, if Gwyar were being honest.

--

Gwyar was about to just answer for the moment when Prince Vesper pulled Diamond back by the ear, which Gwyar held back a wince at, and then spoke. “My Apologies for Darwin, Sir- Aries.” Darwin? “I assume you’re friends but even then Lord Munin should mind his manners and find a more appropriate occasion to catch up with you.”

--

Lord Munin? Darwin? What had happened here in Slerosea to cause Diamond to be Darwin Munin, and to be a Lord nonetheless? Gwyar just nodded quickly, noticing the Duchess’s daughter making her way over. He should get going, before she realized who… Darwin was. Before his fate of death was sealed due to helping and befriending a thief. So, he pulled back away, giving another small awkward bow, “I do hope we get a chance to catch up, Lord Darwin. And that you have a pleasant day, Prince Vesper.”

--

With that, Gwyar turned and made his way to the carriage he had left Alexo at. He would continue reading on the languages of flowers on the ride to the castle. He was a bit upset over how he couldn’t help his voice from emphasizing Dia- Darwin’s title and name, why hadn’t he known though? Had Diam- Darwin not known either? Surely, his friend would’ve told him if he had? But why should he have told him? Gwyar’s main skill set was in fighting, telling him wouldn’t have made him any more useful to his friend. Wouldn’t have made him able to help his friend more back in Slerosea. The idea left a bitter taste in his mouth, his friend wasn’t like that though- If he’d known then Gwyar would’ve been told. But even if his friend had known, he couldn’t hold it against him. His friend was simply making a choice based on what they knew about Gwyar, like how he was without use in much that wasn’t fighting or battle. His friend was simply being smart, and no feelings were important enough to try and hold them against his friend, to begin doubting his friend due to. His friend knew better than him about what to do with his own life, Gwyar was in no position to tell Dia- Darwin what he had to tell him.

--

He got to the carriage and looked over to Alexo, who was waiting by the door of it. Gwyar nodded to him, pulling on his most calm, collected smile and got into the carriage, keeping the door open to allow Alexo to get in as well. His help closed the door as soon as he was inside as well, and Gwyar took hold of one of the books on the language of flowers that he had brought with him. He would try and read the rest of it on the way to the palace they would all be staying at.

⸺「 Edrys Kolsvalk 」⸺

Female || 22 Years || Suitor || Slerosea || M: Vesper, Neptune, Suitors { ind. }, Others { ind. }

⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺⸺

"No apologies needed, Miss Kolsvalk, I'm assuming."

Edrys lifted her head to look up at the taller man, and nodded softly, not exactly finding the words on how to respond to him. She muttered jumbled words underneath her breath that she couldn't even understand herself, resulting in a sigh of self-doubt. First introductions were never her thing, she'd never know what to say or what not to say and when the other party would question her on how her day was or how she was doing something just would not connect in her brain and she'd simply stare at them in confusion. So, she was really hoping the prince wouldn't ask her anything, if she were to say something rudely in front of him, god knows what he'd do. Shifting her fingers, she placed her hands over one another and let them hang in front of her, standing still and silent.

"Miss Kolsvalk, my apologies, but it seems our squire was incompetent and we were not informed of your formal title you hold in Slerosea." Faintly smiling, Edrys shook her head, "Ah.. no worries, it's nothing to apologize for." Well, it really was fine. If they didn't know her formal title, it didn't matter. She'd be gone in a matter of a blink here, and her social status didn't mean as much power as the other suitors. But as he continued speaking, she stared blankly at the dirt beneath his shoes. "And pardon my rudeness - you wouldn't happen to be the daughter of the widowed Duchess would you? If so, my apologies for not greeting you by your proper title, Lady Kolsvalk." Widowed.. that word always seemed to get the best of her, didn't it? Clenching her jaw, she shook her head with barely any movement and smiled wearily.

"I guess it so happens that I am the daughter of the Duchess, yes." She would have asked him to refrain from saying 'widowed' but perhaps that would have been rude, and she didn't want to seem like some rude hag. Biting her lip, Edrys looked away for a moment, and remember the gift she had for the Prince in her inside pocket. She perked up silently and began to reach inside her cloak only to see that the Prince was now occupied by another, and decided she would reveal it later on.

Taking in a deep breath, Edrys took another few steps back, and glanced over towards her Maid and Zerik. She winced as she watched the Maid drop a suitcase as she exited the boat, and Zerik body language spoke of panic and had rushed over towards the maid helping her with the suitcase. It actually made Edrys smile for a moment, however, her attention was drawn back to Vesper as he made an announcement.

Oh shit. Edrys couldn't wait that long to give the Prince his gift.. maybe now would be the best time? Just before she parted. Taking in another deep breath, she exhaled somewhat dramatically and made her way to the prince.

"Vesper Windsor, Prince of Aibruvia. I, Lady Edrys Kolsvalk of Slerosea, come bearing a gift." Reaching into her cloak, she pulled out an object wrapped in sheep's hide. Hopefully, she didn't startle him just by walking right up to him, but she wanted to get going and was not planning on standing idly about. As she held the object in the palm of her opened hand, she began to unwrap it, revealing a small, iron blade. The hilt was firm, dark oakwood with an engraving of a wolf's heart. And below the iron dagger, was a small piece of wolf's fur.

"It is an honor to stand within your graceful presence, and I do hope this pleases you." Edrys held it out, worrying whether or not Vesper would take it. If he were to refuse it, she'd probably keep it for herself. It is a handy weapon, great for hiding it beneath your clothing or under your pillow. If he were to take it, she could finally take a breath of relief. Being in his presence, well it felt as if someone was shoving every ounce of pressure onto her. She wasn't a fan of being in someone of a higher social ranking than herself only because she had to act like she actually wanted to speak with them. In this case, she didn't want to speak, she simply wanted to sit in a carriage and breathe.

Corin Wren - 19 - Male - Suitor - Mentions: Vesper, suitors (indirect)


"This is really beautiful. Thank you! I bet you will do good in the wood carving competition this year in the in winter."

Were the Prince's words to his gift, delievered in a tone that sounded genuine. He had given him a smile that seemed to be soothing in nature, which he didn't know how to think about that. And he seemed to truly like the gift, and not just putting on the impression that he did, as he had clearly admired the carving.

While he felt just a bit of annoyance at himself for being so visibly nervous that the someone else, nevermind that that 'someone else' is the Prince, felt like he needed to be kind of coddled. He had to admit that the positive reception on his gift served to calm him down slightly; and the compliment made a little bit of pleasure and pride in his work rise, the feeling could be likened to a warm glow in his chest.

"I... I'm glad you think so, Prince Vesper." He managed to get out of his tight throat, still not managing to meet his eyes again. Damn it, he forget something in there didn't he-

"may I have your name so we can make sure all guests are accounted for."

That was what he had forgotten. Corin wanted to wince at his mistake, instead settling for kicking himself in his head, it felt like his face heated up with the embarrassed rush that washed over him, making him feel almost uncomfortably warm.

"Corin Wren." He answered, making himself speak a little bit louder above his current voice level, glad for not stumbling over his own name. At least he hadn't been asked by the Prince to speak up, now that would have been just downright awkward, and motifying.

With that done, the young man backed away.

He returned to the background, or whatever constituted as one at the moment, and somewhat near the group of other suitors. And started glancing at the other people again, one or two more had arrived, and with a causal glance in the direction of the Prince where he had seen someone else-

Was that an owl? Woah, he hadn't seen that type before.

Looking away, he stuffed down the feeling that his wood carving would be inconsequential compared to an owl that could very well be useful for hunting and all that; the Prince...did he like the carving? Or had he been putting on an act as royals often did? With a more forcefull exhalation, he purposefully did not focus on the doubts his mind gave him; the Prince liked his gift, it was a perfectly fine carving, and he was probably overthinking again. Then, the sound of a voice being cleared caught his attention, he lifted up his head a little in order to see who was wanting their attention.

"Hello, and welcome to Aibruiva esteemed guests. As we have quite a few of you here I would like to inform that a change has been made. As some of you may be exhausted and tired from the boat ride it would be best to get you to the castle where you can relax and freshen up if needed before the scheduled brunch, and of course we want brunch to be on time and those here early shouldn't be penalized because of late guests. So I am saying that you all may go ahead and select a carriage to ride in - and the drivers have been instructed to take you to the castle right away and there are also two guards for with the rider for extra protection."

Corin couldn't quite help the relief that flowed through him at those words. He had been reaching his breaking point for...emotional restraint, the high tension and nervousness paired with the slight ebb and flow of said emotions were really starting to take a toll on him. And he very purposefully did not think about what would happen when the time for brunch came; perhaps he would have calmed himself enough to be more composed rather than the near wreck he had been.

"So in short. If you will go ahead and chose a carriage and load up and go ahead and depart to the castle - it would be much appreciated. I hope you enjoy the scenery and architecture on your way!"

And with that, he broke away from the others, and beelined toward the nearest carriage, quite pretty red and gold one. He opened the door, climbed in, sat down and then closed it, his luggage with him. It was quite comfortable in it, and spacious too, as if made for several people to be in it; which made a lot of sense regarding the purpose of a carriage. He let himself lean back slightly, closing his eyes, and letting himself start to calm down. While not entirely private, like a cabin or room, it still provided a modicum of it, enough to begin letting the tight ball of anxiety and dread and everything loosen so that the emotions didn't threaten to overwhelm him.

Pluto blinked as he exited the vessel, he stretched. He took out a flask and drank from it . He caug by a glimpse of his sister, Neptune but she went to quickly. He went over to the guy he thought was Prince Vesper. He thought deeply pausing Infront of him for awhile. He then looked up, smoothed his clothes,put away the flask and smoothed his hair and cleared his throat. "Good Day Prince Vesper and Happy Birthday as well, one moment please" He fumbled in the bag he was carrying , he had made sure his manservants were carrying his two other luggage but his bag had the important stuff in. He smoothed down the neatly wrapped present in black paper wrapping with a gold bow. He also had put lavender pot on top of the sealed present . "There we go, enjoy" He handed Vesper the presents as carefully as he could. He suppose he didn't look that smart with his crisp pink shirt and black jeans and sparkly pink lipgloss on. He had his smart black boots on.
//
Whilst he was awaiting to head Vesper's voice, he asked one of his manservants,Neil a blond haired boy in his late teens to go get the carrige that was silver and blue as his sister had snatched the black and gold one, he couldn't blame her it was nice. He thanked Neil and asked him if he could wait by it and he did. He allowed Neil's friend and also his other manservant, Caine , a black haired man that looked older than Neil but actually was younger. Anyway Caine left with Neil to sit by the carriage , occasionally talking to the chauffeur. Now he was left with his guard who barely talked, Pluto only knew his name a year or so ago. It was Sanjo if anyone was wondering. Sanjo was a buff man around 19 or 22 , Pluto didn't know as he never talked to Sanjo as it was pointless as he wouldn't talk. Sanjo had dark brown hair and bright ggreen eyes. Sanjo scared Pluto a tiny bit but they were also cute.

//

He breathed in heavily as Sanjo pointed at the horses the carriage was being pulled by. Sanjo rarely spoke, only pointed. He nodded and then turned back to Prince Vesper only to rember to whisper to Sanjo "Remember not to interrupt Sanjo" To which Sanjo shuffled and the. Straightened with his back facing them. He had a glance at the horses as he had given the presents , they were a dappled grey which beautifully contrasted with the light blue and silver carriage they were pulling. They had white harness with silver and blue threads .
//

He awaited for the prince as he smiled and watched his sister go away in her carriage, he loved her but dislike her . Wheneve someone asked how their relationship was, he just replied with complicated . Complicated because he loves her but hates at the same time. You know complicated . He didn't even know if Neptune loved him or even liked him. Didn't know if she just tolerated him or whether she truly hate him, good this woukd be the last straw if she properly hated and despised her own brother.

After he had replied to his superior, a very cute superior. One with cute but sharp face, cute curly black hair，cute unique eyes both twinkling, smooth skin as far as Jasper could see. A cute monocule even though he knew it was only used so Prince Mion could actually see where he was walking. Jasper knew lots about Prince Mion Of The 1st Rank, whether Mion knew or not. He daydreamed for a minute about Mion and him just being together. He couldn't tell if they were going to be at least friends or if they were going to be more like boyfriends or even husbands but that probably wouldn't work. They would probably remain professional servant and Prince relationship .

//

He realized he had been staring at Prince Mion's knees for quite a while now and he looked up only to look away as subtly as possible like a scolded child. He hadn't ding anything but he was acting like it . When he was staring at Mion's knees , he looked past them and saw Mion's bath, untouched or touched he couldn't tell. He would have to empty it when he got a change , maybe he could ask Akira to do it . No that would be mean, the rule for him was that if you drew the bath, you emptied it. If Prince Mion hadn't used the water, it would be a bit of a waste but oh well. Jasper surely should of learnt his lesson by now that he should only draw a bath when Prince Mion wanted. Not when Jasper thought Prine aMion mug hit want a bath. He sighed and realized now he was staring at Akita. He relaxed his focus and just focused on tryi mg to hear Prince Mion's voice .

Zoe sighed and for a moment she didn't notice Princess Niamh'a words. Although when they did , she jumped. She replied smiling "Sorry M'am just deep in thought, just thinking about all those people in those fancy carriages" She erased the hint of longing in her reply and replaced it with a calm tone.
//

She removed herself from the window and said excitedly "Can't wait for the party to get started" She smoothed down her dress and said to both Cassie and Niamh " By the way, both of you are looking stunning" At the Ebs if that she stifled a yawn and looked down at her casual smart clothes that she wore ;black trousers,white shirt/blouse and a green jacket that wasn't too bright as she didn't want to draw attention away from the Aibruvia Royals. Her wavy red hair was down and slightly frizzed. She couldn't put it up as it go was being too difficult.

Sybil Mae Windsor | F | 8 | 3rd Rank Princess of Aibruvia | M: Phoebe, Hestia, Asmaranti, Vesper & Seth [ind.]

A familiar face caused a smile to spread across her face as her sister's guard Seth walked in, she was always happy to see him. He always seemed so kind, which was a comfort to the princess. And shortly after Mara entered the room, carrying a suspicious basket…."Little Lady, your gift has arrived."

Sybil ran over and kneeled down on the ground, heart starting to pound as Asmaranti gingerly peeled back the satin layer covering the basket. The young girl could hear noises coming from inside, tiny yips and yaps, noises more definable as one that might come from a dog. She was quite surprised Mara had gotten her gift so quickly, but she was delighted that she had it on time for Vesper’s birthday.

When the fabric revealed what had been hidden below, Sybil let out an audible gasp, raising her hands up to cover her mouth. Now sitting before her were the two fluffiest puppies she had ever seen, she reached a stray hand out to let the closest one sniff her, Sybil’s remaining hand still covering her mouth in shock. “Two puppies!” she exclaimed, reaching out her other hand and sinking it into the thick fur of the first puppy, gently scratching its side.

"you said you've been wanting a little puppy for a while now. And the seller wouldn't sell these twins separately, so now this little boy is yours. I hope you like him, my Little Lady."

“I-I’m glad they didn't separate them!” she piped up, lifting her puppy out of the basket, “this is the bestest gift ever!” The little chow-chow seemed just as happy, its tiny pink tongue giving a little lick to her cheek and scampering in circles around her. “I can keep secret, I can keep it!” Sybil added enthusiastically. She wanted her brother to have the biggest surprise of his life, so she swore she wouldn't tell a soul. “Pheobe wouldn't tell either, right Pheobe?”

bleh short