Marlon would simply sigh dramatically, and look the guard over, still wholly unimpressed. Of course, with the people around he could hardly just knock the guard out, so he wasn't quite sure what to do, but...something would happen, he knew.

For now, he just glanced over at Serefina, thinking maybe she had an idea. she knew the guards better.

Mariah woke up numbly, rubbing her eyes and looking around. She couldn't remember why she had woken up and it took her a few seconds to realize where exactly she was. Then the last two days came flooding back to her and she realized what had woken her up - her stomach. She really hadn't eaten that much, at least not enough for her normally large appetite.

Throwing the covers off her legs and swinging them over the side, Mariah stood up and looked around. The nightie that Aria had found for her was nice, it used to be the Queen's, but she didn't think wandering the halls was good for that. Then again, she didn't feel like rifling through that really big chest of drawers to find something to go over top so she decided to just go down to the kitchen like she was. She didn't really care what any one thought at this point, her long hair down in an "just out of braids" crinkly mess. With her half shut eyes and vacant stare, she could have easily passed for a ghost.

Heading out into the hallway through the nifty little servants passageway she had found just before bed, she avoided the guards. She'd had enough of guards for one day and she really just wanted to have some food before going back to sleep. So Mariah plodded, half asleep with droopy eyes, in the Queen's white night gown, down towards the kitchen. If she got any weird looks from anyone she might happen to pass by in the halls she'd just give them a nasty stare. Nothing was going to stop her from getting the food she wanted.

Originally Posted by hexeos

Marlon would simply sigh dramatically, and look the guard over, still wholly unimpressed. Of course, with the people around he could hardly just knock the guard out, so he wasn't quite sure what to do, but...something would happen, he knew.

For now, he just glanced over at Serefina, thinking maybe she had an idea. she knew the guards better.

At the ship itself, a seven foot tall black man would be standing beneath the boat. "Ahoy." He called out. Hopefully by then Trayt was there or someone else with some sense. "I come with a warning. Do not look at the castle, but away from it. Or you shall never leave here."

He held up a black Iris that Serefina wore in her hair as Reinelle. He only hoped they would understand, or the little warrior would never be safe. He was rumpled and tired, but Sasha had woken him with this urgency. He always had the Iris in case something was needed of him by Reinelle.

All Serefina had to do was stop from crashing into Marlon; which she managed, barely. By side stepping. Which gave her a perfect view of the 'guard'. He barely got the next sentence out, before Serefina had drawn her sword and stepped forward, sliding the blade into his Adam's apple. The man had expected Marlon to be the one to protest, not the 'boy' with him.

His eyes widened, and he looked from the 'boy' to Marlon. "Mon Dios." And fell to his knees, Serefina's blade still sticking through his neck. She pulled the blade and the man fell forward onto the ground. And not a single cry was lifted.

"Don't look at the castle!" Serefina called to Marlon as she sheathed the sword. It was just that moment that the entire sky lit behind them ina rainbow of colors as it was broad daylight. She seemed wholly unconcerned about killing the man. As long as Marlon didn't stop her, after that comment, she'd just keep running towards the ship.

"Come on!" She cried behind her, but the noise was overwhelming in the streets as the entire town was lit. And everyone was either looking away from the castle or towards it. No one was paying them a single bit of mind. "We have less time than I thought. I hope that's a fast ship." Hopefully now wouldn't be the time that Marlon would chose to have a strike of conscience.

((*cackles too evilly*))

Strangely enough there wasn't really much in the way of guards. Everyone seemed too busy to deal with anyone coming from inside the castle. Foolish, maybe. But once Mariah got back to the kitchens and the mini 'pub' inside, she's find a tall, handsome older (40ish) man sitting hunched over the table, eating from a bread bowl, and with a large plate of warmed meat beside him, along with a wine glass.

But he turned almost instantly as Mariah entered, and for just a moment, there was a look of deep sorrow, before it was masked under a look of steel that switched even quicker to one of shock.

"Rini?" His eyes drinking in the sight of Mariah as if she was the last drop of water in a desert. His blue eyes flashed and he stood quickly and stepped forward. The robe he wore was old, but of a very fine material, rich and worth quite a bit of money. But the rich black hair on top of his head was unkept, or perhaps, like Mariah, he'd just gotten out of bed from hunger.

Mariah looked up at him from her sleepy gaze from the floor, surprised to be addressed. She had just gone down expecting to find food, not another person. Even when the idea that some one might be down in the kitchen had passed her mind, Mariah assumed that they wouldn't pay any attention to a sleepy girl in a night gown. At least back in the Inn no one would have because they all knew that Mariah liked to snack at Midnight. Of course this wasn't the Inn and Mariah really had to smarten up about that.

"Hmm?" Mariah foolishly answered, neither in the negative or the affirmative. She was too tired to answer any questions comprehensibly at this time of night, and too hungry to really listen to the question put to her. Not recognizing the man at the table, Mariah padded on towards what must be the pantry to find food.

Shaelthin had finally arrived at the place where he had been told the human tribe's chieftains lived. He had traveled all day to make this last leg of the journey, and still managed not to get here till this late at night. Exhausted and burdened by the belongings he carried with him across his back and over his shoulders, the capritaur's hooves slipped occasionally on the cobbled streets. He would probably have to sleep in an alleyway or something, and look for better accommodations in the morning.

After what he had heard about human cutpurses and such, Shaelthin hoped he would not appear an easy target to them. He had very little coin on him - something he had made sure of the whole trip here - but he at least hoped the woven blankets and cloth he had brought along with him from his homeland would fetch a decent price here. If he could sell them tomorrow in... where ever the market in this big city was, then Shaelthin figured he would have enough to get settled among the humans. And then, with his people's reputation as master weavers behind him, he would be able to try to find a job here weaving.

He just had to be absolutely sure he did not get robbed or something tonight, and everything would work in his mind.

Suddenly, overhead, colored explosions started going off, startling the goat-man. He hopped sideways to get close to one of the buildings, looking up as he reached up to grasp the haft of one of the three spears poking over his shoulder. The lights overhead glittered, then faded, and then a few moments later, another one exploded.

Shaelthin had heard of such things before - though he could not recall what the humans called them - and tried to continue walking calmly, reminding himself that they were for celebrations only. The noise still unnerved him, and it was an effort not to skitter for cover every time one went off overhead.

He could see where they were coming from, though, at least in terms of general direction. And since humans were at least similar enough to his own people in that they held their celebrations from the center of the village, Shaelthin figured it a good bet that the source of the... exploding what evers would be the place where he would be able to sell off his blankets in the morning. Cloven hooves clicking rhythmically on the street, Shaelthin made his way in that general direction, figuring he could find the place for reference in the morning.

And what Shaelthin would see would truly be blinding as the entire castle lit up in a glory of colors. The four Towers were literally 'glowing' in shades of colors. The King's Tower was glowing blindingly in shades of blue and purple. The Tower of Charity was as bad, only worse, as it's color was white and was like staring at the noon day sun, leaving those who were staring at it blind for several hours.

But it was the two towers that faced the dock that were even more astonishing. The prince's Tower was a deep black that seemed to steal color even from the Royal couple's Towers, the silver feeding on the darkness that every man and woman felt as they watched, feeling drained and yet...strangely invigorated by the power of the magic that Eiros held within her.

And then there was the center of attention. The Tower of Hope. The rich purple stones weren't blinding...but absorbed everything around it, and radiated health and warmth, caring and love. A cold and dutiful love, but passionate in the embrace of the devotion. Each Tower acting as if they were represenative of those who lived there. And not a single person was watching anything but those towers, even if they be blinded.

The Fireworks continued around them, lighting everything but the dock as if it was daylight. As a cry began to go up in the Town. "Happy Birthday, Princess Serefina!" Which explained why the diversion was so easy to set up, it had been planned for weeks for the celebration of the Princess' 18th Birthday. Except now, it was to keep her alive for a bit longer.

Marlon, obviously, wasn't bothered at all by the death of the 'guard'. He was a bit surprised that nobody noticed him being killed, but hey, never look a gift horse in the mouth.

Anyways, Marlon was more than able to follow directions. he just kept moving, hoping that whatever he wasn't supposed to see wouldn't be impairing his crew any...

Originally Posted by Jac

"...Duvah's are more grand." He said, brightening up a bit. Ah, there was his overt patriotism.

Joseph laughed at his good friend's response as he observed the sight, then the laughter subsided as he heard something below.

At the ship itself, a seven foot tall black man would be standing beneath the boat. "Ahoy." He called out. Hopefully by then Trayt was there or someone else with some sense. "I come with a warning. Do not look at the castle, but away from it. Or you shall never leave here."

Joseph raised an eyebrow, peering at the man as the fireworks continued. "And what are you trying to say- that we can't enjoy a bit of a show before we get going? That's redic-"

He held up a black Iris that Serefina wore in her hair as Reinelle. He only hoped they would understand, or the little warrior would never be safe. He was rumpled and tired, but Sasha had woken him with this urgency. He always had the Iris in case something was needed of him by Reinelle.

He silenced himself and nodded silently before turning towards the bard.

"Mr. Djeren," he muttered, "I believe this is our cue. We need to exit, now. Tell all hands to secure the rigging and prepare to embark," he said as he began walking back inside. "Who knows how long this bloody display will last?"

And before heading inside his chambers, he waved behind him, saying "I suggest you uh... turn away. Duvah's fireworks are more grand anyway, eh? Go tell 'em now, won't you?" With that, he was gone...

Marlon... come on, dammit!

Djeren nodded quickly, turning to an anxious crew. "Well, men, what are we waiting for? Secure the rigging, men! We're about to leave.

And one more thing: do not look to Erios' lights! Save your eyes for Duvah's fireworks! That is an order!"

Djeren grinned as he hefted the strap of his crossbow onto his shoulder and began to help. Finally, we can act!

Originally Posted by seripha

Mariah looked up at him from her sleepy gaze from the floor, surprised to be addressed. She had just gone down expecting to find food, not another person. Even when the idea that some one might be down in the kitchen had passed her mind, Mariah assumed that they wouldn't pay any attention to a sleepy girl in a night gown. At least back in the Inn no one would have because they all knew that Mariah liked to snack at Midnight. Of course this wasn't the Inn and Mariah really had to smarten up about that.

"Hmm?" Mariah foolishly answered, neither in the negative or the affirmative. She was too tired to answer any questions comprehensibly at this time of night, and too hungry to really listen to the question put to her. Not recognizing the man at the table, Mariah padded on towards what must be the pantry to find food.

"Beloved!" His gaze was unclear, but he seemed certain that he knew who Mariah was, and he seemed very 'familiar' with that person as he moved closer, his hand brushing across Mariah's cheek. He was a tall and broadly built man, and despite the luxury of his clothing, he was strongly built.

"You're wearing the nightgown I bought you for your birthday, you naughty girl..." He grinned roguishly. It wasn't really an indecent nightgown, rather subdued really. But that look he was giving Mariah was hot enough to make anyone question the fact.

Mariah jerked back with her cheeks flushed, her sleepiness vanishing the instant he caressed her cheek.

"I'm sorry, I think you're mistaken." Mariah spoke clearly, pushing him away with one hand. It wasn't a very hard push, nothing like what she could have given him, but it was a firm push that indicated she did not appreciate the advancement. While she did have troubles dealing with Arios' advancements earlier, she did not know this man whatsoever and it was a lot easier for her to treat him as she did one of patrons at the Inn who would get a little grabby after a few drinks.

Of course Mariah immediately appreciated his form, as she was wont to do, but all her attraction to him was drowned out by the extremely familiar attitude he was treating her with.

"Rini?"

He looked both puzzled and hurt by her rejection. "Are you alright, beloved? It's me; Aruski?" Aruski? It wasn't that common of a name. And in the palace of the King, in that rich of clothing...there was only one person it could be.

"Serefina hasn't been dragging you about the woods again, has she? I swear, I wonder sometimes if you aren't letting her be too wild. I know I promised she could choose her husband, but still..." He went off on a tangent, his eyes still unfocused. And now, he was mentioning the princess as if she was someone he had the right to scold...

It took Mariah a few seconds to put all the pieces together of puzzle, but when she did her eyes went wide and she immediately fell into a deep curtsy with her head down, eyes staring at the floor.

"I'm sorry, your highness, b-b-but I don't think I'm who you think I am." Mariah didn't dare look up at the man who was acting so familiar to her. It was clear to her now that he thought that she was the Queen. She knew that wearing the Queen's clothing was such a bad idea no matter how much Prince Anastazi said it was alright.

Aruski frowned, as the woman knelt before him. But he bent down to lift her chin up. His face was ridden with grief, but his eyes seemed a bit clearer than he had before. "Rise, milady. There is no need to be so formal. I am just an old fool." He smiled to put her at ease, but he was still a fearsome sight. It was easy to see why he had terrified many an enemy in his days.

"I'm sorry," Mariah said, uncomfortably as she stood up. She wasn't as tall as the King but she was tall enough to be able to look directly into his blue eyes without needing to lift her head to see the deep sadness in his eyes.

"I'm sorry I can't be the person you need me to be." Mariah was genuinely sorry when she said this. She didn't know why it came out either, it wasn't something that she would normally say but the look on the man's face moved her so.

"I just came down here to get something to eat, I didn't realize that I was disturbing you. Otherwise I wouldn't have come down."

The edge of Aruski's lip quirked as she spoke, and it was easy to tell where the Prince had gotten his dark good looks. "It's quite alright. Far be it from me to keep a lady from sustenance. Would you care to join me?" The more he spoke, the clearer he became. The more eloquent and well..king like. He didn't bow; he was king after all. But he did motion for her to take her seat first.

"It has been a while since I've had the charming company of such a lovely lady at my table."

Mariah looked at the table and had an immediate flash back to when she had sat there with Arios. It made her feel a little unsettled but it didn't over take her feeling of immense hunger. She had, after all, woken up in the middle of the night from being hungry and she wouldn't be able to go back to bed without eating something.

"Alright." Mariah didn't correct the King by telling him she wasn't a lady by any means or why she was even in the castle, it was probably best that she didn't anyhow. She could try very hard to act like a lady and prove Aria that she could do it.

So she sat down at the table and picked up a piece of the warmed meat with her fingers as daintily as possible. However, before she could get it to her mouth she managed to drop it some how and it landed on the clean, white night gown making what would probably be a wonderful stain. How could she have failed so immediately, in front of the King? It was all she could do to fight back the tears of frustration, but her feelings must have shown clearly on her face.

He waited till she sat down, and had gone around to his side of the table when she dropped the piece of meat. Despite her mortified face, he said nothing to embarrass her further, only simply pulling out his own handerchief and offering it to her.

"Don't worry, milady. Accidents do happen." He chuckled at some inward thought, but didn't say it. But it was easy to guess by the expression on his face that it wasn't a thought for public speech.

Mariah took the handkerchief without speaking and picked up the piece of meat. She didn't know whether or not to eat it, but it would be a waste if she didn't so she plopped it in her mouth and avoided rubbing the stain further with the piece of cloth. It was very fine cloth (both the handkerchief and the dress) and Mariah felt bad for ruining them both.

"I'm sorry. I'm very tired and it's late." Mariah said as she handed the handkerchief back, trying to put on her best smile to show him that she wasn't a silly upset girl, "I'm Mariah Polly by the way. I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier.... I'm just... I was just a little out of sorts when I first saw you."

At this point Mariah was really wishing she had a robe on of some sorts. She never wore own back at home but she some how felt that in the presence of the King she was a little over exposed.

He smiled warmly at Mariah. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Polly." There was nothing in his manner to suggest that he was upset with her, but he was rather 'fearsome' looking. "You may call me Aruski..." He grinned at her. "When no one else is about though. We do have a lot of stuffy courtiers around here." He was doing his best to put the girl at ease, but he knew how she must feel. Even his beloved late wife had been rather ill at ease in court, and perhaps that was why he found her so charming.

"I haven't met any of them yet. I don't think Anastazi will let me either." Mariah replied, lightening up a little with the help of his demeanour, "I am kept locked up in the Tower of Charity. Well not locked up but I don't think I'm meant to feel as though I can leave it."

"That is, of course, not to say that I'm not thankful to be able to do what I'm doing here," Mariah stated, just in case it made it look like she wasn't unthankful, "But I'm just not used to not having my own free reign to go wherever I please. It will take some getting used to."

"It's strange having guards watch your every move." Mariah stated, this time going for a piece of non-staining bread. She would have added, "Especially when you can fend for yourself" but she didn't think that it would have been good to brag in front of the king.

That got a hearty belly laugh from Aruski, his fist slamming down on the table. "Ha! You are so much like my Bella Rini. She was always so shy in public, but once you got her to let her hair down, she would really tell you what for." He seemed genuinely pleased with Mariah.

"Don't let Anastazi worry you. I think the boy was a born worrier. A younger sister who can bag his balls if she so chose to, who looks barely big enough to ride a horse. Let alone command a Clydesdale like she does. And then he's a ...mage..." He spat the word out. He was proud of Anastazi, but the idea of a king in training as a mage just made him mad.

It was odd the way he spoke about Serefina. As if she was some hoyden hell bent on making trouble, when everyone in the kingdom knew that she was often sick and away. Maybe he was as crazy as they said, and mistaking Serefina for Reinelle?

"Besides, I never got used to having personal guards either, and I was raised to it. But in my day, I was a general to our armies...and to have people about protecting me...it's just damnable odd."

Mariah's draw dropped a little bit at hearing the King say the words, "Bag his balls". However, her astonishment quickly went to amusement and she laughed a lot.

"Oh my goodness. I'm sorry." Mariah said, trying to calm herself down, "I just never thought I would hear any above the working class, let alone your Highness, say the words 'bag his balls'."

"I've never met the Princess though, only Anastazi and Lady Reinelle. The Princess I hear is always sick or away, but it's nice to know that she can stand up for herself." Mariah rubbed her eyes a little, getting the sleepy dust out of them so she could pay attention a little bit better.

"I wish I could give the guards what for but I don't think that's ever going to happen. Apparently I'm not allowed to fight, just be a lady. Not really exciting. Especially since I can't play with that lovely noibium staff."

"Hmph!"

The King grumped. "If you can do it, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't." He smiled at her though, to let her know he wasn't mad at her. "Besides, a few of them do tend to get out of line if they think they can." He took a bite to chew as he thought.

"Niobium, you say?" He then described the staff down to a T. "That was my wedding present to Reinelle. My lady wife." To clarify, which Reinelle he meant. He didn't say anything further about Serefina. "But I see no reason why you can't use that staff. My beloved Rini would have a fit knowing it was just stuck somewhere, not being put to use. Knowing Anastazi, it was probably somewhere in the Tower of Charity." He sighed, he knew Reinelle wasn't alive, but with Mariah here, it was almost as if he was speaking to her again, and it warmed his heart to do so.