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maidenroseheart
Can I please come down? ~Simple ...
☆
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05-22-2012, 04:28 AM
Diana saw a form swimming up to meet her. A guard came up and offered silently his hand. Gratefully, she let the bigger and strong merman help her away from the strong currents the storm had caused. When they were closer to the city, he explained, The queen and king have passed away. We are about to take them to rest in the Ancients cave. You are one of the artisans are you not? As her dumbfounded nod, he went on, "Alright, you will be part of the procession. I'll take you to the pavilion." She was in shock. Approaching the city, she could see the movement that should not have been so large at this time of night. It was like the whole ocean floor had come alive. She had not seen so many before. With the storm above blocking all night light that would have come from the skies and the currents carrying extra silt and sand, the whole place was more muted and shadowy than normal. She was sure if he was not holding her hand, that she would have blended in and been invisible. Just like always.
Reaching the city, she grew a bit worried. How was the heir taking this? He had been so distressed earlier before the shark attack. Would he welcome the support and strength of his citizens or push them away as he had her earlier? She wondered if he was also upset with her for not being there on the stage with him. As they made their way through the streets to the pavilion, she saw a few old classmates notice her being escorted by the guard and set up whispering. She wondered what they were saying and if it was cruel or not. It didn't matter. As they approached, he gently pointed out where the procession was forming up. She followed his fingers with her eyes and soon saw where the metal workers were. She turned and thanked him for his help. All his help.
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Tachigami
It's quiet, now.
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05-22-2012, 04:48 AM
Alden was oddly numb. He could feel Guai’s hand on his back, leading him on, and he could see that he and the congregation of guards what had been assigned to keep him safe had made it to the pavilion sooner than most others, but he couldn’t quite connect the dots as quickly as usual. Cages housed rare jellyfish that glowed in the dark, usually found in the deepest, darkest crevices of the ocean floor. They seemed sedate, lending their light to the area around the open street. As Alden waited, the city’s life reawakening as quickly as an erupting underwater volcano, a mermaid whose age certainly showed flitted up, coming to a stop before Alden with a bow. More alert, now that the situation had broken through his heart’s stone walls, he lifted her back up with a sad smile.
She put her old hands on his face and returned the smile, like a grandmother who hadn’t seen her grandchild in decades. “My boy.” She said, in a voice frail. “Your dear, sweet mother and I were the best of friends. We wasted our days by the beaches on the surface, in coral gardens, and watched the little human children splashing among the shallow waves. She always did make time for me even while she took up her royal responsibilities. I’ll keep her alive for you.”
Alden blinked hard, but welcomed the promise. Against his better judgment, he hugged her, giving strength to her old spirit. He didn’t want to have to put his parents to rest. It was sealing both his fate and theirs. The Ancients’ Cave was always terribly lonely, the rulers of old long forgotten and their stories almost lost forever.
Guai pulled him away as the merfolk grew in numbers. Everyone was almost present, and he would have to call on the masters of art and ability to accompany them. He braced himself for that moment, and took the stage, which hadn’t yet been moved from the day before.
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maidenroseheart
Can I please come down? ~Simple ...
☆
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05-22-2012, 08:05 AM
Diana swam to her parents side. They were already there and looking sad and withdrawn. She looked around with a bit of a feeling of loneliness. The king and his queen had always been present in her live. Their steady guidance and the knowledge of their ability to rule well had been a support. Having her entire life now sitting on the balance was discomforting. She felt the anxiety welling up in her at the mere thought of another ruling in their place. She remembered Alden's sparking eyes when he first found her, then the numbness that surrounded him when he was in grief. He had the capacity to lead, but would be be willing? She shuddered at the thought. Her mothered motioned their family together. Her father was strong and trustworthy, but in this family it was the mother that guided them. Diana looked over at Athena. Her eldest sister had their mother's personality and would do well when she had her own home. She sighed. Life and Death. Beginnings and Endings. What a night this was becoming.
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Tachigami
It's quiet, now.
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05-22-2012, 05:43 PM
Most of the city had gone their entire lives under the guide of the king and queen. Alden knew they would be distraught at the news. Guai had told him many times in the coming several years before their death, yet he hadn’t acted like he had listened. He did. The entire city had crowded about, and he rested at a place in front of the guards, with Guai a bit behind him, but at the same time, by his side. He’d never raised his voice beyond a quick call, and now he had to address the entire city. He bit his bottom lip for a moment, gathering the necessary mental preparation.
“I know how most of you are feeling right now.” Alden said at last, in a voice that shocked even himself. “In varying stages of grief, perhaps, worry for the wellbeing of the city. I’ve shown reservations about beginning a rule without the experienced hand of my parents guiding me, but I know now that one must learn their own path, and perhaps, make the future better and ever brighter than it’s ever been conceived.” He paused, pushing down the well of emotions that threatened to burst forth. “I won’t change a thing my parents have created, because it’s already beyond what it could ever have been. But I won’t let it fall. I’ll keep the memory of the king and queen alive and well in the hearts and minds of the present, and the future. They’re with me in spirit, with everyone, in spirit.”
He looked around. The entire congregation shimmered in an oddly surreal style. It made Alden feel as though it were a dream, and made it easier to go through. “At this point in time, I’d like the families, classes, and individuals of the following masters to move forward: Metal workers. Sculptors. Flora. Song and dance. Music. Architecture. Jewelers. These artistic masters will gather in the palace courtyard to receive further information.”
Guai nodded when Alden looked back to him. “You will be seeing more of me.” He added. “Come daylight.”
With that, he lifted and dismissed the gathering. He hoped that his certain words would put their minds at ease, and perhaps, even give them faith in him. Half the guards swarmed into movement as well, flanking him on either side as he returned to the palace to await the master artists and crafters.
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maidenroseheart
Can I please come down? ~Simple ...
☆
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05-23-2012, 04:06 AM
Listening to his words and watching his countenance brought Diana hope and faith in the future. He seemed steady and sure of his role, though sadness seeped from even the stones beneath all the merpeoples' tails. Maybe they would be alright after all. She turned and observed around her the faces of the others who were listening. Rapt attention, shining eyes, and eagerness for the comfort he offered them. She noticed that perhaps she alone was observing anyone besides him in the crowd. What was wrong with her that she wasn't as deeply moved as others were? She turned back to him to continue listening. Perhaps it was that darn wall around her heart. She built it. She would have to destroy it.
As he closed his speech, he began giving instructions for people to meet with them. She turned and saw the music teacher swim over to collect Athena, who sadly went with him. Sadness. It was everywhere. She felt an arm around her and turned. Her mother simply gazed into her face with concern, then guided her with her towards the palace. Her apprentice, Fiona, followed her on the other side. Diana might be her mother's best student in delicate gold art, but Fiona was her best student in Fauna.
Her mother's best friend had been the master of fauna several years ago. She had been somewhat a recluse and lived among the plants out in the open ocean. Being so far from protected areas, she had had no apprentices. Diana's mother, The Lady Serena, had visited her often and learned a lot of her craft. When the hermit had been discovered, a carcus of a shark attack, it was Serena who had taken over the Fauna work. She had arranged a closer location to the city for the growing and working of fauna, then set up several students to work there. She taught them weekly just as she taught Diana weekly. Dividing her time, she was often tired but always a presence of peace and calmness. Just being near her could bring a soothness to the soul.
This soothing sense was what Diana felt with her mother's arm wrapped around her as they swam to the palace. She didn't tell her that she had been here once before. No need to explain. Maybe at some point she could quietly ask the palace's gold artisan when would be a good time to schedule lessons. Alden did say that she could learn under Loretti, his master artisan. But doing so quietly with no one noticing might be difficult. The last thing she needed was the choir or musicians or members of one of the other honorable areas seeing and gossiping. She hated gossip. Make up ideas to explain the unknown.
There were many unknowns for her that others couldn't figure out. Why was she completely blue? How did she disappear so quickly? How did she pass with flying colors in the academic classes but fail every class that they could see her abilities in like gym or music or debate? What did she do when she wasn't around, which was all the time? Those who thought they knew the ways of all mermaids talked about secret lovers and bribery. How she bought her way through school and had children somewhere. It made her downright mad. Mad and humiliated. Mermaids were known as gentle creatures to men, but maybe that is because they didn't see the jealousy that could exist for those who had talent.
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Tachigami
It's quiet, now.
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05-23-2012, 04:40 AM
Alden was momentarily left alone in the courtyard. The guards would be headed back to the entrance to lead the masters to where he waited. Restlessly, he circled the area, around the coral garden. He’d tried to feel his words while speaking in front of so many others. In fact, he’d faltered a few times in the absolute numbness he’d felt, and couldn’t understand why so many others put their faith in him so suddenly. Either they were desperate for someone to lead them, or they trusted him far too much. He’d tried not to doubt himself, but it was hard.
Guai appeared suddenly, cutting his movement short. “You’ll be leading the movement.” He said. “You understand that. Do you think you’ll be able to handle your human legs?”
“I‘ve been able to in the past.” Alden said definitely. He’d been coached several dozen times in the recent year on the transformation, then ability to walk. He’d mastered it quickly, and every day after that had come an instant in which someone asked him if he would be able to do so when the ‘time came’. However, the masters of the recent generation had probably not seen the transformation before. It was quick, the bodies of the transformed covered quickly, but the actual transformation was something new to at least most of those in the circle. As he nodded his reassurances to Guai, the guards returned with the masters. Half the guardsmen held in their hands silken and pearl-laden drapes, most of which were for the masters themselves to wear on the way to and from the cave. Alden hadn’t noticed it, but Guai’s hands were clutched around a black drape free of pearls and instead, lined with obsidian.
Alden moved forward to address the group. “I thank you all for being here, and taking time out of your evening for this… terrible event.” He said. “The object of your presence is simple: The royals have always held the masters in high regard. Without them, the city wouldn’t be worth keeping up, or even representing. The oldest master and apprentice will be first, followed by the second-oldest, and so on in that order. Funerary drapes, representing those the king and queen will be laid to rest under, will be worn on the way to the cave, and on the way back.” He paused, and in that silence, Guai handed over the opaque black drape. The guardsmen moved about, asking ages and organizing accordingly.
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maidenroseheart
Can I please come down? ~Simple ...
☆
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05-23-2012, 09:45 AM
Diana stayed by her mother's side. She looked over with a fleeting moment of envy as Athena charmed the guard with her graceful ways while accepting the drapes. As quickly as it appeared, it left. She turned and watched the guards working their way closer. As they reached her mother, one asked for their ages while the other handed out drapes. Her mother was one of the younger masters. So they moved towards the end of the forming procession. She looked towards Alden. This was foreign to her and she wasn't sure what to do or what to expect. He appeared to be firm and in control. He knew what was happening so as long as they followed his lead, all should be well.
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Tachigami
It's quiet, now.
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05-23-2012, 04:58 PM
Alden surveyed the scene stoically. He’d like nothing more than to remain silent and allow Guai to do all the talking from then on. It was without a doubt he would lose his voice after a few weeks from overuse. He suppressed a shudder and cinched the drape around his shoulders. Guai nodded to him, and turned his gaze to a wide doorway that was never closed, leading inside the palace. An odd hush seemed to fall, at least in Alden’s ears, as upon the pedestal handled with ease by four of the oldest and most trusted guardsmen. It looked so similar to the one in his dream, which came back to him in full-force. He bit it back, however, as Guai moved forward while the pedestal was set before them all. He took two flat stones from a pouch around his waist and muttered in a different language, using the stones to form an X shape across the king, then the queen, and placed the stone beneath their folded hands.
Guai nodded to the guard nearest him. The pedestal was lifted again, and they took up residence at the front of the procession. Alden drifted to his place behind them, and without Guai, they began forward. It would take them through the city’s main road once, then through the main gates, and to the cave in the side of the crater the city was nested in.
The water wasn’t cold or red, the way it had been in his dream. But Alden shuddered nonetheless as they moved to the city.
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maidenroseheart
Can I please come down? ~Simple ...
☆
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05-24-2012, 06:52 AM
As the procession started, Diana felt a sort of reality hit her. This was real. There was no denying it now. As they made their way along the main street, merpeoples silently drifted nearby to watch. Most were crying. Her own shoulders drooped and she leaned into her mother as they reached the main gates. Passing through them, they started making their way slowly out away from the city. A route filled with tears, they quietly began mentioning memories of the precious two that they were escorting. A time that this had happened or that, and how they had handled it and cared for the people. Soon the whole line was speaking in hush tones in tribute to the monarch family. Working their way around and up, Diana felt compelled to add her own. She wasn't sure what to say or how to express herself. There were endless things to choose from. Yet the most recent weighed heavily on her mind and she voiced it. "I'm so grateful they gave us Alden as their heir." A mermaid of few words, her mother turned and looked at her with warmth.
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Tachigami
It's quiet, now.
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05-24-2012, 07:05 AM
His teeth involuntarily clenched when they left the city. It was a nervous reaction, Alden couldn’t help that, but it always made it difficult for him to speak during these periods. He didn’t look anywhere but at the stone, then the sand, that passed beneath them. He could hear the voices, speaking well of the royal bloodline, but he couldn’t quite understand what they were saying. The water was like ice to him, and it might as well have been red. When they entered the cave’s mouth, a flurry of light came to life, mostly from the stones lining the walls and ceiling, which when someone moved close, would come alive with a silvery glow.
Just like in his dream, the tunnel dipped, then moved upward. Then they breached water, breathing in cool air. The guardsmen were the first to change, their own black shrouds keeping them modest. With a rush of water as the masters took their places around the edge of the pool, they lifted themselves up, setting the pedestal on the ground. Two reached for Alden, who willed his human legs to come forth. They did so just like so many times before, as though this were no more than a practice run, getting him ready. The black silk fell around him as well, and he tied it closed.
His legs were wobbly, as they always were after a time without use. However, they grew more steady as the guardsmen began lifting his parents from their places to be laid upon their final resting areas.
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maidenroseheart
Can I please come down? ~Simple ...
☆
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05-24-2012, 01:57 PM
Joining the others in the procession, they waited while the ceremonies took place. Diana felt a bit apprehensive about this place. The tunnel was small and to her a bit crowded. She listened to the weeping and testimonies that were being quickly discussed around her. This was the place of death to her, yet to most this place was a place of tribute. She wanted to flee. They wanted to stay. There was no doubt about it, she was different. With the area glowing, there weren't even her beloved shadows to fall back into.
In the hollow area, a single flute melody sadly pierced the water. Everyone turned and respectfully listened to the anthem Athena was playing with her master's support. Her lovely form seemed appropriately subdued. The notes flowed through the water evoking both comfort and a sense of loss. The two conflicting emotions warred with each other as the notes entered each heart. Diana realized that though the physical shadows she hid in were not present, they still existed in her own heart. She had not thought to find a way to comfort others as her sister Athena had.
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Tachigami
It's quiet, now.
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05-24-2012, 06:13 PM
He just wanted to sink through the floor. Sink and vanish and let it all be over with. The eyes of most were on him now, because he had to continue. The soft flute filled the area and resounded off the walls, water, and anywhere it could. Alden had never been so vulnerable before.
He stepped forward, to the marble slab upon which his father lay. His hands were folded, neatly just below his chest, the silk-lined top long enough to even accommodate his tail. The guard of the king, the eldest of them all yet still able and strong, held a gold-plated necklace in both hands, flat on his palms. Each plate was laid with a dark blue stone, growing larger as it reached the middle and tapering down again. The royals had never worn the large, gaudy headpieces of human legend, they seemed cumbersome and easy to lose. However, they did wear the largest and most intricately-crafted neck, arm, and waist circlets. Alden took the necklace from the guard and put it to his own forehead, letting the cool gem rest there for a moment before laying it on his father’s folded hands.
He and the guard bowed before one another, and he turned and stepped to the marble slab behind him, where his mother lie. On the other side stood the second-eldest guard, a woman. Women guards were rare, because most didn’t like the violent duty that sometimes came with the position. But they were held in high regard when they accepted the trouble. She copied what the eldest guard had done, presenting on flat hands a necklace identical, if a bit smaller, than that of the king. Alden repeated his own actions, placing the blue stone to his head, then resting it on her folded hands, and bowing respectfully to the guard. Both would be retiring from their positions, and the third eldest guard would take up responsibility for Alden.
Alden turned to the circle still in the water. He was quickly joined by the four guards who had escorted them. All five got to their knees and touched their head to the floor of the cave. The guards spoke in unison: “The circle of life and death is represented in the master crafters. The singers. The dancers. The builders. You have the prince’s gratitude for attending this, the saddest of days. Tomorrow at midnight the official crowning of the new king will take place, time set in memorial for the passing of the late king and queen.”
With that, they stood, Alden with a bit of help. The female guard dismissed the gathering as the guards themselves returned to their normal, finned state, and dove beneath the water in haste, as though the city would fall apart without them. However, Alden remained, having given word to one guard that he would return with them soon. He turned his back to the group, and kept his eyes shut tight. He could still see his parents.
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maidenroseheart
Can I please come down? ~Simple ...
☆
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05-25-2012, 05:55 AM
With the female guard leading the way, they slowly and solemnly swam into line and filed on down the tunnel. They weren't as organized on the way back. People having formed groups in the cave now swam with those they had be with. All offering comfort. Somehow Diana had gotten separated from her mother. She didn't mind. Her mother was most likely easing the soul of another. As she passed the last of the glowing rocks, she blended into the shadows without even trying. She slowed and stopped outside the entrance. Looking back, she wondered if the prince was alright. He had less than 24 hours until he was king. All this was hard on anyone. Yet it surely would make him stronger in the end. She turned and began working her way along.
She had not gone far when she eased up into the shadow of a large rock outcropping. Perhaps she would just wait for him. Make sure he got out safely. He had a guard with him, of that she was sure. Yet, they couldn't exactly protect the heart. Then again, neither could she. She fingered the gold arm band and felt inspiration. Turning, she sped back to the city. More than one cluster of fish was startled by her passing by. She burst through the gate and spiraled around corners and down towards the workshop. Reaching it, she pressed inside and checked the fire area. The molten rock was simmering. Her dark eyes took on a glow as she began planning a coronation gift for her prince.
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Tachigami
It's quiet, now.
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05-25-2012, 06:16 AM
Alden wanted to be alone. Without a word he motioned for the remaining guard to leave him. Though under protest, he did so, leaving with a splash that almost reached the drying black fabric still hiding most of Alden’s body. He wiggled his toes, bent his knees. So much was so similar between humans and the merpeoples. Yet their lives were brief, not much more than a quick blip on the radar of the world. They were alive, then they were dead. But there are so many. Too many, even.
Alden sat on the ground. He looked to his left, where older marble slabs rested in darkness. His grandfather and grandmother. Through almost a miracle they were preserved remarkably, their own ornate necklaces resting on their folded hands. Alden’s grandfather looked so much like his father. And Alden himself resembled the old man, just a younger version. Many thousands of years would pass before he even came close to looking like those two, though.
He brought up a hand and placed it around the largest gold plate of his own necklace. The plate was empty, and at noon would be laid with the largest of blue stones, to be identical to the ones his parents had worn. He stood, letting the drape fall. “I’ll visit often.” He whispered, and turned, returning to the water and flipping his powerful tail to get moving. He hadn’t realized how tired he was, but perhaps, Alden speculated, it was the telltale sleepiness of intense grief, in which he would like to sleep forever. But he’d be awakened soon enough.
When he returned to the palace, he was met with one of the younger guards. He passed with only a quick word: “If the shadowy blue mermaid Diana ever returns here, allow her by.” He didn’t wait for a question from the guard. If the girl still wanted lessons from the palace’s master artisan, she would return soon enough. He made it to his chamber, lying himself down and closing his eyes almost immediately.
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maidenroseheart
Can I please come down? ~Simple ...
☆
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05-25-2012, 01:43 PM
Diana worked on creating and styling the thin wisps of gold. Soon she had created a wreath of vine-twisted coils of gold. They were thin and appeared delicate. She also had finished the thin gold leaves that would be attached throughout it. It was a pretty piece of art and one of her finest works. She sighed and carefully placed her work into a bag. She didn't have the skill to attached the gold leaves to the twisted coils. The clasps that closed the light, delicate accessory also required more skill than she possessed. It was meant to be worn at the end of the tail, before the fins. She took the bag up to her room and placed it beside the bed gently. The morning was hers, and she meant to get some sleep in. Come afternoon, she would seek out assistance at the palace for completing the gift.
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Tachigami
It's quiet, now.
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05-25-2012, 06:26 PM
It was after the noontime mark when Alden was awakened by Guai. For a moment he was confused, until the rush of what had recently transpired hurried back to his conscious mind. As Guai inspected the scar left by the shark previously, Alden looked up to the ceiling. It was domed, and painted with sculptures of the old gods of the seas. Guai took Alden’s necklace, holding it in one hand while studying the work he’d done the other day. The skin looked strong, it wouldn’t tear again easily. He gave Alden his necklace back and looked the younger man in the eye. “Are you alright?” He asked.
Alden shook his head. “Of course I’m not. But I can’t let that show, can I? Everyone’s counting on me to stay strong for them, and that’s what I’ll do.”
“But you have to show you’re just as grief-stricken as the rest.” Guai watched him fumble with the necklace’s latch, and helped him. “You can’t just be a stoic statue and power your way through everything as though you’re invincible. You’ll crumble.”
“I know. I’m learning, Guai, that’s all I can do. I’ll figure it out as I go.” He smiled reassuringly at his friend. “But I also have to be ready for whatever bad things my mother predicted before she died. Something worse than the death of the king and queen...”
“Well, you’ll be ready, I’m sure.” Guai patted Alden on the uninjured shoulder. “Come now, it’s past noon. You don’t have anything to do until midnight, so try to ease your mind.”
Alden nodded, leaving Guai alone as he left the room.
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maidenroseheart
Can I please come down? ~Simple ...
☆
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05-26-2012, 06:17 AM
Diana woke up after lunch and groggily rolled over. Realizing afternoon had arrived, she kicked her tail and flew out of bed. Quickly freshening up, she grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder. Heading downstairs, she made her way out of the small house and workshoo and starting swimming towards the palace. The ocean seemed subdued. It was understandable why. She sighed and quietly but quickly reached the palace. She looked around hesitantly before swimming up to the doors. As she reached the palace doors, she wondered what she would say that would explain why the heck she wanted inside. Or where to go if given permission. Swimming to the closest guard, she hesitantly asked, "I was wondering if I might be able to meet with Master Loretti?"
With directions from the guards, she slowly swam quietly through the halls. Coming to the artisan section of the palace, she stopped an assistant for the whereabouts of Loretti. Behind her a voice spoke, "I'm Loretti. How can I serve you?" She turned and saw the same artisan who had finished her work at the pavilion. Struck with a sense of shyness and uncertainty, she slowly held out her bag. Loretti raised an eyebrow, took it, and looked inside. Seeing and realizing what the gold pieces were, she nodded and said, "Follow me" and led her to where she did her work. Was time to put this tail jewelry together.
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Tachigami
It's quiet, now.
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05-26-2012, 08:59 PM
Alden skipped the palace’s scheduled lunchtime to inspect the halls. Nothing had changed between midnight and the moments he spent in each area. Each marble wall stood clear and proud on either side of him, their carved images and patterns painted with stone stains that could stand up to decades of salt water erosion. The stories told hadn’t darkened in the aftermath of the deaths. The painted eyes were as bright as ever, sparkling with their set-in jewels. Absently, as he glided through the most secluded of corridors, Alden rubbed a thumb over the empty plate of his necklace again. In front of everyone, that final, largest stone would be set, with a single smash of a socketed hammer that would leave the jewel permanently stuck in the soft metal.
He passed the closed doors of the archives. While paper and parchment wouldn’t stand up to being underwater for a long time, and stone or marble slabs were more often than not used in the city, thick fabrics whose words had been pressed in with various staining sediments found only deep in the ocean crevices. They told stories of the past, constantly updated with most current events. Even now Alden didn’t doubt someone was writing of the death of the king and queen, and will eventually write of his ascension to lone ruler.
Tevin, the new guard, approached from around the corner. “Sir, the blue mermaid Diana has returned.” He said with a slight bow. “I believe she’s returned for her promised lessons.”
“Thank you, Tevin.” Alden said. “You and the rest are to not bother her. Is this understood?”
Tevin nodded and turned, retracing his previous movement. Alden was almost surprised at how definite he sounded. He was falling into the state of mind his father had taken at his grandfather’s death, and Alden felt a bit mixed about that. Unnerved, he moved along, going into the archives to read of the past. His mother’s words still picked at his mind. Something was coming, and they should do well to be ready.
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maidenroseheart
Can I please come down? ~Simple ...
☆
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05-27-2012, 03:58 AM
Diana and Loretti had the pieces all laying out on a table. This room had been carefully designed. Close to the crater floor, she had access to a crack full of molten lava just like Diana had back at the workshop. Deep in the center of the castle, it was also protected from the ocean currents. Art could be created with the utmost certainty that the elements would not hinder them. Loretti marveled at Diana's skill. She had the ability to make the pieces perfectly, yet no one had been there to teach her how to have it all come together. This would be the first of such lessons for the city mermaid.
Diana watched and listened closely. Seeing how to get her clasps and leaves to be attached was wonderful. She practiced herself and after an intense hour, the mermaid had the delicate looking, but strong gift ready. Loretti placed it on a blue pillow to represent who crafted it and sent an errand boy to have it ready for the coronation tonight. Whether the heir liked it or not, he would be wearing a tail band jewelry. She then called for an early supper and led Diana out and up towards the dining hall. Diana wasn't very hungry. She hadn't gotten much sleep lately and was a bit tired. However, she knew that Loretti was worried about her so followed along.
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Tachigami
It's quiet, now.
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05-27-2012, 04:20 AM
It took a while, but Alden finally found something of intense interest in the fabric-stored archives. With the label simply “Humans”, Alden chose some recently crafted bundles and curled himself up on a pillow to read. They’d been laid in the collection not several months ago, detailing recent human activity within the ocean near the city. He was surprised to learn how advanced the humans had become in such a small amount of time. Water-dwelling metal machines humans called submarines that had shrunk from massive sizes to small enough to carry a single land-dweller, they had grown in strength so they could dive deeper than ever before. However, they hadn’t made it to the city.
So involved with his reading, Alden hardly heard the door to the archives open. Shaken out of his trance, he looked up to see Guai approaching. “Alden, my boy, I saw Loretti going to the dining hall.” He said. “Reminded me to check on you.” He crossed his arms. “Have you eaten breakfast or lunch today?”
Alden shook his head. Guai sighed in exasperation like an overwhelmed father, making Alden look up. “I haven’t had time.”
“Then come on. Now.” Guai moved forward and lifted him up. “You can bring your reading with you, but you have to be in top shape. Especially now, of all times!”
Alden paused, halfway through with rolling the fabric back up. “You’re right.” He said suddenly. “You’re right! I have to be ready for whatever my mother predicted! I can’t go skipping meals and lacking sleep now of all times!” He grabbed several other scrolls and took off, leaving Guai shaking his head, following slowly behind.
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maidenroseheart
Can I please come down? ~Simple ...
☆
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05-27-2012, 05:36 AM
Diana sat gracefully at one of the side tables with Loretti. The nice thing about the castle was you could come to the dininghall anytime for meals. Not being on a strict schedule helped immensely. She was being quizzed while they waited for the serving staff to prepare their orders. Answering questions on her skills in gold craft was an endeavor she hadn't seen coming. At least not this extensive. There were questions on her understanding of terms, techniques, and methods. How did she purify different types of gold? What were different ways she developed a strand of gold. There were so many. One area she was lacking in that she didn't even know existed was the history of gold craft. Loretti sighed. Diana grimaced, "I have a long way to go don't I."
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Tachigami
It's quiet, now.
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05-27-2012, 05:45 AM
Guai caught up with Alden as they entered the dining hall. Palace staff and guards meandered in and out as they were off specific work until Alden was crowned officially. “I’ll get whatever you’d like, Alden.” He said. “I was going back to the kitchens anyway.”
“I don’t care.” Alden said passively. Guai nodded and rolled his eyes, leaving Alden to find his own way. He sat on his own, in the corner and untied the string binding the fabric scrolls. He was shocked to see that humans had developed a deep sense of the ocean floors, knowing how they changed, unpredictable, ever-moving, and have discovered so much in the past few months, even, already. Not fifty miles away humans had dived into the water from their ships to encounter the creatures of the deep, each time seen and documented by keen eyes.
He looked up to muse. Such strange happenings... Only a few moments passed before he realized he recognized the voices nearby, and put a name to the face. “Diana.” He said. “It’s good to see you again. I hope you’re doing well.” He looked at Loretti. “And I hope you’re not drilling too hard.” He added. With an attempt to be more welcoming, he gave a small smile. He probably looked awkward, and cut it short.
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maidenroseheart
Can I please come down? ~Simple ...
☆
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05-27-2012, 06:00 AM
Diana turned and shyly smiled to Alden. "I am doing well my lord." She looked over at Loretti and blushed, thinking of the gift that she had made for him tonight. Loretti saw her face flush and guessed at why. Turning back to Alden she replied, But of course my lord. There is no such thing as too much in the area of art. What do you think of Diana's coloring? She has a very blue complexion doesn't she? I find it is easier on the eyes. Especially when I am tired."
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Tachigami
It's quiet, now.
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05-27-2012, 06:05 AM
Alden rolled up the fabric. “I suppose you’re right, Loretti. No such thing as too much in the way of art, but in the way of one’s ability to process a lot of information and remember it in a timely manner.” Taking up a new fabric scroll, one having been written only a week before, he untied it. “I do enjoy Miss Diana’s coloring.” He agreed. “It’s a very nice break from the coral coloring you see every day. Much easier to blend into the shadows as well, isn’t it?” He unrolled the fabric and folded it to the first few paragraphs, hesitating a bit before reading on, one ear kept alert for their replies or the return of Guai.
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maidenroseheart
Can I please come down? ~Simple ...
☆
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05-27-2012, 06:12 AM
Diana shrugged. "I didn't originally mean to hide in the shadows... it just sorta happened. Then I discovered that I was more comfortable there. No embarrassing or unanswerable questions can be asked of you if you can't be found." Loretti shook her head in amusement and reminded Alden, "Well, tonight at the ceremony, remember that blue... blue... is her coloring." She grinned and winked at Diana. She wanted to see the look on Alden's face when he put blue pillow with gold jewelry together with blue mermaid - gold artisan. "By the way, what are you reading? It seems to be a matter of worry for you."
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