Battle of the Kingdoms (Private: moondream6 && destinystar

[moondream6]

The royalty of Ezlal rode through the streets of the kingdom of Skylark. The streets were eerily silent and empty as they rode through.
"Beware, King Renas, I feel the impression these foreign peoples are not so peaceful, elsenot their streets would be so empty." The Head Knight Azael said, looking out the chariot window. "Mayhap King James runs his people as a man should run his bairns."
"Like as not, we are to reach a peace treaty here, else war should ensue." King Renas intoned, looking out the same window. His two daughters there were silent, as they had been raised that a good woman was not to be heard, and a good child was to be unnoticed. The older girl had coal black hair and brown eyes, and her younger sister was nearly a carbon copy of her. Reaching the castle gates, they were ushered inside and to the chamber of King James.

[DestinyStar]

Princess June looked out from the window on her balcony, sighing. "What a disaster this could become..." She murmured, frowning as she watched the Ezlal kingdom's royalty approach the gate of their castle. "Thoust don't know what you're getting into, father... Accepting such a visit." She shook her head and turned, walking out of her room as she strode towards the front gate. She met her younger sister in the hall.

Kimiko looked up as she walked out of her room and smiled. "Good morning, Oneesama!" She said, running up and hugging her. This was what she called her sister, rather than adressing her by her name. "C'mon, we have to get to the throne room!" She tugged on June's hand as she ran down the hall. Kimiko was a small girl, only about seven years old. She was only as tall as June's waist, and wore nothing but pink, white, and silver clothes. She had short, platinum blonde hair that hung down to her shoulders, though it was tied back with a pink ribbon today. She wore a pink dress with white lace, and a diamond necklace was around her neck.

June smiled. "Okay, okay!" She said, stopping once they reached the front gate. King James was already present, along with Lord Kelvaras, the head knight. "Good day, Father. Lord Kelvaras." She greeted them, curtsying slightly.

"Ah, good day to you, princess," Kelvaras said, bowing slightly to her. "Our guests are arriving shortly." Kelvaras was a young man, only eighteen years old. He had deep, black hair that hung down just below his ears, though his bangs were cut not to cover his face. He always wore his knight suit, though he had a few other clothes to wear when attending something more formal. Today, he wore his armor, sword at hilt, just in case.

Kimiko tugged on her father's arm. "Are they almost here, father?! Huh?! Are they?!" She grinned widely, obviously excited for this event.

King James gently thumped Kimiko on the head. "Princess, you shall not address me in such manner!" He said, shaking his head. "I've told you this, before. Kimiko whimpered and nodded slightly in response, apologizing.

June rolled her eyes. Kimiko was so young, so she didn't know how to address her father properly. Their mother was always kind to them, and she didn't mind it if they used manners or not. She disliked all of this royalty stuff. However, their father strictly enforced rules, and he was cruel to them if they did not obey. Power had clearly gone to his head. June even had a few bruises on her arms to prove that, though she always hid them with a long-sleeved shirt. She disliked her father greatly, though she was forced to behave around him. She had no way of getting away from him, so she stayed in the kingdom and did as he wished. For that, she had become emotionless, and sometimes even cruel to others as well, including her little sister. However, young Kimiko sometimes became upset because of their father, and June would comfort her as much as she could, sometimes going to her mother for help. That never worked, though, because their mother always responded with "Oh, he's really a nice man, underneath. Just give him some time, and he'll calm down." She'd been saying that for seventeen years of June's life, since she was born, and he had still not changed. She had long, black hair that flowed down to her waist, and was always dressed with some sort of dress. She only wore the colors black, white, silver, and purple, as her eyes were a deep purple, as well. Today, she was wearing a black dress with purple and silver lace that flowed down to her knees. The long sleeves under the dress were silver and covered the palms of her hands. Her hair was tied back into a neat ponytail, held up by a dark purple ribbon. Sighing, she waited outside the gate with her family until the other royal family arrived.

[moondream6]

((Oh. Well. lol, I see I'm going to have to step it up. Should I color code, too?))
The one leading the procession was the Head Knight Azael, also wearing his full armor and sword tucked away in case. He was fairly tall, 5'10'' in height, and he kept his brown hair long, pulled back out of his eyes. He always entered places before his liege in case of attack, and kept his eyes peeled for any sort of danger. However, this time, he kept his eyes on June, instead, lingering over her. But no, his Majesty was more important, and he looked around, the area seemed secure, satisfied, he stopped just across from Skylark's head knight, facing him. More like studying him.
Next in line was the king's youngest, Laurel, she had that same coal black hair and brown eyes, and she looked extremely plain with it. Her dress was a simple design, sky blue, and engraved with the seal of her father's house on the skirt portion. She kept her eyes downcast at the ground, and stopping across from King James' youngest daughter, she did not look up.
Next in line was the older princess, Laria, and while she had that same coal black hair and brown eyes, she had very pale skin and delicate features and made the same appearence much more beautiful. Her dress was indigo colored, and triple layered on the bottom, each slightly longer than the one before it. She kept her head up, and looked upon the two other princesses, head knight and king with respect that had only come from being raised that way.
Finally, his majesty followed them, standing across from the other king. "Good evening," King Renas greeted. "It is an honor to be able to meet with you on this occasion."

[DestinyStar]

(Yes, that would be helpful, but you don't have to. Mainly, I just do that to organize my thoughts, lengthen my posts, and out of habit. ;D)

"Good day to you, as well," King James said in a gruff voice, as if he were not pleased by this visit. Truthfully, he wasn't. He hadn't wanted to make peace with them, though he was interested to hear their negotiations on the subject. "The pleasure is all mine," He added to be polite. "Please, won't you come and join me in the dining hall. We have prepared an excellent feast for our... guests."

June stood next to her father, staring across to face their kingdom's older princess, Laria. She narrowed her eyes, taking in the beauty of her facial features, but her dress was too plain to her liking. She scanned the rest of their family, resting her eyes on their head knight, Azael, noticing him stare at her for a few brief seconds. She pursed her lips, annoyed. What's he looking at? She thought before turning to face Laria, again. Their father had told them to introduce themselves and be kind while they were here. "How do you do?" She said softly and held out her hand for her to shake. "I am princess June. It's a pleasure to meet you." She said this tonelessly, without any emotion or smile at all.

Kimiko smiled happily and curtsied Laurel, the young girl standing across from her. "Hello!" She said, overly cheerful. "I'm so glad to meet you! My name's Kimiko!" She held out her hand for Laurel to shake.

Kelvaras looked over their head knight carefully, noticing him look at June longer than he should have. I'll need to keep an eye on him... He thought as he studied their king for a brief moment. He didn't seem to be causing any harm... yet. Kelvaras stepped forward, reluctantely holding out his hand to Azael. "I am Lord Kelvaras, head knight of Skylark Kingdom's court guard squad. And might I ask your name and status, sir?" He said, politely.

[moondream6]

Azael met solidly the eye of Kelvaras, wavering not an inch. He shook his hand, seeming serious and determined. "I am Lord Azael, head knight of the kingdom of Ezlal, and the leader of the Knights of Exploration." He noticed Kelvaras' careful, patient, and vigilant watch over the situation. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard your name in ballads and many stories of conquest." Azael kept his manners passive, but still alert for any sort of occurance.

"Of course, we are honored by your offer," King Renas agreed, cheerfully. He was thrilled over the whole deal, and was highly hoping for a peace agreement to be made. It would without a doubt benefit both kingdoms, as Ezlal had a large vein of gold, and Skylark had a large vein of orichalcum, and surely trading among the two kingdoms would be something positive to mention on the business table.

"Better now that we have met," Laria replied, eyes striking out, proving her false. She held great dislike for June already... it took no time to discover that. "I am Princess Laria, and the pleasure would be as much yours as mine." They shook hands, casually. Clearly June was materialistic, that dress was far too fancy for Laria to ever imagine actually wearing. It was hard enough for her to even imagine something that fancy.

"It's nice to meet you, my name is Laurel," The young princess said, awkwardly, shaking Kimiko's hand. She gave her a small smile. "I hope that we can be friends."

[DestinyStar]

Kelvaras grinned. "Ah, Lord Azael... The pleasure is all mine. I have heard great tales of you from many men. You fight well in combat, am I correct?" He asked. He scanned everyone from their kingdom again, trying not to miss it if they were up to something. It may seem paranoid, but the protection of the royal family was of utmost priority to him, right now. He would not let anything slip past him.

June narrowed her eyes, noticing the flaw in Laria's eyes. She had some type of scrutinizing look on her face, and it made June uncomfortable. She could almost feel the hatred emitting from this girl, and it was then that she knew. They were and would always be rivals. That was perfectly fine with June. She was never too fond of making new friends, anyways. As June glanced at Kimiko, she noticed her sister's rude behavior. "Kimiko, we just discussed this!" June said, furious. "You are to show our guests some respect!" She didn't mean to be harsh, but it was her father's wish that they all be polite today. Kimiko was not acting as so.

Kimiko smiled at Laurel, happily. "Of course!" She said, excited. Suddenly, she heard her sister speak to her and looked up, bewildered. Once June had finished speaking, she bowed her head. "I'm sorry, Oneesama..." She said softly and turned to Laurel, standing up straight. "My apologies..." She said.

King James smiled. "I'm so glad," He said. "Well, then, we'll talk business later. First..." He motioned towards the entrance. "After you, sir. And we welcome you to our home." He was only putting on a "nice" act until they would begin discussing their business. That's how King James always acted around guests; polite and welcoming.

[moondream6]

"So they say. Please, excuse me, I must be at my job now." Azael said, politely, walking over to the king, and entering just ahead of him. Not too far ahead, or else they would be considered rude and untrusting, which was bad for a business deal. Azael mulled over what he had heard of Kelvaras, the usual, strength of an ox, heart of a lion, tore apart a dragon with his bare hands... Which boiled down to he was pretty strong, brave, agile... if it was nessessary, Azael could probably kill him, although the battle would not be an easy one.

"No, it is no problem at all," Laurel hurried to correct the issue. "I take no offence." She said, carefully, as the two girls followed the kings and the head knights through the doorway. Out of sight from the other sisters, Laurel flashed Kimiko a true, happy smile, saying nothing more. Laurel had only the young maids to consort with, and she had never had a friend, although she often wanted one.

The two older princesses were the last in the lineup, and had nothing to say to one another. They turned and headed inside, following the line from the outside to the table. They cast occasional dark glances at one another.

They arrived at the table, kings getting seated first, then the princesses, and knights in that order. The food was already laid out on the table, and it was a fine spread. There was roasted turkey, chicken, duck, beef, multiple types of fish dishes, and every sort of vegetable imaginable on the giant table. Once the kings took their first bite, everyone else at the table began eating. Once everyone had gotten some food in them, the kings set to discussing the positives and negatives of a peace treaty.

"As Ezlal has a large vein of gold around it, so does Skylark have a large vein of orichalcum," King Renas laughed. "Since both items are cheap to get in our countries, it will only benefit us to trade those items among ourselves."

[DestinyStar]

"I see..." King James said, once dinner was finished. "That is a very good point, Renas! I see you've been doing your homework." he smiled warmly at King renas before turning to everyone else. "I hate to ask this of you, but I would prefer it if me and King Renas may speak alone? Of course, you are all free to use anything in the castle to your liking." King James was sending Kelvaras and his family away to try and convince King Renas that he was aiming for peace, rather than war. Little did he know, that was not the case...

"Of course," Kelvaras said, allowing him to pass. He watched the other kingdom warily as he followed right after their king as they headed towards the dining hall. Once dinner was completed, he listened as the king spoke. Immediately, he stood up. "Sir! I don't believe that's a very good idea-" He began to say, but was suddenly cut off by King James.

"Enough!" He said, looking at Kelvaras. "Everything is fine here. If you wish, you may stand by my daughters or check on my wife, but there is no need for you to be hovering here."

Kelvaras was about to object again, but he noticed the look in the king's eyes and nodded solemnly. "Alright," he replied, turning towards the princesses. "Princess June, Princess Kimiko, I believe it's time we were on our way." He glanced warily at the other family before heading out, pushing Kimiko and June along with him.

June glared at Laria all through dinner, not feeling comfortable with her in their home. Once dinner was over, she got up with Kelvaras and left, not saying a word to anybody as she did so.

Kimiko smiled happily at Laurel while their sisters weren't looking, glad that she was more friendly than she had guessed. Once dinner was over, Kimiko waved to Laurel and skipped out of the dining hall behind Kelvaras.

[moondream6]

"Yes, I wholly agree. Children, Azael, please step outside." King Renas agreed, cheerfully. There was nothing he would like more than a peace treaty to exceed this evening. The effects of a peace treaty could be incredible, in unmeasured terms of wealth and power.

"My king, please, I do not like this idea at all..." Azael pleaded. If his king died... it could be absolutely disasterous. He could not let that happen, as a knight. It was his single, sworn duty as a knight to protect his king, and this situation seemed to be upsetting him.

"Azael, I order you to step outside," King Renas said, firmly. He would not dare let his foolhardy knight ruin this chance for a peace treaty. If Azael ruined everything, the king would have him killed, there was no questioning that.

So Azael rounded up the girls and herded them out, standing eagerly at the closed door along with Kelvaras. This was the one thing they would ever agree on in tactic, if you couldn't be with your king, you must be as close as possible.

Laria watched Azael worry and walked away to be with the other girls.

Kimiko and Laurel were happily playing.

Azael paced over to them and back to the door, he couldn't decide who to attempt to protect, and he couldn't hardly stand it. Back and forth, back and forth he walked, nervously fearing a loud scream would be heard and he would find his king dead.

[DestinyStar]

June noticed Azael's worrying, and it was starting to get on her nerves. Watching him pace back and forth like that was irritating, and he could tell the distress he was in. Sighing, she walked over to him and place a hand on his shoulder, comfortingly. "Lord Azael, you have no need to worry... This is a meeting to establish a peace treaty, is it not? My Father will not harm a hair on his head, I can assure you of that." She said this to him in her usual, toneless voice and hid any emotion from her face. Once again, she did not smile, but she attempted to try and sound calming, though her voice still sounded toneless.

Kimiko ran out to the garden with Laurel, wanting to play. She showed her all of the different flowers and giggled as she blew all of the little white puffs from a dandelion.

King James discussed the plan with King Renas, always coming up with excuses to try and counter his thoughts to make a peace treaty.

Kelvaras watched as June walked up to Azael, amazed. He had not expected her to try and calm him, as she was usually emotionless and uncaring. this made him suspicious, and he held his hand near his hilt, ready to attack if need be.