There was once a time when the Gemminite's were a proud and strong people, always in a favour of peace they were shrewd diplomats and knew how to get what they wanted. They could charm nearly every race that they came into contact, but that was before the savage nations of the south came up from their blighted lands. These nations had no need for diplomacy, they simply invade and take whatever they wanted. They were brutal and savage, the Gem peoples knew that they were not ready for war. In fear they searched for a solution, a way to keep their peace and way of life without having to fight and losing thousands of their people.

That was when a nation to the west of Gemminia came and offered to help. This nation was just as brutal, just as savage as the nations to the south, but they knew how to twist diplomacy to their favour. They offered to fight the enemies of the Gemminites, but they wanted something in return and the Gem people desperate for help, as the southern nations were now on their borders, agreed to whatever the nation of Drakka wanted. The Drakken's pleased with what they got launched their troops for the southern borders of Gemminia.

It was written that the Drakkens fought more savagely than the nations of the south, and that there has never been a people so addicted to the death and horror of war. The blighted peoples of the south fought hard, but their own brutality was nothing compared to the Drakkens. It was only then that the Gemminites wondered what they had agreed to, seeing that they had just made a pact with a people that seemed to love death, war, torture and all things that was against the nature of Gem culture.

Once the war was won, the Drakken lords came to the court of the Gem's. Their armour still covered with blood and gore, their muscles still tense from the fighting, their eyes still seeking a honourable fight or challenge. They were in every way intimidating, and when they asked the Gem court for their prizes, there was confusion among the them. All the court looked to King Nixus, who frowned and nodded and with that the Gem guards grabbed the daughters of the court and gave them to Drakken lords. There was an uproar from the parents of the daughters that were taken, but they were quickly reminded of the power of the Drakkens when Oggar the Horrible threatened to annihilate the court and their country. With that the Drakken lords filed out with their new brides, but before Oggar left he turned to the King saying, "We will be back next year for more brides, if none are ready next year our peace will be... over."

From then on, the Gem peoples have given up their daughters in order to keep the peace and to pay the Drakken's to protect them from the nations that will not use diplomacy.



Kithra watched as the lands around her changed from beautiful fields and meadows to hills and a bit more rocky, though she could still the beauty of it. She was watching the changes in the land to distract her from the situation that she was now in, she didn't wish to look around the at the men that had taken her from her family. If she did she would be reminded that she was heading to a life of a form of slavery, but if she distracted herself she could imagine that she was going for a ride with one of her sisters. Maybe she was going to one of the cities to the east, maybe she would see the fire Gems, as they were rare out in the country side.

But she knew that the landscape in the east was gentle, with rolling hills, vibrant green tree's and gardens so beautiful and wonderful that they amazed everyone that looked upon them. No, she knew exactly where she was going. She wanted to cry, but she willed herself to keep her emotions at bay as she didn't want the men to look at her with pity or disgust. I am strong, like the earth. I will be firm and not falter. She thought as she shut her eyes. She tried to remember everything her parents and older sisters had taught her over the years, but all she could see was her sisters running after the chariot and her parents trying to comfort each other as they watched as she was taken away. I might not even be picked, I might be able to go home. She thought and tried to hold onto that hope, but the feeling that she would be chosen was strong.

When she opened her eyes again she could see the mountain range that separated Gemminia from Drakka, and they were heading to the narrow passage through the mountains that would also take then to the castle of Shadow Worth. The castle straddled the border of the two nations and it was where the Drakken nobles chose their brides. She felt her hands shake as they drew closer.
It wasn't a long ride into the passage that castle Shadow Worth came into view. It was carved in the mountain about two miles above the passage, it held an air of foreboding and it was one that every Gem felt. Though she was sure that the Drakken's felt right at home.

Kithra was taken into the castle and to the room where she was to get changed from her peasant clothes and get cleaned up. And to make sure that she didn't try anything stupid and guard was placed with her to make sure she got ready for the showing.
Kithra felt slightly violated as she had to get changed in front of someone she didn't know and who watched her greedy eyes. Oh Goddess, if this just a taste of what is going to happen later I want to be dead. She thought as she straightened her back and raised her chin in the air, this made the guard raise an eyebrow. He was most likely not use to Gem girls doing that. She went over to the wash station and began to clean up, but she did it in such a way that she didn't expose herself much to the guards dismay.
When it was time for her to dress she looked at the outfit they left out for her, it was a dark green and black dress. It would show her curves that much she knew. "Pigs." She said under her breath as she looked at outfit to the guard, who smirked. She narrowed her eyes and clenched her jaw, "Turn around, I wish to dress." She said willing her voice to be strong even though her insides were like jelly. The guard continued to smirk before bowing his head slightly and turning around, "You have a minute, Gem." He said in a deep and rumbling voice.

Kithra quickly dressed though she was sure that the guard looked over his shoulder, but she didn't say anything since she wasn't sure she wanted to argue at that moment. Once the guard turned around he smiled as he looked her over, which made her want to shiver but she tried to keep that hidden. "If you try anything, you will be tied up. Which might get more of my brothers interested in you. Now move." He said as he lead her down many halls to what seemed to be a ballroom. Why they had a ballroom was beyond her, as it wasn't like they had many balls here.

That was when she realized that she was the first Gemminite in the room, her breath caught in her throat as she looked around the large room. Goddess! I'm the first one here! Oh Mother Earth give me strength. She thought as she straightened up and looked down the room and took notice of the Drakken lords waiting to make their choice. She would not give them the pleasure of outwardly showing her fear, no, she would be strong like her element. But she really wished she wasn't the first one out.

Her dress

Annaveya Elizabeth Ranizov IV - The Price of Royalty

Rattling along the road in a long trail of the unfortunate, the Princess sat in the middle seat of the rambling carriage in silence with her eyes closed. Accompanied by two handmaidens, the panicked Gemminite women exchanged glances time to time in peculiar confusion over their charge's seeming tranquility. Not a word was uttered by the Princess during the entire venture towards Shadow's Worth, weeping and sorrow could be heard from other carriages; but not from hers, she was a bastion for her people.

Whether she liked it or not was of little consequence. What mattered was how she represented her people, and more importantly, the Royal Family. The Princess would remain to be unflinching and immovable in terms of emotion.

At least as long as she could stand it.

Coming to a grinding halt before the imposing fortress carved into the side of a wicked looking mountain, the brilliant aquamarine of the Princess' captivating eyes opened to look at the two handmaidens. The coachman opened the door that bore the Royal Seal, and first came the two younger girls too early to be wed. Then, and only then as they all swept into a low bow did Annaveya finally emerge.

Before the hungering eyes of the guards and the desperate fears of her people, she remained an ever-resilient and shining gem. A star amongst the darkness in an array of beautiful silks that seemed to shimmer like water in the torchlight. Lightly plucking up the front hem of her dress so that she could walk properly, the long trail of silk behind her was humbly picked up by her handmaidens so that the fine fabrics dared not to touch the filthy Drakken earth that lay beneath her.

With her eyes still closed, she strode towards the entrance of the castle. Other brides to be would pause to grant her entrance first. It was of grave consequence after all, beyond any doubt, a Drakken Noble would pick her to be their bride. A Princess was a rare treasure, after all. A willing Lamb to the slaughter for the sake of her people, Annaveya's eyes slowly opened to look enigmatically towards the two guards at the front gate.

She was without fear, without hesitation. Seemingly before the eyes of all, she was here to do what was necessary for her people.

Not a word was uttered as the door swung open and finally the hem of the dress would return to the earth as the two handmaidens still trailed a few steps behind their Princess. Reverence continued in silence as she climbed the staircase draped in thick crimson carpets and before long, she arrived in the room that she had been assigned. Even still, a Guard stood at her door and waited while the Handmaidens swept with her behind a concealing veil, and helped her undress. Slender, beautiful skin came to bear as she dipped her toes into a warm bath first, and then finally sunk into the depths. Running lavender scented soap across flawless Royal flesh, she remained in the water as long as she could bear to enjoy it.

Nearly an hour later, she slipped from the watery depths and was dried off by the handmaidens before finally studying the garb she had been given by the Drakken to dress into in order to be properly inspected. Wrapped in the soft, warm fabric of a towel, Annaveya looked disapprovingly at the Guard who didn't utter a single word. Nodding to the girls who had accompanied her, the two young ones hurried towards another case and brought to reveal a dress of brilliant ivory hue. Across where her hips began, petals of a colored rosy hue, the color of the Royal Family danced across her legs as if the wind had blessed them.

The nonsensical garment of the Drakken was something she refused to wear. Sadly, her people wouldn't have a similar option. Yet it was still a sign of defiance. Where her fellow brides-to-be might have collapsed, she would remain as strong as ever. For it were simply who she was, and little more.

Guided by the guard as the girls placed a hibiscus into the wondrous light brown strands of her hair, her Aquamarine eyes settled upon a practically empty room. In spite of all her delaying, there was only one other Gemminite inside the massive room designated for their inspection. Yet despite this, with the slender curvature of her shoulders brought to bear, she held her chin high and regally walked down the center aisle, moving to stand beside the one other Gemminite girl.

This girl, who was likely a peasant, had probably never even seen one of the Gemminite Royal family, let alone a Princess thereof.

"Fret not, please." Annaveya stated softly, benevolently. "Find your strength, and embrace it. Breathe steadily, do not fear what lies before you. Simply do your best to understand the sacrifice you are making for our people. On behalf of the Royal Family," Instead of the other way around, the Princess humbly bowed to the girl. "I thank you, and am dreadfully sorry. Since formalities are of little use here, my name is Annaveya Elizabeth Ranizov the Fourth. Third in line to the Gemminite Throne." With a mild reassuring smile, she continued to speak. "You can call me Anna, if you would like. What is your name, hm?"

Lugft Huron, the 2nd born

Lugft Huron had made sure to be as close to the line as physically possible, he wanted a good look at every Gem who was about to walk out. Other nearby Drakken muttered about how unfair it was for him to be so close, after all it meant he could basically have first pick. They envied him, but in truth he didn't envy himself. As much as he loved women, specifically beautiful Gem ones, he was uncertain of what he wanted, a rarity for Lugft as he normally didn't want anything to complex.
Lugft's last two brides were still fresh and bitter in his mind, seeing as they had both committed some form of tandem suicide less than a week ago in some futile way of rebelling. All it served to do was send him into a fit of rage, killing one of his servants. So he was back, and completely unsure of what he was looking for.

He hadn't even been all that interested in his last two brides anyway, they hadn't had that... special something Lugft had been looking for. Something you could really show off, the perfect trophy but Lugft didn't even know what that something was, at least not in a bride. Despite this, he was hoping something would really catch his eye, so he was at the front for when it did. The first Gem out was beautiful, but they all were, and there was nothing particularly special about her, so he waited to see what the next offered.

The princess? That got his attention, he could have practically touched the delicate thing. Now this? This was getting somewhere. He smiled as she passed, and even gave a small, mocking bow, before baring his exposed chest. Unlike other noble's he didn't wear under shirts, his chest was always bare in its thick impressive glow. Not that he needed to impress anyone, he got to pick not them, but he had never liked covering his chest, he saw it as a sign of ashamed weakness.

As the princess passed he knew he had to make a claim for her, contested or not. But, she still didn't grab him like he had wanted yet, at least not enough. He had come here for two after all, so he looked back, and patiently waited for the next bride to pop out, and hopefully impress him.

Xrin stood in front of one of the many windows that dotted the ballroom. The view outside unfortunately was not to his taste, the sky was dark and gloomy, as if it was about to rain, the dark mood outside did not help the gothic decor of the castle look any better. But what did he care, this would most likely be his last time here, he planed to chose one bride and leave without much of a fuss. That was not to say if his brothers interfered and argument broke out, or a fight, at the moment, Xrin was feeling quiet somber, a fight was not in his best interests at the moment.

Xirn was wearing his armor, there was no reason for him to come to ball when there would be no dance. He did notice Lugft bare chested and pulling his weight around unnecessarily, as he always did. Xirn really did not like the man, he thought to much of himself, they may have been warriors, but they were certainly not barbarians, and Xrin did not like to be depicted as one. Xrin sighed, despite all the grooms here today, he was still ashamed to call them his brothers, he knew that most of the woman here today would not last a month in the houses of these men, Xrin's wife, maybe 2 if she didn't learn quickly enough, which was a much better ratio than the latter.

Xrin noticed some of the women were finally arriving, he could not help but feel an attraction to the princess, that was what she was made to do it seemed. He could here her whispers from were he was standing, her introduction made Xrin chuckle. Princess, that was priceless, she had been destined to be striped of that title long before she was born, she was here after all. Xrin would wait for more woman to make their was into the ballroom before, making a decision, the two that were already her didn't interest him much any longer.

The young man arrived at the village after an exhausting five-day ride, during which he'd had more than enough time to reflect upon his failure. And thus it was with the heaviest of hearts that he arrived at the gates, was allowed in by the guard and made his way to the stables.

Dismounting and feeling his knotted muscles relax at last, he handed his horse to the stable boy, then stopped by the well to take some water, sipping it at first, then gulping and, last, splashing it over himself, gratefully rubbing the dirt from his face. He still felt the grime of the journey upon his body, though. His armour hung heavy and filthy and he looked forward to washing in the shimmering waters of the nearby river, hidden away in an alcove of a cliff face. All he craved now was solitude.

As he made his way through the outskirts of the town, his gaze was drawn upwards – past the stable huts and bustling market to the winding paths that led up to the ramparts of the former Drakken outpost that now served as the movement's headquarters. Here was where his fellow rebels trained and lived under the command of Haerald, whose quarters stood in the centre of the citadel's crumbling towers. He was often to be seen staring from the window of his tower, lost in thought, and the man pictured him there now, gazing down upon the village. The same village that bustled with life, bright with sunshine and loud with business. To which, ten days ago, he, leaving for Shadow's Worth had planned to return as a triumphant hero.

Never – not in his darkest imaginings – had he foreseen failure, and yet…

A familiar insurgent hailed him as he made his way across the sun-dappled marketplace, and he pulled himself together, pushing back his shoulders and holding up his head, trying to summon from within the great rebel who had left the village, rather than the empty-handed fool who had returned.

It was his brother, and man's heart sank further – if that were possible, which he sincerely doubted. Of all the people to greet him on his return it would have to be his youngest sibling, who worshipped the man like a god. It looked as though the boy had been waiting from him, wiling away the time by a walled fountain. Indeed, he bounded up now with wide and eager eyes, oblivious to the nimbus of failure that the man felt around himself.

"You've returned." He was beaming, as pleased as a puppy to see him.

The man nodded slowly. He watched as behind his sibling an elderly merchant refreshed himself at the fountainhead then greeted a younger woman, who arrived carrying a vase decorated with gazelles, her skin glinting in the midsummer sun. She placed it on the low wall surrounding the waterhole and they began to talk, the woman excited, gesticulating. The man envied them. He envied them both.

"It is good to see you're unharmed," continued the boy. "I trust your mission was a success?"

The man ignored the question, still watching those at the fountain. He was finding it difficult to meet his brother's eye. "Is Melindant in his tower?‟ he asked at last, tearing his gaze away.

"Yes, yes." The boy was squinting as though to divine somehow what was wrong with him. "Buried in his books, as always. No doubt he expects you."

"My thanks, brother."

And with that he left his sibling and the chattering village folk at the fountainhead and began to make his way past the covered stalls and hay carts and benches, over the paving, until the dry and dusty ground sloped sharply upwards, the parched grass brittle in the sunshine, all paths leading to the castle.

Never had he felt so much in its shadow, and he found himself clenching his fists as he crossed the plateau and was greeted by the guards at the fortress approach, their hands on the hilts of their swords, their eyes watchful.

Now he reached the grand archway that led to the barbican, and once more his heart sank as he saw a figure he recognized within: Aslaugh.

Aslaugh stood beneath a torch that chased away what little dark there was within the arch. He was leaning against the rough dark stone, bare-headed, his arms folded and his sword at his hip. The man stopped, and for a moment or so the two men regarded each other as villagers moved around them, oblivious of the old enmity blooming afresh between the two rebels. Once they had called each other brother. But that time was long past.

Aslaugh smiled slowly, mockingly. "Ah. He returns at last." He looked pointedly over the man's shoulder. "Where are the others? Did you ride ahead, hoping to be the first one back? I know you are loath to share the glory."

The man did not answer.

"Silence is just another form of assent," added Aslaugh, still trying to goad him – and doing it with all the cunning of an adolescent.

"Have you nothing better to do?" sighed the man.

"I bring word from Melindant. He waits for you in the library," said Abbas. He ushered the man past. "Best hurry. No doubt you're eager to put your tongue to his boot."

"Another word," retorted the man, "and I'll put my blade to your throat."

Aslaugh replied, "There will be plenty of time for that later, brother."

The man shouldered past him and continued to the courtyard and training square, and then to the doorway to Haerald's tower. Guardsmen bowed their heads to him, affording him the respect such an experienced commandant rightfully commanded, and he acknowledged them knowing that soon – as long as it took word to spread – their respect would be a memory.

But first he had to deliver the terrible news to Haerald, and he made his way up the steps of the tower towards the man's chamber. Here the room was warm, the air heavy with its customary sweet scent. Dust danced in shafts of light from the great window at the far end, where Haerald stood, his hands clasped behind his back. His master. His mentor. A man he venerated above all others.

Whom he had failed.

In a corner, Haerald's carrier pigeons cooed quietly in their cage and around him were his books and manuscripts, hundreds of maps and letters, either on shelves or stacked in tottering, dusty piles. His sumptuous armor flowed about him, his long hair lay over his shoulders, and he was, as usual, contemplative.

"Master," said the man, breaking the thick silence. He lowered his head.

Wordless, Haerlad turned and moved towards his desk, scrolls littered the floor beneath it. He regarded the man with one sharp, flinty eye. His mouth, hidden within his grey-white bangs, betrayed no emotion until at last he spoke, beckoning to his pupil. "Come forward. Tell me of your mission. I trust you have recovered the potential bride…"

The man felt a trickle of perspiration make its way from his forehead and down his face. "There was some trouble, Master. The convoy was not alone.‟

Haerlad waved away the notion. "We are not a militia. When does our work ever go as expected? It's our ability to adapt that makes us who we are."

"This time, it was not enough."

Haerald took a moment to absorb the man's words. He moved from behind his desk, and when he next spoke, his voice was sharp. "What do you mean?"

The man found himself having to force out the words. "I have failed you."

"The princess?"

"Lost to us."

The atmosphere in the room changed. It seemed to tense and crackle as though brittle, and there was a pause before Haerald spoke again. "And the Drakken noblemen?"

"Escaped."

The word fell like a stone in the darkening space.

Now Haerald came closer to the man. His eyes were bright with anger, his voice barely restrained, his fury filling the room. "I send you – my best man – to complete a mission more important than any that has come before and you return to me with nothing but apologies and excuses?"

"I did –"

"Do not speak." His voice was a whipcrack. "Not another word. This is not what I expected. We‟ll need to mount another force so –"

"I swear to you I'll find her – I'll go and...‟ began the man, who was already desperate to catch sight of the foreboding castle again. This time the outcome would be very different.

Now Haerald was looking about himself, as though only just recalling that when the man had left the village he had done so with two companions. "Where are the two other men?" he demanded.

A second bead of sweat made its way from the man's temple.

Sophia Ravencaller

Her head still throbbed as she slowly exited the land of sleep and returned to that horrible realm that the living inhabit. Why did the Drakken have to hit so hard. As I came to, I noticed the cuffs on my wrists and feet. The cuffs and chains were made of steel. There was no chance that she could burn it with her flames. This... She accepted this. She was not happy about it but she did cry about it. She knew why she was in chains and she already knew it made the fate she was doomed to live worse.

Her family had always been close and protective of their own. The family had gotten in the way of the Drakken's coming to take her away. Sophia was out riding a horse when the Drakken came for her. When she returned to the house a one sided fight had already broken out. She did not stand a chance when the Drakken finally found her. She did not resist but surrendered with the promise her family would come to no further harm.

Sophia shifted uncomfortably in her chains and looked out the window of her carriage. The first sight to greet her eyes was the view of Castle of Shadow Worth. It filled her with dread. She thought she understood the Drakken, but a race that makes structures like these... It filled her with fear. For the first time She was afraid.

The carriage pulled up to the castle and Sophia was escorted out. She moved slowly because of the chains. The Guards did not seem to care. They just pushed her to hasten her up. She was lead into a secluded area and with a laugh the guard told her to undress. She gently shook her head in disapproval. She did not say anything just held up her chains and with her eyes begged the guard to release her so she could comply. Once free, She wasted no time complying. She undressed and neatly folded her cloths.

The guard presented her with a set of new cloths. Sophia took them an laughed. This outfit showed a lot of skin. Almost too much. It might have metal in it but it would provide no isolation from the cold. She might have to use fire to prevent from freezing in the skimpy outfit. She dressed quickly and quietly. Once dressed, Sophia did a spin for the guard. The drakken guard smiled but still grabbed her and cuffed her again. This time only her wrists were bound behind her back.

It took only moments before the guard pushed her out into the ballroom for all the Drakken nobles to see. Sophia could only imagine how these beings would view her. Hands bound in chains and barely dressed for the part of a noble's wife. Still, She stayed quiet and held herself proudly as she took her place next to the other brides to be. She tired hard to conceal her ever-growing fear.

“Goodbye.” The only word her mother had been able to choke out. Aery pressed her face into her hands for a moment, icy blue eyes full of tears as her thin mouth trembled. The look on her sisters’ faces when she’d tried to flee, that brief moment when she had allowed herself to hope, their sorrow and resignation. But then the guard had put a knife to Silenia’s throat, and her fragile resolve had crumpled, and she’d gone out of there without a fight. But not before…

Aery clapped her hands over her ears like she could shut out her sisters’ terrified screams that were pressed into her memory. That was what she got for resisting. Her family either grievously injured or dead. Perhaps it was better not to know.
A muffled sob escaped her lips before she could lock them. The carriage stopped; Aery quickly dried her face, looking out the small, barred window absently. Then she gasped and craned her neck for a better view. The enormous castle, dark stone and menacing. She bit her lip lest she cry again. Be a diplomat like you were trained, gods save you! What would your father think if he saw you in this state?! Be strong for your nation, Aerienna. She forced her face to relax, a bland smile on her lips.

The guards laughed from somewhere outside, a key rattling in the door. They unlocked it and beckoned her out with a laugh, one taking a hold of her arm most intimately. She tried to yank out of the guard’s grip and got laughed at as the other put an arm around her waist. ”Let go of me, please.” She said softly. The guards just held all the tighter, and she bit her lip hard rather than cry like she was fixing to.
They led her into a chamber, watching her like hawks. ”Please leave me alone.” She whispered. “I have to bathe.”
“You can bathe while we’re watching.” Said one.

Aery sighed, but stripped and climbed into the shallow bathtub, yelping at the cold water and blushing at the indignity of being looked at by those… men. She quickly scrubbed herself clean, wrapping herself in a towel as soon as she got out, lest she reveal anything. The men indicated a dress hanging on a mannequin. Aery looked at it, her eyebrows raising slightly. The gown was slender and ice blue, with thin straps and short flutter sleeves and silver embroideries. Nothing that her mother would have EVER allowed her to wear. But… She pulled the dress on, ignoring the men snickering behind her as they got a glimpse of her bare skin. She was mortified but she figured that she needed to get dressed quickly. Adjusting the fabric she looked in the mirror, wincing at how much skin it exposed. She didn’t really have all that many curves, still being little girl-ishly built even having just turned eighteen. But those curves she had were very much emphasized.

She turned to the guards, flushing at their catcalls. They beckoned her out the door, down several hallways, and into a ballroom, where the sheer number of men there made her want to turn and run. If only she could. She was bustled into line along with some other girls. Absolutely terrified, she gently nudged one of them, a girl whose wrists were… shackled? Gods, she must be dangerous. ”Hello…” she whispered. ”My name is Aerienna, most call me Aery. What’s yours?” It couldn’t hurt to have a friend here, could it?

Growing up she was always told to fear the Drakken's and what they could do, but growing up never knowing her mother or father because what a Gem woman did changes your way of thinking. She hated the woman, she hated her father for not having the balls to stand up and take her in, she couldn't hate her mother even if she tried. It's not like she wouldn't of taken care of her, since she would have if she wasn't taken by the Drakken's. Why they took her mother was a mystery, as Drakkens like taking virgins not "spoiled" Gem women. But then the wife of her father must of some how sweetened the deal. How she was unsure. But it didn't matter now, as the Drakken "Reapers" came to the orphanage and looked over the girls that were of age. The orphanage's were always the first to be Reaped, as they had no families, no one to fight for them, no one to care for them.

Most, if not all, the girls that were of age were terrified of the Drakken's but not Tirza. Well they did scare her, but more like how being on a run away cart was scared people. She got a thrill from it. When the Drakken's came to pick the girls the year before she wasn't chosen, why she wasn't sure. But she was now a year older then some of those that would be taken, she hoped she would picked this year. If she wasn't picked she would have one more year before she would be considered too old. She had to why the Drakkens had age restrictions on her people, as they were usually as old as rocks. Or at least she thought they were, as it was hard to wrap her head around anyone growing so old and still looking young.

"You look like your mother, you will most likely get picked. Water Gem, is that what you are sweet heart?" The Drakken asked as he smiled in a way that would of made some of the other girls nearly cry, but Tirza smiled back. "No, wind." She said still smiling which made the Drakken raise an eyebrow and nod. Obviously he wasn't use to someone showing confidence, but she was full of it. Some said she had a complex, but she paid no attention to those that liked to gossip. The Drakken loaded her into the carriage and they began their journey to the castle of Shadow Worth.

Tirza slept most of the journey to the castle and was only woken up when the carriage stopped infront of the castle. She shook her head and stepped out of the carriage and took a deep breath. The air was charged with a sadness and a fear that she had never felt before, it seemed to smack her in the face. No wonder no one liked coming here, especially the wind elemental Gem's as the air was like being hit all the time. But she didn't let get to or at least tried not to let it bother her. She walked up the steep stairs with light footsteps, almost like she was weightless, one of the blessing of being a wind Gem. She was ushered down many halls until they brought her to the room that would be her's for getting ready. She noticed how one of the guards came into the room with her, he had a very serious look on his face though she could see the hunger in his eyes.

She smiled at him and turned to go to the washing area, all the while she felt his eyes on her. She untied the ties on her dress and then let her dress dropped, she looked over her should to see the guard looking a bit shocked. Oh they can be surprised. She thought as she smirked then lowered herself into the warm bath water. She scrubbed and made sure she was clean, before getting out. She dried herself but didn't bother covering up which made the guard cough to clear his throat. "Embarrassed Drakken?" She laughed before she went to get dressed, which was a skirt that went to the floor but hugged her hips before flaring out. The shirt was small, which allowed the showing of her skin. Though she was sure the guard thought she didn't need given that he just saw her naked.

Once she was ready she was escorted to the ballroom, that was when she realized that she could be a bride to a monster. This frightened her slightly, but that didn't stop her from winking at the group of Drakken nobles. She looked down at the group of girls and suddenly noticed the princess, "Well they take anyone they want eh?" She said to the girl next to her before smiling at the nobles again. Fear welled in her stomach but she had an air of confidence about her that seemed to hide that fear and kept it at bay.

Her outfit

Now, this was something interesting. Two Gems who couldn't be more different. One looked so scared she may piss herself, which Lugft had seen before and thought was hilarious. The other was brave, appeared rambunctious, free willed, Lugft smiled.

As interesting as the more brash Gem was Lugft had no interest in her, but knew EXACTLY who he wanted her to get picked by, non other than his dear "friend" the Bride breaker Sarek Zagmar, who was back in Shadow worth no doubt after another dead and crumpled Gem body was wheeled out of his manor. If bride breaker chose the spunky one Lugft would have a laugh.

It was the other, delicate Gem that intrigued the second son of the noble Huron house. She was pretty and delicate and perfect, like all the others, but Lugft saw something new, a blank canvas. A trophy waiting to be truly shaped, a bride who would do as he said and be his perfect little trinket to show off. He would make a claim on that one, oh yes he would, and he would lop off the head of anyone who else who tried to get in his way, a point he decided to make overbearingly clear. So, he took a little risk.
Lugft quickly snatched up the Gem's hand, and planted a kiss upon it. Surprisingly delicate for the large man. After releaseing her he let out a laugh and puffed out his chest, glaring about the room. That should give the others a fair warning, for their sake.

When the guards came for her Kasari was certainly surprised. There were many prettier girls in her country, and Gems more likely to submit to every Drakken whim. It wasn't as if Kasari planned to disobey, but she figured they'd disapprove of a Gem with a mind. Sighing heavily, Kasari walked herself out to the carriage, waving a final goodbye to her family as they rolled away. The journey was long, too long for the girl with testy patience, Kasari fidgeting in her seat as they travelled. "Nervous, Gem?" The guard sitting with her asked, a smirk on his face. Kasari rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Not quite. I'm bored, is there nothing interesting to do before we get there." The look she received from the guard was enough to have her laughing for the rest of the trip, the utter disbelief that the girl was bored instead of scared. Another reason she never thought she'd be picked.

Kasari shrugged off the guards' attempts to pull her along, pointing her nose to the air in annoyance. "I can walk on my own, thank you very much." Her first mistake. Kasari fell to the ground, wide-eyed, as the guard's hand slammed into the side of her face. The blow was enough to draw blood from the side of her lip, the Gem stunned by the attack. While recovering, the man half-dragged her into the room she'd be changing in. She groaned at the fact that she'd be changing in front of a man that would not even be her husband, rolling her eyes a second time. Not wishing to be hit again, Kasari took a deep breath and stripped, changing into the scarce fabric that shone as red as the fire she controlled. Not wanting to seem like she was hiding behind her long, brown hair, Kasari pinned the bulk of it up to expose her pronounced collar bones. If these guys were looking for a show, she was going to give it to them. She paused, taking a moment for herself. Raising her pale green eyes to the ceiling, Kasari prayed that she would at the very least survive her future encounters with the beast nation of the Drakken.

Obviously having taken more time than the guards would have liked, one of the men grabbed her by the bicep and practically pushed her into the ballroom with the other Gem brides and the Noblemen. Kasari was unsure, but she thought she heard the man hiss behind her, warning her to behave. Straightening herself out, Kasari marched herself up to the line, the nerves finally beginning to set in. Now that she was standing in front of them, Kasari's mind began to race, all of the negative thoughts she had been pushing away. Boredom was not something that was in her vocabulary now and the longer she stood there, the more she could taste the lingering metallic rust of her own blood in her mouth.

Do not mistake the fire for an enemy, Talli; the fire is what warms our days and keeps the darkness at bay at night. The fire is a harsh mother but a loving one nonetheless.

Atallia turned over one of her father's girl lessons in her head, using it to sure up her defences. Fire Gems were viewed as a lot more hot-headed than the others but it was no curse she held - the fire closed her wounds and held her safe. Nothing could touch her when she felt it's gentle embrace.

The carriage rocked, hitting a bump in the road and disturbing the small woman from her thoughts. Flicking her eyes open, she gently parted the curtains covering the windows ans watched as rolling green hills slowly faded to green mountains before eventually filling down to a boring grey. With a sigh, she released a breath she didn't even know she was holding in. She was going to show them all but it would be cowardly of her to take a placid husband and leave a violent one to her sisters. She was small, a fragile little doll that none except for the sickest would want to hurt - she could afford to be snarky and snap back at these bastards.

As her journey ended in the imposing brute of a castle, Talli climbed down from her carriage too quick for her guard to even offer his hand in aid. These weren't normal men like the ones back home - they looked at her with a sheen of lust behind those eyes and she had little doubt that if she wasn't chosen as a bride, her innocence would probably still be taken. She was escorted to a room where she had to wash and change in front of one of her guards. His grin never faded as she turned, giving him a scathing look. For a second, however, she adopted a soft smirk that almost confused him. "It's said that fire Gems are covered in burn marks and scars, are you sure you still wish to stare?"

The man chuckled at that and nodded towards the large basin of water. "I've seen enough of your kind, little fire Gem. So have the Lords, might I add. It's said that fire Gems are minxes in bed so I imagine you'll fetch some attention." Of course she was going to fetch some attention - she was going to show them that she didn't fear them. Atallia wouldn't stand and shake in fear while some Drakken tried to impress his buddies. Sighing, she returned to her scathing look which brought an amused chuckle to him once again.

As she dragged her dress off, his eyes lingered along her body and she knew, despite being turned away, that he was imagining doing a few things to her. That thought alone nearly made her vomit but thankfully, he seemed to notice how she tensed, like a feral animal that had just heard the sound of a predator nearby. He wouldn't like his job if he had to chase her - she was a fast little thing and there was no hope in hell that a heavily armoured man like him could ever hope to catch her.

Atallia hummed an old song from her childhood - it's words were mostly lost on her but she remembered it to be asking the Goddess for courage and honour. Both had their uses and would likely make an appearance. The dress wasn't to her liking, it squeezed much too harshly and exposed curves she didn't want to expose. With a smirk, however, she allowed her finger to trail down along the soft material that lined the armour. In one quick swipe, her fingers became as hot as a roaring hearth and the arms of the dress fell away. With that, her Dragon was exposed completely. That would grab some of their attention if her antics failed to do so. Lifting the bottom of her red and black dress, she trailed it along as she passed by the Guard who took up position behind her as another led them to the ballroom.

The ballroom was surprisingly lavish despite only having one apparent purpose. A number of her sisters were already lined up and some of the Drakken dogs had already taken to inspecting them. As they reached the bottom of the stairs and came into view of the Drakken lords, she played her role perfectly. Stepping back like she was almost hesitant to move any further, she stepped back into her guard. With a hidden smirk and a perfectly positioned heel, she pressed her foot down which caused the man to shriek a little as his toes were squished. If that wasn't enough, she stopped pushing and instead looped her foot around to his calf and dragged, causing the man to go flying, sprawled out over the ground. "Gem whore!" He spat as anger took hold and he reached for his blade while rising.

"I've seen enough of your kind, little Drakken, to know that when you fall, it's like a tree being uprooted. Are you sure your little head is still ok after that?" Her care was false at best and Talli simply slid past him, ignoring the other guard as she got into line. Lifting her arms, she crossed them over her chest but held her chin high, fixing the Drakken lords with a look that had exchanged its hatred for pure loathing long ago. A few of the other girls were shaking in fear but surprisingly, she couldn't help but smirk a little - she knew what she had to do and no fear could well up within her to stop her. Atallia was going to find the most violent one, the Defiler.

Despite this, her eyes still challenged any to walk forward and test their resolve against hers. The first girl to be actually claimed looked like she was close to death just from fear itself and even though Atallia had a mission, she also needed to protect the weak. Turning her head to Lugft, she whistled softly. "Drakken, how about you leave the girl alone and come play with someone a little closer to your own size?" She was the smallest there so the joke should have saved her from brutal slaughter but she wasn't about to back down.

@agentmanatee

It was not unusual to see scores of Drakken Warlords approach the castle where the Bridal Selection was being held. Many of them were present each and every year. Some others only selected a bride every so often, but their faces were not strange to behold. But then, there was him. His arrival, in and of itself, was a miraculous oddity. There were some that knew him, possessed insight into his personal life, and therefor could foresee his coming, but even to them it was far from ordinary to see Wilhelm the Black in the flesh anywhere, save the field of battle. And yet, there he was, making his way to the doors of the fortress as thought it were a mere matter of course. Whether it was from shock or fear, the other Drakken all seemed to ebb and flow aside and out of his path. He knew they would. They always did.

Wilhelm never stopped walking. His feet carried him in a direct path from his personal steed, past the guards at the front, through the hallways, and into the selection chamber. He never found cause to alter his course in the slightest- the gathering crowd seemed to part before him to give Wilhelm passage. Only when he had gotten close enough to see the Brides did he pause in his steps. This year's selection was certainly a display to make the greatest of them salivate with anticipation. Indeed, many Drakken were doing just that as the Gemminite girls were paraded before them. One in particular, a brute Wilhelm knew to be Lugft, had already laid claim to one of them and was standing over her like a lion over a kill, almost daring the others to contest him. It mattered not to Wilhelm. His eyes turned away from the squabbles of other Drakken, only searching along the Gems on display.

And then, they found what they had searched for. She was young, as were all the girls, but this one... she carried an air of worldliness, of understanding about her. She had the maturity of one over twice her age, and a beauty that, in Wilhelm's eyes, dwarfed those around her with ease. In that instant, Wilhelm the Black's course was decided. And, as in all that he did, there was no hesitation to be seen.

With swiftness and poise his steps resumed, his course slicing through the crowd like a knife as he cut to the line of brides. He stopped before the vaunted Princess, his form towering over hers by over a foot. His hand rose and brushed away a few strands of her soft, brown hair from her face. He spoke but one word, yet in the resonance of that word was a seal; a seal upon the girl's future, her present, her self.

"Exquisite."

With that, he offered her his hand, and despite all evidence to the contrary, Annayeva would know that to refuse him would bring terrible consequences...

@Feisty-Pants

Lugft was about to laugh. A new Gem had walked out, and it was as if all the stars aligned, how fucking perfect. He wouldn't dignify her outburst with a response of course, but even if he had wanted to more pressing matters were at hand. Wilhelm, it had to be Wilhelm, Lugft suddenly found himself so overwhelmed by rage he almost snapped the neck of the nearest Drakken, who happened to think it was absolutely hilarious.

Of every god damned Drakken their, HE had claimed the princess, HIM the only man Lugft didn't want to start a fight with. Even so, Lugft hadn't even known Wilhelm was coming, he wouldn't have even entertained taking the princess if he had. Suddenly he needed something fresh, something fierce, satisfying before he snapped someone's neck, and then he looked back at the Fiery Gem.

If she was paying attention she would see the blood drain from his eyes along with the fury, replaced by what could only be described as some perverse type of glee. He took her hand like the last, and said quietly, "Actually, little Minx, I think I'll take you, and the little one, so you two should get to know each other." He laughed after that, and released her hand. He was done here, and as soon as the preceding ended he would take his chosen two and leave, assuming he wasn't challenged.

@NarcissisticPotato

---

With a breathy sigh, Zaerna flipped a thick tress of vibrant orange hair behind her ear as her stance shifted, her weight now on her left leg. She looked around, unimpressed, at the people and setting around her. She had never been to Shadow Worth before this moment, but standing amid its arches and tapestries now, she was unimpressed. Her own manor was much more intimidating and comfortable at the same time, and she had obviously hired better sculptors. The men around her were nothing special, either. She had expected to meet some worth-while men during her stay here at Shadow Worth, at least some she could take to her mother about to with-hold another conversation about her "hunt for a husband." But, standing in a rag tag group around her were a bunch of less-than-desirable mates. If she had looked at them as any higher than dogs, Zaerna would have pitied the incoming Gemminities for garnering such weak husbands.

Although she was clad in her gold-filigreed armor, Zaerna's femininity was still quite obvious. A royal purple coat was draped over her shoulders, hiding the obtrusive form of her war-mace at her hip. Her armor ended with high, heeled boots and her armor was crafted to show the shape of her bust without presenting any specific structural disadvantage. Her journey to the castle was followed by many curious eyes. Many questioned why she would want a wife at all. A woman of her age and stature should be looking at a husband. In truth, she didn't (not any more than she wanted a husband), but she had earned the new pet and fully assumed to get one. She doubted these little gems had ever seen a woman of her kind before. She withheld a snicker and it turned to a sneer: she was fully expecting them to fawn over her in an attempt to get a merciful lover.

She let a few of the quavering brides arrive before she made her appearance known. First, a fat faced girl who held absolutely no interest to the experienced sorceress. The next was somewhat interesting; very regal looking thing that held herself as if she were important. Zaerna absently tapped on the bottom curve of her horn as she inspected the girls. The third caught Zaerna's eye if only for the fact she was chained. At first, she wondered how feisty she could get, but she soon made it clear that whatever act of bravery she had shown was an anomaly to her; she stayed silent. The fourth girl was just some stumbling waif and Zaerna scoffed. The fifth, scantily clad in some beaded ensemble, came through without incident or originality. She joined the group and barely acknowledged the group of Drakkens.

It was at that point that a man, distantly familiar, stepped forward and "delicately" took the waif's hand to his mouth and kissed it. Zaerna rolled her eyes at the look he shot the rest of his kin - she doubted many wanted such a dainty creature. It wouldn't last. On an unrelated note she felt immense irritation at the fact the man walked around shirtless. No doubt he spent half his time in battle defending his bare flesh for his own vanity. Another gem stumbled into the ballroom, this one looking just slightly roughed up. She looked around with wide, almond shaped, gray eyes. Zaerna found her to be the most aesthetically pleasing of the lot so far. The unadorned one with blue hair was cute, but not in an exotic way like this last one.

A commotion sounded at one of the smaller doors, and Zaerna turned in time to see a gem entering the room and leaving her male guard on the ground. She had no idea how that guard was able to be tripped by the scrawny thing that sauntered into the room, but she hoped he got fired. The girl had a tattoo exposed, which she probably thought made her stand out, and her look of surprising confidence made on of the female Drakken's eyebrows arch highly. Internally, she laughed at whatever fool was going to take her in some attempt to "discipline" her. Women like that deserved no recognition nor gratification for their actions. If Zaerna got stuck with her, she'd merely throw her in the dungeon for a few weeks without food or contact - and what fun would that be? Sure, beating the piss out of her and wiping that look from her face through devious torture would be immensely satisfying, but Zaerna had prisoners of war she could do that to. To her credit, she called to the barbaric male who claimed the waif from before. At least she had backbone.

Into the room, late but not caring came Wilhelm the Black. He strode straight to the Princess, which didn't surprise Zaerna as that gem was garnering quite the attention. Zaerna gave no prudence to her: her family held no power and neither did she, especially now, no matter what illusion the pathetic gems found themselves under. At that point, with many distracted by the towering figure how had just arrived, Zaerna stepped out from the back of the crowd to get a closer look at the assembled brides. Her steps were sounded but the click of her heels and her cloaked swayed elegantly with her easy gait. She looked at each, from a few feet away, from head to toe, ignoring any word they thought they had the right to utter. She stopped at the Gem with gray eyes, her slender hand coming up to career the side of her face. It was reddened and raised, as though she was struck. "Tell me, pretty one, what did you think you had the right to do?" Her voice was smooth and actually pleasant, but her tone was amused and condescending.

@WeepingLiberty

Aery felt black spots on her vision as she swayed on her feet. The first one to get picked. Of course. Hearing the Fire girl speak up in her defense, she glanced in that direction. A girl with a tattoo and a fierce expression in her gold eyes, a proudly raised chin, and she was not all that much bigger than Aery herself. But of course it did nothing for the other girl, except bringing her to the man’s attention. Still…

“Thank you.” she said. “But you shouldn’t have done that.” She heard the man’s words and bit the inside of her lip to try to hold back the tears that welled up. Her parents’ lessons had been drilled into her head since she was little.

Do not trust the Drakkens. They are evil and cruel. They’d shown her a thousand images, taken her and her sisters to talk to parents who’d lost daughters, to hear the rumors of what was done to the brides. Do not trust the Drakkens, do not go willingly, or you’ll suffer a fate worse than death. If do wind up being taken, though, don’t resist, or your life will be over before you can blink. She felt sick just thinking about what the man might do to her.

Aery shut her eyes, breathing in and out slowly, trying to calm her heart fluttering in her chest. It would do her no good to have a heart attack and die of fear, like her aunt had done when in this situation. No good at all. If she ever wanted to see her sisters again she would have to just tough it out. One, two, four, eight She took in a long breath, calming her shudders. Sixteen, thirty-two, sixty-four, one-twenty-eight. Breathe out. Two-fifty-six, five-twelve, ten-twenty-four, twenty-forty-eight. She opened her eyes, the panicked terror in her dulled to just fear. Forced a bland smile onto her face, keeping her eyes unfocused lest she panic again by realizing her surroundings. Ignorance is blissful. Ignorance is blissful. She could live through this while keeping her mind somewhere else. And maybe then things wouldn't register consciously as being terrible.
@agentmanatee @narcissisticpotato

Annaveya - The Price of Royalty

Theme~

Slowly, the Princess' eyes closed as a barrel-chested Drakken mockingly bowed to her. Even caged like a canary, she refused to sing for him or play his games. Prideful of her blood, and the surety of her cause, she stood strongly without the unnecessary spice and verve that others had shown to possess. She was above that, above the physical violence and transgressions, a symbol of regal nobility as she had always been trained to be. Quietly, the canary's breadth remained steady and smooth, as the bared collarbone of her dress betrayed the tranquility she contained. Beautifully, so beautiful that even other Drakken paused in their breath, she simply smiled slightly.

It were the first hint of any sort of emotion that rose from the Princess, and it simply seemed extraordinary. Just like her father and mother had taught her, the stillest waters oft run the deepest, disguising the extraordinary tempest within.

Unflinching as other girls were paraded in, the Princess simply stood in wait. Not even recognizing the eyes that hungrily strayed over her form. Above them was she, and the regality that lingered within her consciousness refused to collapse to the savagery that the Drakken possessed. Even from a female, there was a hint of interest, but Annaveya cared little. Royalty is what she had been born into, and royalty she would forever remain; whether the one who chose her liked the choice or not.

Yet the air stilled as a Drakken arrived late to the party. Even as she heard heavy footsteps echo past the sounds of mixed defiance and struggle, she remained utterly passive. This was not the moment for spitefulness or hatred, at least the Princess understood it that way. Closer the steps drew, until they paused. Whomever it was had certainly stopped to observe the various treasures that lay before them as the aquamarine beset upon her choker seemed to glisten in the fickle torchlight. Above the struggle of her people, she finally spoke.

"Sisters, each of you are to me." She softly uttered with clarity, dignity, and purpose. Though quiet, her beautiful but melancholy voice carried through the air so vividly; enchanting any ears that would hear her. "Fighting now will resolve little, you know this. Execution on your first night seems not the wisest notion to partake, and I do not wish to see any bloodshed here. Please, make your peace now, but do not break before those who stand above us. These Lords and Ladies are the protectors of our home, fighting against them will only mean the deaths of thousands more, the sacrifice we make tonight will not ever be forgotten. Take solace in that."

Yet even then, her wondrous eyes only partly opened to see a towering Lord stand before her. By over a foot, he loomed over the Princess. However, his hand possessed a chilling caress that brushed stray strands of hair from her pale cheek. Resiliently, she did not break from his studious gaze as her eyes proudly met his. She was not a lesser being before him, at least in her thoughts and heart. Whether he liked it or not, or whomever had her hand as a bride at the night's end, she would forever believe herself never beneath anyone; nor above them.

"Exquisite."

Was the only word that rumbled forth from the Drakken Lord who towered above her. She knew all too well who he was, having heard nightmarish tales of fire and smoke upon the battlefield. Not long after, he offered his hand to her and she slowly curtsied before him. Collectively, a sigh of disappointment rippled through the lordly Drakken as her slender fingertips rose to be held tightly by his digits.

Perhaps in a show of dominance, he smoothly swung her about. The ivory Gemminite dress liquidly flaring about her, beautiful, natural moving, and full of fiery splendor much unlike the tighter, primal Drakken Garb the other girls had been fitted into. In the moonlight that cast a pale spotlight, she shone brilliantly as if the pale orb in the heavens celebrated her exquisite beauty. The spin he had cast her into caused he to be extended just to his fingertips as she was spun back into his form, the magnificent dress she wore flaring about in a flurry of fiery crimsons beset in purest white.

She remained close then, her back just inches away from his front as the Lord's fingertips traced a thin line along the beautiful and unspoiled curvature of her neck. Swaying subtly to the light music that had been played since the Brides had begun to enter by musicians settled at the front of the room beside candlelight.

Possessively then, the Lord's hand seized her waist with his much larger hand, and her own settled softly atop it as he drew her into him. Holding her close, her head turned and tilted ever lightly so that her lips were millimeters away from the corner where his neck found his shoulders. Still proud and regal as ever, she spoke a subtly taunting challenge to the other Lords who stood and watched, some amorously, some enviously, others hungrily like wolves.

"Will I be his? Or do all Drakken Lords and Ladies falter before an opponent that might trouble them? If so, why do you defend my homeland?"

@Saltwater Thief
@Orior
@agentmanatee

Xrin frowned, he felt the room get tense for a few second. He was entirely uncomfortable in an small enclosed space with a bunch of horny Drakken. It was like putting a male and female mouse in a small room, but preventing them from mating, not a good idea. As more and more woman entered the ballroom, so did the testosterone levels of all the men on the room. Wilhelm and Zaerna, had most likely already chosen there brides, although Zaerna was a woman, one really cares that she chose to have a woman instead of a man.

Xrin sighed, he would have to choose from what was left, it seemed there were better woman than the first few. There were the confident ones, which helped lighten Xrin's mood a bit. He walked away from the window for the first time, and he strolled to the line of woman and inspected the ones that were not chosen out of respect. Each one was good looking, so the Drakken elders did their job well, now it was all up to personality. The confident one would have proven difficult to handle if she didn't show respect, but she could learn quickly.

Xrin walked up to th blue haired one, she had shown confidence in the face of adversity, if she could show respect, he would defiantly enjoy her. He pointing at her, his face like it always was, alert and serious. "I choose you." He said gruffly. He choose not to touch her, not like the others did, there was not need for that at this time.

Sophia Ravencaller

Sophia stood pride and tall as she tried to avoid eye contact with Drakken nobles. She tried to harden herself against the moment, however she was exposed for all to see. This feeling was not that of a sheep in the presence of a wolf but that of an unarmed shepard surrounded by an entire wolf pack. She knew how to hold her ground. Her time in the outdoors taught her that. However, there was no way for her to overcome a single Drakken alone. For now she imagined she was a slowly burning ember awaiting the right tinder to turn into a raging wildfire. Patience, She needed patience.

When Sophia was nudged by another bride, Sophia had nearly cried out in panic. Fortunately, she was able to bite her tongue. She had been in thought so long she did not notice the other's approach. She glared with anger as the other bride spoke to her. What was the purpose of her addressing Sophia? Sophia quietly replied, "Aery, remain quiet. Do not bring any unneeded to yourself. The name is Sophia by the way..." She straightened herself out and resumed her stance.

Sophia's chains were beginning to hurt. She could not help shifting slightly to try to relieve the discomfort. Nothing helped. At herself, she grow madder and madder. Nothing was going 'right'. She was attracting too much attention. Fortunately, the horned freaks before her were concentrated on the gem princess. Not surprising. The princess had formal training and former status. She seemed to want to be sacrificed for the sake of the others. Unfortunately, The princess looked like she got claimed by a very impressive looking Drakken. No one looked like they would offer challenge to his claim.

Kasari took a bit of comfort in the princess' words, regaining a bit of her confidence from before. This was what was best for her family, what she was doing would keep them safe for another year. She began to realize that she wasn't so much afraid of the Drakken as she was nervous about the situation itself. Kasari, a fire Gem that wasn't known for her grace or beauty, wielding intelligence common amongst the Gemminite people, was to become the bride of the most powerful race she had ever heard of. It was terrifying, and now that she was standing before them, it was becoming real.

She had mixed feelings over the doting the princess received, constantly shifting her weight from one foot to the other in thought. Of course she was happy the more brutish characters had their eyes on her, it meant that she didn't have a million eyes on herself. However, at the same time it sort of hurt her inner pride at not having the Drakken drooling over her. She had to calm herself from another bout of panic, trying to breathe as evenly as possible so as to not show her concern. It was difficult with thoughts of inadequacy, the images of dead Gem women who didn't make the cut for the men in search of brides. Kasari didn't know if those stories were true, or if it was a figment of her overactive imagination. She watched on with mild concern as the Drakken spun the princess around possessively, his actions met with a confident challenge from the Gem. "She is going to cause some serious trouble." She mumbled out loud to herself, turning her eyes to meet the rare sight of a female Drakken.

The presence of such a creature was astonishing to the Gem, never before had she heard of female Drakken taking a Gem for a bride. For a moment all Kasari could do was stare in awe, looking around to see if the blow to her head was effecting her vision. "I..." She hesitated, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Walk without some guard dragging me along behind him. I wasn't previously aware that it was considered a crime."

It wasn't a long wait for the other brides to show up, which was both a comfort and a horror as that meant that the Drakken Lords would be choosing soon. She was looking at a spot on the floor and not directly at the brutes that wished to take her and her sisters away. That was when she heard a voice that sounded proud and offered words of comfort. She looked up to see the princess, she looked very beautiful and was wearing something that was obviously not the clothes left for her. She held an air of poise that Kithra could only dream of having, she would be the main focus that was for sure as who wouldn't want a princess as a prize?

She was about to give the princess her name when the crowd parted and a rather dark and intimidating figure walked forth. Kithra shut her eyes and silently prayed to the goddess of her element for strength and resolve. She only opened her eyes when the princess mentioned that they were doing this to protect their homeland and that if they didn't they would be dragged into a war that would kill many of their people. She knew this to be true but she wished that her people were more warriors that way they wouldn't be stuck in this mess.

For over two thousand years her people were stuck with giving up some of their daughters and it looked like nobles of her people weren't excluded from the Reaping. Thankfully they didn't take the next in line, even though it was insult to take royalty. So having the princess was publicly saying that the Gemminite people were the Drakkens bitch, and they could do anything to. And they could and if things broke down it would mean death. None of this bode well for the Gems as they were mockingly oppressed and could be easily defeated. If only there was a way to change things.

Kithra was aken from her thoughts when princess Anna pretty much challenged the Drakken nobles. Goddess! What is she thinking!? She thought as her insides turned to jelly. Why would she do that? Does she want her sisters to get hurt in the brawl of the brutes? She felt her skin prickle as she continued to look at the ground not wishing to look up at the brutes. But she did notice that she hadn't been picked which brought a small hope to her. Maybe I will be able to go home. She hoped as she knew those not chosen would be returned to their families, though they would be most likely be brought back to this dreadful place again the next year.

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Things were most definately interesting as there was a female Drakken, a princess, a girl in chains and a Fire-y Gem that some how tripped her large Drakken guard. And Tirza already liked the one that tripped her guard, she kind of hoped that whoever chose her would also chose the little fire Gem. Though as she thought about she realized it would have to be the strongest willed Drakken ever, her and the little fire Gem would be a hand full. Still it would be fun, scary as hell, but fun or at least she would think so.

But to her dismay the Drakken that chose the timid Gem beside her also chose the little fire Gem. "Well that sucks." She said lowly as she was disappointed that she wouldn't have the little fire Gem as her "bride sister". Though she didn't envy them as they seemed to get a stuck up and prideful Drakken war lord, who most likely thought he was biggest tough guy in the room. Though given the way the Drakkens moved out of the way for some Drakken who claimed the princess, miss timid and miss fire-y's husband was obviously not the big guy he thought he was. Not that it mattered to her, as she wasn't being claimed yet which she was okay with though she was kind wished to be.

Why would she wish that? Simply put she was odd, she concluded on her ride to the castle that her father must of been a fire Gem. So she was a real oddity as the child always took the element of their parents, and if the parents were of different elements the child would take the element of the same gendered parent. So since she wasn't a water Gem she was an oddity, no wonder not many could handle her.

She noticed then a Drakken noble by the window suddenly peel himself away and began to walk towards the line of Gem brides to be. She smiled when she realized that he was heading in her direction. She could see that he was very serious and but alert, and was he actually pointing at her? "No flattery my Lord?" She asked as she smiled at the large Drakken and bowed slightly. It was a mixture of mockery and respect, she knew better to out right insult a war lord. She may be an oddity but she wasn't stupid.

@LokiLeo789