[center][h2][u]Royals In Bloom[/u][/h2][/center]
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It was not long before Evelyn found her way to the gardens. The few times she was in Loringrad with time to spare she could easily be found here. Slowly she strolled along the path, gazing at the flowers which were beginning to wither from the encroaching winter. Even though they were near death, the colorful petals managed to release one last bit of life in the sun. Though she enjoyed being back, Evelyn wished she'd come at another time...and under better circumstances. The chill in the air only aided to remind her of the enemy in the north and it would not be long before they'd set their gaze upon the capital. 

Evelyn took a seat at a stone bench overlooking the reflection pool in the center. The water was still with intricate carvings along the edges. At the corners were decorated with prnate flower pots holding exotic flowers most likely from the Western half of the continent. Even with all this, the garden felt...incomplete, as if something had been removed. Just then a voice from behind announced it's owner's presence. [b]"It saddens me to see the garden so, it feels as if only yesterday this place was bursting with colors as the blossoms basked in the sun"[/b], Princess Vanessa had entered the garden and it was when Evelyn jumped to her feet did she realize what was missing. [color=fff79a]"My apologies, my lady, I did not hear you enter"[/color], Evelyn bowed as she quickly turned to face Vanessa.

[b]"Come now, did I not say to lose the formalities?"[/b], Vanessa smiled as she walked over to take a seat at the stone bench.

Evelyn let out a soft smile before sitting beside the princess, [color=fff79a]"Forgive me, these past few weeks have been...difficult to say the least"[/color]

[b]"I can only imagine, from what news that comes from the north, you must have seen horrors one can only see in their darkest dreams"[/b], Vanessa looked to the pool, gazing into the still waters before speaking again. [b]"Even so, you've come through no worse for wear, and you're just as beautiful as we last saw each other"[/b], Vanessa nudged Evelyn's shoulder who was now blushing as she let out a slight laugh. [color=fff79a]"Thanks, I only wish I'd come for reasons other than war. I'd have love to see this place once more in full bloom"[/color], something was bothering Evelyn and it was more than clear to Vanessa who leaned over to get a better look at her friend. 

[b]"Now what's that mean? You've gone on for this long, the gods would be playing the worst joke of all to have you fall before seeing this through...what's wrong Evie? You know you can tell me"[/b]

Evelyn remained silent for a moment as she stared out over the pool. Her eyes held much sorrow in them as she held back tears long overdue. Finally after taking a deep breath she spoke, [color=fff79a]"They're all dead, Vanessa. Grathan is dead. Him and all the commanders died at Starguard. All those men and women I trained and saw grow from mere children to knights, their lives gone in an instant. Gods, even after we fled that horrid place death followed us. We've lost so many since then and along the way. Before we embarked on our journey here, two of our kin were slain. They were in love, Vanessa, and not even that could save them from this evil. I've failed them all, each soul taken by that thing is my failure as a knight of the order!"[/color]. Evelyn was on the verge of tears but as she turned to face her friend she was suddenly in her embrace. 

[b]"I'm so sorry, Evie. I can't imagine how it must feel, but know this; what happened that day was not your fault. There was nothing you could have done to prevent it from happening. Even if you lost some along the way, the fact that you reached this far has taken so much strength. You can't give up my friend, if you wish to avenge them then you must see this through"[/b], Vanessa loosened her hold on Evelyn who dried her eyes before speaking. [color=fff79a]"Thank you"[/color], she said in a soft voice of warmth.

[b]"Not so different from when we were children, right?...Listen, Evie, I've been meaning to talk with you. It's urgent and I trust no one other than you"[/b]

Evelyn took a quick look around to see if they were being watched before replying, [color=fff79a]"So it was you who sent me the letter?"[/color].

[b]"A letter? No I wasn't even aware you were coming to Loringrad"[/b]

[color=fff79a]"Then who sent the message to the guards?"[/color], Evelyn slowly turned her head to take another look once more around the garden. Once again there was no one there but now she had the distinct feeling of being watched. 

[b]"I've no idea...do you suppose?"[/b]

[color=fff79a]"Yes. Someone has infiltrated the castle, possibly an agent of the Dead God...listen Vanessa, have guards stationed outside your family's rooms at night. In the meantime I'll try to uncover the spy"[/color], Evelyn was about to get up when Vanessa grabbed her cloak, bidding her to stay, [b]"Evie wait, I think what the spy and what I wanted to talk to you about are one in the same"[/b], Vanessa glanced around before continuing any further [b]"Davon has been acting strange as of late. Before he was as you knew him to be; stubborn and brooding. As of late he's been growing more and more hateful of everything. He's often gone out of the castle and just around the same time, father has grown weak and ill. I fear foul play to be at work"[/b]

Evelyn knew Prince Davon, he was a quiet man, not prone to showing off. He preferred to take the unseen route to achieving his goals but with the timing of all this, Vanessa may be right with her suspicions. [color=fff79a]"You don't think he'd?...to his own father?!...I'll look into it, in the meantime you need to be careful"[/color]

[b]"Thank you so much, Evie, I don't know how to repay you"[/b], Vanessa said as she hugged her friend once more. [color=fff79a]"Tis what friends are for"[/color]