[IC] The Making of a New Queen

[tsubasa]

Anastasia inhaled sharply at the sound of a female voice that did not belong to herself. She looked to Samsul's mother and blushed deep as she told her son to kiss her. She glanced at Samsul, had he told them already? She looked back at woman when she addressed her, smiling softly. The smile seemed to calm some of Anastasia nerves, his mother seemed lovely. She curtsied to the woman and returned the smile, "You needn't worry... I-I'm the same way. I can only sit around doing nothing for so long."

She cursed to herself silently for the slight stutter, as she continued to look at the woman. She laughed ever so gently, trying to relax herself, "I feel at a disadvantage... You know my name but Samsul has not shared your's," She looked up at her husband to be and gave a weak smile. As worried as she was now, it needed to be done and she could only do so much to make them like her. She looked back at Samsul's mother, "It is quite nice... To finally meet you..."

[pyroman]

The old woman smiled once more as she looked at Samsul and Anastasia. By the way that the two of them blushed, her assumptions had been correct. If it had been anyone else, Samsul wouldn't have blushed or reacted at all other than angrily. She didn't know the new queen yet, so she wasn't sure how she would have reacted to that if it had been with anyone else, but she knew her own son. The wold woman nodded at Anastasia, and Samsul's father turned his head to look at the human in the room. He didn't say anything, but he had a calm and blank expression on his face as he sat there. "My name is Arah." The old woman spoke once more before pointing to her husband. "And this is Hatan. Samsul probably wouldn't mention the two of us because he does his best to keep his work and what little he has of an actual life in two different places in his mind. Please tell me that you are working on making him more active outside of his duties."

[tsubasa]

Anastasia smiled as the woman introduced herself and looked to her husband as she pointed. Anastasia met his blank gaze and swallowed slightly. She didn't know how to take the completely void of expression... Maybe he just wasn't a very jolly man. She looked back at Arah, feeling more comfortable with the woman. She nodded her head was she explained how Samsul liked to keep his work life and personal life separate, which made sense... Although, she supposed with her becoming his wife, that became complicated. Her thumb started to play with her wedding band as she nodded to the woman, who wanted to be told that she was make her son more active outside of work. She giggled and nodded, looking up at Samsul, "Ever since I got here," She glanced back at Arah, "Although, he uses my dog Melor as an excuse a lot... but it is good for the two boys to get out and play a little."

She grinned at Samsul, "Isn't it?"

[pyroman]

Both Arah and Hatan had noticed the golden band, and a shared glance that only lasted a split second made sure that they both knew what was going on. Hatan's face grew slightly more stern after noticing the band, but he still refused to say anything as he sat there. Arah mentally promised herself that she wouldn't talk about it directly, but she would find ways to press the two into coming out about whatever was going on with them.

Samsul nodded at Anastasia and glanced at his parents. He had visited them a few times during Anastasia's travels, and most of the times he saw them, the little dog was with Samsul as well. "Yes, and over the past few months Melor has grown fond of me, and I have for him as well. When I would occasionally visit my parents, he would be at my side like the always was while you were traveling." He didn't really direct this to his parents, as they already knew of the little dog, and by the end, it was more obvious that it was focused on Anastasia.

Arah nodded with a small smile on her face as she remembered the dog. "Yes, Samsul would come to visit us now that he had more time, and Melor would always be with him. It was nice to see Samsul with the dog."

[tsubasa]

Anastasia smiled, she knew Melor had been spending time with Samsul, as she had left and the two of them needed someone. Not to mention, there was always some mention of Melor in the letters he sent to her. It was nice to hear that is wasn't just him trying to keep her mind off the dog that she had left behind. She looked to Arah, who seemed to be remembering Melor is a fond(?) way. She gave them a small grin, "I'm glad to hear... I was worried about him while I was away. I'm happy to hear that he wasn't just stuck in his room..."

She glanced again at Hatan, his face had changed. It wasn't as blank any more. His eyebrows knitted together slightly and the corners of his mouth turned down. She felt like there was an alarm in her head, screaming that he did not like her. She squeezed Samsul's hand slightly, "I can't help but be amused that he met the two of you first... He was well behaved... correct?"

[pyroman]

Hatan was the one to answer this time. He wasn't one to talk much, and even in his old age, his voice sounded worse than it should. Due to the lack of use of his voice, the old man's voice cracked often and was gravely to the ears. "Lively." Was all he had to say to the queen. He held nothing against her at all, but he was expecting for his warrior of a son to marry someone that could match up to his own skills. It didn't happen however, and the old man knew that he wouldn't be able to do anything about it. Arah nodded at her husband and looked back at Anastasia. "Yes, he was very active. He seemed to have grown on us very quickly, possibly because he knew that Samsul trusted us. He even jumped on Hatan and licked his face!" The old woman said with a small laugh as she remembered what had happened.

[tsubasa]

Anastasia was surprised when Hatan spoke and even more so by the voice that escaped. He didn't seem old enough to have such a hoarse voice. Anastasia decided that he didn't talk much, which only calmed her about his demeanor slightly. She giggled a little though at the mention of how Melor acted around them and a little more so when Arah recalled the dog on one of their visits. She relaxed slightly at Samsul's side, "Oh no.... I try to not let him do that... but he is just a loving dog so it is awfully difficult to stop."

She looked up at Samsul and smiled, she felt like they should tell his parents what was happening. Unlike with her own parents, she was not going to be able to see their reaction. They were too far away to tell them personally. She would have to write them a letter before the invitation went out. So, it would be nice to see how his parents would react to the news. Of course, she didn't want to be the one to tell them. His mother had clearly already picked up on their awkward little relationship that they had going. She looked back at Arah, "I'm glad that it sounds like he likes you both."

[pyroman]

Arah cast another glance at her husband, and it was returned with a look of indifference. He knew that he wouldn't be able to win this war, but he could still have his opinions and emotions right where that were. If it were up to him, he would have had Samsul marry a woman like Kala, since she was a hardened warrior, as well as a Lost Elf. He was just worried about all the things the the queen would have to know since she's going to be marrying a Lost Elf, and the head of all of them no less.

"So, Samsul. Can you tell me something?" Arah asked in a sweet voice as she looked at her son, who gave her a calm but curious look. He wanted to know what was on her mind, and it seemed somewhat important since she asked specifically him, and not the both of them. "Yes, Mother. What would you like to know?" Samsul asked her as he looked at her, the look of curiosity growing as he stood there. "When will you stop being so stoic and finally find a woman?"

[tsubasa]

Anastasia watched as Arah and Hatan seemed to share a moment. She cast her eyes down, not wanting to invade on anything to personal. That was when Arah addressed Samsul. She looked between the two of them, her eyes resting on Samsul when her replied. When she asked when he was going to finally find a woman, Anastasia felt heat rise into her cheeks as they turned red. She bit the inside of her lip. Of course, her and Samsul were going to have to tell them sooner or later and of course, Anastasia would prefer sooner, but it was Samsul's choice when they told them. She supposed her reaction didn't have to mean she was involved with him in anyway, she could be embarrassed for being caught in the middle of a private conversation. She thought about the ring on her finger that Samsul had given her, then again King George could have give it to her just the same. Although, if were from a King it would probably be more glitz and glam and less personal. Not to mention, why would she be there, with Samsul liking to keep his two lives separate. She kept looking at Samsul, she just hoped that he told them, she didn't know how well she could pretend otherwise.

[pyroman]

Samsul knew that he couldn't evade it any longer than he already had. With a small sigh that occurred both physically and mentally, he looked at his parents with a small look of confidence and took a minuscule step forward. it wasn't enough to gain any distance, but it did show that he was moving. "I do already have a woman in my life, and I'm more than happy that I'm sharing it with her." Arah raised an eyebrow at this and simply kept quiet to allow her son to speak. Hatan also knew where it was going, but still refused to say anything. Samsul looked over at Anastasia for a brief moment before looking back at his parents. "Only a few days ago, I proposed to Anastasia, and she accepted. Even in the short time we've been together, I don't think I've felt this close with anyone else."

[tsubasa]

Anastasia watched as he stepped forward ever so slightly and spoke to his parents. Her heart pounded in her chest as he began to explain to them that there already was someone. He looked back at her and she blushed yet again, giving him a soft smile. She had to look away from the three of them as Samsul finished his little speech. She couldn't help but have a bit of a giddy smile of her face as she looked out the door. When she felt like some of the blood had left her cheeks, she turned back to face them. She took the small step to take Samsul's hand in her own, she gave him a small kiss on the shoulder, as reaching his cheek while he stood and didn't move to make it easier was quite impossible. She took a deep breath and looked at Arah and Hatan. She could only assume that Arah would take it well... but she couldn't be positive, as she had only known the woman such a brief amount of time. As for Hatan, well she couldn't assume anything at all...

[pyroman]

Both Arah and Hatan were happy to see that Samsul had finally found someone to spend the rest of his life with. Hatan could only agree with his wife and son, as he had no say if Samsul could marry Anastasia or not. He wasn't as happy as he could be about the situation, but he was happy enough. A ghost of a smile could be seen on the old man's face as he relaxed slightly and glanced at the new couple. He shot another secret glance at his wife, and the two held a short and wordless conversation. He could tell by the look on her face that she was elated that Anastasia had been able to get him out of his shell and actually do things that a normal person would do! She didn't care if she was human or not, as it didn't matter about the race to her. If you love someone, then you love someone.

"Samsul." Arah spoke out as he smiled at your son. "Me and your father are so happy for you. I only wish that Elana and her husband were here to see the two of you." She spoke with a sad smile on her face. "I hope that the wedding goes well for the two of you."

[tsubasa]

Anastasia smiled as it seemed that Arah and Hatan were happy about the news of their marriage. She even saw the slightest of smiles on Hatan's face. She looked up at Samsul and grinned, squeezing his hand happily. She flinched slightly at the mention of the Queen and King. She had come to terms with her mother's death while on tour and because more comfortable with living in the castle. However, it still hurt her, knowing that she was gone. She gave the same sad smile to Arah and nodded, "I can only wish the same... I still have to write a letter to my Mama and Papa about the marriage... So, at least two of my parents will be there."

She nodded her head, "Thank you... It means a lot to have your... blessing."

[pyroman]

"Now." Arah said to the two of them as she smiled at Anastasia. "The two of you should be going. Planning a wedding ins't an easy task. It was good to see the two of you." She smiled sweetly at the two of them before turning to Hatan, who looked just as relaxed as he was when Samsul and Anastasia walked in.

Samsul nodded to his parents and smiled at Anastasia. "They're right. We should be going now to continue with our day." His smile turned into a smirk as he remembered that she still had work to do. "And we should get you back to your office so that you can continue work." He spoke as he practically dragged his wife out of the room and close the door behind the two of them. He didn't really have anything else to say, and he wasn't going to listen if she was making any more excuses to get away from work.

Back inside the room, Hatan looked back at his wife, and looked at her curiously. She looked back at him with a calm smile and silently asked what was on his mind. He had received the unspoken words and sighed lightly. "I need to question him what he means by... work, now that he has her."

[tsubasa]

Anastasia nodded when Arah said that they should go as they would be needing to plan the wedding. She looked up at Samsul when he spoke and looked down at her, smirking. When he brought up work, she frowned, "But I had questions for your moth-" He pulled her out of the room and closed the door behind them, "er... Well, now how am I going to figure what Lost Elf rituals I can do on our wedding day."

She sighed as he started to pull her to her office. She sighed, "Fine, I'll finished signing the documents... But that leaves Melor and wedding details to you," She looked up him assuming that he would cave not wanting the wedding to rest on his shoulders alone. However, he didn't seem to believe her bluff and they arrived at her office soon after. She sighed yet again, "Fiiiine. Come grab me for dinner and we can talk about the wedding then and maybe actually get a chance to talk to Eric..." She opened her door and hesitated, "Do you think they liked me?"

[pyroman]

Samsul nodded with a smile at Anastasia once she asked if his parents liked her or now. He actually said something and was moderately relaxed. For Samsul, that was an amazing sign that Hatan accepted the marriage to some extent. He could see that Arah liked Anastasia a lot, but she was always good when it came to liking and accepting people, so she wasn't what he was worrying about. "My father actually spoke to you. Even if it wasn't about you, he did speak. I know that they liked you, Anastasia." He said to her as he kissed her lightly and let go of his wife to be. "I'll be seeing you at dinner, Anastasia, unless there's anything else we need to talk about."

[tsubasa]

Anastasia smiled at Samsul spoke, put to rest her worries of his parents not being happy about him marrying her. She wrapped his arms around him as he kissed her and released him when he did her. She thought about it when he indirectly asked if there was anything else they needed to talk about. She shook her head and smiled at him, "Not that can't be discussed in a few hours... Now, excuse me, I have work to do."

She smirked at him before she slipped into her office and closed the door behind her. She walked over to her desk and looked at the book that still sat there. She picked it up and hid it away in one of her drawers. She'd have to take it to her room, so that she could have it if she was having troubles sleeping. That way it also couldn't serve as a distraction in the office. She picked up her pen and sighed, returning to her work.

[pyroman]

Samsul looked at the closed door in front of him with a small smile on his face before turning away from the door and walking down the halls. He needed something to do until it came time for dinner, so he went back to the room and see Melor. He hadn't seen the dog since the day before, and he just wanted to check up on him. Despite the change of course, Samsul arrived at his shared room with Anastasia in quick time. As he opened the door, he could see Melor already making his way over to the towering Lost Elf.

[tsubasa]

Anastasia placed the last piece of paper onto the pile and smiled as she finished off work. She looked to the door, there had been no sign of Samsul, meaning it wasn't dinner time. She stood and grabbed the book out of the drawer and walked over to her door. She smiled at Amul, who stood on the other side, "I'm going to try and find Samsul..."

He nodded and followed her. She started by heading to their bedroom. It was mainly to drop off the book, however, it was also to look for her husband to be. She opened the door to hear Melor bark and run over to her. She looked down at him and smiled before picking him up. He licked her face, causing a giggle to escape from her, "Hello Melor."

She walked over to the bookcase and placed the book on the shelf before she turned to look at Samsul. She smiled at him and walked over to the couch he sat on. She gave him a kiss before she sat next to him, "I managed to get it all done. There was less that needed to be changed though today."

She placed Melor on his lap and pet his head, "How was the rest of your day?"

[pyroman]

Samsul spent most of his day in the bedroom, going over various books about leading a country. He could handle taking care of the Lost Elves, since they were like a large clan more than anything else, but if he was to marry Anastasia in the future, then he had to be able to know what to do on such a large scale. He would occasionally place a book down to tend to Melor, but other than that, his head was stuck in his books.

By the time that Anastasia had arrived, there was a small pile of books next to the couch. He had widened his search from ruling to trades, and anything else that he would have to know as a king. Sure he knew some things about being a king, but that was because he had learned so much from watching Elana during her own work. Samsul smiled at the kiss once Anastasia pulled away from him and closed the book in his hands. "My day went well. I was going over a few things that I should have a better grasp on when I rule at your side."