princess

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time:11am
Location: Park of Sorian
Attire:Dress
Interaction:@Lava Alckon Farim

---

"The prize I most desire!? Aren't you sweet? " Anastasia excitedly got on her tippy toes to get a good look at the selection. Her voice deepened almost into a slight growl as she grew passionate over her choice,"Oooh look at that big bear! Let's get that big bear!" The line moved rather quickly from that moment with many failing to get a ring on a bottle. It had always been a bit harder than it looked. There were three rows of five bottles spread out on a small table and people were coming up to a line painted in the grass. It was coming to her turn and the fellow hosting the game was quick to recognize her. He was well dressed with a little sun hat and a most impressive mustache

"Step right up, step right up! ...Oh your highness, please go right ahead! The bottle in the center will get you a big prize! Three rings for you, princess!"

The pressure was certainly on since now that he had referred to her that way, people were paying a lot more attention ...But Anastasia really liked that big bear so she was going to try her best not to let that get to her. With a confident smile, she winked at Farim and moved forward. She took a ring and tossed it forward... Only to miss! Nonetheless she giggled it off as the ring clattered against the table and then fell into the grass. "Oh that was just a warm-up throw. I got it!" Anastasia turned to smile at her audience and Farim.

Anastasia focused her vision, honing in on the center bottle best she could. Truth be told, her vision wasn't the best. She managed to then get her other two rings around two bottles back to back as she tossed them both with overconfidence. She had certainly managed to pull that off with simple dumb luck, though she did not tell anybody else that. "Yay! Woohoo!" Anastasia clapped for herself, enthused with her victory. Sadly, she could not take home one of the big stuffed animals. There were a ton of small ones that were cute too anyway. They had seemed to have most generic species that kids enjoyed: bears, cats, dogs, birds, tigers...

"Well if I can't have the big bear then I will have to have two baby bears please!" The man smiled at her and obliged her request, handing her two little bears. One had a yellow ribbon around its neck and the other had a pink ribbon around it. She then moved out of the way so Farim could take his turn.

"You can do it Farim! Get the big bear! We'll have the whole family! Wooo!"

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: 9am
Location: Ballroom
Interactions: @Terrance420 Alden @Apex Sunburn Wasun Sjan-dehk
Mentions: @Silverpaw Wulfric

---

King Edin leaned in and watched curiously as the man allowed them to unarm him for a moment, before his attention was stolen by Wulfric speaking to the Shehzadi. My perfect son continues to be perfect. Doing what's right for the family. I know he'll smooth things over. Ugh.. Oh no." His eyes fell on his other two sons. He tried to hone in on their words but their body language was giving it all away nonetheless. Callum and Auguste being so indecisive. You choose the woman, not let them choose you! Assert your dominance from the beginning you fools! His face scrunched up with his distaste for his son's choices.

Remembering the mysterious man in his ballroom, he shook away his thoughts and looked upon him. "Much better. Come forward. Guards, make sure to flank him as he makes his way over to my vicinity. " Just as he asked, the guards would escort Sjan-dehk forward. "Now give me your name and reason for appearing. I doubt you are here to seduce my sons and surely hope that's not the case." A nervous laugh fell off the end of his sentence, "I will hear you out for a brief time. I am a very busy man!" Recalling his added manners had perhaps scored him some points prior, he added again, "Thank you." He glanced quickly over at Alden to make sure he was paying attention and nodded encouragingly to him.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time:11am
Location: Park of Sorian
Attire:Dress
Interaction:@Lava Alckon Farim

---

Anastasia's gaze moved from game to game silently as Farim spoke. She swung their enclasped hands back and forth before meeting his eyes. "Let's start with the ring toss!" She told him abruptly, a smile crossing her face. She liked the big fluffy stuffed animals admittedly and had barely given the other games much attention. So then Anastasia pulled him along just as he suspected and without a second thought. Even if she had wanted to, it would have had to get in line with all the other thoughts knocking on the door of her mind.

Her family, Darryn, and the party were all subjects that had become one dark cloud that loomed over her. The cloud would rage with thunder in any long stretch of silence, threatening to rain down at her the second she stopped running. So that's just what she would do, as she always had done.

She'd keep running.

She tilted her head to glance over her shoulder as she had just about led Farim to the line then smiled at him warmly. The wink had not been lost on her. It reminded her of the wink of strangers that had lured her in with empty promises and sweet words of affection. There was no telling what kind of man he was just yet, but if there had been anything she had learned, it didn't really matter. Even brief moments of attention were better than none at all.

"I used to be really good at this one! I played it every summer when I was a little girl... Maybe we can win Thara a friend!" Anastasia giggled and pointed at a stuffed hawk. She touched his bicep with her free hand delicately and gave him a flirty smile, "I'll try my best but I have a feeling you'll probably be better at this.."

Out of the corner of her eye, she did notice her guards make their way closer. They undoubtedly knew her inclinations, but it also could have been due to the rising frequency of whispers of her name. Sorian never did get used to their princess wandering about on her own so freely. The children on the line's attention had been stolen away from the ring toss and were now gazing at Anastasia and Farim.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: 11am
Location: The Drawing Room of the Vikena Estate
Interactions:@FunnyGuy Lorenzo @Prosaic Devan @Conscripts John
Attire:Dress, Booties, Hair ribbon

---

Charlotte had frowned sympathetically at her cousin's initial words. Might? I wonder what kind of trouble he's gotten himself into. I guess he hasn't changed much. She thought. "Seems to be that's everyone's solution for troublesome offspring now. Marry them off." She commented somberly and rested her hands on her knees. Her mother had been that way. It had felt like for the longest time that her sole purpose was to get married and preparing for such was of the highest importance. She had thought perhaps men would have less of a push for such but it appeared it was just the same.

"Well you're welcome here as long as you like. Let me know if there's anything I can do to make this more comfortable or perhaps even more fun for you. We won't ever kick you out." She offered Devan a smile. "As for what you missed." With a hesitant sigh, she pushed over a copy of the newspaper to him, "I think I am going to require a moment to explain."

The Newspaper

Her gaze shifted to John. His words were certainly puzzling."Oh? Rowdy? That is curious. " The ball had been quite mellow after the whole fiasco as far as she was concerned. Her expression dropped at the mention of Layla."Do be careful with that one, doctor. I do not wish to deter you, but she did unfortunately threaten me the first time we spoke." She was not one to gossip, but she felt it was important John be careful.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Sir Alden Drake Plannington & King Edin Danrose

Time:11am
Location: Ballroom
Interactions: @Helo Callum, @Inertia Auguste, @Silverpaw Wulfric @SausagePat Ruby @Apex Sunburn Wasun @Potter Layla @Rodiak Zarai

---

King Edin was not surprised that none of the princes were interested in the woman Alden had suggested. She had not been ideal at all. He waved his hand to motion to the guards to escort her out of the room. The next ten in line were thus brought in. The first girl that walked in was rather young looking but interesting all the same with her different colored vibrant eyes. She had a plain but acceptable enough brown dress. He was uncertain what his sons would think of her. The next woman was the Shehzadi, the daughter of the Sultan. He hoped his sons knew better than to reject her publicly. Lady Zarai Lesdesman was the next. Edin was pleased to see her make an appearance once more, though she was only as well looking as she could be with all those bruises.

It was the fourth person that made the rest of the women a blur to Edin. It was a man who seemed to hail from Kisoma possibly. Not only was it strange that he was a man here, but he was also completely ill-dressed and even armed. He could not believe he had been let in! “What is that?” He hissed under his breath then looked at Alden. “Do you see that odd man? Albert, what do you advise?”

A man? At a courting session for the princes? And well-armed as well… interesting. Alden observed the man for a second, and he was no ordinary man. He was well prepared, with eagerness to his face. A mercenary perhaps? And why exactly did the guards allow him here with royalty surrounding us? If he was here to kill the King, he certainly had his shot the moment he was allowed in. But even then, it could also be a trap. And he would end up in the crossfire if something were to occur. As much as he wanted the king to be filled with lead, this was not the place and time. He needed to advise carefully, and even try to protect him for his own sake… at least for now.

“Your majesty. As you can see this man is heavily armed, his physic resembles that of a trained mercenary. He could either be here for important matters, or for something more sinister. It is best to hear him out, but request the guards to remove his belongings. It's clear to see he has weapons on him, we wouldn’t want to risk anything. And best to address him later… in private.”

“Hmm.” King Edin stared down the man as Alden spoke. He suddenly and very theatrically slammed his hands on the sides of his chair. Then he stood up. “You there! If you are here to speak to me, you will allow my guards to confiscate your weapons, for the time being, then let them escort you to speak to my advisor and I privately. If you are here to seek out my sons or intend to speak to me while armed, then you must leave.” He recalled that in the case this was someone important, he should hold some degree of respect in his speech, thus he added on, “And thank you.”

He then looked to his sons, “If you are interested in any of these ladies, speak now. “ He tried to subtly nod towards Layla to hint her importance. Edin then addressed the room, “I will have the first three women that came in each move down and speak to my sons unless they reject them. My sons can select from you as well if they have an interest. This is how the process will proceed going forward. Ladies, simply move up to a prince. If my son does not want you, proceed forward to the next table. If you are too unsightly for any of them, then you must leave the room. Keep the conversation to five minutes unless they want you to stay longer.”

Alden considered the ladies that were in front of them. Overall an interesting group. There was even a representative of the Alidasht kingdom amongst them. He thought it over with himself. It would be an awful shame if she got rejected here. Hmmm. Then there was that scene with the mercenary. He considered his options for a second, then spoke to King Edin. “If I may, there seems to be quite a good amount of high-quality candidates here, and it may take a while before they would finish their conversations” then his tones appeared serious. “While our princes are busy conversing, we should deal with the strange man from earlier. I am unsure what will transpire, but it is an issue we must deal with at once. An armed man into our castle, this is a serious notion in deed”

“Indeed, we shall. Let’s see if he willingly puts away his toys like a good boy. I will not let him near me until that is finished.” The guards were already moving towards Wasun, allowing him time to put his weapons down before they made sudden movements.

“Very good. I will join you shortly, just need to give a word to the boys really quick. After all, we have a really important member among the women who is with the Allidasht. I want to make sure everything is convened smoothly.”

He’s so thorough and helpful. Like an Uncle to my sons. Uncle Albert.

You will be utterly ruined.

Alden proceeded to walk past Callum and carefully whispered in his ear. “You are doing well here, just going to give you some well warning of advice. You need to do your best to impress that woman from the Alidasht. I hear she is just your type. You will be thoroughly impressed…”

Alden then proceeded to walk to Wulfric. “It is good to see you doing well my boy. It has been far too long. I’ll tell you all about my travels later. For your best interest, interact with that woman in the brown dress. She may have the mindset ideal for the next king.”

Finally, he met Auguste. “It has been far too long since we have spoken, we must follow-up once this show is over. It is best to be open about possible prospects, you never know who may be the opportune lover for you. Even if her stature isn’t perfect, try the one in the wheelchair. She’s a pretty one, most likely you will get along with her the best. Never hurts to try”

After spreading his words of destruction, Alden then smiled as he returned to the king. “We have much to discuss with this man.”

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time:11am
Location: Park of Sorian
Attire:Dress
Interaction:@Lava Alckon Farim

---

"Oh? I believe that is fair to say. I don't think it's nearly as soft as your smile. I do believe I recognize you, they call you...Anastasia correct?"

A smile tugged Anastasia's lips as his words set in. "Oh yes, guilty on both accounts."She responded with a giggle. She curtsied as he bowed. As he introduced himself, she paused to let him speak before replying, "Super amazing to meet you Farim, and your cousins were also no trouble. Sorry again about the mess last night..." Though she had been enjoying the eye candy, she let her gaze wander toward the bird. Though, it seemed to be making itself known.

"Hi! Are you giving me kisses? Aren't you a little sweetie?" Anastasia cooed at the bird. If she had a say in the matter, then she'd have filled the castle with lots of pets. "I absolutely love this pretty baby!"

"Do not mind her, she is a needy bird. But a lovely one all the same."

"Oooh... Many have the same impression of me and I think there are certainly worse reputations."
Anastasia stated perhaps more earnestly than most would. As she watched the bird fly off, she thought, I d hope she'll come back when he calls her.

"I read of this festival in the newspaper of yours and simply had to come check it out. Every little event I've been to has had such wonderful food. I'm even excited to try a few games. Are you here to partake in these festivities as well?"

"I wish it was my newspaper. I'd make it way less boring! ...As for the festival..." She paused thoughtfully, tapping her chin, "I had come with a lovely woman but she's gone off to seek marriage with my brothers... What can you do, right? " She shrugged. "You seem to be alone too! You should spend time with me." She offered her hand and smiled up at him, "Wanna play a game with me?"

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time:11am
Location: Shooting Range
Attire:Dress
Interaction:@Rodiak Zarai @Lava Alckon Farim

---

"Oh I'd love to go shopping! But if you want to go swim in the lake first, we're already here. It'll be quiet I am sure since it's early-" Anastasia excitedly had begun her reply only for Sir Barrios to shoot down her hopes and dreams. The palace? She had forgotten her brothers were meeting with possible marriage prospects today. Her mother had tried to talk her into doing the same thing, but she would not have it. And as always, she seemed to be able to get away with not attending such whereas her brothers simply could not. It had not dawned on her that Zarai could be interested in any of them, so Zarai's initial answers were no surprise.

Anastasia whirled on Sir Barrios in her usual emotionally charged reaction."She is hardly a child. If she does not want to attend then certainly you should obey Lady Zarai Lesdeman. Does her word not carry any weight to you? She is a lady!" She then frowned at the sudden change in Zarai's expression. A smile of submission. She squeezed her hand as Zarai took it.

"As soon as I am done, I will go find you, I promise. Sir Barrios will take me straight to you once the court is done, and then we can stuff our face with all of the cake we can find."

Anastasia pouted at Sir Barrios for a moment longer before looking at her, "Well if you must. I suppose if you are able to seduce one of my brothers then at least we'd get to live together, right?" A smile crossed her face, "You'll find me at the park over there." She leaned and whispered, "And please don't mind Wulfric, he is an enigma. Feel free to prank him."

"I'll be going to the park. Maybe I'll see you guys there!" Anastasia informed her other company at the table. Wystan seemed keen to follow as Zarai had directed and guard her silently along with Wulfric's guards, so there was nothing she could quite do about the entourage that followed her. The last thing she wanted to do was go back to the castle right now and face her parents.

Or worse, run into Darryn.

As they arrived at the park, she was greeted by amazing smells. That's right. There's a festival! The food smells so good. Oh, there are games! This is great. Maybe Wystan and I... She glanced over to see Wystan and the other guards moving off to the side. They clearly were not going to let her leave their sight but seemed willing to give her space. Was she grateful for that?

Anastasia felt a familiar feeling of loneliness fill her gut and became quite distracted as the emotions she shut in plagued her once again. Maybe Zarai didn't want to hang out with me...Will she even come back? If I am a mistake in my own family, why shouldn't others see me the same? It's not like I hold any purpose. Oh, but after such an awful morning I really do not want to self-pity like this...It's so pathetic. Maybe I just need to cheer myself up. I need to do something exciting or maybe I just need to do drugs or-

As she had been in her mind, the notion that she had been walking across the grass was completely missed. She walked right into someone without realizing it. She had stepped right into his back and stumbled, nearly losing her balance. "Oh! ...Hi! Sorry!" Her reality snapped back into place and she took in the sight of the man before her. Oh I remember him. He was there this morning. I think he said his name was Farim. To the surprise of most, sometimes even herself as she had viewed herself as unintelligent, Anastasia actually had a very reliable memory.

"Got a little lost in my head there. Really sorry!" Anastasia gave him a smile. The last thing she wanted to do was screw up relations with the Alidasht even more. "Hope I didn't hurt you. I was thinking a lot which is a bad idea clearly." Shoot. Is he mad? I can save this.

"Did you know that you have a very soft shirt?"

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: 11am
Location: The Drawing Room of the Vikena Estate
Interactions:@FunnyGuy Lorenzo @Prosaic Devan @Conscripts John
Attire:Dress, Booties, Hair ribbon

---

Not long after they had established themselves in the drawing room, Lorenzo took his leave. Charlotte stared after him with concern as he left the room. She had known from experience that he might not return as quickly as his words seemed to promise. It was a shame as she longed to enjoy a happy moment with Lorenzo after so much turmoil the last few days. She knew all this turmoil hit him harder than anybody else. For a moment, she considered what she could do to cheer him up. She slowly sat down on the red cushions of the couch, her gaze moving to Dr. Willamson and her cousin. "Well wasn't that just an adventure?" She said to them with a small smile. Charlotte was already feeling a little drained today, but she knew her manners when it came to entertaining. " Dr. Williamson, this is my cousin Devan... Devan, Dr. Wiliamson is visiting all the way from the Varian Kingdom."

The sound of a noisy cart being wheeled into the room pulled her gaze. The blonde hair of the maid's head could be seen over the tower of goodies as she pushed the cart toward them. Delilah had an assortment of tea, cucumber sandwiches, and other little treats. She and Charlotte exchanged glances as she poured some tea for their guest, John, first and foremost, then for Devan. As Delilah had handed Charlotte her tea, she gently touched the hand she placed it in a discreet and brief movement. She knew that the maid longed to hear about everything.

Perhaps Charlotte had been a more talkative girl at one point in her life, but she had fallen into more introverted patterns in recent years. Thinking of conversational questions to entertain the two gentlemen was a little difficult, but she did manage something. Her mother had left a mark on her when it came to maintaining her manners. "So, Devan, I'd like to hear all about your travel here and more about the situation that brought you here if it suits you. Then John, maybe you could tell us about your evening at the ball last night. Did you have a pleasant time or...Um... dance with any ladies you're interested in?"

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time:11am
Location: Shooting Range
Attire:Dress
Interaction:@Rodiak Zarai

---

Anastasia was not surprised at all to see Verrick win. Though she was surprised the random hunk, who identified as part of the Damien family, had won. He had appeared out of seemingly nowhere. Was he even really related to the Damiens? She supposed he had looked like Calbert a little... Though she had only pondered this all so long. She was soon very much distracted by Wulfric leaving guards to babysit her. Anastasia had much preferred Wystan, but he had tagged along to the castle. She'd have to brainstorm ways to lose these two, a process she'd almost perfected at this point in her life. She glanced at Zarai as everyone had begun to take their leave.

Zarai had been looking away when she gazed upon her and Anastasia had paused to stare at her while she was preoccupied. She's still so... Finally, she gently tapped Zarai's shoulder, "So, where next, hon? I want to do something you like."

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Sir Alden Drake Plannington & King Edin Danrose

Time: 9am
Location: Ballroom
Interactions: @Helo Callum, @Inertia Auguste, @Silverpaw Wulfric

---

”HELLO!” King Edin moved through the doors to the ballroom, “Ah look at my beautiful blonde-haired sons. Sons I’ve created.” He smiled upon them then gestured to Alden as he made his way to a throne to sit in, which was situated behind the princes. Strategically, he did not glance Callum’s way. “This is Albert. Remember him from years ago? Me neither but nonetheless he’s not dead and he’s here to help advise us today.”

I have no idea why I am wrapped up in this nonsense… and Albert? Seriously?? Better than Aldoon I suppose…

“It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances again young princes, you all have grown to be quite the gentlemen”

To Alden, it actually was nice to meet them once again. He remembered them well and fell into similar sentiment knowing they were being raised by such a vile man such as Edin himself. He simply had wished they had met under different circumstances. Little did he know why the King had set up such a ridiculous ruse like this to court his sons, and more importantly, why he was being wrapped up into this charade. But nevertheless, it should be amusing to see what outcomes would be brought upon. He had thought that maybe he could even have some fun, in his own cynical ways.

“Alberta it is more important than anything to find not only perfect spouses for my sons, but strategical selections if such could be made.” He said lowly, “As women are brought in, we must be picky. I know their hearts are fragile but we must not mind them. They are randoms after all. However, if they are royal, ugly, or not, we must allow them a chance to speak to the boys.” He pulled away and took a seat. He gestured to a nearby seat for Alden to take his.

The first ten women were brought in with large smiles. They looked to be jumping out of their skin with anxiety. King Edin grimaced as they were lined up. “The first two there.” He gestured to two girls in peasant dresses, “They do not belong.”

“Your majesty, if I may, why not let them get the chance to speak and converse with us first. They certainly will not be speaking to the boys, but it could be some sort of amusement for us to believe they have a chance. And who knows, they may surprise you. Afterall, I was previously a peasant before, and have I ever let you down?”

“Hmm.. Yes. Amusing if anything, I do agree, and one does have a sizeable bosom. We will need a closer look, for logical purposes.” He stood up, ”My advisor and I will first speak to the girls before the princes state their opinions. Girls, come forward over here.” The women looked at each other before lining up before the King.

“You first.” He pointed at the first peasant girl, ”What is your name?”

“My name is Edith… I heard so many wonderful things about Prince Wulfric and I simply would do anything for the chance to meet him!” The girl began to introduce herself but soon exploded into her excitement.

“And what have you heard?”

“That he’s so eloquent with his words and romantic. He’s a real gentleman and oh dear is he even more handsome in person…” She looked over to stare at him.

King Edin scoffed, “Well all those things are quite obvious. He’s my son, of course he’d be good at everything. What do you offer to him? Why have you come today in rags?”

“This is all I have and can afford. I apologize. I have been told I am a very kind person and I can be a gentle and doting wife to Prince Wulfric-”

“If may interject, young lady, we appreciate that you have come and presented yourself here today. I am sure you are quite a… lovely and caring woman, but please, the princes are in need of a partner of equal standings. If you believe you belong, what can you offer Prince Wulfric do that the others can’t?”

“I... I can sing!”

”NO!” King Edin waved her away, ”You and the other girl in rags must leave at once!”

The girl burst into tears while the other girl put a comforting arm around her. She led her out rather hastily.

Just like the king. Crude and rude. He will never change

"Moving on.” King Edin glanced over the other eight. ” First one is wearing too much orange. I hate orange… The second girl is dressed a little too much like a prostitute. Hmm.”

After a pause, King Edin declared, ” These women are a terrible start. Please remove them all at once. They’re all quite hideous and clearly also delusional.”

“Now hold one, why not that one right over there. The one in green with blue eyes. Certainly one of the Princes would be interested in that, wouldn’t you agree?” As much as Alden wanted this charade to be over, why not learn more about the possible patrons of this kingdom? After all, Alden sensed something different about this one. Almost as if she had a demeanor of hatred behind that charming smile. This was a good opportunity to plan something, if his hunches were correct.

”Ehhh.” King Edin’s face scrunched up as he tried to find something remarkable about the woman and failed, but Alden was his advisor after all, “Well, boys, do any of you fancy this lady in green?”