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first star t o n i g h t [cassandra, rhiannon]
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Post by William Hamiliton on Oct 9, 2013 10:49:50 GMT -6
The trip was both pleasantly short and painfully long since he wasn't sure if he felt more anxious or bothered. Why for either of these things? He knew the arrangement would end up being a temporary one at best. How could it not? He may have a noble background and wealth behind him, but he did not have a prominent title nor was he the most suitable husband. He was a quick fix to a problem that needed addressed immediately and would outlive his usefulness eventually. Either the king and queen would request a break up or the princess would, as princesses tended to do, fall in love with someone and run off, or break it herself. If she was wise, it would be the latter. The former never worked out when it wasn't a silly fairytale. By the time his carriage arrived, it was well after dark. He didn't mind the cover of night - if anything it would help him enter Meridell without much suspicion. There were a few who checked his papers and asked him his business, to which he lied as splendidly as he always did. After all, a half-truth was not technically a lie, and sometimes making the truth sweeter helped people digest it easier. Personal experience lead to that belief. Leaving his luggage to those minding the carriage worked well. Checking his papers, he scanned them over for the location that he would most likely find the twin faerie princesses. Which to check first? The two of them would potentially be difficult to spot, but having a picture of each of them helped at least. They were rather beautiful girls... how were they enjoying their 'step down' in life, as one could only put it? William tucked his papers into his suitcase - the only thing he did take with him - and made his way towards Meridell's inn. Here, a few restaurants, and other places were marked, so might as well begin in the most likely place. ★ cassandra amell, rhiannon amell
★ time to break the ice~ |
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Post by Cassandra Amell on Oct 9, 2013 12:23:15 GMT -6
 {Rhia, William} {This should be good.}
i just want to start this over
It was easier to push away her fears and worries when she spent time with her sister. Cassandra would admit she had not spent as much time with Rhiannon as she should have. Her time had been divided between Seth and her new friend Seyka, which left her older twin to explore Meridell on her own. No, the need to spend time away from her sister had been a selfish one on her part. A more childish part of her had believed that Rhiannon had known why they had been sent away and would not tell her. Cassandra knew better than to believe such childish whims, but sometimes emotion did override common sense. Now all of a sudden the only correspondence they had received from their parents was on a possible engagement for herself. It still angered her that such a matter was being addressed through a letter and while they were in an entirely different country!
A tired sigh escaped her as she ran a hand through her hair. No, Cassandra did not wish to think of such things right now. Spending time with Rhiannon was more important than an engagement that may not even go through. Marriage contracts were often broken before the entire thing went through. Besides, the two of them were merely seventeen! Another decade or two surely would not be too much to ask for until they fully matured for such things. The night sky was a rather alluring picture that beckoned her forth. There were no strange storms to impede her desire to wander through Meridell with the stars as their only guide. Besides, she was growing somewhat tired of spending most of her time within the house. She really wished to see as much of Illusia as she could before they were all asked to return home.
“Rhia, do you want to explore Meridell with me?” Cassandra glanced over her shoulder towards her sister with a bright smile. Her twin usually acquiesced to her whims, but there was no mischief to be gained from this. Just walking through the village and talking like they had before being sent here without notice. Rhiannon certainly could use a good cheer as well, since she was much more reserved than herself.
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Post by Rhiannon Amell on Oct 11, 2013 16:07:05 GMT -6
While not unfriendly, it certainly was harder for Rhiannon to make friends with the locals than Cassandra. It was amazing how they were twins, virtually alike in every aspect of their appearance, yet their personalities were very different. While Cassandra had a bit of a longing to go outside, Rhiannon kept to herself inside. She rather enjoyed going through the dusty old books that the archives held. There was so many things to discover about Ilusia's past through those archives. Many people took them for granted. There was nothing wrong, in her eyes, with learning whatever she could, whenever she could. Who knew how long their parents were going to keep them here. It was especially frustrating that the only communication they had received from said parents was by way of a letter, a single letter denoting Cassandra's fate to be wed to a stranger. This brought up many concerns in Rhiannon's mind. Would she suffer the same fate as well? She just couldn't get married... Not to someone she didn't like... Not so someone she didn't know. She couldn't imagine what Cassandra was feeling. That's why when her twin had inquired to explore Meridell, she had obliged with a simple nod of her head. "I would," she responded softly, placing her book down and primping herself for a moment before following after Cassandra. It was hard to break habits, and a certain habit of hers was to always remain cloaked and hidden. She didn't know who was watching, or who was looking for them, but with a cloak covering her face, it'd be much harder to find her. ★ i am so so so sorry it's late Dx
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Post by Cassandra Amell on Oct 11, 2013 16:35:31 GMT -6
{Rhia, William} {No worries!}
i just want to start this over
Cassandra was pleased that Rhiannon had agreed to her request. Everything was changing so quickly and it would be rather nice to pretend everything was fine for a short while. Her lips curled into an amused smile as her twin checked herself over before grabbing her cloak. Honestly, it only made her stand out more to wander around with a hood covering her features. Then again, she had been advised to do the same thing by Seth. Cassandra grabbed her own ivory cloak with the gold trim. She slipped it over her head and deftly tied her blond curls back with a blue ribbon. Tucked beneath her hood, she let the fabric shadow her own face from view. It appealed to her more childish side to pretend they were sneaking about in search for treasure or to fight a dragon.
The crisp air was pleasant as she closed the door behind her. Where should they go first? “Do you want to walk through the Memorial Garden? I heard that there will be a festival soon. Perhaps we can witness others setting up the directions,” Cassandra suggested brightly. The garden was a rather lovely place to wander through. Her time spent with Seth there had been rather pleasant. It would have been nice if he could have joined them, but she did not have the heart to wake him from his well earned sleep. Hopefully he would stay asleep long after they came back from their unsanctioned excursion into Meridell.
She did not really wait for an answer as she linked her arm through her twin’s and proceeded to drag Rhiannon through the village. There were a few people lingering outside, but they did not pay either of the cloaked women too much mind. Cassandra was idly humming ‘Rose Red’ as she had taken to over the last few days. What song was more appropriate for her current predicament? Her lips twisted into a sardonic smile and wondered why it had to be her. Better her than Rhiannon. At least her sister would have a better chance at happiness if their parents were content enough that one of their daughters was married off for the time being.
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Post by Rhiannon Amell on Oct 11, 2013 17:14:16 GMT -6
The upcoming festival had caused quite a stir in Meridell. Every day, more and more people arrived and took up rooms in the Inn. In a few days time, the festival would be in full swing. It would be interesting to watch people interact with each other, and even more interesting to meet more of the locals around Ilusia that she had not met yet. Being confined to Meridell felt safest, but she did wonder what was on the outside as well. Better for them to come to her in this case. Before she could even give an answer, Cassandra had linked arms and they were off. The Memorial Garden was a place she had visited before, but granted, her last memories of it were not very fond. That wicked storm had started to brew, and she had to rush back to save a girl who had fallen asleep on a bench. She wondered how Estel was doing, and whether or not she'd be attending the festivities. As they grew nearer to the Gardens, Rhiannon lifted her head a bit more so that she could see more clearly, so that the edge of her cloak was not covering her eyes. The sound of hammering and loud voices filled her ears. Carpenters were building structures, but they were indiscernible for the time being. Paper lanterns were strewn through the trees, and as part of setting them up, they of course had to make sure they worked! The whole place was lit up with lanterns and tiny lights. Even in the dark hours of night, they still worked tirelessly to set up for the festival. Rhiannon looked to her sister and smiled softly. "I cannot wait for the festivities to start. We'll go together, won't we, sister?"★ I imagine a festival much like Bilbo's birthday!
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Post by Cassandra Amell on Oct 11, 2013 17:34:07 GMT -6
{Rhia, William} {That would be awesome!}
i just want to start this over
Cassandra wondered if festivals were different in Illusia compared to Avalon. Surely they would be similar enough, especially Meridell was a settlement that was comprised of mostly faeries and elves. There was already the arrival of several new faces in the village, which was noticeable. How many people from Illusia would take the time to travel and witness this festival? The young faerie did feel a thrill of excitement at being able to experience such a thing. It would have a muss less rigid social structure than any gatherings her parents would throw. Cassandra would like the change to feel relaxed and not fall into the usual role of a perfect and polite daughter of royalty. Perhaps she could draw Rhiannon more from her shell as well!
At least the darkness seemed to make the use of their cloaks less odd. There were enough travelers wearing them as they set off to the inn. Cassandra lifted her own hood a little so her blue eyes could gaze at the various decorations being set up as they ventured closer to the garden. How beautiful everything would look when finished and under the light of the sun. The flowers were already in full bloom, which would only enhance the atmosphere. She had heard that the men were supposed to ask the women to accompany them. It seemed a rather silly thing now, especially since she was to be engaged. Goddess, she hoped her parents did not intend to go through with the motions until they were brought back home.
“Of course we will, Rhia. I would not wish to go with anyone else but you,” Cassandra reassured softly. It would be a wonderful chance to spend time with her twin. Neither of them needed dates to enjoy themselves. Such attention was largely unneeded by either of them. She sincerely hoped there would be dancing at this festival. It was a passion she had been unable to indulge in as of late, and now she had the perfect chance to do so.
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Post by Rhiannon Amell on Oct 11, 2013 23:49:57 GMT -6
Rhiannon smiled, feeling almost relieved that her sister had agreed to go with her. She wouldn't have been surprised if she was turned down; Cassandra did gather suitors quite well and there was no doubt be a myriad of gentlemen waiting to give her a rose. Even though she was not interested in such a thing, Rhiannon still knew of the details of the festival. It made her feel slightly awkward that someone could just come up and ask her. She'd hate to turn them down, but she really had no intention nor drive to go with anyone... A shiver crept up her spine, and she decided that was the time to start thinking of other things. In the light of the moon, no one would see who they were. It was doubtful that anyone had even noticed the two cloaked girls wandering about. Rhiannon removed her hood fully to survey around again, before letting her crimson gaze land on her sister. "Does this mean we will have to forgo our cloaks so that we may dress appropriately for the occasion?"★ Firework dragons and Gandalf! We super need a Gandalf.
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Post by Cassandra Amell on Oct 12, 2013 0:55:44 GMT -6
{Rhia, William} {I want that so bad.}
i just want to start this over
Cassandra knew her sister was not comfortable with the idea of suitors. In truth, neither was she for the most part. She could act the part of a polite recipient, but she preferred to keep such matters at a distance. No, she had never expected the matter of marriage to be brought up so soon. The two of them were merely seventeen and they had the potential to live for several centuries. Why was this happening now? A faerie did not fully mature until their early thirties at the very least. They should have another decade, but neither of them had been given that luxury. Well, perhaps Rhiannon would. Her older twin had always been somewhat more fragile than herself. Cassandra was more than willing to shove aside her own happiness if it meant her sister had a chance of escaping a similar fate.
It was somewhat surprising to see Rhiannon lower her hood, but there was little chance of anyone noticing them at this late hour. It seemed silly to keep her hood up when it was dark out and no one would be searching for them other than Seth. Cassandra slowly did the same with her own hood to glance at her sister’s eyes with her own blue ones. They were not identical twins, but they resembled one another quite closely. From a distance, the only way to tell them apart were their eyes. “I believe we will, sister. The point of a festival is to look the part of an eager maiden. It would be hard to do so from beneath a cloak,” she teased lightly.
The two of them could surely find flattering dressed within Meridell. Anything they currently owned would be far too elaborate and would have them standing out more than they should. Cassandra kept her arm linked through her twin’s as she lead them through the garden. “Everything will be so lovely once the decorations are complete, Rhia. Dancing and entertainment to pass the night by.” Blue eyes were alight with excitement as she suddenly pulled Rhiannon into a makeshift ballroom dance with a laugh.
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Post by William Hamiliton on Oct 12, 2013 10:07:58 GMT -6
Finding the inn proved to be a challenge that he did not expect. Meridell might not be the largest town in all of Ilusia, but it was still a bit difficult to navigate in the darkness of the night. Floating lights (further proving this was a home for faeries and elves) created by magic bounced around to give off enough glow to see a good distance ahead of him. He would make use of it before it go too late for him to enter establishments in his search. If it turned out to be fruitless, he would retire for the night and continue his search in the morning. The hard part would be that he couldn't ask for too much help. He would need to be careful with how he did approach others. Giving away the identity of either princess would not do him any favors. Internally sighing, he slowed his pace when he found the building he assumed was the inn based on the size and number of windows. He hesitated a good distance away as two cloak-clad figures emerged, moving and disappearing into the trees leading to the north. Peculiar. Every instinct of his screamed to follow them. Something about the energy radiating from them... but following two cloaked figures would not only be strange to do, it could lead to trouble. ...so why was his feet always moving? Honed instincts from the past let him move silently through the trees, disturbing leaves in time with their steps so they would not detect his presence. He waited until they arrived in a rather lovely place - a garden of sorts, one could safely assume. Seeing them break out in dance... especially with their hoods down... that was not what he expected. Instead of saying something, William raised his hands to applaud slowly, remaining near a tree so that he could see and be seen as well. With their hoods down, yes, his instincts proved right; the twin faerie princesses were finally located. ★ cassandra amell, rhiannon amell
★ crashin' the party c< |
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Post by Rhiannon Amell on Oct 15, 2013 12:26:55 GMT -6
She did not understand why someone would be clapping at their performance. Cassandra's sudden dancing spurt caught Rhiannon off guard, and she made clumsy attempts to catch up to her sister. In short, she looked like a rag doll being tossed around until she gathered her footing. By then, the clapping had started and she pulled away from her sister for a brief moment. How embarrassing... Her eyes flickered around to try and look for the source of the sound. A figure stood by a tree, half bathed in shadow so his face could not be seen, but half of his torso and legs were revealed. She took a step back to get closer to her twin, and she looked at her for an answer. What should she say? Rhiannon decided to wait and see what Cassandra would do. Her sister was much less awkward with people than she was. Rhiannon bit her lip nervously as she waited. ★ William can be Gandalf. c:
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Post by Cassandra Amell on Oct 15, 2013 12:57:47 GMT -6
{Rhia, William} {He's definitely Gandalf.}
i just want to start this over
Cassandra continued to laugh as her twin’s movements became rather clumsy at the sudden dance attempt. Her lips were curled into a bright smile as she slowed her motions so her twin could keep up. Dancing was something that she had always been quite talented in and it would be nice to have the chance to indulge in the art again. Her hair had spilled from it’s loose bun and tumbled over her shoulders and back in blond curls. Cassandra had not noticed the clapping until her sister had pulled away. Confusion marred her features for a moment before the sound soon resounded within her own eardrums. Who else would be this far out and with it becoming rather late? Seth had been asleep when they had left, and he would have waited until they had finished this childish action before interrupting.
Her blue eyes narrowed in an instant upon the shadowed male. Rhiannon had already taken a step back to get closer to her. Cassandra placed herself in front of her sister as a barrier and swept herself into a polite curtsy before the male. She knew that her twin was nervous and disliked interacting with people she did not know. Why was he here to begin with? “Is there a reason you were watching us? Or did you merely happen to come across us by chance?” Cassandra did not feel the urge to mince her words in a vain attempt at being cordial. She was quite sure he had sought them out for a reason and she wished to know why.
Perhaps she would have been more at ease if Rhiannon had not been with her, but she was protective over her twin sister. If this stranger made her nervous, then she was not afraid of putting him in his place. A brazen thought on her path to be sure.
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Post by William Hamiliton on Oct 15, 2013 13:15:25 GMT -6
"Hardly by chance, your highness, when I did my best to follow you out here. To be quite honest it was difficult to tell if it was both of you until the hoods were lowered. Unless a person knows who you two are, there would be little worry about being recognized out here." Just because Meridell was a settlement for elves and faeries did not mean those who lived here were all from Avalon. Unlike the royalty in Heim and the old Ilusian kingdom, faeries and elves were more secretive with their rulers. William drew himself to his full height, gazing down at the two for a moment, then proceeded to bow lowly at his waist. "Forgive me for speaking without a proper introduction. I am Lord William Hamiliton of Mistvale in Heim. I have been sent here by his majesty the king and her majesty the queen to meet with the two of you. Based on the pictures I was given, you would be... her highness, Rhiannon of Avalon, and her highness, Cassandra of Avalon." There was no room for doubt in his words. As he addressed each of them, he looked them over, completely confident with everything he spoke of so far. Pulling the necessary papers out, he stretched his arm out towards Cassandra. "My business is mostly with you, your highness. Arrangements for your sister are in the works." This time, he didn't even look at the other sister. She would have to deal with the full weight of what was happening on her own. "As for the two of us... the papers hold the full details of the arrangement, but it boils down to the fact that you and I are engaged, your highness."★ cassandra amell, rhiannon amell
★ he'd be a terrible gandalf OTL |
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Post by Rhiannon Amell on Oct 16, 2013 12:27:20 GMT -6
"You were stalking us?" Rhiannon chimed without a second doubt. He had followed them all the way out here without making himself known until they were alone. What a seedy man. Rhiannon narrowed her eyes to show her annoyance. She became even more annoyed when he heard he had been sent by their mother and father. No word from them at all, and yet they send this man. It felt like a large pit had settled in her stomach. Something was not right about this. Her fears came to life when he announced that he was here for Cassandra's betrothal... And she had some in the works? Rhiannon held back a groan. She had no intention of marrying any time soon... She wasn't even sure she'd ever want to get married, especially to a man that her parents would pick out... Her impressions of this man just weren't getting any better, either. He seemed to ignore her completely as he simply addressed Cassandra. This matter did concern only Cassandra and now William, but she was in their presence too. For the time being, she did stay out of it, but she would interject if she had to! Her sister's freedom was at stake. ★ Aw but why  |
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Post by Cassandra Amell on Oct 16, 2013 13:01:37 GMT -6
{Rhia, William} {I feel nervous now.}
i just want to start this over
Cassandra stiffened the moment he addressed them by that title. How did he know? She never introduced herself by her last name, nor did she ever reveal where they were from. Slim fingers curled against her palms as her nails dug into her skin. If she had to, then she would use what magic she knew on him. Blind panic would not help her, so she maintained a calm façade at the very least. Cassandra could feel the tenseness of her shoulders and the increasing pace of her heart against her chest. There was a creeping realization flickering through her mind on why this man was here, but she did not want to believe. Now? Why now? All she could hear was that familiar roaring sound in her eardrums before she forced herself to listen.
Blue eyes merely stared at this Lord William blankly as he bowed before them. This was not happening. This could not be happening. Cassandra did not want it to happen! Rhiannon was still standing behind her, but her sister’s presence faded from her mind when he pulled out papers to back up his claim on this engagement. Her expression continued to be eerily blank as all color drained from her cheeks. Cassandra had known this was coming, but no amount of preparation was enough to convince her to accept a fate like this. Being married to a complete stranger she did not know or love. Goddess, she did not even like him with how he was treating this like a business proposition.
The papers were held out before her like a taunting gesture. Cassandra remained rigid and silent as she stared at this agreement that had been reached without her consent. How long had she stood there merely staring at those papers? Eventually she reached out to take them with no trace of any emotion crossing her features. “I see,” she replied simply. A part of her wanted to yell and shout at him and tell him right where he could shove these papers. A cursory glance was swept over the papers before she held them back towards William.
“We shall see what becomes of this, Lord William.”
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Post by William Hamiliton on Oct 16, 2013 14:44:48 GMT -6
Stalking. Such a dirty word coming from the lips of the previously dancing princess. He felt himself regarding her with more coldness than necessary, unable to come up with something to say to her. Leaving it as that would worsen his already poor first impression, but he found himself unable to care enough to bother. Let Rhiannon think what she wanted. She was not of his concern in the long run. Cassandra stayed composed, which admittedly interested him. Based on what he knew of young girls of any race, having those papers thrown in his face and a tantrum following would have been rather likely. Still, he would take a cool tone and expression over that any day of the week. A person could veil distaste much easier than sheer annoyance. "Splendid. We will convene tomorrow at seven o'clock at the inn for breakfast. I will be staying there until the house situation is finalized. Until then, I bid the both of you good night and farewell, your highnesses." As a sign of respect, he would leave the two of them together until morning. Further conversations and arrangements could be made then. For now, finding his way back to the inn and getting some rest, and allowing the two of them to process things would be in his best interest. Hmm... things were going to be rather cold for awhile. ★ cassandra amell, rhiannon amell
★ drop the axe and flee, aww yeah~ |
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