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Post by autumn! on Mar 30, 2011 19:29:46 GMT -5
princess FROSTThe sun had barely peeked above the cliffs that acted as a horizon for the gryphons, but Frost was already up, her wide blue eyes blinking in the sunlight. Wordlessly she slipped out of her ornate room, slinging a satchel over her back as she did so. Another day meant more studying and training to do, and the young princess would make sure to fulfill her every duty.
Her first stop was the palace training ground. Smaller in size but far more up-to-date in its equipment, this private courtyard made an excellent space for skyward sparring. There were no ceilings cutting it off, and there were plenty of fresh dummies for tearing apart.
There wasn't a soul to be seen, so Frost shook off her bag and took out a list of the forms she was learning. Wordlessly, she fluffed herself up and spread her wings, and began to go through the movements one by one.
She would be perfect-- she had to be perfect-- for her kingdom.
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Post by Batty Caufield on Mar 31, 2011 0:22:17 GMT -5
"Good morning, daughter. I see you are as diligent as ever about your exercises."
Queen Glacier waited patiently for Princess Frost to turn around and face her, as was expected of the princess. She would have another long day ahead of her, of course; but one must never compromise in the face of her people, never grow lax, never stop being strong.
Glacier's own strength seemed to be low enough. She had slept little these past two days, and though she tried not to let others notice, she could feel the ache of fatigue in her bones. Everything seemed distant and unfocused to her; the sounds of Frost performing combat exercises were tinny and not entirely clear.
Nevertheless, she could not show that she was tired. she would have to be strong for her daughter. Splaying her wings wide, Glacier took to the air, flapping right up to her daughter.
"It is good for you to be practicing, but these dummies will simply not do. You should be expecting an opponent who will fight back, who will counter your attacks with their own."
"Why not spar with me this morning? I could use the exercise, and you could probably use the practice. I can afford a small break from managing an empire for my daughter, after all."
Glacier smiled, then; it was small, and lasted little, but it nevertheless conveyed a sense of warmth towards her kin.
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Post by Split on Mar 31, 2011 1:02:40 GMT -5
KING DARIUS !
His feet clacked against the ground as he moved, his eyes narrowed suspiciously. He'd been busy trying to come up with the day's plans when he heard sounds coming from the Training Grounds. It was far too early for anyone to be there; clearly, one of his children was up already.
As he rounded the corner, his wings spread out and settled again, ruffling as unease settled over him as he gazed upon his daughter and his wife. "Why, every gryphon is up early today, I see," King Darius said, before coming to a halt in front of his wife. "I don't suppose you mind telling me why there is a racket going on in my morning meditations?" He said gruffly, glaring between the two.
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Post by Batty Caufield on Mar 31, 2011 17:55:46 GMT -5
Queen Glacier turned around, awestruck. Darius never failed to have this effect on her; his magnificent bearing and bold, predatory demeanor inspired awe in a manner befitting of a god.
"My lord," Glacier purred, returning to the ground and dipping her head in respect. "Forgive me. I merely wished to visit my daughter before returning to my quarters for slumber. You may rest assured that our current difficulties with iron have been...lightened, somewhat."
"Unless, of course, there is something you would like me to do." she added, raising her head and daring to make eye contact with King Darius. Instantly her heart palpitated and she could feel her face blushing. This Gryphon saved me from a life of wretchedness and regret. I can never repay him enough, she thought as she struggled to keep her bearing regal.
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Post by autumn! on Mar 31, 2011 18:27:48 GMT -5
Frost's ear tufts stood up straight as she froze at the sound of her mother's voice. Soundlessly, she drifted down straight into a bow, lowering her eyes respectfully. "Good morning, Mother," she murmured, pulling out of the bow. It was just then that the king showed as well, and Frost folded her front legs again. "And good morning, Father."
"I apologize for any noise I have made; I was just getting my forms out of the way before I returned to the library to study," explained Frost quietly as she folded her wings and assumed an erect sitting position. "I'll try to be quieter in the future." |
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Post by Split on Apr 1, 2011 0:30:01 GMT -5
KING DARIUS !
King Darius gazed at his wife. She really should sleep more, He thought sadly. She works too hard. A lady should relax and be pampered. Not this. He then glanced at his daughter. She should know better than to think that fighting was less important than studying for her. After all, it would be their son who would be heir. He would fight for that.
"Glacier, dear, walk with me. Frost, please finish up soon. Your studying is of utmost importance," Darius said, his wings lightly ruffling.
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Post by autumn! on Apr 1, 2011 16:58:27 GMT -5
Her eyes fixed on the king, Frost kicked her scroll of forms shut and quickly returned it to her bag. "Yes, father," she intoned. "I was just finishing them up early so I could spend the rest of the day in the library and observing any proceedings in the royal court." So it was a bit of a lie, for the young gryphon had hardly started her forms, but her intentions were pure. Nonetheless she felt a twinge of guilt as she did fib.
Wordlessly, she slung her bag over her back again and slowly backed away a few paces, giving her father some space. She highly respected the king, even admired him, but there was still something about his imposing presence that sent shivers down her spine and made her desperate for his approval. |
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Post by Split on Apr 2, 2011 16:36:07 GMT -5
KING DARIUS !
King Darius flicked his tail as he watched her go, before he turned and began to walk with his wife. He didn't speak for a moment as he gathered his thoughts together. I don't know why that girl is so determined to fight. She needs only the basic knowledge of a warrior. Most of her time should be spent studying... sigh. He thought dryly, before cocking his head towards Glacier.
"You've been quite busy lately, m'lady," Darius murmured, his voice lower and warm as he gazed at his wife. How did I get so lucky to find such a beautiful girl? She's more than I could have hoped for. "You barely sleep by my side any more. What ails you?"
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Post by Batty Caufield on Apr 2, 2011 17:59:13 GMT -5
"Oh, m'lord. It is nothing of importance..." Queen glacier began.
And stopped. She would have to choose her words very carefully to avoid implying anything but the best of intentions towards the king. HER king. Her lord.
Her Darry.
"There is just so much work to do..." She began. "I've sought to help you so much in our affairs that sometimes in my haste and confusion i...have accidentally neglected to be by your side. There is the business with the winters, and the food shortages. and, of course, the ponies."
She paused.
"I'm sorry, m'lord. None of this should have led me to neglect you. I just wanted..." She mumbled, staggering slightly. In her haste to collect herself, she reared back to better footing, pulling her head up almost to Darius' face.
A faux pas. Nervously, she craned her neck to rub her head with Darius'. Of course, she didn't want to make his highness nervous...but there was so much to DO.
She just wanted to help. and, of course, to still be loved.
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Post by Split on Apr 2, 2011 19:52:00 GMT -5
KING DARIUS !
The king sighed, listening to her words. She overworks herself, He thought sadly. When she suddenly reared, he didn't flinch, just watched curiously. She seemed nervous. As she began to rub her neck against his own, he closed his eyes, pausing in his walking. He gently rubbed back, purring lightly.
"You overwork yourself, my love," He murmured. "You need more time to yourself. Let us men take care of the affairs."
Of course, she would understand his words. It was the rightful place of a woman to do as asked, but spend most of her time relaxing and gossiping and chatting with the others. Every gryphon knew that.
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Post by Batty Caufield on Apr 3, 2011 16:04:39 GMT -5
"of course, my love" Glacier murmured, and for a second gave herself away to the sheer feeling of being with her lord. It were the moments like these that she treasured more than any other: time spent away from the routine, away from work and away from the intrigues of the court. Here, she could just give herself to being with her husband, walking calmly through the training grounds with her beloved.
"I just wish i could be more of use to you, m'lord. I wouldn't want to see you harried, or..." Glacier trailed off.
There would be no more use discussing things with him. His bold gaze was almost impenetrable, like a wall of force; and all of a sudden Glacier knew her protestations would be of no use anymore.
"m'lord." she finished, lamely. "what would you have me do?"
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Post by Split on Apr 4, 2011 0:36:51 GMT -5
KING DARIUS !
He smiled slightly, amazed at her again. She was too kind - but in many ways, as well, overly kind. Maybe it's part of not being Royal. I've been spoiled. He mused lightly. Servants do as they're told because they have no other choice. A Royal does what he does because he can do whatever he wants... but she. He thought quietly for a moment, perceiving the situation. She does what she can for the nation. As any faithful subject would. I just wish sometimes she would take more pleasures in life. Being Royal isn't all work.
He began walking again, continuing a slow, steady pace. "For now, my beautiful queen, just rest. I will tell you when I am in need of your assistance. A fair lady like you doesn't want to get wrinkles early from too much work," He teased.
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Post by Batty Caufield on Apr 4, 2011 15:41:59 GMT -5
"Of course, m'lord" she replied, smiling. "wake me should you need anything. Perhaps you could even join me, should you find everything suitable."
The queen yawned, then brushed one last time against Darius' brow before staggering off. The minutes passed in a blur for her; she could not remember how she returned to the bedroom, or even what path she had taken to get there.
The bed was rumpled on Darius' side, the covers torn away, the pillows rumpled. Her side, however, looked entirely untouched. Evidently, she had forgotten to set time aside from her schedule to sleep last night.
While the rational side of her brain told her that there was still work to be done (still letters to write to the council, still the business with the food shortages to address...), she could not help but feel a strong urge to climb under the covers and rest. Gingerly she did so. I can afford a minute or two of relaxing...just a spare amount of time, nothing more. Darius would not want to see me lax, after all. a queen must be as strong as her king.
Glacier pulled the covers over her, nestled her head into a pillow and thought, quietly, of Darius and the unfinished business with the ponies. In less than a minute, she was fast asleep, her breathing soft and steady.
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Post by Split on Apr 4, 2011 16:43:09 GMT -5
KING DARIUS !
King Darius watched as she left. He waited until she rounded the corner towards their sleeping corners before walking a few steps forward. He looked up to the sky and in a breath of fresh air, he punched against the ground and was sailing in the air. He glided for a brief minute, not opening his eyes. He felt the wind through his feathers and the taste of dew on his tongue. He loved the morning peace.
He opened his eyes slowly, taking in the bright light from the sun. He flew gracefully through the clouds until he landed on the highest spoke of his beautiful castle, digging his talons into the side. This was his favorite perch, even if it was at an inclined angle. He spread his wings out and let the air run through them as his eyes closed with peace. When they opened, he crawled higher until he was at the top point.
He looked outward into his kingdom. It was truly beautiful. Far more beautiful than that civilization of Ponies that was growing out there. He felt like the king of the world - not just a small group of Gryphons. He smiled before releasing his talons from the side and swooping down. He landed easily back in the courtyard, stretching to feel his muscles out after the good fly.
A servant stood waiting for him when he landed. The servant bowed, and at once held out a written message. He walked forward and took it, reading it at once.
Your daughter has arrived for studying.
He nodded. These quiet checks on his children were something that no one knew but him and his most trusted workers. In his wife knew nothing of it, and certainly not the children. "Thank you. You may leave," King Darius said gravely, trying to act as if it was some important matter to the insignificant servant. The servant bowed and left, and Darius watched him go.
King Darius flew back into the sky again, the letter clutched firmly in his talons. He flew past the border of his castle - not hard, considering it was on the edge of the land - and into a deep wood. He chose a select choice of spot and dropped the letter. He watched as it fell before he returned to his castle and landed once more.
Now he walked the way his wife had walked several minutes before. He nudged the door to the room open, stopping at the entrance.
He watched silently as his wife slept. After watching for several moments he pushed the door slightly aside and walked up to her side of the bed, getting closer to her. When she slept, the absolute peace on her face seemed almost too beautiful. He nestled his head against her neck for a moment, breathing in her rich scent. "Do not forget how much I love you, Glacier." He murmured quietly, before standing up to leave.
He paused, though, right before he left the door. He cocked his head back, looking toward her. A certain sadness eased its way into his bones, and he wasn't sure why. He shook it off, before making his way out of the door.
He took a deep breath, before looking towards a servant guard who stood watch outside their room. "Make sure she sleeps for some time. She needs it," Darius told the servant, before stretching his wings and flying off.
It was time to pay a visit to the Ponies.
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