Why hello there, intrepid explorer of forums! Welcome to Obdurate, where things are always ![]() Join our community! (If you do decide to register, please send a personal message to one of the administrators or leave a message in the cbox at the bottom of the page. This helps us cut down on spam. Thank you!) Then, of course, all you other people who already have accounts can sign in. You know the drill. |
| Under the Sea; Title May Change | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 23 2009, 11:36 AM (1,737 Views) | |
| Oop | Jun 23 2009, 11:36 AM Post #1 |
|
so they scream
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
With a flick of his tail, Valerian was on the other side of the room. Another flick and he was watching the stairs (or what used to be stairs - erosion had made it more of a ramp) fly past. In what seemed to be only seconds, he had found his way out of the ancient tower and back into the west hall of the palace. A minute later, he was in the throne room, barely breathing heavily. "Vale, I have a message for you to carry, and it's dire that you get it there," the King told him. Vale nodded gravely, but the King smiled fondly down at him. "I know you won't disappoint me, my son." A smile broke on Vale's face. My son. In reality, Vale was no prince - no king's son - but he had been adopted and treated as a prince his entire life. However, the stark truth was that he wasn't. He would inherit no throne, and he would never hold a crown in his hands. Not that he cared. As an orphan, what he had was more than anyone could ever hope for. The King handed him a kelp scroll, and Valerian tucked it into his belt purple sachel. Purple to alert whomever saw him that he was a messenger. Purple so he wouldn't be mistakingly attacked. After all, they were in the middle of a war. "You know where this goes," the King stated. Vale nodded. The other king. The one with two legs. The one they despised. "I'm seeking an end to this war, son. That scroll could be the future of two great kingdoms. I wouldn't entrust it to anyone but you, Vale." "I'll get it there or die trying," Vale stated. The King's eyes widened as if the thought appalled him. His eyes seemed to grow glassy. "Be careful," the King said, dismissing his adopted son. --- The sea was calm. No thunderstorms created sweeping currents, no whirlwinds tugged at his fins. Vale moved faster than he ever had in his life. An end to the war! It was almost unimaginable - incomprehensible! It gave Vale continuous energy, thinking about it. However, as he approached a common battle site on the outskirts of both Kingdoms, he slowed. Many times there were patrols in this area. Being a messenger sometimes involved stealth, although it wasn't in the job description. Vale looked around, then looked down at himself, startled to find that he could see the ocean floor where his body was supposed to be. So he hadn't simply imagined it last time: he could see through himself. In a flash, saving this phenomenon for later examination and contemplation, Vale dashed across the open field, which at one point had been a thriving reef. His heart pounded, but he eventually made it to the other side, where his body became visible once more. He didn't know why or how it had happened, but he wasn't complaining. The opposing kingdom was very similar to Vale's own, except the people there had two legs that they used. Most of them still had a tail like Vale's, but it was smaller and rarely used for anything more than balance. Instead, they kicked their legs, much like humans would. As much as Vale wanted to sneer at them, he kept his face a careful mask. He couldn't start a mob when he had a job to do. But that didn't keep the split-fins from glaring at him, the only thing keeping them at bay his purple sachel. They wouldn't dare attack a royal messenger... would they? So, that was kind of a lot longer than I was planning on making it, but I got carried away. This would be a fun story for a novel, too. Maybe I'll start my own story about merpeople? Sounds like fun. |
| If you're gonna hit it, hit it until it breaks. | |
![]() |
|
| Cookie Dough | Jun 23 2009, 04:12 PM Post #2 |
|
Death to Babies
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
The merpeople looked at the messenger and moved away from him, knowingly. In a flash the guards of their capitol had his single tail trapped; it would not hurt him, but it kept him from swimming. Regardless of their differences of two legs or one, they could both swim just as fast as each other. Lately, their tails were being used to help them swim even, but it was a work in progress and not very far progressed, at that. The lightly-armored merman pointed a long spear at the messenger's throat, "Who is your message for, and who is it from? What is the nature of your message?" The four other guards surrounded him, one holding the messenger's tail. Their red armor glinting eerily in the dim light. ---------------- Kala rested her head on her window sil, the curtains waving gently in the ocean currents. "Well, there's a weird merman." "Oh?" The blonde mermaid, her 'guardian,' looked over at Kala and swam to the window. Her light green shirt and blue pants clinging to her slim figure. "Oh yes, that is the King's adopted son- not our King of course. He must have a message for King Leon, 'else I see no reason for a letter. I wonder what it is about." "Maybe they want to make peace? You know, since we're kicking their asses." She smiled and drummed the window sil irritably. "I know I am your guardian only, but I cannot help feeling that you might want to have more poise- people look to you, you cannot be cursing and spitting on potential peace offerings." Her big green eyes were filled with saddness. "I've never even talked to 'the people!' So I don't want to hear this load of crap. Go away, I don't want you here." She shoved the mermaid harshly. "Of course, m' lady..." She slunk out of the room, closing the door quietly behind her. |
| |
![]() |
|
| Oop | Jun 23 2009, 06:20 PM Post #3 |
|
so they scream
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
A single guard holding his tail? Vale could have taken it as an insult (one flick of his almost-entirely-muscle tail could knock that man unconscious or possibly kill him), but he remained impassive instead. The spear at his throat was actually what kept him at bay, not the pathetic attempt at restraining him. Still, Vale marveled at the guards' audacity. He was considered a prince and diplomat at this point in time, as well as a messenger for King Kardon Taavi. Even in enemy territory, he should have been treated much better. He understood their cautiousness - the Kardon Empire itself was being extremely cautious of late - but he didn't understand this treatment. "I, Valerian Taavi, carry a message addressing King Leon from King Kardon Taavi," Vale announced loudly enough for all the curious ears to hear. It was no secret - they could know. The guards were the ones that had drawn (even more) attention to him anyway. They could deal with the rampant information and conspiracy rumors that would undoubtedly surface themselves. Besides, by answering the guards' questions, Vale also served to introduce himself publicly - always a good move in diplomatic situations. He wasn't afraid of the people knowing who he was; therefore, he wasn't a threat to them. If he wished ill, he would keep his name to himself. Once Vale thought about it, his even being here was a risk. As a close acquaintance to King Kardon, he could be a valuable bargaining chip if held captive here. He hadn't quite thought about that, and he wondered if the message was so important that his father would still risk his own son's capture anyway. "I don't know the nature of the message, but I was told it was of dire importance." In fact, Vale's appearance itself could most likely testify to that. Had the circumstances been any different, perhaps he would have stopped to pick off the stray seaweed caught in the fin of his back and those of his arms. Perhaps he would have untangled his shoulder-length aqua hair before dashing into the very heart of this foreign kingdom. But, for time's sake, he had forgone such fickle pleasantries. Vale wondered if the spear would be removed from his exposed throat any time soon. He wore no armor, carried no weapons, and was completely vulnerable. His violet and golden scales glittered in the light that filtered down from above, and he glanced around, still keeping his face a careful mask, though it threatened to break even as he wore it. He was nervous, and he wondered how long it would be before he got to hand the message to King Leon and leave - hopefully for good. Hmm. It would be an interesting plot twist if Vale got captured. I hadn't quite thought of that until I was mid-post. And it would keep our characters closer together, so they could actually interact. And it could keep the war going. |
| If you're gonna hit it, hit it until it breaks. | |
![]() |
|
| Cookie Dough | Jun 23 2009, 06:55 PM Post #4 |
|
Death to Babies
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
The guards looked at one another and the spear was removed, along with the restraint on his tail. However, this was not friendly for long, all five of the guards then pointed their spears at him, "Move slowly and you wont get hurt- at least, not by us." They glanced along the reefs that made the homes of the capitol's citizens. All their angry face peered out at him as he was escorted into the castle. The guards bowed as soon as they saw their king, "Your Majesty, this is-" The King's hand came up and silenced them immediatly, "Thankyou, but introduction is not necessary. I already know of him. You may go," The guards bowed again and left, the doors closing behind them with a quiet thud. The king's light hair was tied back in a neat, short ponytail. He wore a grand gown that flowed loosely in the ocean current as he stepped off his large throne. The fine white and gold threads of his gown matched the rare coral used to make his throne room. His green and blue eyes swirled wisely as he stepped right in front of the messenger. "Let me have this message, then, if it is of such importance." He held out one of his hands to receive the message. The guards in his palace tensed, very aware of the enemy so close to their beloved King Leon. All eyes were on the messenger, the guards wishing they could just slice his throat, but their loyalty and honor were more valuable than their temporary ease of mind. Besides, not even a fool would try to kill King Leon in the presence of so many of his, very dedicated, subjects. |
| |
![]() |
|
| Oop | Jun 23 2009, 07:19 PM Post #5 |
|
so they scream
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
A fool wouldn't try to kill King Leon at all. The merman was one of the largest Vale had ever seen. Despite all his bravado, Vale had nearly lost his nerve and fled in a flash of fins when the guards pointed their spears at him. Duty, image, and protocol had kept him in place, though. Vale felt uncomfortable with so many enemy eyes trained on him. He had long ago gotten used to being stared at, but not glared at. It was completely different. In his kingdom, people adored him, but here, he hadn't seen a single kind glance or gesture. Not that he'd really expected one, but a bit more courtesy for royalty should be in order. Besides, royalty didn't kill royalty. Everyone knew that. Just like in chess (that one human game that his father had once discovered in a sunken ship and endeavored to learn), the king couldn't kill the king. However, once he thought about this metaphor, Vale realized that there were no princes in chess, let alone adopted ones. Slowly, so as not to cause alarm, Vale removed the sachel from his shoulder. He knew better than to reach inside, though. Putting the scroll inside was one thing, but taking it out around so many uneasy guards could have tragic effects. (If one of them got too jumpy, then King Kardon wouldn't be happy having the body of his son returned to him.) "Here, sire. In the sincere name of King Kardon Taavi, I offer you this message." Perhaps, Vale thought a bit too late, he should have read the scroll. If it held ill intentions for the Leon Kingdom, then surely Vale's life would be forfeit. Of course, Vale was mostly sure that his father would have given him at least some warning, were that the case. Or maybe that had been what he had meant when he'd told Vale to be careful? Surely not. King Kardon was a peaceful man: he wouldn't drag out the war through a malovelent message... would he? Vale's palms felt very hot, and he could feel a small flush traveling up his bare back, but he said nothing. He could not lose his nerve now. He had to deliver the message, then get out. He knew if it came to fighting, he didn't stand a chance. Not only was he outnumber gods-knew-how-many to one, but he wasn't very sufficient in hand-to-hand or melee combat. His strength was with the bow, and he'd be an asset to any battle as long as he wasn't on the front lines. However, he didn't have any bow with him - not even a dagger or spear - and even if he did, it would be useless in an enclosed area such as this. Vale waited until King Leon had finished reading the scroll before stating (in a voice sounding far more confident than he felt), "I ask your pardon, sire. Also, if you would have it of me, I would deliver a response to King Kardon immediately." You can make the scroll say whatever, if you want, or I could. Kardon probably wouldn't declare war, but most likely offer a treaty or personal meeting before deciding anything. So, it's in the air - whatever you want. |
| If you're gonna hit it, hit it until it breaks. | |
![]() |
|
| Cookie Dough | Jun 23 2009, 08:04 PM Post #6 |
|
Death to Babies
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I don't know... You give it a message, I thought you had something for it or else I might have thought of something... >.> <.< King Leon took the scroll and read it, then he rolled it back up and stuck it in his gown before returning to his throne, "You will stay the night here. No one will harm you here either. Forgive us for our weariness, after the undercover thief was sent to steal my treasures we lost all trust of you." He was taking a shot and stating the truth, "Please escort him to a grooming." Two maids swam to him and lead him out and away, they did not seem tense at all. They took him down a long hall until another well-dressed merman approached, he was fairly young but obviously a prince. The emblem on his sleve gave that away. The maids dipped their heads. He was about 12, but still not grown, so he had to look up at them slightly, "What an odd batch of colors. I say, why is a single in the kingdom?" The taller of the two plainly dressed maids spoke quietly, "He is a son of the singles, he is to stay the night by your father's orders." "Really? Splendid! You two, make up the guest bed in my third bedroom!" When the maids left he grabbed Vale's hand with a strong grip. He pulled him down the halls, "You must be magical, your tail has unusual colors. You must meet Kayaneseque! She is the reencarnation of the Goddess of Life- she's magical too. A strange fellow like you! Maybe you are cousins? Your eyes are just like her's, your colors are strange, but similar. You could actually be related, I read a book saying our DNA is actually only different by 1.649% and so it is possible for singles and doubles to be even half siblings." The youngster was obviously very energetic and excited about Vale being here. He was so young, he might not have ever met a uni-tailed merperson before, since the war started before he was born. He pulled Vale across an enclosed tunnel with many beautiful windows lining the sides before stopping at a beautifully-crafted door. "Kala, are you awake?" The door opened and the strange mermaid looked down at the young merman, "Yes, the commotion outside-" That was when she noticed Vale, "The messenger boy?" "He is staying with us tonight! Look, his eyes are just like your's!" He wiggled excitedly. "Get him out of here, you know my owner- oops, I mean 'guardian'- will freak out if she-" She thought, "Actually! Come in come in, please tell me about yourself!" She sat down on one of her luxurious sofas, her long, silky hair floating around her shoulders delicatly. Her white bustier hugged her slender figure gently while long, white skirt waved at her feet carelessly. She was obviously comftorably dressed like this, because she had no attempted poise when she sat; all casuality. She gave a fake smile, but it was convincing enough. "I am Kayaneseque, as you probably already heard from Gefren, here. You can call me Kala for short though. Now please, sit, tell!" The merboy closed the door after he had led Vale into the room and sat down, fascinated by the two merpeople in the room. |
| |
![]() |
|
| Oop | Jun 23 2009, 08:33 PM Post #7 |
|
so they scream
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Let's just say it was asking for a personal meeting at the border of their two kingdoms. As a non-blood prince, Vale didn't have near enough power or influence to convince, tell, or beg to be released. Whatever King Leon commanded, he would have to obey. So, as two young mermaids swam forward to escort him, he simply said, with as much feeling and intonation as he could muster, "I thank you for your hospitality." Then he was led down a hallway where a young merman - a two-legged - approached them. Vale could tell he was a prince first by the maids' reactions, then by the emblem. Since he himself was considered a prince, he did not bow his head or show an inferior gestures, but simply nodded his head. He wasn't expecting to be mauled by information, or to be lead to some strange reincarnation of a goddess. He didn't really want to do anything but return to his own kingdom, but he figured he didn't have anything to lose: King Leon had said he was to stay the night, and so he would, if only to attempt to be a good representation of his kingdom and try to redeem his people's name. However, the idea of him being magical, and of this young prince thinking him magical, startled him. He thought he could turn invisible occasionally, but that was hardly something he wanted to share or exploit. Before he knew it, they stopped a beautifully ornate door, and a girl - a beautiful mermaid - answered. Vale found his voice dried up for a moment, something that never happened. She - Kala, as she introduced herself - invited them (Vale and Gefren, apparently) inside, and he moved inside awkwardly. He assumed only women of the two-legged vaiety lived in the space. Male mermen were longer by women by at least a foot (and Vale was abnormally long, anyway), plus him with his one tail made the space a maze of intense manueverability skills. However, he eventually sat on a sofa facing Kala, his long, long violet and golden tail draping over the edge as casually as he could get it. He did his best to keep it still, not wanting to knock anything over on accident. "My lady, there's not much to say. I live in the Kardon Kingdom and act as prince, messenger, and diplomat for the kingdom. As you probably know, I was adopted." Vale found it oddly uncomfortable to try and sit still with the current attempting to move his tail toward seemingly breakable items. "Might my lady prefer a casual swim to such formality?" he asked. He would have extended his hand, but he wasn't sure she would accept, and if she didn't, he would look like a fool. Truth be told, he simply wasn't comfortable in such surroundings, feeling so restrained and on-edge in a room designed for women two-leggeds. |
| If you're gonna hit it, hit it until it breaks. | |
![]() |
|
| Cookie Dough | Jun 23 2009, 09:07 PM Post #8 |
|
Death to Babies
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
"If only I could! You see, being a reincarnation of a goddess, I have less freedom than the lowliest of prisoners!" "Father is just trying to protect you, but when I'm king I'll set you free!" The little merboy said proudly. "By the time your king I'll be an old maid..." She sighed and got up, "I forgot, your tail, it's not as elegant as mine I 'spose." She lifted her skirt a little to reveal the two tails, "My odd features make them think I am a reencarnation of a goddess, I doubt it." She pulled the furniture away from him so he had a bubble of safety to not fear knocking anything over. "See, no problem?" "What about your people, do they belive in gods and goddesses?" She smiled charmingly at him, her eyes glistening, "You're the first one-tailed I've ever met, and the only man I've ever spoken to besides the king and my father." "Hey, I'm a man!" Gefren puffed his chest in an attempt to look bigger. She poked him stomach, causing him to deflate, "You're a kid, you don't count. There has to be more to you than just being the son of an important man. Tell me about your culture, I talk to people so rarely," It was easy to tell she was already growing tired of him, probably due to her snobbish upbringing that caused her to have no patience or care for others. |
| |
![]() |
|
| Oop | Jun 23 2009, 10:34 PM Post #9 |
|
so they scream
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Vale frowned slightly for two reasons. First of all, the fact that the girl had so little freedom. And, second of all, the fact that the girl insulted him on something that he could hardly change. For someone so seemingly important, she had little social tact. "Yes, I suppose it can be rather clumsy in tight areas," Vale replied reluctantly, barely keeping the counter-insult from slipping from his mouth. He thought that single tails were much more beautiful than a split one. His people considered themselves lucky to have such flattering, fluid shapes, rather than the awkward and sharp angles of two legs. They may not have seemed more elegant, but they were more graceful in their own way, and when it came to slicing through the water, their single tails were unparalleled. Though she asked another question, Vale got the sneaking suspicion that she didn't really care. He decided to answer, anyway, for the sake of politeness. "Yes, we believe in gods and goddesses. Twice a year, we hold kingdom-wide festivals. There are balls at the palace after the marriage cerimonies are performed before the King, Queen, and High Priests and the wedding bands sealed around the couples' upper arms. After each festival, we fast for four weeks. Um... I can't think of much else to tell you, my lady." Besides, Vale was almost as bored as Kala looked. And he should be leaving soon, anyway. "I beg your pardon, miss, but I'm afraid I should be taking my leave. The hour grows late and I don't want to be found missing, should King Leon call on me. I pray you have a nice evening, and perhaps we shall talk again soon." He pushed himself gracefully from his seat, once again being careful where he placed his tail, and with a flick of his fins, he was at the door, waiting for the younger prince to hopefully follow so he wouldn't have to wander the castle alone. He knew he had been far too lengthy with his departing words, but as a prince and a diplomat, it was important to play the part. Back home, people would laugh at his formality and politeness, but here, it could be the difference between continuous war or lasting peace. "It was nice to meet you, Kala," Vale said before slipping through the door and back the way he had come. |
| If you're gonna hit it, hit it until it breaks. | |
![]() |
|
| Cookie Dough | Jun 24 2009, 01:34 AM Post #10 |
|
Death to Babies
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
"Hmm... Bye!" She smirked as he left, Gefren swimming after Vale. "Gefren, froy chunrt gosweqt," She then closed her door quietly. Gefren turned quickly, but found himself too late to reply, "Kai! Festiy lui re'chten! ti!" All the upper class knew English, but two other languages circled among the two-legged; the commoners (aka slang that all of them knew) and the proper (much more difficult and only spoken by extreme upperclass). The common was known to other kingdoms, but the proper was purposefully kept secret. If one knew the common to the utmost fluency, some words could be, very loosely, decifered. Gefren looked to Vale, "She says she doubts she will see you again. Don't worry, I dragged you to her, I wont let them blame you." He shook in suprise as guards surrounded them. "Why was this outsider in the Sacred Chambers?" One snorted, pointing a sharp spear at Vale. "They are strangely similar, I ordered him to come with me." He suddenly sounded so mature and authorative, "Juin devrrit?" The guards looked at each other, confused. "Oh, sorry, I forgot. Lijin deurt?" He smirked as he said the last part, obviously insulting the fact that he was upperclass, and they were not so he had to use a lower form of language so they would understand. The guards sighed, "You know it is not proper to have men, especially outsiders, in her chambers... It is against the will of the gods..." "He is not an outsider any more than our goddess herself, we have one more leg then he does, she has one more leg than we do; but he is the outsider here? Don't point your spears at princes- monitor duty for a week as punishment for your disrespect, go away now!" He shook his finger at them. Once the guards had left, he turned to Vale, "Don't worry, I've got your back!" He was so comftorable around Vale, it was almost as if he was around his kind a lot more than not at all, since he was so able to swim with Vale without collision or getting in the older merman's way. He stopped at a fairly large bedroom, "You can sleep here for the night, there is a grooming over there as well so you can clean yourself up, I'm two doors down if you need me for anything, but we also have maids- so... Are you okay, or did you need something else before I go?" |
| |
![]() |
|
| Oop | Jun 24 2009, 04:52 PM Post #11 |
|
so they scream
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
As yet another spear came uncomfortably close to his flesh, Vale forgot to appear indifferent and glared for a moment before catching himself. However, Gefren disclosed the situation without much of a scene, and soon led Valerian to a large, ornate bedroom. He had to admit that he was shocked by the younger prince's logic. Vale himself had often considered the differences between the two kinds of merpeople insignificant, but because he was a prince, it was his duty to support the King's decisions, and hence the war. "Yes, before you leave, could you please find out if your father - King Leon, I mean - has a message for me to take when I return tomorrow? That would be helpful." As at-ease as Gefren was, Vale just couldn't seem to loosen up. Gefren might not have understood Vale's position. The younger merman was at home, and apparently had never strayed too far from it. Vale was in foreign, enemy lands with no weapons, no guards, and no form of communication back home. As a messenger, this would be bad enough, but as a diplomat, it was hard. He had to represent his entire Kingdom during a period of war. Also, there was the fact that he was a prince, making him a valuable pawn. The only thing that might make a difference would be the fact that he wasn't a prince by blood. If he were captured and his father feigned indifference, he might be released, spared, or simply killed. It was easy to be carefree in his own kingdom, surrounded by people who adored him and would protect him with their lives, but here, it was hard to be at ease. Vale entered into the room, closing the door quietly behind him. He removed his sachel, placed it on the end of the bed and then collapsed on top of the ritzy sheets that only royalty could afford. Vale was accustomed to them, but didn't have them on his own bed. Strangely, it was custom that he not be equal with the real prince even if he were considered a prince, so he often had very common material things. Within moments, Vale had fallen deeply asleep. Swimming around his own kingdom all morning, then making the journey here at break-neck speed had drained him more than he'd originally thought. I always feel strange making my characters sleep, but it usually leaves the next post open for time-skips and stuff. |
| If you're gonna hit it, hit it until it breaks. | |
![]() |
|
| Cookie Dough | Jun 24 2009, 05:24 PM Post #12 |
|
Death to Babies
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
"Vale! Wakey wakey! My dad's going off to meet your dad at the border to talk about the war. We can watch from the top of the Sacred Chamber Main Tower, come on, come on!" The little merman was so excited he grabbed Vale's hand and dragged him down the halls. For one so small he was incredibly powerful- like his dad. He almost hit a wall as he threw open the doors to Kala's little room and then swam strait up to the very top. Kala was already resting against the high window sil, her elegant figure moving gently to remain steady. She was wearing silk pajamas with special added features to help accomadate her tails, fins, and other non-human petrusions on her body. "See them over there, look." Kala pointed out the window at the large clump in the distance. Gefren went closer, "I wonder what they will say- what was the letter about Vale?" ----------------------- King Leon halted the small army that followed him, "You wish to make peace? What do you propose, then? Even a marriage between my eldest daughter and your son would be fruitless, it is no secret we both care little for them. I highly doubt either of our citizens will except anything less than their most beloved idols to unite our kingdoms. There is nothing to bargain- to unite our people without a most disastorous civil war splitting the royalty, and the different people. I have to do right by my people as do you- so what can we do?" The king finished solemly, looking to the other king. Obviously, peace was wanted, at least by King Leon. |
| |
![]() |
|
| Oop | Jun 24 2009, 08:27 PM Post #13 |
|
so they scream
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Are you thinking they should get married, then, or what? With minimal resistance, Vale managed to get his body up and moving. He stretched his tail and arms before zipping through the water to the door. Gefren snatched his hand and powered down the hallways, but Vale kept up easily, being older and hence longer than the younger prince. Vale's entire body nearly floated out the window as he strained to see the two figures in the distance. That was definitely his father and King Leon - the two were both unmistakable. "I don't know what it was about. I think it just proposed a meeting between the two kings, and the real details are being worked out now." Vale's nerves were on edge. He should be down there. He was a prince (though not formally), a messenger, and a diplomat. He couldn't believe he'd overslept. "I should be down there..." he said to himself, not realizing he'd spoken out loud. ---- King Kardon sat atop his water steed: a breed of masive seahorse found in the far reaches of the ocean where human eyes had never seen. (Of course, they'd only taken four and bred them together - occasionally letting them go and capturing new ones to prevent inbreeding - to create their current supply of sea-going mounts.) He stroked it's orange side affectionately as King Leon spoke, thinking critically. The other king was correct: this peace wouldn't be as simple as a marriage. Neither his own son or the other kingdom's princess was highly valued to either merpeople nation. If he were to marry someone for peace, it would have to be Vale, and he wasn't sure he wanted to do that to himself, his wife, or his people. Vale held a special place in their hearts. "To be honest, King Leon, I came here with little in mind but peace between our kingdoms. I have no real plans, but this violence must come to an end. As you know, the humans are becoming a threat, and we cannot fight amonst ourselves and fend them off for long. We must work together. "I propose this: let my younger son, Valerian Taavi, stay among your people. He is not my son by blood, but is treasured by the people of my kingdom. Let him learn and be an example of my people's will of peace. In return, you send a deligate to my kingdom, to represent your people and learn of and from us. Both will be protected under strict laws, and if one acts displeasingly, another shall be sent in their place." He could hear the gasps and whispers of the merpeople who had accompanied him to the border. The civilians were impossible to keep at bay, and he had brought his royal guard. "Will this be sufficient until more permanent terms can be decided upon?" It wounded King Kardon to do such to his beloved son - his kingdom's beloved prince - but it was the only way he could find to buy time and have both peoples grow accustomed to each other. To prevent more violence, this cultural mixing would need to be taken one step at a time. Vale was the perfect candidate to stay, learn, and represent. Open-minded, young, enigmatic, and trained, there was no one better suited for the job. Of course, his real son would see this as a snub of authority and would no doubt throw a fit, but that was one more reason Vale was the better choice. He did not know who, if he accepted these temporary terms, King Leon might send, and it didn't matter, so long as they possessed the same characteristics as Vale and could carry out the duties. His people would be in great woe over the loss of their prince, but they would have hope in knowing he would return safely. ------ "Gefren, we have to get down there. We're princes - it's our responsibility." As Gefren had done earlier, Vale grabbed his hand. Without thinking, he also grabbed Kala's delicate wrist. With one massive whip of his tail, he was tugging both out the window toward the scene below. Adrenaline, nerves, and single-minded determination made him much stronger than usual, and he barely noticed any resistance put up by either of other two merpeople as he swam as fast and hard as he could for his father, lean muscles straining and jaw set in grim motivation. That should keep them all together while still leaving room for more negotiation (aka plot), if necessary. |
| If you're gonna hit it, hit it until it breaks. | |
![]() |
|
| Cookie Dough | Jun 24 2009, 09:09 PM Post #14 |
|
Death to Babies
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Not particularly... King Leon gave a polite nodd, "I find this an excellent idea. My second eldest son, Jtein, can accompany you back, your son will stay here, with my people for the time being. I look forward to peace between our people, shall we meet here again soon?" A fairly young merman swam to King Leon and bowed to the opposing king, "I would be honored, I am well respected by my people and would love to be able to meet the people of your lands as well. Hopefully we can put an end to this war. However, I must admit, I have not ridden one of those creatures before, so perhaps I may ride with my own beast for now?" He smiled, his long blonde hair floated behind him as he said goodbye to his father and mounted a large barricuda, petting it affectionatly. "Not much of a princely ride, I know, I never found need to learn to ride other creatures. Perhaps during my stay away from home I may learn?" He urge the creature forward, his strong legs gripping the sides of the creature as it slithered to the side of King Kardon. Now, upon closer inspection, he could have not been younger than fifteen, so he was not too young. King Leon smiled, "Then I part from you, in confidence of future peace between us." He whistled and his carriage came once more, two tiger sharks pulling the little thing. He went to step inside when a shrill whistle gave off, he swam up to investigate, "Ah! The goddess!" Without even the slightest pause he untied a shark from the front and sped to his kingdom. The small army and Jtein also swam as fast as they could, all panicing over 'the goddess'. Vale was shoved into the wall of the tower by seven guards and surrounded by several more, soon even more, and the townspeople. The townspeople quickly began chanting ominously. "Traitorous villans!" "He tried to kidnap the goddess!" "Kill him!" "Skin him alive!" "We should have never trusted them!" "King Leon, they have betrayed us!" King Leon pushed through, he did not understand! They were to make peace! Why this?! He whispered something to the guards, then they all made their way back to the border. King Leon jumped off his shark, sword in hand, "How dare you? You speak of peace while your lieing son goes to take our goddess! I admit the war was started over something all to silly, but this? No one laid a hand on him! You traitor! Liar!" He looked back at the much larger army now behind him; mostly because half the capitol had come with him. Five men brought Vale into a visual range, guarding him carefully. They had his hands bounds and a weight on his tail being carried by three mermen behind him. Gefren went to Vale, his eyes wide in confusion, "I thought we were friends? I trusted you!" He swam away into the mass of armed soldiers. "No son of mine will stay with you! I accept to attempt at peace, and you spit in my face!" King Leon quickly was on his shark again, waiting for an explanation. The soldiers looked angrily at the masses before them, the ones with Vale holding sharp blades to his throat and glaring down at him. |
| |
![]() |
|
| Oop | Jun 24 2009, 10:21 PM Post #15 |
|
so they scream
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Good. I don't really want them to get married. Maybe way later, but not now. Comotion broke out. In the confusion, Vale found himself bound and unable to swim, not that he resisted much. He hadn't realized he'd done something wrong. His golden eyes were wide in fear and uncomprehension, testimony enough to his innocence. He tried to speak, but no one heard him over the booming accusations. Even Gefren, who of all people should have known better, accused him. Finally, his father came to his rescue, bursting through the ring of royal guards surrounding him. "Silence!" he shouted, stunning not only the crowd, but also Vale himself. He jerked his head in the direction of his father's voice, accidentally causing a spear to make a shallow cut on his neck that bled violet blood. Lucky for him, sharks didn't react to merblood. Never having raised his voice in the presence of... well, anyone, the silence King Kardon created lingered. "Let the boy explain himself, and I'm sure we'll all be placated." Solemn and once again silent, he gestured toward Vale, who looked around, summoning every ounce of courage he had to raise his head, to look every angry, glaring person he could directly in the eye. "I am nothing if not honest, and I had no intentions of kidnapping anyone. I give you my word." Wasn't it proof enough that he had been swimming toward them? If he were to kidnap someone, why would he do that? "I was aware that the girl is a goddess, yes, but I thought she would have the freedom to be part of the negotiations, considering her important status." Vale took a deep breath, the cut at his throat burning much more than it should have. He looked at his father, who gravely nodded his acceptance and approval. Valerian could see the pride there. Despite these accusations, Vale had managed to defend himself as best as he could. No one could hope for more. His story fit, he seemed sincere, eyes no longer so wide, but confusion still muddling them and his head held up, able to make eye contact. Slowly, the accused merman looked around until he made eye contact with King Leon. As well as he could, with his tail weighted and hands bound, he bowed before the man. "I sincerely apologize for my rash actions, and I humbly beg you and your people's forgiveness. I will do whatever it takes to make it up to you. Please do not let my ignorance reflect on my people or affect the outcome of this possible alliance." Vale continued awkwardly bowing, eyes now turned down toward the sandy ocean floor. A stray sea current blew his aqua hair wildly, and time seemed to stand still. Finally, King Kardon came to his rescue once more. "There you have his explanation and apology, as well as a testimony of his willingness to compensate for his actions. Will you accept the temporary terms?" King Kardon asked, looking directly to King Leon. Lucky for him, Vale had a certain way with words that, though lengthy (as was the royal way), always expressed his genuine intentions and emotions. Now all that remained was for King Leon to accept... or decline. |
| If you're gonna hit it, hit it until it breaks. | |
![]() |
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · Ferngully · Next Topic » |






![]](http://z4.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)




7:52 PM Jul 10