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Post by Elvander on Mar 29, 2021 3:23:34 GMT
Nadia:
Each second that passed was more time for Nadia’s mood to plummet toward the depths of hell. The afternoon sun was unbearably hot, she was filthy from her trek through the swamp, and the bloody corpses that surrounded her were beginning to reek of death. And to top it all off, she couldn’t expel the infuriating stranger from her thoughts. More than once, she’d felt inclined to storm back to his shack and pick up where they left off, but her pride was far too rampant. Instead, she remained stationed atop the overturned carriage, allowing her anger to reach a boiling point.
Finally, like a mirage appearing in the distance, her rescue party appeared in the form of one familiar soldier. She stared Talion down as he approached, her gaze cold and calculated as though she was planning out how she was going to tear him to pieces. Just a few short months ago, she could recall confiding in Talion at one of her lowest points. Compared to the nobility that had looked down at her in disgust, she had found Talion to be approachable, despite his dangerous reputation. In a castle full of strangers, she had considered him a friend. But that felt like a lifetime ago. Things had changed and Nadia had evolved from the sniffling little slave girl that had fallen for a king. Now, she had the king- but that wasn’t enough.
Talion’s pitiful look was met with outright hostility- a warning for him to tread carefully. Nadia was already embarrassed over her frazzled appearance and tragic predicament, and the last thing she needed was a man to attempt to coddle her. She could sense that Talion was likely among the people that didn’t respect her as a queen. Even the way he addressed her- my lady- was evidence of that fact. Perhaps her title was not yet official, but her delicate hand boasted a dazzling engagement ring from Alister. If that wasn’t proof enough of her impending royal status, then she would have to demand respect in other ways. Fortunately, her sharp tongue and brazen wit were proving to be just as valuable as her untouchable status as Alister’s precious wife to be.
“Tell me, Talion,” she began, ignoring his question completely, “Who is responsible for the soldiers who escorted me today?” she questioned, her tone laced with disrespect for the men who had been slaughtered by a couple of lowly highway bandits. Most of the bodies of her guard were strewn further up the road, though one laid still beneath her dangling feet, his Raevaryn uniform stained with blood, “Who trained them, and who assigned them to my royal guard?” Her tone was crisp and forthright, like the hiss of a snake before it struck. She wanted answers right then and there, and it was clear that she wasn’t going to move from her spot until he provided them.
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Post by Elvander on Mar 29, 2021 3:24:06 GMT
Talion pulled up short as he was hit with a wave of fury coming of Nadia in ripples. It felt controlled but barely repressed, and his own rage reared up to respond, attracted as if it were a moth to a flame. He had to admit, it shocked him. The last time he'd spoken with her, she'd been a broken girl. It was suddenly very clear to him that things had changed. The heat inside him coiled in response, as if asking if he wanted to lash back. But he merely shifted in his saddle, watching her with his dark eyes like pools of night. "It was I, your Grace. I trained them and assigned them to your detail." His tone was tight and clipped, and he felt the sting of embarrassment touch him as he was held accountable. And for the first time, Talion realized how truly dire this scene was. If she spoke to Alister of this, if she held him on the chopping block, he could lose his head. Respect began to tease his feelings as he stared at the queen to be, disheveled but undeniably still beautiful. Rather than speaking again, he decided to hold his tongue, dismounting from his horse. He tossed Nadia a canteen of water and silently began to drag the bodies of his brothers in arms together into a pile. It would take too much effort to bring them back, and a funeral pyre here was as good as one anywhere else. He'd set them alight after he returned Nadia safely to the castle.
As he worked, he dared to peak up at her through the curtain of his brown hair, still feeling quite tongue tied. Talion was a man of few words on a good day, but on a day like this, he had even less to say. In the end, she would decide his fate regardless of whether he pleaded with her or not. Ryshon approached the queen, sniffing at her hand in a friendly way. It appeared his pet didn't share his misgivings. "Where are the men responsible?" he inquired finally, wondering if she knew where they had gone. If they were still alive, it was his duty to track them down.
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Post by Val on Mar 30, 2021 3:53:30 GMT
Nadia’s smoldering eyes remained trained on Talion as he fessed up and took accountability for the dire circumstances she’d been subjected to. Ultimately, his honesty and careful choice of words was rewarded. She released a breath and finally unpinned him from her penetrating stare. After the disrespect and obstinance she’d endured from the swamp creature, Talion’s submission was enough to ease the rigid tension that was wracking her body.
When the canteen was tossed in her direction, she watched idly as it landed with a thud on the surface of the carriage beside her. She made no move to catch it, not keen on the idea of fumbling like a fool to catch a flying object that was hurdled in her direction. She reached for it after a moment and tipped the bottle against her lips, taking a few delicate sips of water. Gods, she was parched. It was no surprise that her ungracious host had not offered her any form of hydration and sent her back out into the sweltering wilderness without a second glance. She fumed once more, though this time her rage was directed inward, rather than at Talion as he dragged the corpses of his fellow soldiers into a pile.
Nadia eyed Talion’s companion as it approached her and lifted her hand to pat the top of the fox’s head dismissively. If the general found the creature to be useful, then so be it, but Nadia had little affection to offer the curious animal. Her eyes snapped back to Talion as he spoke again, still on edge and not in the mood to be interrogated, even if the question was a reasonable one.
Nadia’s eyes drifted toward the edge of the road where the dense tree line concealed the swampy graves of the bastards who had dared to attack her. She lifted a hand absentmindedly to her cheek where she’d been struck with a nasty backhand. Her skin felt tight and swollen, though it was disguised rather well by her olive skin tone. The damage was minor compared to what could have happened if Lincoln hadn’t showed up when he did. Being the damsel in distress had worked for her so far, on several occasions, but she couldn’t rely on strangers coming to her aid anymore. She was to be Queen and she needed protection fit for a Queen. Since Lincoln refused her offer, it was time to take her proposition elsewhere.
“Dead,” she finally replied matter of factly. Nadia made no further effort to elaborate, not feeling that she owed Talion any answers. For now, Lincoln was her little secret. After all, Talion was still on the chopping block, with his fate resting precariously in the palm of her hand. The wrathful side of her wanted to make an example of him, simply because there was no one else to blame and she was in need of a way to display her power. There was only one problem; she liked Talion. From what she knew of him, he possessed the traits of an ideal number two. Not a control freak like Roman, who treated Alister like a burdensome, overgrown child. Not a stubborn brute like Lincoln who had refused to even walk her home. Talion was by all means loyal, equipped with experience that she lacked, and he was capable of holding his tongue- but he certainly knew when to bite. As lovely as it all sounded, Nadia’s expectations would be difficult to meet. For all she knew, beneath that stoic exterior of his, he loathed her just as much as the people who wanted her dead. If Talion did want her to confide in him, then he would have to earn her trust.
Without another word, Nadia dropped down from her perch on the carriage and landed nimbly on the ground. She swept her long hair back behind her shoulders and approached Talion’s horse without hesitation. Reaching up to grip the saddle, she placed one bare foot in the stirrup and hoisted herself up onto the horse. She took care to sit side-saddle like a proper lady, balancing with her legs crossed delicately over the right flank of the horse. Once she was settled, her attention returned to Talion with an air of impatience. She was sick of being surrounded by death, and she wanted the man’s attention on her.
“Would this have happened if you were here, Talion?” Nadia questioned. It was another test, but this time she needed more than honesty. She needed the right answer- a promise that he could ensure her safety. If he couldn’t offer her that, then he was as useless as the pile of bodies he was preparing to set ablaze.
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Post by Elvander on Mar 30, 2021 20:58:20 GMT
Talion could feel her anger ebb and flow as the queen-to-be sat pensively aloft, watching over him. He couldn't read her thoughts, but he could tell when rage shifted and transformed and found another target. He got the sense that he happened to be an unlucky bystander, but Talion would not abide that. She was right- he was somewhat responsible for what had happened here today. Nadia would be well within her rights to have him executed, though he hoped she would not. Still, the thought of death seemed somehow sweet to him- a siren's song he dared not answer. But he longed for the peace of that final breath, and the reunion with his lost loved ones. He shook off the thoughts as she mounted his horse, looking graceful as ever.
The last time he'd seen her, she'd still been wearing the covering over her hair, a mark of modesty from her homeland. With her hair free, Talion had to stop himself from staring. It wasn't proper for one of his station to stare at a lady like her, and so he kept his gaze professional as he met her stunning eyes to answer her question. For whatever his flaws were, Talion had two strengths: loyalty, and honesty. It didn't matter to him what had happened to the bandits- if they were dead, that was good enough for him. "If I had been here, you would not do much have noticed a bump in our road," he told her, his tone even. It was clear it wasn't a brag- his dark eyes were serious, and so were his fine features. "I have yet to find a soul who could best me in battle, your Grace. It is my mistake that I sent these men instead of myself to see to your safety," Talion wiped the blood off his hands on his dark pants, approaching to grab the reins of his steed. He turned the beast around and began to walk back in the direction of the castle. "I will not make that mistake again, if you allow me the chance." It was important to him that Nadia knew she could trust him. He wasn't entirely sure why. But he knew he had pledged his loyalty and life to the crown of Raevaryn, a crown she possessed. He wanted her to think of him as competent. Talion hadn't felt compelled to earn someone's respect in a long time, and he hoped he would gain it from Nadia.
"I protected you when we first met, and you can be assured that I will continue to do so," He added more softly, almost embarrassed.
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Post by Val on Apr 11, 2021 19:58:34 GMT
Distrust had become a natural reflex for Nadia over the years. In her experience, most people had bad intentions, and she had been trained to scope said people out to protect princess Yasmin. It was a valuable sense to have her in position, but it often left her feeling paranoid and alone. Even Alister made her hackles rise on occasion- a distinct reminder that not even the king she shared a bed with could make her feel safe. She longed for the inherent sense of trust that came with having true friends and family. But all she had were faceless guards, and the more she surrounded herself with them, the more exposed she felt.
Talion was different. No matter how hard she tried to pick apart his words, she was unable to find the usual suspicious holes within them. Much to her surprise, she believed him. His confidence in his abilities, his regret, and his vow to do better all rang clear and true. Her first instinct was to interrogate him until he inevitably slipped up, but as soon as she readied the poison on her tongue, Talion quelled it with the mention of the first time they’d met.
Nadia looked down at her hands and once again recollected how she had confided in Talion all those months ago. Talion wasn’t the only one feeling embarrassed. The memory of her former self was not one she was proud of, but she hadn’t forgotten how Talion listened to her grovel and cry over the very man he worked for. He hadn’t expressed judgement then, and most important of all; he had kept her secret.
“No more chances,” she uttered, her words purposely vague to keep him guessing as he led the horse slowly down the path home, “There is no room for mistakes. That is why you are going to be the head of my Royal Guard.” Nadia paused once her decision was revealed, taking a moment to study Talion’s reaction. Her eyes studied his grip on the reigns, the taut line of his shoulders, and his even pace- looking for any signs that he would object. It wasn’t a take it or leave it kind of offer; it was a Queen giving her general a new station of utmost importance, and a rejection wouldn’t bode well for him.
“From now on, you will not leave my side unless I direct you otherwise. You will be my escort, my confidant, and my advisor,” she continued to lay out the details, feeling her confidence grow as she spoke it all into existence. “You will report to me first,” she emphasized, boldly staking her claim as Alister’s equal. While she expected Talion to continue to earn her respect, Nadia knew that she owed him the same. If she truly wanted to be a Queen, she would have to prove herself worthy to him and everyone else that she expected to bow before her. Fortunately, she had plenty of ambitions lingering just beneath the surface, waiting for the resources and opportunity necessary to unleash them onto the world. “And you shall be greatly rewarded for your loyalty.” Reciprocation would be necessary, and she intended to find out what it was that motivated Talion.
Nadia shifted in the saddle suddenly, swinging her leg over to the other side to properly straddle the horse. She stretched her bare toes downward, but the stirrups were too far for her to reach. Instead, she scooted to the back of the saddle and patted her hand against the empty space she had created, “I’d like to be home by sundown,” she pointed out, dissatisfied with their sluggish pace. As unaffected as she appeared to be by the violence she’d witnessed that day, she desperately wanted to put the traumatic events behind her, shed yet another skin of her former self, and keep moving forward, “Let’s ride.”
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Post by Elvander on Apr 11, 2021 21:54:51 GMT
Talion waited anxiously for her response to his assurances. He was ready for her to tear him apart with her tongue, sensing that she was capable of cutting men down to the quick with her words. Beautiful women with inviting mouths and poisonous words were far more dangerous than any other foe Talion had crossed, and he hoped he would not find himself lingering in her mind as someone she could not trust. But as she spoke, he felt himself relax. He had escaped her fury today, but he knew he would do his utmost to never bring it upon himself again. His hands tightened on the reins as Nadia surprised him once more with a promotion to her royal guard. It was an incredible opportunity.
Talion had spent his life at the head of armies and soldiers. In the lands he had lived in before his time here, he had commanded a small force until they had all been wiped out. Since then, he had been at the helm of Raevaryn's army, and he had done well. Under his orders, they had taken wild lands and wild people for the crown and for the green and black banners of Alister's lineage. But to be asked to spend and refine his skills in the service of one royal was a true honor Talion had never dreamed of having. And to be that for Nadia... it meant something to him that he could not yet name. The ever present film of wrath in his veins seemed to lessen in her presence and as she offered him this honor and laid out his duties, his face showed only the smallest flash of the feelings whirling within him.
"I will ensure you do not regret your faith in me," he responded softly. Talion, as imposing as he could be, was often soft-spoken. With this newfound alliance between them, Talion admired her all the more. From their first encounter in the gardens to this one, she was growing to be the most important presence in his life. He realized he had not thought of Blythe since this interaction with the new queen, and that felt... well, he wasn't sure how that felt. Freeing, perhaps. As Nadia indicated that he should mount up, he paused, wondering if it was proper. But it wasn't his place to decide, and so, Talion mounted up smoothly, settling in at the front of the saddle. He waited for her to put her arms around his middle so that she would not fall, and once she had, he kicked the horse into a faster pace in order to get them home.
"What would you like me to do when we return?" He inquired, wondering if she would require him then or if she would be leaving him to perhaps bathe. He would have to think on his feet now, and anticipate her needs. He would do as she said and would always be there, waiting outside every door, standing at her side at every public event, coordinating her safety and care. Alister was but a passing thought- Nadia had his complete attention. She would not have to worry that he would go to the king before her.
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Post by Val on Apr 21, 2021 0:57:38 GMT
Once Talion mounted up, Nadia did not hesitate to snake her arms around his midsection and curl her fingers into the front of his shirt. While she had been raised under conservative ideals and taught the ways of a proper lady, Nadia had shed all such reservations and virtue signaling during her affair with Alister. She thrived when being her unapologetic self, and there was little Nadia loved more in life than the powerful body of a man beneath her fingers and at her disposal. Talion’s strength soothed her, and she was finally able to relax as the horse was kicked into a trot. She rested her cheek against his back and observed the world as it flew by from a sideways perspective, wondering what the swamp dweller had been up to since she left him and his miserable shack.
Talion’s question cut her daydreaming short and she lifted her head, peering up at the sliver of his face that was visible to her, “Escort me to my chambers.” Her first directive was obvious enough. She was filthy and haggard looking from the ordeal she’d been through, and she’d be damned if she spent one more second than necessary clothed in her tattered dress. Appearance was important to Nadia, but part of her liked the idea of her soldiers seeing her like this. She wanted them ashamed and scared- of her and the enemies that wanted to do her harm. They’d best drink in the sight, because it was certainly last time she’d be seen in such a state before people started losing their heads.
Nadia wasn’t done. In fact, she had a backlog of tasks just waiting to be enacted. But one in particular was on the forefront of her mind. “I would like to declare Roman Addison an enemy of the crown,” she announced, hardly pausing long enough for a breath before she continued, “I need him in custody. Please inform your army and the public that he is wanted. Alive.” Nadia was well aware of the boldness of her proclamation. As far as Talion was concerned, she was going around Alister’s back to dethrone his advisor, but she seemed unworried about the potential fallout for reasons she had yet to reveal. “We must not tolerate deserters.”
Things were changing within the walls of Raevaryn castle. Roman had been smart to distance himself, and that was exactly why Nadia needed him back under her watchful eye. Sneaky bastards like Roman needed to be caged before they came back to bite her. Their distaste and distrust had been mutual from the start, and she couldn’t afford loose ends.
Although she had plenty more to pile onto her wishlist, she paused to observe how receptive Talion would be to her first plan of action. For all intents and purposes, Talion would be taking over as a second in command. She wondered briefly what he thought of Roman and if there were any ties of allegiance that would have to be severed, but quickly reminded herself that it did not matter. If Talion was truly on her side, then he wouldn’t second guess her decisions or side with any political figureheads- no matter their status. Loyalty meant sharing enemies.
“His personal effects must be removed from the east tower, of course. I would like you to move in; it’s closer to my chambers. The space is yours to do with as you please.” Nadia spoke every word with confidence she had no business possessing, but she couldn’t help herself. With her arms still secured around Talion, she allowed her head to lull back and closed her eyes, breathing deeply as the wind swept through her hair. Opportunities were manifesting themselves before her eyes- all she had to do was reach out and grab them.
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Post by Elvander on Apr 21, 2021 20:35:12 GMT
Talion was so touch-starved that the sensation of her arms around him, her cheek on his back, sent shivers scattering across his skin. Of course, he would never let his reactions betray his inner most thoughts, and so he simply soaked in her presence. It would likely be the last time she touched him, as this was an occasion that Talion was going to ensure was never repeated. As he had guessed, she'd want to head to her room, and Talion could anticipate that she was likely still thirsty and probably hungry.
"I will send for a small repast to be brought to you upon our return, and will instruct your ladies in waiting to prepare you a bath." Talion reassured her, his eyes fixed ahead as the castle reared up before them. They rode through the gates to the yard, and Talion felt the eyes of his soldiers on him. He would deal with them later. As they rode towards the entrance, he was struck by her first order of business. But of course, it made sense. Talion offered her a hand down from his steed and did not hesitate. "It will be so." Talion had no love for deserters, and Roman had always hung like a shadow over the Raevaryn courts, whispering poison in Alistair's ears. Roman was the reason that legislation had passed concerning the identification of persons with 'unnatural' abilities.
Talion nodded towards the palace, humbled that she would offer him a room within the palace. "Once I've seen to that, I'll begin moving my things immediately."
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Post by Val on May 11, 2021 17:30:31 GMT
“Mhm,” Nadia hummed her acknowledgement absentmindedly as they approached Raevaryn castle. Now that she had announced her first order of business, it was suddenly difficult to even think about food and drink and bathing. Enacting her newfound power was far more enticing than taking care of herself, but alas, she needed to stay sharp. Her patience would have to stretch just a bit longer. Fortunately, she had Talion to carry out her demands while she soaked in a luxurious tub and sipped on expensive wine.
As they passed through the front gate and into the courtyard, Nadia kept her eyes straight ahead, not giving the soldiers the satisfaction of meeting her gaze. They would come to learn that their opinions about her were meaningless. These people didn’t have a choice in who led them, but they could certainly choose whether to remain loyal to her, or respond to the shift in authority with treachery. Nadia would simply make sure they were rewarded or punished accordingly.
Taking Talion’s outstretched hand, she swung her legs to the side of the horse and dropped nimbly to the ground. Her bare feet hit the earth and she straightened up, looking Talion in the eyes as he agreed to her orders. It felt undeniably good not to be questioned, and she offered him a fleeting smile, “Excellent,” she replied, having total faith that Roman would be in her custody soon enough.
Stepping past Talion, she paused in the middle of the courtyard to ensure that the lingering soldiers got a good look at her in her disheveled state. Her piercing gaze swept across the onlookers with the sharpness of a well-crafted blade, cutting the men down to her size with a single look. She had nothing to say to them as their brethren lay rotting in the hot sun just up the road. Instead, she lifted her chin and swept toward the castle, retreating to her chambers.
The halls of the castle were quieter than usual. Their footsteps filled the silence as Nadia made her way to the royal wing, with Talion as her escort. Only when she reached the door to her and Alister’s shared chambers did she stop and turn to look at her newly assigned second, regarding him appreciatively, “Thank you, Talion. You have always been good to me,” she praised, voice as sweet as honey. Though she was well accustomed to using her appeal to her advantage, her words read genuine.
“I have one more request before you go,” Nadia continued. Reaching into the pocket of her dress, she retrieved the pieces of jewelry she’d removed for the swamp dweller’s sake, carefully reequipping the elegant pieces. She couldn’t help but recall the haunted look in her savior’s eyes when he looked upon the jewels, like they might set him ablaze. But even more strange had been his blood; obsidian in color and an unwavering question mark in Nadia’s mind. She wanted answers, “I would like to gather some experts on certain subject matter…of the supernatural variety. Please pass my request along to whomever is most qualified.” Pushing her glittering engagement ring back into place upon her finger, she looked at Talion with a sense of finality, “That will be all.”
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