Is this her?
i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to hold her hand i want to
(Not me, wandering back here ehehe. After the Angst I needed some fluff except itās a little sadĀ š feat. Lore thatās so brand spanking new I havenāt drawn or written anything about it lol.)
Itās in the castleās gardensĀ that Illanya enters, surprisingly silent for someone who tends to be clumsy. She would mostly lend credit to the simple chest plate she wore, far less cumbersome than plated armor. Though she wishes it was under better circumstances that she wore this disguise. Her hair had been cut shorter, brown curls just barely brushing her shoulders. A scar, shallow and small, rests just over the right eye. The eyeĀ itself seems unharmed, though judging from how sheās turning her head sheās struggling to see out if it.
She mightāve worn the mask were she anywhere else, visiting someone she didnāt trust. But this wasnāt really the case in Litari. It was at least safer than Arlin was at the moment.Ā
Illanya is quiet as she wanders the gardens, eventually stopping when she sees a familiar face, showing some plants that Illanya was somewhat familiar with.Ā
āThey seem to be doing remarkable well under your care, your highness.ā She says softly, an attempt not to startle the princess. A fond, relieved smile crossing her features. There is exhaustion there too, but it seems somewhat eclipsed by the how happy she is to see the other. To see a familiar friendly face.
āIām sorry it has been a while, since Iāve been last able to visit, or send a letter. Things haveā¦ complicated themselves in the last few weeks. Relations between the three kingdoms and the Feywilds have worsened and Arlinā¦ā a frown tugs at her lips, and for a moment she looks upset. āThe royal family of Arlin has fallen to the sleeping poison in a coup by the the prince consort and his secret cult.āĀ
The knight fidgets nervously, and she glances around. āWe have plans to help deal with his cult, but I wished to at least come and warn you and your father. Donāt accept any gifts from Arlin at this time. Be weary of emissaries coming from any of the three kingdoms.ā Ā Illanya steps closer, taking Ennetteās hand and giving it a squeeze. āI amā¦ very worried. I know that you lot can take care of yourselves, but if there is anything I can do to help prevent more calamity from spreading further from my homeā¦ I will do it.ā
(OMG that's hilarious! Illanya and Ennette both dealing with poisoning that destabilizes kingdoms. šš¤)
Ā Ā Ā Ennette gasped at the suddenly close voice and snapped her head to the side. Relief washed over her first, then a flicker of surprise, then excitement. "Illanya, you're back!" She quickly got up and hugged her. Realizing how sudden this was, she just as quickly released the hug and cleared her throat, "Sorry, i-it's just nice to see you again." Although she could see the eagerness reflected on the paladin's face, something seemed wrong. There was a significantly duller shine in her eyes... and soon she realized why.
Ā Ā Ā The frown on her face deepened with each word she was told. "Oh no..." Her heart sank at the news of the succumbing royal family. As if the question in her mind had been heard, Illanya warned her of what might happen. Ennette hesitated and nodded. "Okay. I'll be sure to let the guards know. Thank you for the warning." She would have to be careful not to raise suspicions, either, just in case Illanya's plan required stealth.
Ā Ā Ā Ennette's free hand went over the one clamped over hers. "I'm worried too, but for you. I've never dealt with a cult before, but I know they can have numbers rivaling a small army. One that can take down a royal family is one that certainly knows what they're doing. Please stay alert. I've been working on something that I believe may help, but it will take some time until it is ready. Until then, I'll keep hoping for your safety."
(It's funny bc in her own campaign En actually does get poisoned and that starts her journey)
(I am... so sorry this got out of hand for me, I just kept typing ahaha.)
Admittedly, she hadn't meant to fall asleep. Unfortunately, whatever brew had been served at the party had hit her with a wave of exhaustion once they'd left the high energy of the party. Without the sound of thumping music to keep her alert, she'd relaxed, the awkwardness from interacting with the Princess before significantly lessened by her drunkenness.
Regaining consciousness is a little more difficult, grogginess from the alcohol makes the process slow and confusing. The sensation of someone brushing her hair is enough to somewhat bring her back, and she opens her eyes. It takes her a moment to realize where she is, and who is over her, running hands through her hair. Her breathing speeds up slightly, and her eyes widen, a blush spreading across her face. Certainly, not what she was expecting, and yet... She finds she doesn't mind it.
Illanya can't help the soft laughter that leaves her, and she gently catches Ennette's hand with her own and gives it a squeeze as she hums.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep on you." her voice is soft and she shifts to sit up, not entirely letting go of the Princess' hand. It's hard to entirely remember why they'd come out here, other than to escape the chaos of the party. But the night sky out here was gorgeous, and the moment felt almost like a dream. It was perfect.
"Can I kiss you?" the words leave her before she's ready, but Illanya still means them entirely. She only hopes that she hasn't broken this beautiful moment by her own forwardness.
Ā Ā Ā Ennette hesitated when she noticed the paladin waking up, but seeing no resistance, continued to brush her hair and welcomed her with a warm smile. Ah, that laugh, so gentle and authentic. It made her heart flutter!
Ā Ā Ā "Don't apologize. These gatherings can be draining," the princess said, though she was far more distracted by their hands. How grateful she was for the nighttime to be just dark enough to hide her blush, though she felt like it was so hot she could take the place of the sun! And if she hadn't then, she definitely did when she heard such a bold question.
Ā Ā Ā Ennette didn't respond for a second, feeling her soul leave her body in pure shock. When she recovered, she cleared her throat and nodded maybe a little too quickly. "O-Of course. I... I'd like that very much."
So.
That was the beast his aunt and uncle had been doting over. A flighty broad with, as far as Hakim was concerned, so much air in her head that he was surprised she didn't float away like an overly-decorated balloon. And, he frowned. He frowned in such disgust, certain that the only reason his family looked over her was for her status. They weren't royalty, after all, but they were nobility, and that was close enough.
Alas, that didn't stop Hakim from being a dick, as usual. "You must be sheltered." he said to her, "To be so starry-eyed, it's not really something that'll garner you respect... If anything, I'm sure people take advantage of that fact far too often. Gods, tell me you're not your father's heir. I pity the king. And the kingdom."
(I also saw that ping in the thread, you BLESS ME SOBS)
Ā Ā Ā As Hakim stewed and thought, Ennette had her eyes closed as she strummed along her lyre. The music only faltered ever so slightly when she heard his comments, opening her eyes to look at him. She gave him a sheepish smile. "I admit I've lived a lavish life in the castle, and I'm sure there are many others that agree with you. It's a reason for my desire to learn about herbs and swordplay."
Ā Ā Ā She tried to lookĀ calm and collected, at least, but she was stewing herself. Who was this man to talk so rudely and suddenly?! He didn't even know her! How-How would he know how sheltered she was, huh?! Because she dressed in regal gowns? Because she carried a rare instrument? Because she cried when she tripped on a rock?!Ā Unlikely.
Ā Ā Ā "Well," the princess mused after a brief pause in her song. "What kind of heir do you think would fit best for our kingdom?
This user is not visible to guests.
It's too late she will now become a warrior queen Ā Ā CACKLE BUT THANK YOU, I REALLY LOVE CINDER BTW I ADORE HER DESIGN
Ennette's Comments