The Hardened Heart

Grajan/Karian

Grajan let the ladies out of the carriage holding them, and the filed out. Karian looked around, the Humans certainly didn't mind showing off their wealth, but it wasn't done well, there were no jewels out or anything shiny, it was a great castle of stone, undecorated. Karian found it bland, and hoped that his did not reflect her future husband. "What a... quaint castle," she said, trying not insult the humans.

Marcus

"I think I hear them," Marcus said quickly. "Why don't you go greet them Cyric, I'm sure they'd love to see a cute little boy after a long journey," he told his brother.

Cyric rolled his eyes at Marcus, "Shut up, book-boy. At least they'll like the sight of me." With that said, he left his brother and exited the castle. When he saw the girls, he grinned and gave them a small bow, "Greetings. I assume you're here to try to win over my brother, right?"

Karian

Karian tried her best to ignore the elves, and when she saw Cyric come out, she was ecstatic. This man was just what she had expected, though a little younger than she expected. Then she heard he was a younger brother, and she became a little dissapointed. She thought about what his brother must be like, probably even better looking than him, and became hopeful again.

Grajan

"Yes, I assume we are both here for that," Grajan told the human, casting a glare over at the elves. "We are going to be civil while we are guests here, though, I give you my word."

Marcus

"Hmm... what shall I do," Marcus asked himself as he thought about how best to greet them. He didn't want anything to do with them in this situation, marriage, but perhaps he was looking at the situation wrong. "I don't have to love them. This is a chance to ally myself with the stronger kingdom and begin a political move that could allow Humans to be at the top forever. A marriage will signify an alliance, all I have to do is choose the stronger nation. And if I deem them both weak, I will not choose either side."

Elala stepped off the carriage, landing lightly on the ground. She watched as most other's gathered their skirts and held up their heads high as they more gracefully made their way off, and had to refrain from giggling. Though if her actions reached the Queen, her mother would surely scold her for not doing as they upon her arrival home. Elala knew, even if she tried and wanted to, she wouldn't be able to do it with a straight face. Her face glowing with her smile, though only she knew what truly brought, stepped forward with all the other elven girls, still gushing about the Prince and sweet romance. Please, spare me this one at least. Princes are always tyranical and showy. Again she frowned at herself for making such an assumption based off elven Princes. I really should go into this with an open mind. She took a deep breath, and forced an actually rather convincing smile on her face.

---

Chantel stepped from the carriage last as the Princesses of her kingdom, unboarded. She looked around, a little unsure. She wasn't entirely clear on the Humans' customs, and didn't know for sure if they allowed simple maids only come to tailor the ladies dresses had anything happened along the way, or on the way there, into the castle directly. If one needs her dress mended, I'm sure they could easily just send for me. She decided, taking a seat on the ledge of the side of the carriage.

"Let me warn you about my older brother. He's snobbish and quite rude. Shuts himself inside all the time," Cyric told the princesses with a grin, "He's fun to annoy when you know how to handle him. And he's, um... funny when he wants to be." He rubbed the back of his head. He didn't have many compliments for his brother.

General Narrative

After a few harsh words between the elves and dragonians, the two groups entered the castle and recovered from the journey. After a little while had passed, they gathered into a dining room where the King welcomed them. He had his jesters and entertainers up and performing until Marcus came in.

Marcus

With great reluctance, Marcus stepped into the dining room wearing a black suit, and looking very bored. "Ah, here he is, my first born son, and the man you've traveled far to see, Prince Marcus Masters," the King introduced, and Marcus stepped forward. "Greetings. I welcome you to our castle," he said, putting on a fake smile, his left hand under his chin, index finger above the others. "It honors me that so many fair maidens would traverse a great distance to make my acquaintance."

Aine looked at the crown prince with curiosity for a second before glancing back at her plate, feeling hungry but knowing she couldn't eat yet. "What a waste of time, can't believe father forced me to try and court this man." The Princess complained to herself as she waited for the human to sit down so the food could be served.
-/-\-
Ardal studied the prince carefully as he came into the room. "It would seem that he dislikes this event as well....well I'm not sure anyone could fault him for disliking this occasion." The Elf admitted to himself before giving a stern look to Aine as he saw her reach for her glass, only to reluctantly put it down and look away from her brother, obviously annoyed.

Cyric grinned as he ate his food. This was rather amusing to watch. He did pity the girls, though. Marcus wasn't really the ideal man to romance at the best of times, let alone when he's being forced to choose a wife.

Marcus

Marcus took his place and the feast began. Marcus ate quietly, looking as if his mind was in another world. It was, because he was focusing on the past, one where he had been happy and things had been easy. If there was one thing Marcus had learned in life, it was that growing up sucked. He had accepted that fact and intended to play the cards he had been dealt to win the game that was life in some manner.

Karian

"The food here is so different," Karian muttered after taking a bite. "They cook their meat far too long," she commented again. She kept glancing over at Prince Marcus, frowning. He sure wasn't what she had expected him to be, he was so quiet, he didn't seem to be all that charming. She was starting to believe the younger prince about what he had said about Marcus.

Elala's eyes, if anything, widened slightly as the Prince talked. Though her lips stayed in a nuetral frown. As they all started eating, it was fairly quiet, save conversation between other Humans outside, or along the sides of the room. And of course the shared, disappointed whispers of the other elven girls discussing their first thoughts on the Prince. Elala took a sip from her glass, not feeling hungry, but knowing it was rude to completely ignore everything in front of her. She stared at him from her place at the table, expression unreadable. How curious...You really aren't going to jump on the table and tell us how you slayed a pig week before last? She thought amusingly, recalling the overexceedingly dramatic prince she had met before this one. The moment he jumped on the table, she'd left the room. Her mother had bound her to her chamber for an entire week after that for her rudeness towards the boy.

--

Chantel looked around the area casually, while the others sat at the long table across the room from her. One of the escorts had insisted she come inside, despite her wishes to stay with the carriage. And now she was stuck here, feeling awkward, and slightly bored sitting in one of the many chairs along the right wall of the room.

After awhile, Cyric was done with his meal. He looked over the princesses. Most of them were dressed nice, of course. Like that would matter with Marcus. He sighed. His brother was so lucky.

Aine ate slowly yet quietly as she looked up at her brother every now and then, annoyed with the aura of quiet perfection he was giving off. "He probably dislikes this food more then I do too! Bastard. And then the prince..." Marcus Masters also reminded Aine of her older brother as she was almost sure he didn't want to be here but besides the fact that he was being quiet there was no actual evidence to show that Marcus wanted them all gone so he could be in peace.

"Stoics...." She whispered as she shook her head in annoyance before continuing to eat.

Cyric yawned and, not really thinking he had anything to do, he excused himself and walked out of the hall. Maybe he'd go over into the gardens or one of the inns not too far from the castle. If he kept himself hooded and cloaked, no one would recognize him as the younger prince. Sometimes he liked being unnoticed.

Marcus

Marcus finished up, and excused himself from the table. "I'm terribly sorry, my son is shy, probably overwhelmed by all of the fair maidens come to see him," the King said, trying to cover up Marcus's rudeness. Marcus walked briskly down the halls of the castle into a small garden. It wasn't big or full of beautiful flowers, but it was just about the calmest place in the castle when no one was around.

He walked into the center of it, next to a small tree, and stood on the spot, staring out into nothing. Is this what you wanted for me, Mother? A life of isolation only to be confronted with a difficult social decision. You abandoned me, I loved you more than anything, and you left me to face the world alone.

I don't want to marry anyone, certainly not anyone who was sent to marry me for political agendas. I guess I really can't help it though, it's what I was born to do, isn't it? I was born to be King, and I guess that now means I'll have to choose a side. It's in my power alone to decide who we ally with, and who we condemn. Who should I choose then? Mother, why won't you help me? Give me an answer, he thought bitterly.

Karian

Well, he is no Prince Charming, that's for sure. Life would sure be boring if I married him, Karian thought. Unless I change him, make him more brave and daring. Yes, that's what I'll do, I'll make him into someone that I deserve.

"A silver shekal for your thoughts, Marcus," Cyric told his brother as he entered the garden. He felt like he was intruding a little bit. This was where Marcus went to think about their mother after all. Cyric didn't really remember their mother. He only knew that she was kind and he loved her. He'd hate to have the memories the Crown Prince did. He continued, "You're troubled. You look more depressed than usual and that's saying something."

Marcus

"You're too young to understand," Marcus replied, not bothering trying to keep some politeness in his voice, getting to the point. "I thought you'd be trying to woo one of the princess's anyway, they'd like you more than me, you might actually manage to trick one into thinking you're charming this time."

"Really, Marcus. Trick them into thinking I'm charming?! I am charming, thank you very much. I just came out here to see if my favorite older brother was alright," Cyric told Marcus with a shrug, "Anyway. I just thought of a clever idea how to keep us out of war."

Marcus

"Oh no, you've been thinking again," Marcus said. "What part of your brain did you sprain this time?" He turned around, and put on hand under his chin, supporting the elbow with his other hand. "Let's hear it," he said, wondering in vain if this idea of Cyric's could be more than just the hopeless idea's of a man who was more of a boy.

"Of course your highness." Ardal said politely as he pretended not to notice the Prince's lack of manners. Of course for most of the meal Ardal himself had been quiet, either studying the people around him, or deciding how certain food items could taste even better. Of course none of these things could be said aloud so the Prince just made sure to listen and respond when he was supposed to.

"Well it looks like Aine's already given up on Prince Masters, not surprising I suppose. Elala doesn't seem to think much of him either, but who would after all. And then Inara, Lyn, and Aill'in all seem to be as eager as ever. Unortunately I doubt that the Prince would go for any of those poor girls, they've put him on a pedestal and only a foolish narcissist would want to date someone who did that to them." Ardal realized as he mentally noted how each of the girls he was supposed to protect were doing.
---------------------------------------------
"Well this is a brilliant spot you've gotten yourself into Beck. Can't leave or they'll see you, can't stay because you shouldn't be listening in on the Royal's conversations." Rebecca the Royal gardener thought to herself as she laid completely still behind a rather short but perfectly cut bush. Today she had been assigned to water, trim, and do whatever she thought necessary to garden seventeen.

She was originally glad to get the smaller garden as that meant she could finish earlier and would have time to go to town to buy something special, unfortunately for her now she wouldn't be able to leave until the Prince's did.
And so she continued to silently wait, and made sure to try and ignore whatever conversation they were having. But she couldn't help herself from listening since she certainly couldn't plug her ears.

"Just shut up and leave soon, please, please leave." The girl pleaded with her thoughts as she began to cramp, still not moving whatsoever though.

"It's simple. You get involved with a woman of one race and I get involved with a woman of another race. That way, we stay neutral and the two kingdoms can't do anything lest we side with whoever doesn't attack us," Cyric told Marcus, proud of his idea.

Marcus

"There's something to that idea," Marcus said, nodding slightly. "Neither kingdom would dare alienate their ally if both of us married one, for fear of an attack from us." He paused and thought aloud, "what would be best for everyone would be if the kingdoms themselves could come to an understanding. This is a desperate move they're playing, I'd wager neither side wants to go on... but that isn't any of my business. As long as the Human Kingdom stays out of the war, I'll have done all I can." He looked over at Cyric and said, "Of course, there's the problem of you actually convincing one of those princesses to marry you. While they wouldn't want to reject an offer from a potential ally, they aren't obligated to accept."

"We don't have to ask them to marry us right away. We just get to know the girls and try to find someone that we like," Cyric told Marcus, "There's no rush. Whoever we marry is someone we're going to spend the rest of our lives with so we should be careful about who we choose. And trust me, Marcus, it's not I who is going to have the most difficulty with courting a woman. Here's a tip. Try smiling." He smirked at his older brother.

Marcus

Marcus gave a faint smile and said, "they're all here for me, and about half of them would jump at the chance to marry a crown prince. Love has nothing to do with my marriage. But feel free to get to know the ladies, the more you can draw off of me the less I have to worry about dealing with."

He paused for a moment and looked around. "Cyric, does it feel like someone else is here to you," he asked. He couldn't help but feel that they weren't alone.

Cyric felt himself smiled confidently, but frowned when his brother mentioned them being watched. He looked around. He saw nothing. He closed his eyes, trying to hear the tell-tale sound of someone trying to be quiet but failing.
He looked around behind him and searched the bushes, "Yeah. It does."

The girl shifted her weight over the stone she had been resting her head on. "Well I'm going to be beaten for this." Rebecca decided as she realized that the Prince's had sensed her presence. "Unless...it would hurt just as much as beating, but it wouldn't be nearly as embarassing...." The servant girl realized as the thorns in the bush next to her didn't look so bad. "Don't be a fool. They would hear you crawling into the damn thing. I guess that only leaves one option...." The girl said as lifted her head up lightly and then banged it against the stone, biting her tongue and closing her eyes as she let go of the control in her body and hoped that she looked like a young girl who had tripped and knocked herself out.