12-03-2016, 04:52 AM
“Tag! You’re it!” A small purple haired-boy of about six laughs and chases after a slightly taller boy with dark red hair.
“No fair! You have longer legs.” The two boys laugh more and chase each other around the garden within the palace grounds. “I’m never gonna catch you Warren!”
“PRINCE CONNOR HAVENTREE YOU COME OVER HERE RIGHT NOW.” A tall, older man storms across the garden and grabs the purple haired boy by the arm before dragging him away. “The nerve of that.. commoner touching you like that. In my day it would never have happened. You should be ashamed of yourself consorting with the likes of them.”
The young prince looks back sadly at the other boy before being ripped away again.
“Now then it’s time for your lesson and if you do well then you may be allowed one full hour of play with Bartholomew Hightower before we return to the rest of your lessons before dinner.” The boy sighs and sits at the table and flips open the book in front of him.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Happy birthday, Connor! I can’t believe my baby boy is already eight years old,” the Empress Camillia smiles down at her son. “What do you want for your birthday?”
The purple-haired boy looks up to his mother and father and smiles as he speaks. “I just want to spend the day with my whole family.” He looks down to the cake and completely misses the look the Emperor and Empress exchange before they move to each side of Connor.
“You know we love you both, but.. We can’t risk that.” Camillia looks down at her son with a sad smile. “She needs to stay hidden so she’s safe from the bad mages.”
Connor frowns. “Can Warren at least come to my party later?” he speaks somewhat quietly.
Gavin answers him. “I thought you were told you weren’t allowed to spend time with that boy anymore?” He laughs a little and claps Connor on the shoulder. “You need to be careful about that, you both could get into a lot of trouble.” The Emperor freezes as he feels his wife's gaze on him, and gulps as he speaks a little more quickly and gruffly. “But you shouldn’t be around that boy. He’s beneath you and you need to spend time with the people you will be spending your life with, not riff-raff.”
Connor frowns a little more while he plays with his food. His mother sighs and leans down to whisper into his ear. “Why don’t you go play with Delphine and bring her some of this cake? I’m sure she would like that. Tell her I said I love her too.”
The boy beams and takes three slices of cake before running off to the far end of the Palace. He passes by the guards’ wing and whistles a song before continuing past towards Delphine’s room. He smiles as he hears the footsteps behind him that signal Warren isn’t far behind. “It’s going to be a good birthday with my sister and best friend.”
- - - - - - - - -
“Ugh, it’s so stupid. They make everyone on their tenth birthday go try to open some book. No one ever does, but they keep trying anyway. I don’t wanna go, I wanna stay here and spend time with my best friend instead!” The purple-haired boy kicks a nearby pillow.
“Calm down, it’s a short ceremony. When it’s over you can come back here and we can do something outside.” The red-haired boy smiles at his friend. “Besides they are going to be looking for you soon and you know we can’t be seen together by one of the mages.” He looks to the door. “You have to go soon, be fast and then we can go play.”
Connor crosses his arms and grumbles before giving his friend a hug and disappearing out the door. He makes it down the hall where people are waiting to make sure he is dressed appropriately and then they rush him down to the main hall. All four magisters stand on each side of the Ivory Pedestal on top of which lay a dark tome bound by black ropes. The hall is filled with most of the nobility since the young heir was to attempt to open Gleipnir.
Millicent Hightower speaks first from the Magisters. “Today we continue to search for the next God Chosen among us. No one has been able to open Gleipnir in centuries.”
The young Magister Kendra Queshire speaks next from the other side of the tome. “We welcome Connor Haventree to step up and attempt to open Gleipnir. May he be hand picked by Drystan himself.”
Leon Darlton takes a step forward as he begins. “There is to be no shame however in not being chosen. Many have tried and failed to open this sacred tome.”
Gregorio Murphy, the loudest of the magisters, smiles at Connor. “Drystan the Dark God himself gifted us this tome before he departed for the next world. It is said this tome holds power to both save and destroy. May whomever next wield this great power use it for the good of all.”
The crowd parts to give Connor a direct path to the pedestal. Nervously, and with all eyes on him, the boy moves forward and comes to a complete stop in front of the tome. With trembling hands he reaches forward and touches the rope.
A collective gasp from all those watching is heard as the rope unbinds itself at his touch and the tome opens itself to him. Kendra smiles at Connor and speaks first - breaking the silence. “How very... interesting. I lay claim as my right as Magister to tutor Prince Connor Haventree in all things magic. Do any dispute my claim?” Her eyes flash dangerously around the crowd as they once again grew silent. “Very well. I shall expect you tomorrow morning. Report to my chambers instead of your previous lesson places. ” Connor just stares at the tome in front of him with barely any understanding what he had just done.
“Very interesting indeed.”
- - - - - - - - - -
With a small huff Connor flops onto Warren’s bed and stares up at the ceiling. “Magister Kendra is an absolute monster. I’m telling you, Warren. The things she expects me to do... and it’s been two years of constant torment by her. Warren? HEY are you listening to me?” A pillow suddenly smacks into the face of the red-haired boy lying next to him and the two of them laugh.
“Yeah, I hear your whining. Everyday you whine about her.” Warren speaks teasingly and pushes his friend off the bed. “Dad’s been on me about learning how to take care of pegasi properly and I’ve been training on using a bow. I think I like it. PLUS I’m getting pretty good with it.”
“You know, Delphine always liked pegasi. Do you think you can help me sneak her out to the stables so she can pet one?” Connor sits up to see his friend’s reaction to his new plan. “It would really good to get her out of her room and I’d owe you a lot please?”
With a small sigh and a smile Warren looks over to the young prince. “You know I can’t tell you no. Even if it’s an incredibly stupid plan. Tell you what, I’ll talk to my dad about taking a late night flight for practice and you get Delphine to the court yard. We can go from there.”
“Thanks Warren. You’re the best! Maybe I can get your dad to tell me some more stories about him fighting bandits to warm him up before you ask.” Connor slides off the bed. “I have to go now though, they might start looking for me soon and I don’t want to be late for a lesson with Magister Kendra again. That hex lasted for weeks.”
Connor gives his friend a quick hug before rushing out again.
- - - - - - - - - - -
“Hello General Shieldheart. Have things been going well for you?” Connor stops just short of the man in full uniform.
The tall man smiles at the purple-haired boy in front of him. “Going off to see my son again?” The man chuckles a bit before continuing. “I’m just well Prince Connor. It’s good to see you around again. He’s in his room - been sulking for the whole month you’ve been gone.” He claps a hand on Connor’s shoulder before walking past him whistling to himself.
Connor makes his way to Warren’s room before slamming the door open and diving directly onto his friend, which knocks both of them to the bed. “Hey I missed you while I was in Zodia. Orion is great, so is his maid Penelope, but I definitely like you more,idiot.” Connor smiles at his friend before they start wrestling and Warren inevitably pins the other boy down easily.
“You are not allowed to leave for that long again. I missed you. Delphine missed you. Although I did not miss Alstromeria - did you leave her back at Zodia at least?” He flashes Connor a big toothy grin before letting him up. “So how was Zodia? Did the ice queen bother you?”
“Hey, that’s Princess Ice Queen to you, she kept to herself mostly. I dunno if Alstro and I will ever see eye to eye or be close like I am with you and Delphine.” Connor gets up from the floor after taking a proffered hand from Warren. “How about you? What have you been doing the last month? Other than ‘sulking’ as your dad put it.” Connor says the last part with a massive grin.
Warren’s eyes go wide for a split second. “I do not sulk. I just didn’t want to.. Shut up.” The boy punches the arm of his friend. “Do you want to go visit Delphine alone or can I go with you?”
Rolling his eyes Connor grabs Warren’s hand. “I just got back home for the first time in over a month. Idiot, you can come with me.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Warren! Orion is coming here for two weeks and he should be here sometime today. You guys can finally meet.” Connor burst into the room practically vibrating. “All my favorite people, well my most favorites in one place. This is going to be the best ever.”
Warren forces a smile. “Oh, I get to meet Orion. Cool.”
“I think Penelope will be here too. She’s pretty and really great. Although I could do without the tea parties...” He just jammers on and doesn’t pick up on Warren’s sudden change in mood.
“That’s great Connor. I can’t wait.” Warren sighs but smiles slightly at his friend’s excitement. “It’s just two weeks, how bad could it be?”
- - - - - - - - - -
“Wow I can’t believe they are gone already, this two weeks went by so fast. I’m glad we were all able to get along.” Connor smiles at Warren. “You know Orion is right though, you should try to become part of the Honor Guard and then no one can say anything about us spending time together.”
Warren looks slightly nervous. “I’ve already told my Dad that I want to go into training for that. One step ahead of you royals.” He looks Connor in the eyes. “I care about you Connor and I want to help keep you safe.”
Connor’s eyes go wide for a second and he smiles. “I care about you too, Warren. I wouldn’t risk this if I thought I could stay away from you.” He hugs the other boy tightly. “You’re the person I’m closest too who isn’t family. Everyone else walks on eggshells around me but not you. I need that in my life or I might become like the rest of them.” Connor leans over and kisses Warren gently on the cheek. “You aren’t allowed to go anywhere.”
- - - - - - - - - - -
“Warren Shieldheart, you stand accused of Fraternization of the Haventree Bloodline. You have been seen on multiple occasions by several reliable witnesses committing this crime. The punishment for this is Death. Do you have anything to say for yourself?” Emperor Gavin spoke gravely. He looks to the sixteen year old while showing no expression.
“I won’t apologize for how I feel. I understand the punishment and I accept it if you can live with the consequences of it.” Warren’s voice barely shows the anger and fear he felt.
“Father, he’s still not an adult. Please don’t do this there are other ways. He doesn’t deserve to die for protecting me.” Connor is almost screaming and the distress in his voice is apparent.
Gavin looks at his son and speaks solemnly. “The law is hard, but it is the law. I am terribly sorry, Connor.” He shifts his attention back to the room at large he looks to the Magisters seated by him. “Do any of the esteemed members of the Magistrate have something to add?”
Millicent barely attempts to hide her smile as she stands. “We do ineed. Warren Shieldheart has committed the crime of Fraternization of the Ungifted with the Heir to the throne no less. I believe I speak on behalf of the Magistrate in calling call for the execution of the corruptor Warren Shieldheart by hanging. Additionally,” she says, “we also wish to bring his Royal Highness Prince Connor Haventree’s personal judgement into question over this matter as well. I would remind the court that there are indeed are two who broke this law, not just one.”
“Enough, Magister. I am aware. However, we need to deal with the more severe crime first.” Emperor Gavin turns his attention to the room as a whole. “Do any others among us have anything to add?”
“I do, your Majesty.” General Shieldheart himself moves to the front of the room. “The Shieldheart line has devoted our unworthy lives to the Haventree line since time immemorial.. With all due respect, in light of our family’s unquestionable devotion to the Holy Right of the Haventree’s Empire, and regarding the age of the accused,I beg those of the Magistrate, the court, and the Holy Emperor of Lagalla to have the virtue to grant mercy of my only son and heir of my humble house of servants to the Chosen of Aisling..”
“What would you suggest, General Shieldheart?” Gavin raises an eyebrow ignoring the glare from Millicent to his left.
“A punishment befitting such a crime, but with the mercy of the Gods themselves - Exile from Lagalla.”
“No fair! You have longer legs.” The two boys laugh more and chase each other around the garden within the palace grounds. “I’m never gonna catch you Warren!”
“PRINCE CONNOR HAVENTREE YOU COME OVER HERE RIGHT NOW.” A tall, older man storms across the garden and grabs the purple haired boy by the arm before dragging him away. “The nerve of that.. commoner touching you like that. In my day it would never have happened. You should be ashamed of yourself consorting with the likes of them.”
The young prince looks back sadly at the other boy before being ripped away again.
“Now then it’s time for your lesson and if you do well then you may be allowed one full hour of play with Bartholomew Hightower before we return to the rest of your lessons before dinner.” The boy sighs and sits at the table and flips open the book in front of him.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Happy birthday, Connor! I can’t believe my baby boy is already eight years old,” the Empress Camillia smiles down at her son. “What do you want for your birthday?”
The purple-haired boy looks up to his mother and father and smiles as he speaks. “I just want to spend the day with my whole family.” He looks down to the cake and completely misses the look the Emperor and Empress exchange before they move to each side of Connor.
“You know we love you both, but.. We can’t risk that.” Camillia looks down at her son with a sad smile. “She needs to stay hidden so she’s safe from the bad mages.”
Connor frowns. “Can Warren at least come to my party later?” he speaks somewhat quietly.
Gavin answers him. “I thought you were told you weren’t allowed to spend time with that boy anymore?” He laughs a little and claps Connor on the shoulder. “You need to be careful about that, you both could get into a lot of trouble.” The Emperor freezes as he feels his wife's gaze on him, and gulps as he speaks a little more quickly and gruffly. “But you shouldn’t be around that boy. He’s beneath you and you need to spend time with the people you will be spending your life with, not riff-raff.”
Connor frowns a little more while he plays with his food. His mother sighs and leans down to whisper into his ear. “Why don’t you go play with Delphine and bring her some of this cake? I’m sure she would like that. Tell her I said I love her too.”
The boy beams and takes three slices of cake before running off to the far end of the Palace. He passes by the guards’ wing and whistles a song before continuing past towards Delphine’s room. He smiles as he hears the footsteps behind him that signal Warren isn’t far behind. “It’s going to be a good birthday with my sister and best friend.”
- - - - - - - - -
“Ugh, it’s so stupid. They make everyone on their tenth birthday go try to open some book. No one ever does, but they keep trying anyway. I don’t wanna go, I wanna stay here and spend time with my best friend instead!” The purple-haired boy kicks a nearby pillow.
“Calm down, it’s a short ceremony. When it’s over you can come back here and we can do something outside.” The red-haired boy smiles at his friend. “Besides they are going to be looking for you soon and you know we can’t be seen together by one of the mages.” He looks to the door. “You have to go soon, be fast and then we can go play.”
Connor crosses his arms and grumbles before giving his friend a hug and disappearing out the door. He makes it down the hall where people are waiting to make sure he is dressed appropriately and then they rush him down to the main hall. All four magisters stand on each side of the Ivory Pedestal on top of which lay a dark tome bound by black ropes. The hall is filled with most of the nobility since the young heir was to attempt to open Gleipnir.
Millicent Hightower speaks first from the Magisters. “Today we continue to search for the next God Chosen among us. No one has been able to open Gleipnir in centuries.”
The young Magister Kendra Queshire speaks next from the other side of the tome. “We welcome Connor Haventree to step up and attempt to open Gleipnir. May he be hand picked by Drystan himself.”
Leon Darlton takes a step forward as he begins. “There is to be no shame however in not being chosen. Many have tried and failed to open this sacred tome.”
Gregorio Murphy, the loudest of the magisters, smiles at Connor. “Drystan the Dark God himself gifted us this tome before he departed for the next world. It is said this tome holds power to both save and destroy. May whomever next wield this great power use it for the good of all.”
The crowd parts to give Connor a direct path to the pedestal. Nervously, and with all eyes on him, the boy moves forward and comes to a complete stop in front of the tome. With trembling hands he reaches forward and touches the rope.
A collective gasp from all those watching is heard as the rope unbinds itself at his touch and the tome opens itself to him. Kendra smiles at Connor and speaks first - breaking the silence. “How very... interesting. I lay claim as my right as Magister to tutor Prince Connor Haventree in all things magic. Do any dispute my claim?” Her eyes flash dangerously around the crowd as they once again grew silent. “Very well. I shall expect you tomorrow morning. Report to my chambers instead of your previous lesson places. ” Connor just stares at the tome in front of him with barely any understanding what he had just done.
“Very interesting indeed.”
- - - - - - - - - -
With a small huff Connor flops onto Warren’s bed and stares up at the ceiling. “Magister Kendra is an absolute monster. I’m telling you, Warren. The things she expects me to do... and it’s been two years of constant torment by her. Warren? HEY are you listening to me?” A pillow suddenly smacks into the face of the red-haired boy lying next to him and the two of them laugh.
“Yeah, I hear your whining. Everyday you whine about her.” Warren speaks teasingly and pushes his friend off the bed. “Dad’s been on me about learning how to take care of pegasi properly and I’ve been training on using a bow. I think I like it. PLUS I’m getting pretty good with it.”
“You know, Delphine always liked pegasi. Do you think you can help me sneak her out to the stables so she can pet one?” Connor sits up to see his friend’s reaction to his new plan. “It would really good to get her out of her room and I’d owe you a lot please?”
With a small sigh and a smile Warren looks over to the young prince. “You know I can’t tell you no. Even if it’s an incredibly stupid plan. Tell you what, I’ll talk to my dad about taking a late night flight for practice and you get Delphine to the court yard. We can go from there.”
“Thanks Warren. You’re the best! Maybe I can get your dad to tell me some more stories about him fighting bandits to warm him up before you ask.” Connor slides off the bed. “I have to go now though, they might start looking for me soon and I don’t want to be late for a lesson with Magister Kendra again. That hex lasted for weeks.”
Connor gives his friend a quick hug before rushing out again.
- - - - - - - - - - -
“Hello General Shieldheart. Have things been going well for you?” Connor stops just short of the man in full uniform.
The tall man smiles at the purple-haired boy in front of him. “Going off to see my son again?” The man chuckles a bit before continuing. “I’m just well Prince Connor. It’s good to see you around again. He’s in his room - been sulking for the whole month you’ve been gone.” He claps a hand on Connor’s shoulder before walking past him whistling to himself.
Connor makes his way to Warren’s room before slamming the door open and diving directly onto his friend, which knocks both of them to the bed. “Hey I missed you while I was in Zodia. Orion is great, so is his maid Penelope, but I definitely like you more,idiot.” Connor smiles at his friend before they start wrestling and Warren inevitably pins the other boy down easily.
“You are not allowed to leave for that long again. I missed you. Delphine missed you. Although I did not miss Alstromeria - did you leave her back at Zodia at least?” He flashes Connor a big toothy grin before letting him up. “So how was Zodia? Did the ice queen bother you?”
“Hey, that’s Princess Ice Queen to you, she kept to herself mostly. I dunno if Alstro and I will ever see eye to eye or be close like I am with you and Delphine.” Connor gets up from the floor after taking a proffered hand from Warren. “How about you? What have you been doing the last month? Other than ‘sulking’ as your dad put it.” Connor says the last part with a massive grin.
Warren’s eyes go wide for a split second. “I do not sulk. I just didn’t want to.. Shut up.” The boy punches the arm of his friend. “Do you want to go visit Delphine alone or can I go with you?”
Rolling his eyes Connor grabs Warren’s hand. “I just got back home for the first time in over a month. Idiot, you can come with me.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Warren! Orion is coming here for two weeks and he should be here sometime today. You guys can finally meet.” Connor burst into the room practically vibrating. “All my favorite people, well my most favorites in one place. This is going to be the best ever.”
Warren forces a smile. “Oh, I get to meet Orion. Cool.”
“I think Penelope will be here too. She’s pretty and really great. Although I could do without the tea parties...” He just jammers on and doesn’t pick up on Warren’s sudden change in mood.
“That’s great Connor. I can’t wait.” Warren sighs but smiles slightly at his friend’s excitement. “It’s just two weeks, how bad could it be?”
- - - - - - - - - -
“Wow I can’t believe they are gone already, this two weeks went by so fast. I’m glad we were all able to get along.” Connor smiles at Warren. “You know Orion is right though, you should try to become part of the Honor Guard and then no one can say anything about us spending time together.”
Warren looks slightly nervous. “I’ve already told my Dad that I want to go into training for that. One step ahead of you royals.” He looks Connor in the eyes. “I care about you Connor and I want to help keep you safe.”
Connor’s eyes go wide for a second and he smiles. “I care about you too, Warren. I wouldn’t risk this if I thought I could stay away from you.” He hugs the other boy tightly. “You’re the person I’m closest too who isn’t family. Everyone else walks on eggshells around me but not you. I need that in my life or I might become like the rest of them.” Connor leans over and kisses Warren gently on the cheek. “You aren’t allowed to go anywhere.”
- - - - - - - - - - -
“Warren Shieldheart, you stand accused of Fraternization of the Haventree Bloodline. You have been seen on multiple occasions by several reliable witnesses committing this crime. The punishment for this is Death. Do you have anything to say for yourself?” Emperor Gavin spoke gravely. He looks to the sixteen year old while showing no expression.
“I won’t apologize for how I feel. I understand the punishment and I accept it if you can live with the consequences of it.” Warren’s voice barely shows the anger and fear he felt.
“Father, he’s still not an adult. Please don’t do this there are other ways. He doesn’t deserve to die for protecting me.” Connor is almost screaming and the distress in his voice is apparent.
Gavin looks at his son and speaks solemnly. “The law is hard, but it is the law. I am terribly sorry, Connor.” He shifts his attention back to the room at large he looks to the Magisters seated by him. “Do any of the esteemed members of the Magistrate have something to add?”
Millicent barely attempts to hide her smile as she stands. “We do ineed. Warren Shieldheart has committed the crime of Fraternization of the Ungifted with the Heir to the throne no less. I believe I speak on behalf of the Magistrate in calling call for the execution of the corruptor Warren Shieldheart by hanging. Additionally,” she says, “we also wish to bring his Royal Highness Prince Connor Haventree’s personal judgement into question over this matter as well. I would remind the court that there are indeed are two who broke this law, not just one.”
“Enough, Magister. I am aware. However, we need to deal with the more severe crime first.” Emperor Gavin turns his attention to the room as a whole. “Do any others among us have anything to add?”
“I do, your Majesty.” General Shieldheart himself moves to the front of the room. “The Shieldheart line has devoted our unworthy lives to the Haventree line since time immemorial.. With all due respect, in light of our family’s unquestionable devotion to the Holy Right of the Haventree’s Empire, and regarding the age of the accused,I beg those of the Magistrate, the court, and the Holy Emperor of Lagalla to have the virtue to grant mercy of my only son and heir of my humble house of servants to the Chosen of Aisling..”
“What would you suggest, General Shieldheart?” Gavin raises an eyebrow ignoring the glare from Millicent to his left.
“A punishment befitting such a crime, but with the mercy of the Gods themselves - Exile from Lagalla.”