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Post by The Jenn on Aug 13, 2007 23:11:43 GMT -5
Serafino tapped his foot impatiently, the hard sole of his boot making a firm noise with every movement. The Queen of Hearts was not a patient person. He hated waiting. It was by far one of his least favorite things to do. Everyone else could wait on him for as long as he cared to make them, but when he had to waste his own precious minutes on someone else, heads were liable to roll. Only the rank and standing of his expected guest kept such thoughts to the back of his mind rather than the forefront, where they would normally be. It simply wouldn't do to maim or murder a fellow monarch without a war as provocation, and anyway, this particular meeting was about peace. No, a decapitation wouldn't do at all. His long gown made a hissing noise as he went from tapping to pacing, his movements clipped and agitated. Where was she? It was past the time she should have arrived by nearly ten minutes and his limited patience didn't feel like being tested. One gold-hued human hand reached up to fiddle with a feather in his fiery red mane, one that had reached around to tickle at his cheek and neck. Another thing he didn't like, one of a great many things, was having to stay in one place and one position for any length of time. It left him feeling twitchy and annoyed, which quickly translated itself into anger, and from there to violence. The members of his Court knew better than to drag out their meetings or audiences for fear of inspiring a quick, demonstrative act that usually left someone or something in pieces, be it the arm of a chair or the arm of an attendant. Having a double-bladed battle ax to cut through red tape had come in handy on more than one occasion, making some normally arduous decision-making processes into quick and painless affairs - painless for him, at any rate. His thinned lips relaxed somewhat as he looked towards the setting sun, its light becoming more serene and fanciful by the moment. Even if his guest's tardiness left him inconvenienced, at least she had picked a lovely time of day to keep him waiting. The natural perfume of the royal gardens drifted like a rose-scented cloud through the air and he leaned out of the large open window to catch more of it. On the first story, the fragrance was always at its most cloying. He loved how it practically hung in the still air.  |
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Post by Nathalia on Aug 17, 2007 20:43:13 GMT -5
 Lysaras panted heavily as she sprinted across the grounds of her own palace on four feet. Her mind was a blur and she felt somewhat nauseated. How could she have gotten so badly distracted? She had been trying so hard to make it out of the grounds on time but she kept getting caught by pompous officials, and needy subjects. It was driving her mad! She was practically a prisoner in her own domain, she just couldn't escape them. That poor Feline had approached her at the last second, he looked so hungry, and what with his having a family... Then she'd had to find her affairs officer and things had gone downhill from there. And now she was late, and she desperately wished she wasn't. Her paws tore over the ground as she passed the ornamental fountain in between the palaces. Her claws clicked over the stone path, and were then silenced as she loped into the grass. Five minutes later she had reached the, in her oppionion, gaudy gateway and paused to catch her breath, once her breathing had slowed to normal, she hunched, looking small and somewhat pathetic. Then she began to change. Her form reared toward the sky, body shifting and clothing more befitting a Queen than fur appeared. She scratched her muzzle nervously and felt her tail tuck slightly beneath her dress. Taking a deep breath, she moved through the archway in her Bipedal form. The garden was stunning in comparison to the gateway. Lysaras gazed in delight at the multitude of roses and white stone that the courtyard consisted of. Her eyes lingering on the beautiful flowers before she raised them and found herself face to face with the person she had come for. Serafino himself; the Queen of Hearts. He was far more beautiful than she had imagined and she nervously ran her gloved fingers through her thick black hair. Her muzzle twitched into a smile and she was glad to be in her Bipedal form so as to hide her blush. She moved slowly, gracefully toward him, her eyes drinking in his fine pale skin, not sickly like hers; alabaster...and his fiery eyes. His thin, pointed face. No picture could ever do justice to this masterpiece of a creature. She approached, tail tip wagging though she desperately attempted to stop it. "My lord, Serafino." She murmured, extending a gloved hand and smiling demurely. "It is so good to meet you at last." |
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Post by The Jenn on Aug 20, 2007 6:44:16 GMT -5
Distracted from his study of the rose gardens by an approaching figure, Fino's crimson eyes turned her way. His mood had calmed somewhat from a contemplation of the flowers and the sunset, taking him from extreme annoyance to a kind of dry amusement, and his brows raised at the gowned canine as she moved close enough for him to see her properly. Not what he had expected at all. What a sickly, unattractive creature... he thought even as he extended his pale hand for her gloved one and brought it politely to his lips.
"Likewise, Lady Lysaras," he agreed in an even tone as he continued to mentally evaluate her. "It pleases me that you finally arrive at this meeting, however long I had to wait. I suppose it will all be worth it in the end." Coarse fur, scraggly hair, gaunt figure...she certainly wasn't much to look at. He could see the violet mark of her rank, however, and that made up for the mediocre appearance. Even better, she had apparently been born with her human form rather than having to work for it as he did. That made anything that resulted from this agreement more likely to have it as well.
With that being the case, why did she insist on that furred form. His expression shifted to one that was even more bitingly polite. "I have heard of your human form, Lady, but I have yet to see it. Tell me, is there some reason that you wear your fur in my home? Some message you are trying to send, perhaps?"
His preference for the 'higher' forms was well known by his own court, but he didn't know if a Spade would be aware of it. Still, it surprised him that anyone with a higher capability and of such rank would willingly take a bipedal form to a meeting as important as this one may well turn out to be. Ignorance? Insult? He had yet to find out.
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Post by Nathalia on Aug 21, 2007 0:09:00 GMT -5
Lysaras felt the other Queen's eyes taking her in as well...though perhaps more critically... She stared into the crimson eyes and knew that something was off...his next sentence confirmed the feeling. She had barely even realized she was still wearing fur. Her face flushed crimson beneath her dark coat. Good god what had she done? "No offense meant, my Lord." She whimpered slightly, turning her back as she began a quick change. She swung back around a few moments later, feeling perturbed at Serafino's attitude. She had know he was moody but... ye gods...  SHe nervously flattened her hair with her gloved hand before making a shaky inclination of her head. "I was in a hurry this morning and I couldn't manage to get away from the courtiers quickly enough, dear sir...I suppose I simply forgot..."She tried not to blush, she was so uncomfortable in this form, it was hard to wear! She could never use it in front of others in her court when they depended on her, it would intimidate them...then they might lose the good ideas they came in with...intentionally or not. She brushed her hands over her skirts, her hands were always moving if she was nervous...still it was better than the stuttering she had done in the past. "I am certain that our...union will mean nothing but good for our Courts, my dear Serafino..." She had nearly stuttered his name...good lord whatever would he say... |
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Post by The Jenn on Aug 23, 2007 14:38:06 GMT -5
Fino watched her change dispassionately, only slightly more pleased by her human form. The pale skin was intriguing and her gown was quite nice, if a bit plain for his tastes. It well-suited this form. That was something, at any rate.
"Of course," he agreed as she twitched with her skirts, allowing his body to relax slightly. It wasn't like the situation really angered him and, in the interest of a successful dealing, tact would be called for. His expression smoothed into something more pleasant.
It amused him that many in his court had trouble gauging human expressions. The faces being so odd and furless, most people weren't used to reading them. His face was perhaps less expressive that most, taking after his serpentine aspect. Body language and stance were far more important to him.
Calmly taking her hand and placing it in the crook of his arm, he began to walk. Whether she came easily or stumbled, his pace would accommodate. He far preferred moving while he discussed things. The hems of their skirts hissed together as the fabric met, the sound amusing him. "I am glad that you understand why I have arranged this meeting, Lysaras. Communicating through notes taken by messengers can be so unwieldy at times. You will be the first to bear my children, did you realize?" His tone indicated that he felt the act to be an honor he was bestowing upon her.
Several small birds flew in the garden, their sweet song a pleasant distraction. The royal gardens were a lovely sight, for all that they might be a bit 'much' to those with a keen sense of smell.
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Post by Nathalia on Aug 25, 2007 0:02:02 GMT -5
Lysaras watched as the Queen of Hearts relaxed slightly. She allowed herself to smile, albeit nervously, at him, her eyes alight. She couldn't help but to continue to admire him, even as he tossed masked insults at her. If only he didn't do it in such an attractive fashion...then maybe she could acknowledge them...
His thin face was set into the semblance of a smile, it gave her chills...good and bad, to watch him as he smiled. She loved it.
She smiled broader as her gently, yet decisively, took her arm and began to walk her across the gardens, the smell of the roses was overwhelming, she felt slightly faint. She moved with him gracefully, her eagerness to please keeping her more agile than usual, she listened to him talk and marveled at the way he handled himself. The size of him arm under hers nearly made her squirm in delight.
She listened to his question, and did in fact feel honored...to be the first...perhaps if she ws good enough, the only... "Yes, I do realize..." She murmured, squeezing his arm slightly and smiling. "I can think of nothing I would love more, dear Serafino. You are certainly the only one I will ever have presented myself to before..." She almost hadn't said the last bit, but something in her wanted him to know...to know how much this meant to her. She wished he would show more emotion, to sweep her off her feet and get on with the gallantry she knew he had to be hiding. She could only wait, and hope...
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Post by The Jenn on Aug 28, 2007 22:57:44 GMT -5
Fino listened to her quietly murmured confession and something about their encounter finally clicked. Ah, I see! And here I took her as naive when she in fact played the game all along. One point to you, milady, for catching me off my guard. It shan't happen again.
Of course her appearance had merely been a test to see if he would react to the bipedal form and, like a fool, he had, giving her the first 'point' in the elegant dance of court politics. By arriving as a canine, she had deliberately dealt herself a lesser hand. In maneuvering her to change into the more magically powerful and physically delicate human form, he had inadvertently granted her the same status as himself. Whether or not she deserved it for her rank was irrelevant. She had just earned it from him in such a circumspect manner that he couldn't help but admire the cunning.
With her status as an equal now established, she would merit the best treatment he could offer. How very clever...
Completely misinterpreting the canine's actions up to this point, Fino smiled openly and tucked her hand more securely against him. "Is that so? Well then, I suppose it's incumbent upon me to show you what the hospitality of a Heart truly entails. Would you be so kind as to join me for the evening meal? The sun has already begun to set and it simply wouldn't do to deny a lady her supper. I couldn't possibly allow you to return to your castle once night has fallen. The streets are unsafe for one such as yourself."
Perhaps the obvious relaxation and change in mood would cause her to slip up? Such was his hope. He had points to regain, and with the game on genteel ground he would have to outmatch her in terms of surprises. She had chosen the role of damsel, so the place of gallant was left to him.
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Post by Nathalia on Aug 30, 2007 18:35:33 GMT -5
Lysaras felt as though her heart would burst forth from her chest. Serafino had just fallen right into the role her mind had prayed for, the gallant knight finally aware of himself as such; here to sweep her off her feet. Ye gods it was just too perfect! She smiled demurely on the outside, even though she wanted to yell with delight and dance with him here and now, and made her way forward her long legs matching his stride easily.
"Dinner would be most appreciated." She murmured, trying not to cling possessively to his arm. Hers! He had never given himself to anyone before, he was hers! Lysaras would be the first...and hopefully the only...to possess Serfino, Queen of Hearts... She smiled a bit more brightly, they would be the first to each other...that alone meant so much.
She chuckled softly at the mention that the streets may not be safe for her. "Then I am indeed glad to be in your company, dear Serafino, who knows what may have happened to me otherwise. What better escort than the infamous Queen of Hearts himself?" She leaned into him slightly, wanting to hug him, to feel the muscles that she could tell from the way he held himself, ran tightly wound all over his body. Hers...
Grinning from ear to ear inside her mind, she followed her knight inside...ready for anything he might do or say, he had her heart already.
He has but to whistle and I'd be at his side... She thought with a slight chide to herself. He's worth it, though... after all, we're all somebody's dog.
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Post by The Jenn on Sept 1, 2007 13:45:47 GMT -5
If he had been privy to the other Queen's thoughts at that moment, Fino probably would have cast her away and stormed from the gardens, or perhaps called forth his finely-sharpened axe, alliance notwithstanding. He was no one's dog, and in this world, no one mattered more than him. Though her childish assumption, that just because he had never sired a child meant that he had never enjoyed the pleasures of the flesh, might have made him laugh...
The role of gallant always left him grouchy afterwards, whenever he could retreat for a moment of privacy. Having to cater to someone else's whims and focus his attention on achieving their happiness always seemed so...counterproductive. His happiness mattered so much more; why should he expend valuable time, energy, and most importantly patience to ensure another's comfort? Damn it, her first move had been well-played. He would much rather be pampered and pandered to, treated as the Queen he was rather than have those sly, shining purple eyes looking down at him - and damn her that height, too! - as if expecting some new entertainment with every breath.
He put the sudden flash of annoyance from his mind, determined not to let his temper have free reign just yet. There was a game in progress, and any sudden outburst may well end up as a weakness.
Tea would be a must at dinner. He could already feel the vaguest twinges of a headache as the result of suppressing his mood.
"With the onset of evening, perhaps I could escort you indoors?" he suggested as they paused by one particularly tall rosebush. It had been encouraged to grow up and over a trellis, eventually masking the supporting structure completely with its vines and blooms. Now the blood-red flowers seemed to have developed a life of their own, the vertical shape their natural inclination. "What with the timing of our discussion, I had hoped that you might be persuaded to stay the night, and so I ordered a private meal rather than a more formal affair in the great hall."
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Post by Nathalia on Sept 5, 2007 18:17:41 GMT -5
A private meal? For me?! Lysaras was sure her heart might burst from excitement. She didn't mind how fast things were moving, her romantic side convincing her that it had to for the sake of their kingdoms...they could become closer once the child uniting their kingdoms was produced.
She smiled and gazed up at him, her head tilted coyly, her eyes half closed so that her lashes stood out against her pale face. "That sounds amazing, my dear Serafino, I can't imagine anything better."
She could feel his rm tense slightly beneath her touch, was he as excited as she? He must be. It was his first time as well, after all. He must be thrilled....and it was her he was thrilled with, to think! She grinned as she thought of the Queen of Diamonds, and how desperately angry she must be. Lysaras couldn't help the flicker of a smug smile as she though of that horrible bitch. Sitting alone in he room, while Lysaras walked under the colorful sky with the Queen of Hearts.
She turned to Serafino, eyes still starstruck. "What is it your Majesty might wish of me once we have eaten?" She asked softly, hoping for a certain response. "What is it I can expect to do to please you? I only want what you do, dear Serafino..."
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