The First of Many Steps [Finished]

[FlyingPanther]

It had been much to easy, but he supposed that it was his mother's trust in him that had made it so. He had simply looked in the cabinet for supplies that he knew he could only attain in Captial City, and demanded that they be replaced because they were running out. Ophelia had given him a look of not wanting him to leave that far from Corvistowne, but in the end, had succummed to his attractive offer of getting supplies for her so that she wouldn't have to. Severus knew how his mother so disliked coming around the courts unless she absolutely had to.

He found out exactly why once he was outside the gates of the Palace of Hearts. Severus couldn't help but be slightly sickened by the extreme perfume of the roses that grew within the courtyard of the entrance. He had been in a lab with rather noxious chemicals that made him sick before, but this was a whole new experience. It was just...so overwhelmingly pungent. He looked at the guards at the gate, his eyes not really conveying any emotion at all.

"I require entrance into the Palace. I would like to take on a quest to become a Jack." Severus hoped that the guards would let him in, though he knew in his heart they probably wouldn't...and he would have to find some other way to get in. He had made no appointment, being young and to gung ho about becoming something that all would one day respect to think about making any sort of arragements. He thought about it now and it made him feel foolish, but he was young and allowed to make mistakes...right? They didn't expect him to be a grownup this quickly. Maybe the guards would let him in on the comical notion in the first place. No kid at this age seriously went out of his way to raise rank in the courts.

[Nathalia]

Dymphna trotted down the corridor to the front doors, she was heading down to the gardens to bring his Majesty, the Queen, his afternoon tea. She stopped abruptly upon the steps, staring out at the guards who were doing their best to ignore a child...a strange child on their doorstep. She moved forward in time to hear him speak, and felt her lips curve upward slightly, she moved up to the guard on the left, a slightly shabby, overweight raccoon from the Highlands. He snapped to attention at the sight of her, trying his hardest to look as though he had not been dozing while leaning on his spear.

"Marm? Can I help you marm?" He saluted unnecessarily, spear haft narrowly missing his own nose.

She smiled, gesturing to her cart. "Yes, you can Wolf. I need to take his Majesty some tea, we wouldn't want him to miss that, but this boy also needs to be taken to the secondary court hall. Take him there for me, will you? I'm sure that Bernard will see to him from there."

The Highlander's shoulders rolled forward as he relaxed. A smile crossing his face at the name "Bernard". "Certainly marm, I'll run 'im down there now, so I will." He turned to the odd child, now all smiles down his double chin. "C'mon lad, you wanna move up in rank? Foller me, we'll get yeh squared away, who knows, maybe you'll have my post in a few weeks, eh?"

He laughed, motioning for the slightly greasy looking child to follow.

Dymphna grinned, she did love the power she could command over the lessers, the only reason Wolf was here at his level, a Seven, was because of his Realm. She pushed the teacart thoughtfully off into the rose garden...that child would most certainly not have Wolf's post...

The heavy set Raccoon led the way down shining marble halls to a wide open, airy court, mostly balcony really, on the far left side of the palace. The floors were inlaid with gold and the breeze was pleasant and cool on the dry, warm day. Wolf smiled and shrugged.

"Jus' wait for his Highness then, I guess." He smiled, shrugging again. "See you around, kid."

[FlyingPanther]

If Severus had been a predatory animal he might have growled, but at best all he could do was manage a hiss in annoyance at the two blockhead guards. When he had addressed them, he had not looked to carefully upon them, and slowly began to realize that they both were taking a bit of a 'break' from duties in the form of a snooze. And this was secruity! If he ever was able to accomplish his goals, he would make sure that this was rectified. How was one suppose to feel safe when the guards were off nodding off? Worst of all they were ignoring him, just like everyone else. Severus hated being ignored just because he was a child, and a weak looking one at that. The only one that really seemed to treat him as an adult was his mother, and that was the way in which he wished to be treated. Severus was tired of being put down all the time by his limitations, while his strengths he felt were something much greater. He would gain the respect of all. That was the fuel for his ambition. Respect and Admiration.

He was about to get himself into trouble by sneaking in, when Dymphna appeared. He looked at the mutlicolored doe, and blushed slightly. He had heard of her from his deadbeat father, but he never really thought he would ever have the chance to meet her. He knew that his father and mother werent together, unlike his other siblings who seemed to have some fairy tale version of their parents relationship, but he never imagined meeting one of Silvanus' outer intrests. She was beautiful no doubt, but that was not why he blushed. The situation was more awkward for him then anything. It was like...the physical realization of what he knew to be true about his parents. He said nothing but bowed his head in thanks to the doe as he passed following after the rather fat raccoon guard with an ambiguious look of distaste and attempted respect for elders.

He followed wordlessly after the guard, doing his best not to let out any commentary on the notion of himself becoming a guard. Severus had a way of speaking that seemed to always have a bit of insult in them, and for one taking him towards his quest in a place he was unfamiliar, it seemed wiser to hold his tongue then do anything else. He bowed his head in thanks to the guard as he left, thinking him as strange as the raccoon probably thought of him. He looked out at the view of the balcony and waited for whoever was to give him his quest.

[Nathalia]

He observed the child for a few minutes before walking out to greet him. His soft leather shoes and careful grace ensuring that he made no noise until he was practically upon the odd boy. He smiled as he watched, the boy seemed slightly impatient, eager, and he had seen the way he looked down his nose at the guard.

Bernard grinned and then cleared his throat, keeping his expression at a non-committal smile.

"Good afternoon, dear boy. How are you enjoying the Court of Hearts?"

He was a tall Human, his clothing and hair giving away his Highlander heritage. His pale shirt was worn open, showing his rank; King of Hearts. He smiled and shoved his ponytail over his shoulder, the light catching on the golden spirals in the pale blonde. He turned his face fully toward the serpent-like deer.

The left side of his face was a mass of scar tissue, as though something enormous had raked nails through his flesh, making his face look slightly lopsided. His demeanor seemed to radiate calm, however, and his smile was benign. He was somewhat short and looked as though he could have been thirty in the light, and fifty in the shadows.



"I am Bernard, King of Hearts. You must be Severus. Good to meet you, I hear you're looking to become a Jack? I can see already that you will do well in this Court if you choose to stay with us. I could use an assistant with a brain instead of just a pretty face and air between their ears."

He looked out over the gardens, pale eyes taking in the scene while he was really testing the air for the child's moods.

"Do you feel that you are ready to accept the quest to increase your rank? I'll be helping you through it, no need to fear, but be sure that this is what you want before you agree. With presence comes responsibility, as I'm sure you're aware."

[FlyingPanther]

Severus was unaware of the King's presence until he had spoken. His sences werent yet finely tuned, or he might have noticed the male's figure looming somewhere behind him. The sound of the man's voice finally alerted him to the fact that he was not alone, and he turned his serpentine-like neck to see who it was, before finally facing the highlander king fully, then taking a small bow, though the movement seemed slightly pained. He knew that respect was needed, and that in order to gain respect one needed to show at least a little bit of it. However, Severus had no respect right now. Indeed, he was very much a 'nobody' to just about everybody, and his craving to find some sort of admiration from someone made it very hard for him to bow to anyone, even if they were the ones to deserve it. He felt like it lowered him further then he already was, and all he wanted to do was go up.

"The court is lovely, I hope to become far more familiar with it." His small slender frame stood proudly looking up at the adult. Again, he was sure to show the proper respect, but now was the time to truely show that he wanted this quest, and what better way then to show physically his determination and ambition? He may be a small child, but he knew what he wanted, and he was going right for it. It was the only way to give himself any confedence when he was a child so frot with insecurities. His ambition was the only thing that kept him from being a sad and crying little lump on the floor, which was part of his inner bitterness that he showed so often in his mannerisms and way or speaking. It was fustrating.

And he had plenty to be insecure about in this moment. There before him stood an adult male King, something he strived to be. But worse was that he had a human form, when Severus didn't even manage to have a bipedal one, and that the King was a pure highlander. It almost seemed like the prerequisit to being in the Palace of Hearts or in the court was that you had to be a Highlander. He cursed his mixed and inferior blood. While he still believed that Corvistowne was the best of the best, it didn't help that he was not full Corvistowne. Not to mention, he didn't like to think that his impurity might hinder him from becoming what he really wanted to be.

His eyebrows furrowed slightly, he had not known the King's name, had never met the man in his life, and yet...here the man knew his own name. Without him even uttering a word. Was it some sort of ability? It must have been, he himself had many abilities connected to the mind, it just must have been one of those...but maybe some sort of higher power because he was a king. That or Dymphna had alerted the King to his presence. That was just as likely. "There is no 'air between the ears' here, your Highness, though there is still much to learn. I would be honored to be of assistance to you." until i can reach kinghood for myself...at the very least. Severus thought instead of said, though he was not completely remorseful for thinking it. After all, he did have the asperations to be Queen one day. This was just the first of many steps.

Severus noded his head. "I am not entirely sure what the quest will ask of me, but at any rate, I am ready for it." After all, if he wasn't he might as well give up on all his dreams right now. It was now or never.

[The Jenn]

Dymphna had gone to let the Queen know that a new face had come to earn the rank of Jack, and an odd child at that. He always liked to be aware of such things and to know who may or may not be joining his Court in the future, depending on whether or not the young man chose that path. Not everyone did. Indeed, there weren't nearly enough official titles to accommodate all of the ranking cards in the land. Most took their nobility elsewhere, to their local regions or a favored town. Many others chose to stay in the city, nearest the hub of trade and activity in the kingdoms. Either way, he wanted to at least drop in on this Severus's meeting with Bernard and get a quick look at the youth himself before hustling off to other duties.



He made his way to the King's preferred reception area, a breezy balcony with direct access to the sunlight and the open air. The man always did like rooms open to the sky, rather like Fino with his gardens, and for much the same reason. He found the two of them at an impasse, the younger male watching the older, who stared out over the glorious rose gardens seemingly admiring the scenery. He knew the man better than that, however.

The swish of his gown against the golden tiles would warn both parties of his arrival before his voice, should they be listening. "I see they've brought you a new victim, then," he said in amusement, walking around until he could face each of them easily. He gave Severus a quick once-over and his eyebrows raised just the slightest bit. A serpent mix. It wasn't every day that one of them waltzed their way into the palace. He had Avington in him as well, another mark in his favor, though Fino already knew the other human would likely appreciate his Corvistowne heritage more.

Well, well. How very unique. He was almost looking forward to seeing where this one went. "Do you aspire to the Court, then, or will you turn your sights elsewhere? I suppose it's a bit early for you to be deciding yet, but still. You can never foster ambition too young." He shot an amused and challenging look at the other man as he said this, remembering his own childhood. Whatever the young stag-serpent said, he would nod and make a noncommittal noise in acknowledgement.

"Well then, I suppose I'd best leave you to your work. Try your best to trick him, Uncle. I love seeing their faces after they leave your company." Walking 'round behind the King, he reached up in passing and lightly tugged on the man's ponytail before exiting the balcony and returning to work. The gesture seemed almost affectionate and certainly familiar.

The smooth flooring made the hiss of his garment audible long after he left their sight.

[Nathalia]

Bernard smiled at the young mixed Breed, his eyes and ears taking in more than the child was saying. The palace obviously intimidated him and Bernard could sense that the child might even dislike it for being what it was... He could feel something akin to resentment toward himself already...ah well, such was life. Who appreciated teachers nowadays anyway?.

He smiled wanly, looking out over the trees, about to respond when he heard the tell tale swish of his nephew's gown on the marble floors. His smile became larger and he turned his head to watch Serafino approach.

"Good evening, your Majesty." He said, purely as a formality in front of the boy, wouldn't want him to get the idea that one could relax around the Queen...very few could do that and live...as evidenced by the light tug that soon followed on his ponytail. He grinned fondly, watching his nephew inspect the newcomer before swishing away. He shook his head and turned back to the child.

"Such are the moods of our most esteemed majesty." He said with a smile. "As to what you said before, I need no assistance, and you need not give it, Severus. You are above that, and I am aware of it. You are not here to be demeaned until we feel sorry enough for you to give you a job. I am here to evaluate you and place you appropriately." He looked out over the garden, speaking softly. "I can tell you will do well here, to the point where I barely see it necessary to test you, but seeing as it is required, it will be done for Court purposes, but I would like you to know that I see you being accepted already."

He raised an eyebrow, turning to face the Mixed breed. "I am not one to glean delight from making those we see around us feel inferior, nor is the Queen however odd his moods may be, he is a fair ruler. Regardless of your age, Realm, or gender, we will be certain to respect you if you command the personality to which respect is due."

His eyes glinted, and the corner of his mouth on the torn side of his face twitched as though he was pleased with what it was he saw. "And I can already tell that you do, Severus. I will relish having you as a colleague someday. Follow me please, we'll get you started on your task."

[FlyingPanther]

Severus turned his gaze as the Queen came upon the scene, eyebrows furrowing for half a second. He sure did seem to be in a good mood, though Severus didn't know exactly why, but he was not one to question. He was just a child, and if he enraged the Queen in any way, he knew he would never reach adulthood. 'Rumors' his half-brother had called them, but he knew as well as the rest that the Queen had a notoriously bad temper at times. While he may be a 'victim' of this quest, he wasn't about to be one of the Queen's. He bowed low, his chin nearly touching the ground, not looking at the Queen, which was probably for the best. If he had seen the Queen's raised eyebrow he might have begun to feel insecure again, and he really didn't need any more of that. He was already picked on enough because of his looks, he didn't need to know the Queen found him peculiar as well.

"It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. I have aspired to be in the courts for quite a while now, despite my youth. I only hope to reach the rank of Queen like yourself, and rule with your guidence and strength." Severus knew how to flatter, but anyone could read behind his nearly monotone way of speaking to see that it was not only a hope to reach the rank of Queen. Maybe he would never be the Queen, but he had the conviction to become A Queen, and one day he would...or die trying.

Severus didn't know what to make of the small display of affection. He didn't know that someone so high in power could so easily show affection in front of complete strangers. Didn't they have to act cold and indifferent, so as not to show weakness? Maybe it was his own life that made him think this way. Severus was not like his siblings, in that he didn't pine for the attentions of his mother in affectionate ways. He wanted to learn and grow. He had never thought to tell his mother how much he loved her, or even thought to give her a hug or small nuzzle. He just...figured she would know. He found the whole idea of showing affection to be weakening. To each his own he supposed.

The Queen left, and he looked back to Bernard, who was all smiles, and as if on que, Severus' lips frowned ever so slightly. This place wasn't serious enough for him. Maybe he was just antsy to get on with his quest. He quickly returned his mouth to it's normal resting mode. "That is pleasing to hear. I am often demeaned because of the fact I am still a child, while I am what my mother calls 'an old soul'. I would prefer to gain rank on merit, and not out of pity." pity was almost spat out with an unchildlike amount of contempt. He was tired of being a child, and being treated like one. Childhood had it's advantages, but he did not enjoy it as a whole. He could hardly wait to become an adult, to become what he always wanted to be. He bowed appologetically to the King in front of him. "I'm sorry...emotions are getting the better of me. I suppose I am just anxious to start the quest, your highness. Weather you see me being accepted or not, I am eager to prove myself a valuble addition to the court, not only for you but also for myself. I am very flattered by your compliments, Your Highness, but now is time to prove what you say has merit." for the first time Severus smiled, though there was a glint in his eyes that spoke of determination. Weather he was insecure in this moment would be very hard to tell. It was as he said. He wanted to prove his worth. He followed almost to eagerly after the King, his hooves making soft clopping sounds against the marvolous floors.

[Nathalia]

Bernard raised an eyebrow...what an interesting person this Severus was turning out to be. A bit of an ass, just like Serafino had been, but with just as much promise...

He moved down the hall, turning toward the stairs, listening to the sound of small hooves following close behind him. He glanced back, looking to see the expression...it was just as he thought, held firm with determination, steadfast and ready foe anything. Good...

"Of course...let us hope that my guesses are not misconstrued. Follow me please, Severus."

The King moved with an odd, deft grace, making little to no sound as he moved, even his breathing was barely audible, the ever present smile, lingering in his eyes. He moved as though he were going to climb the staircase, mounting the first few steps, then turning and appearing to vanish through the wall. Upon further inspection, and close attention, one could see that there was an opening in the wall, very thin but tall. The appearance of the wall was an illusion, nothing more.

"Severus, your task will be simply to show me a few things about yourself."

The room was made of plain sandstone, the room illuminated by nothing more than a single candle lamp mounted on the wall. The remainder of the room was slightly dark, half of the King's face hidden in shadow as he turned to watch the mixed breed come through the illusion. He nodded, pleased and then turned behind him to a thick set of iron bars. They blocked off what looked like the entrance to a cellar...dark and forbidding.

"I will view your progress from here." He murmured, face suddenly serious, as he flicked his wrist and conjured a small ball of light. "This is something you must accomplish alone. Fear not, if something should go awry, I will be there in a second to help...but do try to prove me correct in my assumptions, won't you?"

He smiled again, eyes still cold and beckoned, pulling on a small section of the bars...a door, and inviting the mixed breed into the portal beyond.

[FlyingPanther]

Severus followed without a word or a question, his little feet pattering softly with the grace of both the deer and the serpent on his side he made very little noise as he walked, though the world around them was vacant and silent, so he could easily be heard following behind the King. He noded as the man spoke, taking in his words and keeping them in a memory bank. He knew this was the way to his quest, and anything that was said from now until he was finished would be invaluble in his mind.

He followed until the King seemingly disappeared out of nowhere. Severus didn't expect this to happen, and so stepped back lightly...wondering if this was the start of his quest. However, on closer inspection he realized the wall was an illusion, and so clumbsily in his animal and child form fumbled through the slit in the wall into the dark chamber where the King waited for him.

He listened intently to the final words of the king, and looked into the dark abyss that he needed to enter into. He hesitated for a moment, his insecurities and the small bit of child within him being slightly frightened by how pitch black it was. He shook his head and in a second, the determination was back. He would be a Queen....or die trying. "Yes, of course." he said, answering the retorical question, and with a stiff upper lip entering into the portal beyond.