Tuesday, January 18, 2005

also I would like to know what you think of this game log:
From Bud to Bloom
An original RPG log based in the Utena Universe
Brought to you by Rose of the Noble Castle
Rose of the Noble Castle is: Katie, Cat Who, Music-chan, Jenn, Kevin, Diana, Jessie, and Haruka
Act I log by Cat Who
Break my destiny, no tears or lies
Within this summer... within this dream...
Drinking them into my very skin
Taking in the wonders of this city...
Make my history, with chance and truth
I shall know no fear of pain or hurt
For I want to say my answer clear
I want to greet you with a smiling face.
--Two Mix, Beat of Destiny

The sun was just setting as the carriage drew up to the front gates of Rosehamlet, the castle and keep of the Clan Himmemiya. The three women within shuddered as one. Here they were, the three chosen ones, to be brought before Himmemiya Ryu, their clansleader, and his wife of over a century, Elise. One of them would be chosen as their only son's bride; a fact that worried all three. Himmemiya Keske was unlike any heir to the Rose Crown to come before him. He had announced his intention to choose a Council to stand beside him and aid him in his duties as the lord of the realm. No longer would only the Rose Prince stand in the way of evil, he would have at his side a talented wife and at his back a group of talented warriors. And it was as such that the trio of girls had been called from their quiet home in the country to attend the Royal Coronation. Himmemiya Ryu had chosen only the best for his only son. Ironically enough, the best consisted of one family; the tiny Soijiou clan under their protection boasted three finely made and extremely talented sorceresses in the tradition of their line. These he had chosen for his son.
"Don't worry, sisters," murmured the eldest, Miranda. Her shimmery purple-hued hair was neatly contained in a long braid which reached to her feet. "I'm sure the prince will take the time to get to know us first before making such a rash decision."
Sophie, the middle child, looked on Cassandra, the youngest, with a look of supposed comfort. Cassandra was barely fifteen, and not quite of age to marry yet. However, she was the most powerful among them magically, though she didn't have the power of Earth at her fingertips as Miranda did. In a way Sophe was glad her powers were weak when compared to her two siblings; it lessened her chances for being chosen despite the fact she was by far the most beautiful. Miranda might have the roses bowing as she walked by, and Cassandra could morphe into any image she chose, but neither would compare with the simple intelligence and grace that was Sophe's.
For her part, Cassandra was frightened beyond belief. She'd heard such stories of the young prince. He was powerful and kind, but underneath he held the kind of ruthlessness that did not bode well for his wife. She would have to be able to tame a wild beast from day one or else she would be conquered and thrown. Whomever Keske chose would have to be the Titania to his Oberon or there would be no peace in the kingdom. Yet the council sounded interesting. It was rumored that there was a position open yet; the Purple Rose, the Bride of the Council. Traditionally there was only one Bride, the Rose Princess. She could be used as the Rose Prince saw fit, a fate Cassandra was not willing to succumb to so easily as Miranda or Sophie. But in the new Council... it was said that the Purple Rose would be granted the power of the Roses... the power of their souls...
Cassandra shivered. What a delicious idea!
"Are you ready, ladies?"
The three women turned at the polite tone of the driver. THey had arrived at the keep with each woman caught firmly in her own musings.
They had arrived.
Miranda took the footman's hand as he helped her out of the carriage, and smoothed her skirt as he helped her sisters as well. She was nervous; they all were, that was to be expected, but she was not frightened. Although the rumours about the Rose Prince were unpleasant, she knew that in the event that he chose her as his bride, she should be able to control him.
She hoped.
"What shall I do with your things, Miss?" another footman asked, which struck Miranda as odd.
"We should have had a room prepared for us." She motioned for the small group of servents who had come out of the castle to join the footmen. They had all packed heavily; at least one of them would be taking up a permanent residence there at Rosehamlet, although they had no idea which of them it would be.
Was no one to come out and greet them? They all three stood there, outside the carriage, silent, arms locked together for strength. Miranda's nervousness was increasing, but finally it seemed that someone had come to escort them inside the castle. She watched, curious, as the person approached.
The woman that approached was startlingly beautiful. She stood a full six feet in height, a drastic contrast to the petite size of the girls before her, and her mane of pure white hair fell to her ankles unencumbered. Despite the sweet wind blowing off the mountaintop not a hair stirred on her head; it was as if she carried her own time or equilibrium with her at all times.
Sophie took in this woman with a growing sense of fear and awe. Not only was she exquisitely attractive, she was wearing the oddest clothing. Assuming they were supposed to arrive in style, she and her sisters were wearing their best dresses. Cassandra had chosen a kimono, but she and Miranda were wearing western style dresses with full skirts. This woman however, was dressed...like a man. Softly clingly black pants outlined coltish legs, and the button-up shirt she wore was of the finest and purest lawn silk. She was a woman of start contrasts. Black and white.
She stopped and looked at each of them in turn. Her features, arrestingly pale in this part of Japan, indicated she was most probably of Western descent herself. When she spoke, her voice was clear as a bell and commanding. "I am Elise, wife to Ryu, mother to your fiance Ryu, and the Rose Bride." She paused a moment to look disdainfully down at the small Cassandra, half-hiding behind Sophie.
"You seem afraid, small one."
Cassandra blushed furiously. "I am, ma'am."
Elise chuckled; it was a somehow chilling sound. "You should be. Men are cruel; my husband and son are no different by right of their sex. They may take care of all the princesses in the world, but you will not be princesses to them. You will be chattel as I was to my husband. Keske may think he is different, but the code of the Clan Himmemiya and our duties to this world define him. He shall become his father and you shall become me. As I was taken from my family so you shall be taken from yours. As I was forced to endure three trials, so shall all three of you. And I had to wait almost a full century before filling my belly with the sweet comfort of a child, as is the neccesity for those married to the Rose Prince. But I shall discuss the terms of marriage with the chosen one once my son has decided. Until then all three of you are remain here and take full advantage of our hospitality." With that, she turned and snapped her fingers at the porter. "See to them. Emineth shall indicate which suite of rooms they are to use."
Then...she vanished. Into thin air.
Sophie flushed. Was the woman still around? Cassandra frowned, sensing her sister's thoughts, and felt outward with her mind. Nothing.
"She's gone," the younger girl whispered.
"Good," Sophie murmured. "She gives me the hibi jibee's. Did you see how her hair wasn't moving?"
Cassandra nodded. "Though it seems like a neat trick when you're horseback riding. It's rumored she was the most powerful sorceress of her age back when she was married."
Sophie grimiced. "I'd believe it. I'm never going to get that good."
Shaking her head, Cassandra began helping the porter with their bags. "Yes you will. You just haven't tapped into your power yet. Momma always said it was by birthright that the middle child was born with the most potential. You're just a late bloomer."
"Sixteen years of late blooming," Sophie grunted. "I'd better make one attractive flower."
"The tasks set are designed to bring out hidden potential," said a voice from nowhere as a tall, purple-haired man approached them. "And it is potential the Clan Himemiya and the Rose Prince seek, not ability. Ability by its mere nature has a stopping point, but potential goes on and on." He grinned cheerfully at them and tipped his head once before passing them by.
"Thank you," Sophie murmured, staring at the handsome youth. How kind he seemed! "Wait!" she cried as he began walking away. "Your name?"
He flashed a daredevil grin over his shoulder and continued walking. "Later, my fair ones. Later you shall know me."
And vanished.
Cassandra grumbled to herself. "I hate that damn trick. Doesn't anyone around here just use a flipping door?!"
Sophie stared after the boy with her fingertips pressed against her lips. If only . . .
The porter escorted them across the arched bridge to the large, grand entrance of the castle Rosehamlet. It had changed much over the centuries, and would continue to change as conviences from the world outside slowly seeped their way in. Even so, there was a quiet, unchanging quality to it, as if time here did not so much flow like a liquid but instead fell like snow, drifting through the corridors and piling up through the ages, adding weight to every second.
The porter left them at the door, and a young man in a dignified tuxedo with tails greeted them. He had a faint sneer on his face, and he walked with a peculiar gait, as if he were afraid he'd dirty the carpet, or rather, dirty his feet. Miranda looked beyond her first impression through her mind, and was startled to realize he was not a youth at all, but instead wore several hundred years as if they were days.
He turned sharply at her mind probe, and her sisters and she cowered together. "I felt that from all three of you," he said, but not unkindly. "You'll have to be more careful with your magic here. Not everyone appreciates such an invasion of privacy."
Miranda looked at her sisters, her eyes wide, as they continued on their journey. He could sense that? But she had barely brushed his mind at all. Surely Cassie and Sophe hadn't been that careless?
They walked up the grand staircase, and Miranda knew that her eyes stayed as wide as saucers as she took in all that she saw. The old stones of castle were carefully hidden by draped lavender sheets, mingled with cloths of purest white. This had the effect of making the walls look like melting ribbons of wax. It was a very pretty effect, and it lightened the room quite a bit. Miranda touched one of the draperies on her way up the staircase.
"I'll be putting you in the Heliotrope suite. There is a very large bed there; unfortunately you'll have to share since the castle is so very full of guests, but it is one of our nicest suites, and the view is spectacular."
Emineth paused outside one room, selected a key from his butler's ring, and handed it to Miranda. The room was already opened, and Emineth swung the door wide, so that Miranda caught a glimpse of it before she entered.
Purple. Everything, everything was purple. Heliotrope suite, indeed. Was there no other color in the whole castle?
"You should freshen yourselves up. The porter has left your trunks here, and the Mistress may be calling upon you at any moment." He smiled for a brief second, and it was then that Miranda decided that she liked the butler despite his affected manners and snobbish air.
"Well," Miranda said as he left. She turned to her sisters, who were looking even more dejected than they had in the carriage. "We might as well make the best of it, shall we?" Poor Cassie looked like she was about to burst into tears. Miranda hugged them both, and they embraced her gladly. They were three against the world at that moment, and the world was winning.
Cassie and Sophie took the time to snuggle into their elder sister's protective warmth for but a few minutes. A small bell rang somewhere down the corridor and Cassandra jumped at the sound. Reluctantly withdrawing from her sisters, she moved to the window and stared out. "I wonder when we're going to meet the Council," she mused.
Sophie shook her head and smoothed her skirt as she gracefully glided over to absorb the scenic view. "Never I hope. I wish they would send us home."
"Not a chance," Cassandra murmured. "And to have that lady as a mother-in-law?"
"Horrifying," Sophie grinned. "What do you think, Mir? If she smiled would her face crack like Gram's porcelin?"
"It'd probably shatter into pieces and break any mirrors nearby, too," Miranda said, but quietly. She didn't have to run any detection spells to know that they were being watched very closely.
Miranda sighed and sat on her trunk, feeling more than a little overdressed, but being too proud to change just at the moment. "I wish they'd send us home as well, but right now all we can do is bear it. We were chosen, after all. We don't have any choice." She swung her feet dejectedly, wishing she were younger so she could weep in private. As it was, she had to be the strong one, the onee-san, the one who held their fragile sisterhood together during the trying time.
Emineth came and knocked on the door, peering inside as he did so, reinforcing the fact that their status as 'guests' was not very much above the status of a servent. "They are ready for you," he said, and led the sisters down the stairway, to a large room off the side of the grand foyer.
Letting Miranda lead, Sophie and Cassandra followed in order of age. Despite her seventeen years, Sophie was feeling very young as they stepped fully into the throne room. A rainbow of colors met their eyes as they were led directly to a wide velvet runner before the three thrones. As was expected, the three girls dropped to their knees before the empty chairs and leaned down, kissing the white stones specifically set before them.
Cassie tried not to grimace as she sat back up and the blocks removed. She hated the purifying ritual of kissing the salt stone before speaking to those of a higher caste. It made her feel so degraded, plus she always wanted to lick her lips during the interview. The sheer force of will required NOT to give into temptation was usually staggering. Beside her she could feel the slight quiver of Sophie restraining her laughter. For some odd reason it never bothered the middle sister to lick salt before speaking to a better. Cassie never understood why.
"Thirsty?"
Abruptly, a glass of water was shoved in front of Cassandra's face, accompanied by a handsom, tanned face behind it. The man was still young in years, as opposed to many of the others. His shining, deep-purple hair was cropped short and curled in gentle waves around his face.
It was the same man from before....the one who had greeted them. He was dressed in spotless white, with tassles and braids decorating a military-like outfit. His eyes were amused at the obvious discommfort Cassandra was experiencing and a small smirk played around the corners of his mouth, but his offer was sincere.
"Keske!"
It had happened so suddenly that no one had noticed as the king and queen took their possitions on the throne. One minute the seats were empty; the next, they were not. Elise the three girls knew. She was looking as sever as always, though her hair was done up in an impossibly beautiful arrangement, all curls and clips. Her garb was more befitting the situation now; a blood-red dress that made her skin seem all the more pale.
The man next to her was another matter intirely. His skin was dark, a rich chocolate brown, and his hair was even darker. It looked black, but under the lights it seemed to shift tones. First blue, then purple, then green, then a black so deep it hurt the eyes to look at. His hair was long, pulled back, but still had some of the same curl that the young prince had as well.
And if the three had though Elise looked sever, it was nothing compared to the stoney coldness of Ryu. His eyes were a deep brown, so dark they were almost black. They were intense, able to freeze a man's soul from across the room.....or across the country. He looked so stern and impossing it was hard to imagine the young prince in front of him would even dare to try something as shocking as giving another water in his presense.
With a snap of the fingers, the water in quesion was pulled from Keske's grasp and flew into Ryu's hand. Not a muscle in the king's face moved, twitched or otherwise showed an emotion as he dropped the glass onto the carpet. It disappeared before it should hit the ground.
"Do not break protocol."
"Whatever." Another cocky grin towards the girls and Keske suddenly appeared in his seat again. His mother and father didn't even look at him and he shrugged. Apparently the prince's ideas were more in contension than had been rumored.
Miranda tried not to stare longingly at the fallen glass of water. The prince reclined on his throne indolently, a marked contrast to his severe parents. Rebellion, she thought to herself, glancing up and catching his eyes, which flashed with an undetectable emotion. It's almost all show. He's acting like a prodigol son not to annoy the population, but to defy his parents . . .
Miranda had to hand it to him, he had his attitude down pat. She tried not to pucker her lips as the lingering taste of the salt burned her mouth. She and her sisters sat before the thrones now, feet tucked under, hands respectfully on their thighs, a style that was really more suited to Sophe's kimono than her or Cassandra's dresses. Sophe looked the most elegant of them all, but that was not really unusual in itself. Sophe always looked the most elegant.
The kind addressed them first.
"Young women, you know why we have brought you here." It wasn't a question. The king's voice was like his hair; rich and full of many tones, all of them dark and changing. Miranda was not one to be frightened by voices or words, but his tone caused a shiver to run down her spine.
Still, she nodded respectfully to signal understanding. Her sisters did the same. They knew, although they were none too happy about it.
The king began speaking as if Keske were not there, which caused the rebellious prince to smirk even more. "My ungrateful son has need of a wife, and only the best woman in the land is worthy of him." Miranda also noticed the total lack of bitterness in the king's voice, despite his words. So cold. So flat. "We have brought you here for you to prove yourselves worthy of his hand."
Prove themselves? Miranda risked a glance at her sisters, curious as to what the king meant by that.
Cassie also flicked her eyes left to take in her sister's reactions. Miranda looked calm on the outside but it was fairly obvious that she was as disturbed by the proposition as Cassie was. Only Sophe was unruffled by the idea that they would have to show their worth to the icy monarchs before them.
Elise's face was a mask as she suddenly rose to her feet. "There shall be three tasks," she announced. "Three for each of you, nine tasks to be judged all together. However, before we tell you of the first task you each must undertake I wish you to understand that you -must- comply with these wishes. To act as my son does is not becoming of a lady, nor will it gain you any favors. The final choice will be Keske's, of course. However, do not think to curry favor by appealing to him. He will be there for each task, yet neither he nor his chosen Council will be allowed to aid you in your duties. I hope I have made myself clear enough."
Her piece said, Elise flicked a finger in the direction of the three sisters. A warm light enveloped each and Cassie was shocked to discover an orb floating about a foot from her chest. It glittered with soft violets and gentle purple tones; somehow it called to her. Tentatively she stretched forth one hand and brushed the delicate dome with her index finger. It shimmered at her touch and the lights within seemed to almost pulse with her own heartbeat. A glance over at Sophe and Miranda showed that both her sisters held orbs in their cupped palms as well. Sophe's matched the pristine lightness of her hair; it shivered with icy pale violet and silvery plum. Miranda's was the darkest; so purple-red it almost seemed as if Elise had plucked out Miranda's still beating heart and handed it to her.
"Your souls," Ryu said, "are the property of the kingdom until the tests have been fulfilled." Suddenly the orbs blinked out of existence and Cassandra felt an odd sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. That lovely shining thing had been her...soul?
Sophe's lips tightened once during the procedure, the only indicator that she was at all affected during the act. Their mother had trained them in the way of her craft and in the ways of court. Sophe, out of the three, had been the only one who paid close attention to Clarrisa's stories of how Elise would shock and startle court followers she did not like. And like the woman or not, Sophe was not going to be dazzled by some parlor trick Miranda or Cassandra could have pulled when they were five. Tempted to send a mental sneer out telepathically, Sophe merely clamped down on her inner fire and calmly met the woman's eyes. Was it her imagination or was there a flicker of acknowledgement in that clear gaze? Surely not.
However, when Sophe's tightly leashed gaze strayed elsewhere, she noted something startling. Keske was staring at her. Not as he had earlier, in a playful, smug manner. This was slightly more thoughtful; but angry as well. Sophe wondered why the prince was angry with her. She'd done nothing but play his parent's game and win. Was that such a crime?
* * *
She sat in a windowseat, overlooking the courtyard of the castle below, wavy crimson hair cascading down her back and resting softly as it ended on the velvet lined seat.
Bangs hung down her tanned skin, almost hiding her crystal blue eyes behind their ends. Her nose pointed preciously, like a dagger ready slice.
Her pure red lips only smirked though, as she could only imagine what the girls who had come to vie for the Prince's attention had to go through. She had seen them pile out of their carriage - three scared mice, they were.
She narrowed her eyes a bit, wanting to see what they were going through, her imagination leaving her thirsty for more, but the King and Queen had set up special barriers against outside intrusion for this task.
She, and the other council members, would know when it was their time to pay close attention to the 'selection,' as they called it... but for now, the five council members were to remain as before... waiting. Waiting and watching.
There was one position keeping the council from being completed, The Purple Rose.. and though many a person had come, trying to convince Keske that they would be best for that position of the council, he argued them down, saying that the Purple Rose 'someone who will be seen as they are, before they become so.'
She sneered at the thoughts, and stood up, long legs shrouded by a crushed velvet skirt, with a slit that went up to her mid-calf. Her shirt was gray-color, shimmering from black to white as she walked out of her chambers on the third story. "I wonder who is up and about now.."
She again sneered at the thought of the physical limits that the King himself had put onto the council. No delving onto the main floor, as it would disrupt whatever they had planned for the three girls. Again, only when they were called, would they be allowed in the main floor.
The only exception was, of course, the dining room, as they would have to eat.
She pulled her door open and stepped into the hallway, feeling the brisk, chilled air about her, and smiling. "Ah yes, the seasons are planning a change.. and soon."
She turned, and walked on, looking for whomever was about.
* * *
He was sitting in a windowseat, long emerald ropes wrapped around him against the chill, a book perched in his hand. Deep green hair, normally wavy, was tied back tightly against his neck. Startling purple eyes were trained on the text as if trying to memorize it after the first reading. All together, he was an intense man, passionate about what he knew best.
The castle was a wonderful place to stay, if not a bit drafty, and had a huge library. That in itself was wonderful, but on top of that, they had a very interesting collection of swords. If there was one thing he was interested other than his books, it was his sword fighting. But, as he had often claimed, it was just a hobby.
Of all the things that bothered him most about being part of the Council, it was the loss of his name. When they had taken their souls and stored them away, they had been given new names to represent their part of the Council. Now he would only be known as Emerald. It was a little unnerving, but he supposed he'd get over it.
A sound attracted his attention and he glanced up to see the red-haired Crimson walking towards him. Arching an eyebrow, he rested the book next to him on the window seat and nodded his head.
"Hello."
Crimson nodded her head in return to the greeting that Emerald presented her, "I knew you'd be here.." she offered, mentally, as she preferred to communicate via thought. She took a glance at his book, and smiled, sitting in a chair that faced his seat. "...gathering more knowledge, again, I see?"
Esmerald just sighed and leaned up against the windowpane. Mind-speach bothered him. Large amounts of magic in general bothered him. He didn't like to rely on such tricks, but everyone here seemed to feel exactly the oposite. What HAD they seen in him as a Council member anyway?
So as usual, he spoke out loud, his voice echoing in the silent corridors.
"Of course. It's really the only thing to do here, besides practicing politics. I dislike politics. They only get in the way." He glanced over at the red-haired woman and grinned. "But you seem very good at it. Really, you should give me lessons." With a chuckle, he continued. "I'm hopelessly lost amidst all this intruge. Perhaps that's why they took me on. I may not be Innocence, but I'm not exactly all that into things, am I?"
Crimson smiled at the scholar before her. Her mood wasn't one to play around, so she simply spoke, her words echoing within the corridors as well. "To be honest, I'm as lost as you are, at the moment. Any information regard the next few days' events are limited to just 'finding a suitable bride for the prince.' She said the last part with a sigh. Then turned her eyes sharply to her side as she found a servant listening in on their conversation.
Narrowing her eyes, she mindspoke to the servant, "I'd thank you to keep silent." She silently pondered a punishment for the girl for listening in, but quickly decided against it.
Returning to the conversation at hand, she crossed her legs and got herself comfortable in the seat. "As for teaching you to understand politics..." she thought of the right word to say, ".. don't. Don't try to understand them, do what you do best. We may be the political of the bunch, but, dear Emerald, you are the most knowledgable about facts we may be lacking in."
* * *
Elise took in the trio of girls before her with cool, calculating eyes. "Now then...since that little deed has been performed you have the remainder of the day to enjoy our hospitality though you are expected to make an appearence at dinner. We will begin the trials on the morrow. That should give you sufficient time to prepare yourselves. You are dismissed."
Stiffly the sisters rose and curtsied politely before turning as was custom and drinking the blood-red wine offered. Salt before, wine after. Of the three of them only Sophe knew what to expect next. Their mother's lessons had not gone wasted on this girl. Gatherine their skirts, they prepared to leave, only to stop at the door as Keske sauntered past them and sketched a jaunty bow goodbye. Again, not protocal at all. Sophe, to her horror, found it extremely difficult to not glare at the young prince as she passed. The NERVE of him, winking as they passed!
Upon reaching their room, Sophe and Cassandra rushed to rid themselves of their cumbersome garments. Miranda moved with less haste; she seemed less eager to get out of the room and explore the grounds.
"I can't wait to get to the stables," Sophe confided to Cassandra as she donned a pair of crisp blue jeans and a silver button-up shirt. Somehow even such simple garb was elegant on the young beauty, Cassandra mused to herself as she watched her sister. Sophe gave everything she did an air of grace and elegance that would be almost obscene were it not for the lively heart and spirit behind her flashing eyes. But robbed of her will...she would be a doll. Cassie frowned and shook her head. It was said that the Rose Princess would have to endure occasionally being a doll of sorts for the Prince. She would have to be strong enough to hold his power within her as a sort of sheath to his strength. THe thought was sobering.
"And you, Cassie? Where are you going today?"
Cassie jumped at her sister's gentle touch. "I thought I would make a visit to the maze. It calls me."
Sophe smiled warmly. "You and mysterious puzzles. Think you can solve it in time?"
Cassie laughed gently. "I'll try. What about you, Mir? What are your plans for the afternoon?"
Miranda shook her head. "I don't know yet. We'll see."
The younger two girls nodded and practically flew out the door. "Okay! See you at dinner, Mir!" Sophe paused but a moment in the doorway and turned to face her elder sister with a small apologetic smile. "If you feel like joining me, I'll be in the East pasture."
Miranda nodded and Sophe was gone.
***
The stables were large and extremely well kept, to Sophe's delight. Most in their family and small village thought it odd that such an elegant girl would find most of her pleasure in the company of horses and wild creatures, but it was indeed a fact. The creatures didn't care that she was the least powerful sorceress in a family with a long line of great witches. The horses didn't understand that beside her excellent manners and icy control she was ultimately a failure where her family was concerned. All they knew was that she had a gentle spirit and kind hands. She was without Cassandra's fire or Miranda's sheer power, but she was strong on her own without their gifts. She was an island unto herself.
Looking around, she chose a very pretty horse with a caramel colored mane and soft grey eyes. "You are probably nothing like my mare, Firelight," she told the mare. "Firelight has spirit. But you'll do for a good ride, I'm sure."
"That one has more spirit than one would think," came a cool voice from the shadows. Sophe jumped as another horsewoman came into view wearing black slacks and a plain white shirt. She was trim and tall; not so large as the Queen, but very statuesque nontheless, with the most amazing colored hair Sophe had ever seen. The tangerine and gold tresses were currently wound into an elaborate crown around her forehead and head, yet somehow the girl knew when the locks were freed they would trail the ground. Overall she was the most beautiful woman Sophe had ever seen, her features were so even and perfectly formed as to make even Sophe appear plain beside the woman.
"I am Coral," she replied to Sophe's unspoken wonderings. "I am of the chosen Council. And you are to marry Keske, ne?"
Sophe cleared her throat. "I am one of the sisters, yes."
"That's not what she said," chortled a voice from the stable doors. Both of the women turned to see a brilliant young man with hair of the purest yellow-gold saunter in leading a fearsome looking stallion with flashing black eyes. "She said you were going to be the chosen bride, am I correct?" He didn't wait for an answer. "Nightfall appears to agree." Leading the horse into the stable he snapped his fingers and from the thin air a pair of stableboys appeared and took the reins from him to lead the horse away and groom it. The young man strutted forward and thrust his hand toward Sophe. "I am Gold."
Sophe took his hand strongly, aware that this had to be some kind of test. There could be no gingerness here. She had to be as forthright as these two to ever gain their respect. There should be no dallying now. "And I am Sophe."
"Well, Sophe," murmured Coral as she clucked her tongue at her own horse and led the creature forward. "Perhaps we may discuss your plans for the castle as we ride."
Sophe frowned slightly. "What makes you two think I'm going to be the chosen bride? I haven't any strength or powers. I'm the weakest sister. If he chose me it would be a--"
"Miracle," Coral cut in. "Do not fret, young one. Miracles -do- exist."
"She should know," laughed Gold. "She's in charge of them. Not a warrior like me." A sword mysteriously materialized in his hand. He swished it twice through the air as if testing it and then folded it into his hands like a stunt toy. Sophe blinked once at this demonstration. They might be parlor tricks, but he was very good at these simple illusions. If he were that good that didn't bode well for either herself or her sisters. It would make the tasks very difficult indeed.
Coral shook her head in disgust and led Sophe out of the stable
* * *
Miranda watched her sisters leave, her heart crying for them although she dared not show it outside of her calm face. Dear Sophe, so pure, trying not to let her fears show, and brave Cassie, determined to put on a cheerful front despite their situation.
Well, she was alone now, for what it was worth. The ever-present spying spells could be temporarily neutralized without attracting too much attention if she was careful.
Miranda chanted the spell for a neutral bubble, then fell onto her bed, and wept bitterly.
After she had her cry, she felt a lot better. Humans, whether they were sourceresses or not, all needed to have a good cry once in a while. Miranda found a basin, filled it with water from the anachronistic plumbing (she was vaguely aware that for those outside of the realm of Rosehamlet, such things would not exist for two hundred years, but staying within the actual timeline had never bothered the Himemiya), and washed her face.
Someone had finished putting away their clothing while they greeted the king and queen. Miranda appreciated that. Unpacking was a task she'd never really enjoyed. So she went to one of the wardrobes that contained her clothes, and picked out a simple long dress.
Then she left their room, in search of . . . what? Where could she go? They didn't have free reign of the castle; there were warding spells on many of the rooms, so that Miranda knew she wasn't to go into them. She encountered a large set of double doors, and read the writing on the plaque next to the door. It said "Library" in six different languages.
Well, this would have to do.
She opened the door cautiously, and nearly gasped. The library took up a full two stories, and a central staircase in the middle let to shelves all along the edges of the second floor. The bottom floor was full of tables and workbenches, all of which appeared to be empty. Miranda carefully closed the door, then started to go up the stairs to explore, when she heard voices.
Who could that be?
* * *
Crimson watched her companion for the moment, then cocked her head at the sound of a door opening, before looking back to Emerald. "We have company." she mindspoke to him, more for keeping their conversation private than anything else, ".. It seems you'll be able to learn about the current politics yourself, in a moment."
She sat back in the chair, watching the man by the window. As the poor girl downstairs walked, she would soon encounter the monkeymouse that would bring her up to meet them.
After all, the royals never said anything about the trialed girls coming to them.
Emerald tilted his head to the side and shut his mouth firmly. He hated all this sneaking around, all the spying. Though a quick, silent, mental sweep told him the presense downstairs was anything but secrative. Well, that was a relief. At least the brides-to-be didn't seem to be enjoying all this political mumbo jumbo. It gave him a vauge feeling of hope, if that could be had here.
But if there was another thing Emerald hated, it was waiting. Impatient to the end, he stood and walked over to the railing that framed the upper story of the library and looked down to the main floor. Those damn mouse-things . . . and Crimson expected it to get the girl up here. He didn't trust them either. So instead of waiting, he called down to the girl.
"Well, are you just going to stand down there or are you going to come up and meet us?"
The monkey-mouse turned around to blow Emerald a raspberry. Mirand had to smother a giggle. They were so cute! The monkey mouse tugged on her skirt some more, and started climbing the staircase, lifting her skirt to do so. The monkey-mouse decided to hitch a ride, and clambored up to her shoulder as she walked up the stairs.
At the top, Miranda found the two people and bowed respectfully, then curtsied as well, just to be safe. She didn't have Sophe's innate grace, but she wasn't a clutz either, and so both of them came off decent.
"Greetings," she said.
"Pii," the monkey-mouse said.
* * *
Cassandra approached the entrance of the maze with something bordering on reverence. It looked normal from the outset, but there was something hanging about it....something that indicated the turns might not always be the same from one moment to the next.....something that hinted of magic and mystery. It was a challange, this maze, and very few had ever found the way to the center.
But before the young girl's slipped could cross over into the maze, a soft humming distracted her and caused her to look up. Perched atop the high, very high, bushes was a woman with brilliant blue hair that was sweat up onto her hair and held precariously in place by a few hair clips. She was petite, though not weak, and there was a sparkle in her blue eyes that hinted of a child-like personality. When she finally got Cassandra's attention, she smiled and lept lightly down to the ground.
There was something about the way she moved, the way her bare foot touched the grass and her hair dropped around her shoulders, that was artistic, as if planned, though completely spontanious at the same time. Everything seemed planned, yet obviously was not. A quick smile to the girl, then she fairly danced around her in a circle, humming some strange tune.
"You are one of the choosen, I see. You think the maze is enticing, do you? But perhaps you shouldn't be quite so much in a hurry to embrace it. There's more to this place than your senses can preceive." The woman stopped her dance in front of Cassandra and leaned in towards her. "I am Sapphire, you are Cassandra. Hello."
Cassandra tilted her head and stared levely at the girl before her, trying to mimic Sophe's best discerning gaze. She had a feeling it didn't matter one whit to the laughing creature so she shrugged and nodded. "Yeah, I'm Cassandra. Is your name really Sapphire or did you have to drop it for the title like everyone else?" Cassie remembered the rumors that each of the chosen Council had volunterely given up their names and lives in order to weild the power Keske would grant them. It was sobering, imaging people who had no qualms giving up whatever life they had led before in order to live completely new existences cut off from the world they'd known.
Sapphire giggled and did a sort of pirroet, then stopped and faced Cassandra, her eyes serious.
"I am Sapphire. That is all you need to know." But then she was laughing again. A lute appeared in her hands and she strummed it gently, the music itself as magic as the instrument that provived it. "Now, Cassandra, what shall we talk about? I will ask any question truthfully unless it's a question that cannot be asked, then I will not answer it at all. So, continue."
Cassandra opened her mouth, then closed it again. Opened it. Closed it. What was she supposed to ask this creature of light and music? And what did she mean by a question that can't be asked; if it were asked, then didn't she...? Cassie groaned inwardly and shook her head. Something told her that Sapphire was one of those in the North Country who could trace their liniage before the Himmemiya Clan. A sobering thought. She seemed more elf than human; more fey than real. But despite all that she appeared relatively harmless, a blessing, Cassie was certain.
"Okay," Cassie drawled. "If you know so much . . . what's the first test going to be tomorrow?"
* * *
Sophe enjoyed her ride with Coral greatly. The woman was as intelligent as she was beautiful; their discussions ranged from religion to pet peeves. It was strange that such a warm woman gave off such a cold attitude at first. It was as if she'd purposely put on a show for Gold, and did not feel comfortable letting down her guard until they were out in the wide expanse of countryside.
Finally Sophe felt enough at ease with the enigmatic woman to broach the topic that interested her the most. Keske and the Himmemiya Clan. "Is he really planning on taking a bride? Why just not choose one for himself?"
Coral pursed her mouth at Sophe's question and remained quiet for a time. These sisters had the habit of asking all the wrong questions, they did. It would make life....difficult on them if they didn't learn the rules, and quickly.
"Even Keske, the rebel that he is, cannot fight everything. There are some points where his parents will put their feet down, so to speak. But I can assure you, Keske will not choose someone whom he dislikes." The woman spared a glance towards the delicate Sophe and gave her a strange smile. "He also will not choose someone who will be walked upon."
Sophe nearly sighed with relief at her reply. "Oh good, then my chances just got slim," she confided. "For a few minutes he was outright glaring at me today. In the throne room, after his parents took our souls." Sophe shuddered at the memory.
"So that's that." She relaxed and gave the horse its head. "But what about you? How were you chosen to be on this Council? Are all the rumors true?" Under normal circumstances Sophe would have been far too polite to ever utter such questions, but something in Coral's expression, or perhaps the easy way she handled her mare, made the young woman feel more at ease than she had in many years. Since puberty, to be exact; the time before men and boys of all ages, sizes, and otherwise began staring her down. It had gotten to the point where she didn't even feel comfortable in her own home anymore- only with her sisters and this woman was she able to fully relax.
* * *
Crimson relaxed her the chair, turning it some to face Emerald and the girl who was just now arriving upon the second floor. Wether by means of magic, or through physical expenditure, it was uncertain, and she preferred it that way.
"You're one of the chosen, aren't you?" she stated, looking this girl over. 'Hm... a medieval style dress, how fitting for one who wants to try and fit in with we here at the castle..' she thought to herself, then she smiled. "Crimson." she said simply, her elbow on the armrest of the chair so that her hand was in a lax position facing her. She then turned it, palm upward now, toward Emerald, "Emerald."
She took a sip of wine from a glass that wasn't there before and continued, "Though you are a candidate for Keske's hand, you don't know much about him, do you?"
Emerald scowled at the monkey-mouse and stepped back from the balcony as their guest began her climb. Why the green-haired man hated the little creatures so much was a mystery to almost everyone, but it had been rumored that one of the little ones had embarrased him in some way early on.
So he mostly ignored the things and he was doing so as he leaned up against the wall, arms folded over his chest. He stayed quiet for the time being, letting Crimson handle the young bride-hopeful. Well, maybe hopeful wasn't the best word for it. But for now, he would remain silent and watch. It was what he did best, after all.
Miranda felt silly just standing there, so she took the seat opposite of Crimson, and tucked her feet neatly under the chair. She sat ramrod straight, unable to relax around the two Council members.
Crimson quirked a brow at this girl's timidness. Then sat back and relaxed some, gesturing with a hand, "Do you care for a drink? It is said that the best wine in the country is stored within the castle." she looked at the timid one through half-lidded eyes, "Would you like a taste and see for yourself, Miranda?"
Emerald tried to hide a smile behind a cough as Miranda's obvious discomfort. Keske's bride had to work with the Council closely so they who were most comfortable around the castle obviously stood a better chance. Still, he supposed it wouldn't do to completely frighten the poor girl. She HAD been through alot.
* * *
Coral hid her smile well at Sophe's matter-of-fact approach to her chances. In truth, the girl had more of a chance than the other two sister's put together, but the coral-haired woman wasn't about to point that out. It would be better for the girls to get through this on their own.
"Rumors you say? I guess that depends on which rumors you mean. There are so many of them that I have long since given up trying to keep them in place. What have YOU heard, young one?"
* * *
"You CAN relax, Miranda. We're not going to bite you. At least, I won't. I can't make that guarantee for the rest."
Leaning back in his chair, Emerald flipped open the book that was suddenly in his hands once more and glanced at it. It was true; even he had powers, though he rarely used them as flashily as the rest. It was a convience thing for him. If he needed something that was in the next room and was too busy to go get it, he certainly wasn't going to waste time to get up.
"He's right." said the coy woman, Crimson. "We may be strange, to you at least, but we're not cannibals." she lifted her glass in a silent toast, "Welcome to Rosehamlet. Any curiosities?"
Mirand blinked when she saw the book appear in Emerald's hand. He had done a high-level summoning spell without so much as twitching -- quite a feat. Miranda was capable of such a spell herself, of course, but she was so used to Cassie being the only other high level magician around.
To Crimson, she shook her head. "Thank you, but no. I don't drink alchohol before dinner. But I shall be sure to try some of the wine then."
Unsure as to what the protocols would be in this situation, she decided to go ahead and be a little nosy. "May I ask . . . you gave up your lives before this to become members of his Majesty's council, correct? What would be so important that you would do that? Forgive me if I speak out of place, of course."
The air around Crimson seemed to quickly go from warm and languid to cold and strict as what could be seen of her eyes held a stern expression, momentarily looking faraway, as if into the past. Then she looked back at Miranda again and smiled, "You are forgiven. There are some things that lie beyond the boundaries of allowance, I'm afraid."
Curious, this girl was, and Crimson was afraid that it'd be this girl's downfall.
Emerald rolled his eyes at Crimson's cold attitude and flipped a page in his book, then closed it with a snap once the silence had grown too severe. He was an up-front man, unlike most of the others(though Coral was another matter entirely) and though he wouldn't (couldn't) go into depth about his past, he -was- allowed to explain himself.
"But some of us don't feel that way. Frankly, I don't know what everyone else's motives were, but I was promised an eternity of knowledge at my fingertips and I damn well intend on collecting that promise. I'm sorry, but I can't go into my past, but let's just say a man in my possition wouldn't give up what was being offered."
Miranda nodded. On her shoulder, the monkey-mouse Pipi extracted a cute green robe from goodness knows where and put on a pair of tiny glasses, so that he looked just like Emerald. Miranda absently rubbed a finger on her new friend's head.
"I can see why that would interest you," Miranda said politely. "That would be a powerful incentive for any scholar." An eternity of knowledge? For a scholar, yes, but to give up everything . . . Miranda wondered if she'd be able to do that, no matter what she was promised. She loved Cassandra and Sophe too much and they need her so desperately at the moment . . . it would be unfair to leave them.
But why was she even thinking of this? There was only one Council position left, and the girls had been brought here as potential brides for Keske, not for the Council positions. Or . . .
Miranda suddenly realized that Emerald had green hair and Crimson had deep red hair. The colors might have been mere magic, but their skintones matched them too flawlessly -- if they were spells, they were good ones. Absently, she touched her own deep purple hair, which she had pulled into a ponytail, so that only wisps of bangs framed her dark face.
Purple is open . . . eh? Sophe had hair of pale lavender. Cassandra had hair of burgundy wine. They were both shades of purple, but hers was the only true color . . .
Miranda shook these idle musings from her mind, and gestured to Emerald's book. "What book did you select?" she inquired politely. She could have just used an identity spell on the book, but it was much better to get the reason behind the selection as well as the selection itself, and Emerald would not take kindly to a mind probe.
Crimson stood abruptly, then smiled at the two, and bowed, the glass in her had vanishing into thin air. "If you two'll excuse me..." she turned, and strode quickly out of the library, thoughts in a whirl of sadness and coldness. She glanced at one of the servants and motioned him to her, "When is your next break?"
The servant boy blushed so that a light pink blushed over his cheek. "Ahh.. in the next hour, miss."
"Meet me in my quarters then." She waited for the boy to nod before she made her way back to her room and relaxed on her bed, looking up at the thick red velvet curtain canopy.
* * *
At Cassandra's question, Sapphire danced and was suddenly on top of the bushes lining the maze, lute still in hand. Her loose, feathery robes whispered around her, making her look even more like a blue faery than any real human being.
"It's a beautiful day, isn't it? Have you ever seen the sky so blue or the clouds so white? Of course, it's always like this here, except when it needs to rain. This is a time outside of time, a place outside of places."
It was Sapphire's way of avoiding the question; changing topics. Cassandra had asked one of the forbidden questions and the blue-haired woman wouldn't even acknowledge it.
Cassie frowned and was about to try to bring the spritely girl back on topic when a sudden sharp pain made her cry out and clutch her forehad. "SOPHE!" she cried, trying to direct all her energy into this one scream, "WATCH OUT!"
All around the compound and castle faces turned and heads lifted at the telepathic and audible scream.
* * *
Somewhere in the castle, burried amongst the maze of rooms and the tangle of hallways, hidden behind layers of illusion that would take only the utmost master to penetrate, the dark-skinned Keske rested his forhead against a window and sighed. He was tired of this game, tired of his parents....tired of living up to his expectations. He didn't want to do this. Didn't want to run the council. Didn't want to choose a bride. Why couldn't he just live his life the way he wanted?
A scream....a cry.....
The prince lifted his head and rested a hand against the window that could not be seen from the other side. Three new princesses, but would they all survive? He had to make sure they did, didn't he? After all, he was the prince to protect them all.
It was a wearying thought.
A prince.
A princess.
Eternity.
***End Act I Log***


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