Thread: Spoils of War (DareToDream and Nightingale)

It had seemed like the hour dragged, far beyond it's time, when at last their carriage arrived at the threshold of the Kingdom. Illayna let her father exit the carriage first, and she was soon to follow. The knight at the door took her hand and helped her step from it's interior and onto the walkway. With a passing glance over the courtyard she followed her father. Their guards stationed close at hand as they made their passage from carriage to the Main Hall. People littered corners, corridors, and balconies. Laughter and conversation lifted in high spirits as it danced around her. She followed in silence, a soft smile gracing her lips. She would not condone the appearance of a broken soul, she would not allow that victory to her father. As they entered into the ball room, they were greeted with a greater mass of people and Illayna was relieved to see the hand of her father dismiss her to mingle amongst the crowd. It was, however, not without a warning look. She knew who to avoid and at what costs. Illayna began to make her into the large room. The pristine gown she wore flowed freely, it's ivory material embroidered with a brilliant gold, and not a single kingdom crest nor color graced it's fine work. Long honey tresses had been laced with ribbon and strands of pearls. Pinned at the back of her neck with a boldly blooming iris, and let from there to cascade in gorgeous waterfall curls. It had been expected of her to make an appearance, and one that would be remembered. A simple velvet, ivory choker graced her neck, and beneath it laid a delicate silver chain, whose pendant bore the emblem of the goddess and nestled comfortably at her buxom. As she made her way around the room, curious eyes wandering, she made appear she was simply admiring the decoration whilst she was truly searching for that newly familiar face. She found him, barely catching a glimpse of him as he turned away. His back to her. She felt her smile brighten, and become true. So he was here, was that the cause of her sudden heart racing? Fluttering around in it's cage like a bird trying to find freedom? What was this she had started? How much trouble would it bring her? She took a deep breath and let her eyes scan the crowd for her father. He was positioned in conversation with the High King and another woman. This was her chance. Though as she moved to take it, she hesitated only a moment, to search for the prying eyes of the Narvashal King.. he was in the presence of Marcus and she felt her heart sink. If she had been so bold as not to think, she would surely have paid a heavy price. With a light step she moved herself around the gathering crowd and made her way to her father. With a curt nod, and graceful bow, she was introduced to the High King and his Wife. A woman of great beauty, a strong and powerful Queen. Illayna smiled politely, and listened to their conversation, not often adding unnecessary words. Her eyes glancing over the crowd.. Certainly at some point he would have to be free and Illayna could risk to her hearts content a moments breath of speaking with him again. He was alluring, and she wanted to know why. As she watched on, she noticed the fauning faces of the women he passed, the narrow glances, and the giggling girls. Quite alluring indeed. What chance did she have to lure a High Knight away from his Kings side.. away from the swooning women who beckoned him? Who was she but the daughter of the enemy? A tool to be used for the trade? She wondered if he thought like others in his troops, that she was a liability to her father and that if they slaughtered her like cattle before his eyes, he would bend to their whim? Had they not done the same to her mother, and the man they called weak had bared his ground, squared his shoulders and grimaced through the pain? Illayna remembered that day, bright and bold in her memory. Her mother had left the Castle, for what Illayna had never been told.. and never would know.. but she remembered the bellowing scream of her father. The frantic collection of soldiers and the immediate departure. She remembered the maniacal laughter of a man who witnessed the murder of his wife, by the hands of a Narvashal soldier. A lesser man, who stood beneath his superiors and felt the greatest victory, in a battle yet won. She remembered her father returning, bathed in the blood shed, wild eyed and furious. That was the day he had sworn Illayna to the Goddess, made her promise to never leave the castle, and stole away her freedom in the blink of an eye. She had barely ever seen the outside of the palace walls, and never tasted such control, or freedom as she did now and she was going to grasp it. Take it to her advantage. If she could sacrifice her freedom for a chance at peace by simply sharing words with a man of the enemies greater power.. than perhaps it would be worth it after all. Illayna did not resent her father, she did not regret her life, nor hate it. She was proud of who she was and the decisions he made.. she just felt that better ones could now be chosen. Illayna..Illayna...! Illayna Juliet Terryn! Please will you pay attention? With a startled flinch she turned her attentions to her father. Yes sir? This is Nathaniel, Lord of the House Monte. Illayna lowered her head and bowed in respect. Pleasure to meet you Nathaniel, please forgive my .. absence. The man gave a curt nod. He was very stiff, older than she, and rather boring looking. But as her father would have it, she was to at least share a dance with him, as others had begun to do within the centre of the ballroom. Taking his hand, she let him lead her out. Dreading the moment already, she let her gaze wander once more to Marcus.