Thread: For the rest of your life. [Wreckles & Cal]

The salty smell of sea mingled with that of fishermen's catch of the day as Turyn read the small piece of parchment he had received from the captain of The Maiden's Breeze . Seagulls were cawing loudly, and the general busy schedule of the docks made the small gathering stand out even more. Albeit sporadic visits from the captain of the guards were common in the docks, the people had grown accustomed to the fact that it was their Prince to boot. It was the King's idea, not Turyn's. Father's own way to keep track of his first-born son no doubt, if Turyn were to choose he would most likely be found far away from the capitol, perhaps out on adventures in a far off land where they had not heard of the name Daroni. The captain of the ship shifted nervously from foot to foot, not an expression could be read on Turyn's face as he crumpled up the parchment and gave it to the man next to him, wearing almost identical garb as the Prince, only that his shoulderplate had a single distinguishable stripe on it, while Turyn had two. You may leave. As the Prince spoke the words the captain and his first-mate bowed deeply and backed away a little too quick, unable to conceal their worried nature. Turyn's gaze was already turned and going with determined steps up the steps and to their horses. His silvery armor caught reflections of the mid-day sun and the suit looked more heavy than it was in reality, it was made to inspire confidence and order into the citizens of Audelin. The longsword resting at his hip certainly added to the effect, but that was not why people respected him, and feared him. During his two year reign as captain of the guard Turyn found that his past deeds on the fields of war did not leave peoples minds so easily. It was Ser Meril - his lieutenant - who broke the silence Good or bad news from the north, my prince? Turyn was a head shorter than Ser Meril, simply due to the fact that Meril was one of the tallest men -towering at six feet and seven inches - Turyn had ever seen in his life. Apparently the old lord of Lernis had more virility in him than I've given him credit for. When the puzzled look on Meril's feature lingered Turyn added in a even smoother voice Merissa is pregnant. Come, let us get back to the palace before father sends out the kingsguard to fetch me. The contempt in his voice was apparent but Meril had been his lieutenant for years now, in a bond forged in battle, he knew who to trust. Sitting up on his horse Turyn pressed his gelding forward and steered it through the masses that attended the daily markets, it was a busy time but they all formed a path for the captain. Turyn did not wear a helmet and was thus recognized by all who had the sense to memorize their lords, some bowed, some knelt while others just hurried away from him and Meril. Turyn had good features, a sturdy jaw and no facial hair. His dirty blonde hair was more akin to brown than blonde and he would be considered handsome by many, if his facial expression was more susceptible to breaking out in smiles more than once every fortnight. Now his brown eyes had grown almost listless, filled with thoughts only him and him alone was privy to. Turyn did not make eye contact with the rabble, peasants were beneath him, regardless if he was sitting on a horse in shining armour or not. When they got out of the market the only noise keeping them company was the sound of iron hooves against cobbled stone as they climbed the broad pathways leading up to the palace, banners of a white watchtower with black backgrounds filled the scenery as men in armor stood at attention on either side of the road, the gates to the exterior palace swung open as the Prince approached and two stable boys hurried out to mind the horses just as Turyn and Meril swung down on solid ground again. The sergeant at watch approached them and made a quick bow, Prince Turyn, your father has-- more than that did he not have time to say before Turyn interrupted him in a bored voice I am fully aware of whatever ails my father, I shall go see him at once. He even managed to beam a very apparent false smile towards the sergeant before heading into the palace grounds. The Daroni was particularly fond of extravagant features, sculptures and monuments - something his father had happily embodied with the textures around the palace. You couldn't walk twenty meters without catching a view of an elaborate statue in marble, a eloquent painting, often resembling the lineage of the Daroni. Heavy pillars jutted out of the marble floor and formed great halls that made up for the bulk of the palace, their heavy steps echoed along the hallway as men and women in different robes and attires bowed deeply from his passing. Finally at the heavy doors of the throne room, two of the statues almost seemed to come to life, they blended in well with the background and they were known as the Vipers, the kingsguard. Without a word they opened the doors for Turyn who stepped inside, followed by Ser Meril only a step behind. The throne was at the end of the hall, and upon it sat his father, proud and confident the old fool. Turyn concealed his contempt and strode forward into the gathered crowd, nobility of many walks attended and the king had an audience with two men Turyn did not recognize, diplomats from another kingdom no doubt, although there were no other kings than his father - the war had made sure of that. With a gesture of his hand the king dismissed the dissidents, as he spotted Turyn. When I appointed you to Captain of the Guard, I was confident that punctuality would be one virtue you would not forsake so easily, apparently I was wrong in this. As Turyn stepped forward to the now vacant circle - cleverly built in a small slope so the attendant would have to look up to the throne and the man sitting on it. Turyn spotted his sister in the corner of his eyes and wondered if she had figured out what their father wanted of them, he knew damn well that she was not keeping a network of spies at her service, too busy trying to improve the lives of the dandelions or whatever folly she wasted her time with. With ice in his veins Turyn locked gaze with his aging father, their mother -half the age of her spouse - tried to look fondly upon him like she always did. Your concern of my whereabouts is gracefully noted, father. I assure you-- his taunt had worked, the king sneered and interrupted him. Little do I care about your petty excuse for an excuse. I did not summon you here to listen to your tales, I called you before the throne as your king. Finally the old fool relented, sunk back into his seat and placed both arms on their rests, taking a short pause before resuming. You are to go on a diplomatic mission to our neighbours in the north, the lord of Lernis will expect you within a week. Oh and bring your sister. That is all, dismissed. With a wave of his hand, the matter was concluded. All the while Turyn did not change his facial expression one bit, simply bowed his head in acknowledgement and stepped out of the circle. Catching the eyes of his sister in the crowd, Turyn smiled something that might come off as a fond smile, to a intoxicated observer, before making his way out of the throne room again.