Thread: Burgeoning Dreams of Steam and Magic [-:IronicallyHaru:-]

Prince Jasper was quite the gentleman, to be sure, but his manner, though bright, was moody and brooding. Often suffering from bouts of melancholy and depression, the Prince was known to be hard to please, and yet he was heir to the third largest Kingdom in the Realms. Rumor also told of his rapaciouss manner with those under him, from scullery maids to stableboys. His appetite swung to both sexes. Or so the tales would say. That his eyes had landed on Ravness was no surprise, though his pursuit seemed dogged, almost pleading, as if being betrothed was not quite enough and the chance to plunder her quim rivaled any prior conquests. Across the Grand Hall, Staf watched the foreign Prince with barely contained contempt. Nevyn walked close by him, the raptor-like armor of the Guardsman unique as Staf picked his way through the crowd. His own betrothed, Princess Hyacinth sat demurely in her place, eyes downcast. She was shy, almost painfully so, and seemed the exact opposite of his sibling. Ravness was bold and spirited, whereas Hyacinth was terribly introverted, her voice so soft-spoken as to be hardly more than a whisper at most times. Not that Staf would ever press, but the young Princess' legs also seemed locked together at the knees, and he understood saving herself for marriage and yet she was so inexperienced for her age. She looked up at him with a sloe-eyed glance, a smile barely turning up the corners of her mouth as she greeted him. Well met once again Prince Stafngrimr. she managed to say, her voice smooth like silk. There was a blush on her cheeks, and her chocolate colored eyes regarded him with admiration along with her shyness. The prowess of the Prince as a warrior was well known, and though she was a bit reserved, Hyacinth had often wondered what his body must look like beneath those clothes. A warmth spread from her belly at the thought, and her breath quickened. Quickly her eyes darted away. The pleasure is mine Hyacinth. I hope that your visit so far has been fulfilling. Staf said, taking his seat next to the Princess. It has been most delightful, though now it will be more complete with you here, my future husband. she replied and looked at him from beneath thick lashed, her teeth catching the plump of her bottom lip for being so bold. Staf had to admit that she was lovely, but he simply did not have the same feelings for her as he did for his twin. That did not mean that she was not desirable in her own way. Unlike Ravness, who seemed to find her betrothed somewhat nauseating, Hyacinth was at least nice to talk to and flirt with. Staf reached over and took her hand, twining his fingers with hers, causing her to draw a gasp. I think will definitely fill you. With wonders. Staf said, keeping the scandalous thoughts hanging there but not being explicit himself. The blush deepened, which was its own reward. He had to wonder if her nethers blushed as deeply. Nevyn observed the goings-on without protest, his keen senses hampered a bit by his armor, but still far outstripping those of mere humans. The sigh of his sister across the Hall was a bit of relief and he knew she'd not been punished severely for her indiscretion. The simplest and most subtle of gestures showed his sister he'd seen her, and he was hard to miss in his armor. Callista seemed to be assigned to Princess Ravness this night. She was a severe sort of person, but would protect the Princess well. The evening wore on, the feast quite decadent, and Bell managed to even save some of the better items for herself and her brother. Midnight passed and still the soiree continued, though in a bit of cunning manipulation, Staf managed to get himself, his sister, and Nevyn all together sans Hyacinth and Jasper. It was in the garden courtyard, the very one that Nevyn and his sister had used earlier in the day to express their love. Nevyn had grabbed Bell on the way through the kitchen, the four young people now in that small area. Time is of the essence Nevyn. As you know, Ravness and myself are to be wed in another week. This is not the life we would choose for ourselves. We would rather have our freedom, though such things come with a cost. My siser and I seek to steal away from here, and yet we admit that we need help in doing so, your own freedom in exchange for doing so. Staf spoke quickly but surely. The revelation was a bit of a surprise to the foreign royal, formerly an heir to a kingdom of his own. You know that such a plan, if caught or discovered, will have naught for us but our blood feeding the earth. Nevyn replied.