Thread: A Ravens Heart and a Witch's Soul....(Anaeria and runawayninja only please! )

His eyes narrowed down to bare slits as he stared down at her, nearly a foot taller than her and he led her down a long and winding hallway. Several lamps with crystals in there were glowing softly and provided dim light to the castle. It felt...weird. There was clearly more to this place than just stone and mortar. Magic flowed so thickly, her fine senses could almost detect it as a physical part of this place, much like a fine roast or freshly baked bread clung thickly in the air. They passed several doors and many more thorny vines. They eventually came to an exterior stone bridge that connected two towers, taking them to the tallest of them in the castle. The storm was rolling closer and the night sky had a weird almost violet light to it. Where was she? Was she on the same world? The Court, as it was known, was adorned with the largest of roses on the wall, many of them as large around as a person, and the ones here were red, white, pale blue, yellow, and pink. A large and elaborate throne dominated the back of the Court. It was made of several vines tied tightly together and they were thornless. Behind the throne, several large portraits of undeniably lovely women were framed by roses and vines. Around the Court were a number of figures, mostly seated upon the floor which was made of some glass that appeared black at first. Only after a short while was it clear that the glass was clear...it was simply pure blackness beneath it. A large crystalline chandelier that glowed of it's own accord provided dim light to the room. Seated near the large doorway that led from the bridge was a young man playing a Koto from the far east, plucking the strings delicately and producing a strange and calming music. He was dressed in loose silvery robes that clashed with his long green hair and aquamarine eyes. He seemed disinterested in her as he briefly looked and continued to play. A strange and almost aqueous sound joined the Koto and next to the throne was the sound's source. A young woman wearing a dress made almost entirely of white roses was softly dipping her fingers into several crystal goblets of water, each a different size and producing a different watery sound. She had an aura of passivity and grace about her, each movement carefully planned and elegantly executed. On the other side of the throne, reclining next to two large lionesses was a bronze woman with a mane of brillant hair as if it were kissed by the sun. Her golden, cat-like eyes stared at Ariana, regarding her almost like someone would size up an opponent before combat. She caressed the two lionesses at her sides, reclining herself in a position reminiscent of a big cat. A large two-handed blade rested at her side as she looked at Ariana, that fierce look never leaving her eyes. Her lips slightly parted and a sound much like a lion's growl emerged from her throat. But the man on the throne was clearly the center of the scene here. He was dressed oddly, in a strange style that only a royal could imagine. Various large feathers rose from his elegant robe, deep, dark blue eyes staring at Ariana, as if he were looking at more than her physical presence. A slowly, soft smile crossed his glossed lips and his mascaraed eyes shone softly as Rastaban entered with her. There was a feeling of utter fear surrounding him, a palpable aura of command and obedience. Ariana could somehow sense it through the facades of those here in the Court as Orlouge rose when the fiery bearded man spoke. Father, I have brought Lady Snow as you requested... Orlouge's voice carried the weight of the ocean behind it. It's softness and sincerity belied the power she felt from him. There was a crushing will from him that seemed to fill the room. Lady Snow... He nodded his head a bit to regard her. I'm so glad to see you are doing well, following your...accident. Please, I need to check the transfusion progress, would you offer me your hand? As he walked towards her, she felt the glass barrier that served as the floor tremble and shudder with his every light step.