Thread: Spoils of War (DareToDream and Nightingale)

The guards outside the main tent cringed and flinched. The yelling and arguing coming from within was brutal. No one had ever heard Illayna raise her voice just so.. and the kings response was just as harsh. THAT BASTARD MADE AN ATTEMPT ON YOUR LIFE ILLAYNA! His worry was accountable, but Illaynas sudden eagerness to stay, despite the King of Narvashal was striking. He did, but let him try it again, and I'll show him just what he's worth. She hissed through gritted teeth, snatched her towel and left her fathers tent, the tension was still suffocating, and the guards dared not to bar her exit. She finished washing up and returned to her tent. She's had a strange turn around last night, and would fight tooth and nail to stay here, rather than being sent home to safety. When Illayna was called to her fathers tent once more, she was dressed for the days event. long honey curls were tied back in a long braid that drifted down the centre of her back. A pair of black leather pants clung tightly to her figure, met with a white tunic, cinched at her mid section, and met with a small belt that sheathed a dagger at her hip. Slender boots dare not thud against the earth as she walked, ducking beneath the tapestry and entering into her fathers tent, she was presented with the bow she would use for this event. The bow has been her mothers, a huntress at heart. Illayna smiled to herself and examined the weapon before nodding. Thank you father, for coming to your senses. Illayna.. I'm still worries. This could be a dangerous game you're playing.. Really father.. I promise. I will keep my distance from all Narvashal members. You were raised to be a proper lady.. what skills your mother ensured you knew to protect yourself may not prove worthy here. She glimpsed the bow momentarily. Let a man try father.. Ulric simply nodded and sent Illayna about her business again. She moved to the small stable they had to begin prepping her horse. She took her time brushing and grooming, before moving on to the blanket and saddle. As she worked her way about the horse she forced herself to focus.. she forced Marcus from her mind. Every time the image of him passed through her memory she felt the tears sting at the back of her eyes. She couldn't see him again, she couldn't. His honor to the goddess was too strong, she would not will him to break it.. and her faith to her kingdom was too strong for her to turn away from the goddess and her chance at being queen. Gripping the knot and saddle, she shoved her booted foot into the holster and pulled herself up, swinging her leg over and settling in. She fixed herself and grasped the reigns, her right left hand partially gloved, and each wrist protected with a leather guard. She was thoroughly prepared to use her bow in the hunt, but for now she wanted to take a small ride through the city. With a sharp nudge of her heels the horse began it's walk forward and out of the stable. Following her lead with the reigns. She relaxed into the motion, allowing herself to feel what the horse was feeling. She closed her eyes and just relaxed. listening for a moment. People were busying themselves with preparing for the event, she watched quietly as she rode by. Keeping the gait at a walk. She wasn't in a hurry, and nor was she in the mood to eat. Her stomach was in knots about everything.