_AnaTolia_ & kiroro

[_AnaTolia_]

... The Storyteller's Daughter ...

Lisette Aurelia Sherwood started on her way back home from the theater. She was helping out with a play that would be presented in the king's honor. The story was about the how the Maiden of the Sea expressed her love to a wandering pirate who has captured her heart. Her story would be presented in a dance, with her narrating, of course. Her imagination and her boundless energy is what marks her in the little kingdom of Tourtois; the storyteller's daughter.

Her father was the most renowned storyteller of the land. But lately, her father didn’t have enough energy to tell stories anymore. His daughter then took up the role. Lisette, or Elise, inherited her father's traits, which made it easy for a story to come to her. Her father was the only family she had. Her mother died three years after she was born and all Elise could remember about her was that she had inherited her mother's emerald green eyes.

Many people said hello's to her as she passed by them. There were some people which she knew so well and yet there were other people who weren't familiar to her. Most of the unfamiliar people were tourists and they somewhat came because of her and, of course, to see the king's latest monument.

Elise wasn't even sure if the king built these statues to worship or to just show off his power. There were a few that represented Tourtois’ history, but many of these statues were beings from legends, like the God of Fire, Svarog, or the mythical White Deer himself.

The king's latest monument was of the Goddess Marzanna of the Slavic People. Her hair was black, made from ebony from the farther kingdoms and her body was made entirely of marble. How the ebony fit with the strikingly white marble, she didn't know. But she had to admit, the statue was pretty impressive. ‘It actually captures the real thing. Marzanna’s amethyst eyes showed how sad she was and the white wedding dress that she wears shows how she wanted someone to love her for what she truly is.’

‘But then there were her features. Her nails were sharpened like claws and she had wolf’s teeth. I pity her. This shows that everyone deserves to be loved, even Marzanna.’ Heaving a sigh, Elise took her mind off the statue and raced home, eager to tell her aging father about the story that had just came into mind. She wanted to ask him if she would present it to the festival which was just a few days away.

((I get carried away... *Sigh* ))

[kiroro]

He surveyed his kingdom from within his room, looking out of his window that lead out to a balcony. He wasn't in the mood to step outside onto it, to feel the breeze of the day or the warmth of the sun at the moment. The curtains were somewhat closed to even keep a lot of the sunlight out, but making it so that he could see his kingdom stretch out. It had been a long time since he had been seen without having to be out, meaning he was only seen when he needed to deal with royal and business affairs and important events. Speaking of which, a very special event was coming up, one he was actually quite fond of and never let him down when he needed to be picked up. Soon there was to be a play that was to be played in his honor, and he always enjoyed the stories that were played; they made him cry, laugh, think, and more usually. He wondered what this one would make him feel. Scared? Anxious? Happy? Was it exciting? A possible tragedy? It was a story that he hadn't seen so his hopes were high. He hadn't heard much of it, it was to be a surprise for him, which he liked, all he knew was that it was to be about some maiden of the sea and a pirate and that there would be dancing. It could be anything, truthfully.

The hills were green, the ones furthest away that bordered his kingdom, and the town was bustling. He looked over, but couldn't get as well of a view as if he were to actually stand out on the balcony, and watched the townspeople. They all seemed so happy, or most of them anyway, he was sure it wasn't possible for all of them to be happy. The poorer of them must have felt horrible, and ever since that day happened he hadn't done much to help anymore. He wasn't sure if anyone else felt it, but he was sure his kingdom was falling, slowly, though surely. It was crumbling, and he feared soon it completely come down. What would happen then? He was positive a select few were feeling it also, but they weren't sure why it was happening, only he knew and he couldn't tell anyone, not yet. His most trusted men didn't even know his deepest secret. However, there was one who knew exactly what was going on and why.

He sighed and closed his curtains completely, his room now becoming much dimmer, though not in complete shadow. He walked slowly to his bed. He sat down and thought for a moment. ' What should I do? ' he had a burden before, but now it has grown, it feels like the weight on his chest not only tripled in size but also started to grow teeth and claws and started to tear at his insides, he couldn't take this anymore and if he did everyone would suffer. ' I need to... I need to find someone new. How? When? Yes, yes, I know! The play... no, after the play perhaps. How should I go about doing this? I need to think this hrough, I have a few days. ' His hopes started to rise. He stood up from his bed and walked swiftly to his door and as soon as he opened them two men took a step off the walls beside his door. " Your majesty?" One of them addressed him.

He looked them both up and down, they weren't knights, they were servants. "You," he pointed to one, "Go and fetch me Keric, bring him here quickly." The servant nodded and then looked at the other for a moment and then walked away. The other waited for orders, but the king stepped back into his room. Keric was one of his royal advisors and a good friend and he was hoping he could give him some advice about his newest plan.

[_AnaTolia_]

Lisette dropped her pack right near the doorway once she entered. "Father!" She called out, going to the kitchen to get herself a glass of water. The walk back home was long and hot and it made her thirsty. "I have a new story that I would like you to hear!" She said after finishing off the cup of water. Elise then went into his room where she found her father looking out the window. She felt sorry for him; she found out that he was starting to lose his eyesight.

"Lisette? Where are you, Lisette?" He called out, his weathered hands reaching to where Lisette is. Although he was half-blind, his hearing improved. She went to him and sat at his feet. She couldn't wait for him to hear her story so she started right away.

A few hours later, he father sighed with contentment. "Hearing your stories just makes me energized, darling." He said, stroking her hair. "How's the play? I bet it's going to be great." Lisette sighed and told him that the dancers were all doing beautifully and the actors were what she expected.

[kiroro]

He paced in his room awaiting the arrival of Keric and he walked in a moment later. "Sire? You've called for me?" He said bowing to him. The king looked him up and down. For a man of his age he didn't look bad at all, Keric was a fairly handsome man with silvering hair, kind light brown eyes, and he still looked physically fit. The king, Alexander Loor, was a very handsome himself. His chestnut hair was kept short, his eyes of a dark brown, and you could tell he spent some of his time training and keeping himself fit; every now and again he would go and train with some of the knights, it was something he enjoyed doing more than just watching them spar, plus the king had to be in good shape anyway, just in case.

"Yes, Keric, I have something I wish to disccuss with you."
"Yes?"
"Come, take a seat," he said pulling out a chair from behing a small table he had in his room. Keric walked over and took a seat while Alexander took a seat across from him. He explained to him his entire plan for the upcoming play, or at least the announcement he was going to make there.

"A-are you serious Sire? Are you sure you're ready for this?" Keric was stunned at the news he had just heard, "It was but only two years ago."
"Yes, I know, but it has to be done. What do you think?"
"As your advisor, I think it's a great idea," it took Keric a moment to actually say it, but he did.
"And as my friend?" Alexander tried to look him in the eye and Keric looked straight into his. Not only were Keric's eyes kind, but they were wise.
"You loved her, Alexander, I can not believe you're already looking for a new bride."
"I know. I ju-"
"Why? Why, tell me why and I won't question you anymore," Keric said, interrupting Alex.
Alexander sighed, "I'm not sure if now is the best time."
"Then when? I also have a feeling that you know exactly why the kingdom has been a bit still."
Alex gave him a slightly confused look, "What are you talking about? The kingdom has never been better!" He knew exactly what he was talking about and he stood out of his chair and walked over to his window, drawing back the curtains fully, "Look, the village has never looked better. The hustle and bustle. And then if you lo-"
"Alexander... Please."
Alex sighed again and bit his lip, "Alright, I'll tell you, but I won't tell you everything there is to know."
"Understood."

"That is all of it," Alex said once he was done explaing what was going on. Exactly how much danger this kingdom really was in, most of the secrets, but not all, and why he needed to find a new bride soon.
"Ileana, she... you didn't... did you?" Keric was worried.
"No! No, of course I didn't, I couldn't do that to her. I loved her too much."
Keric nodded, "I see. So you're going to take someone else then to take her place."
"I need to. We need a sacrifice, or else it's the end for us Keric. You understand."
"Of course I do, Sire."
Hearing Keric return formal was a bit unnerving. Did he not agree to this? Was something wrong? "Keric?"
"I believe it is best you do this for the best interest of the kingdom. I shall get started on sending out notices to let others know that you plan on announcing some, great, news. Sire." Keric slightly hesitated on the word great and then stood up from his seat and bowed, "I shall be going now?"
"Keric please..."
He looked back up at Alexander, "Farewell Sire," Keric said and then made his way for the door.

Alexander returned to his bed, he needed to think, but before he could make it there was a knock at the door after Keric had left, "Enter," Alexander said before he could sit.
A woman walked in, another servant but she usually kept track of his schedule, "My lord," she addressed him, "It is time to have conference with a few of the commoners."
"Yes, yes, alright." She said then shooed her, wanting to get himself prepared for the rest of the day

[_AnaTolia_]

"But there's something missing." Lisette finished, her head on her hands. Her father, Leo, looked at her sadly. "Don't you love to tell stories? And you just said that all the actors and dancers are doing beautifully. So, what do you think is missing?" He asked, concern in his eyes. Leo wanted to give his daughter everything she wished for, but they were poor. And her skills could only earn them a few silver pieces to last them a week. There was rarely a time when Elise could earn a gold piece.

Leo had thought about working in the palace back when Lisette was still a baby and his wife, Ariel, was still alive. But when he first started, he realized that he would rarely see his family. Ariel understood and took care of Lisette while he was away.

But then Ariel was plagued with fever.

Their neighbors tried to help and nursed her and Lisette. They also tried to send to him news about his ailing wife but messages of the sort were usually forgotten by the drunk messengers who 'promised' to tell him as soon as possible.

But it was too late.

Once Leo heard the news, he went back and found his wife, dead. Lisette never understood the situation at the time, with her still being a baby, and never understood why her father was crying, him kneeling beside her bed.

"Oh, I don't know." Leo heard Lisette say. "I just feel lonely." Her voice was tinged with sadness. It almost broke his heart to hear her speak. "Lisette, I-" He was then interrupted by one of the younger girls of the village barging through his door.

"Sorry if I interrupted anything but the council meeting has started." The young girl said, her brow matted with sweat. Leo shook his head. "I'm sorry, dear. But I think I have gone half-blind. I will send my daughter instead."

[kiroro]

Today Alexander was to be there only to look good, not much speaking was to be done on his part, just listening, though if he felt the need to he could step in of course. The meeting was to inform commners of upcoming events and news, and for those who couldn't or didn't attend would recieve the information much later on at some point. Later on in the week would be a meeting where people would come to bring their problems, concerns, etc to the king for advice and help.

Alexander wasn't sure if Keric was going to have his notice announced today or not, it didn't matter to him either way truthfully.

After the news was let out, one of the counsel looked around, "Has all been stated?" He asked one final time. Keric stood up and stepped out onto the floor.
"Just one last bit of information that I would like to announce," he stated.
"Yes, go on."
Keric cleared his throat and let out the last bit of information, "Just something that I believe will get you all a little excited. On the night of the play that is to be played in the King's honor, our King shall give us all a very special announcement," some people started to whisper to each other, it had been a while since the king had given a public announcement, "and until that day, that is all you shall know." Keric nodded and stepped down, satisfied.

[_AnaTolia_]

Lisette then went to the council meeting in her father's stead and listened to each and every word that the other people said. She made sure to relay them to her father to get his opinion on their ideas. She had promised the others to tell them of her father's opinion, him being one of the oldest people of the kingdom.

So far, she had become slightly bored. As the time passed by, she was dreaming up ideas for some of her stories, eagerly writing them in the paper she was given. The other people sitting beside her knew that this was expected from the daughter of the storyteller. Even Leo himself couldn't focus on the council's news for very long. It seems that every word that some out from their mouths sparks an idea.

Hearing Keric's announcement about the king's appearance on the night of the play piqued Elise's interest. 'The king himself giving out a public announcement?' She thought, trying to remember the times when the king went out to greet his subjects. 'I don't think I remember a time like that.' She then got up and left the council, receiving a bunch of 'Get well's for her father.

Rushing towards her house, Elise told him what she mostly heard during the meeting. "And I confess, my mind was far away during most of the meeting." She said, and she saw Leo smile. Telling him about the king's appearance made his eyes widen. "Really? This must be something I must see. Well, try to see." He said, adding a chuckle. Elise had a worried face and told him, "Don't worry, father. You'll get your sight back."

[kiroro]

((I have no idea what to do now, I have one line written out, but nothing is coming to mind. o.o Also, if you haven't already noticed, I have no idea how kingdoms and such work. XD; ))

[_AnaTolia_]

((You're doing fine on the kingdom part. But, I guess we could skip to the play...))

[kiroro]

((Yes, that could work, or else it'll just turn into a bunch of nonsense for me. XD;))

[_AnaTolia_]

(( Lol. XD... Let me create the scene, then... ))

Colorful streamers, fortunetellers, and people dressed as pirates or sea creatures were what made the festival of the Sea Maiden. Once every year, the sea offers a bountiful amount of fish to the fishermen while they fished. The people thanked the Sea Maiden by holding this festival for her. The streamers were colored in different hues of blue and were spread all around the kingdom. Fortunetellers from all around come to this place, hoping that the Sea Maiden would grant them the power of Hydromancy.

The highlight of this festival, though, was the people of the kingdom dressing up as pirates or sea creatures. Many men prefer to be pirates while many women prefer to be dressed up as mermaids. But, of course, there are some dressing as female pirates or mermen. It doesn't hurt to jazz up the costume part of the festival.

Lisette had just finished placing the final touches on her costume. That year, she decided to become a female pirate, her being tired of dressing up as a mermaid the years before. "There. How does this look?" She asked herself in front of the mirror.

"Pretty good." Elise smiled and approached her father and gave her a peck on the cheek. "I have to leave early, father. Don't worry, Lisa will come get you once the play starts, okay?" She then left, saying a goodbye.

On the street, Lisette was met with smiles and comments on her handmade pirate outfit. She was glad she decided to make it herself. She wouldn't want to have the same outfit as the others. Once she reached the stage, all of her actors and dancers were there, wearing their costumes. Elise was really impressed by the lead dancer's costume. The lead dancer had decided to be the Sea Maiden herself by adorning her plain white dress with shells and colorful stones.

They all went through the play once again before the audience came and was able to enjoy themselves by going to the fortunetellers before she play started. Lisette had asked the fortuneteller what would be in her future and the fortuneteller answered, "Your future is full of trouble and excitement. But don't worry, you will brave it all, with an unexpected person."

[kiroro]

Alexander wasn't ready at all for what he had to do tonight, or at least not emotionally, but he had to sstay strong or else this wouldn't work out well. Tonight he would announce that he was looking for a sacrifice, but obviously not using those words.

It was the night of the play and before it started he liked to witness the people of the festival. Alexander himself wasn't dressed in a costume, but everyone else was and it was exciting to see how everyone looked. Pirates and sea people were the most popular of costumes druing the Festival of the Sea Maiden and they all looked great. ALexander looked at his subjects from a distance, but he could still see most of what was going on fairly well. He loved seeing those rare female pirates and mermen.

The festival was held close to the sea for obvious reasons and tonight was clear, just like every yeard. Alexander felt that every festival held in honor of some magical or special being was in iteself magical and in a way he knew he was right, which is why his kingdom was scattered with many different statues sey up in their honor. Most of the statues were set up even before he had taken the throne, his family having them set up for generations. Alexander only had a few set up during his own time as king. The Sea Maiden's statue was set up by his great, great grandfather many years ago, she sits upon a high cliff over looking the sea. On the night of the festival she is given an extra cleaning and polishing and people bring gifts and worship her there. Alexander heard that quite a few fortune tellers or some people go there and worship in hopes of gaining some kind of power in return, he wasn't positive though. The festival was then held under this cliff.

"How are you enjoying yourself, sire?" someone asked from behind him.
Alexander looked, it was Keric. Alexander took a deep breath, his lungs filled with the scent of sea air and festival food, "It's very exciting Keric. How are you?"
"I am good Sire," he replied and then stood next to him.
Alexander sighed, he then ordered his two gaurds that were there with him to leave them alone. They left without hesitation, leaving Keric and Alexander alone.

They conitued to sit there for a while in silence, watching the festival, but then Alexander spoke up, "Are you upset with me, Keric?"
Keric continued to be silent and Alexander allowed this. He spoke a little bit later, "No, I'm not upset Alexander."
Alexander relaxed, Keric was talking and he even said his name, "Well, how are you feeling?"
"Like I said before, it's best for the kingdom... I shouldn't have let my emotions get in the way of logic and what needs to be done. I apologize."
"I-it's alright," Alexander said,"You had every right to be upset. I'll tell you also that I've decided to let whoever is chosen to be able to chooes what it is they wish to do."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll tell them everything they need to know at some point and then have them decide what they wish to do. Save our kingdom or not."
"How would that work? Can you do that?"
"Of course I can."
"But the kingd-"
"No," Alexander interrupted him, "I already know what I need to do if they refuse to do what's asked. I can't force someone to do what they wish not to especially when it comes to their life, Keric."
Keric nodded, "Alright then."
Alexander felt he was regaining Keric's trust and it made him feel better, "Come, the play shall start soon and then afterward I'll make my big announcement."
"Yes, alright," Keric said and they both started to make their way to where the play was to be held.

[_AnaTolia_]

Lisette was practically filled with excitement when she saw that lots of people gathered to watch the play. The actors and dancers were all in their costumes and makeup. Some dancers tittered as they saw people they knew in the audience. One girl exclaimed that she had seen the king. The other actors crowded behind her, but Elise stopped them. "The play is nearly starting. It is not the time to gossip about the king. Besides, he is watching this play. So, everyone, places!"

All of them scattered and stood on their proper places. The curtain was then raised and Elise's voice began the play. The story started as the main dancer, the Sea Maiden, was making her daily rounds around the ocean. The other little dancers represented little fishes and sea plants. The boy dancers served as the pirate ships passing by.

The story went on as the Sea Maiden met this dashing, young pirate and fell in love with him. They both realized that they were from two different worlds and weren't sure how their love would survive. The gods above heard about their problem and formed the pirate into another god that they all knew, Pelach.

The play ended with a standing ovation. All the dancers and actors bowed and Lisette was able to find her father and receive his congratulations. She then remembered about the announcement. "Now, if everybody would sit down. His majesty has an important announcement to make."

[kiroro]

The play had ended, it was now time for Alexander to maake his big announcement to he eager kingdom. He felt the show helped him calmdown considerably, he was actually very nervous before. The play, he thought, was executed beautifully, and he enjoyed it immensly, saddened now that it was over.

It was announced that it was time for hid news, and he wondered how everyone would take it, maybe as good news, maybe bad.
Alexander continued to sit there in his higher booth, Keric was next to him. After waiting a moment longer, Keric leaned over to hime, "Sire? Are you ready?"
"Yes," He answered, but still continued to sit, scanning over his subjects.
"They are waiting for you to speak to them."
"Yes," Alexander said again and this time stood up slowly and walked over to the balcony edge. Everyone looked up at him, excited, expecting, impaitient. It was time, and he smiled at his people.

"Hello my friends," he said addressing his people, his voice strong and loud, "Tonight has been a great night. The night is beautiful and the sea glows in the moonlight. The festival was grand and the play was magnificent," Alexander nodded and looked over his subjects again, they still looked at him as if they were looking up at someone that they adored. These were happy people, and he couldn't bare to see them suffer.
"Tonight, I have a very big announcement, very important news. I understrand that as a king, for the past few years, I have not been good, locking myself away from you all, while you barely got to hear me speak, even during counsel meetings. Well, starting tonight, everything shall change, and for the better!" He said it excitedly and then the people responded with their own energy. Laughter, cheering, Alexander didn't mind at all, he just put his hand up into the air with a small on his face to calm them down, and after they settled down a bit he continued on.
"Now it is time for my biggest news. In a few days time, a few of you will be selected to come to the castle, and there I shall tell you more," there was a low hum coming from the crowd now, people were anxious and excited now, "Do not worry, you will all learn what is going on in time." Alexander noticed that that seemed to calm most of them down, but not all, "That is all I have to say for now," he ended and then walked back to his seat.

[_AnaTolia_]

Lisette and the rest of the actors and dancers sat at the empty chairs that they had prepared earlier so that they could listen to the king's announcement. The female dancers started giggling once his announcement finished. 'What do you think is in the castle?' One girl asked. 'It probably is adorned by thousands and thousands of jewels.' They tittered some more just hearing what she said.

Elise rolled her eyes. With a shudder, she suddenly had the feeling that all wasn't right with the king, and she was determined to find out what.

The crowd started to disperse and race to the festival games, fortunetelling tents, and food stands. There was even a costume contest nearby. The cast of the play went their own ways while Elise stayed behind and tried to think about why the king would pick just some few to his castle. Getting frustrated from thinking too long, she had decided to follow the king's entourage.

'If I can't figure it out, I guess I'll have to ask him... Personally.'