Kristopher Venturi

24 || Male || Prince || Kagha || Mentions: Zacharius, Mircea, others

The day Kristopher broke his wrist, was indeed, a tragic one. The two were dueling, nothing quite out of the ordinary, and Kristopher was winning as usual. Of course, Zack had to get upset and played an illegal move [in Kristopher’s book] in order to win. Cheating was never the answer, but alas, his brother used to be quite the cheater growing up. Which had always annoyed the heck out of Kristopher.

The clouds seem to darken and the wind picked up, a bolt of lightning crackled through the air and struck the ground right outside the castle walls, and then, Zacharius struck him. Kris had let out a howl. How could his own brother chop his arm straight off!?! This was only supposed to be a practice fight! Of course, the scenery had been much of his younger self's imagination. In reality, it had been a peaceful sunny day, and his arm was still attached. Little Kristopher couldn't stop the tears from coming, bawling his eyes out and clutching his wounded arm as his brother failed to calm him. God. Zacharius would pay for this.

When his parents had found him of course he had told on his brother, which earned the two of them a nanny, who was fired shortly after for losing sight of his brother. Kristopher wasn't too fond of her, so he wasn't very sad to see her go.

“Now now, you don’t need to make excuses for your actions, just own up to them.” He spoke innocently, tilting his head to look down on his older brother, reaching out to give him a “caring” pat on the shoulder. “Ah, what was that brother? Did you say, apology rejected? I-” Cutting himself off, Kristopher refrained from continuing their argument, besides, the Orin Princess had begun to speak, he couldn't miss what she had to say.

At the mention of sharing a room with her brother, he shot a glance towards his own. How she managed Kristopher would never understand, just that thought of sharing anything with his brother had him mentally gaging.

——————

In the garden listening to Mircea and Zach flirt, Kristopher was experiencing a slight state of shock. Honestly. How could no one but him seem to be picking up on this? Mircea’s comment about genies had his brother's immediate attention, “For you, I’d grant any wishes,” Now Kristopher couldn't quite overhear the rest of the conversation, but he could only imagine what his brother had said.

Glance flickering to the exchange Kagha and his…friend were having, Mircea chimed in, but what caught his attention was not his comment on the other Knights ‘lover’, but his friend's ex- "I dated a man from Edyss once, he was - how do I say this, a little cunt."

To say Kristopher’s jaw dropped was an understatement. “You dated a man from Edyss!? How come you never told me about it!” He spoke those words just as his brother seemed to, though it was somewhat in unison so Mircea could get the point. Kris was partially shocked his brother hadn't heard of this man either. Taking a look at Kristopher, you wouldn't be able to pinpoint the emotion he seemed to be portraying. A few included shock, with his mouth hanging open and eyebrows raised. Excitement, with his hands raising up to hold either side of his head. Or even a twinge of confusion on how he and Mircea had never discussed this throughout their years of friendship.

The confusion continued a bit when Mircea threw some flirting comments toward Kagha in the mix, but he had physically recovered and was standing straight up again. The Prince’s expression turned sly, a smile tugging at his mouth when Zacharius spoke up again. “Awww, Mirceaaa~ I wanted to be the first man you dated,”

Aw Zacharius had finally admitted his feelings for Mircea….Kristopher’s attention turned then turned from the conversation.

———————

Kristopher’s laugh was horrendously funny and considerably contagious, so when he started to snicker at the sight of The Orin King’s comments as he whipped around Zach, his brother began to laugh as well. The Prince’s laughter immediately died out after dodging a flying snake and seeing a garden fairy hit Zach. Many more objects had been thrown in the air, but the chaos seemed to come to a pause, which was good for Kristopher’s sake, considering he was out of breath from the ordeal. He hadn't realized he had been holding his breath as the situation occurred. Well, that and the fact that he had nearly gotten smacked by a flying snake and had to dodge it as it flew towards him.

Basil’s accusations toward the women Kagha was with seemed to make the situation make more sense. Not only had his garden been disturbed, but his life was threatened. Kristopher happened to zone out for a moment, clearly missing Mircea’s threats as well as his brother moving to stop him, which was probably for the better. Who knows what the knight would have done to the women if given the chance.

After the whole ordeal, Kristopher didn't know what to feel, he was, of course, shocked at the rage expressed in Basil, but somewhat understanding of where it had come from. He was glad when his brother went to speak with him, looking over his shoulder at the interaction for a moment longer before moving to walk towards the ball. Perhaps having Zach talk with their friend was going on better than having him chime in as well.

He paused and glanced one last time to where the snake had landed, the creature seemed to be unfazed by its fall and was slithering back into the plants, and out of sight. Without saying a word he moved to follow Mircea and the Orin royals inside for the ball. Hopefully, all would be well inside. Moving behind the group Kristopher planned to look for Princess Sori, after all, he had owed her a dance.

Randolph Cornelius Thezmaer | 53 years | Male | King | Orin | Mentions: Zak (ind) Basil, Kris, Mircea, Edrys, Kagha

Randolph was sure that he was going to topple off of Zak once he started wriggling around doing his best to avoid the objects that were flying through the air. At one point he was sure that Zak was going to collapse and send them both sprawling across the ground. He had to admire the young man's confidence. Not only did he manage to remain upright, but he and his brother were able to laugh about the whole matter. He supposed after a little bit of thought, he could see how it was funny.

He looked around for the reason behind Zak's expletive. Was it his little bestie full of anger? He resisted sliding off at first because he wasn't paying attention. Once he realized that Zak wanted him off, he dismounted and stepped around to his side so he could observe what was going on. Zak dashed off to possibly physically detain Mircea. The Orinian king might be oblivious to the unspoken words that Zak was hopefully conveying to his friend, but he was used to detecting someone trying to convey extra information. His wife was well known to do that. Unfortunately, Randolph only communicated very blatantly. He chuckled a little. His legs were full of pinpricks as his nerves were waking back up, and it was clear that Mircea was in no mood to pick up on subtlety.

"Poor snake." He muttered. He remembered the loud cracking noise hitting his former mount. He cast his eyes over Zak's disheveled appearance. "Mm, that doesn't look too good." He shook his head disapprovingly. He should change his clothes before the official ball. "I don't think you can brush that off." Perhaps it was only a bruise.

His eyes widened and he crossed his arms petulantly. He didn't want to be escorted to some dumb ball, especially by Mircea. He'd already seen his temper, and he didn't want to have to put up with him while he was still mad about the gardener's treatment. He wanted to know what was going out here. Was she really from the Empire? What was she doing here? So many meaningful looks. He sighed. His wife might be able to parse the meaning, but he had to stand there stupidly and wait to be escorted elsewhere.

He nodded to Edrys and told her to take the rear of the Orinians. He waited long enough to see Zak begin to speak to Basil. From Basil's posture, it didn't appear to be a praise moment. In theory, Randolph figured that this could be considered grounds for war. It was awfully crazy for a gardener to attack the royal party, including the Kaghans royalty. Was there no control there? He wanted to discuss what he had seen with somebody, but there were way too many Kaghans around.

“Are you coming my good steed?” he asked Zak. He figured he was going to deal with that lady and assist his Commander Kagha since he had ordered Mircea to do the escorting. Perhaps he was trying to distract Mircea. He let the Orinians stride ahead of him, as he headed to the room where he left his wife. He needed to freshen before he made his appearance, and he’d like to enter the ball with his wife by his side.

Mirian Orianna Thezmaer

23 | F | Princess of Orin | Mentions: Neveyn, Kazimir

“Wouldn’t that ruin the purpose of a masquerade ball, your highness?”

The woman’s tone was ambiguous, and Mirian couldn’t tell if she was being playful, condescending, or truly had something to hide. Or she could just be nervous in the presence of royalty, which was a phenomenon that Mirian was fairly accustomed to. Either way, Mirian would have to be inordinately dense not to notice that the woman had declined to offer a name of any sort, nor to even state where she was from. Mirian took a closer look at the shorter lady, scrutinizing her attire as if the answers to her questions might be embroidered somewhere on the skirt or bodice of the dress, or perhaps written in the pale freckles that were dotted generously on the woman’s skin. Overall, the impression Mirian had was of some noble’s youngest child, someone who was unimportant to the broader affairs of their home country and thus largely allowed to move and speak freely. Either way, Mirian didn’t have the energy to fake a smile at her comment and instead tilted her head slightly to the side, simply considering the woman as she continued to talk.

“I guess the eyes just gravitate toward the red hair.”

At that, Mirian nodded slightly. “It is rather striking. My sister Sori also has red hair, perhaps that is why you seem familiar. Though hers is much longer. And more red than orange. And not nearly so wavy.” As usual, the minute Mirian tried to lie her mouth began to run away from her. She could even feel the beginnings of a blush, and abruptly shut her mouth before she could make any more inane comparisons, like that Sori was nearly a foot taller than this woman, as well as more tan.

“I came here to check out one of the many gardens that this place is advertised to have… I suppose you were also attracted to the rumors.”

If Mirian had heard the rumors about the Kaghan castle's gardens, she no longer remembered them. Her mind had been filled with anxieties about meeting her possible betrothed and what the Empire might do with Orin undefended in her and the other royals’ absence. After her previous awkward attempt at lying, Mirian opted to keep her mouth shut and simply nodded again, rather than explaining that the smell and sound of the ocean gave her a headache.

“Would you like to accompany me to the ball?”

Mirian barely stopped herself from visibly starting in surprise, though her fingers did rapidly flex and release like a butterfly’s wings in flight. She contemplated the woman’s question, turning it over in her mind like it was a question of military strategy. What was the danger in accepting? What was the risk of refusing? In the end, her stubbornness won out. Mirian had asked this woman a question, and she wasn’t leaving without an answer. The princess smiled down at her new companion, faking a friendliness she didn’t feel.

“Why yes, I would like to accompany you to the ball.” She turned and called for Kazimir from the post he’d taken up beside the willow tree. “Squire Kazimir! We are leaving for the ballroom, and require that you accompany us.” As the Kaghan guard led the way to the ballroom, Mirian turned once more to gaze at the red-haired lady beside her. “If we’re to spend more time together, may I at least have something to call you? Your title and kingdom of origin perhaps?” Mirian did her best to give what she hoped was a disarming smile.

Edrys Kolsvalk

22 Years || Female || Knight || Orin || Mentions: Randolph, Kazimir { ind. } Mirian { ind. } Others { ind. }

Mm, yes. This was all off to a great start.

This kingdom's subjects all seemed to have a loose screw up in their heads, maybe it was genetic, or maybe it was normal to be throwing shit around like a little toddler. The Knight wanted out of this place, she wanted to tell the Royals it was time to leave, there was no point in trying to bargain a truce with these irritable fools. It was time to leave, it really was. But Dame Edrys knew very well not everyone else would agree with her opinion. God, all these kingdoms seemed to be out of their minds.

Speaking of the Royals... she wondered how Kaz was holding up keeping pace with Princess Mirian. That woman would fascinate Edrys while worry her at the same time. All the siblings of the King and Queen were all determined to be the next Ruler to the throne to some extent. Mirian's hunger for the throne was quite obvious, part of which worried Edrys. The woman had an addictive personality, which would start to grab the eyes of admirers. Were admirers a good thing? It depended on if the princess appreciated all the eyes locked upon her body, and while the heirs of Orin growing to that age where one would be crowned, the stakes were high. If one were to be injured beyond repair.. Edrys wouldn't know what to do with herself. Its her duty to protect all of the Royal Family until her death. Just thinking of it made her stomach turn.

Her gaze landed upon Randolph, who motioned her to tail behind the Royals of Orin. She nodded in reply, and slowly walked, her eyes scanning the Royal family, looking for any visible bruises, bleeding, wounds. Anything from what that maniac was throwing about could have easily harmed someone, she wouldn't take any chances. Seeing as they were all visibly alright, she took her place behind the group.

Lifting up her hands, she pulled the hood of her cloak back, revealing her whole head of hair, and tucked her hands beneath her locks, pulling her hair up from beneath the furred cloak, pulling up and onto her back. Her hair reached far down her spine, it was slightly incredible how long it was. It would look as if no one had trimmed it her whole life, but it was clear that her hair was well taken care of.

Her eyes scanned the Garden once more, resting on the bush which her fingers had ripped a flower away from.

Zacharius Venturi

26 :: Masculine :: Prince of Kagha :: Mentions: Everyone in the garden [ind] Edrys [dir]

It physically pained Zak to see Basil recline into themself at his words. Disciplining Basil was like trying to discipline a puppy- all he wanted to do was coddle him. Basil may be young, but he's a grown-ass man now, not the child you met him as. Zak reminded himself.

I'm the heir to the Kaghan crown. I'll be sitting on that throne someday, and here I am, personally trying to hold back the people under my authority. Zak is a lenient prince, everyone who encountered him knew of this- but this was just too far out of hand. As harsh of a truth it is, it's his fault and his alone that this happened. The days when he could go gallivanting around and put the blame on his brother or Mircea were quickly fading.

Zak had to act like the king he'll soon become, and yet at the same time hold the facade of being an entertaining prince.

Zak turned to face the royals who were prepping to leave the garden now, only acknowledging the Orinion King when they asked if Zak was coming and quite rudely pointed out the once-perfect attire that adorned him. He had a lot to say about their attitudes when they were the guests here, but he'd have to hold that in until they left. Perhaps he'd give Mircea a mouthful of his complaints in a few days when everything has calmed down.

Zak looked down at his unorthodoxly loud outfit, noticing the small tear in his transparent sleeve and the handful of debris that clung to his side.

"Ah, guess I won't be able to wear anything then." Zak nearly mumbled, his sarcasm was too much to hold back now.

"We could turn the ball into a classic Kaghan night out," The last part hastily slipped from his lips. He was fortunate that the King was eager to attend the ball and had made enough distance so as to not catch on to the words, though. He didn't need to give the Orinion's another excuse to look down on his kingdom.

Zak shortly followed behind the royals, given he had to take a similar path to get to his corridors for a quick fixer-upper. Of course, he couldn't just leave them alone without having a little bit of fun. He quickened his pace to match that of Edrys, the woman who had the balls to prick the future king of Kagha with the thorn of a rose. By now, the dame had unleashed a heaping amount of hair from its previous restraint, which toppled seemingly forever down her back.

"Good Gods, I wouldn't be surprised if you pulled an entire infant out of that fur cloak next," Zak chaffed, making sure his gaze was stuck on the dame. He had to get some revenge from earlier, his fleeting moment of teasing the woman simply wasn't enough. Of course, it was a signature move for Zak to poke and prod much more than he should.

He casually brushed some debris off of his pants before continuing.

"I do hope you enjoy your stay, Dame. Kagha has plenty enough to offer, even if you're cooped up in the palace attending to your duties. Perhaps when you aren't picking apart every marbled inch here, you can take your frustration out on me," Zak had lowered his voice to the point only the two of them could be involved in the conversation.

"Might I propose a duel at the royal court after the ball? I'd be thrilled to see how a Knight from Orin fairs against me." Zak formed a faint grin, prepping himself for his next line like a toy being winded up.

"I'm offering you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do more than just poke me with a thorn," Zak's tone wavered on flirtatious and sarcastic, even though it wasn't intended. He couldn't help it, the words come naturally.

"I promise not to underestimate you, after all, who knows what else you're hiding in all of those furs." With his last witty, dumbassery remark, he departed from the group with a swift gait to his chambers. He didn't mind if Edrys were to decline his offer, he'll be seeing enough of her for the next few days. Surely, he'd win enough favor- or in this case, frustration, to convince her then.

( THIS AINT GON DIE YET BITCHES )