Syren de Winter
Member
Queen Of Winter Land Former Princess of Summer Land [/color]
Posts: 156
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Post by Syren de Winter on Jan 26, 2013 4:36:33 GMT -5
Going to the market wasn't nearly as much fun as it used to be. Syren knew there were multiple reasons for that, although foremost among them seemed to be her apparent lack of invisibility. In the past, she enjoyed the anonymity a walk through the lower levels could offer her, but that seemed to have vanished entirely over the past few months. Maybe it was because she was a queen now, maybe it was due to the fact that her belly had swollen to the approximate size of the moon and she had to be careful not to bump into people and things with it, or maybe it was the great hulking guard who was glaring daggers at anyone who spent too long looking at the pregnant queen. For whatever reason, gone were the days when Syren could traipse through the market, unnoticed and anonymous to anyone with something better to do.
She didn't like having a bodyguard, but even she understood the necessity. With assassins creeping around, ready to cut out not only her heart, but that of her unborn child, she couldn't be wandering around the castle alone; especially since running and hiding were no longer part of her skill set. And she certainly wasn't going to remain in her chambers like some kind of invalid, hiding from the world, so she'd have to resign herself to being followed around by a goon all the time. It wasn't so bad, she supposed, but it didn't take long before she got tired of being stared at (or maybe she just got tired, this pregnancy thing was exhausting) and decided to call it a day.
She headed back to the upper levels, taking the stairs slowly and reminding herself why it might not be such a good idea to go down to the market all the time; stairs were hard! At least her goon came in handy helping her climb the stairs, and she thanked him as she went back to her room, where someone had been kind enough to keep a fire going. She was just settling down on the couch in front of the fire, when she felt it. -'Viktor! Come here! Quickly!'- She called him excitedly. She didn't know what he was up to, but if he was anywhere in the upper levels, he ought to be close enough to hear her. [/color]
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Post by Viktor de Winter on Jan 26, 2013 18:39:07 GMT -5
Viktor stood at the window that over looked the tall mountains to their north; while discussing the hunting party's plans; with his best friend and second in command. Artemis circled the sky to stretch her wings but she never stayed out long in the cold unless he took her with him on a hunt. Viktor would not be joining them this time; which means Artemis would not go either. It make the trip north even more dangerous. They would have to tread with care. With his child so close to joining the world; Viktor refused to travel on a trip that could take a few days.
Between that and the dammed assassins from his wife's bloody crazed mother; he damn well refused to leave. 'Viktor! Come here! Quickly!' He jerked his head backwards for a moment; and shook it clear. He was used to hearing people speak; and looking to their face to know more of their emotion. Had that been fear?
Leaving the window open; so Artemis could return when she was ready; Viktor drew his sword and took off running down the hall. Where the fuck was 'here'?! As she could not hear his thoughts; it left him with a guessing game! Dammed woman! Assuming she was going to market; as the plan had been he and his second began down the steps; only to have a guard tell them she had returned her to rooms! Turning they all three ran up the steps and toward his room that he shared with his wife.
Had her mother gotten past their defenses with her latest hired man? He had made it rather public what he did with assassins; and while none knew who sent them; everyone knew what he did to men who tired. Or was it that dragon; had it bit her?
Nearly kicking the door open so it crashed with a bang; all three men ran in the room armed; with swords drawn.
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Syren de Winter
Member
Queen Of Winter Land Former Princess of Summer Land [/color]
Posts: 156
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Post by Syren de Winter on Jan 26, 2013 19:00:08 GMT -5
Syren was smiling, her hand resting on her belly gently, hoping that Viktor was near enough to have heard her. The baby was kicking, and while it wasn't the first time she'd felt it move within her, Viktor never seemed to be around at the time. She knew he didn't like having her speak in his mind, but it was just a faster way to summon him than to send a servant or try to find him herself. She didn't even consider that he might misread her message, so when there came a crash and the door flew open, she looked up with shock and dismay, her eyes wide as the three armed men burst into the room.
She gaped at the three of them for a moment, her mouth dropping into an 'o', she blinked at them as her surprise caught up with her. "What's wrong?" She finally spoke, recognizing her husband and the two men with him, she realized they weren't a threat, so why did they look like they were about to charge into battle? It took her a moment to realize that this might have something to do with her hurried message into her husband's mind; next time she'd include more details, she decided. "Oops," she said softly, a sheepish, slightly guilty expression coming to her face. [/color]
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Post by Viktor de Winter on Jan 26, 2013 19:48:53 GMT -5
Viktor looked around the room and noticed that nothing was wrong; and she not only seemed fine but well and happy. "Dammit woman!" He growled; his relief turning to annoyance at all the running and fear for nothing! Oops she said! oops! He was going to oops her in a moment. Looking at the other two men; "Go find my bird!" It was his way of kicking them out. He didn't care to notice if they found it amusing or annoying.
Once they were alone; He dropped his sword by the end of the bed; and walked over to her. "I thought there was a assassin from your damned mother!" Again he growled but with no heat this time; for he was already over his anger. "I thought you were in the damned market!" Which mean more running. When he stood over her; he grasp her chin to lift her face for a kiss and then moved to get a drink; though of water this time rather then something stronger to warm him.
When he joined her before the fire he looked down at her; he wasn't fond of her talking to him in his mind; but he was growing to accept it as apart of her. He waited for her to explain why she had called him; though he knew she knew he did not mind being called to come see her.
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Syren de Winter
Member
Queen Of Winter Land Former Princess of Summer Land [/color]
Posts: 156
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Post by Syren de Winter on Jan 26, 2013 20:11:22 GMT -5
"I'm sorry," she apologized sweetly, a guilty smile coming to her lips, and she had to bite her lip to keep from laughing when he sent the other two men away, her amusement fading slightly when he mentioned an assassin from her mother. She still had trouble believing her own mother wanted her dead, but she couldn't deny the evidence, no matter how much she wished she could. She was saved from contemplating that too much when he added that he thought she was in the market, and she couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sorry!" She repeated, although it seemed less sincere, muffled by her laughs.
She reached for his hand when he kissed her, but he was already moving away to get something to drink, and she laughed with frustration. "Come here!" She ordered him impatiently, rolling her eyes before he finally joined her, and she took his hand and placed his palm down over her swollen belly, so he could feel the child moving. "The baby's kicking." Her face lit up as she looked up at him, excited to see his reaction. [/color]
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Post by Viktor de Winter on Jan 26, 2013 20:28:04 GMT -5
"You look very sorry;" He told her with a touch of sarcasm; as he laughed at his reaction. He was not angry any longer; so the words lack any form of heat. When she took his hand; he let her lead it to herself. Before he could make a comment meant to suggest she called him in there so urgently because she needed him; she explained.
Moving down to rest on his knees in front of where she was sitting; he sat the cup on the floor and reached forward with both hands. The child was kicking! His child. Resting his hand there; he waited to feel anything. For a moment there was nothing but then he felt it. Viktor wasn't sure how strong she felt it; or how strong this was for a normal kid but he felt it there. The push; push against his large palm. "Bloody hell woman; it's trying to break out!" He joked; but his voice was in awe of the feeling.
His child was real; and growing. He need to protect it grew more and more every time she told him something about the child. Every time her mother demanded the heart of the child; or his wife. He had started out with nothing to loose; and now everything he did was torn between caution and bold.
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Syren de Winter
Member
Queen Of Winter Land Former Princess of Summer Land [/color]
Posts: 156
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Post by Syren de Winter on Jan 26, 2013 21:11:16 GMT -5
Syren watched as he dropped down to his knees and put his hands on her belly, her smile growing as she watched his face. She burst out laughing at his comment, and reached out to touch his cheek gently. "Not for a little while yet," she told him, smiling warmly. She leaned down to press a kiss to his lips, putting her hand over his. It wouldn't be too much longer before their child was born, but not quite yet. Maybe the baby was getting restless in there, though.
"Do you forgive me now?" She asked, wondering if her apology was good enough now that he knew why she called him. She knew he was busy, a kingdom to rule and all that, but that didn't mean he should miss out on the important things. She hadn't wanted him to miss out on feeling for himself how real, how alive their baby was. His reaction made her happy, glad that he seemed as excited about the upcoming birth of their child as she was. [/color]
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Post by Viktor de Winter on Jan 27, 2013 21:09:25 GMT -5
"When a man is pleased with you; you do not bring up reasons as to why he wasn't." He told her; in a teasing tone before moving his hand around to try to feel the kicking more. "How much longer do you think?" He would ask the question every now and then; and she would answer but he would always ask again; in hopes that the answer would change and be sooner rather then later. To say he was going to a proud father was an understatement. Children were rare in Winter Land; were as most kingdoms might have two or three born a day within the whole kingdom; Winter Land might see one a month; less sometimes. Getting infants to live to become men was a hardship as well; but even before he came they had found new ways to assure children had warmth and milk.
"Have you need of anything else for the child's room?" He knew that her trips to the market were hard on her; the blood steps alone were a challenge. He would have to make sure men brought things up to her until after the child came; rather then her going down to them. He glanced toward the man eater; and then back to his wife. The dragon wouldn't be allowed near the child until he was sure boundaries were understood; but he would not bring that up today. It could be a fight saved for another time.
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Syren de Winter
Member
Queen Of Winter Land Former Princess of Summer Land [/color]
Posts: 156
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Post by Syren de Winter on Jan 27, 2013 21:49:35 GMT -5
She smiled when he told her not to remind him that he was angry with her, laughing slightly as he moved his hand around on her belly. "That tickles," she told him between giggles, sitting back and watching him happily. She loved to see how pleased he was whenever they spoke of the child, glad that he seemed excited and proud to be a father. Before she'd learned she was with child, she hadn't known how scarce children were in Winter Land; and when she thought about it, she'd always attributed it to the fact that those who lived here were exiles. No one would exile a child to the North.
The midwife had explained it to her later; that with food in short supply, when women became pregnant, they often lost the child before they even realized they carried it. Then sickness could harm the child in the womb, and what was saddest of all, violence against the mother. And then keeping the child alive could be difficult; again, with food scarce, and sickness, and the cold, few children survived to even take their first steps. It was a scary thought, but Syren didn't let herself dwell on it. Her child would be different; her child would live, and be strong. She had to be sure of it.
"Another month or so." She smiled at his eagerness, and then shook her head when he asked if she needed anything else. They had been preparing everything for months, making what they needed or getting others to make it. "Although... there is something the baby still needs." She said, considering. "A name?" She looked at him quizzically, wondering at what he had in mind, if he'd thought about it.
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Post by Viktor de Winter on Jan 29, 2013 20:29:47 GMT -5
"Bloody hell we have to name it too?" He asked; with a large grin on face for a moment to revel that he was teasing her. Knelling there at her feet; he watched her face. "And what pray tell; is the names you had in mind?" They knew not if it was male or female; and everyone seemed to have some form of telling. The old women claimed so many theories. If she craved certain foods; carried a certain way; or dreamed certain dreams.
Viktor believed none of them; and chose to instead believe that they would just prepare for either. He understood that if it was a girl; that he'd only gain the joy of being a father. He'd have years of threatening men away; and trying to find her a husband ahead of him. It would be the uncomplicated answer to their first child. Yet if it was son; it opened to very many questions; and posed the largest one of 'What would he do about it?'. Any child of his would be heir to a kingdom he built; and any son of her's would be heir to Summer Land more then her bastard brother who claimed it as home now. Half of Olindia would be his by blood and right.
In the moths since he'd wed the princess; and turned her to his queen; he had not sought to again attempt to gain more land. Yet he grew tired of her mother's visitors; and knew of Syren's desire to claim her homeland. He only did not know what to do about it yet.
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Syren de Winter
Member
Queen Of Winter Land Former Princess of Summer Land [/color]
Posts: 156
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Post by Syren de Winter on Jan 29, 2013 23:25:15 GMT -5
Syren gave him a look of indulgent disapproval, before she laughingly responded to his teasing. "Unless you'd rather just number the children, yes, we have to name it." She had no doubt they would have more than one child, considering Viktor's lack of restraint when it came to baby-making... although she would have to sheepishly accept some of the blame for that, she supposed. She hoped to wait some time before the next one came along, though. Actually carrying the child had proven to be an uncomfortable experience, to say the least.
She smiled, looking upwards as she thought of the names she'd been considering. Everyone seemed to have an opinion about what she should call her baby; what names were strong, or would strike fear into the hearts of an enemy, or belonged to the most beautiful maiden they had ever laid eyes upon. "For a boy... I like the name Kylar. Also Jaxon, and Ayden." She'd thought of a lot of names, but those were her top three. "And for a girl, I was thinking of maybe Adalie? Or Sofia, or Cara."
"What do you think? Do you have any names in mind?" She knew Viktor didn't care whether they had a boy or a girl, and she had to admit it was a relief. Many men blamed their wives if they bore them no sons, but it was a thing she had no way to control. Many old wives would say that if she ate or drank certain things, or rubbed her skin with oils or inhaled certain scents, she could influence the sex of her baby, but she wasn't sure she trusted such things. She hoped for a boy, so that she could take back her throne and lands from her father's bloody bastard without a fight (because she was sure her people would want their rightful and legitimate king), but she didn't imagine she'd be unhappy with a daughter. [/color]
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Post by Viktor de Winter on Jan 31, 2013 17:42:54 GMT -5
"Number then by fives; and let everyone wonder where the bloody hell the other brats are." He joked; and then let her speak the names she favored. He made a disapproving face at the first one; but the other two were not bad. Particularly the middle one. When he had to create a name for himself; he had not given it more thought then snow; winter; and to mock Summer Land--Winter Land. And as he was the king; he took their 'de' and then the name of his kingdom. He had given the name of it as much though as he would what he would eat that day.
But to name a child; a son who would rule both lands. The name had to be strong. Final. One that--Bloody fucking hell was she naming girls? He looked down at her swollen belly; and again thought of the years ahead of him if this was a girl. Only now he had a name--or many names--and it seemed more real. Bloody hell; she'd disappear as much as her mother; and he ruled a kingdom of unfit criminals. "I have given no real thought to names. Do any of these mean anything to you?" Did they come from people she knew? Respected? He was bloody glad they were not the names of her father or mother. The father had banished him here; and her fucking mother was trying to kill the child.
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Syren de Winter
Member
Queen Of Winter Land Former Princess of Summer Land [/color]
Posts: 156
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Post by Syren de Winter on Jan 31, 2013 18:41:27 GMT -5
She had thought of naming her son after her father; but somehow, it didn't seem appropriate, given who she had married. And there was no way any child of her's would be named after her mother, since she was doing her best to . It still hurt to think of. She watched his face as she suggested each name, gauging his response to the names she suggested. When she started naming girls, he seemed to look worried; and she frowned, wondering if he wasn't quite as happy with having a daughter as she thought.
"Kylar was a knight I knew when I was younger; he was a very skilled warrior, very honorable. He died a few years ago." She had been quite close to him. "And Jaxon was the name of one of my ancestors, one of the first kings of Summer Land. My father used to tell me stories about him when I was little, he was a great hero." She remembered how her father had loved those legends, and had spoken of them with such pride. "You really haven't thought at all about what you would like to call your child?" She tilted her head at him curiously, and reached down to take both his hands with her own. [/color]
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Post by Viktor de Winter on Jan 31, 2013 20:18:23 GMT -5
She spoke of a knight in her past; and Viktor crossed that name off. He was not naming his son after some knight she took a fancy too. While he didn't like the story of the old Summer King; he knew that if his son were a indeed a son; then he would be heir to that land too. A name from his past might serve him well.
Turning his palms upward to better return the claps of her hands he answered her. "When I was young; I gave no thought to children. When I was sent here . . . It seemed unwise." The risks where high here; and he had larger plans then to find a woman and leave her with his death should he fail. Besides; had he actually found a woman here; they would not have ever had this conversation. "It was not until now; that I had a need too."
What would he name a son? He did not know. "I had a sister named Cora; it is close to the name you gave. Cara. Either name would honor the memory." If she agreed to it. For a son he would have to give it more thought.
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Syren de Winter
Member
Queen Of Winter Land Former Princess of Summer Land [/color]
Posts: 156
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Post by Syren de Winter on Jan 31, 2013 22:35:02 GMT -5
He explained how he had never considered children before, and she smiled somewhat sadly. Syren had always known she'd have children, although she didn't imagine she'd be having them here. She'd been picking out names for her potential children since she was little, and while those had changed much over the years, she had kept them in mind when she had found out she was with child.
He spoke of his sister, and she smiled. Cora...Cara. She liked the idea of naming the child something similar, but different. It honored the memory, but still gave the child a unique name. "I like that." She told him, then pulled on his hands. "Don't stay on the floor...come sit with me." She ordered authoritatively, gesturing to the empty space on the couch next to her.
"I didn't know you had a sister. Tell me of your family." He knew all about hers...but she knew little of his family. He had never spoken of them before, and she hadn't thought to ask. They were not here; he had been exiled here, unlike some of those who lived in the castle, who had been born and raised never knowing anything but the snow and ice. She didn't wish to raise her children like that, never knowing the warmth of the sun. [/color]
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Post by Viktor de Winter on Jan 31, 2013 22:52:30 GMT -5
Moving up he sat on the seat beside her; and pulled her over to his lap; allowing them to remain close and help keep warmer with the heat from themselves. She liked the name; but wanted to know more about his family. "Had a few of them;" Sisters; "Brothers too." He did not know where they were; what was happening with them; and if they knew what had happened to him. Nor was there an urge to find out. Having too many people around him that could be used against him was a hazard. Though Cora had been one of the few he'd been closer too.
"I was born a fisherman's son; raised to take up the family trade; and left as soon as I was able. There is nothing more to tell. No horror stories; no tragic lost; nothing. I know not if they are still fishermen; or are smugglers; pirates; thieves; or even still alive." Her history was defined by family; his was defined by his own actions. Her bloodline was strong and powerful; while he built his with his hands. "I like the name Connor." He told her; not trying to distract her but not sure what she wanted to know about his past. "Sadon; Marcus." More names. Names of men he knew; of a brother he once had. Of men from his past.
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Syren de Winter
Member
Queen Of Winter Land Former Princess of Summer Land [/color]
Posts: 156
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Post by Syren de Winter on Jan 31, 2013 23:58:21 GMT -5
Syren made herself comfortable in his lap, wrapping her arm around his shoulders and resting the other on her swollen belly. She listened to his short explanation of his family curiously; he had many siblings she'd never heard of, apparently, just like the one she had who she had never heard of until he stole her kingdom. He had been born common, and had taken his kingdom from others. Their family would be the foundation of their line, one day someone would tell their children the story of Viktor de Winter. She smiled at the thought.
He told her some names, and she smiled at the first one, but her smile fell slightly at the second and third. "Names of men you've known?" She asked, since he'd never thought of it before, she had to assume he got the names somewhere. If she was going to name her son after a man, she wanted to know who he was beforehand. Her son was going to be a very great man, after all, he ought to have a very great name. [/color]
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Post by Viktor de Winter on Feb 1, 2013 0:06:56 GMT -5
Name of men he had known. "Yes." Men who he no longer knew; either from death or time. Looking down at her as she curled into his land; Viktor tilted her face back to kiss her; and let his hands pull her in closer. He might have entered his room under troubling thoughts; but he was rather content now. He knew that his second in commend would bring in Artemis; so he had no fear for the bird.
Breaking the kiss; he watched her face for a long moment. "Which of all the names we have spoken of sound the best to you?" He let her choose her favorite; and as long as it wasn't that one of the knight she had taken a fancy too; he would think the name over and decide if it was the name that he could give his son.
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Syren de Winter
Member
Queen Of Winter Land Former Princess of Summer Land [/color]
Posts: 156
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Post by Syren de Winter on Feb 1, 2013 1:32:28 GMT -5
'Yes' was not exactly the answer she was looking for, and she would have told him so, but he pulled her in for a kiss and she snuggled into his embrace while they kissed. She leaned her head against his shoulder when he broke the kiss, considering his question when he asked her which name she liked the best. "If that's all you'll tell me, I still like Jaxon best. Tell me more about these men you knew. If I'm to name my son after one of them, I would like to know why they are so important to you."
She knew that sometimes he needed more probing than that to give her the answers she wanted, so she nuzzled his neck softly. "Tell me about Connor. What did he mean to you?" She asked, she found the other two names objectionable, so he might as well tell her about that one. They didn't have to pick a name right now, they could think about it still, but they would have to before the child was born. She didn't like the idea of numbering her children, even if it amused Viktor. [/color]
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Post by Viktor de Winter on Feb 1, 2013 17:20:03 GMT -5
She wanted to know more of these men; and Viktor grinned for a moment at her refusal to name her son after someone she knew nothing about. "Sandon was a man I knew here; he died in the cold." His smile fell; at the memory. "A storm came and we were lost. He was a friend." One of many who had fallen to the cold here. "Marcus was a man I knew before my days of exile. He taught me how to survive; and saved my hide more then once." Though it was not the name she had asked about.
She'd asked about Connor; not the others. "Connor was a boy I knew in my fisherman youth. You asked what names I favored; and his came to mind." He voice was a bit more distant; more reluctant to explain. Not in a painful manner; but more a lost in thought one. His family wasn't one he spoke of often; and it was easier to leave them in his past then welcome his brother into his life. "If we are to make our son king of both land; a name from his bloodline would serve him well. I like the name Jaxon. Your people might take the reminder of his bloodline easier this way."
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