*Spring Festival*

[cassie]

Click-clack. The constant sound of two pairs of heels aproching behind the King and Queen. "Mother. Mother!" King Crevan turns and a huge grin breaks across his face and his hazel eyes twinkle with pride. Both girls dressed differently and yet equally stunning and the king couldnt help but have high hopes for tonight for both of his girls. "You both will draw the eyes of every male tonight. I have no dout that either of you will get suitors soon." Crevan looks at Abbie and Alexa dressed to the eyes in dimonds and rubbies and he parted his lips to say something else but seeing the look on Abbie's face and the king knew what was happening. He lifted a hand and touched one of Abbie's roses briefly. "Rose's? Red ones at that. Why, Abbie you look gorgeous." The king carefully thought about his next comment "You should have no worries tonight, you shin like a ruby red and ivory star." Crevan smiled and gave her a small hug, knowing that guards watched but they were used to his open love of his family. Crevan looked at Alexa and giving her a wink he gave her a hug and whispered to her "You look magnificant Alexa." He leened back and looked at both girls agian. "And i do believe that there will be a new prince coming in three days time, if you to havnt a suitor by then of course." The king knelt down and scratched 'Sheri on the ear and gave a chuckle "Tonight will be grand, a fun filled fesvial so no frowning in the evening light.. . Any one heard from Tryphena? I cant believe she is missing the festival." the King raised his hand to ruffle his hair but stopped his hand and stood. The king continues to walkto the festival talking with his family.

[Desperanza]

Alexa smiled patiently, her eyes shining with love for her own father as she gently folded her arms to him in return as she gave him a hug before she straightened herself again as she looked up at him with a small nod, "Thank you father." she murmured softly to him, rather sparing a glance to the Abbie briefly and no doubt, her father's kind words had eased her flustered emotions all over again and she breathed a sigh of relief that the thought befofe glancing towards her mother with a slight smile but the smile froze on her lips at the mention of Tryphena, wincing with a small sigh as she turned to send a glance towards her father as she carefully concealing a wince at the thought that her youngest sister was wrapped into the arms of a minotaur at the moment. She swallowed slightly and straightened slowly with a small sigh as she brushed a hand across her skirts, refraining from answering immediately. It broke her heart that she could not tell her father that her youngest sister that her sister was at the Grellon of all places and though she knew his heart was softer then her own mother's, she swallowed and leaned in for another hug instead, "She is all right, trust me." she replied quietly to him this time in a slight whisper before she straightened once again with a slight sigh as she cast a glance between them for a brief moment before glancing towards her mother's dog with a slight smile, always amused at the outfits that her mother had made for her own dog though she felt the slight sting at being measured up to one. She took a steadying breath and glanced back between her parents once again, "So, are we ready for a festival?" she inquired with a light smile.

Abbie took in a breath, preparing to say something else but she paused as she faced her father, his more caring and calming gestures quickly breaking her flustered temper and she sighed softly and offered a slight smile this time as she nodded slowly in return and straightened with pride, her back straightened once again as her stride became more regal all over again, her smile touching her features at the praise as she rather hoped that he was right. She held her breath for a brief moment and glanced among the stairwell for a moment before she glanced back towards her parents once again with a slight huff at the mention of her sister, "I can not imagine what would be so important to keep her from the Spring Festival of all things." she agreed with a curt nod though her tone was considerably much more kind this time as she replied to her father, casting a glance towards Alexa for a moment before turning her gaze towards the sight of her parents once again, falling silent once more as she peered towards the sight of her parents, awaiting their grand entrance to the festival once more.

[Taske]

Allaire patted the wolf, putting her face within his fluff. She wished she had a wolf too, wished for the companionship that it seemed to bring. Her green eyes looked up at the man then, her eyes tracing his face, he had a kind face, much like Black Stars, much like Alexa. A broad smile lit the young girls face then, her eyes shinning. "My name is Allaire! Yes the leader of our clan is over there." Her finger pointed to the form of Black Star, garbed as a gypsy, which should have told him that she was also a gypsy, it was all according to the plane.

With A last pat the little girl got to her feet, her black hair flowing behind her in her normal long braid. A small smile lining her face, she seemed to have forgotten anything bad that had happened to her at all, that she was always healthy and always happy.

She was so absorbed into talking to the tall man that she almost missed Black Stars command. She looked over her shoulder at the shout and waved at her leader to show her that she heard. She looked back at the wolf man and gave him a last smile and Ran off after her leader, her baggy cloths and her hair flying out after her, seeming to blend right into her surroundings.

She fallowed Black Star to the rise that the royalty sat, clothed in greatness. Allaire's smile seemed to shift to nothing but hate. Royals should not sit above there citizens, should not look down on there subjects, they should be out in the crowd shaking hands, kissing babies. That was why the little girl thought royals where dumb, how did they expect to do there best by there people if they knew nothing but the plush life? No, they would never understand how it is to go bare foot out in the woods.

Allaire looked up at the castle, the balcony that she had once stood within view, she only meet one royal that was worth her time, only one that truly wanted to understand and help the lowly folk, and that was Alexa, Alexa had once brought her into her own bed when she was to sick to move, and had taken care of her, and even now pays for the medicine that kept most of the pain away. The little girl looked up to the princess.

When A door clicked and the one that the sickly girl was thinking about stepped out along with someone with a sour face. But She ignored the one in pink and smiled at Alexa, her face brightening. A toothy grin lit her face as she looked up at the jeweled princess.

Allaire waved through the crowd, slipping her hand in people's purses here and there, she needed to make up for getting caught. As she reached the front she looked up waving her hands, "Alexa, Alexa!"

[Deidra]

Liliandil took the Kings arm and followed him down the hall. "Well I can be on your arm as long as you dn't pull me down while you trip over you animal." She gave a slight sneer at the king and tought it was slightly nice to be without the princess, even though she constatnly worried that while not under her control the girl would do something or something would happen. "The girl shall wear what they wish for the festival, i do believe that both are wearing oppisate things." Liliandil took a moment and looked at the king in his green and gold cloths "You do look handsome tonight Crevan." A compliment is so rare that even Liliandil couldn't believe that she was being nice, she would change that "But to bad you little 'dog' drags down your apperence."
As the princesses aproched them the Queen turned to talk to Abbie but stopped short as the king took charge to calm both the girls. The Queen was nicest to her dog, but then she was nice to her beloved girls "You both look pretty. " She said in a tight smile. Liliandil nodded approvingly at Abbie and turned on her heal with the king and said "It is time for the family to go and stun everyone. Remember to not get to close to the running children, they will ruin you cloths." The queen was so much like Abbie in the thoughts of other people were dirty and were not to touch royalty. The front doors were already open when Liliandil reach the front doors and holding her head high she walked out and down to the awaiting golden archways. Every trail and tree had a shinning lantern. Not many crevases were dark, so spotting any outlaws tonight would be easy. Liliandil smiled to herself, if she sat Black Star there would be hell to raise and the Queen would be the one raising it.

[cassie]

Crevan smiled wide and he walked out the doors happily holing the Queens arm and he was almost breath taken by the decorations. The decorations were always the same every year and yet they always looked different, always had new hope. And that is what the festival was mostly about. Hope for the year and for healthy babies and lush crops and wealth for all. Its a tradition that would go on long after the king and his daughters were gone. He gazed as the slowly bobing green and gold lanterns. The flickering of each candle. The sound of up beat music sounded just beyond the arch-ways. They were just temprary and yet the statues looked as if they always had been at the castle, as if they were as acient as the forest, and that is what gave them their great beauty. The glowing of gold and the tint of green from every where was bright and when Crevan asended the five steps to the platform for just him and Liliandil. It had two chairs resting, but the king would have nothing to do with his chair tonight. Crevan would dance with the people and he had filled his pockets so that he could fill others. The first thing he would do is dance. He would dance as long as he could and then he would go to the side stands and buy what would gliter. or anything that he fancied. Crevan looked out at his people and held up a hand and the band quited and he said in a loud happy voice "Tonight if for celebration." smile "So lets all set aside everything and eat, drink, and be merry to our hearts content." the King smiled broadly and seeing the growth of children from the winter months. Many of the youger children had grown up to quickly it seemed. They all ran a muck between the grown-ups legs. He would see what he could do for them tonight. The king looked at the band which played a new tune and he studdied the dancers for a moment. Out Laws. He knew instantly who was here and a small thought of dread went through his mind.
Crevan pushed it away instantly and he looked down at the side shopes that lined the overly large square. All of the people and carts made to square dwarfed compared to how big it usually was. He looked at Liliandil and smiling at her he asked " Could i have the first dance?"

[Desperanza]

Alexa's breaths came easy and she sighed softly, gazing outwards towards the sight of the people as she turned on her heel to fall into step a few feet from Abbie and behind both of her parents. She stepped forward at a gentle pace, following the lead of the King and Queen as she made her way down the stony decline to the entrance of the castle and finally, out into the night and for the first time in many hours, her shoulders finally relaxed, the tension seeping slowly from them as she gazed across the people that lingered in town square and drifted among the trees towards the dancing party and a charming smile touched her features. She inhaled slowly the scents of delicious food and she heard the soft tinkles of wares being passed between hands, coins being dished over. With a slight smile, she stepped forward, scanning the crowd eagerly in much the same way that her father did. She peered into the young faces of the children and gazed upon the features of children whom had in the Winter been younger and others whom had grown further then that even.

At the prospective looks of the children and the upbeat expressions of the adults who lingered about, each face seemed stained with enjoyment and she smiled lightly at the thought, taking another deep breath of crisp fresh air. As her eyes lingered across the crowd, the sight of something caught her eye and she held her breath, her mind immediately jumping to the small form that she had only days before whisked away into her arms and had brought to her home to care for. The beautiful little outlaw child whom had stolen Alexa's heart completely and whom would be within her protection for life. The bright green eyes and raven hair were a dead give away as her eyes fell on Allaire and a smile touched her featurs. She left the procession to allow the royals to do as they wished as she stepped forward towards the child with a smile, bending forward to lift her into her hold without hesitation and tuck her to her right hip. She had never had a problem with the town children, she adored children and she certainly did not mind touching the people of her town, either. She was happy to mingle among them and just then from where she stood in the square, her parents and sister disappearing among the trees and her father's booming voice reaching them, she instead lowered her gaze back to Allaire with a smile. No doubt Black Star would not be far off, the pair seemed nearly inseperable and as Alexa looked down upon the child, she did not pause to check for the outlaw queen just yet, "Hello precious Allaire." she murmured with a smile, her free hand brushing against the raven tresses with a smile before she held her hand out for Allaire to wait as Alexa's hand lowered among her own honey locks to free one of the orchids and pairing diamonds from her hair design to lower the glittering stones into Allaire's fingers and expertly weave the orchid among her raven hair just above her right ear before she nodded slightly, There, now you shall feel just as the princess you are, and you shall be given diamonds for which shall buy you many meals. she murmured gently to her, her head bending forward to press her lips gently to Allaire's forehead in a soft kiss before she returned the girl to her feet with a smile, You protect those, they are only for you. she murmured with a smile to the girl as she looked down at her before straightening once again, casting a glance around herself for a moment towards the sight of other people, some who stared at her with wide eyes and others who only smiled, already aware of the eldest princesse's kindness. She smiled patiently and dipped her head before she turned her gaze to the trees for a moment, her head inclining slightly to what her father had to say.

[Jotari]

Black Star watched the royals approach and was quietly sided by several Grellon members. They were pretty close to the dais where they King and Queen would sit. Black Star did a quick head count and once again had seemingly misplaced little Allaire. The outlaw leader loved the child but that girl was very good at her little disappearing act. Alexa found her and Black Star watched with great interest. Those two seemed to get along very well. The outlaw took greater interest in watching others of the royal family. She flashed a devilish grin at the queen but stepped forward a tiny bit to get a better look at the King.

The Grellon had silently all gathered to stand in the crowd, scattered but watching. Black Star listened as the king spoke and noticed his look toward her. She nodded her head slightly, almost a form of respect, and looked elsewhere. Black Star wanted to speak with him, wanting to tell him just what was going on, just as she had done for Alexa. The plan was pretty simple, get the queen or princess Abbie really ticked off and hopefully get arrested. The king would be hard for an outlaw to get to any other fashion then if he was judging her for some wild action.

But that was not to be so, what followed would never be forgotten by the outlaw queen. It would incest her to the point of debating to simply murder and end the problem.

A sound was heard that had been silenced for the past three years. It was the sound of a Kai conch horn. Many people recognised the sound and turned in surprise where a regal and majestic show began. First came two massive and silent minotaurs carrying the Kaian crest, a silver dragon of a field of dark blue. Next came several soldiers attired in the royal blue and silver, all clearly from the island of Kai. Following that, were dancing girls with the lithe movements and winks to any male in the crowd. Following directly behind them was the real show stopper, a dark-haired blue eyed damsel riding in a chair carried on the shoulder of four more minotaurs. The woman wore a silver crown and was dressed in sky blue and gold. The entire procession was beutiful but many of the Grellon members moved to stand next to Black Star. This new group was also plainly Kaian in nature and it made the Kaians in the Grellon very suspicious.

The minotaurs stopped in front of the royals of Ellsinora and the young woman descended. Every movement was perfect and royal. The woman bowed in respect and then spoke, "King Craven, I have come to offer my assistance to you. My name is Jahanarwa of Kai." The crowd buzzed and two Grellon men grabbed Black Star's forearms as the outlaw's eyes went a raging scarlet. "Jahanarwa" continued, "I sense that Magrej is about to move again, I have come out of hiding to offer you my power." The woman held up her necklace which had a very blue gem at the end of it. Closing her eyes she moved her hands dramatically and suddenly bright light appeared between her hands and then the light became the head of Magrej. The light suddenly stopped when she opened her eyes and many took that as a sign that this was indeed the guardian.

Though to one side, Black Star and the Grellon were gathering silently and the outlaw leader looked absolutely poisonous, though she kept control and did not kill what the outlaws knew to be an impostor. This Jahanarwa did to well of a show, but these Kaians had just made a vicious enemy.

ooc- I will be playing the "Jahanarwa" for this thread but she is going to be a canon after this. Note- remember that IC everyone thinks Jahanarwa has been dead and even though you may know OOC who the guardian is, it does not mean your character knows xD Also, this is just the beginning >: D

[cassie]

King Crevan set eyes on Black Star before the Queen, and only because of the nod of respect that she sent him. He had already seen several outlaws running through the crowds, and it wasnt a suprise to see her there. He smiled broadly and dropping his hands from the Queen he turned and was about to step down into the crowd but was stopped by the asention of a line of minatars. The king stood at attention and held his hands behind his back and he looked down with a slight frown, the guards all got to the ready, and those that had been drinking dripped their drinks and raise their weapons to the new Kia. The big show of women, and minatars and it couldnt be...but it was. 'Jahanarwa, why?' the kings thoughts trailed off at the site of the gem, it could only be one thing. The sky gem. King Crevan knew about its powers and instantly wanted to accept, but he looked up again and saw Black Star being held back and he couldnt help but raise a brow. But why now? and from Jahanarwa? wasnt she supposed to be dead? The king stood for a moment and his eyes turned to his wife and then the princesses and then to his people. They didnt need this damper on all of the fun festive activity. Crevan blinked once and having made a plan and set his mind to it he opened his mouth and said "I welcome you, Jahanarwa. Have you'r people stand at ease and mine shall do the same. If i may have one moment i will show you to our hall and we can talk more on these matters." Crevan turned to Alexa "My dear, you will lead the rest of tonight, along with your sister." Crevan nodded his head to his Heiress, and then stepping down a few steps Crevan locked eyes with Black Star "Black Star, i require your time, if you may please come from the crowd and we shall head up to the castle." Crevan held a hand in the direction the Black Star stood.

[Jotari]

Jahanarwa nodded and motioned for her people to rise. Meanwhile Black Star was still red eyed and if looks could kill, Jahanarwa would be buried six feet under pushing up new daises in the spring air! The "Guardian" turned to follow the King to the palace. Her retainers remained very still and silent. Two followed her to make sure that nothing would happen.

On the other side of the sphere, Black Star's eyes narrowed dangerously when the King actually made the move toward her. The outlaw queen was quickly surrounded by loyal men but she stopped them before any weapon was pulled. Nodding she turned on her heels and disappeared into the shadows. Reappearing a few minutes later she was in her familiar hood and woodland clothes. The hair once again framing her face, covered with a dark colored hood. Black Star was quickly sided by three loyal men. The outlaw gave quick and quiet commands for the Grellon to take refuge outside the city. If this went badly, the Grellon at least would be safe. The three men were all Kaian and knew their mistress' secrets. The outlaw refused to have anyone else join this little party and silently the outlaw group headed for the castle.

Black Star was absolutely furious. What idiot, especially someone apparently from Kai, was stupid enough to claim to be the guardian? The four outlaws passed through the crowd easily, many people suddenly figuring out who the merry gypsy woman really was and they were a bit scared. Not to mention they suddenly figured out where their gold had went, but the four outlaws were not challenged. The scarlet eyes were glowing with rage and no one wanted to make the outlaw queen even more angry. Most people simply thought that it was because the King had found her out.

Only the outlaws knew the real truth.

ooc- "Jahanarwa" means the new woman, not Star

[cassie]

The King waited a moment, aand expecting to have the Queen strangle him any moment. Crevan watched Black star, why was she enraged? she liiked that she was burning everything in her way. He would find out, learn what made the Outlaw Queen look like a devil straight from Hades. Crevan turned to Black Star as she came up the Steps and he nodded to her "Thank you, I promise all safty to you and your people on this entire trip." The King turned towards the band and said "Where is the music?" and after a 1 2 3 the band started up again and Crevan nodded aprovingly. Taking a slow breath the King looked at the supposed Jahanarwa. Crevans neck hairs tingled, and he smiled at her and held his arm towards the High archways " Please follow the guards to out Grand Hall and Black Star and I shall join you in one moment." Crevan looked at Black Star and said "Let her walk by, I need to talk to you on our way up." The King was surrounded by many guards with al of the sudden excitment and he raise his two right fingers to signal all of the guards to return to their at ease positions. All did except the royal guards. Crevan looked at the princesses and said "It is all up to you." the Crevan turned his head to his faithful and his beloved poeple "The night is ours yet, and we will all return to the great feasts and the merry drinking." Crevan turned and walked on towards the Archways, and Jahanarwa was being lead by the best of the guards and the King put on hand on the archways and then followed to now low bobbing lanterns. the darkened Night got an almost erie look as the gold and green lanterns were dimming as the candles burned out.

[Jotari]

Black Star watched with dangerous eyes as the impostor's backside faded away toward the castle. The outlaw queen motioned for the three accompanying her to follow the impostor. Two did so while one remained at her side. For outlaws, there were surprisingly well organized. The outlaw queen kept walking and slowly her eyes started fading to an orange. Physically she had perfect control, walking as if nothing was wrong. But her eyes told a different story. Black Star glanced at him,
I warn you now your majesty, if this is a trap you will regret this night. Even outlaws enjoy a night on the town every once in awhile but as you may have noticed, my people have a tendency to be loyal and carry sharp weapons. She herself was fingering the glittering silver dagger at her side.

Her man had a sword strapped to his back and was doing his Grellon duty, by keeping the guards nervous. Just earlier that day, several guards had felt the sting of Grellon weapons. Black Star spoke again, " Now what is it you wish to speak to me about? I do hope you realize just how badly this could end for me. Your wife and daughter Abigail have particular hatred for me. I will say though that your daughter Tryphena seems quite happy at the moment. Yes, I have your daughter under my watch. She had a runaway horse which myself and two of my men manged to stop. She is currently resting under the watch of my second-in-command Asterion. I admit I have allowed Asterion to do most of the watching but I have very little problem with using the girl in order to stay away from your dungeons. Magrej's dungeons were bad enough, I have very little intention of returning to any sort of cage." Her voice was precise, cold, and calm. The outlaw queen was telling the King in a diplomatic fashion that she had no problem playing dirty and that she understood everything that was going on. He would be wise to play carefully with this fiery woman.

[Erech]

The young girl shot off into the crowds. Erech watched as his loyal wolf companion seemed calm now, the fuss he had been given by the young girl was enough to settle his gnarling behavior. Erech listened as the girl spoke just before setting out into the crowds. She was under the watchful eye of what looked like a gypsy, but she had claimed her to be a clan leader, Erech was curious but shrugged it off as the girl dissapeared. After his encounter with the girl, the royals had made there way down to the platforms which they stood gracefully, looking over the town. Erech watched the crowd instead of the royals, his eyes were extraordinary but not good enough to pikc up every detail of an enormous crowd. Leaving the crowd to be, Erech moveds swiftly to a empty wall. Leaning upon it, Erech had a great view of the royals.

The King gave his speech and Erech smiled as he did so. He was proud to be a member of King Crevan's Ellsinora. However, as the fun was about to begin, a march of minotaurs interupted the band's joyful music. Erech had faught against many minotaurs in his time, but had never seen so many, so well organised and under control. His eyes scanned to incoming parade, dancers joyfully bounced by and Erech picked up the winks of the young, beautiful women. Although, as his eyes scanned the parade, he fixated and focussed on one particular individual. A woman of great status. Erech then picked up the sight of a blue gem, his eyes were the best in Ellsinora and nothing could fool him. Was this woman really the taled Guardian?

She paraded forwards and greeted with the King, many words were spoken which arroused Erech's attention, mention of Magrej and his apparent movements towards Ellsinora made Erech's hands tingle with anticipation of the battles. He continued to watch on with narrowed, concentrated eyes. His eyes then began to widen as mention of the said Black Star trickled from King Crevan's lips. The Queen would not be happy with such and Erech was keen to see the sight of the woman.

A slender figure, cloaked in similar woodland attire to himself drifted towards the King. Many more words were said, but Erech's ears were not as great as his eyes. After a small situation was carefully, yet somewhat recklessly handled by the King, the band began to play again and the town would return to it's former noise and joy. The parade of Minotaurs and dancers remained still as the apparent Guardian made her way into the castle. Erech made movements through the crowd, keeping a watchful eye on all that was happening.