ROLEPLAY HQ - beauty-and-darkness

The twisted woods had always been his hoke. As far as he had ever known the shadows that crept when the moon rose blended to twisted mirages when the sun rose to replace it. He stood there, hands behind his back, eyes carefully analyzing the courtyard and the stone road beyond it. The land had died long ago and so had he. Yet, he could not deny the need for such an arranged marriage. Plans that required this type of ambition also meant that it carried this type of risk. He took in a deep inhale, the wind swaying his leather coat slightly. His hair whipped about as well before he settled it with a hand. He'd look impressionable or so damn him. The courtyard was somewhat of a more barren thing. Stone tiles melded into stone walls and ramparts with towers that remained unmanned. Torches and braziers were spaced evenly along, lit despite the time of day, and the stables looked in such a state of disrepair that it was a miracle they still stood standing at all. Though his hands remained behind his back, they wrung themselves countlessly. How could he be nervous at such a juncture? This was entirely his own doing and yet he had wished there were other options for it. A marriage for the preservation of a race. Another solemn sigh left him and he watched the clouds drift along lazily along the twilight sky. Where stars above rested in their sea of tranquility and shined down upon him. The smell of ash and ember wafted past. He would stand there. Waiting. Like any good husband, he would be there first to greet who he had promised this eternity of marriage, loveless or not. @The Hermit

Marriage was the union between two lovers- however, in the case of Riella Mavin, her marriage, her first and only one was now an arranged one. Her husband to be was the King of Vampires, Aevis Waznikson. While her husband was a powerful man, and many women wished for their husbands to be someone as powerful as him, Riella was unable to feel pleasure from it. She stood at the top of a set of stairs. Her eyes rested on her future husband who stood down below in the dilapidated courtyard. Riella was dressed in a white gown. The white was similar to the glow of the stars above. Her black hair ran down her back, fluffed and decorated with a few purple gem stones. Her pointed ears had a few little silver earrings lining them. Her gown was a tight bodice gown with a long flowing skirt, with silver filigree that danced along the bodice and down the skirt. She looked like an angel in a sea of death. Why had an elf and a vampire been arranged for a marriage? Well, it was all for protection of both races. Other races, humans, orcs, werewolves, and others were strong, as were the vampires and elves. However, if any of those races decided to rise up against one or the other, then there would be no one to oppose them. So, the Elves and the Vampires formed an alliance; an alliance through marriage. Riella took a slow deep breath. Their wedding would be a private ceremony between them. But, she had been dressed like a bride to try and show the Elves fealty to the Vampires. She slowly made her way down the steps and across the courtyard, her eyes trained on the man. As she approached, she stopped just a foot behind him. She slowly curtsied, her head lowered. "Your Grace," She said quietly. As she spoke, a single tear ran down her cheek, landing on the ground with an inaudible 'splash.'

@chaoskillerx7

A burning seed had already been planted in Aevis long before he had the thoughts to properly address them. This seed could only be nurtured and maintained from the facets of life which he had never been introduced to. Love, courtly intrigue, the possibility of a life beyond that which he was cursed and doomed to. Here in the widespread country of theirs they had feasted and made thralls. Haunted villages and stalking graveyards to allow for more and more thralls to be farmed. Creatures of the night who slumbered upon them own—powerful individually but too few to ever pose a threat that could take on the others. That fact Aevis was desperately hoping to change starting today. The leather coat itself was as crepuscular as the locks settled on his hair. Yet finely detailed with creases and seams intertwining to present such a fashionable display it was a marvel in of itself that anything like that existed within the confines of vampiric society. Every step she took seemed to highlight the contrast that existed between their two worlds. Life seemed to wish to flourish, small sprouts of green poking out from beneath the stone before wilting away. A beacon of light and hope enshrouded her face like an angel’s cry while the gloom of the night stood just a few feet opposite of her. “Princess Mavin. Your Highness.” It was due respect as he offered the slightest of bows. A leathered hand extended out towards her, an offered space for hers to be placed. “Welcome to Enstian, our sanctuary in the dark. I’m sure my estate here in this country shall be made more…. brighter… with your presence.” Though his words carried all the formality, his face remained as even and neutral as ever. His eyes simply took in the woman’s appearance and seemed to be judging with every passing second. “Did you find your trip enjoyable enough?” @The Hermit

Riella stepped up to her 'husband,' and she took his hand in hers. She stepped beside him, their hands still linked together. "Thank you, Your Grace." She said softly. "Your sanctuary is... definitely a lot darker than my home of Melliva. But, it is still beautiful. It has an unusual beauty, but not one that I dislike." She said quietly. She looked at him, her eyes roaming his form. She wanted to take him in entirely. He was a handsome man, or... being. Were vampires even truly men? Of course, but, this was her first time ever being married, and to a vampire no less! Riella inhaled nervously, her hand still in his. She was too afraid to release it. "My trip was enjoyable. It was uneventful, really. Which, I believe is most likely for the best." But, something else made her worry. This was their wedding night. What did that mean for her? Without looking at him now, Riella spoke, her voice quiet and soft. "If...If you desire to feed on me, Your Grace, I...I do not object. I am your wife now, and my body belongs to you." She said quietly. A look of fear appeared on her face, and her hands trembled. This was not what she wanted to do. She didn't want to lose her virginity to a vampire that was feasting on her blood... @chaoskillerx7

When Riella spoke softly, it seemed that nature carried its melodic tones with her. Such were the nature of the elves, such was Aevis taught to despise all of his years of living. Yet, when she scanned him, she wouldn’t see any of that hostility. No, for the man with his hair colored like a raven’s feather, neatly settled at the back of his head and onto his shoulders. A trimmed bear magnified the care he had put into his own appearance. The green in his eyes reflected her dress and the way her mannerisms seemed to defy every aspect of this place. How fitting that despite the darkness, this singular torch seemed to shed light on everything. Her hands still held in his, there was a twitch of his eyes. So cut and dry to the point, but it had appealed to him. He had expected the dance of politics and maneuvering to get what he needed from this, but already she seemed ready to submit to the desires and foundations he required of her. “We will speak more of that inside.” The tone was not meant to oppress but the intimidating nature of both the courtyard and the man surely did not do them any favors. A free hand managed to arise as it swept towards the magnificent doors behind him. “Shall we tour your new home first?” @The Hermit

Riella felt her insides grow hot with fear and anxiety. What was going to happen to her? He stated that they would go inside and speak more of what she had just said. The idea of going inside with him and either being bitten or losing her virginity, or both, had her terrified. She inhaled nervously, waiting for him to speak. Perhaps he would bring her inside to their bedroom, or would he just attack her right here? Well, both of her thoughts were dead wrong. He actually suggested they go inside and tour her new home. Her surprise was evident on her face, and she nodded slowly. "That would be an honor, Your Grace." She said, giving him a nervous smile. If Aevis couldn't tell already, her hands were trembling. But, she squeezed his hands to try to stop the trembling. She lifted the skirt of her dress just a little. She looked towards the castle, then back at her husband. "Shall we, Your Grace?" She asked, her eyes shining in the moonlight. This was not how she expected her evening to go, but, she was not unhappy. She was pleased that her throat was spared, for now. @chaoskillerx7

@chaoskillerx7

The doors were pushed open easily, giving way for the light outside to briefly illuminate the vaulted halls and grand spaces that they would both occupy in due time. The first room was simple, grand portraits lined the outer wall whilst columns and carpets adorned the interior. A myriad of decorations to showcase the Grand Hall were strewn about and it seemed that this would’ve been a much more inviting and lovely place at one point in history. Fires and hearths loomed all around the various corridors as they spoke, Aevis speaking every now and then to break up the silence. “Those portraits were of former rulers, both in the prior rule of Humans and then the transformation of them into Vampires as you know now.” There was a slow enunciation for each word as if they were considered carefully before they had wandered into the dining hall. Another grand spacious room with various tables and a longer one that indicated where the King and Queen should sit. “Many balls and formal ceremonies used to be hosted here. Now it is darkened with the troubles of our realm as they are wont to do.” Was he… sad? It was hard to tell amongst the formal tone he used but it was at this moment he moved to face her. “I respect a woman who does not simply kowtow to simple duties and instead extends beyond. Do you have plans for these rooms you’ve seen thus far? For they are a part of your domain as well now.” @The Hermit

Riella took in the large beauty of the castle's interior. It was gorgeous, and as Aevis spoke about the portraits, she nodded along. She had been given a brief history lesson before she was shipped here, so she was familiar with the names he recited. Aevis's way of speaking was gentle but informative. She followed Aevis along. He suddenly brought up the topic of balls and formal ceremonies. He seemed rather... sad, at the fact these ceremonies hadn't been held in so long. "Actually, Your Grace," She took his hand and squeezed them. "I actually wish to liven these rooms up and host a ball. I wish to invite both Elves and Vampires." She looked at Aevis with a kind smile. "I know that our circumstances are rather... forced. Though, I too miss the beauty of formal ceremonies. Our marriage was not celebrated, but... perhaps we can create a new celebration. The joining of our races." She blushed a little at the rambling she had just done. "If...If that pleases you, Your Grace." @chaoskillerx7

She had some initiative and some spunk, perhaps the keen perception of the elves also extended to the fact they could pick up on the obviously dropped hints. Still, it was successful and Aevis could do naught more but give a smile towards Riella as he gave a single nod towards the woman. It seemed she had even managed to extract a smile, so easily given one could wonder if it was genuine or so naturally practiced. “It would please me, like I stated, I respect a woman who knows to do things on her own. You and I are now leaders and whilst I must guide my people, you still have the power to uplift them.” The cultures were different, yet the principles all remained the same. Though, the thought of Vampires and Elves balls melding into one gave rise to his mind and an unintentional chuckle slipped past to which he hurried them along through the kitchen and then towards the main room: the Throne Room. Therein settled two chairs, the magnificent and opulent second Throne which laid next to his. His was something plainer, sturdy, and seemingly altogether spartan. “Here we shall receive our visitors, our courtiers, and more. What should I be expecting in terms of staff that you have brought?” @The Hermit

Riella smiled, nodding at his compliment. "Excellent. I am pleased to hear that." She followed him to the other rooms. The kitchen was massive, and then they approached the main room, their throne room. Her chair was designed with golds and silver and jewels, while his was more plain, but efficient. Was this how he wanted his throne? Well, if that what he liked... "My staff," She said softly, "Are mostly servants. They can provide cleaning, cooking, upgrading and smithing to armour and weapons." She said, looking at him. Her eyes sparkled in the light. "I believe that my advisors will assist yours, but your word will overrule theirs, Your Grace." "I also have several midwives for when we... conceive an heir." She said, swallowing a tad nervously. Being a mother was something she had always wanted, but to be the mother of a vampire... was that something she wanted? She shook her head slightly. No. This was her new role. She had to provide an heir. If she didn't... she didn't know if he would toss her aside for a new Queen that could. What would her life be like then? "Your Throne, Your Grace... is rather... plain. Is...Is this what you want? I would be honored to have your Throne be designed more like mine. You do deserve the luxuries of your kingdom. I have seen some rather beautiful designs here in some of the other rooms. What do you think?" @chaoskillerx7

Shields, paintings, and tapestries seemed to adorn the walls when her gaze would inevitably turn upwards. The chandelier at the top was engraved in gold befitting with various faded jewels and clear diamonds that were inevitably hard wrought from some other empire or previous ruler that held it. Aevis found himself smirking towards her words but soon smothered it under the cold, stoic stare once more. “Advisors, I see. It will be interesting to see how they… interact with my own. Vampires are an… unfortunately petty people. Though undeath is given to them they hold all their mortal contrivances and grievances all the same.” An idle hand now gestured towards the throne when it was mentioned, and he gave a singular shake of his head towards her suggestions. “I have no need of something so extravagant. I am a simple man with simple wants. Yours is the beauty of your people and thus deserves it so, no?” He’d give a single nod as he soon continued. “If others are to judge me, it would be their mistake for doing so.” He’d soon beckon her now to follow him and past the hallways and towards the sides where they would soon move to ascend the main stairs was gathered. Here they went through smaller corridors and now if she had looked closely, Riella could notice that the servants of the estate were keeping quiet and off to the sides, hidden away from their masters’ eyes. Soon enough he would open a door, placing themselves in a rather grand opulent chamber with a large double bed. Their shared bedroom. “As for the subject of an heir, we shall be as plain and forthright as we have been so far. Tell me, what are your thoughts on such a thing?” @The Hermit

Riella nodded in understanding. If he was fine with a throne being plain, then she didn't mind! She just didn't want to overshadow him. She wasn't materialistic, so she didn't truly need all these jewels or bobbles, but her people wanted her to be reminded of home, so she didn't want to get rid of it. However, Aevis said that it was fine. "As long as it does not displease you, Your Grace. It helps me remember my home, and it also integrates our kingdoms." She nodded towards his throne. "No one would dare try to judge your throne. It shows simplicity but strength. Jewels and beauty are not required to be a good ruler." She followed him as he guided her deeper into the castle, and as they walked she scanned over every single inch of the hallways and the rooms they passed. The castle was large, but simple. Though, she found that she enjoyed the simplicity. It felt... cold though. Perhaps it just needed a little sprucing up, and then it would be perfect. They entered a large chamber and once Riella's eyes landed on the bed, she realized exactly where they were; their bedroom. Riella swallowed nervously, but looked over to Aevis. He questioned her thoughts on an heir and her face darkened. She took a moment and then quietly spoke. "Honestly... it has always been my dream to become a mother. I do not need many children. But... I wish for one. I find children to be sweet and innocent, and... I want to raise a child. I want to be able to be their guiding light... as I wish my family had been to me." She whispered the last part so quietly that even she had trouble hearing it. She cleared her throat and quickly brushed away a stray tear. "A-And you, Your Grace?" @chaoskillerx7

Riella was correct in her initial assumption, but it wasn’t an entirely accurate one. Though plain embroidered rugs lined the stone hallways with paintings and armor statues laid about, the warmth of a living, breathing castle was definitively missing. It seemed that even in undeath, their own presence had tainted the atmosphere and the air—perhaps now creating this unsettling uneasiness that settled in the pits of everyone’s stomach. Perhaps Aevis himself had seen to the chill that nestled in every dark corner of the estate itself. Though as Riella spoke about multiple children and the fact that they were ‘sweet and innocent’, Aevis couldn’t help but offer a crack of a smirk. It wasn’t an amusing or happy thing, but one seemingly born of amusement from the words that had passed the woman’s lips. “Sweet and innocent.” The words passed by him as he shook his head, his head now locking itself towards her as he spoke. “Do you believe you could raise a child born of our union to be sweet and innocent?” @The Hermit

Riella took a slow deep breath. His eyes were so firm, and his gaze made her shiver slightly, though not from fear... from something she couldn't truly identify. His question made her pause. Did he not believe that children were sweet and innocent? Or perhaps it was just his children... She looked him in the eyes, her gaze soft but confident. "I do, Your Grace. As long as I am alive, I will love any child that is created through our union. I will raise them to the best of my ability, and I refuse to allow my future children to endure any form of suffering." She knew that standing up to him, or asserting herself against his will, should it go against her own beliefs, could be bad, but she would rather she be the target of any anger, not her children. For she knew what it was like to be the scapegoat to a parent's anger. She rubbed her arm as she felt herself getting pulled back to those memories. She shook her head slightly. "I...Forgive me, Your Grace. I seemed to be a bit lost in thought." @chaoskillerx7

Aevis continued to watch her, a slow, steady gaze that cut through the tension that may have settled like a sword cutting through grass. Her answer seemed to churn in that boiling cauldron that was his internal mind. A swirling maelstrom that was unreadable through the impenetrable façade of an expression, cold-set, serious, just like the surrounding atmosphere. When she finished he settled a hand on her shoulder before speaking. “Thoughts are what make us, us. Do not worry about being inundated with them.” Another quiet few moments before his voice spoke again. “Our children are… cursed, you know. It is very rare for a vampire to have a child and there is a larger chance that it may turn out vampiric instead of Elven. Should it do so, it may turn out hideous and may not have a humanoid form.” There was a sharp intake of air as he released his hand on her if she had let it settle. “What were the thoughts that kept you drowning?” @The Hermit

Riella looked back to him as he spoke. His hand rested on her shoulder and she felt a small sense of warmth from the action, though his gaze held a more serious expression. He was trying to inform her of the risks. He stated that their children were cursed and it was rare that a vampire could even have children, but if they did, they would most likely be vampiric, rather than Elven. That thought didn't frighten Riella. Not at all. But, he informed her that a child of a vampire would be hideous. She had heard the rumors of vampires and how they could transform into more beastial forms rather than humanoid. "Yet... you are not like that, Your Majesty. I...I am not afraid. Any child that is born from me will receive love and care." She said, not budging on her stance. He questioned her thoughts and she let out a small sigh. "I do not wish to complain, however... My childhood was not one of love, nor affection. Many others have it worse than I did, so I feel rather... pathetic. My mother and father simply kept me alive, rather than thriving in my home. They only wanted a daughter that could rule. Nothing more." She bit her lip. "So... I vowed that... when I became a mother, I would never let my child feel that way. No matter what." She looked back at him, her eyes shining. "I am not afraid of having a child from your bloodline." @chaoskillerx7

Perhaps it was her words that satisfied him, perhaps more it was her attitude about it. Regardless, as Riella spoke, Aevis simply softened his intense stare towards her, the only indication that he acknowledged what she had said. A hand drifts out, materializing out from his side towards her. “Your certainty in these matters and determination is resolute. Befitting of a future ruler.” The words were quick before his attention split towards the doorway, then back towards her. “Tell me, my wife, were you given the choice would you have mothered many children or but a few? Would this family be envisioned to be here at my side? In this place? I imagine not.” He’d offer a small crack of a smirk before it faded away into the serious expression that he oft wore. “I imagine you had many admirations in your life and now it would be wonderful if you were there instead, hrm?” A single step towards the door way before he paused, frozen. In an almost unnatural smooth motion he turned towards her again. “Your parents may have been cold, but they have seemingly prepped you well. Do you not fear that by offering our child what you lack that they may become an insufficient ruler?” As he spoke it wasn’t stated with malice or accusations, merely observations and questions. Something that seemed to be a pattern under the man’s intense and undying stares. @The Hermit

Riella looked into Aevis's eyes as he spoke to her. He seemed to understand her situation, but he also seemed to question whether her parents tough love may have actually helped her. That... stung. No. No. He was wrong. He questioned if her treating her children with love and affection would make them insufficent rulers... and she broke. "Your Grace, forgive me... however... I am not a good ruler because my family belittled me and withheld affection. I am a good ruler because I knew what I wanted out of myself." Riella's chest rose and fell painfully. Tears pricked her eyes. No, No I can't start crying... "I did what I had to, to survive. Making my parents proud was my goal, and I could not do that. They sold me to you. This was...This marriage was nothing to them. This was a way to pawn their disappointment of a daughter off on someone else!" Riella felt her voice grow louder, her hands shaking. "You know nothing of what I went through. My parents were not just cold," She tugged down the top of her dress and revealed numerous scars along her chest. They had been hidden by her dress neckline. "They beat me for any mistake, big or small. If I did not walk in a straight line, I was harmed. This did not make me a good ruler. It made me cautious and afraid for my life." She said firmly. She tugged her dress back up and she shook her head, the tears running down her cheeks. She took several deep breaths and she looked down at the floor. "I...Forgive me," She brushed the tears away but she did not look at Aevis... @chaoskillerx7

The way she spoke gave him pause. Her words were clearly from some ingrained sense of pride and passion. Something that was not forged, but innate. The need for vindication. The wanting for revenge. It was naught but a smolder, but a smolder he could work with. When she had finished and remained quiet, he had observed. She would note that Aevis himself was now regarding Riella with a new look. A certain spark that was not so much seen oft, if ever, in vampire folk but it remained here. His hand reached out to try and cup around her face, a finger moving to brush away any other idle tears. "Peace now. Peace." The voice spoke, not commanded, but asked. There was a crack of a faint of a smile towards her. "I misjudged you. I will apologize for that, my wife. You are what they said and though they may think they were doing something to get rid of you and put you somewhere worthless, little do they know." He leaned forward now, voice uttering to a whisper as he spoke. "How would you like to defy them by proving them utterly wrong?" @The Hermit

Riella did not flinch as he cupped her cheek. In fact, she almost leaned into it. The comforting attention was something she craved eternally, and having never had it as a child, she needed it now more than ever. His words calmed her, but only slightly. The pain of her past still boiled and bubbled within, making her feel the adrenaline pulsing through her veins. "There is no need to apologize... It is... in the past. It should not consume me as much as it does. However, there is... not much I can do to stop it." She said softly. As he whispered in her ear, she shivered slightly. Did she wish to defy her family? Of course she did. What good had they been to her? Looking into Aevis's eyes, her own shining with a sudden curiosity and determination. The idea of fixing her parents mistakes and becoming someone she was actually proud of becoming. @chaoskillerx7

TW: Cursing, Dubious Consent, Violence, Drugs/Poisoning (edited)

TW (additional): Sexual content, blood

Her fierce determination, nay, her sense of commitment to her ambitions and goals was something to be admired. Indeed, even as he stood there, Aevis felt something stir within him that had not stirred for quite a long while. There was a small smile before he spoke again, the words coming out slowly and surely, each syllable dripped with confidence, each sentence ended with affirmation. "Wes hall raise a son together, one that has... unique heritage. One that will showcase that your ability to transcend their abuse is undeniable. One that proves that our combined strength is beyond proof." The fires of flame and ambition had flickered in his eyes before they smoldered into that cold stare. Eventually his hand would withdraw before he gestured towards the door. "In due time, of course. We still have a ceremony to plan-- but beyond, there is still a few more rooms I wish to show you. Of course, if you are still interested." @The Hermit

Riella nodded, giving him a gentle smile as he confirmed that they would raise a son together. She hoped that he felt the same about a daughter if they had one, rather than a son. It was not controllable on what they had for children, and she would never let him take it out on their children. He was kind, and his affirmation made her feel a sense of relief. He was far kinder than she had been expecting. He did withdraw his hand and Riella felt a sense of... sorrow. But, she ignored it and let her hand lower. "I would still be interested in seeing the other rooms, please." She said, nodding. She was not going to shy away from her new kingdom. She could tell that the servants had been eyeing her like a dog eyes a piece of meat. Yet, she was not going to let that stop her. "Whenever you are ready, Your Majesty," She said, bowing her head. @chaoskillerx7

The affirmation was all that he needed and soon he would lead her. Whenever peering eyes would question her presence, the cold exterior and silent gaze would quell their silent defiance. When those that would dare to show compassion and kindness towards her, attempting to lessen her burden themselves, would find that his own aura muted their desire for a bridge of confidence and companionship. It was a delicate balance; he did not intend for her to be alienated and alone but the Kingdom that he ruled over was not built on mercy and kindness like others. No, strength had to rule above all, or you may very well find yourself dead wishing you hadn’t been so kind. Eventually he paused before a small set of double doors, pushing them open to reveal the interior of a rather large room. Its vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows betrayed their purpose: a place of worship. Of course, pews and benches lined the interior and the dust on the bronze candleholders indicated an even older sense of time and age they possessed. The rugs were dirty, unclean from their time not used and cobwebs seemed to litter around every corner the eye could conceivably see. The stale air filled his lungs as he took a deep breath before he took several steps in, only to turn on his heel and expand out his arm. “I hate this room.” It was not a proud declaration, merely a simple one. But as he pivoted, his side now pointed over towards the altar, where an indecipherable depiction of some kind of woman cradling a bowl seemed to be affixed. “That is where we are to be married. I give you full authority as your first responsibility as a ruler. This section. This room. Redecorate it. Redo it. Open it to the public. Whatever it is you wish in your vision.” His voice was direct, but his delivery was soft. His hands lowered as he moved to face her, resting his hands before one another as he gave a single nod. “I wish to see what you will do—and do not worry about the chosen deity. It should be

00:37

whatever you wish. My own religion can be practiced in private or in public and I am more than willing to… learn about your own. As a concession.” @The Hermit

Riella followed Aevis without hesitation. She felt the servant's eyes landing on her and scanning over every inch of her. She did not let it hurt her, nor did she let it show that she even acknowledged their stares. She had to keep herself level headed especially now. She did offer a kind smile to those she saw, though she didn't attempt to be too kind, as she couldn't be seen as weak and timid. They arrived at a large room, but the room seemed rather stuffy, unclean, and honestly just... drab. It felt cold and sad, and Riella nearly recoiled. But, she kept her composure as he explained that he hated this room, and this was the room where they were supposed to be married. "I see." She glanced around the room, her eyes scanning over every inch of dirt and mess that resided in the room. Disgusting. However, he informed her that he wanted her to clean the room, or rather, he wished for her to redecorate it. Her eyes widened slightly as she looked around, "I...I believe that I can handle that." She chuckled, smiling at him. She turned to look about the room. "Elves have several Gods and Goddesses. I believe incorporating all of our deities will show a significant adoration for our union, don't you agree?" She smiled, looking back to him. "When are we to be married? I need to know how much time I have to decorate." @chaoskillerx7

Incorporating all of their deities? The very thought sent Aevis to a smirk, a rare form of acknowledgement and to a greater degree, amusement, that had oft been missing around these lands for quite some time. Then came the pressing question, when was this union of flesh and soul to be made? Of course when the treaty was first presented itself with such a delectable option, he had planned for it to be as soon as possible. There was no better time to enact grand plans and vast ambitions now were there? Of course, time had its passage and now that she had stood before him and the machinations of the world had continued to turn, his plans had ultimately changed. Even now the calculations and possibilities constantly shifted in his mind before he cleared his throat, opting to answer another concern first. “It would perhaps not be wise to expose this land’s deities to your guests. For their own comfort. Do not worry, we shall see no disrespect as we will honor them in our own way.” The smirk had died and so too did that humor, seriousness had returned. In its place a hand had extended out to her, a gesture given as the next sentence was acknowledged. “As for timing, while I would wish for us to cement this marriage quickly, I do not wish to rush. What do you feel is a proper time for you to both prepare what you need and a realistic estimation of the work you needed done?” The culture clash would be one thing, but the organization, hiring, and work methods of an elven princess to laborers who had oft seen oppression and usage as cattle in these lands would be more of an obstacle than anything. Indeed, would they feel it is a trap to someone who was more benevolent and resent working? Or perhaps they would be excited and give way to hope once more, working earnestly? The future was all but certain. His eyes remained on her, and every detail of her face and every word dripped from her would be drunk from and analyzed in that unchanging expression. <@5927456872

15:09

13408286>

Riella couldn't help but chuckle as Aevis stated that adding 'all' of the deities might be an issue. "That's perhaps true, Your Grace. I just do not want to shun any deities and risk our kingdom being cursed. But, if you believe we can ensure no disrespect, then that is fine by me." He seemed to be a little hesitant on the topic of their actual marriage, and he turned the question back on her. She let out a soft sigh as she glanced back. She would need at least a few days to tidy this area up, and to have an entire area where they could feast and celebrate their union. There were other rooms in the ruined castle, such as a bedroom that had been set up for them. She had already had some elven decorators that had come previously to set up at least the bedroom. But, she wasn't sure what her new husband would want for his wedding, if he even wanted one at all, so she had them wait. Thankfully there was a town within a short horse back ride away where her people were staying. "I would only need... five days. That would be enough for my people to create a celebration area that could hold our guests and this area here. Will that work for you, Your Grace?" She asked, turning back to him. "I...I believe there are two bedrooms. I had my people decorate both so that we each had our own space until we are wed." She reached out and took a black cloth from one of the pews. "I believe we can incorporate some of your people's artworks and culture. Do you have any decorators you'd like to have assist mine?" @chaoskillerx7

“Cursed?” The amused hint of a smile that appeared was something that hinted at his own true character. A slight revelation of the man that perhaps was there when he was a younger, more able vampire. Or perhaps of someone who was there before the vampirism took hold. All the same, he listened and digested. This was his usual motif and the stance he took, hands in his pockets, a stare out towards the distance space around you, always indicated his mind seemed focused. Whether it be on the task at hand or something entirely different. Decorations. Decorators. The very fabric of aesthetics was something he loathed. Yet, it seemed so essential and necessary to life that it was one of those dreadfully needed chores and bores. He couldn’t even remember the last time he had scheduled any type of meeting with an interior decorator, let alone an architect. Yet, there she was, as ever and despite her reserved politeness, something drew him in towards her. He'd curse the damnable skip of his heart. Bah. These feelings were tiresome already. Yet another necessary burden. “Five days shall be sufficient. If you wish for my decorators, I shall send them to you.” He paused as he turned to look over the decrepit church. “… How odd this must all be. I am sure someone, somewhere, is having a chuckle I would like to silence.” @The Hermit

Riella smiled softly as he offered to let her use his decorators. "Thank you, Your Majesty. That's very helpful." She felt a little more comfortable now that he was at least allowing her to decorate the space in a way that would benefit them both. As he teased that there was probably somewhere having a chuckle, and how he'd like to silence them, she couldn't help but chuckle. "You know, Sire, honestly, I would try to assist you with that." She couldn't blame him for feeling this way. The idea that an elf and a vampire would be married was just a thing to laugh at. However, this was her reality. "Five days would be sufficient. I think I might be able to get it done sooner, and I will let you know as that changes." She smiled. Then, another thouht struck her... there was only one bedroom in this castle. Where would each of them sleep during the evening? Her cheeks tinted pink and she quietly asked, "Uhm, Sire. Do you... know if another bedroom could be constructed quickly? I believe my servants informed me that there is only one bedroom, and for us to share one when we are not wed would be... challenging." @chaoskillerx7

There came in some hint of interest and curiosity that gnawed at a sliver of his soul. Why was this woman suddenly so apprehensive, were all nobility such coy and slick people such as her? Did traditions go so far that trying to avoid even the slightest hint or interpretation was the norm? This was why he wasn’t supposed to rule, why he shouldn’t have mingled with the mortal world. Yet, here he was, engaging in some centuries-old thing for the same reasons that many of the past did. He hated it. Aevis stepped forward as he moved to open the door that led them away from the chapel, a single shake of his head as he cleared his throat. “We could renovate a… guest bedroom, if necessary. But I do not see any reason why we cannot share the same bedroom. What challenges do you believe will arise?” There was a sweep of his arm. “None shall be here except the servants and they… are as quiet as the grave when it comes to my matters.” @The Hermit

Riella felt her cheeks flush darkly as he suggested they could just share a room. "I-I do not see any... challenges per say. It's just that, typically my people do not spend the night with our spouses until after marriage. But, if you do not believe it will be a problem for you or your people then, I do not mind." She said softly. He said no one else would be there besides them and the servants. "Are you not concerned that the servants will... think poorly of me? I do not wish to present a poor impression to your people." She wasn't a loose woman, and she didn't want his people to think that she was just some common brothel worker that he decided to marry because she had a pretty name. "I... personally do not think it would be an issue. I just... I worry on what others would say." @chaoskillerx7

“Oh? Do you think I will be some kind of monster that will take advantage of you?” There was a laugh before he’d give a small smirk, gesturing over towards the darkened halls that lay just beyond the closed doors. “Perhaps if another ruler were here. In fact, there have been many tales of assault. Of misery. Of subjugation.” There was a sneer as he said those words, shaking his head as he dismissed them with a simple wave of his hand. “The servants here are too busy trying to undermine each other to cower in the shadows. Most aught to seek power but know that they will not get it by angering myself.” His gaze now settled onto her, and he gave an incline of his head, a small affirmation given. “Besides. We are not mortal courts. Whispers here are naught of infidelity before marriage but… souls and carnage seeping throughout the land.” @The Hermit

Riella flinched as he questioned if she believed he would take advantage of her like some monster. He went on to state there were tales of assault, of misery, and subjugation. She felt her heart slam into her chest. She hadn't meant to upset him, and watching him seem to sneer at her made her shiver. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I did not mean to... offend you. I am unfamiliar with how this is supposed to work and be, and... Forgive me." She said, looking down in shame. She hadn't intended to be a problem! She nodded as he reminded her that whispers here were not about their infidelity. She looked around the desolate wasteland they were ruling. Ah, yes. That is what the whispers would be about. This nightmare of a place. "Right...I seem I...have forgotten." She said quietly. She looked at him and gave him a gentle smile. "I believe that spending the evenings together will be fine then. As long as you agree too?" @chaoskillerx7