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Archive 28 / among-the-flames
Triggers: War, Violence, Blood, Trauma, PTSD, NSFW Content
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꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. 2/12/2023 1:32 PM
Triggers - War, Violence, Blood, Trauma, PTSD, NSFW Content
1:33 PM
Seeing the princesses vacant stare, Hazel, the maid buzzed anxiously as she debated stepping through the door, but after a moment of anticipation her tongue slipped. "Um, I'm sorry to intrude my lady! The crimson court has never made much of an occasion of mealtimes, so if... if you'd like, you could stay in something more comfortable?" Hazel's voice was much quieter than before, not exactly sure if she had begun pushing her boundaries as a handmaid. However, before she could hear Rue's response, her anxiety took it's hold as her cheek's reddened and she gave a curt bow. "I apologize my lady! I'll fetch that ice immeadietly!" She blurted out before rushing out the door. For a long moment, Rue would be stuck with the deafening silence of her quarters, a deepening sense of dread and emptiness worming it's way into her heart, a weight of guilt making her very bones ache. In that silence, I wonder what her crossed her mind. It was clear that she blamed her self for the events transpired, but that wasn't fair. Did she not grow frustrated at the prince's sudden change in demeanor, the sharp wedge that he drove between them. She meant no harm... so why did he seem so harsh? as if he was offended at the notion? No one except the prince could know. Another brief moment, still standing idle in front of the wardrobe, only brought back into the moment by the murmuring of voices behind her chamber doors. First, a voice that was familiar but different, more hoarse and dejected as if it had spent the past few hours drinking down sorrows. The second, much more recognisable as Hazel's high pitched nervousness, though some what firmer in its resolve. The first voice was difficult to make out, as if it were further down the hall, though it was clearly male, and it seemed to be poising a question. Hazel's response was clear. "Oh! Good morning sir... I'm afraid I can't say much on that. It seem's the both of you have had a rather... intense night. She needs space. We shall see you at the dinning hall, good day." The door handle began to rattle loudly, cutting of the man's response, but as Hazel stepped back into the room with a large basin of steaming water, ice, and a few towels, she seemed somewhat shaken.
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Rue Azure BOT 2/12/2023 6:18 PM
Exhaustion bit at her. The kind of exhaustion that you can feel all the way to your bones. Her gaze softened as she heard the girl's voice. Had she been too harsh? Rue bit her lip and watched as the young girl ran out of the room, her speed hasty as she made her way out. She couldn't allow Ciang to see her like this, her eyes still puffy from the tears she had wept the night earlier. She didn't want him to know that she had been upset, that she had cried over their spat or disagreement, if she could call it that. There was a part of her that was frustrated, frustrated in the sense that she knew not what she had done to earn such a cold disposition. Yet those feelings paled in comparison to her own self blame. She feared that she must've done something wrong, something that had made him not wish for intimacy with her whether it was because of her actions or her appearance. She feared that they had moved too quickly, or perhaps the dragon had taken control again and was disgusted by her mere presence. Perhaps it was just her, her personality or her words upsetting him and making him wish that he had not agreed to marry her. Once more, the feelings welled up, her gaze softening as she looked for something comfortable. Comfortable. The knot in her throat wasn't comfortable. She bit her lip and looked down, her hand lingering on a more comfortable dress, one that the court had urged her not to pack. After all, they had only urged her to pack things that were distinctly beautiful so she could impress him. She swallowed and looked down at her feet, unsure of how she should dress and whether she should present herself more beautiful for Ciang or whether she should even make an appearance. It was the voice that brought her attention back. She paused and looked at the young handsmaid, her gaze almost staring through her. "I..." She paused, biting her lip, "Was that Ciang?" She looked at her, a part of her looking hopeful and yet a part of her distinctly fearful of furt
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her rejection, fearful of the fact that he may not like her any longer. @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 2/12/2023 8:17 PM
Hazel's reaction was hard to clock, she held a strong poker face as she walked and placed the gathered items on a makeup stand a small bit away from the wardrobe. The young maid shuffled awkwardly as she turned, almost as if she wasn't used to being so prim and proper as she was at the moment. Hazel's soft eye's scanned the princess' expression, biting her lips softly as she turned again and pulled a plush stool towards the basin before sighing softly. "I apologize my lady, but I am afraid I can't share that information, if not for your own sake." Her voice was less shaky than before, almost authoritative as she held out a hand for Rue. As Rue touched Hazel's fingers, she'd find them to be much rougher than her's, her skin thick and caloused... by what? She did not know. "I- I don't mean to interject into your affairs, but word spreads quickly among the servants and aids. I admit, we have never seen our prince make such a strong connections so quickly, and though it does seem like a good thing for him... Oh I don't know." Hazel would murmur softly as she began to wrap the cold ice in a thin towel before handing it to the princess. As their hands touched once more, Hazel quickly took Rue by the wrist, grip surprisingly firm. "It may not be proper.. but I believe if you want something, you gotta pull urself up and face it head on. Even- No. Especially if it gets ugly." Hazel's expression was steely, her grip like Iron as her presence even overwhelmed Rue's for a moment, but as the small girl noticed how close she had become and what her hands were doing she immediately let go, a mix of embarrassment and shame on her face. @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. )
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Rue Azure BOT 2/13/2023 3:44 AM
It was strange. Not necessarily in a bad way, but in a way that was entirely unbeknownst to Rue. No one had ever looked at her like that, looked at her with that strange look of almost...pity, was it? She wasn't sure. She couldn't tell whether the maid was pitying her or not, but there was something in the young handmaid's eyes that Rue still felt unsure of how to read. And her answer didn't exactly help clarify what it was. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she took the girl's hand, her gaze almost casting down as she listened to the girl's words. "I--" She paused and looked down, towards the hand that had began to tighten around her wrist. It was tight. Tighter than she expected from such a frail looking girl, though it appeared the handmaid was not as frail as she might have looked. She hesitated, her gaze lifting to connect with the girl's eyes. Was it concern for the prince that she saw in those eyes? Or for both of them. "I am aware." She muttered, her eyebrows furrowing in frustration. She was not used to receiving such lectures, after all, Rue had not a singular female friend her age and no one had ever dared to challenge her. It was the most honest advice she had yet received and yet all she felt was frustration. Those feelings of sadness and self blame were melding with the frustration she had attempted to bury from the night before, her gaze focused forwards solemnly. "Yet... is it appropriate for me to want something even if it... no... he... does not want me back?" She looked at her, "I--You did not see the way that he looked at me. He..." She hesitated, blue eyes drifting to the side slightly as she lifted the ice filled towel towards her cheeks to reduce the swelling. "Sometimes... people move too fast... what if Ciang deluded himself into believing he liked me... and last night he realized it was not true..." She questioned, her gaze connecting once more. Especially if it gets ugly. Her words rung in her head. They were hard to face. It
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had gotten ugly. Yet had she done anything deserving of the way that he had looked at her with such disdain? Had she done anything to cause such a reaction? She knew she had not and yet the entire night before, her mind had been set on the fact that it was her. "Who does he think he is to make me feel so...so... wretched?" She muttered under her breath, the girl's words having swelled forth some sort of might that she had not yet known she had within her. She needed to talk to Ciang... and this time, she would not allow him to look on her with such eyes, nor would she allow him to give up on her so easily. No, she would ask him why he had done such things the night before, why he had looked on her in such a way. She smiled weakly and took Hazel's hand. "You... Thank you... I think I really truly needed that." She admitted, taking a deep breath before standing. "I should get dressed... I wouldn't want anyone to wait on me." She noted, walking to the closet once more and picking out an appropriate outfit before changing, following her words and trying something ever so slightly more comfortable as recommended. "Would you mind leading the way?" She asked, smiling to the maid who had steeled her. @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 2/13/2023 9:21 PM
Hazel straightened herself once more before bowing again, a small smile inching its way onto her face as she noticed Rue's change in demeanor. This walk, compared to yesterday's grueling march through twisting halls, was much shorter. Hazel strode with confidence and purpose, her familiarity a more than welcome surprise. Though as they walked, Hazel seemed to shell up as she no longer attempted to make small talk. Luckily it wasn't too awkward, as before Rue could dwell on the still silence, they had arrived at a pair of plain wooden doors- or as plain as mansion doors could be. As they rounded the corner towards the dining room, Hazel stopped in front of the door across from a large man dressed in plate armor, resting her arms at her side as she straightened to attention. Rue would recognise the man to be the guard captain she had conversed with briefly last night, underneath the manor's cold marble flooring. Captain Peirce eye'd Rue for only a moment before facing towards Hazel, nodding. "Corporal, it is good to see you. Anything to report?" His voiced was hushed, barely a whisper as the younger maid? shook her head, before speaking, again barely audible to the princess. A few more hushed words before the Captain then turned and knocked on the door, the door opening with a gentle creak as the Captain spoke in a loud authoritative voice. "Please welcome Princess Rue Azure, heiress to the Cerulean Court" Inside the room was a small gaggle of people, most quickly scooting out of their chairs to give a small bow towards the Princess' direction. Here, hazel leaned in and whispered into the princess' ear. "Ciang will be a bit late, but you can go ahead and sit next to the queen. She's been meaning to speak with you." She gestured to one end of the lavish table, just across from a large throne like chair, where the Queen's wrinkled face beamed back at her. Across from her seat was an empty chair, which similarly to the queens bared a much more grandeous design.
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@꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. )
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Rue Azure BOT 2/14/2023 2:22 PM
A deep breath. Do not forget yourself Rue closed her eyes and stood up straighter as Hazel began towards the door of her bedroom. Had she truly forgotten herself to her own emotions? She knew that it had been painful for her, but she had entirely lost all sense of direction and let it all go to the wayside. She had never been the type to self destruct and yet she had let both Hazel and Lukas see her in quite a miserable state. She had to get it together. She would not allow someone else to assume and recognize her misery, even if she did still feel the pangs of pain still in her heart. The two walked in silence, her footsteps resonating rather loudly in the hallway. Despite her being a dragon, it seemed the girl in front of her walked with more confidence. It seemed rather strange, but Rue wondered if the handsmaid would have made a better dragon than herself. She seemed so self assured and unafraid, especially when she had technically spoke to a Princess with a tone most would be bewildered by. As they rounded the corner, Rue's gaze lifted towards the guard. She well recognized him and bowed her head politely in his direction, her gaze only shifting back towards Hazel as the two whispered to one another for several moments before the Captain announced her presence. A part of her was curious, curious of what the two had said to one another, whether it regarded Ciang and their situation. She assumed it had. After all, Hazel's next message made her aware that Ciang would most likely be late and if she knew anything about Ciang, she would assume that meant he may not be in attendance at all. She paused and gave a soft smile, "Thank you, Hazel." She nodded and walked through the room to the empty chair that had been noted as hers. Gracefully, she would smile and respond to any of those who greeted her, though quickly made her way through the crowd until smiling in the direction of the Queen. "Good morning, I appreciate the wonderful invitation to attend breakfa
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st." She smiled, taking a seat after greeting the queen. @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 2/14/2023 3:04 PM
The Queen chuckled softly as she touched Rue's hand, her smile thin but beaming with affection. "Think nothing of it darling, while you are under our roof we shall do our best to treat you well." Her voice was sweet and smooth, a motherly charm hat Rue had not felt in a long time. The warmth of her frail fingers were a sudden change, another reminder of the prince, but noticing Rue's disappointed gaze, the queen's smile grew. "Expecting someone are we? Don't worry hun, I'm sure Peirce is dragging him out of bed now... or we can keep him there if you want." He voice was a smooth hum of excitement as she scanned the Princess' face, recognizing something deep within her eyes and sighing softly. The queen adjusted slightly as another door, adjacent to the one Rue entered from creaked open, several trays of gleaming silver topped with tea, biscuits and other confectionaries. Other aid's walked out and plated food for the room of nobles, which Hazel turned her nose at. Finally, after a minute of clattering plates and saucers, the queen continued speaking, her expression more muted. "I- I can only assume what happened, but I'd like to apologize on Ciang's behalf. He's always been a very reserved child, stuck in his own mind and not one for communication. I thought he was so mature for his age and left him to his devices.... sadly that was far from the truth. I am sorry, if he had done something more to hurt you." Silence. The air around them hung heavy, both bearing a weight of guilt, which by all means should never have been theirs. Though before either could get the last word, Captain Peirce's booming voice again flooded the hall. "Please welcome Prince Ciang-" The large man was cut off by a raised hand, Ciang's voice cutting in. It was much more hoarse than it was last night, as if the boy had lost all water in his throat. "Please stay seated everyone. I apologize for my tardiness, I hope you may enjoy your food." Ciang bowed slightly, which sent murmurs around
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 2/14/2023 3:12 PM
the table. Finally, he sat across from Rue still failing to meet her eyes. Ciang was dressed much more plainly than he was the night of the ceremony, no longer dressed in his large overcoat and ornate dress shirt, now wearing a thin velvet tunic with dark pants, which lay loosely to his figure. He seemed smaller somehow, but his presence was still easily recognizable, the warm air around his body radiating out. It was strange how easily he had grown accustomed to the dragons presence, only needing a night gain such a greater restraint over his power- or was it the beast that learned constraint? Hard to tell from the outside. Ciang's gave slowly rose up, meeting Rue's cool blue eye's with a thin frown, a look of guilt on his face. "G-Good morning... Did you- Ugh, Did you get any sleep?" His voice croaked, his eye's focused, but clearly tired, with thick dark circles under them. @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. )
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Rue Azure BOT 2/14/2023 3:31 PM
Warmth. The kind of warmth that Rue was sure she hadn't felt since she was a child. The queen's hand on hers almost made her melt, her gaze softening as she wondered how one grew so warm. Her own hands were cold and she wondered if her exterior resembled the cold within her too much. Had that cold alerted him? She shook her head and looked towards the Queen, her expression almost too easy to read as her gaze shifted towards the Prince's seat. Empty. As Hazel had noted and yet a pang still stuck into her heart as she wondered whether he would be appearing or whether this would go on for longer. "No... of course not. I was just wondering whether he was alright." She smiled softly, though there was exhaustion in her eyes as she took a seat. "He has a lot of recovering to do... he may need the rest." She glanced down at her lap as the aid's began to enter the room, beginning to slowly plate the food politely so that all could begin to eat. It wasn't much time before people began to eat, the welcome sound of spoons on bowls and clattering plates making Rue feel a little less lonely. Yet it appeared that she was just as easy to read for the Queen. In so many ways was she like her mother, always seeming to know exactly what to say even when she did not understand her own emotions. She paused and looked up at her, smiling softly. "I... I know." She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and know. "I think... we may have stepped on one another's toes..." She admitted softly, "Just... not necessarily in the physical sense but... emotionally." She looked at the queen, her gaze lingering for a moment on the queen before shifting towards the empty seat. She straightened her posture as the door began to open, the booming voice of Captain Pierce resonating throughout the room as if demanding attention. She knew it was him. Yet for a moment, her gaze lingered on the chair, refusing to meet his. She feared that he would not meet her gaze, feared that he would not smile o
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n her the way he had prior. She swallowed, her hands meeting with one another in her lap, anxiously rubbing against one another. She hated it. Since when had she become such a coward? Too afraid even to look up and meet the gaze of another. Lukas would scoff at her if he even saw it. It was his voice that brought her gaze up, icy blue eyes filled with exhaustion meeting his own. "I--" She bit her lip, which looked like it was assumedly sore as she had an awful habit of biting it when nervous. She swallowed and brought her hand to the crook of her arm, rubbing slightly. "Good morning." There was a tension that Rue couldn't wash away, an anxiety that she knew Hazel would have scolded her for. "A little, yes." She lied, though the redness in her eyes gave her away. Just as he, she looked tired, her skin paler than normal and her eyes having a listlessness to them that couldn't be denied. While she had attempted to ice away the puffiness of her eyes, it was clear she had been crying. No amount of ice was going to hide that. Even her body language gave her away, her eyes a clear and evident path to her soul. "Are you feeling alright? You didn't need to leave bed if you were not feeling well." @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 2/14/2023 4:08 PM
Ciang shook his head and smiled, his mind far too gone to be anything other an emotional wreck. His brain danced with every emotion he could muster, joy and glee at seeing her again, fear and anxiety about how their previous interaction had left them and finally, rage and self pity, all at his own fear and cowardice, how he let his selfishness harm this poor girl. In the end, that pity and sadness took over him, but he did his best to play it off. "As alright as one can be when you surrounded by desert heat. Would you rather me stay in bed? And leave you to get your ear talked off- Ow." Ciang started chuckling before a sharp pain ran up his shin, the soft thump of the queens shoe shaking their end of the table. In Ciang's head, his conversation with the dragon played in his mind, the ancient beasts advice ringing in his mind. It's true. I feel for her. What more proof do I need? A ray of hope twinkled for a moment before snuffing itself out, another voice deep in his mind whispering his greatest fears. It doesn't matter. The damage has been done. You've scarred her body and heart, she will never forgive you. A deep sigh escaped his lips as again he bowed his head low, avoiding Rue's gaze. Though, before things could again become awkward, the Queen piped up, a mischievous smile on her lips. "Seem's you to need some time. Take Rue to the courtyard, most of the aid is still cleaning up after you two so you'll be alone. Go... talk to her, tell her what is in your heart, she will understand." The queen's voice was quiet but sweet, Ciang's mother had always been tender towards him, and even if she doesn't believe it she was and remains to be one of the few reasons Ciang has held himself together so long. @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. )
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Rue Azure BOT 2/14/2023 4:19 PM
That smile. It was the same from the night before, the same smile that carried such weight. Weight too heavy for Rue to bare, too heavy for her to take on without his permission. She swallowed and looked down, "Was it that hot?" She asked, "I thought it rather cold" She admitted, her gaze shifting to the side slightly. She needed to get out of her head. Yet her mind continued to wander to the darkest places of her heart, refusing to let go of the petty and frustrated emotions that felt ever so drawn forwards. She couldn't help it, even though she had told herself that she would face him, there was still a part of her that wanted to curl back in bed. "Of course not.... though any conversation with the Queen is a pleasure." She smiled, lifting her drink to her lips. It wasn't long before the Queen piped up, Rue's gaze shifting towards her. "I--" She almost whined, biting her lip before recognizing that this was her perfect chance. She certainly couldn't give it up just because she wanted to run away. No. She would heed Hazel and the Queen's words and take this at her stride. She wouldn't allow him to get the best of her, she needed to remain open minded so that he couldn't further close in on his emotions. Even if it took all of her might, Rue was not going to run away. She would drag out her emotions even if it meant dragging them out by force. She paused and nodded, looking towards Ciang before standing, "I would... very much like that." She nodded, her gaze lingering on the very much tired prince. She could see in his eyes how tired he was, how he must've wracked his brain despite claiming he needed rest. It seemed neither had gotten an ounce of sleep and both would need some sort of time together to mend their wounds and recover. @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 2/14/2023 5:03 PM
Ciang perked up, surprised that Rue was even entertaining the idea. "Are- Are you-" Ciang stopped himself from doubting her, instead standing up, shaking the table with a loud clattering shake. He's cheek flushed red as he looked down the table, apologizing profusely. Quickly, he scooted in front of Rue, opening the door for her with a small smile. As it creaked open, another wave of murmurs started, as well as a few chuckling laughs which were quickly stifled by the door behind them. "Phew, the two of you always get me off guard." Ciang chuckled as he started down a hallway, stopping halfway down for Rue to catch up. As they walked, the air of awkward tension that Ciang had prepared himself for wasn't there. His mind was quiet, and his heart fluttered. He realized, that by shutting himself away was the worst thing he could've done, that he really could never know what she or anyone else thought... without at least confronting them. With a light chuckle, he turned to face Rue, another smile on his face, one much lighter and unburdened. "This is a bit late... but I'm sorry. I... I've never been that intimate with anyone, never felt that kind of attraction... and I froze. I didn't understand if that was really me, or if it was the dragon's lingering attraction to each other. I didn't want to lead you on, want you to fall to the whims of these beasts.... but no matter what my intentions were, I went about it the wrong way. I'm sorry for the pain I caused, really I am." His voice was soft, his eye's locked onto hers and his fingers joined with hers. His warm blood beat through his heart, pulsing against her skin as he squeezed gently, obviously struggling to get his mind out. @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚.
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Rue Azure BOT 2/14/2023 5:16 PM
"Are you coming?" Her voice cut through the silence that hung in the air, her hand withheld out for him. She paused and looked at him, standing up tall and straight as if he had never made her worry at all. Fake it until you make it. She paused, almost laughing as the table clattered. "Come on..." She teased, almost relieved at the sound of chuckles and laughter as the two started towards the door. Of course, it quickly became evident that his pace was much faster than her own, her gaze lifting as she sped up to catch up to him. She wouldn't allow herself to be left behind nor would she allow herself to forget the way that she had felt without making herself clear to him. She needed to express herself properly. There was no more running away. As they walked, the air was surprisingly light. Perhaps it was because of his boyish charm that showed when he made such mistakes, or perhaps it was due to the way that he stumbled over his words and admitted his fears so openly that she couldn't help but feel the tension they had built up begin to wash away. Washing away as if it hadn't been so thick that it had kept the two of them up for many hours. She paused as he turned to face her, her own gaze almost falling before she lifted her gaze to meet his. She wouldn't allow herself to look away. She swallowed and looked at him, her heart pounding as he admitted that he knew he had hurt her. "I..." She frowned, her fingers interlocking with his. "You suck... you know that...?" She almost pouted, her eyes glistening as she looked down. "I... really hate you." She whined, her voice shaking ever so slightly as it was clear that she didn't hate him even a bit. "I thought maybe you hated me or...that I did something wrong..." She squeezed his hand. "Is...it really you?" She asked, lifting her nearly tear filled eyes to look at him. "Because... it was you I was talking to... i-it was you, right?" She asked fearfully, it evident that she too was afraid that perhaps her attraction
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had been one sided and he truly was just blinded by that of the dragon. @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 2/15/2023 3:28 AM
As she gave her surprisingly sharp response, he'd expected his heart to shatter in a way he could never fix. But he saw her, scared and worried for him... for his happiness, and he melted. His arms moved, one around her waist and one gently against the back of her head pulling her into a tight embrace. As she whined, he pulled harder, pressing his head against her as he gently kissed her forehead. "I'm know... and I'm sorry." His voice was hushed, but trembling slightly. A mix of relief and sadness gushing as he tried to compose himself, tears of joy running down his face. He pulled away slightly, just enough to stare into her eyes, his own gray and muted starring deep into her eyes. "It was, and still is. I've... come to realize somethings, about the beast and myself. I'm not sure what it is... but I need you. I can't get you out of my mind, and my mind twists and turns inside out when I think of you..." Ciang's expression was dead serious, his grip strong but not painfully, doing his best to make her feel as safe as possible. @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. )
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Rue Azure BOT 2/16/2023 2:51 AM
Her words were harsh. Harsher than she had allowed herself to be with him so far. Yet it was clear that there was something else behind them, true meaning that revealed to him that in no way did she hate him. She hated feeling the fear that she was feeling and hated that he was the cause of such feelings, but it was evident to nearly anyone that these were feelings caused by the fact that she had feelings for him that she couldn't deny. She bit her lip anxiously and looked towards him as he wrapped his arms around her, slowly pulling her in. Pulling her towards him. She relaxed slightly, her arms shifting to wrap around him as he held her sweetly, his arms stable and protecting as he pulled her tightly to press to him. Relief washed over her like a wave at the beach, his lips pressing against her forehead sweet and soft as he apologized to her. She could hear the weakness in his voice, the emotion that he was finally allowing her to see. He was hurting too, perhaps even more than she. A few tears dribbled down her cheeks as he lifted her chin to stare into her eyes, her own just as tear filled as his as he spoke softly but seriously. There was a knot in her throat that was making it hard to talk and yet she wanted to reassure him. Gently, her fingertips found his tears, gently wiping them away. "I need you too... so please don't leave me alone..." She whispered softly, embracing him tightly before letting her head lean against his chest. "Please don't make me question your heart.... I want to trust you. So you have to trust yourself too." She noted, listening to the sound of his heartbeat as it ebbed and flow at a rate that let her know the true extent of what he was feeling. "I want to be with you...." @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 2/16/2023 5:26 AM
Ciang stared down at Rue's glistening cheeks, her puffy eyes and her distraught expression, another wave of sadness washed over him. He felt guilty, not only for not communicating, but for selfishly putting his own self pity and fear in front of their happiness. Ciang slowly lowered his gaze, almost bowing down as he rested his head on her chest, a deep shuddering breath softly rumbling against her body. "I'm.. so happy to hear that." After a short moment of silence, Ciang started to chuckle softly, shaking his head as he stood to his full height. His tight shoulders relaxed, and his facial expression softened as he looked down at Rue. "We didn't even make it half way to the garden. What was the point then!" He burst out laughing, throwing his head back as every ounce of stress started to melt away, the scorching heat in his chest radiating off to a mellow warmth. A slow, strong breath brought back the prince Rue had come to know, just one that was a bit more tired... and a lot less conflicted. No longer hiding behind a forced smile, Ciang looked.. really and truly looked at Rue, her fingers still locked in his as he spoke once more. "I won't make any excuses, all of this was just... just my own confusion and fear. I don't want my pain to ever become yours again so, I'll promise to tell you anything on mind. Ok?" His voice was a bit smoother, a lost confidence returned to his body as he regarded her. "Oh- and the garden isn't too far... I know we've talked, but would you like to accompany me?" @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚.
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Rue Azure BOT 2/16/2023 6:44 AM
Warmth. When she touched him, she felt warm. Warmth was something that Rue longed for, her body often feeling ever so cold to the touch. Yet when her hands were in his, she no longer felt the tips of her fingers growing numb nor the chills that often climbed up her back. She felt safe, safe in a way that she hoped she would never lose sight of. She paused and relaxed as he leaned down, lowering himself to rest his head on her chest. It couldn't be the most comfortable way to stand, yet she understood the comfort in it, her hand coming to gently hold his head. Her heartbeat was soft, the rhythmic pounding lulling him into the safety and trust that they both needed to have with one another. She smiled softly as he raised to his full height and spoke, his expression regaining a softness that she wasn't sure she had ever seen him with. Even his laughter sounded foreign to her, as if he had been forcing himself to remain strong for way longer than she had even been aware. "I guess we got a little ahead of ourselves... didn't we?" She chuckled, rubbing her hand against the back of her neck. She bit her lip and looked back at him, her thumb softly rubbing circles around his knuckles as she thought quietly to herself. "Next time I'll fight a bit harder..." She admitted, "I won't even allow you to get in your head like that again... I'll make my feelings so evident that you can't even question them." She smiled softly, her own eyes looking slightly tired but the expression on her face looking relieved. It seemed the both of them needed some rest whether or not they were fighting. She nodded softly, beginning to walk towards the garden, the winding corridors still confusing in Rue's eyes. Yet eventually they returned outside to a garden, just as beautiful as the one they had walked in together the night before. It was beautiful and well pampered and while the flowers were different, Rue felt at peace with him, with his hand in hers. @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 2/16/2023 10:13 PM
Ciang blushed brightly, never exactly sure what to do with Rue's straightforwardness. As they walked, he struggled to come up with the response, the most the young prince thought to do was gently run his thumb against Rue's hand every now and then. Walking out to the garden, the beautiful splendor of green hills peppered with sparks of color dazzled the senses, and the soft aroma of flowers soothed the tired souls. Again, Ciang took a step ahead of Rue, hand in hand as he lead her through a small maze of ferns and hedges. Eventually, he pulled her out into a small clearing, floors lined with weathered stone which lead to a small table, covered in a canopy of thick thorns. Behind the table stood a large fountain, old and weathered by time, the streams of water that would have flowed were choked by different plants and roots, small patch of vibrant moss covering the cracked stone. "This should be a good spot. I know that it's strange being back here... but I want you to be able to associate happy memories here with me, rather than anything else." Ciang didn't look back to meet her eyes, instead taking a step or two away from her, running his fingers against the smooth glass of the table in front of them. Two metal seats sat next to the table, cloth pillows lay plush against them as they scraped against the floor. Ciang gestured for Rue to take a seat, a light blush still on his face... though his expression was a tad bit serious. "I can call for tea in a bit, but before that... I wanted to talk about some things. I'm sorry that you have to still have to deal with my insecurity but..." Ciang stopped himself, sighing heavily as he took a seat, massaging his temples with his thumbs as he tried to find the words. "I just need to know your answers, no matter how obvious they may sound. @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚.
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Rue Azure BOT 2/17/2023 2:35 AM
The gardens looked different in the day than they did the night, the colors of flowers painted in beautiful watercolored swatches of pink, orange, yellow and more. It welcomed them, much unlike the night before. The flowery scent flowed into their noses and occasionally tickled at them playfully, encouraging a sneeze or two. She paused and looked down, her gaze softening, relaxing as she felt the way they urged her forth. "It looks different in the daytime." She said softly, recognizing where he was leading her as he continued to pull her through the ferns and hedges before returning to the clearing once more. They had been there before and while it had been much different the night before, she was sure that she would be able to build better memories as time grew by. She swallowed and nodded, ignoring any of the residual pain of her wounds as she let her own fingers dust pollen off of the glass. "I know.... I want to build lots of memories together...." She smiled softly, taking a seat on the metal chair before looking back up at the canopy of thorns that laid above them. Every rose has it's thorns. A great poet had once claimed that without it's thorns a rose wouldn't be so sweet. Or something like that. She couldn't entirely remember the quote or even the name of the poet but vaguely remembered hearing such things. She paused and looked up, recognizing the shift in his tone once more. "Ciang." She softly frowned, offering her hands towards him across the table in case he might want to hold onto them. "You can talk to me. I'll answer your questions." She smiled, hoping he knew that she was safe to talk to, safe to ask. She didn't want to judge him or have him feel unable to talk and while they were both still very awkward with one another, she knew that it was only through conversations like this that they would grow to be more confident and comfortable with one another. She had to open up to him so that he couldn't close her off once more. <@3958297166547517
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 2/17/2023 4:06 AM
Ciang sighed, bobbing his head low again as he brushed Rue's knuckles against his forehead. Looking up, that same cold expression came back over his face as the young prince fought to push his worries out. He'd gotten so used to bottling everything up, that simply speaking his mind had become a conscious effort. "I- I've just never been in this kind of relationship, hell any relationship at all.. so a lot of this is new to me." He breathed in and his face softened, that tired smile slowly returning "I'm just... a bit confused on where you want this to actually go. I've been approached a lot about arranged political marriages, and I imagine you have to... but it feels different with you. I don't understand why... but it's different." Ciang was being surprisingly blunt, no longer beating around the bush. He locked her fingers in his and stared her down with a focus she'd only seen once or twice, if only broken as a blush started to form on his cheeks as he stared. "Another thing. I wanted to say... you look really good. I heard you were having trouble getting ready, and I guess I'm just happy to still be able to see you." Ciangs blushed deepened as he continued speaking, a quiet snort echoing in his mind as he spoke. @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. Might be last for tonight)
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Rue Azure BOT 2/17/2023 4:24 AM
"It's new to me too." Her words were soft, her gaze falling down, "In the cerulean kingdom, there was an idea that dragons were meant to live in solitude until marriage." She noted softly, tucking her hair behind her ear. "So... growing up, I spent a lot of time on my own, even before my mother's death. A lot of the time I didn't even really have friends. Only Lukas and well... that was only allowed because he was the son of an Elder." She explained, her gaze shifting to the roses softly. "I think we're both learning... but... we can learn together... right?" She paused, her gaze falling softly. "I have... " She took a deep breath, her fingers intertwining with his as she looked down. "I guess... in my eyes... it's because you've been willing to look at me solely as myself." She explained, her gaze locking with his as he stared her down slightly. "People assume there cannot be love in a political marriage... that they are cold and unfeeling entirely. I don't want that... I don't know about you... but... I want to believe that if should we get married, it be because we are in love... not only because we have made an agreement with our nations." She smiled, taking a deep breath as if she had gotten something off of her chest. Her gaze fell slightly as he noted that she looked good, her cheeks growing rosey and hot. "I... wasn't sure what to wear." She admitted, "Thank you..." She smiled, her gaze held away from him in a manner more girlish than that of a dragon. As they had said, they were both new to this and they both still had much to learn about one another and how to get along with one another. "I'm... glad you think so." @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 2/20/2023 12:54 PM
At first, Ciang wore a more nervous smile than anything, tha anxiety and anticipation of baring his soul to one of the only people outside of his family that he truly loved, shook him to his core. That anxiety started to fade as Rue spoke, though what took its place wasn't much better. What was a face full of nervous energy slowly dropped, giving way yo another complicated thin line and furrowed eye brows. At first it was pity and anger towards Rues situation, how someone who was deemed a princess was left so isolated from her community... which slowly gave way to a deep sadness. Compared to Ciang, who had his family and his aids to show him glimpses of the outside word and how to truly appreciate life, all Rue had was a nepotistic brat who only treated her well for his own gain. After a moment of silence, Ciang again touched Rues hands, cupping hers in his as he stared into her eyes, a small frown on his face. "I.. I'm so sorry. I hadn't even considered that this might have been your first intimate relationship. You've been through a lot Rue Azure... and I'm sorry I've put you through more." Ciang rubbed the outside of her hands as he held them in his own, his once glassy eyes begging to well up. "I promise, that from now on... that you can see so much more, that you can live for yourself." Ciangs grip tightened, and tears slowly dropped from his eye's, a genuine smile forming on his face. "You're thoughts on marriage were as sweet as I thought they'd be." @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚.
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Rue Azure BOT 2/21/2023 2:37 AM
Rue's words were slow and delicately chosen, her gaze focused on his as she attempted to open up to him. This wasn't necessarily a sore subject for Rue and yet she was entirely aware that it may seem like one. After all, while she was royalty, it explained the longing for contact with others she had. She longed for what she didn't have, a sense of community with those around her, even her own parents often having felt as if they were isolated from her. She paused and looked down at her hands, letting her fingers wring at one another anxiously, realizing that this topic might have been a heavy one to add onto his shoulders after their long night. "No more than you." She noted, knowing that while her isolation had been hard, he had dealt with things harder than isolation. She paused and looked down, smiling as he reached forwards to hold her hands in his, holding her in a soft and comforting manner. She was free to open up to him and she hoped he knew she was always here to listen and learn more about him when he was ready or willing to share. She paused and let a smile grace her lips, nodding sweetly. "Why're you crying?" She questioned with a soft teasing smile, standing to walk over and wipe his tears away. She knew he was happy, her delicate fingers wiping the tears away. "Tell me, would you be willing to get to know me before we get married...?" She questioned, kneeling down slightly so that she could wipe a few other tears from his cheeks. "As if we weren't being politically set up... as if... we were simply falling in love entirely on our own.. no dragons... no elders... just... us?" @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 2/22/2023 3:04 PM
Ciangs hand lingered on hers, her gentle figures stirring up years of stress and built up and anguish, which he let melt away at her touch. Truly, he felt sorry for her circumstances and her isolation... but having someone else you could also rely on allowed him to feel a lot more than he let himself. For the first time in years, Ciang felt human. Finally drying his tears, he held Rues hand against his face, basking in the pleasant cold that radiated off her skin, breathing deep of her scent and perfumes. "Ofcourse... I wouldn't have it any other way." Ciang smiled as he bent forward before scoping her up by her hips, sitting back down with her in his lap, legs hanging off to the side. "It would be my pleasure to learn more of you and your past, and your people... and I hope that with this, you can find a place here with us..." Ciangs voice was quieter now, not exactly a whisper but not the commanding presence he put forward, a much softer and calm presence. This wasn't Ciang, the inheritor of the Crimson Dragon but Ciang Long, the man.
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@꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. sorry it's q bit shorter than usual)
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Rue Azure BOT 2/24/2023 3:22 AM
At peace. That was how Rue felt when she was with him. For so many years, there had been a sort of dissonance in her life prior. The kind of dissonance that came from within when you weren't happy with yourself or couldn't come to terms with yourself. It wasn't that she wasn't happy with herself, at least as far as she was aware. Yet Rue had always felt a sort of longing for something else, as if there was something missing. And yet now that she was here, Rue finally felt as if everything were falling into place. She was at peace. With him and herself. She felt human. She let her fingers curl into his as he dried his tears, wiping them away before her hand softened against his, cupping his cheek softly. "Good. "She whispered as he confirmed that he would fall in love with her. Her, not the dragon, nor the princess. Just Rue Azure, the girl. Or woman, might you say. She smiled as her hand cupped his cheek, a gasp escaping her lips as he scooped her up by her hips and pulled her into his lap. She swallowed and lifted her gaze, letting it connect with his for a moment as he spoke. "Mhm.... together... we'll find our places." She softly noted, her gaze gentle and sweet as she looked into those once harsh eyes of his. "We'll teach one another what we know... and while there may be troubles along our path... we'll overcome them hand in hand." She smiled, a deep breath pushing in through her nose as she relaxed into him, glad that they had made up and even more glad that they were seeing eye to eye on these sorts of things. @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 2/26/2023 11:48 PM
Ciang smiled as she relaxed in his arms, taking a small moment to just gaze at her. Rue was a true beauty, her soft platinum hair practically glowed in the midday sun... or was she actually glowing? Ciang wasn't all too bothered, more ecstatic than anyone that Rue had begun to become accustomed to her heritage. It was only right, after everything she's been through and what she put on the line. Ciang quickly found him blushing deeply as he stared at her rosy cheeks, suddenly aware of how close they were; though he made no attempt to push her away now. Instead, he leaned in to gently press his forehead against hers, and slowly lower his lips to hers. Suddenly, a rustling came from the pathway behind them. Ciang made no attempt to stop his course of action, completely engrossed in his partners visage. Though, from Rue's perspective, she could see the faintest of glimmering steel. A pauldron, adorned with a crest and rank. Lucas. His face briefly poked between the bushes, and the look that met her eye's chills down her spine. Like Ciang, he looked tired, his tan skin much darker than usual, as if he was sick, his eye's seemed bloodshot and bulging from their socket. Though, compared to Ciang, who's soul resonated with a deep sadness and fear... all there was within Lucas was a deep scorn. Rage and anger. Towards who... that wasn't so clear. The young captain quickly turned tail, making no effort to hide his presence as he stormed through the garden. @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. )
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Rue Azure BOT 2/27/2023 11:28 AM
In his arms, Rue felt like the world could entirely melt away. Time didn't stop, no, it didn't even feel like it had. And yet as she looked into his eyes, she felt as if everything around them had suddenly melted away, washed away by the warmth of the midday sun. She softened and looked at him, resting her forehead back against his as they melted into one another. It was sweet, the moment lingering on the tip of her tongue as she wondered what kind of love they would find together, what kind of life they could build if they had one another by their side. She was sure it would be beautiful. Beautiful and powerful in a way that no one had yet known. After all, no one had ever known that of two dragons who both played for the same team, who both worked together instead of against one another. Together, the Crimson Dragon and the Cerulean Dragon would be stronger than they ever had, and with that in mind she surely believed that they would be able to create a stronger nation. A nation that could withstand all of the pain that they had been forced to face, that could let go of their pain and grow past it. Her lips had nearly pressed to his when she felt the gaze on her. She swallowed, freezing in her place as her gaze flicked to the side to see the flickering of glimmering steel. She hesitated. She knew it wasn't a moment to hesitate in and yet, once she had seen it, she couldn't stop herself. "Lukas..." She mouthed quietly, her gaze remaining locked on him as he turned tail. He looked ill, angry and entirely plagued by jealousy. She bit her lip anxiously, her gaze falling down, "I'm sorry Ciang... I'll be right back..." She noted, pulling off his lap with slight hesitance before rushing after him... that is... unless someone were to stop her. @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 2/27/2023 2:25 PM
Ciang froze as Rue hesitated, pulling back slightly as he stared into her eyes. His facial expression was complicated, though the most evident emotion was worry. Worry that he had hurt her, or he was moving too fast... another shy retreat into his shell. Though as her lips moved... that changed. "Lukas? Wait who-" but before he could finish his sentence, Rue was already a few paces away. As Ciang clambered to his feet, the chair they were seated on clattered to stone floor behind them. As Rue turned to face, she'd again see his face, contorted in a strange mix of anguish, fear and.... betrayal. Scales crawled up his neckline, and one of his dull gray eye's began to beat with an orange glow. In a soft, strained voice. "Rue.. wait. What's happening? Is everything alright?" He reached out a hand, gently clamping down on her wrist as she turned to face him. Though, compared to the monstrous strength he'd shown before, he was far weaker. The fatigue that set into his body was really working into his power. If Rue was to resist, she'd surely match... no, she'd effortlessly get her way, if she pleased. @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. )
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Rue Azure BOT 2/27/2023 3:37 PM
Lukas. Despite not feeling the same way as he did, Rue cared greatly for the son of the elder. After all, for most of her life, he had been the only one to truly keep her company. He had been the one who had spent countless nights with her as they talked about the lives they one day wished to have. He had soothed her when she was crying, the one who had made her laugh when she was having a rough day. He had been there through ups and downs, through thick and thin. Perhaps that was why it surprised her to see him in such a way, his eyes bulging with a sort of anger that she didn't entirely understand. A part of her knew it was directed at her. She well understood his feelings now, and no amount of density made it possible to ignore his feelings. He had made them blatantly clear. Rue paused, her gaze shifting backwards as she heard the sound of the seat clattering to the floor, the noise catching her attention. She hesitated for a moment, her gaze linking with his as he urged her to wait, that concern filling his eyes. She swallowed and looked at him, biting her lip as she struggled to decide between the two. It felt as if she was torn, stuck between a rock and a hard place. To choose love or friendship, fearful that if she didn't chose one, the other would suffer. She frowned and sighed as she felt his hand around her wrist, her gaze softening as she leaned towards him. "Nothing... I just... thought I saw something." She noted softly, leaning her head against his chest softly. Her chest felt tight. Tight in the way that it felt when you grew guilty, something sinking in the pit of her stomach. She had a feeling that Lukas wouldn't forgive her, the look on his face telling her that perhaps he had reached a breaking point. She sighed and nuzzled into his chest, wrapping her arms around his chest. "Sorry... I just need a minute..." She clenched her fist, struggling to mentally fortify herself enough to prioritize herself and her relationship with Ciang. <@3958
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@Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 3/3/2023 3:08 PM
Ciang looked down to Rue, gently putting his arms around her before looking back up to the entrance of the hedges. What had she seen to disturb her this much? He didn't know, but he knew whatever it was really affecting her and he knew not to push it... especially so soon. "Hey, it's alright. If you need to take a breather, just say so! I'll be right here ok?" Ciang smilled sweetly as he gently pat her back before pushing her away. Lukas' breath was heavy and warn, his body burned with an unjustifiable rage as the delusion he built for himself slowly swallowed him whole. Rue... after everything I did for you- You betray my love with this- Over and over, rage played every conversation and argument in his mind, nothing but hatred and distain building in his body. Ciang, that bastard. She was supposed to be mine! How dare he try to tempt her. Ciang. Yes, that damnable prince. Everything started to go wrong after he showed his face. That's when she started to drift off, when she started to get hurt and dispassionate. She was safe with me. That is where she was supposed to be... but now?? He didn't know. Lukas clenched his fists as he buried his feet in the ground, finally deciding to turn around and confront them. She can't refuse me! @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. )
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Rue Azure BOT 3/6/2023 4:21 AM
Guilt. Bros before hoes. Wasn't that the phrase? Sisters before Misters?? Well neither entirely fit this situation and yet a part of Rue knew that it was he whom she should have run towards. She swallowed in attempt to push the knot growing in her throat down. It didn't move. She bit her lip and curled into his chest, a deep breath pushing through her lungs. She couldn't help the way it was eating at her, reminding her that she was a bad friend. Rue wanted to curl into herself. She paused and looked at him as he pushed her away enough for her to look at him. She swallowed and nodded, "I know..." There was no winning in this situation. Rue was aware of that fact. If she had run away from Ciang, she would have left a deeper tear in their budding relationship. Yet if she had run to Lukas, she would have been able to placate his feelings, or at least learn to understand what he was feeling. But she hadn't. Instead, she knew his feelings would continue to fester like a spoiled wound. She paused and looked at Ciang and forced a slight smile, somehow looking more tired than she had before. "I should..." She looked at him, "Would you mind if I go look for Lukas?" She asked, "I...I feel as if I've done something to hurt him...." She explained, her gaze struggling to meet his as she spoke. Would he be upset that she wished to go after him? That she had chosen both rather than one? @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 3/8/2023 11:36 PM
Ciang did his level best to hold a smile as he pushed Rue through the thick hedges that hid the entrance. He remembered her pained expression, how difficult this choice was for her... the reason he even entertained that third party at all. Lucas... who is that? That knight from before... Ciang remembered Rue's tales of her past as he walked back towards the table, of her one friend that helped her through those trying times. Bending down to pickup his chair, he rationalized in his mind. Of course she would check up on him, they've known each other for years... and Rue said they were just friends anyways! He forced himself to smile again, but as the steel of the chair crumpled like sand in his scaled hand, he couldn't deny his own emotions. This reaction was unjustifiable. There shouldn't be any reason for him to feel like this, Rue had every right to live her life, especially since it's been uprooted so suddenly, but he couldn't help himself. This was the first relationship Ciang had ever seriously entertained, the first one where he put his heart on the line. His feelings were real, and didn't show any sign of going away... he felt the urge to chase after her, to make her explain everything even if it was just for his own sake. But... he didn't. Ciang clenched his arm and took a deep breath, feeling the dragon's presence in his mind before opening his eye's again, to be met face to face with glowing red embers. What's going on, I thought we had an agreement that you would not interfere Ciangs voice echoed in his minds eye. The dragon un coiled and streched out, much like a cat walking from a nap, before stooping its head to face the prince, pupils like thin lines of ink. "... and I have not youngling. This was your doing. My power is now yours, much like the deal I made with your brother. If you are too temperamental to control it like someone else we know, that's your own fault." The beast smiled a toothy grin before shunting the prince from his mind.
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@꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. )
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Rue Azure BOT 3/10/2023 3:13 AM
There were times in which Rue's body did not feel as if it were her own. This was one. Her legs dragging her forwards as she ran towards the guard's quarters in attempt to find him. He who had always found her when she was hiding. As a child, Lukas had always been the one to make her smile. When she had burrowed herself into the flower bushes to cry, it was he who had always covered himself in dirt to find her. Mulch in his hair as he giggled and made jokes to make her smile. He who clipped her flowers and pretended to be her knight in shining armor, getting down on one knee to present them to her. Lukas had always charmed her in a way she couldn't deny, her best friend who she knew would always be there for her. Yet... what if he wouldn't? An anxious feeling clung to her. The kind of feeling that she knew well. She bit her lip and pushed into the door, unsure if he would be there. "Lukas--" She exclaimed as she noticed him in the corner, his face twisted in a way that she had never seen it before. A glare harsher than she had ever seen him wore. Charismatic? No. He was entirely devoured by whatever he was feeling. "Lukas, I--" She bit her lip and stepped towards him, "I was looking for you." She noted softly, her gaze falling slightly. "Are you alright... you... seemed a bit taken aback. I'm sorry you had to see me like that.." She apologized, blushing at the fact that he had seen her being intimate with Ciang. @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 3/13/2023 11:25 AM
Lukas didn't respond the first time Rue called to him, remaining hunched and muttering to himself. His face seemed darker than ever, as if he was overcome by some specter of grief and rage... he looked like a ghoul walking. When he did turn to face her, it sent shivers down her spine. She'd seen the look before, a vitriolic glare, one he only reserved for the war table. Only now, it was staring her down. "You're sorry for what exactly? Fratenising with the enemy? Betraying the promise our people... no, the promise I made? How can you forgive them so easily?!" Lukas' voice started as a low hiss, but as he spoke, his volume rose and rose, soon turning jnto a full scream as he loomed over her. His eyes were bloodshot and unfocused, as serious as he was, he didn't meet her eyes... no, he couldn't. In Lukas' mind however, the war was deeply buried, the only excuse he could dreg up to jab at Rue, to get her vulnerable. In truth, all he felt was a betrayal. After all the time he invested in her, after all the sacrifices he made she still courted someone else? It made the boy sick to his stomach. This wasn't like the Rue he knew... it couldn't be. @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. )
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Rue Azure BOT 3/13/2023 11:53 AM
Venomous. His glare was venomous. Rue froze as he turned to face her. Fight or flight. No. Freeze. A knot in her throat had begun to surface, tightening as he stepped towards her. She felt as if she couldn't speak. Couldn't even look up at him as he glared at her as if he had never been her friend at all. She had never seen him look at her with such eyes, with such hatred directed at her. She swallowed and mustered up the courage to speak, "Lukas I--" She stopped as he began to speak, his words growling at her until he was screaming at her, looming over her with a violent look in his eyes. She flinched away from him in a way that she never thought she would, her eyes shutting as if she worried he would hit her. It bit into her, her eyebrows furrowing as tears welled up in her eyes, "SHUT UP!" She cried out, her hands curling into fists as she dug her nails deep into the soft skin of her palm. "DON'T YELL AT ME!" She cried, her voice cracking and breaking as she lifted her gaze to look at him. "Do you think that's fair?" She looked at him, tears wobbling in her eyes. "Do you think it's fair to say I've betrayed them? Does it make you feel better to try and manipulate me?" Her voice broke and cracked with every few words, tears beginning to drip down her cheeks. "They are not my enemy. I promised our people that I would end the war. Have I failed in that?" She glared right back at him, though hers was not out of hatred but hurt. "Have I?" She clenched her fist and punched his chest lightly. "Tell me. Have I ended the war or not!?" She cried out, her voice growing louder as she grew angrier, more upset. "Why can't you just let me be happy for the first fucking time ever? Is that so hard for you to see? You know... he's the first person who's ever pretended to understand me. To acknowledge me and not the dragon. You know, not once has he referred to me that way. Not once. Not even my best friend in the world could do that. Not once. Not once did you refer to
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me as myself!" She broke, falling down onto her knees as she began to cry. "Fraternizing with the enemy, my ass. Go to hell..." @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 3/13/2023 2:43 PM
Lukas was fully taken aback. His bubble of self pity and loathing popped with a mind shattering pop, and by the time he snapped out of his haze... it was far too late. The look she had, the fear in her eyes. She was shaking. "Rue I-" Lukas bit his tongue. There was nothing he could say. She was right, this was the best attempt they've had at peace... and he was jeopardizing that for his own selfishness. Lukas chocked, struggling to find the words. This was the first time she'd ever spoken up about this, about anything, it shook Lukas as he realized it wasn't... he just never cared to look. He'd been too caught up in trying to court her that he'd never taken the time to see her as her own person. Beginning to shake himself, he leant down to reach for Rue, but before he could... He felt a heavy boot crunch against his breastplate, sending him rolling back. Ciang was towering over both of them, a shilloute against the harsh light of the midday sun. A fire was lit in his eye's, and steam bellowed from serrated teath. "You heard her. Get lost, or I'll send you there personally." He flashed his clawed hand, the glimmering Crimson scales glowed with an orange light. @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. mmm arguments are hard)
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Rue Azure BOT 3/15/2023 1:22 PM
Shaking. Her entire body felt like it was shaking. And more importantly, she couldn't decipher whether it was from fear or anger at this point, her emotions tangling like a ball of yarn that had been rolled along the floor. Knotted. Tangled. Anger. Rage. Frustration. She couldn't even keep the tears from falling, her breaths heavy as she tried to hold back the sobs of frustration. The tears that she shed, while not much different in nature from the night before, seemed as if they had been bottled up for far too long. The frustration of trying to protect his feelings to spite her own. The anger of the audacity it took to claim she had betrayed her nation, to have called her a traitor. Perhaps that was why she didn't even hear him as he muttered her name. She didn't even look up, shaking her head, "Gods... you're the absolute worst. " She muttered through her tears, a knot still tangled in her throat. Each word felt like she had to swallow it down, "After everything..." She laughed through her tears, wiping them away hastily when she heard him fall. Only then did her gaze lift, sniffling as she looked up to the rather angry Ciang. He was fuming. Fuming in a different way from her and yet entirely filled with an anger she knew stemmed from a place of protectiveness. She let out a soft breath of relief and looked towards Lukas, "You should return home, Soldier." She noted cooly, tears still dripping down her cheeks onto the floor. "I recommend you take a hard look at yourself in the mirror and reevaluate.... only then may you return to my side." @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 3/24/2023 4:25 PM
A pair of scaled hands gently brought her to her feet, as Ciang helped her stand her ground. Claws gently brushed against her arm and the small of her back as Ciang began to lead her away from Lucas. "Go back to Hazel if you can... I'll be there shortly." Ciang was clearly addressing her, but his burning eyes never faltered off Lucas who ambled to his feet, the look of rage overtook by regret and fear. Lucas tried to call out to her again as Rue rounded the corner away from the gardens, only to be cut off by Ciangs draconian fist slamming into his chest.
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 3/24/2023 4:52 PM
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With a long gasp, Lucas rolled onto his back on his feet again. Adrenaline pumped through his body with his thundering heart beat, bringing a harrowing clarity to his grief stricken mind. Lukas still payed no mind to Ciang, trying to push past him back towards Rue... he yelled out for her again and again, but was cut off by the prince. A clawed palm pushed against him, again and again, finally pulling the crazed man's attention towards the beast. "You" Lucas' voice was a low, enraged drag, words barely forcing themselves through gritted teath. "This is all because of you and this goddamn house! You started all this mess, you hunted our people and-" "Cut the shit. If this was ever about the war, you'd realize that out of anyone in your cozy little council, Rue was the only that seemed to be doing anything other than pushing out innocent people into a war nobody wanted. So stop hiding behind that excuse, and own up to what ever this is." Ciang's body glowed with a righteous fury, his clawed hand dug into the metal of Lucas' breast plate, pressing him back onto the ground. Steam bellowed out of his mouth as flames licked at his throat, jumping out at the chance to char the other man. Again, through gritted teeth, Lucas replied. "This... none of this is right. You've done something to her. She was never like this before... she was quite, shy and always stuck by me... but now! NOW! SHE WON'T EVEN LOOK AT ME! THIS IS YOUR FAULT!" Lucas raised a clenched fist, and slammed it into Ciang's face. The prince didn't bug, but the look on his face... it sent shivers down the soldiers spine. A flash of silver came moment's later, clashing against the beast's scales, sending both sprawling.
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@꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. FINALLY BACK)
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Rue Azure BOT 3/25/2023 2:36 AM
Anger. It had a way of spreading. It had been a rage such as this that had caused the war in the first place. That, Rue, was sure of. It was rage that dug it's claws deep into one's heart. She saw it in Lukas's heart. She saw it in the way that he glared at her, the way that his possessive nature had made him believe it was okay for him to act like this. Made him believe that he was owed anything from her. She did not owe him a thing. Of that she was sure. She did not owe him her love, nor her friendship if he could not grant her the respect that she deserved just as much as he did. She paused and looked up at Ciang as he guided her to her feet once more. She knew what he wanted. A week ago she would have denied him such time alone with Lukas. Would have protected Lukas just as she believed he would her. Yet in this moment, Rue had a feeling that it was only Ciang who could further beat this into Lukas's head. This was not her battle any longer. She had said what she needed to and while she had so much more that she could say, she was sure that in this moment she had said everything that she needed to. She would not waste more breath on him. "Okay... don't be long." She said softly to him, her voice almost coming in a whisper as she slowly allowed her feet to drag her around the corner and away. She could hear his voice. Calling out to her as he realized that he had messed up. As he realized he had thrown away the friendship that she had always granted him. Yet she didn't turn. Not once did she hesitate. She continued forwards, trusting that Ciang would handle this from here on forth. After all, she wasn't sure she had much to give past this. Her emotions too strung thin to watch as the fight unfolded. Soon enough she found herself by Hazel's side once more, attempting to hide the fact that she had clearly been shaken. "Shall we...find something to do?" She asked, knowing she needed rest and yet not wanting it for even a moment. For in this moment, Rue wa
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s sure that the only thing she needed was a distraction. @Visape
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 4/2/2023 12:06 AM
As Rue turned the corner to find Hazel, she found not the maid that she saw before, who looked awkward and ashamed to be scuttling around in frilly clothes, but a women in plain military attire with a cool, steely gaze... though as she looked the princess up and down, the redness of her cheeks, the tear's against her face; Rue was met with a look of pity and sadness. Though she may have given some resistance before, Hazel simply nodded and opened the door to the Manor for her. Outside in the courtyard, a heated discussion died down as emotions boiled over. Steel had been drawn... there was no going back from this decision. However, the fervor that bled from the men's stare's gave each other all the more reason to dig their heels into the lush grass of the garden. A shame, that again this beautiful place would be upturned into a battle field. At first, the two men sized each other up... but it didn't even take a breath for Ciang to come to a decision, kicking off and slamming the knight into the ground. Ciang had planned to restrain the man till he was in a better place, but he had underestimated Lukas' cunning. Using Ciangs own strength against him, Lukas rolled back with the blow before letting Ciangs forward momentum carry him over the human man. Stumbling to his feet, still somewhat rocked by the shock of the fall, Lukas continued to ramble. "You... All her tears are your fault! She was happy before you reared your ugly face beast!" Lukas spat as he clenched his blade with both fists, charging towards the prince, who had barely gotten onto his feet before catching the glistening glade in his clawed hand. The prince stared daggers at his opponent before pulling his leg up for a kick, slamming into the man's breast plate with a crack. "Is that what you think? That she was happy with her old life? Didn't you see the constant pressure she was under?? All the stress and anxiety she went through!" Ciang seethed as he paced towards the man, sparks and embers
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 4/2/2023 12:22 AM
Spilling from his mouth. Ciang knew that his breath would roast the man... but something inside him urged him to kill the boy. Something other than the cerulean dragon. "You don't- could never understand what all of us had to go through! That war was a toll on everyone, not just her... and I did everything I could to make her feel better, to feel safe!" Lukas began to plead... he knew how much she gave for not only him but for her entire nation, but the violent flury of emotion clouded his judgement, making him lash out and bite at everything around him. "Everyone? Then why is it that your council acts like royalty, parading around manners and ridding horses while your people starve? Pushing all the burden and responsibility of leadership on a single women who hasn't even had a chance to live her life." That something burned with a righteous fury, a lust for violence that the prince had only felt once in his life. It called for the man's execution's, to paint our sacred place with his blood... wait, our? "and Rue? Can you really say you you did everything... why didn't you ever show up during her arguments, and the hearings of impossible tasks huh? Why did you only ever show up after, at her lowest, to offer your shoulder. Why did you never stand up for her, when even you knew what they were doing was wrong?!" Ciang's questions were purely rhetorical of course, as both men knew the why's of what Lukas had done, only now Lukas had to have faced his immorality... his lust and greed. Lukas could barely get a response before another sweeping leg cracked against his face, sending the boy sprawling as blood geysered from his nose. Fuck... you... monster were the only words Lukas could mutter out in response, knowing that no matter what he said, it couldn't change what he had done. And so... The man was met with a monster @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. )
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Rue Azure BOT 4/3/2023 5:36 AM
Pity. She didn't want pity. Rue glanced towards the woman and shook her head, "You don't have to look at me like that." She noted softly, walking through the door of the manor quietly, attempting to steel her heart once more. "You look more comfortable like this." She admitted before glancing at her, blue eyes still a tad glassy and swollen despite her attempt to hide her sadness. Rue didn't want to be known for her tears. She wanted to be recognized for her strength, for her kindness, for everything she had worked hard to be throughout her life. All the Crimson staff had seen her be was a sniveling princess. She wasn't going to allow such a reputation to grow. She took a deep breath as she stepped into the manor, swallowing as she glanced back towards the direction in which she had come from, her chest feeling tight. "In... 15 minutes or so...I'd like to send a guard to check on the pair of them." She noted, "They're in the courtyard still." She noted, "Would you be willing to do that for me?" She asked, her gaze shifting towards Hazel's trustingly. "The solider... ensure he is tended to..." She added after a moment of walking, "He may be an idiot... but he does not deserve to die for such." Despite her attachment to her friend, her voice came surprisingly cold, anger still there as she looked towards the gardens. This was a necessary punishment. A lesson that he had to learn. Otherwise she was sure that he would never get past his own emotions. He would never move forward. "I'll be visiting the elders." She noted before walking away from Hazel, expecting her to follow her request and go check on the two brawling warriors. She was sure that their battle hadn't ended yet. Like a wounded animal, she had a feeling that Lukas would hold on until he had lost consciousness. He stood not a chance against Ciang and still he would pretend he did. She was sure of that. She had known him for many years and not once had she seen him admit defeat even when he was bloodie
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d and in pain. @Visape
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Rue Azure BOT 4/25/2023 7:46 AM
@Visape checking in since it’s been a bit)
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Rue Azure
@Visape checking in since it’s been a bit)
@꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. Still here! might actually get to post in a while!)
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 5/1/2023 1:31 AM
The fire's of the Crimson manor's drawing room hummed with a devilish orange glow. Shadow's danced along the blood red walls, and a heavy sense of tension hung in the air, coiling around the neck's of all in attendance. It had been weeks since Lucas & Ciangs bout, and few had seen hide nor hair of the two other than Havel who had come to stop the carnage, until today. What followed that day was an equally ferocious battle, now staged in the crucible of noble politics; Rue's request to her elders had been the spark that reignited the flames of war- all eventually leading back to this moment. A large table populated the center of the room, members of the Cerulean Court dotted all fussed at the far end of the room, opposite to the Queen and her advisor's, both the captain and Ciang stood to either side of the women, who had now commanded the entire room with a single, Stoney glare. Rue was also seated here, adjacent to the queen and separated from her people, or what used to be her people. Ciang was also dressed in a way she had never seen him, his usual flattering garments and thick coats were exchanged for imposing armor. The image of a roiling dragon adorned the segmented plat, almost coiling around the man like a binding chain; forcing down a blinding fury. His facial expression was mute, lacking almost any semblance to the giddy princling from the garden, but Rue knew now to read the flickering flames behind his eye's. They danced a tune of grief and anger, his gaze unwavering from the bubbling fury of the court but all attention was given to the girl. He hated that it had to come to this, but now there was no turning back. Without warning, Elder Rossa's voice cut through the silence of the room, the snake's voice like hiss as he slammed a parchment against the table. "This agreement is outrageous! This is an outrageous request, to come after one of our own and then have the audacity to request a change in our agreement? Have you no shame? We demand
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 5/1/2023 1:53 AM
retribution-" Flecks of spit sprayed from the man's mouth as he came to his feet, but even they seemed to stall in their tracks as the queen's boney fingers rapped against the table's glossy finish. Her voice echoed in this room, commanding the presence befitting the crown. "Need I remind you, Elder. This agreement was never made with you." Her words echoed through the room, a gentle tremor that rocked the building to it's foundation. "Not to mention, this was only done to save you and your people from destruction. This was a mercy, and yet you come after us with the intent to kill even after we extended the olive branch!" Ciang reacted to this, clenching an armor clad fist and twitching ever so slightly. Even with the might of a dragon, fighting bare handed against an opponent with a blade and a clear killing intent was a foolish idea, but Ciang had no other choice. If he was to step away, he would be inflicting this pain onto the one he loved, on one who had recently had the foundations of her world cracked open. So he fought, scales cracking under the force of Lukas' jealousy, violence begetting violence. Eye for Eye; Blood for Bone. Truly, Rue's empathy and Hazel's swiftness remained the only reason either had lived through the ordeal. "Even after all that, not only do we nurse your would be assassin, but we also offer a solution to your war! Tell me, what is truly the cause for this outrage? The idea of holding yourselves accountable for the transgressions, or the fact you can no longer hide behind her sacrifice and reap the rewards. You people act like royalty while your subjects starve, so now it's time you acted like it."
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@꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. This will be a bit confusing, tell me if you want more elaboration on the nature of the changes)
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Rue Azure BOT 5/6/2023 2:53 AM
War. Rue had known war for the entirety of her life. Yet a war wasn't what she had meant to cause with her request. How she had gotten here she didn't even entirely know. A knot tangled in her throat as she looked at the elder. At Ciang. This was not the Ciang that she knew. Not the one who had held her with stars in his eyes. Not the one who had showed her vulnerability not less than a few short weeks ago. This agreement is outrageous. Was it? Rue let her gaze cast down, a deep breath pushing through her lips as she directed her attention back towards the elder. His words dug into her. She was sure they were meant to be. Nothing sharper than a knife that was meant to dig into her. He had always been such a man. The kind to manipulate his words to hurt you. It was why he had spent so many years by her side, why he had risen to such power. That she was sure of. Even her mother had once warned her of the man's ways, warned her never to trust him with her heart. And yet as he spoke, Rue could feel her chest twist. Have you no shame? Her hand tightened around her wrist anxiously, jaw clenching as she heard the queen's finger rap against the table to silence him. "Elder Rossa, you have known me since I was nothing but a child. An infant in the grips of a dragon." She spoke softly, "I beg of you to please... simply... trust in me and in my heart. The Cerulean people have my heart. They truly do." She explained softly, her voice calmer than those who spoke prior to her, her gaze gentle and calm as she attempted to explain herself. "And while your forces being here have helped me to grow more at ease here in the Crimson Capitol, our men have nearly created a tear in our trust so deep that we could have lost it." She swallowed and lifted her gaze towards him. "The crimson nation has showed us their kindness... and now... it is our turn to show them that we trust them." She explained as she straightened her back, "That you trust me to make decisions with our nat
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ion in mind... and that our nation will soon no longer mean just the Cerulean people, but the Crimson too. As Ciang and I join hands... our people will become one. We cannot do such if those who are here are not fit to embrace the change fluidly... and with grace." @Visape
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Rue Azure BOT 5/15/2023 7:29 AM
Checking in on ya fren @Visape )
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 5/18/2023 1:14 AM
Rue's thought's and anxieties were completely grounded, the thick tension on the air seemingly everyone in the roomer sharper to each subtly change. The Ciang that she had come to know was not the man that stood in front of her now, the event's of the past week finally settling into the boy's heart. The man she had come to know, though he was kind and compassionate, was ultimately struck with too many responsibilities, too sheltered yet strained to fully form into his true self. Though, now with the ever-looming shadow of war bearing it's now unavoidable fangs towards him and the people he cared for, he seemed to finally crack, sheltering himself in his quarters or within the training grounds. During this time, Ciang graced himself with the gift of clarity, or maybe even cursing himself with the fractured echo-chamber of his thoughts, to finally realize his resolve. Faced with the betrayal of one he loved, and the embrace of another he had come to love, Ciangs emotions over the past month were akin to a raging tempest, which helped raise the dragons flame of anguish. Though now, with an emotion clarity like a signal pyre, Ciang bent the dragons power with his will and chose to fully embrace his family's heritage. The Ciang that stood next to Rue did not wear his regal robes that hid his once feeble body, instead he was clad in an ornate suit of armor, unique in its detailed carvings of draconic serpents coiling around the body and its glassy obsidian texture, like the thick black fog after a torrent of flame. Ciang stepped forward, boot's and armor humming with the sound of clattering crystals as a somber, yet powerful voice traveled through the room. "I agree with Rue. These condition were drafted by the princess herself for the betterment of our people. If you truly believe yourselves to be to the crown, I believe it best you recognize the will of your monarch." Ciang placed a gauntleted hand against the back of Rue's chair, walking to face Rossa
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Cáng Lóng Chìhóng BOT 5/18/2023 1:31 AM
Rossa sputtered for a moment, unable to grasp for the words through a haze of befuddlement and anger. "Still, the changes you have put forth are asinine at best. Do you think we would leave our only surviving royalty with a party we are currently at war with, to return to the Cerulean lands?" The man raised a quivering finger, pointed accusatorily at the prince himself, with no effort to hide his contempt. The captain made an effort to speak, though he was stopped by the raising of Ciangs hand. Ciang moved forward, leaning both hands against the table as a wave of heat began to emanate from his person. "I must stress that it was not the crowns intention to incite a war, quite the opposite in fact. The groups that have invaded the borders of our lands is indeed a fringe group of our nation, which is exactly why we took it upon ourselves to rectify that mistake. Not only have we agreed to financially support your nations as well as subjugate this group without involving your armies. The only thing we asked for was the cooperation of the only person in your kingdom capable of handling them! Unless you all are willing to take up arms against a dragon inheritor, it's in your best interests to follow the caravans full of supplies back to your people, and begin fixing this mess." Ciangs rebuttal was far more direct than it once would've been, even earning several murmurs from the Council members themselves. Several of them began to nod in understanding, some tried to hide their face in shame... though few seemed on the fence with this decision for much longer. Without a pause, Elder Rossa sat up to rebuke the prince... only to falter after a short moment. Another glow began to shimmer with the candle light, as a light orange flickering began to shine through Ciang's armorr, the obsidian plates shimmering with their once roiling glow. Ciang's flames did not burn with hatred, nor did they alight as a threat for the man. Just an example of what he might face.
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@꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. Sorry this one took so long, Uni is cracking down with their assessments right now)
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👯 Bunny Dancing through Life 👯 1/5/2024 12:38 PM
(( Hi there! 👋 @꒰ shae ꒱ ༉‧₊˚. @Visape , We noticed this roleplay has been inactive for 30 days or more. Please reply to this message so I am pinged if you would like to keep this roleplay open. In addition, roleplay must begin within 7 days, otherwise this channel will be moved to our archives. All archived roleplays are eventually uploaded onto http://rphq.me/ and can be viewed there. If you wish to archive this roleplay yourself, you can request this with the /archiverequest command in #channel ))
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