The Two Kings Revolution: Act II: Chapter 2

    Date: 452, Peace of Two Era. Month, Eleint. Day, 19.

    The ruler of the neutral territory sits on his throne. He has a small gray beard and wears robes of silver. There is an air of compassion about him. The throne room itself is made of wood, and looks much like a mess-hall. Thor wore no crown for some reason. The ruler then spoke, and he spoke clearly. “Greetings. We welcome you to the Silver Castle. If you would kindly state your name, young man...?”

    Valliard knelled down and bowed his head as he removed his sword from his sash. He wore clothes of Eastern Nobility, which looked much like Kimonos of Japanese culture, he had a cloak as a form of coat. Speaking clearly, Valliard made sure to sound confident in his speech. “I am Valliard Rosenhill, bastard son of the Eastern Faction's king.”

    Thor nodded his head, “Very well, may I ask as to why you are here in my kingdom?”

    Without looking Thor in the eyes, Valliard spoke again. “My father has sent me here to become a candidate for your daughter's hand in marriage. Seeing as to how she comes to age next month.”

    A silence was made, and sudden the aura in the room went from calm to very tense. Thor gripped the arm of his chair tightly; slightly cracking it. “Since you have mentioned age, just how old are you, Sir Rosenhill?”

    The young man raised his head, “I will be sixteen next month. My father has mentioned that my age may be a deciding factor, but in the Eastern Faction those who are sixteen are allowed to wed. Though, I'm not sure of the customs in your lands.”

    “Hmm...” The ruler mumbled, “Well, in our land, we tend to wait until both parties are ready and willing for betrothal. Usually, they wait until they're eighteen.... However, a young man your age marrying is not uncommon in this nation...” He scratches his untrimmed beard in deep thought. “Very well, if you so wish to marry my daughter than I shall present you to her for approval.”

    Bowing his head again, Valliard thanked the ruler. “Thank you my lord.” He then re-equipped his sword onto his sash on his hip and stood. Valliard then placed his arms into his large sleeves and waited a while for the Princess to arrive.

    Thor nodded his head and then turns to one of his retainers. He seemed to have a silent conversation with her, and then she left the room in response. “While we wait for her, would you like a drink? You must be parched from your travels.”

    Isn't there an age limit? Valliard then approached the lord, “I'm not use to drinking, but it'd be rude of me to reject hospitality.” He took a cup and waited for the wine to be poured.

    The lord laughed, “I had better not allow you to drink any Raigekiyan Mead, then. It's very potent, even compared to our wine.” Another retainer comes to pour the wine into the cup. the nectar gives off a deliciously fragrant scent. It seems to be very well-made.

    Taking a sip of the wine, How can anyone withstand this? “I can see why people become drunks.” He lied right through his teeth.

    “Yes, we pride ourselves on our crops. Wine being one of them.”

    Veronica Doveheart, the Princess of the neutral territory entered the throne room. “You sent for me, father?”

    Putting down his glass, Thor introduced Valliard to his daughter. “Ah, yes, I would like you to meet Master Valliard Rosenhill; of the Eastern Faction.” He turned his head to Valliard, “This is my daughter, Veronica.”

    Valliard bowed his head, “Greeting, milady.” Okay, I met her now I have to smile. He smiled slightly to try and give off a good impression.

    At first glance, Veronica seemed to be quite the person. “Oh,” she then curtsied, “greetings, I hope your journey wasn't too troublesome.”

    Trying to hide his sword underneath his cloak, Valliard spoke again. “Well, there is a war going on between the Eastern Faction and the Western Providence. Thus, it was a little concerning.”

    “I see, well there is no war here. So feel free to stay as long as you'd like.” She smiled and blushed a little.

    The smile and blush caught Valliard off guard, and he stammered a little because of that. “Uh... yes. This is neutral territory after all.” He pulled out a small box from his sleeve and presented it to Veronica. “Um... I hear it was your birthday next month, and I also heard that your father was throwing you a festival in your honor.” He handed Veronica the present.

    “This is true,” An eyebrow is raised in curiosity of the present.

    Valliard bowed his head again, “Yes, that present is a bracelet made of leather and bronze. Made it myself.” His sword comes loose from his sash and begins to fall to the ground.

    “YOUR SWORD!” Thor shouted as he dashed for Valliard's weapon. He picked it up before it hit the floor and swung it around at an incredible speed. Proving that he was once a swordsman.

    Getting nervous, Valliard didn't know how to response to that. He clenched his fist, Damn these noble clothes! They're so insufficient. “I'm terribly sorry about that.” Scratching his head, he had to come up with something for this action. “I'm not use to wearing Kimonos of nobility, but that was very impressive. Not many know how to wield a single-edged, elven blade.”

    Thor examined the sword closely. “I didn't notice. As a warrior there's nothing worse than seeing a blade fall to the floor. Forgive my abruptness.” He then helps Valliard return his sword to its scabbard. Veronica then opened up the present and looked at the bracelet.

    Valliard approached Veronica and held her hand, I have to be a flirt right? I hope I'm do this correctly... “I hope you enjoy that present.” He bowed his head again and then let go of Veronica's hand.

    “It's beautiful,” Veronica stared at the bracelet and Valliard passionately.

    Blushing a little, What's going on? This is a strange feeling. I don't like it; I should probably leave. “Thank you for your time.” He then goes for the large double-doors of the throne room. “Should you ever need me, I'll be staying at the Beholder's Eye Inn, on the eastern part of town.”

    “Sir Valliard, would you accompany us for dinner tomorrow? We'll have many suitors, and it could be wise to know your competition.” Thor chuckled a little.

    Bowing again, Valliard replied. “For as long as you're offering.” He then left the palace.

    Thor turned to his daughter, “So Veronica, what do you think of our guest?”

    A little unease came about Veronica, “Well he seems unnaturally sincere.”

    Rubbing his hands together, Thor replied. “Yes, it seems that he's quite serious about taking your hand for marriage.” Veronica then placed the bracelet on her wrist, and it was a perfect fit. “He said that he made it himself. Quite the fine craftsman he is.”

    Veronica nodded her head and gazed at the bracelet. A small silence passed between them. It was broken when Thor placed his hand on her shoulder and spoke. “My dear daughter, please understand that I only want the best for you, as future Queen. This young man seeks to win and cherish your heart. The decision is yours and yours alone whether you allow him to do so.”

    Nodding her head in agreement, Veronica was still unsure about things. “Yes, father.”