676-02-08 - A cold night to fall on your arse
| A cold night to fall on your arse | |||||||
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The place for tranquility, yes tranquility is just what Jerrick needs right now, peace and quiet and to be left with his own thoughts. Much has happened in the last few days and much occupies his mind not only did he finally meet Luanda but also another princess. "I need to get back on task." He mutters hands behind his back eyes gazing head of him at the beautiful blossoms and fauna.
It is a winter night. The weather is cool and flurrying.
Aeryn steps out into the gardens amidst the winter flurries. She arrived earlier with two guards and a dozen prisoners and made quite the fuss. She looks like she's been through the wringer. Red choke marks on her neck, arms wrapped up in various spots with bandages, her left arm in a sling to keep it immobile, and various scratches and cuts all over that have been treated with different size bandages over some of them. A white fur wrapped about her she steps out into the cool air, stepping onto the frozen pond, pausing as she seems to sense another presence. She looks behind her to raise a red brow, the face of the man not familiar to her. "Mae' pardon if ah' am intruding upon you're tranquility, ser."
Jerrick slowly turns around his dark eyes taking in the woman before him. "It is no trouble, Lady." He says, assuming someone in the Royal Gardens would be at least a Lady, one with guards anyway. "You look like you've been in the wars, I would hate to see the other person." he says his voice low even. He is wearing his usual attire white shirt over black leather pants and knee high boots, over the top of all that is a heavy fur cloak, and around his waist hands his long sword ever present. "I am Prince Jerrick of the Isles." He says bowing at the redheaded woman. "Whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?"
Aeryn spins around on the ice with ease. Seems she's used to being on the ice and keeping her balance on it. "I see, one of the Onimus Princes, my apologies I didn'ae realize." She dips down carefully into as best a curtsy as she can manage. "Apologies for looks of discheveledness as I am of such, this is not how women of the Brais household should present themselves. I am Lady Aeryn Firandall, ward of the Brais family. I'm afraid there were many aggressors. Bandits are quite difficult when caught, and there were more than we expected. We had to bring them in without rest. I can make mae'self more presentable should it be your request?"
Jerrick gives her another bow, and shakes his head. "You look fine the way you are My Lady, I am merely here to rest before my journey this is no state visit so please relax I have invaded your home. It is I whom should make my apologies. Besides, you look stunning just how you are." He gives her a wry smile and goes back to looking at the garden. "I always did love my mother's garden, being here reminds me of home."
Aeryn nods softly after rising back up. "I see. Did you come here with Nathan? I know that the Princess Luanda was interested in seeing him again after their ordeal together. However much I have endured it is nothing compared to the event and trouble she had to struggle through." She glances about the garden "The garden is an oft-favorite of many that pass through the castle for its quietness and serenity. As fae'r looks, you are being kind Prince Onimus. Thank yae' for your kind words."
Jerrick shakes his head. "No I did not come with Nathan." He tells her softly. "I have come for a different reason, and have just met with the Ningo siblings." He explains before nodding his head at her thanks. "Yes, I missed that adventure and I am grateful everyone came through almost intact."
Aeryn gives a soft pout "A shame, Luanda would be brightened to see him. Another occasion perhaps. As for intact..I understand what has happened and I owe Nathan much, for if Luanda and I were not separated by blood we would be sisters. He helped her though this time and he has my gratitude and thanks. As for the Ningo..I've been working with Dominations quite a bit. He'll be a solid leader eventually; he has a solid head and a sharp mind. The even-ness of his persona will lend well to his expected role in the future. Did your meetings with the Ningo go as expected?"
Jerrick nods his head. "Yes, Nathan was in the right place at the right time. He is lucky to have won her heart, she is a very fine woman and I am saddened that I will not be the one taking her hand." He says and then shakes his head and grins. "His sister might yet take the throne." He tells her. "It is not decided until later though. There people only pick the strongest and wisest to rule." He turns now and leans against one of the hedges lightly so as not to crush it or fall through. "And yes, the meeting went well, very well."
Aeryn shakes her head "Adversity is a test of courage and strength of character. It wasn't luck; sometimes people just draw to each other and might be a good match. If one loves another they will be quite resolute about their desires should their love be strong enough. I've met Domitanus' sister, and she is a force to be reckoned with. There is extreme intelligence behind her bubbly nature. Domitanus' will be a leader either way; there are more ways to lead others than just in the ruling class. He has the respect of his people, and the poise to command others be they men or women. His people will follow him in whatever capacity he finds himself in." She edges out onto the ice, and does a soft and slow turn, a full circle with practiced ease. "From what I've heard you do not travel well? One might say that you have swelled with your own courage to make the journey to our lands?"
Jerrick gives the woman a long look. "You speak well of this Domitian’s." He says, watching her on the ice. "Taken with him, I suspect." He says his face remaining bland and giving nothing away. He then looks angry. "Why do people keep insulting my honor and reason for doing this?" He doesn't give her an answer to her jibe, but instead ignores it. He does not wish to get into another useless debate.
Aeryn smiles softly "He's a strong person, and has an even disposition. Something hard tae' come by these days. We share some traits but that is all. He is a Prince after all, and far above mae' station. Beyond that even there are nae' such feelings there. May I hazard to ask if women hold value depending upon their romantic interests? As for questioning your honor, I do not believe I have done so; however I apologize if such has come out this way. I meant to point out praise. Everyone has things they do not do very well, if yours is travel by ship I meant that you have faced this obstacle and stood up to it. I myself am familiar with being on ships but am not particularly fond of them but for somewhat different reasons of no importance. So Prince, if I may be so blunt I was attempting to say good job on coming to our land, we are certainly glad to have you here. Since you have taken the trouble to come all the way here, is there anything you are curious about? Every land has their own differences between the cultures, is there anything here you would like to explore?"
Jerrick shakes his head. "Woman hold even more value than I do as a mere male. Women where I come from are the rulers and the leaders. I myself hold little value when it comes to leadership and command." He tells her. "As to your question I believe the answer would be they do not hold value that way." He tells her. "I have had my pride questioned a lot since I have come here, I did not mean to assume you were also scolding me for the tasks which lay ahead of me." He bows his head. "And do not underestimate your own value and station Lady. Sometimes things have a way of happening if you wish it." He tells her. "If you truly do wish to be more than mere friends I believe yourself and this prince will make it happen." He tells her offering a rare smile. "I know a little of your lands, you are similar to ours except your men rule rather than your women."
Aeryn does another more complex twirl on the ice. "I have no particular interest in becoming romantically involved with him, nor he with me. We don't have that kind of bond, nor attraction. In a way we are both warriors of sorts with mutual respect of one another and nothing more. The Brais family has taken me in like one of thier own and that is where my love lays. I have protected Princess Luanda in the past and will continue to do so. I wish for her and my King to be happy. Should Luanda end up in a rule with a child, or our new Queen-to-be bear a son, we shall both follow in the best interest of our kingdom. As for not ruling..would you really want to? There is such extreme attention to those that rule. Rule or not you are your own man, and only you can answer if you are proud of yourself in your life. You have the power to make yourself happy. Be strong in your own way and follow your strengths. Anyone who does that can stand tall.." She pauses a moment "Your a thinker, aren't you? Internalize a lot? Put heavy emphasis on thoughts, intelligence, and actions?"
Jerrick watches her on the ice and slowly begins to walk onto it towards her, yet again he has found himself in the company of an intelligent and witty woman. The Omi is testing him it would seem. "That is good then, for true friendship can mean more then the deepest of loves. You will have him forever if you are friends, rather then risk a misunderstanding or not know who he truly is if you were involved romantically." He hedges over towards her, watching his stepping. He won't slip and make a fool of himself. "Would I want to rule?" He asks himself rather then repeating it to her. "I don't know, I once thought I did, my sister is sweet and kind and she will make a good queen. I once though thought I would be better." He slides a little, wobbling on his feet but like a good athelet he manages to keep his balance. As to her question of him being a thinker, he merely offers her his most charming smile. "What do you think, Little Lady?"
Aeryn moves a little further onto the ice, twirling another time or two. She has practice, but more than that she has a natural sense of reflexes and perception. A peak of intuition, strength, and agility. "To ask such a question and invite explanation rather shows your hand as one that does, as well as one who has the intelligence enough to measure other's responses."
Jerrick nods his head as he goes after all, stalking her across the ice, he watches his steps his eyes going from his feet to where she is. "This is a most unusual past time." He comments, slowly catching her up. "and yes I measure peoples responces and watch my own. I am not rational like my twin is. I do not run head long into a situation without much thought." He then goes quiet. "I do not usual speak so much either, I perfer to listen. you gain more that way."
Aeryn keeps the distance roughly the same, she seems pretty skilled at it. "Ah' grew up 'ere with the Brais' family, in our world ah'm a bit uncommon. I've used that method of interrogation often. Measuring reponses and deciding appropriate response or retaliation. I am a bit of a bridg to the common people and nobility, having ties and good standing in both. As fae'r rationality I have some unreasonableness in my rational behavior. I'm known to be of some skill with a bow for instance, even though there is oft nae' reason to need tae' be."
Jerrick smirks a little as she continues to evade her. "Pretty skilled at keeping out of my reach also." He tells her. "I promise, I will be a complete gentlemen once I catch up to you. Redheads aren't my thing they are too fiery i like my women a little more plasid." He assures her and then raises an eyebrow. "Those aren't the usual roles of a women in your kingdom, using a bow and interrigating prisoners. What is your role, I'm assuming a female bodyguard for the Princess perhaps and also someone whom works with the law enforcement...A peacekeeper?"
Aeryn continues to evade, moving more towards the edge of the ice, near the snow. "I am a lady of two rivers, nothing more. If you think that I am these things though, and considering we have like methods, if you follow that hypothesis then one could say I would be fully prepared for many possibilities as soon as yae' stepped on the ice, yes? Both positive and negative. Reactionary planning, I have a feeling that you have the same kind of mindset."
Jerrick gives her a grin as he moves a little more quickly know across the nice, he seems to be getting the hang of it. "I think we are very similar Lady." He tells her. "Perhaps I am not trying to catch you, but perhaps push you into trapping yourself instead?"
Aeryn nimbly stays out of the way and far out of reach. "Perhaps you should stop pursuing redheads then, Prince Onimus? I've had a bit o' a bad week and am really nae' in the mood for horseplay."
Jerrick is about to say something when he slips in the ice and falls to his ass with a heavy thud. "Horseplay?" He asks, then shakes his head. "I was merely trying to have a little fun. But I am corrected." He says slowly getting to his feet. "I shall leave you be the and go back to my thinking. It was a pleasure, I hope next time we meet you will be in a better mood."
Aeryn rests a foot on the snow. She wistles a moment and calls for a guard. Being just around the corner one enters for Aeryn to command "Stay there, and be ready to help us both should we both fall." she commands, and the guard stays in the doorway. Aeryn reaches out her good arm to offer Jerrick a hand "Yae' should see mae' wolf cub on the ice, she slides about on all fours. Eventually she'll get the hang of it."
Jerrick gives her a long look. "Your mood swings are giving me whiplash Lady." He says, refusing the hand and getting up himself slowly and slipping, he falls twice before he managers to get on his feet. "Comparing me to a wolf cub?" He asks.
Aeryn shakes her head "Nae' exactly, just something I find amusing. It's harmless tae' the cub, but more dangerous for a person. They could get injured." She steps back onto the snow with a soft smile "Wolves are strong and independant. They know how to hunt, think, and survive. Nutmeg is one of the most loved wolves you are likely to ever see by Luanda. I would think that being called a wolf of any sort would be rather a compliment? But apologies, Prince if I am mistaken."
Jerrick sighs and shakes again. "For someone who is so smart and good at listening, I seem to be getting the wrong idea of all your compliments. For give me." He tells her, going to step onto the snow also, he brushes himself off. "Yes, to be beloved my Princess Luanda is a rare feat I'm guessing. My brother is lucky now that I have meet her, I wish I have placed up a better fight for her." He says with a twisted smile.
Aeryn smiles softly "Perhaps not. I come inherited with whomever the Princess' heart reaches to. Perhaps a perk, perhaps a hindrance. But I will stay with her until whatever end we both find together. If it's some firey death, or we are at one or the other's bedside as we pass on from old age. I will be there tae' the end of my life or hers." She peers at Jerrick "Are you injured? I'm just about equivalent to a combat healer if you are in need of assistance?"
