Gathering the Hoard (VikingWitch & Max the Neat)

[VikingWitch]

Built on the side of a white mountain stood a proud castle with towers that slowly gathered into the middle of the structure to a point. There were only about thirteen towers in total, but they all stood tall and bold and reached for the sky like a white flame. The castle seemed to be carved from the mountain rock itself, stark white and perfectly smooth. One had to wonder if the silver and gold gildings had also come from it. It wouldn’t come as a surprise though, since the city of Zephrest was known to be quite a rich and vibrant place. Being somehow in the perfect spot of land that was scooped up just for them. The mountain had somehow carved out a bowl for the city that also was set next to a wide and plentiful river. The only ways in and out of the city were a small road all the way around the mountain, a pass that cut through the range, or to sail on the river. The people were equally rich and everyone seemed happy or at least content with their lives as the elves passed by to their destination.

The town started as fishing huts near the docks and then progressively the buildings became more sturdy and towering until they once again tapered off several yards before the castle. The castle itself was surrounded by beautiful gardens and what looked like natural mountain springs. The water must’ve been the purest and clear around. After the gardens, large white stone steps led up to ebony double doors that were intricately carved with images of dragons and humans carving out the mountain, supposedly some depiction of the mythologized origin of the city.

The guards stood dutifully by and waited for the entourage to approach before they blocked them from the doors and urged the two men to go in unarmed and alone. They did as bid and were led inside. The inside of the castle was hardly any less bright than the outside. There were wide windows everywhere to let the sunlight in and a good many of them were stained with magnificent depictions of dragons, treasures, heroes, and royalty. Most anyone would call the castle beautiful. Large halls with ceilings that seemed to stretch toward the sky and so many more luxuries were hidden behind other doors. Almost every hall had at least two banners with the royal crest on them. A gold dragon upon a field of white, always bright and proud.

The guards that escorted the new arrivals through the hallways soon stopped at another set of double doors. These doors weren’t as big as the ones at the entrance, but they were no less elaborate. This door looked to be made of lighter wood and was simply carved with elaborate designs of flames taking odd shapes. The guards opened the doors and one stepped forward and bowed before a throne that sat in the middle of a pedestal. “Your majesty, I present Sir Henry de Ghent and Sir Gaston…” he trailed off when he realized that didn’t have a surname for the other man, but he just waved for the guard to continue. “Both were sent with messages on their arrival saying they hope they serve you well, and with great eagerness look forward to the future bond between you and yours.”

The throne was carved from dark stone, possibly onyx or obsidian. It looked painstakingly created to not at least harm the person who sat there. Spikes rose from the back and yet it somehow turned into a soft flow to the floor. The base looked like it was made to look like the tail of some great lizard and the crafter, whoever they were, must be complimented as it looked like it could move at any second. Queen Saelena Artheos sat on that throne now, decked in a gown of glittering gold that pooled at the base of the throne. Her long blonde hair fell in waves down to her waist and remained mostly untamed by braids or pins. She looked down at her new arrival and gave a soft smile to the new arrival, but it didn’t quite reach her silver eyes that looked upon the prince with an even glare.

She was sizing them up, looking for a reaction and surely she would get one soon enough. “Greetings gentlemen,” she said, her voice projecting a gentle tone but still possessing the firmness of a leader. “I hope your journey was pleasant.”

 

[MaxMax]

Henry was surprised by two things. The first one, and a pleasant surprise was that the queen was beautiful indeed. Like anyone, he worried that the queen who sent around for men to be around her was lacking the looks department. The second surprise was that Gaston's shirt was undone.

Gaston had opened a view of his well-toned pecks and abdomen in general to the queen Saelena Artheos. The shameless scoundrel must have unbuttoned his shirt while we were being escorted. – Henry thought about his colleague and competitor as he bowed deeply greeting his queen. – I will have to be careful around this one. – Henry thought to himself, wondering if he and this man will become friends or foes. The whole situation reminded him of the adjutant school back when he was fifteen. Back then people he assumed he would be an enemy with ended up being his dearest friends and vice versa. This one has a definite spunk about him.

He was not sure who this Gaston was, but Henry decided to stay quiet for a little while. To see if Gaston would speak first. So he put a face of adoration and looked at his queen.

Gaston as Henry assumed, would feel slightly uncomfortable in silence. And started talking, as someone who was not exactly accustomed to official nobility. He had a lot of noble clients, but never in an official capacity and always behind closed doors.

"Queen Saelena. I'm Gaston, your best and prettiest servant." – Gaston said, and felt that he is missing something added. – "Your holiness." – He bowed with a flair with his hand, realizing that the way he was addressing was probably not the correct one, judging by how this smug fucker – Harry was glancing at him. Gaston was quite sure that Harry was trying to swallow a smile off his face.

"My queen Saelena! You Majesty" – Henry announced loudly. Pointedly using the correct manner of addressing. – "I'm Henry de Ghent, your loyal servant. I come for an opportunity to serve you." – Henry said and swallowed. Feeling the need to add spice. After all, unlike Gaston, he was wearing boring blue breaches and camisole, with a bright white shirt. The only one he could afford. – "To serve you in any manner possible and appropriate or not." – Young nobleman said, glancing at Gaston, who was also trying not to smile.

Pretty boy, but he needs to learn how and when to flirt. – Gaston thought to himself. Just a few minutes ago he was threatened by the fact that he had a nobleman to compete with for the Queen's attention that he hastily yet covertly unbuttoned his shirt while they were escorted by guards to the Throne Room. Now he felt like he overreacted a little…just a pinch.

At this point, both men stood before Queen's throne. Smiling at the Queen in silence, waiting for their liege to act and worried about so many small things. Are they the first to arrive, are they even in the first dozen? Will there be only one left, or can they form an alliance? And of course – when will it all start? Both men swallowed at the same time

 

[VikingWitch]

As the boys spoke her eyes moved slowly up and down over their frames. She was sizing them up. They were both civil enough, which was well and good, they also sounded slightly eager for the experience if not the change of scenery at least. She took her time now to look them over as they spoke, she didn’t get a chance to get a good look at them before. The queen smirked at Gaston’s greeting and it deepened as Henry jumped in. So it began, she wondered how long it would take for them to make jabs at each other. It seemed she might have her hands full keeping them from being at each other's throats. She chuckled once their introductions were made. “Not so much holy, my dear,” she said. “But we can get to terms of royalty later, I just hope you both aren’t too put out by this arrangement.”

With that, she stood and slowly stepped down from her dais. The fabric of her gown hissed softly as it trailed behind her though her steps made very little if any sound. The boys might’ve wondered if her feet were bare underneath the gown, and her eyes shifted between the two of them slowly. She stepped up to them at about arm’s length and tilted her head this way and that to get a better angle on them before she started to circle them like a predator. Gaston was clearly out of his element here, but he tried his best at showing off to her and she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t a little appreciative of the gesture. Henry was far more qualified, a bit stiff but that would be corrected soon enough.

She knew Gaston was more equipped for her carnal urges, but how would Henry fare in that department? This would be a very interesting endeavor indeed. “I’m glad that you’re both eager to serve, but do you have any questions before we get settled in as it were?” she asked.