l ♥ v e ~ like a .m u s i c. b ♥ x // Serisu x iKitten <3

[Serisu]

Down the long dirt path a lone figure trodded, a case over one shoulder and a hand on the hood over his head. The clothing he wore was dusty and full of holes, protecting him not from the rain that drenched the lands. His case was of a small size, black and as tore up as his clothes. It was a wonder the thin, cracked plastic and cloth could protect the wooden beauty, the prize of his life, that he carried within it. His hair, caked with mud and rain, fell down his back to his shoulder blades and was tied back in a knot. It was the color of wood in an almost burnt-out fire, with highlights throughout from traveling in the sun.

His almost non-existent shoes carried him this far, his feet only barely scraped from the sharp rocks that always seemed to place themselves underneath his feet. A smile formed on his chapped lips as he spotted the large castle illuminated in the center of the town he had just reached. His earthy-green eyes sparkled with content as he entered through the gates, giving a nod of his dirty head to the guards as he passed.

It had been weeks since he had been in an actual town that centered itself around a king, so it was safe to say he'd been in the same country for almost a year, as it had been that long since he had seen a castle on the horizon. He shifted his pack carefully, approaching one of the inns inconspicuously, deciding on one that rested over a pub.

He was unsure of whether or not he'd be able to pay for a room even for one night, so he readied himself to beg, plead, and offer a concert or to play them music or cook in return for the night's stay. "Pardon m-!" He began before he was thrown back outside and pinned to a wall, a blade at his throat. His heart thudded in his chest, his eyes widened. The man's rancid alcohol-breath puffed in his face as the wanderer backed away, his back against the wall. As soon as he had the chance, he rose the case high above his head and cracked the larger man over the dome with it. He instead took the thief's wallet with a smile, entering the inn quickly.

He was able to pay for a room with the money he had taken, and seated himself at one of the tables at the pub in anticipation. He knew it wouldn't be long before the knights apprehended him and threw him in prison for attacking an innocent man.

Nikkolas was correct, and was surprised as he was brought before the king instead of just thrown in prison.

 

[iKitten]

In the Kingdom of Sepher, it was well known that each member of the society had a reputation to uphold. It wasnâ??t just the simple â??kingâ??, â??blacksmithâ??, â??servantâ??, reputation, but one of a strong kingdom and of a proud kingdom. Sepherns were known to have gentle women and ruthless men. War was not what this kingdom was known for, but for the thirst of battles. Fights were encouraged, as long as they were regulated, and battle tournaments were seasonal. However, if one were to enter into the kingdom with this knowledge alone, they would be sorely disappointed when meeting the populous.

The men were not overly masculine and buff, but of regular stature, while the women were simple and did the daily chores that sometimes even required huntingâ??something gentle women werenâ??t known to do in many other kingdoms. The main bulk was surrounded by a peaceful town, protecting the live culture and traditions that were held close to the royal family. Sepher was overall a peaceful kingdom in terms of war with other kingdoms though, so it was no wonder that marriage was one of the things that others would seek after.

Of all the marriages that were offered though, the King had wanted only one marriage to go throughâ??that if the Kardra kingdom. The beautiful princess wasnâ??t just sought after because of her looks, but because of the alliance that it would create between the two neighboring kingdoms. However, unfortunately for the King, his son was less than adequate for the princessâ?? requirements. Not that Prince Indio was any less of a good person with good qualities.

On the contrary, the twenty-two year-old prince was a great warriorâ??perhaps not the best, but working on itâ??and had refined features. Exotic, if one would think of it in those terms. The King, Hayden, was of fair skin and fair hair, something that one would have expected the prince to have. However, the Queen had been from the exotic far reaches, splashing into the royal bloodline the vibrant blue eyes, brunette, nearly chestnut hair, and naturally caramel skin. If the kingdom didnâ??t know about the queen so openly and seen the pregnancy through, they might have questioned the Kingâ??s relations towards the seemingly foreign prince.

On such a day, murky with rain and the fog of earthly calmness, the guards seemed to find use for what they had been searching for. Knights of the search really, sent out to scour the kingdom for a musician. One after another, Hayden had interviewed them and waved them off, not seeing the majestic quality of their instruments. The flute wouldnâ??t do, as it was too windy and would seem just a tad bit unrefined to be spitting into a pipe, while the strangeness of drum-like instruments were definitely too loud and rambunctious. Indio needed to learn a refined art of music, something soothing to the ears and made him look like an angelic creature.

It was the only quality that the neighboring princess had requested of Indio, before accepting his hand in marriage. The said prince had almost just turned and walked away, but Hayden had a good mind to press his elbow against his sonâ??s back to keep him where he was politely.

After a small break of just sitting on the throne, resting his head after a long line of listening to â??musicâ??, he decided that viewing possible prospects for the day was enough. The King brushed back his blonde hair and stood up, about to leave, before knights came into the throne room. They were specific ones, marked with a silver tassel on the hilts of their swords, to inform anyone who knew the symbolic nature of the tassels that they were the Kingâ??s â??huntersâ?.

With them, was a homeless person it appeared, tattered clothes and dirt caked form. Nearly as dark as Indioâ??s, the King mentally noted, raising an eyebrow. â??Is there a reason you bring him before me?â? he asked, the guards bowing before Hayden as the King raked his eyes searchingly over the form.

â??Sire, we saw that he had a violin in his possession. Perhaps, he is a prospect?â? one of the knights spoke up, curious if he had found at someone of use. At this, one of the other knights seemed to prod at Nikkolasâ?? back, as if to get the other male to do something to prove his worth.