A Forbidden Affair. (Cr0ssy994 x Ritsuke)

[Cr0ssy994]

Stenvar was once a peaceful kingdom, free from war and poverty, it’s people kind and caring. The army was strong enough to scare away any potential threats without resulting to open war, and its economy and industry was strong. This was all because of High King Torvar. He slew the previous, corrupt king in a duel to the death and assumed the throne, making it his mission to turn the country around, to make it a country to be proud of. And he had succeeded. All seemed well and his wife Queen Anisia, bore him to children, a strong Prince and a most beautiful Princess. The kingdom was in safe hands until disaster struck.
A few supporters of the old King still remained, mainly nobles who had been deposed after his death, gathered and hatched a plot to take the kingdom for themselves. They armed themselves and snuck into the palace, aided by several sorcerers, with the intent of killing the royal family. Once inside they attacked, killing anyone who got in their way, including the beloved Prince, before they were finally stopped. The King turned mad with rage, blaming the sorcerers for killing his son. He soon became a dark and twisted shadow of the man he once was, becoming selfish, hoarding money and power as well as outlawing the use of sorcery despite it being a power people were born with. And so it was for the next five years, with many people put to death for their abilities.

Kalan was just one of the few warlocks captured by the Kings men. He reflected on this, and his actions as he was marched through the capital of Stenvar, Aldea. He wore a torn and ragged shirt and trousers in a similar state. One of his shoes had gone missing somewhere and his face was dirty and bloodied. He had bright hazel eyes and short, messy dark brown hair that was plastered with mud. His skin was slightly tanned and he had broad shoulders with a slightly muscular body.
People watched quietly and with fear as he was marched, shackles on his wrists, towards The Iron Citadel. He was surrounded by ten guards, all in plate armour and armed with long swords and small round shields. He followed them up the steps to the citadel, admiring the many spires and towers of the black building.
He followed the lead guard into the throne room, a large marble room, with a high room and many marble columns, arches and other architectural beauty.
“My King, we ‘ave another warlock. Found ‘im just outside the city.” The leader of the group said, approaching the throne and kneeling. The others followed suit, all save Kalan, who looked around the room.
The king was sprawled idly on his throne, sipping wine from a fine crystal goblet. He wore dark clothes that hung from his gaunt figure.
“I was just trying to help m’lord.” Kalan pleaded with mock sincerity.
“Quiet!” Snapped the King. “You could help by falling on your sword. If not then be silent.”
“Well someone’s in a good mood today.” Kalan quipped back. He was rewarded with a punch to the gut and forced on his knees, while the guard captain reported to the king announced Kalan’s crimes. He barely paid attention, his eyes wandering till they settled on a young woman at the edge of the room, watching the proceedings.
“My my, I never knew the princess was so beautiful.” He said with a smirk. In a flash the king was up and his hand closing around Kalan’s throat, choking him.
“You lay eyes on my daughter again and I’ll have you fed to my hounds, alive.” He let go, throwing him back. “Take him to the dungeons, he’ll be executed in a few days.” And with that he was dragged away.

 

[Ritsuke]

Alayna hadn't seen warlocks brought in in some time, she usually avoided it. She had many ill feelings towards those with special abilities, but since the death of her brother time had dulled her anger. More so now she experienced a pity for them, being punished by the acts of one years ago. She stood still, one hand resting on the side of her light orange gown while the other held back locks of her blonde hair. Her green eyes danced over the men, landing inquisitively on the captured warlock. He seemed about her age. She shook at the thought of being in his position, and she wondered what his story was.
Her heart saddened for her father, she knew he relived the events of that terrible night every time these people were brought before him. He was once so incredibly kind, but now he was hardened beyond any reasoning.
Alayna shifted her weight when the young mans eyes looked upon her. She became angry at the comment, knowing it would set her father off. Why wouldn't he just submit, she thought to herself. She didn't like to see her father choking him, her hands absentmindedly covered her mouth.
When the order had been made to take him to the dungeons she quickly left the room, thinking of the man she saw. She shook her head trying not to picture his face, even though he was dirty and ill-dressed she still admired his form. Her mind moved on to visions of previous executions... She turned around, heading in the direction of the dungeon. It wouldn't be the first time she went to the dungeon. Her father allowed her to start visiting it when she turned 20 so she could learn its purpose as she would one day be queen. She was now 23. Over the years she had seen many unrighteous people below, she wasn't expecting this man to be any different, but a part of her needed to know more.

 

[Cr0ssy994]

By the time the guards there Kalan into the small cold cell he had a bloodied nose, a few more bruises to his muscular chest and his shirt was ripped, barely clinging to his body. He landed heavily on the cold stone floor, swearing loudly as he jolted his shoulder. He knew the king would have reacted as he did. That was why he pushed him like that. No one ever came out of the castle dungeons alive, and the rumours of the things that happened down here were spreading. Rumours that the king tortured warlocks and sorcerers and any other magic users, sometimes for fun, sometimes to find out what they knew. The latest rumours claimed that he was searching for a way to steal the magic of these people.
Wearily, Kalan climbed to his feet, barely noticing the cold on his one bare foot as he looked around the small cell. The first thing he noticed was the runes, etched and carved into every surface. They were on the stone walls, the bars of the small window and the door. They glowed with a light blue energy that had lit up the moment Kalan had been thrust into the cell. He tried to focus his powers and touched his hand against the lock of the door.
"Ahh." He cried out as he received a small shock, sparks flying. He was right. The runes were draining his magic. There wasn't a lot he could but sit and wait, so he slumped against the wall by the door, listening to the heavy, booted foot steps of the guards patrolling, and the occasional beating of a prisoner. He found himself slowly succumbing to fatigue when he heard something. Footsteps, but unlike that of the guards. They were the soft, delicate footsteps of a noble woman. This aroused his curiosity and he stood again, peering through the bars of the door to see who it was and what someone like that would be doing in the disgusting depths of the castle.