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Post by kimcora on Feb 17, 2018 11:50:46 GMT -5
Darius stood in the circular council chamber in the center of the round room. He tugged uselessly on the shackled around his wrist that were attached to the floor by a substantial chain. The guards keeping an eye on him gave him cautious looks that Darius returned. There was no escape from this. He knew that. Besides, he still had a minute or so before the trial began and they got him there early perhaps to intimidate him. As he stood silently, he heard the door open and in came the quick clicks of women's shoes on marble. His mother came around into his view and he could sense the guards were getting ready to stop her. However, before they put hands on her, Kallista shot them all looks that could peel flesh off bone. "Touch me and I'll have the hands removed, peasants." She hissed, making the men pause some at a lady being that hostile. She turned her attention to Darius, her look easing to something akin to care. Did his mother's eyes look red and strained? Had she been crying? Darius looked at the woman and instantly felt his composure falling. This was his mother, the woman that raised him. For all her faults, he still loved the woman despite their strained relationship. Kallista's body tensed visibly at the strain in her son's features that verged on ready to burst into tears. She hugged him tightly, the first one she had given her son in over 10 years...There was a certain relief in holding her son, even if she knew the situation was dire. It felt like losing her beloved Iros again, but this time the pain was more severe. This was her flesh and blood, her boy... "I'm so sorry I failed you, my son. I shouldn't have let all this happen. I could have protected you." Kallista whispered through tears, but Darius shook his head. He was unable to hug his mother back to calm her, so instead he tried to soothe her with words. "You couldn't have prevented this. It's my fault. I know I'm innocent but I don't know how to prove it." He said to her, making the woman pull away to look at him. "I won't let them take you. We'll figure this out. I'll speak with the Terebourne's and the families still loyal to your father. I'll--" Before she could finish, she was jerked roughly back from her son, her comforting hands on his cheeks being pulled from him. Darius struggled o get back to her, but he paused when he saw his uncle there, holding his mother by the arm. "Kallista, I told you not to speak with him." He said, glaring at Darius who glared back with a vehement hostility. "Keep it up boy and I'll make sure you'll hang. Your fate is in my hands. Remember that." He said before pulling Kallista with him to take a seat. As the council members filed in, Darius recognized some while others were new faces that perhaps joined after his father. The new men looked horrified and whispered to each other, while the older members were more withdrawn. It was hard to get a read on them, especially Lord Terebourne who Darius made brief eye contact with. He quickly looked down, knowing the man must hate him. Not to mention, Lykos came in, looking sad as a mourner should, even if Darius knew it was fake. Darius saw him raise a brow at Darius ever so slightly, but Darius shot him a hostile look. It faded when the guard elbowed him hard in the side, making him grunt in pain. He noticed his uncle sat beside Cyrus's father, who was by Memnon of all people. Speaking of which, wasn't Cysur on trial too? Where was he? He saw how pale his father looked and wondered a moment if something terrible had happened to Cyrus the night before...The idea sent panic skittering through him, but he did well to hide it.
Cyrus's father, Hector, looked at Darius with a rather sad frown. "Today is an...oddly familiar day." He said though his voice sounded numb by it since he spent the afternoon trying to help his son. He was recovering at home with a doctor's help, but something about the substance he consumed in his system and the loss of blood from the wound on his chest made Cyrus practically comatose. It didn't help his father's nerves to also have royal guards at his home in case Cyrus's condition improved enough to drag him off to prison. There was no way his son was possibly responsible for this killing. Now Iros's son, perhaps. He knew the boy was a bleeding heart when it came to his emotions, but also had a temper like his father. Tempers and drugs were a poor mixture. "Too familiar. I always told Kallista he was damaged. First the poor patron god and now this. It's why he was denounced by our family. This one is no different than Iros. Insolent and insane. Hardly fit for marriage or a position within our society." Darius's uncle, Thadeus, said in full confidence since Kallista had wandered off to get herself together before the trial. Not that he hadn't already told her that when he discovered that Darius had intended to marry the Terebourne girl from Kallista talking with some peasant...
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Carpe Diem
Feb 17, 2018 18:59:46 GMT -5
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Post by vamperious on Feb 17, 2018 18:59:46 GMT -5
Memnon hadn’t been really paying attention all day since he was wrapped up in his own thoughts honestly. He had a lot on his plate at the moment, even before this trial. He did however look to see the accused and indeed it was the man from before who was petitioningfor his daughter’s hand, and this was also the man who was gathering his first grandchild...what was rome coming to now days? When the boy looked away he had to assume it was shame of even being in this poisition so soon after speaking with him. Memnon took his seat and gave a heavy sigh, feeling the worry coming off of his friend Hector in thick sheets over his own boy. Not that he blamed him. He gave a nod at the words of this being familiar. He hadn’t believed the conviction himself but he was over ruled then, not having as much power or the house majority but his time he did. He couldn’t help his friend but he might be able to help his son... as much as for that as for his own daughter’s happiness. He did however glance over at the boys uncle- who had taken his friend Iros’s Place with a deepened frown. The man was as bad as the Curras’s occasionally- only out for self promotion and power. “You would do well to hold your tongue Thadeus. You are not in the house majority and Iros was a dear friend of mine.” He Stated very seriously, giving the man a moment to figure out he had indeed threatened him. “ Not to mention your sister is a close friend to my wife.” He Stated again dryly before glancing back at Hector. “ I’m siren cyrus will pull through. I can’t imagine either of the boys commuting this murder.” He Stated for this friend. He felt bad about all this but knew he had to have a level head and not let his emotions get the bette off him today.
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Post by kimcora on Feb 18, 2018 21:05:27 GMT -5
Thadeus was a bit surprised that Memnon spoke out for the boy, let alone that he threatened him. It made the man shut up, or at least long enough to realize that Memnon actually believed the boy innocent. Hector looked briefly surprised himself since although he liked Memnon, they were usually on opposing sides on issues. "Thank you...To be honest, I don't believe it either. Cyrus may be a military mind, but he's not a killer. Darius...He grew up around Cyrus and he's never been violent--then again neither was Iros--may he rest in peace." Hector said, making Thadeus raise a brow. "And who then would you implicate in this? There was no one else around the girl." Thadeus said which made Hector give him a frown. "I'm not sure what evidence has been levied against them. A friend of the boys sent me a letter saying that they had a witness and things looked pretty damning. But Cyrus has not woken to tell me his side and no one has been allowed access to Darius. Kallista informed me yesterday that he is barred from visitors. Most peculiar." He said, since the whole point of court was that the accused was innocent until proven guilty by a jury of their peers. Before more could be said, all had to rise for the Emperor's son to walk in. The man was young, perhaps around Amrena's age and sported the finery of a man raised in privilege. However, some looked a bit surprised to see a monarch attending. "It involves foreign diplomats. The Emperor is trying to give his son more power in matters of lesser importance." Hector said aloud to a man behind them that scoffed that the Emperor couldn't be bothered to attend. Though he did find it a bit odd that Emporer's son allowed the wounded party, Lykos, to sit so close to him. He was a foreign diplomat, but not high enough of a noble to gain that kind of favor with the man... "Sit my fellow countrymen. The sooner the trial begins the sooner we can proceed with other matters. I thank you all for attending." The son said, before motioning to one of the men off to the side that was a court official that rose and began speaking in booming tone over the quiet room. "We are here to hear the case of Lykos of the Desminia family from the isle of Crete against Cyrus of the Moraitis family and Darius formerly of the Vasilliou family for the murder of Andromeda of the Desminia family." He looked to Darius, who stood looking stoic as he looked around the room. "Darius currently stands trial. Cyrus is currently receiving medical treatment and his trial will be moved to a later date." The son looked down at Darius and gave him a rather bored look. "Murder....A crime your father shared as my advisors tell me." Darius looked at the man with a furrow of his brow. "He was convicted, yes. But I maintain my innocence, my lord." Darius said with as much confidence as he could muster, making the son raise a brow at him. "Do you? Well, that is to be decided by your peers and the evidence against you. Lord Desminia, what are your charges against this man?" Lykos rose and bowed to the emperor's son. "I seek to prove this man killed my sister in league with Cyrus." Lykos said, appropriate anger leaking into his tone that was all an act. Darius frowned at him, especially when the emperor's son nodded, seemingly agreeing before even hearing evidence. "And what evidence do you have to support these charges?" "A witness, my lord. And the state and wounds maintained by the accused when they were discovered with the body." Lykos gestured to the guards who brought in a young woman, one that Darius instantly recognized. Like a spark in all the blackness, this was one of the new hires at the brothel under Andromeda. Darius's face fell as he began to feel that familiarity warp. There was something wrong here. Why did he get this strange sense of falseness from this woman, especially when she began to tear up. Where else did he see this woman? "You are the witness?" The son asked, making the woman bow with a nod. "Yes, my lord. My name is Calliope from the Siren's Call. I was there that night when the atrocity took place." She looked at Darius and gave him a glare. "When those two stormed into my mistress's room and killed her." Darius's eyes narrowed some in confusion at her, as flashes of something pinged in his memory. He could see this woman after the drinks that night, she was standing behind Andromeda. "I was tending to the bar when the two came into the brothel. They were drinking heavily and got belligerent. By closing, they were ushered upstairs by a few of the senior employees. I went to check on Lady Andromeda to be sure they didn't disturb her sleep. Before I could get to the room, I heard screaming and these horrible sounds. I ran to the room but the door was locked. The sounds coming from the room--oh Zeus--It was awful." She broke down in little sobs that had the room feeling her pain, while Darius struggled with images that were coming to mind of this girl, covered in blood, standing above him. She was not the picture of innocence there, but looked cold and collected. When she finally gained her composure, she sniffled and continued. "When the door burst open and out fell Cyrus, bleeding and covered in blood, I knew it must have been bad. I came in and found Lady Andromeda dead and these men," She pointed at Darius with an angry look through her tears, "That man, covered in wounds and her blood. Blood was everywhere and glass, the same glass that killed her. It looked to be from the mirror. Other women can back up my story, that they were alone with her for quite some time..." The room gasped and the emperor's son actually looked shocked. He looked from the woman to Darius before his look actually turned grave, almost angry. "Hefty charges. Show me his hands." The guard next to Darius yanked up one of his shackled hands and showed the deep lacerations there. The room erupted in murmurs. "I am told these lacerations would only come from if he wielded the glass himself." As chatter and shock swirled around the room, Darius shook his head, glaring at the woman who was crying across from him. "She's lying." The accusation cut through the noise, making everyone look at Darius. "I saw her in the room before Andromeda died. She spoke to me. I can't remember what she said, but she was there covered in Andromeda's blood." Darius's words made the girl glare at him and shake her head furiously. "You're insane. I saw you in that room with Andromeda. You were raving mad and saying you didn't know where you were." A guard moved between them as the emperor's son rose. "Silence! I will have order. Darius, do you have proof she was present?" Darius gave a frown before shaking his head. "No, my lord. I don't remember much from that night...I believe I was poisoned or drugged. Else I'm sure I would have remembered committing this crime." He said but Lykos scoffed. "A likely story." He snapped and the emperor's son looked a bit irritated at the disorder. However, Hector was the next to speak up, rising from his seat. "My lord, I wish to add that my son was behaving oddly and still is. The doctors indicate that he may have been poisoned...It is not far-fetched that Darius may have been slipped the same substance." Darius looked to the man that stood in his defense, Cyrus's father, and gave a small nod of thanks to the man. While the council chamber erupted into hushed conversations and arguments again, the emperor's son gave things some consideration before he cleared his throat. "Now, before we move onto the boy's defense, you may deliberate, express questions, discuss amongst yourselves. I have much to consider..." The man added the last bit with a rather perturbed look, as if he himself were a bit offset by all the information. He thought this was an easy trial, instead it was becoming more complicated.
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Carpe Diem
Feb 18, 2018 21:31:20 GMT -5
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Post by vamperious on Feb 18, 2018 21:31:20 GMT -5
As the trial proceeded he did the motions, listening and watching carefully. He was a married man to a woman who could cry on command and this looked very similar. The woman’s shoulders shook like she were laughing, not sobbing- sobbing included more shoulder motion and perhaps a deeper pull of air then this woman took- he wasn’t convinced of this play so far. He knew that anyone could be paid to say things in court- making him skeptical of anyone and everyone. When Darius spoke on his own behalf about being drugge- He for backing his words he nodded as he processed that information- including the idea this woman was indeed playing a part in more then her ‘ testimony’ here. As the Emporers son gave them pause to talk and question, he looked Darius over, wondering why there was not physician to see to his wounds- even an accused got that right. He knew Cyrus got it since he was nobility but this boy was once nobility- and the idea that he had been barred from visitors meant some one was keeping him seperated and out of the loop of something.... did this have to do with what a true spoke to him about at the last counsel meeting? Was it retaliation? He didn’t know all the information so he couldn’t say. He motioned to the guard there by him over to speak. “ why exactly was the accused denied all guests? He deserves the right to a doctor to see to his wounds- are we so cruel to keep that right for someone?” He asked more in a pointed way he wasn’t pleased with how the boy had been treated.
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Post by kimcora on Mar 17, 2018 19:05:35 GMT -5
The guard that was called over by Memnon gave the man a respectful bow, even if the question threw him off some. He looked at Darius and then back at Memnon. "He has seen a doctor. The one for the prison. He advised that the wounds were surprisingly less deep than expected and that the man would be fine." He reported to Lord Terebourne, since he was above him and they had no reason to keep it from him. As for the other information, the guard gave a shake of his head. "I do not know the full reason. The order came from a senior command that he was not to have visitors because the trial extends to foreign policy and court. Apparently, in Crete, the accused of a violent crime is isolated to avoid contamination." He said before bowing some to Memnon. Hector looked briefly shocked before looking to Memnon curiously. "Is something the matter Memnon?" He asked since the man looked angry over a boy he shouldn't have really held this much stock in. While Hector wanted the boy to be treated fairly as well, he was more worried about Cyrus at the moment since he wasn't there to defend himself. ((Continuing the trial next))
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Carpe Diem
Mar 17, 2018 21:01:58 GMT -5
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Post by vamperious on Mar 17, 2018 21:01:58 GMT -5
Memnon nodded to the guests sinc ehe felt he was being honest with him. “ I see. “He stated however his frown didn’t leave his lips. He was thinking about things- more then he honestly needed but he needed to focus. The boy was involved with his daughter after all, his pregnant daughter of all things, so he had to not only side with the boy but find the truth of things. He felt there was a degree of foul play here but couldn’t support it yet but he had a gut feeling since if this boy was in anyway associates with his daughter- much less to the level he was- he felt he could trust the boys words. He trusted his daughter after all...
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Post by kimcora on Mar 31, 2018 22:47:02 GMT -5
The meetings between select council members and those they trusted as confidants was adjourned rather abruptly. It seemed the Emporer's son was eager to be through with this mess, a look that Lykos shared as he glared at the room full of chattering old men. Surely these men had better things to do that actually argue the innocence of a man that they held no salt in. Why did they care if the fallen noble was dealt with? Would it be one less stain on their clean and bright city? Till of course, their streets ran red with rebellion... He looked down at Darius, knowing next the boy would have a chance to plead his innocence and offer evidence to support it. Honestly, the Roman's were so much more open with their trials to let criminals testify...He watched the man look nervously at the crowd, despite the fact he was trying to stay poised and proud. It was hard to have much dignity in rags and cuts in a room full of men above your stature. "If the evidence from the offended party has been discussed, we may now hear the defense of the accused. Darius formerly of House Vasilliou, how do you respond to these charges against you?" Darius looked up at the prince, his expression losing traces of worry and showing only resolve. "Innocent, your highness. I may have lost my station, but I'm not a murderer." He said but his uncle spoke up from the crowd. He could tell it was the weasel's voice by the contempt it held. "It runs in your father's side of the family surely." A few council members muttered in agreement, but Darius spoke up to that. "And would you charge the child for the sins of the father? I am not my father but my own man that was raised differently and with a different life to lead. What reason would I have to kill Andromeda? She was my landlord, nothing more. Any person in the docks or brothel--besides those Andromeda planted there to manipulate others--" He added pointedly as he glared at the woman there that was lying about her involvement "would attest that I am a good citizen, a hard worker, and a positive force in my community." "The boy does speak the truth. I have heard tell from the port authorities he has never been arrested before." A councilman added, a man that had supported his father in the past. A few muttered in agreement, but Darius was not a fool enough to think this was good. All he had was hearsay and character witnesses. He had no proof he wasn't the one that killed Andromeda, not enough to combat the statement of the woman Lykos was using to play his guilt. How could he prove he was innocent when he literally had nothing to show? "That is all very nice and a testament to your responsibility, Darius. But a good character does not expel guilt. Unless you have some information to offer that proves your innocence after people have reported your motive for harming Lady Andromeda...?" The prince asked, making Darius's face fall some. He looked around the room, his eyes falling then on Lykos. Lykos was smirking, looking expectant. He was reminded of the bargain that Lykos offered. If he threw Cyrus's name out to the council as the one that killed Andromeda, Lykos would help him clear his charges for the price of having to be indebted to him....The scary part was, Darius actually considered it. COuld he really trade his loyalty and pride for his safety and life? Darius thought long and hard a moment, to the point the prince opened his mouth to interrupt him. However, Darius spoke up, his voice softer, but more even and defeated. "No...I don't remember the night well, but other than flashes of remembering the bar, the woman being present when Andromeda died, and waking up in a cell....But I know Lord Cyrus was nowhere near Andromeda that night. He was with a woman at the brothel and was asleep before me. Believe that and anyone can coroborate that is true...I don't have any proof other than my character to say I didn't murder Andromeda. Just as Lord Lykos only has one witness and very little proof I did it." He said, making sure to look at the man as he made that large dig. Lykos looked livid, gripping the arms of his chair to the point he was white knuckled. The court room lit up in talks as people argued back and forth. No shouting voices held one answer. Some professed guilt, others innocence. Suddenly, the prince stood with an angry look on his face. "Silence!" The room slowly died down and Darius stood ready and uneasy. The prince looked over the room before he motioned to the room. "Vote. I want to see hands raised for guilt, down for innocence." The room had quite a few hands raised and quite a few down. The room looked divided. The prince gave a sigh before looking to Lykos. "The pity in this tie is that there is limited proof or evidence as of now...If you give us time to look into the evidence and witnesses, perhaps time will yield more answers? After all, the other accused is still recovering....although this man claims his innocence." "Your highness, my sister's body must be taken back to my home land. It is our religious and ceremonial rights to bury her with the ancestors. I cannot delay my travel to play games with foreign governments." Lykos said making the prince look to Darius next. "You are willing to take full blame of this from Lord Cyrus...that claim cannot be rescinded. You must know that is suspicious..." Darius nodded, bowing his head to the prince. The man sighed before he took a seat, still looking at Darius. "Then it decided. Darius, you will be sent with Lord Lykos under guard to await trial in Crete. As is our laws with cases involving foreign powers when a decision cannot be made in our courts. I pray the gods watch over you if you are innocent and punish you if you are guilty." Darius's eyes snapped up to the prince, his eyes wide and terrified at the very idea that he would be taken to Crete. There was no hope for him there that Lykos wouldn't just kill him or that the courts there wouldn't accuse him just for being Roman. There was no justice in that! Even Lykos looked shocked, but nodded and took his seat. "Your highness, please, there must be another--" Darius began but when he took a step, a guard at his side shoved him back. Darius pushed back against the man but his resistance only earned him harsher treatment. The guards knocked him back, restraining him as they dragged him from the room struggling to get free. He heard his mother sobbing in the hall as he was dragged away to the dungeons to await his practical death sentence...
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Carpe Diem
Mar 31, 2018 23:11:51 GMT -5
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Post by vamperious on Mar 31, 2018 23:11:51 GMT -5
The term ‘political shit storm’ was defiantly what happened, the poor boy. He sat back and let the prince speak since he had no sway over the man. He did however watch the treatment of the poor boy, hearing his mother son in the hallway was heart breaking as well. He pulled some strings and enabled the woman his wife insisted was needed to speak to him before this mess, enabled her to at least speak and see him before he was moved. It took a hearty sum of gold as a ‘donation’ and a few favors but he knew his daughter would have been unforgiving if he hadn’t done so or at least tried. His wife had come visit after the trial to see what the verdict was, as well as to comfort Kallista since she knew she would be a mess. Anemone was made to stay home and had written a letter to darius and gave it to ysold, knowing she trusted her to get it to Darius- even if things were troubling.
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Post by kimcora on May 5, 2018 21:36:58 GMT -5
Darius was in shell shock as he was led away, his body feeling like lead as the emotions crashed down on him. He wasn't convicted but this deferment to Cretian court was a death sentence of its own. How long would he sit in foreign cells till their emperor got around to his case? How fixed and biased would Lykos stack the jury against him? He would never see Athens shores again...he would never see his mother or sister again...Ysold or Cyrus....he would never see Anemone again. He felt his face grow hot as tears began bubbling from his eyes. "Anemone...please forgive me." He muttered under his breath, though the guards ignored him as they dragged him back to his cell to await the boat travel the next morning. As he was brought onto the street, a group of three women stepped out of an alley in obviously enticing outfits. They went to the guards in a giggle, drawing their eyes only briefly while one of them was able to slip closer. Darius blinked when a hand touched his cheek and a hand slipped into his shirt as they leaned in to whisper in his ear. "A note from Anemone. Darius, my dear friend, I have someone waiting for you in Crete. Stay sharp. Trust the one who bears my mark." The person pulled away, revealing it was Ysold who had tears in her eyes. "Hey! Get away from the prisoner wench." A guard snapped, driving Ysold to step away with her ladies and to walk towards the brothel. Darius felt his heart squeeze with some hope at the idea that Ysold set something up...ALways the mother. ANd even a letter from Anemone. He went willingly with the men till they locked him away, waiting until they left before he pulled the letter out. Pain gripped his heart as he caught scent of her flowers on the note and he could see her sweet face in his mind, feel her touch on his skin, almost hear her soft, kind voice in his mind. He loved her, he missed her, he wanted nothing more than to be there with her now. All he could do was read the words and think of her. He pulled the note from its sleeve, looking at her scrawling script for what would be the last time. Of course there was sadness in her words, but also the warmth of her love. He was in the middle of it when he noticed something shift. She spoke of something, that she would have something to keep even if they were apart. That something made his heart stop and his eyes widen as the hand holding the letter fell to his lap. He was going to be a father. ~~~ Lysandra held back tears as she held Cyrus's hand and listened to her mother wailing in the background. She refused to go home, so thankfully Cyrus's father allowed them to stay. She had heard the verdict, knew her brother sacrificed himself for Cyrus...and now her brother was gone. Taken away just like her father....She felt the tears pushing past her wall and she had to bury her face in Cyrus's arm. The man gave a groan but didn't move like she begged him to. She needed someone to hold her, needed someone who knew her brother wasn't a killer to tell her it would all be okay. She cried there for a long moment before she pulled away, a new realization in her eyes. Anemone...She must have been losing it and she was all alone. She went by and looked at her mother, seeing she was still crying. She grabbed her cloak and went to the Terbourne's to make sure that she could see Anemone. She had to see her, had to apologize, had to do something to help the one person that helped make her brother happy...she was all Lysandra had left, her last connection to him...
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Post by vamperious on May 8, 2018 15:23:50 GMT -5
Anemone was in the parlor, her mother insisting she stay inside today and relax, since it was a little bit too hot out that afternoon. Her mother had gone to the courts to see to their father knowing he had a hard choice to make and sit through. She knew she had done the right thing in telling darius, and her father. They needed to know, now she had to tell his family- perhaps Lysandra. That might cheer her up perhaps? When a maid came in saying she had a guest she rose a brow wondering whom it was. She pulled her feet down tot he floor and off the pillow she had them on and straightened her not so form fittin dress. When Lysandra was shown in she gave her a soft smile, it was strained however seemingly he woman’s eyes were puffy and red from crying. “Lysandra, it’s good to see you, I can only assume the worst. Mother is out to see your mother.” She Stated softly letting things go as they needed, not knowing if Darius’s sister needed a shoulder to cry on since she knew she wasn’t the bigggest fan of Cyrus.
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Post by kimcora on May 8, 2018 20:58:56 GMT -5
When she saw Anemone, Lysandra noticed something different. Something off, but she wouldn't say it. She wasn't there to start an argument or to be judgemental. She was there to perhaps fix some of what she helped to create. She tried her best to appear put together, to look like she had her brother's strength and confidence, but she knew she must have looked a proper mess. Her hair wasn't even braided but instead, loose around her face. And her eyes stung at the slightest amount of sunlight. She was hardly the picture of a perfect young lady in their society. When Anemone spoke to her as if nothing had ever transpired between them, Lysandra felt a tug in her chest. She really was too kind to forgive her foolishness. She felt the tears bubbling free and she had to take a breath to steady herself before speaking. "Anemone, It's good to see you as well but I wish under better circumstances. I'm sure you know that...well they're taking Darius to Crete. My dear brother and Cyrus--" She shook her head, having to pause to keep from falling into sobs. "And I just kept thinking about how sorry I was I ever tried to take away that happiness he found with you before all of this. I just wanted to protect him--to do what he had always done for me. It doesn't excuse my actions, but I wanted to apologize to you and thank you for--for--I'm sorry." She said as tears began to leak down her face and to her blue dress that was stained with tears already.
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Post by vamperious on May 8, 2018 21:24:33 GMT -5
When she said that they were taking Darius to Crete she purses her lips, it was more or keep from getting over emotional honeslty. She wanted to sob like a little child into her mothers’ skirts But knew she needed to keep a stiff upper lip. At the weird apology she shook her head, a tear slipping her control as she watched Darius’s sister- her friend- crying. “ it’s going to be alright. He is innocent.” She Stated with such a conviction that it seemed the only truth to her. She pulled her by the hand to sit by her on the couch and hugged her. She knew the girl needed time to work this out of her system but needles to say her back was already getting achy. She hoped she could sit back sooner then later but knew she needed to comfort her firmed before herself even if she had news yet to tell the girl. When she calmed a little she gave her a soft look since both had been crying honestly, it was nice having her there. “ well, I do have some good news for you Lysandra. Well- it’s minimal honestly but I think it will bring us all closer- until they let Darius come home.” She Stated since she was convinced he would be coming back. No matter what he would come back, she would not believe any differently. She took a breath to steady her self before she took her hands and gave her the softest of looks. “ You are going to be an aunt. I sent Work to Darius with ysold already. My family knows as well.” She Stated to let her know she wasn’t about to give this child up. She had been firm in her belief that she could and would stay with Darius. She just wanted to share that with his little sister to perhaps make her smile, out of this day something better had to come of it,
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Post by kimcora on May 10, 2018 20:10:46 GMT -5
Lysandra let her emotions go with Anemone and allowed herself the moment to cry with the only one that shared her sadness outside her family. She admired Anemone's hope and enthusiasm and didn't have the heart to tell the girl they had taken her father away for the same charge. They were lucky that they didn't just execute him...maybe there was a chance... She was confused when Anemone talked about having news, especially as it was minimal but good news. Lysandra's face betrayed her confusion until Anemone told her what it was. A hand shot to her mouth and tears sparkled in her eyes. "Anemone, really?" She let her hand fall, showing she was smiling despite the tears. She took Anemone's hand that she had removed from her's. "Congratulations...I couldn't think of a better person for my brother to start a family with." She said as she was honest about that. He loved her and if he could be there, would. She had to keep hope alive then that he would return. Maybe not now but eventually. "If you need anything--I mean anything from mother and I, don't hesitate. Oh! If it's a boy we have some of Darius's childhood things around. Mother refused to part with our things after father passed--Oh sorry I must be getting ahead of myself. Like I said, anything you need, I am here." She said with the softest of looks that was still sad but lighter than before. It was more hopeful. ((I'll jump it after this))
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Carpe Diem
May 10, 2018 21:32:17 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by vamperious on May 10, 2018 21:32:17 GMT -5
When Lysandra reacted positively she gave her a soft smile. L I’m happy to be included in the family. My father has yet to really decide on weather he will allow Darius name rights but he did agree to allow me to marry your brother. Perhaps we can use some of his things if it is a boy, though if it is a girl maybe we can get some things from little Helena- oh I had forgotten... I hadn’t told her yet.” She said after a moment of thinking but brushed it off to talk a little more to perhaps help ease some pain. She knew Lysandra loved her brother with all her heart and was hurting like she was sos he would do her best to help her... ((Go for it))
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Post by kimcora on May 14, 2018 20:54:03 GMT -5
It was strange how long three months could feel in the bottom of a ship. There, your only signs of time passing were the meals guards brought, the activity of the rats, and the the hair that eventually grew without proper ability to shave. Darius sat hunched in the cell, running his fingers over the letter from Anemone and reciting the words in his mind. Here he was, 3 months away from her and his unborn child, without any way to contact her. The pain he felt at the idea of leaving her would have brought tears to his eyes if he had any left. Clean water was sparse on prison ships and even harder to access from the brig. Well, everything was harder to access from the tiny cell they shoved him in for punishment. The crime, fighting another criminal, hardly made sense to Darius, who suffered a black eye and bruised jaw from the whole ordeal. It was merely self defense, after he had knocked out the man’s friend for trying to take his letter from Anemone. While Darius got his revenge, it lead to him getting the brunt of the blame for ‘inciting violence’. Darius had thought they would have left him in the brig to rot, but one of the guards, a young man about his age named Remus, had taken pity on him. He even returned Anemone’s letter that had been confiscated in the scuffle. The men grew close by talking each day when he brought Darius his meals and he was thankful for the help the man did offer. Honestly, as Remus said, it was safer in the cell than out with the populous as a noble born man. Apparently it was obvious Darius wasn’t a low born man, but he couldn’t argue on that. He was raised differently than these men and wasn’t actually a criminal. Not that that left room for grace from the Cretian’s that came to watch the prisoners disembark from the ship. Darius looked out at the crowd of foreigners, watching them shriek and boo in a foreign tongue. Dirt clods and rocks were thrown sporadically, clipping the prisoners on their heads and backs. Darius caught one dirt clod the ear, rattling his senses and burning his eyes with the dust that billowed from the hit. Darius struggled to right his vision in the crowded port, making note of how busy it was and how it vaguely resembled home. Even with the vague hints of familiar ships and market wares, it could never be home without his family, friends, and Anemone. The city guard headquarters and subsequently the attached prison was not far from the ports, which relieved both prisoners and guards who were growing tired from ‘spoiling’ the city’s fun. It seemed that harassing foreign prisoners was some sort of fun gathering in Crete. Or maybe today was a special case since these prisoners were directly from their enemy. Darius knew he would find no favor in the crowds there, but he had wished the transition would have been smoother. Everything in him felt exhausted and withered from travel and sadness. Nothing felt better now knowing he was to sit in prison till Crete decided what to do with him. It just went from one awful round of waiting to another... The prison was housed in what looked like a massive old fort, the walls sturdy and thick like they were carved from a mountain. Darius thought his legs were going to give out by the time he reached the southernmost tower where it seemed he was to stay. When they reached the cell, one of the guards shoved Darius rather forcefully against the bars and began to frisk him for weapons. With his face forcefully smashed into the bars, Darius caught sight of another prisoner sleeping on a makeshift cot with his back to the group. Darius struggled with the men to maintain some dignity, but he was quickly pressed harder into the bars. "Play nice with your new cell mate. If we're called for you harming another prisoner, the captain will let us take your hands." The soldier snickered, earning a glare from Darius who then went into the cell. The door slammed behind him with an echoing finality that pulled at his heart. This was it...his new, dank little home for the next few days...weeks....months...years....He sank to the floor, supporting his head in the hand that didn't squeeze the letter in his pocket. "I'm so sorry, Anemone..." He muttered to himself before he started a soft prayer to the gods to protect her despite his poor luck and all the pain he was causing her. He had just prayed to Hera for the safety of the baby when his roommate piped up from the bed. "Mind keeping your muttering down to a minimum? If they think your insane they'll stick you with the loons in the dungeon. Been there once on a stint. Nice for a visit, terrible place to live." Darius's brows furrowed at the voice especially since he couldn't place it, but it sounded strangely familiar. Darius looked up, staring at the older man that rose from the cot and approached him. COming into the light better, Darius saw his honey colored eyes and the grey that colored his blonde-brown beard and long hair. The man looked weathered and strained, like the hardships here in the prison had scarred, but didn't break him. He still had this warmth in his smile that reached his eyes, making Darius's guard fall only slightly. He stared at the man with confusion and disbelief, wondering how he knew this man and why. The man gave Darius a frown and raised his shoulder slightly. "What a way to treat your old man, boy...I'd have thought you would have been at least a little excited. Maybe a few tears." Darius's eyes widened and instantly the light bulb came on. "D-Dad?" The man nodded, but before he could continue, Darius rose and grappled him in a clumsy hug from surprise and excitement. There was a moment's pause before Iros hugged Darius back as if getting over his shock. He felt Darius shaking and knew he was crying, so he gave the man a moment to collect himself before he pulled away. "Enough tears, let me look at you." He looked over Darius and gave a smile, clapping him on the shoulder. "Good, you got your mother's looks. Sadly you recieved my brains...else my child wouldn't have ended up here..." He said with some humor that Darius gave a sad smirk to that faded to show he was still unsure of how this was happening. "How did you get here, father? I was there when they said you were to be executed. If mother and Lysy knew you were here, rotting away in a cell." His expression was almost angry and pained, as he struggled to keep his voice down. He squeezed his father's arm, his eyes narrowing some. "We needed you..." His father looked into his son's almost betrayed and sad looked and gave a heavy sigh. "It's a long story." He said as he pulled away from Darius to sit on the bed. Darius sat next to him with a determined look on his face. "We've got nothing but time." ~~~ Lysandra kept a worried hand on Cyrus, watching the man wobble to his feet after frustrating minutes of trying to stand. He still needed the cane to support himself, but he had made major strides in standing after being bed bound for 3 months. Lysandra had heard the gambit from doctor's saying her husband would never walk again, that he would be dead if he stayed in bed....but not Cyrus. No, the stubborn fool refused to quit. It was almost admirable...Not that she would tell him that. The two had been married earlier that month in as a private affair, to get her mother and Lysandra out from under her uncle that had become a raving tyrannt. He took every bit of her dowry and spent it no doubt...not that she cared. She was just happy to be away from him, with someone she knew could protect her. It had shocked her how kind Cyrus could be, let alone how he mourned Darius like everyone else...he seemed so surprised that his childhood bestfriend would defend him so fiercely in court. But they all knew Darius had it in him to be fiercely loyal to those he cared for. "Lysy I'm fine. Just a bit shaky." He said with a frown but she gave him an annoyed shake of her head. "Don't tempt me to trip you Cyrus. I may be small but I have the upper hand here to help." She said, though it only drew a gruff sigh from him. Before he could argue, a tiny little voice shouted "Daddy!" from behind them, making Lysandra look back to see Helena bounding over to them with Ysold trailing behind. The two women made eye contact and acknowledged each other respectfully before Lysandra let go of Cyrus to let him interact with Helena. She knew Ysold and Helena had his heart, not that Lysandra cared because she didn't love Cyrus. They were simply business partners, security for each other to protect what they cared about. It was why Lysandra was more than happy to interact with Helena and Ysold when permitted. She rather liked the brazen woman and her free spirit child, even if she did remind her of Cyrus. He dropped the cane in favor of catching the young girl in his arms, hugging her and letting her knock him on his ass in the grass of the garden. "Careful, baby. Your father is still recovering." Ysold warned but was drowned out by the shrieking laughter of Helena as Cyrus tickled her side. Ysold rolled her eyes before she looked to Lysandra with a smirk. "They'll be covered in grass stains when we visit Anemone for tea." She mused and Lysandra nodded with a catty frown. "You know Cyrus can't help himself.." They both giggled before they gathered the 'children' to go to the Terebourne estate. Anemone ahd invited them to tea and all were a bit worried on how she was doing with the baby. After all, even though her father knew and her mother was supportive, there was talk in town at how absent Anemone was to the public. Most wondered how a sickly woman would ever find a match. If only they knew her match was in prison...
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