Mindgames

Like ants, they moved across the courtyard market, all the same, all too busy minding their business. They crept into each corner and crevice looking for the best price. The people of Ishgard were of the rarer sort in Odiria, blessed with goods from all over the world at the ease of a minute's walk. Merchants thrived here, within the walls of the warm heart of Raveryn- displaying their arrange of goods upon wooden tables.

Marius dragged his fingertips along them now, moving his hand across the many fabrics that decorated this particular stall. Linen fibres he'd been told by an all too excited seller. Softest in all of Odiria according to the guy. Marius smiled at one of his guards, a crazed look upon his dark eyes "What do you think sir Lewis?" the prince asked as the bear of a man looked at the fabrics at Mariuses hands. Lewis had been a guard of his for a very long time now, the silent type, as requested by the prince himself.

Years back he'd hated the idea of having a guard following him every step, checking in on him as though he was a monster waiting to lash out at any minute. Nowadays- it had become something he had gotten somewhat used to. A safety net wasn't that bad anymore now that he had beaten someone enough to drench his fists in blood. Shocking images he still couldn't shake from his waking memories. Red . Red shapes spilt all over the brown floor.

Lewis shrugged, "Whatever makes you happy". Making his young prince chuckle shortly, it was a bore truely. How having things did not spark much joy anymore once everything the world had to offer was at but an arm's length away from grabs. But, he figured it'd be a good welcoming gift to the Xalian royals, greeting them in clothing made from fibres grown within their precious soil. Thus he nodded his head "I'll take two good sir, my tailor will come and pick two of her choosing later this afternoon " Such a nice guy he was, supporting local businesses, he thought as the money passed from his gloved hand to into the merchant's grasp. A tailor would have a blast weaving these, fabricating each and every one of them in gorgeously fitted clothing. It was vital she'd be the one choosing the best out of his stock.

Marius turned away from the vendor then, making his way past a few more stalls. It was not often the prince was around the people of Ishgard-  in truth most of his days these times were spent within the inner walls of it's castle. Sheltered away from the eyes of those that carried his country's worlkoad as well as the many foreigners that made their rounds throughout the continent. All too avoid scandal, whispers and rumours. Ever since the disappearance and death of his older brother, the prince had been out of his mind more - as the healers were calling it. But slowly and surely, the prince was regaining some control over the burden he had been born with. And provided he had a watchful eye beside him whose sleeves he could pull when needed.  And a set of guards to protect him. The prince got away with going further and further more.

Today, he had even been sent outside, for a woman would walk among the many people on the market today- one whom he had to meet. Months he had been working towards the goal of meeting a noblewoman. Lessons in dancing, speaking and charm were within the boys curriculum. For marriage would be the only thing he'd be useful for, well no, that was not how his father had brought it to him, but it was how the boy had deciphered the man's kind words. But non the less, when his eyes fell upon the appearance of lady in question, the corners of his mouth rose. They hadn't oversold her looks.

With a little wave he sent a worried lewis and his man off, though his personal guard seemed reluctant to actually leave the prince's side. And normally he'd argue the decision for he didn't answer to Marius, but to his father. However- orders had been given before they left and with a sigh he parted ways. Staying behind as Marius approached the moon elf, a proud smile upon his face despite the nerves of meeting someone new. And fear she'd fade before his very eyes. "Morning m'lady- You don't come across as someone living here he greeted her warmly "i'd gladly be your guide for the afternoon"


+ Liliandil  

In her silent stare, Marius had found the time to think. Truely a horrible way of living if you asked him. As thinking often had given him ways downhill. Adventures to places he'd rather nyot go- especially not around a pretty girl who he had to impress. His one job nowadays- truely. Thus he presse his fingernails into the soft tissue of his palm, leaving marks that he'd later cover with a set of gloves. Untill finaly she spoke, pulling him back to the the moment they shared. A fresh breath of air coursed through his longues.

"'Ofcourse-  i'd love to. It is not every day I get the chance to meet new people" these years it had especially been rare. Having been locked behind the castle walls for his own good aswell as that of the family he loved had not left him with much choicev as too how many new people he'd meet. And for a while, that had felt awefully safe, given it were strangers that had taken Regulus away from them. Always someone, there always seemed to be someone out to get them. But not her- she was here for the festivities and undoubtedly to meet a nobleman to marry- maybe him? His father seemed to hope so.

Upon hearing her further words, the prince smiled proudly- it was the one thing he had still going for him afterall. His family, his name- call it cocky, call it vein- to him it was only comfort. Love. "Marius Ylindar, at your service" he courtesied losely, a wafe of his hand to add a bit more pazas to it. If he had gotten a hold on a flower he'd be the picture perfect charmer.

There was something looming around her. Something Marius could not quite figure out- something that both scared him, aswell as pulled him in closer. As though she was ther eye of the storm, threat loominhg around a golden middle. Marius bit his cheek a little as his nails dug deeping into his skin- a reminder, a way of coping when silence fell between them once more and his thoughts had room to wander. Father had wanted him to impress her, not that it mattered truely. He knew of this, he had heard of it many times before. His marital path had been dug out for him way before he had the chance to meet her. Father and Governer Andreas had probably thought all of it out already. To the clothing they'd wear and the music playing at the feast.

In her looming stare, all of it crashed through his mind, like snow in a snowstorm it meandered the air in never ending circles. Never finding footing in the dark pits of his concious. Marius inhaled as he trashed around for grip- as before he fell, her soft whispers wove netting for him to fall upon, dragging him back to the service. She spoke of encountering many people- yet not finding joy always, well heck- if those words didnt ring familiar to him, he'd be the king of all of odiria. A tiny smile pulled on the corners of his mouth. The shapes of the world realigned slightly.

He introduced himself, finding comfort in his name, his family. Gods if only she knew of the extent in which her soft question that followed ruled true. And once again he found himself in horrid discomfort at the thought that he had to share such a life with someone else- perhaps the soft spoken woman in front of him. Father had told him all would be well- all would be solved and she'd have a life like no other. His hand would be just as valuable as any others. Worth as much as the rings hat decorated it. Marius had only nodded his head- bored of the lessons, Tired of trying. She hadn't asked him, her mumble had been mostly to herself- giving Marius the sense she truely was oddball- the kind biologist took interest in- not that he was one to judge, if biologists could pry him open they would without a doubt.

"It's your lucky day" he retorted, trying desperatly to keep the conversation light weight atleast. She continued- giving her his name, and though he knew hers already- he wouldn't play the all knowing god card today. Nodding his head at her curtsy. Wondering when it was that people just started to hop down upon meeting one and other. Such a strange habit if you really thought about it was it not? He grinned once more, overcompesating if you wil "Aaa see I already thought you were far from home"  he reacted clapping his demaged hands together "In that case we could end this tour of mine at the castle, i assume you will be staying there alongside your family right? gods that would make his life all the more easy. If not safer.

There it was. The thick barrier of clouds neared closer once more, Marius pulled onto one of the corners of his mouth when she questioned his statement. Feeling as though she doubted if it really had been great to meet him. What did she know? How much did she know- Was he the storm to her perhaps. did she fear for him, or did she proceed with caution. Cause if so, this whole courting season would be getting a whole lot more difficult. Even so- the prince attempted a follow up, a procession in this not so spontanious meeting of theirs. As his father would've wanted. And somewhere- as he himself wanted.

As, when the prince really thought about it, he was just a human, unable to look away from a big cloud. So, his smile remained- despite the hurting of his palms, he stood infront of her as the picture perfect prince was supposed to. Never faltering, Never ending. He tilted his head and asked about her current residence- which, as he had expected was indeed within the walls of his own home, thank Ranaan. Though lately he had started doubting her influence over the life she had given him.

"Well-  that is great then, remind me to offer you some tea when we arrive" he smiled with a nod of his head. Avoiding having to explain to her how he hadn't met her before that week. Because if he had to be honest- he had shoved this moment as far back as possibly could have. Refusing to give into the safety of his home once more, wanting to get out of the prison set up for him by himself and those he loved. Because- if he were to be married, he'd have too right? He had to get better if he wanted to give this lady a life worth living within the royal court.

In stress he bit his cheek, reddened his palms- yet he did not let her appearance leave his sight. Goddamn it was just a fucking tour. Why was this such a big fucking deal?  He took a breath, smiled losely. "If i told you it would cost us the charm of pleasant surprise, not?" he teased daringly as he signed her to follow "C'mon i will make sure it is worth your while" Ugh why couldnt they just hit the pub? Why was it improper to show a lady a good time there? "First though-" he stopped in his tracks and shot his look back at the lady "How are you with dogs?