σн ∂σи'т ωσяяу, ωє'ℓℓ тαкє gяєαт ¢αяє σf нєя || echo

[mationix]

"Captain, we've located where the princess is," a voice called from outside Threuss' tent.  One of his soldiers walked in, his hands crossed over his chest.  "Sir."  He saluted to the captain, earning an airy wave in return.  Threuss glanced up from the map he was staring at, his thumb rubbing his chin, a frown on his face.

"Good, good," Threuss replied, looking like he was out in space.  "Send Sarec in, I need to speak with him."  With a wave of his hand as a dismissal, the soldier nodded curtly and walked out of the tent.  Threuss pinched the bridge of his nose, his headache flaring for a moment.  Of all the days where he needed to capture somebody, it had to be this day...  He really didn't have a lot of patience for people, especially his second-in-command.

Suddenly, something swooped into Threuss' tent, startling him.  A white and brown blur swung fly over his head, cawing repeatedly.  The thing landed on his deck, cocking its head up at him, almost scrutinizing the captain.  "Essom, you can't do that."  Sarec sauntered into the tent, giving Threuss a wide grin, before picking up the hawk and placing it on his shoulder.  The hawk nibbled at his hair, content with what it had done.  "You wanted to see me?"  Sarec asked, scratching Essom under its chin.

Threuss let out a sigh and put his fingers together, peering at his second-in-command.  "I need you to bring a couple of men to go capture the princess.  There's a multitude of guards outside and inside the castle, naturally.  Though there's extra precautions: apparently, there's to be a large festival.  People from all over Aquos are traveling to see her.  I need you to get in and out without so much as a peep, you understand?"

Sarec nodded, his smile fading into a serious line.  "Of course.  I'll be heading out after sunset.  Essom will go out and scout ahead, tell me what's going on and when."  He lifted his arm in the arm, the hawk spreading its wings and letting out a caw.  It lifted itself into the air, made a u-turn, and flew out of the tent.

Threuss nodded.  "Dismissed."  Sarec saluted his captain and walked out of the tent, his hands behind his back.  Let's just hope this goes as planned...

[~echo~]

The young woman, named Alianna, was still in her room, preparing herself for the festival in honor of her birthday. Her father always planned something of the like for her birthday, but this was her sixteenth birthday and she had come of age now. She wore a gorgeous light blue dress that touched the floor. The sleeves were so long that they, too, were just barely above the ground. A darker blue belt adorned her small waist and her golden hair was loose and wavy, reaching down to her waist.

Alianna examined her reflection in the ornate mirror, going over every detail to make sure that she looked wonderful for her party. Finally, when she was satisfied that she looked presentable, the young woman put her shoes on and rushed down the stairway. Her father had warned her to be on her guard, but she had barely listened and was so caught up in the smells and sights of the festival when she got to the courtyard that she didn't pay attention at all. She found a few of her noble friends and they all danced together, a circle of beautiful girls celebrating the birth of their leader.

Alianna tired after several hours of dancing and merry-making and so she walked over to a bench surrounded by a bush full of lovely-smelling flowers. She sat gracefully and took out a fan, fluttering it elegantly in front of her face to cool herself down. She was still not on her guard, so happy was she to be of age. If her father died now, she could legally take control of the kingdom since she had no brothers and her mother was now barren. But she didn't think of this at the moment.

(This is her dress: i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh145/xmrsdanifilth/Medieval%20Renaissance%20Victorian%20Clothing%20Fashion/Blue-medieval-sari.jpg )

[mationix]

A hawk perched on top of an elegantly crafted window pane, constantly hopping up and down it, like it was trying to get a good view of her. For a moment, it stood there, as still as a statue. Suddenly, it spread its wings, letting out a screech, and swooped down, grabbing pieces of her hair and yanking on them with its talons. Clicking its beak, it yanked harder, pulling out a couple of strands. It took to the sky, letting out a victorious call. The blond hair shone in the setting sun, as the hawk did a loop in the air, like it had somehow won.
---
Threuss yawned, blinking blearily as he tried to stay awake. He was so close to her. He had to stay awake and hear from Serac. If only this type of news traveled faster; it seemed like the more he wanted something, the slower it got to him. And oh, what would he do with her once he got her. A sharp smile grew on his mouth, as he leaned back in his chair. Time was slowly dwindling to a stop, though he could wait. He was a very patient man.

[~echo~]

Alianna leaped up and let out a yell of surprise, hitting at the bird with her hands to get it away from her head. When it pulled out her hair, she yelped and then watched as it flew up into the sky. A few of her friends rushed over. "Alianna," one of them said, "what happened?!" The princess narrowed her eyes at the bird wheeling in the sky before turning to her friends and mustering a smile. "A bird just landed in my hair when I was resting. No harm done. Go back to dancing, make merry!" When her friends all left to go to the dance floor, she rubbed her head and glanced worriedly at the sky.

[mationix]

(Oh, very pretty! c:)

As soon as the sun almost disappeared over the horizon,something swooped into Threuss' tent. Essom flew around in a circle, screeching cheerfully, when it finally settled on Threuss' desk and set down something shiny. The captain glanced down, slowly picking up the strands of hair, a slow grin widening. So it had begun...
---
Serac crept around the walls of the tower, waving his hand for the two men he had brought, to follow. He pointed towards the top of the wall, the other two instantly reaching into their pockets and pulling out rope. Serac tied the two ends of the rope together, nodding in satisfaction, and reached into his pocket for a hook. He bound the hook around the rope and took a small step back. Swinging it over his head, he finally tossed the rope up, the hook catching on the top of the wall. Yanking on it, to see if it would hold, Serac finally started to climb, jerking his head for the other two to follow.

[~echo~]

The party was still going on, but Alianna was still sitting. Something foreboding had made her feel as though she didn't have much energy, so occasionally she would beckon to her friends to come and talk to her. Mostly, though, the girl was alone. She watched the party from a short distance, studying the nobles who had come to help her celebrate. Her father was sitting at the long table for the royal family and was laughing heartily as he ate. Alianna smiled at her loving, sweet father. She would miss him when he was gone.

[mationix]

Serac leaped down from the wall, the other two thieves following suit. Hearing the loud voices of the party, he put glanced around, trying to find a suitable window to get into. If he could just find a place where it was close enough to the room, though not too close to arise any suspicion, that would be perfect. Unfortunately, the closest window to the party was nearest the stable. A little irked that that was his only option, he motioned for the other two to follow him. As he crept around towards the stable, sounds of people walking came from around the side of the castle. He grabbed the other two and shoved them down the rope again, swinging himself down it. If nothing else, he could use this to his advantage; who said that the only way to get into a castle was sneaking around? Looking like a soldier sounded pretty good right now, it would mean no more worrying about hiding in the shadows; hiding in plain sight was the best way to go.

[~echo~]

Alianna finally decided to go dance with her friends, quickly moving to the beat of the dance and laughing with her friends. Several noble boys watched her and her friends and Alianna quickly blushed and looked away with a shy smile. Her friends encouraged her to go talk to them, but the princess knew her father wouldn't want her to be interested in marriage just yet.

(Will you rp one of her serving girls that gets captured with her? So we can roleplay when she escapes Threuss xD)

[mationix]

(Of course! c:)

Serac cracked his knuckles, trying to get used to this new set of clothes. It hurt like h***, though he wasn't going to complain about it now. Threuss would hear about this, sooner or later. Glancing down at the knocked-out bodies of the two soldiers, he nudged their shoulder; in the morning, they would only remember blacking out, with only a sore head. "Prop them up over there," he whispered, pointing to the wall on the side, "Make it look like they passed out from too much drinking; no on would dare think otherwise if they saw these two passed out." The two nodded, grabbing the underarms of both the soldiers and laying them on their sides. Serac frowned, though shrugged. "Good enough." He crossed his arms and said, "You two stay out here, while I go get the princess." With a nod, he set off, walking into the castle, trying to look like he knew what he was doing.

As he got to the room with the party, he walked over to the king, and tapped him on his shoulder. "Sir, I have news of some lunatic running amock. He's causing some disturbance down in the servant quarters and is working his way up here. I've heard that he plans to...'see' your daughter. Please, allow me to bring her up to her room, where I will stand guard to make sure he doesn't touch Princess Alianna."

[~echo~]

The king glanced up at the supposed guard and frowned deeply. If his dear Alianna was hurt.... He nodded immediately. "Of course, sir. Please make haste!" He looked around, suddenly nervous now that he thought a lunatic was running around in his castle. He then caught his daughter's eye and smiled at her. The princess made her way over to the king, looking at him curiously. "What is the matter, father?" The king stood and hugged his daughter from over the table. "Do not worry, love. Just go with this guard here to your room- he will protect you from the danger lurking in our castle." The princess gazed suspiciously at the guard but got over it and nodded. "Very well, father. Be safe."

[mationix]

Serac smiled warmly at the princess, his eyes growing wide for a moment, then returning to normal. "Right this way, princess," he said, bowing to her and gesturing with his hand for her to go outside the room. His armor clanked together, as he headed out of the room, his head held up high and his shoulders back. It was going smoothly, a little too smoothly, though he could let that pass. For now at least; there was bound to be some hitches along the way. Though for right now, he was content with it going nicely.

[~echo~]

The princess reluctantly followed, her steps slow and careful. She turned at the door to wave at her friends and smiled at them. "I'll see you later! Serena, please come with me to my room," she said to one of her serving maids. She then walked out the door, hoping Serena was right behind her.

[mationix]

Serena frowned at the guard, suspicion evident on her face. She couldn't help it, just something about him set her off. It was a big feeling, granted, though still, it was mildly irritating to not know why. "Of course, m'lady," she murmured, curtsying to the king, before quickly following after her princes.
--
As they neared her room, Serac took a step back, smiling pleasantly. "Here we are, Madame. Let me check inside, just in case he had gotten in. I would hate to go through all of this trouble, only for the lunatic to be inside, waiting to spring at you," he said, tilting his head to the side, waiting for her to wave him away or accept his offer.

[~echo~]

The princess shook her head. "That will not be necessary," she said, glancing at Serena. She shared the same feeling. "I think it will be quite alright." The princess opened up the door, gazing around at the lavish apartments. "That will be all."

[mationix]

Serac's smile wavered for a moment. OK. Here was the hitch. He had been hoping to surprise her when he entered her room, though it seemed she wasn't as cowardly as other princesses. Now what...? He bowed to her, his hands behind his back. "As you say, m'lady," he said, closing the door behind him.

Serena pursed her lips, hands on her hips. "I don't like him," she hissed, taking Alianna's arms and setting her down at a chair. She started braiding her hair, shaking her head as she did so. "Be careful now, you hear?" Her servant paused and glanced at the door. "He gives me a bad vibe, if you ask me..."

[~echo~]

The princess turned her head as the door closed to stare at it, as though a lunatic really would jump through it. She let the servant start braiding her hair, smiling slightly. "It'll be okay. But I understand- I got the same feeling." The girl looked at herself in the mirror, feeling that she had wasted the day.

[mationix]

Serena muttered inaudibly under her breath, shaking her head. "You go to bed, my dear. I'll keep watch," she said, glancing back at the door with a frown. There was barely anything she could do, but whatever she could muster up to protect her princess, she would gladly do. "Tomorrow, brings a new day, rest for now," she said, turning to look at Alianna, a warm smile on her face.

[~echo~]

Alianna turned her head to look at the servant, her blue eyes wide and trusting. Serena was her lifetime friend. She smiled at Serena and stood from the chair, undressing herself and then redressing in a sleeping gown. She crawled into her luxurious canopy bed and looked once more at Serena. "Good night," she whispered before closing the canopy curtain to shield her from the light in the bedroom.

[mationix]

Serena looked away respectfully, as Alianna changed. Despite her being the princess' servant, it was a silent rule that no one should look at someone changing; the nude body was a sort of precious art to these people, only to be seen by someone's husband or wife. She turned around and got to her feet, walking around to the chair beside the bed. "Good night, Princess Alianna," she murmured, leaning back against the chair, watching the door with a sort of fervent aura.
----
Serac crept back up the stairs towards the princess' room, the one of the soldiers he had brought along in tow. The other one was waiting outside her window, clothes in his full of chloroform. Serac slowly opened the door, gesturing for the other to open the window. As soon as it was open, the second soldier leaped into the room, tossing a towel to Serac and putting the one he held on the mouth of the princess. Serac swiftly walked over to the servant and pushed the cloth under her nose, frighting her to consciousness. She struggled to fight him, her yelps muffled by the rag. After a couple of seconds she lay limp, a smirk of satisfaction crossing Serac's face.

[~echo~]

Alianna had slept peacefully for a while when she heard the muffled screams of her servant and then felt a hand over her mouth. She, too, screamed against this hand and then bit it, struggling to get out of the bed and away from the person whose hand had held her. She suddenly found herself against the wall of her bedroom. She pressed against it, her eyes wide and watching to see who would come out of the darkness. She saw the limp Serena on the ground and pressed a hand to her mouth. "Serena!"