[M/IC] A Lost Heart (J'Von and Naming)

Seated on a small wooden stool within the depths of her parents room, Amelia watched herself in the large vanity mirror that stood opposite. The young princess’ gaze drifted over her features idly as she waited, before turning to the small patch of grey scales that marred her otherwise fair skin. Twisting her head a fraction to get a better view, Amelia would bring a hand up to probe at the rough edges of the scales, where they began to creep around the edges of her jaw and cheeks. The scales were firm under her fingers, and rough to the touch – a palpable manifestation of her family’s claim to the throne, and proof that she possessed the blood of the divine dragon

“Don’t pick at it, Amelia. You know better than that”

“I wasn’t!”

The princess quickly dropped her hand, looking sheepish as her mother stepped into view. The similarities between parent and child was immediately obvious; they both had the same blonde hair, the same blue eyes, and the same gentle features. Of course, the two were hardly identical. The queen’s face was marred by the lines and wrinkles of age, and she seemed possessed of a lithe grace that her young daughter had never quite been able to emulate.

The queen shot her daughter a dry look, their eyes meeting briefly through the mirror, but said nothing more. Instead, she moved to take up position behind her daughter, kneeling down with a brush in hand. Slowly, she would reach out and begin to run it through Amelia’s hair. The two sat there in silence for a moment, the young princess trying to resist wincing every time her mother forcibly untangled a knot. After several moments, her mother would speak again.

“Amelia, I want you to tell me about what happened the other day. The incident with the stable hand” she would finally offer.

Though she often tried to spend time with her daughter in this fashion, the queen had an ulterior motive for inviting her here this day. The princess, unfortunately, seemed unwilling to comply. She immediately fell silent, shaking her head with no regard for her mother’s task of brushing her hair.

"Amelia" the woman repeated, exasperation clear in her tone. Still, the child refused to respond. Setting the brush aside, the queen would rise to her full height and step around in front of her daughter, kneeling down before her.

"This will not do, child. You are destined for greater things, but you shall never accomplish them if you spend all your time dwelling on a single mistake” she would utter softly. Reaching out, she would gently brush back a stray lock of her child’s hair. Relenting, Amelia would finally look up, meeting her mother’s gaze. Tears twinkled in the corners of her eyes now, threatening to spill forth.

“Oh, my poor dear” the queen would finally relent, pulling her daughter into a gentle embrace. She would pat the back of her daughter’s head gently, cooing softly as she tried to soothe her upset child.

“You have a great heart, Amelia, but will only discover it to be so through trial. Such has always been the way of our family. If you can speak with those you trust, it may very well help to ease your burden. Emotion is not a sign of weakness, no matter what your father may tell you, and a problem shared is a problem halved”

The small child only nodded in response, face nuzzled against her mother’s collar.

~~~~

Amelia woke slowly at first. A soft groan escaped the princess as consciousness returned, and she quickly buried her head back in the pillows, silently willing the waking world to abate and sleep to return. Several moments passed in silence, before she would finally give in when it became apparent that the opportunity had passed.

Now twenty-three years old and a woman grown, the princess was a far cry from the young girl she had once been. Still protesting the day's beginning, the princess would slowly push her upper body up off the mattress, hair falling about her face in messy ribbons.

"Why now?" the girl grumbled softly to herself, bringing a hand up to rub at her eyes idly for a moment. It had been a great many years since she and her mother had spent time together like that, and now she was awake and aware of the disparity, it was somewhat jarring.

Doing her best to push such thoughts from her mind, the princess would finally throw back the covers of her bed. With a considerable measure of reluctance, she would shuffle across to the edge of the mattress, before finally rising. Dressed in nothing but a relatively thin nightgown, she would take a moment to stretch; a soft yawn escaping her mouth unbidden in the process. Wandering towards the far side of the room, she would draw back the curtains covering her window. Early morning light streamed into the room, and Amelia was forced to spend a few seconds blinking rapidly as she waited for her eyes to adjust.

From the looks of things, the sun had just finished rising, which meant it wouldn't be long until Veikto arrived to rouse her and help her prepare for the coming day. Whilst the former was clearly not necessary today, both her assistance and presence would be welcomed with open arms.

It was just a dream. A dream that woke her from her slumber. Her eyes open wide and scared. She takes a deep breathe and exhales slowly. Realizing of what she had dream about was nothing. Though her skin was covered with sweat. Her body cold and chill. She noticed the window was left open and she could hear the wind breeze gently. She laid on a bed that was her size. Her room was like the others but each had their own. Unlike the regular servants that have duties. Her duty was with the young lady.

She gets up slowly and sits on one side of the bed. Her head lowered with her hand touching the side of her head. Wondering what the dream she had was about. Thinking only for a minute to herself. She had realized the sun itself had not appeared yet. The night was still dark and covered with stars. She took this opportunity to get up rather early than her normal waking schedule.

The window was still open. Veikto walked over to gaze outside for a bit. She leans a little over the edge and the wind breezed by her. Her skin felt the cool chill as the sweat covered her body. It felt relaxing and relieved. The sun was close to rising but not yet fully over the edge. Looking over her shoulder and sees the closest nearby Veikto walked quietly and pulled the door handles. Multiple sets of the same uniforms were hanging inside. Each one similar to the next. She grabbed one set and placed it on the bed. She walked over table that had a large bowl and a pitcher next to it. She lifted up the pitcher and filled the bowl with clean water. She grabbed a sponge and dipped it in the bowl. She squeezed it and started dabbing where her sweat had laid. It took her a couple of minutes and finally walked over to a mirror with many selections of make up.

Though she preferred to use black eye lining and shadow, she was not much effected by the other colors. It did not take her long until she finally decided to dress herself. The sun had finally rise'd up and shines into her room. Tying a ribbon on her back and looked at herself in the mirror. She examined herself and pondered about herself for a moment. Thinking about her childhood as she recalled a few of them. Glimpsing at a second of each one, she only remembered pain and suffering. Anything else was a blur.

She pushed those thoughts away and takes another deep breathe before leaving her room. She knows the lay out of the servant quarters like it on the back of her hand. Others were lost or puzzled of where to go. But it only took her seconds to find the kitchen area where the cooks had prepared the royal household meals. She entered through the door and sees one of the cooks had finally placed the last plate on a tray. "Veikto. Good morning." The young man said with a smile on his face.

"Good morning." She replied with a smile on her face. "Is her favorite dish ready?" She asked examining the tray. She checked each one carefully before picking up the tray with both her hands.

"It's all set." The cook answered.

She nodded and picked it up and left the kitchen. She walked down the halls and up the stairs where the royalty family had lived. Others like her followed with trays as well but once they were on the same floor they moved in different directions. She found herself standing in front of the young lady's door. She knocked several times before letting herself in. "Good morning m'lady." She said softly. Trying her best to not fully startle the young lady. She noticed the curtains were already opened and Amelia was standing there in her night gown.

She quickly walked to a table and sets the tray down. "You know your not supposed to open the curtains on your own." She simply said walking to the window and looked outside. "What if a guard sees you in your...night gown?" She blinked several times while looking at Amelia. "That would considered rude and disruptive."

Amelia would linger by the window for several moments longer, enjoying the kiss of the sun on her skin. The moment would be fleeting, she knew, and so she wanted to make the most of it. As if on cue, a sharp knock sounded from the door on the far side of the room, and the princess knew her moment of relaxation had passed. She would glance over her shoulder just in time to watch Veikto slip in the door, tray laden with breakfast held in her hands. Amelia would smile upon seeing her personal assistant and friend once more, turning to face her good and proper.

"I would be somewhat offended if it didn't. In any case, what is the point of being a princess if you can't even open your own curtains in the morning?" she asked rhetorically, a wry smile flickering across her features. Despite her verbal objection, though, Amelia would comply with the implications of her friend's statement, turning and stepping away from the window without any further argument. She would stride towards the table where Veikto had set down breakfast, leaning forward a fraction as she stared down at it. She would eye the bread, fresh fruits, and spiced game eagerly for a moment, before closing in her eyes and inhaling deeply for a moment. Once again, Veikto had brought a selection of her favourites. The smell alone was enough to make her mouth water.

"Ah, it smells wonderful. The chefs have really outdone themselves again" she would remark idly, slipping into the seat nearest to where the tray had been seated. Reaching out, she would eagerly pull it towards herself, before picking up her cutlery. She would start with the fruit, popping a single piece into her mouth. As could be expected of a meal served to royalty, it was nothing but the best, both crisp and juicy. Once she had swallowed, the princess would turn her attention back to her friend once more.

"You slept well, I hope?" Amelia would ask between mouthfuls, immediately taking another bite of her meal as soon as she had spoken, whilst she waited for Veikto to respond. Small talk and polite inquiries were hardly common between the royal family and their attendants, but Amelia was more than happy to make an exception for someone who had been with her for so long. She would work her way through the various parts of her meal, not finishing any one of them in its entirety. Amelia had never been a big eater to begin with, which was perhaps unsurprising given her relatively small stature, and had been brought up believing that it was unladylike to scoff down an entire dish.

She looked around the window to see if any guards were nearby checking the area. Luckily there weren't any around. She sighs softly and watched as the young lady quickly moved to the table where her breakfast had set. Shaking her head softly as she stuffed her mouth of food. Her attention had caught the bed as it was undone. Walking over to the large bed Veikto grabbed the sheets and blanket. It didn't take her long to fix the bed completely however when the young lady asked about her sleep. Veikto had a pillow in her hands and gives it a slight squeeze.

"It was somewhat unrestful." She admitted. "I keep having the same dreams over and over...I am not sure what it's all supposed it means." After fluffing the pillow and placed it down on the bed. Her eyes slowly looked to the young lady and chuckled softly. "I'm sure it doesn't mean that you should eat your food like that." She walked over to the table. Standing next to her friend she reached for napkin and dabbed the stains around her lips. Her eyes were gentle as her lips smiled. "Wish I could eat that quick." Commented on the empty plates and cups. She pulled away her hand and rolled the napkin aside. "Today there is a small tournament held in your families name...I'm sure your father is currently checking the field for any surprises once the Emperor arrives."

She reaches for the tray and picked it up. Walking over to a wall that had small doors, she opened it and sets the tray on a flat board. She gives a small tug on the rope and then the tray started descending slowly. "Shall we get ready for the day?" She asked over her shoulder, closing the doors.

The princess would hesitate between bites briefly as she listened to her friend's honest admission. A dissatisfied frown would flicker across her features briefly, and her brow would furrow. Naturally, Amelia disliked the idea of her closest friend suffering as such, inevitable as it may be. This was hardly the first time she had heard this story, after all, and yet things remained the same. For all the power the lofty position of Amelia's birth afforded her, the dreams of another were well and truly beyond her reach.

She would start briefly as Veikto suddenly started rubbing at her mouth with a napkin, but didn't stop her. Instead, Amelia bore the treatment with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. She was always so focused on maintaining her image whilst in public that she had a bad tendency to relax and neglect the basics whilst in private. The thought was quickly driven from her mind by the talk of the upcoming tournament.

"Ah, that's right. I had almost forgotten" she would answer, a wry smile flickering across her features. She would set her cutlery down in time for Veikto to take it away with the rest of her meal. The princess would rise from the table and let out a soft yaw, before giving a bit of a casual nod.

"The red dress today, I should think. The one with the golden embroidery" she would declare rather simply. The princess would make her way over to a small screen set up in the corner of the room, quickly slipping behind it to undress. Within moments Amelia had shed her nightclothes, all whilst trusting Veikto to grab the dress she had decided on and pass it to her so that she might change in privacy.

After several moments, when she had finally finished, Amelia would step back into sight. She seemed an entirely different person now, clad in the finery of court. It wasn’t just the clothes, either; The princess now stood with her head raised slightly, and her shoulders pulled back. It almost seemed as if her entire demeanour had shifted, that she was now wearing the proud and confident face that she wished to present to the rest of the world. A far cry from the casual, open person that she truly was in their scarce few moments of privacy.

The princess would take a few casual steps towards her friend, one hand clasped to her breast, before turning away from her. Doing so revealed the laces that ran down the back of her gown, which still needed to be done up. Many of the finer pieces in Amelia’s wardrobe were so lavish that they required the assistance of a servant to put on completely, and this one was no exception.

“Would you be so kind, Veikto?”

She walked into a large closest filled with hundreds of fancy clothing that was hanging by sections. Searching for the dress the young lady requested her eyes examined piece by piece. Finally what felt like a long walk she had found what she was looking for. The dress that was beyond perfect for the young lady. She even grabbed a matching shoes to go with it. Returning to the young lady with her clothes she mentioned. Handing over the items near the privacy area. Veikto had her eyes closed mostly since she knows where the hamper, small bench, sitting stool, and many other things.

Veikto waited by cleaning up mostly around the room. Picking up dirty clothes the young lady had used and tossed. Desk top covered with many items and unorganized. She heard her friend walked out of the privacy area and looked to see her in the dress. She smiled slightly and watched her as she turns around and said. “Would you be so kind, Veikto?”

She nodded in agreement and helped with the lacing. Pulling and giving it a slight tug she was able to finish in seconds. "Looking rather beautiful today." She said looking at her back as her fingers continued checking the laces. "I think your father had requested your presence nearby the tourney grounds. Something about wanting to check the woods to make sure it is safe for the Emperor's arrival." She takes a step back and stood in a appropriate manner. "I heard from the guards there is something lurking around...stalking villagers and patrols." She looked to the window and observed the forest beyond the walls. "Something...dangerous."

Amelia waited patiently as her companion worked, lacing up the back of her dress with a speed that was almost enviable. The princess would endure Veikto's ministrations with patience, knowing her repeated checks to be both beneficial and well-intentioned. She would glance back over her shoulder at her companion briefly at the compliment that was hastily thrown her way, a fond and satisfied smile flickering across her features, but Amelia would refrain from responding. Her grin would fade a little as their discussion turned to darker things, and she would turn away again, contemplating Veikto's words briefly. Such news was concerning, but the truth of the matter was yet to be confirmed.

"I'm sure it will be alright. Father must be confident everything is under control if he has invited me to join him out there, despite the supposed risk" she would offer simply, even as she waited. Once Veikto was finished with the laces on her dress, the princess would take a small step forward. She would spend a few moments stretching, testing that they were neither too tight or too lose. Satisfied with the work of her companion, she took a few quick steps towards her dressing table, seating herself in front of the mirror.

“We’ll keep it simple today with the hair. Don’t want to keep my father waiting any more than necessary” Amelia interjected simply, reaching out to pick up a carved comb up from the table, before holding it up for Veikto to take. Truth be told the princess half wanted to head out immediately to see the king, given his request, but he would still want her to look presentable for the remainder of the tournament. Once her companion had begun, she would continue.

“In any case, the tournament is meant to be a day of fun and excitement. I’m not going to let an issue for the guards ruin that if I can help it…and even if something does happen, I’ll have you there to look out for me, Veikto” she would answer whilst she sat patiently, watching her companion by means of the dressing table’s gilded mirror.

Nothing was ever simple with the young lady. She expected to be simple but in reality she wanted something fancy to her taste. She takes the comb and started grooming her hair softly as always. Her hand moved swiftly and the other held the hair as she combed gently. It didn't take her long as she managed to make a style to match the dress she worn. In her mind simple but elegant was her calling.

Listening to her words as she double checked the hair. She takes a step back and placed her hands behind her back. She looked at the mirror and takes in a deep breath. "If you wish for me to protect you m'lady...then I will need a permission paper to access the armory." She remembered she had to check in her sword once she was relieved from her presence. And each time she surrendered that sword she felt weak.

The princess allowed herself the luxury of closing her eyes as Veikto took to her task, a small smile curling up the edges of her mouth. This was probably the part of her morning routine that Amelia enjoyed the most, and she was content to just relax and enjoy it. Such was part of the reason that she insisted on even a mild attempt at styling, just as much as her father's expectations. When Veikto was done she spent a few moments turning her head from side to side, examining the results of her servant's work. Like always, Veikto had done an amazing job, performing the task she had been given to the absolute best of her abilities. Satisfied, she gave a simple nod by the way of a response, before rising to her full height again.

"That problem is solved easily enough" Amelia would announce rather simply. Stepping away from the stool, she moved over to her writing desk. Grabbing a fresh piece of parchment, she set it down in the middle of the table, before grabbing a quill from her desk. Cracking open one of the inkwells on hand, she glanced back at Veikto for a moment.

“Bring me a candle, please”

She spent a few moments writing down her message. The content of the letter itself was rather standard, and Amelia worked quickly. She felt no sort of hesitation about allowing her access to a weapon whilst the two of them were together, given the trust that they had built up in their time together. When Veikto arrived, the princess pulled open one of the desk’s drawers, before withdrawing her seal. With quick and fluid motions, she pressed a dob of wax down into the bottom of the parchment, before marking it with the seal, which bore the arms of the royal family. While it didn’t carry as much authority as the seal her father kept, it would doubtless be enough for something like this.

“Come, let us go. You can collect your sword on the way” she answered when she was done, straightening up, before turning for the door.

She gives a slight nod and walked over to another desk. Instead of regular candles like the others this one had a red set. She grabbed one that was already lit and filled with liquid wax. Walking over the young lady's desk and waited by her side as she wrote on the paper. She was swift with the writing and each time she was finished the writing itself was astonishing. Veikto liked how she writes.

When she was done writing she handed over the candle and watched how she carefully poured a small amount perfect for her seal. Receiving the letter and placed it in one of her many pockets. She slowly smiled when she spoke about her sword. Though the armory had a set for servants like her. Though it is very rare to have servants like Veikto. Sword talent, skilled in battle. The Minister thought it would be wise to have the servants not only carry a sword but armor as well. Though they wanted to make it clear to not make look like they wearing it, but concealed.

Her armor was thin like paper but tough to penetrate. It was chain mail and very light. It felt like she wasn't wearing it all. She would follow the lady to the armory but while picking up her sword she took the liberty to quickly dress into the armor. It only took her seconds put it on and fix her clothes. Placing the sword on her back as always and followed the young lady once more.

Her father was sitting on a horse near the tourney grounds. Observing young men and women who prepared to participate in the tourney. Training to perfect their skills in combat and wit. He kept his back straight and slightly looked over his shoulder. "Ah. My daughter has finally come to join her father." His smile was not big but more like a grin. "The elite troops are on their way. They will be assigned as guards while we conduct a field inspection." He looked to his own servant. A woman with long black hair that was combed neatly. Slim body and was dressed almost like Veikto but differently. "Bring a couple of horses for my daughter and her servant." He commanded. The servant nodded and gives a gentle kick to the side of her own horse.