adrian-blackwell-blog

[adrian-blackwell-blog]

「 .*·。ﾟ❝ Callisto❜❜ ｡ﾟ･*. 」

His eyes widened subtly upon getting a better look at the face before him, attempting to conceal shock and anxiousness. Callisto simply smiled and silently signed the documents offered before finally speaking. “Guards, leave us,” he suddenly commanded in a firm tone, waiting until everyone vacated the room. Once the two were finally alone, the young King pursed his lips, chin held up in unwavering confidence. “You’re a splitting image of your Father,” Callisto stated, steering the conversation towards the right direction. Might as well get this confrontation over with. “You have your Mother’s hair as well.” He swallowed hard and stood up from his throne. “I’m delighted to meet you at last, Prince Adrian.”

"Thank you your Majesty, my father would have been proud to hear that at least in looks we have something in common." He smiled.The moment the king's demeanor changed Adrian knew he was made, but he stood there waiting for the king to recovers which was impressive, he might add. It's not everyday this thing happens and as a king, one must posses flawlessness and confidence and the king had delivered it fairly well. He waited as the king of diamonds commanded the others to leave them- his hands clasped in front of him. "I'm afraid that title is no longer mine, Your highness." Course the king would recognize him- heaven knows he was expecting everyone who had seen the portraits of his parents to do so. "Adrian Blackwell is a duke and your knight - Adrian Landmere does not exist anymore"

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「 .*·。ﾟ❝ Oskell❜❜ ｡ﾟ･*. 」

This time Oskell did, indeed, snort at the other’s words. Ah, how the other judged him. Oskell truthfully didn’t see himself to be a judgmental man, he didn’t believe in the rumors and gossip that swirled around and the reputations places received… Even still, he said nothing and just began to lead the knight away from the training ground and to the wagon that sat just off of the road, his horses moving to eat the grass that resided there. “Here we are,” the forgemaster stated before he walked around his wagon and pulled out a shield, one that was pristine in condition, and he held it out for the other to inspect. “Consider this an apology from the forge. Had I known what the apprentice was workin’ on, I would’ve had ‘em work with a veteran smith.”

"I wasn't really that much upset on the quality but rather at the attitude of the one that provided me the shield." He replied. Though admittedly he was pissed about the possibility of the forge giving soldiers that kind of shields - one apprentice had manage to soothe him. He took the shield, looking at it with appreciation before looking at the forge master. " I wouldn't really expect anything but this kind of quality from your works." He complimented, well his version of compliment anyway. "I trust your apprentice had relayed my desire for your forge to commission a sword for me?" He asked. "I'm expecting this kind of quality to it."

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「 .*·。ﾟ❝Simon❜❜ ｡ﾟ･*. 」

Simon has been out of shape just a tad, while he was visiting the kingdom of landmere he thought he would just stop by the training ground and get a good workout in, thinking none would be training at this hour. Dressed in a loose white shirt, he stumbled a bit not expecting seen just standing there, shirtless. ‘’ Sorry I wasn’t expecting you to be here at this hour, my apologize.’’

"It was no trouble sir, I just wasn't expecting anyone else to be up." Adrian stood his ground but manage to bow his head as respect when he recognized the man before him. He hadn't really had the chance to encounter a royal during his time away from Landmere- being treated as a commoner, he realized is different as acting as one. He may be a duke now but a king is still a king. "Did you want to use the equipments yourself?" He asked as he gestured towards them. "I am finished with my training Sir."

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I always do.

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「 .*·。ﾟ❝ Callisto❜❜ ｡ﾟ･*. 」

Nothing brought Callisto greater satisfaction than to see people bow before him. To see everyone show reverence and admiration certainly boosted his ego. He perceived the handsome fellow to be a knight who originally came from Landmere rather than a Gliserian citizen transferred here via his command. “Charmed I’m sure, Adrian,” Callisto replied, taking a good gander at him once more. He furrowed his brow, finding how the other man avoided eye contact to be somewhat peculiar. “Lovely. I certainly hope there aren’t any conflicts with our neighboring Kingdoms. We’ve made our borders quite prominent.” The young King nodded his head, beckoning for Adrian to approach. “Come closer. There’s no reason for you to hide such a handsome face.”

“I wouldn’t be anything but charmed my king.” Words flow smoothly out of his mouth. Compliments get you places, it was a thing he had learned over the years. He took a step forward and tilted his head up but of course kept his eyes down, often trying to think of what training a person have . “With all due respect my king, Even if we didn’t establish the borders, I’m certain that somehow they’re going the find a reason to create conflict. They, of course don’t like the fact that we did so but I assured them it was only necessary for us to protect Landmere.” He finished and gestured at the documents that need signing. “Is there anything else I can do for you, your Majesty?”

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「 .*·。ﾟ❝ Damian❜❜ ｡ﾟ･*. 」

“I can assure you, sir, shoddy work like this is not the norm here. Our work is supposed to be the best, not…” he grimaced at the shield, fingers tracing the dented metal. Yeah, Oskell was definitely not going to be happy about this. Damian looked over, studying the sketch the man held out. “Hm… our forgemaster is away on a trip right now, but I can have his second-in-command handle this. I would say… maybe two months.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” Adrian clasped his hands behind his back as he watch the young man. “Well, I want the best materials used in this- how much will it cause me and will you guys be requiring down payment. I want it rushed and I’m willing to pay double.” He finished. He tilted his head. “Should I wait for your forgemaster or are you allowed to accept this kind of commission?”

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「 .*·。ﾟ❝ Alden ❜❜ ｡ﾟ･*. 」

The knight’s words prompted another bout of laughter. “You took that to heart, didn’t you? Those words were told to keep our warriors thinking that they die for a just cause.” Alden shook his head, he pulled his sword from the sheath but didn’t move to get to training just yet. “What you’re going to leave a fellow knight to train on his own?” The blond pressed a hand to his chest. “Where is your sense of brotherhood?”

"There's no such thing as just cause." He replied. Being raised as one to take the throne he has been trained and thought over again over again that sacrifices must be made and sometimes those sacrifices are lives. "We live and die fighting for causes that doesn't even make sense most times." Soldiers were nothing but pawns, give an order and they'll always lay their life on the line. "But to answer the question yes but not because of that ideology." He finished before gazing at the horizon. "I wasn't planning on leaving, I was merely sitting and observing." He said in a correcting tone. "My my such talent for acting- least we know that you can take a job at the High Mason if being a knight doest work well for you. "

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「 .*·。ﾟ❝ Eamon❜❜ ｡ﾟ･*. 」

It was easier to focus with the Knights shirt tucked at the waist but, even then, he was still intimidating; distracting to look at. “It’s Eamon Lunellyn, Ser. I’m a butler for the King though so, by stature, my name isn’t that important. At least not as important as yours would be, which I would love to learn.” The young man responded, his arms folding neatly behind his back out of habit as he used all of his will power to hold onto a semblance of eloquence. “I am, honestly. I’ve really never seen something like that done before, the way you moved was… mesmerizing.” Taking a step back, his cheeks flushing a bit at the question, Eamon licked his lips and furrowed his brows as he slowly shook his head. “I– I probably shouldn’t. I’m not sure I could do anything like that– and even if I were capable I’m not sure the Head Butler would appreciate me needing my clothes cleaned because I dirtied them by falling; or something along those lines knowing my luck.”

“None sense- I wouldn’t know what to call you then if I don’t have your name right?” He raised a brow. “Adrian Blackwell, member of the knight.” How do one introduce themselves with title? He doesn’t know, back then, someone was tasked to announce his arrival and departing now he just say what comes to mind. “Well, For that I’m gonna have to thank my mother for making me attend all those dancing lessons when I was a child.” He let out a laugh. His mother insisted that he did attend those lessons- and God he hated it, it was a lot difficult to learn how to dance than to fight but somehow it taught him a lot more. “You wouldn’t exactly know until you give it a try.” He tempted. “You know you want to do it, what’s stopping you?” He added, there was something wrong about limiting a person - Adrian hated limits so he tries hard enough to push. “And don’t fret- we can always say I made you do it.”

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「 .*·。ﾟ❝ Eamon❜❜ ｡ﾟ･*. 」

Eamon might have been a simple servant, a butler to the King here in Landmere, but even he should have known not to stare. Yet, despite being raised to be better– to behave properly– he found himself lingering, safe in the shadows, as he watched the Knight train. The poor boy was so shocked that he’d been discovered he wasn’t able to compose himself quick enough; he wasn’t able to keep his eyes from wandering over the Knights bared torso, subtly licking his lips before finally speaking up for himself. “I– I apologize, ser, I didn’t mean to sneak up on you. I was simply… distracted.” He was always drawn to the knights, he longed to be one of them after all, but right now the boy was a bit confused; he was feeling a bit more than innocent admiration and respect. “The, uh, the way you train is rather impressive.”

"What's your name?" He said as he tucked his shirt on his waist. He raised a brow at the look he was given but said nothing- as far as he's concerned it was most boys dream, one of being a knight. Practically everyone wanted to be knighted and admiration comes with it. He looked at the pole he was hanging on earlier. "Impressed with my training? Flattery will get you far." He smiled-for him there was nothing impressive about his training at all but the kid was trained well enough that he knows he should dish out compliments like bread when it comes it. "Do you want to try?" He gestured.

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「 .*·。ﾟ❝ Alden ❜❜ ｡ﾟ･*. 」

“Oh – but the ego.” Alden proclaimed as he walked closer. “You know, enough of our men have fallen victim to believe in those words a little too much at times.” The knight moved to set his sword aside, wearing just a simple linen shirt that wouldn’t restrict his movement when training. “I am sure though our own King of the Diamonds would be overjoyed to know his knights hold themselves in such high esteem.” Alden joked.

“I wouldn’t blame anyone but them, those words were told not only to hold Landmere’s people in highest regard but also a reminder that they should be aware and on guard at all time.” Adrian practically quoted a whole passage about the knights. Living with that belief should knows that it’s a challenge that goes both ways- Challenges for foes that will try and prove them wrong and challenge for them to prove it’s right. Adrian left out a chuckled. “He’s gonna be thrilled.” He said in a flat tone as he sat on the ground. “All yours.” He gestured at the training equipments as he reach for his satchel of water.

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「 .*·。ﾟ❝ Damian❜❜ ｡ﾟ･*. 」

His brows rose in surprise as the dented shield clattered onto the table - he hadn’t seen anything so… ugly in quiet a while. “One of our workers?” Damian asked, frowning slightly. Oskell would be livid if he heard news of one of his workers trying to sell something so disfigured to a knight (he assumed, judging by the stranger’s armor.) “No, sir, of course not. I sincerely apologize, whoever did this will be dealt with accordingly,” Damian said, standing to properly address the knight with a smile. “To make up for it, I will get you anything you want, Sir…?”

"Sadly." Adrian gave a tone that portrayed the disappointment he was feeling. And it was kind of unfair of him to treat this one alike the one before him- so he nodded. "It's quite alright- I just wanted to take it to someone's attention. If they were providing me this kind of shield what kind of shield have you been providing our men?" Being on the field, he experienced first hand the problems his people have. Adrian was a better knight than whatever he was destined with. "I need someone who'll forge this sword for me." He said pulling out a sketch. He knows well enough that a good sword would probably takes months at to make but it was fine. "How much time will it take?"

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「 .*·。ﾟ❝ Oskell❜❜ ｡ﾟ･*. 」

A chuckle left the forgemaster’s lips at the other’s words, only for him to shake his head as he lifted a broad shoulder in a shrug. “Can’t say I have. Only heard that ‘bout men of Tyric, not men of Landmere.” It was no secret that the men of Tyric were seen as ruffians and barbarians given the reputation the kingdom possesses, and while he knew the men of Landmere were certainly more skilled than most would think… he wasn’t afraid. They were dignified and proper, after all. “But I came ta deliver ya a shield, crafted by m’self, so ya don’t gotta worry ‘bout the state of it.” After finding out that one of his apprentices had made a mistake when making the shield for the other, the forgemaster certainly wanted to rectify it. The last thing he needed was for Thika to lose its reputation. “S’in m’wagon if ya want ta go and take a look at it fer yerself.”

"You should spend a lot of time here then- you might find it enlightening forgemaster." He could very well dish out judgment because that's what he think he heard on the other's voice. Comparison is not something he appreciates and he paused to look at the man. And though he was disappointed at the worker the other day, the action of Oskell be it because of genuine sincerity or just pride was very much appreciated. Thika had and always been the crown's go to forge. Adrian nodded and gesture for the other. "Very well,." He said - over a decade out of Eborune didn't washed the years of etiquette training or much less the command of being a royal blood. He sighed. "Lead the way."

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Adrian had been up at the all night- plague by nightmares , it's not an easy fit to find sleep.He set to find place to train and found himself on the kingdom's training ground. He sighed when he felt a presence.He dropped down and grabbed his shirt and offered a raised a brow at the figure - he couldn't really see who was. He didn't even realized that it's almost dawn. "Anyone ever told you it is not wise to sneak up on someone from Landmere much less knight?"

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「 .*·。ﾟ❝ Nico❜❜ ｡ﾟ･*. 」

“The necklace?” Nico hadn’t paid too much for that to begin with, and it wouldn’t take much for him to make his money back. This man seemed really genuinely interested, though he didn’t understand why, if he was so sure that he couldn’t afford it. “One gold. But if you’re looking for a gift for your lady or something, surely there are more affordable options,” he said with a cheeky grin.

Adrian gave a smile, a smile he had practiced during his early years. He deep his hands from his pocket grabbing a gold and offered it to the merchant. "You wouldn't happened to remember where you got this necklace?" He inquired- last he saw it the old man was clutching it like a life line worried about him. As much as he didn't want to ask and bring attention to himself he just couldn't find it himself to just not care. "Was it an old man? Did he sold it to you?"

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「 .*·。ﾟ❝ Callisto❜❜ ｡ﾟ･*. 」

Guards and servants alike stepped aside as Callisto walked the long corridors of the Landmere Palace. Each one bowed their head respectively or curtseyed, paying proper respect to the sovereign monarch whilst offering him small praises of adoration. Callisto’s long white robe ever so elegantly slides against the marble floor, his diamond crown sparkling brightly at the light shining through the tall windows. “His Majesty, Callisto, King of Diamonds” a voice loudly proclaimed. As if on cue, two guards opened the large double doors, allowing him to enter the throne room. After taking his seat, he flashed a pearly white smile at the stranger who requested an audience with him. “To whom do I owe the pleasure for this lovely visit?” he asked in the sweetest of voices.

Adrian mechanically bows his head, as he took in the king’s appearance before consciously putting his head done- a fear that someone he’s gonna be recognized for who he is . “ Adrian Blackwell” He said - now being someone trained to be the one being bowed it - it took him years to practice how to be the one doing so. “I’m was the knight sent to patrol and hold the boundaries and I am here to give you the report of the current state of our borders.” He didn’t actually need to be here- in fact he insisted that he should just leave the papers and have the king sign them and come back for them when they’re done. “Your signature is needed before I take it to the records master.”

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「 .*·。ﾟ❝ Damian❜❜ ｡ﾟ･*. 」

When Damian heard the sound of someone calling out to him, he perked up from the stack of papers he’d been reviewing for the past hour to see who wanted his attention. “Is there something I can help you with?” He asked with a bit of a forced smile, not wanting to sound rude to the person despite knowing he had a lot of work to get through. He could at least spare a couple minutes.

Adrian looked at the shield he was carrying and dropped it on the table. “One of the workers tried to send me off this damaged shield.” It was actually fine at first when he asked it replace but when the worker had tried and told him that he should pay for a new one he almost flew the handle. Thika had always been the best forge around - this was just bad business deal he didn’t want to with. He wanted to order a new set of armor and sword now he’s just tempted to order from another, but it all depends on how the other was gonna treat him. “Is it how business is done here?”

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“Probably but can I at least know how much it cost?” The words are out, he didn’t even need to think of it - all because he’d know the trick of the trade for years now- how merchants try and milk extra money, something he became versed on during his years of travel.He gestured at the simple silver necklace - one that had been his once, a long time ago. One that he gave to someone that saved his life years ago. There was longing when he looked at it- one he didn’t need to fake because faking a little longing but not too much , was a sure way to at least sway a merchant or two to lower the prices. He adjusted his cloak- old and ratted but comfortable. “Please.”

“I mean no offense, but I am certain those are out of your price range,” Nico addressed the man perusing the wares at the makeshift stand he’d set up in the back of his wagon. He had thought this road a prime location, considering the amount of travelers passing through, but so far he had only been approached by people who didn’t have a coin to their name. The merchant had things to sell to them, too, but it wasn’t nearly as fun. He could swindle an extra coin or two from the rich simply because they had it available to spend and wanted to prove it. The easiest way to do this, of course, was by suggesting they were poor.