nielsofdanes

[nielsofdanes]

I’m struggling a little to pick up threads after my hiatus, so please like this for a starter from Niels, Isabeau, or Nirmala. Feel free to specify for or from who if you’d prefer, otherwise I’ll choose! 

[nielsofdanes]

Niels had always been more likely to be found out of doors than behind the walls of his castle, and just because he was in France rather than his native Denmark, he didn’t intend to break the habit. He had been happily practising archery, happily shooting at game whilst his favourite hound bounded off to collect it’s prize. He had no need for the meat, and had sent one of his attendants into the city to donate to the needy. 

He was returning to the palace when he spotted the princess seated below a tree, and stopped to greet her. Sweden and Denmark were, after all, divided only by a little water. His hound trailed obediently behind him, halting when his master did. “I have the same problem, so I can empathise,” he pointed out, gesturing to his large frame. “Do you mind if I sit with you for a little while? I find myself not quite ready to return indoors.” 

Introspection, and reflection, was something Odette took a liking to. Not because she wanted to reflect on her character, or get in touch with her feelings, but mainly because it meant that she can isolate herself and watch people pass her by, without seeming like she was spying on anyone - because she really was not. No, she had enjoyed watching people interact, but even though she was an extrovert by nurture ( rather than by nature ), she had enjoyed a little alone time every now and then.

Leaned against a tree, the princess tilted her head, observing courtiers gossip, laugh and pretend. Pretense was always the easiest for her to discern, because people often failed to truly hide their faces behind a polite, courteous mask. She has seen a similar look on her mother’s face in more than one occasion. Her legs stretched in front of her, and her ankles crossed, Odette was deep in thought until she noticed someone standing in front of her. She quickly mover her legs into a more ladylike position.

“My apologies if I had nearly tripped you. It was not my intention. I tend to occupy a lot of space when I am by myself; particularly outdoors.”

[nielsofdanes]

queenecatherineofengland 

 Catherine chuckled as the King of Denmark spoke beside her, amused by his words. “The food is pleasing, that much I must admit, but the riding trails do get too familiar after such a short time, that I cannot help but to feel a little bored by them.” She replied, offering the King a friendly smile. “Paris itself is a charming little town, it is the courtiers that I am a little apprehensive of.” She added after a moment.

“In all truth, I am just spending my days waiting for my husband to arrive from England, for the signing ceremony, and it is a terribly dreadful way of spending one’s time.” Catherine chuckled. “And how are you enjoying Paris, your Majesty? Great food aside.”

“I don’t think I have ever felt boredom on the back of a horse,” Niels said, pausing for a moment to think about it. He adored riding in any forms, and scarcely noticed the trails beneath him. He supposed that if that was something that mattered, the routes would become repetitive after a while. “Perhaps we should ride out together when the weather warms up a little. I can’t promise new trails, but I hope the company will make up for the boredom,” he offered. He nodded, knowingly at her words. He had been warned, often and seriously, to watch out for those who would take advantage of his trusting nature, though he had done nothing to heed them. 

“I am sure he will be here as soon as he is able. I would certainly not wish to spend an time apart from my wife if I had one.” He paused to think of her question, taking time to collect his thoughts before responding. “I miss Copenhagen, and my daughter. Though I am enjoying having little in the way of responsibilities. It is rare I get to spend so long in other kingdoms. And what about yourself?”

[nielsofdanes]

fairduchess

“no guilt!” the grand duchess insisted, a smile growing on her sweet face as he boomed out his grand laughter. “truly! it was not your fault. i won’t hear anymore of it.” the redhead said with a sure little nod. she didn’t want him to worry too much, after all.

tatianna was glad to see him, truly. niels was quite good company, even for somebody liked her who much preferred her solitude. and, with good news from denmark, she was pleased to hear that things were going well – it allowed her to relax a little. the young thing had a habit of incessantly worrying about things well out of her control. “yes, i suppose that would inspire a lighthearted mood! one couldn’t blame you for that. tell me – have you been here long? i’m still finding my feet and have yet to truly form an opinion.”

“I am beginning to dread returning home to normality,” he chuckled, in reference to his lightened load. Of course, he still had some duties in France, but making allies and engaging in acts of diplomacy was far more exciting for such a social creature as Niels than economic policy or disputes over trading routes. “I have been here for a fair while now, though unfortunately nothing seems to have progressed all that while. I suppose that just means we have more time to spend with each other, doesn’t it?” 

[nielsofdanes]

mylesxmoravec

“i would not throw it hard enough to kill them - just maybe enough to knock some sense into them,” myles replied with a laugh. at the others suggestion of another glass, he finished the one in his hand. “you do not have to ask me twice. i suppose i should look on the bright side of things, at least they are serving us wine. i surely would not be able to tolerate this sort of celebration otherwise.”

“A great comfort,” Niels said, straight faced. Even if he was not smiling, the twinkle of his eyes showed his jovial mood. He gestured to the nearby attendant, who dutifully hurried over to refill their cups. “I must confess that I am not finding things here as intolerable as many others. It’s a nice break from having real responsibilities.” 

[nielsofdanes]

rosecrwns 

        ❝     many thanks ,    not  all  are  quite  so  understanding  .    ❞     irina  cared  little  for  the  opinions  of  the  others  ,    she  had  lost  much  already  and  would  not  be  leaving  her  child  alone so far away  .      ❝     still though I adore him            he  tires  me  so  .     ❞     but  that  is  what  governesses  were  for ,    after  all  .    the  countess  could  hardly  keep  up  the  energy  required  to  stay  upright  for  hours  on  end ,    let  alone  chase  after  a  small  boy  ,     her current state causing difficulties .    still  ,    she adored her firstborn  ,     and would spend as much time as she could in his presence  .    at his  words ,     she  laughed  .      ❝       yes  perhaps  so ,    still  i’m  sure  she’d  enjoy  the  time  spent  ,     does  she  enjoy  riding  with  you  ?    i  was  always  fond  of  riding  as  a  child  .    ❞

 “That sounds like it is more their problem than yours,” he offered a loping grin, touched by the mother’s affections for her son. “It’s plain to see,” he added, with a nod. He thought of his own children, his youngest girls who had passed from this world, and his dear Christina, his pride and joy. He yearned for the days when the laughter of a child was commonplace within the halls of his own castles. “She used to. Since the sickness that took her mother and sisters, her physicians don’t want her outside in the cold, for fear of what it may do to her chest,” he explained, awkwardly. 

[nielsofdanes]

mywhclewcrld‌:

“Isabeau.” He tried the name out, sounding thick on his tongue. “French, I assume? I came for solitude more than spiritual guidance. But you are right, I am sorely lacking in place of worship.” If Selim hadn’t mastered the art of lying with a straight face, he would have laughed. The only guidance he asked for was from his advisors, and even that was taken with a pinch of salt. “Of course, this room seems to be occupied by someone using it for it’s designated purpose, and I would never take away from that. Please, do not let me and my guards disrupt your prayer.”

“I am French by birth, but my heart is as Russian as they come,” she said, not missing the poetry in her words. Perhaps she should remember them for future use. “Solitude must be hard to come by with such a retinue,” she quipped, eyes raking over his guards. Despite him vocalising his intention to be alone, she didn’t budge from where she sat. “I applaud your ability to make the best of what is available. I always did admire resourcefulness,” her eyes twinkled with playfulness, even though she wasn’t sure how he would respond to her gentle teasing. “I’m sure we can share, provided you don’t mind the company.” 

[nielsofdanes]

Niels let out a laugh of mirth, nodding in agreement of the other’s sentiments. “I mean, murder isn’t really the best for morale, but that was ages ago now,” he said, insensitively. Had it been one of his own men, he may have felt differently. “But you are quite right. We must make the most of the moment. With another cup, perhaps?”

it was safe to say that myles had had more than enough to drink, but that didn’t stop him from requesting another wine from one of his staff. he took a long sip from his drink once it was placed in his hand before looking around the room. “i swear if i see one more sad face in this place - i’m going to throw my cup at someones head. this is supposed to be a celebration isn’t it?” he asked the person closest to him. “everyone looks so miserable.”

[nielsofdanes]

Whilst most of the foreign royalty and nobility were growing restless, Niels was enjoying the break from the pressures of kingship. He knew Denmark was in the capable hands of his council, who had far more of an input into the actuality of ruling than he did anyway, and he was in Paris as a representative and a mouthpiece for their country. It was a relief that the burden of responsibility had been, if temporarily, lifted from him whilst he indulged in his favourite pastimes, and he was content to stay as long as was needed. 

“Paris isn’t without its charm,” he protested, an easy grin showing he was amused by her words. “There are plenty of riding trails to follow, for example. And the food is good.” 

Catherine was in Paris for a total of five days now, and she was already quite fed up with it. She could not understand the fuss or the excitement about the town - it smelled, the people were annoying, and she was perpetually bored, with nothing to do. As a Queen of a country, it was required of her to be present at the court, at almost all times, but she was frankly done with it. Since her dear husband and King has decided to remain in England, she was, naturally, sent off to sign the treaty in his stead, and as a co-ruler of the country.

Catherine strolled in the gardens, her lips pursed in a dissatisfied manner, the frown only disappearing once someone fell into step with her. “Pray tell, when does the signing actually commence? I grow homesick, and so far I am not that impressed with Paris.”

[nielsofdanes]

saintlips‌:

‘   well,   that   is   certainly   one   way   of   viewing   it,   ’   she   replies,   putting   forth   a   great   effort   to   match   his   good   humour   and   ease.   but   her   nerves   would   not   allow   for   much   more   than   that   –––   since   departing  from   west   sweden,   the   implications   of   such   travels   left   a   sour   taste   on   her   tongue,   and   unease   stirred   in   the   pit   of   anine’s   stomach.   she   would   not   put   it   past   the   eastern   clan   of   stenbergs   to   send   military   force   to   reclaim   the   west   they   believed   was   rightfully   their   own;   the   concept   entirely   laughable,   in   her   mind.   though,   they   were   faced   with   the   question   of   whether   anyone   would   come   to   regard   their   rule   as   legitimate,   should   they   not   partake   in   the   treaties.   it   was   a   risk   she   had   to   be   willing   to   take,   regardless   of   how   such   decisions   weighed   on   her   mind.

Niels was not the most perceptive man, but it did not take a genius to figure out that something was bothering Anine, nor was it a huge assumption to presume that matters in her home that was on her mind. Niels had always been very accepting, and when he was informed of the events that had transpired in Sweden, he had not questioned them. But would he feel the same if it was his own daughter, or brother, dividing Denmark in two? He couldn’t say, and prayed he would never have to. “At this moment, you are every inch a queen, my friend,” he said, his voice soft in it’s sincerity.

[nielsofdanes]

fairduchess‌:

as her heart settled against her ribcage, the redhead reached out to pat his arm gently in an effort to reassure him that she was fine – and, furthermore, that her startled reaction was not something he should blame himself for. getting lost in her thoughts often lead to tatianna becoming rather melancholic and anxious. the grand duchess was often seen peeking over her shoulder already, and so these moods only seemed to aggravate the problem.

of course, he couldn’t have known that. “please, no apologies,” she said, before a shy grin grew across her face. “oh, well. i suppose it’s good to know that you find jumpiness charming.” she giggled, before nodding. “russia is as well as it can be, i suppose. and denmark? how is your dear country?”

Niels was always affectionate, even with near strangers, and small touches like the pat to his arm were enough to placate any concern he may have. He bestowed a warm smile upon her, mind well rid of all worries of having upset her. 

“As you wish,” he conceded with a nod of his head. “Instead of apologising, we shall simply agree to greet each other as friends in the future. As charming as your jumpiness may be, I do feel quite guilty when I am the cause of it.” He let out a laugh, a booming sound full of genuine warmth. “If only I were born with less responsibilities on my shoulders, so that I may visit more often. Denmark is well. We were lucky to have been untouched by war.” 

[nielsofdanes]

Niels’ laughed at the child’s exuberance, the carefree laughter of the young boy reminding him wistfully of his own childhood. “There’s nothing to apologise for, I think. It is good for a child to have such energy.” He beamed at the youth, pulling a face as they met each other’s eyes. “My daughter is 13 now. Far too big to be chased by her papa.” 

            laughing  loudly  and  with  no  reservations ,    the  russian  chased  after  her  son  untill  she’d  caught  him  tight  ,     near  running  in  to  another  .    tickling  the  child  ,    who  giggled  and  playfully  fought  his  mother  off  ,     irina  was  truly  at  peace  .     ❝     i’ve  caught  you  ,    sasha   !     mama’s  got  you  .    ❞     lifting  the  small  boy  in  her  arms  ,    she  pressed  him  to  her  hip  ,     smiling  at  the  new  arrival  .     ❝     i  do  apologize  for  that  ,    it  would  seem  my  son  has  far  too  much  energy  today  .    ❞

[nielsofdanes]

fairduchess‌:

it took all of half a second for tatianna to realise just how embarrassing this was. having humiliated herself in front of the king of denmark, bringing her arms up as if he was going to strike her, she tried not to let the heat rise too much to her cheeks. tucking her chin down into her chest, curls almost hiding her cheeks, she huffed out a little, before curtseying politely.

the least she could do was try and recover from this. 

“it wasn’t you, i’m sorry,” she insisted after she’d stood up straight again. “i was… in my own head. just thinking. it was a…” tatianna paused, trying to find the right words. “… a knee-jerk reaction. i wasn’t expecting company.”

the redhead hoped it was enough of an explanation without going into detail. “hello, your highness. believe it or not, it is nice to see you again.”

He didn’t believe her words. It wasn’t that he thought it was anything he did- he was always careful to take heed of the comfort level of others, but rather that there was something she was keeping under wraps. It was understandable, of course. It was hardly as though they were the best of friends, and she was under no obligation to reveal to him her secrets. 

“I apologise for startling you,” he said, sincerely. It had not been his intention to cause her any alarm, no matter how temporarily it had happened. “Though I do believe the pleasure is entirely mine. How fares Russia?”

[nielsofdanes]

He recognised the Grand Duchess from a distance, the distinctive red of her hair evident even from a distance. As far as he was concerned, the Russian royals were his family, bound together through the marriage of the Tsar with his beloved sister, and nothing mattered more to Niels than family did.

As he approached, it became clearer that Tatianna was in a meditative state, and hadn’t noticed his approach, even after calling her name several times. What was more, when she finally did take note of his presence, her reaction surprised him. It wasn’t the welcome he expected, but almost fearful.

“I only wanted to say hello,” he said, voice soft as he worked so as not to startle her again. “Are you all right?” he asked, lowering the volume of his words to little more than a whisper, granting her as much privacy as he could.

tatianna being nervous was not uncommon, but this was an incredibly important event that she had to get right. the redhead had spent most of the last five years charming her way through courts and becoming rather friendly with whoever she needed to. but this ? this was entirely different. there was less pressure behind her, more heartbreak, and an endless amount of paranoia. wringing hands pressed against her waist, shoulders tensed, and the redhead wandered through the gardens, trying to collect her thoughts.

deep breaths. deep breaths were good.

introspection was something she had embraced her whole life – even when her diary was spilling over about her crush on a kitchenboy, resulting in his death, tatianna had always made a point of reflecting. it was something she needed to do.

stuck somewhere in her mind halfway between the kitchenboy and the count, she didn’t hear the person behind her approaching. in fact, she hadn’t noticed them at all until they’d called out repeatedly, startling her out of her trance and flinching in surprise. as her hands came up to protect her face, it took her a moment to realise that, no, this person was not unkind, and she felt the horror drop into her stomach and the heat rise on her cheeks.

“i am sorry,” the grand duchess said softly, brushing down her skirt a little. “you startled me. i apologise for my rudeness, i was in my mind. what can i do for you?”

[nielsofdanes]

ascending-isabel‌:

Isabel could not register the monarch until the sun ray golden waves gleamed from a faint winter daylight shining through the stable boards. Fire eyes widened, shoulders smoothly rolled back as he took a second’s silence to comprehend her jest. “Dashing, hmm? Apparently rather humble Danish men are stowed away here, as well.” She smirked, sarcasm dripping thick at her feet as she dared to take a step further and pet the mane with a content sigh. “I’m afraid I cannot release you unless you surrender yourself to an English riding partner.” Her words were curt as she lightly patted the steed’s back, glancing back at the Danish king a moment, dark jetted brow raising and swaying in a dare ever so slightly. “Though these grounds have attained their fair share of danger… How am I to know if a wild Dane is let loose, that I’ll be safe?” She teased.

A loud peel of laughter burst from Niels’ lips, and he shook his head in response. “Humble is not a word we have in Denmark,” he replied, playfully, a wiggle of his eyebrow showing the lack of seriousness behind his words. He leaned against a beam of wood, regarding her with a relaxed eye. “We must do what we must do to earn our freedom,” he sighed, turning to fetch his own horse from where it was housed to prepare for their ride. “Even the wildest of Danes don’t bite. You have my word, no harm will come to you whilst I am around.” 

[nielsofdanes]

mywhclewcrld

“Oh, do you?” Louis smile grew wide and bright, not a hint of his intentions across his face. To any who looked, the prince looked like he simply enjoyed the game. Of course, he played a long game, one set four moves away. “Ah, it seems I must fold! You had the luck of this hand, King Niels, but I will get you next round.” He unclipped the broach from his cloak, tossing it across the table.

“That I don’t doubt,” Niels said, drily, placing his hand of cards down upon the table. He didn’t reach for the brooch, instead leaving it to sit in the space between them. “Come, you must deal now. It is all or nothing.” 

[nielsofdanes]

saintlips

‘   we   are   making   the   best   of   our   time   here,   ’   anine   says,   though   not   entirely   convinced   of   her   own   words.   being   on   such   a   public   stage   was   not   a   particularly   easy   position   to   be   in;   it   grew   tiresome  when   everything   became   a   question   of   loyalty.   while   sweden   had   stayed   clear   of   the   great   war,   it   seemed   as   though   everyone   in   attendance   had   something   to   say   about   the   current   state   of   the  divided   crown.

“I am glad to hear of it,” he said, sincerely. The gossip that plagued the state of Sweden had not missed him, though he was loathe to hear it, and he was sure Anine was well aware of the words whispered behind cupped hands as she passed. “Perhaps we are looking at this all wrong. It is, after all, a much deserved holiday for us, whilst we leave those we trust to rule in our stead at home. We would be fools not to take advantage of this rare opportunity.”