Hazardous

Spring, Glyndwr

Nereus sat alone in the darkened room; he had liberated the small bedchamber of its previous occupants. One of the perks of being the crown prince was getting what he wanted, when he wanted it. But in truth this tryst would surely see him beheaded rather than crowned. His father, the High King Rylan, had been forced into another marriage after the loss of Nereus’s mother. It was some age old rule according to the brotherhood, which stated no king of Theyrn was allowed to die without a queen at his bedside. And while Rylan was not too far off his death, his willingness to remarry had been all but non-existent.

Nereus had found himself in the bed of his new mother. She was a princess, from the isle of Corraidhin. An island so small it barely deserved the title. Corraidhin was the last kingdom to be founded, fifty years previously. Once Ryker was named king and Lyle joined the ranks, there would be a whole of 5 kingdoms included in the empire of Glyndwr. An empire Nereus would inherit.

“Waiting for someone?”

Nereus looked up, she had appeared. Her hair was like the autumn leaves he remembered treading through as a child, with bright green eyes that stirred him inside, he was weak to her.

“Clio” Nereus said softly.

He watched as she smiled and came closer, her gaze dribbling down him like fresh running water. He wished he could blame her for their involvement, but the truth was far less obvious. Upon meeting her at her wedding to his father, Nereus had briefly complimented her beauty. Several nights after, she appeared to him in her nightgown. Ever since that night she had made a habit of appearing before him when he least expected.

“The Elder Nerio keeps pestering the king,” she told him, finally moving close enough to touch “Insisting that the king impregnates me, in case of your death.”

Nereus nodded, “Makes sense. I get badgered everyday about taking a wife.”

“Will you?” She sat beside him, peering at him with uncertain eyes.

“It’s not as if I can’t,” Nereus shrugged. “I need an heir, else let the crown fall to another.”

He leaned back to take a better look at her, she was so young, he wondered at her wanting of him.

“What if… I gave you an heir?” She asked tentatively.

Nereus groaned inwardly, “You’re my mother. It can’t be,” he told her solemnly as she took a seat beside him.

She looked unhappy, her lower lip pouting outward. Nereus smiled at her, reaching out to clear away a stray hair. In truth, he knew who is intended was – and he knew that he had no choice in the matter. Although the Brotherhood had not gone public with his betrothal, it was set like a stone beneath water. And in a way he preferred it that way, his marriage would be an agreement, a contract. He would save his heart for others, like Clio.

“I’ve heard your sister will be sent away soon,” Clio said, looking up into his eyes.

He gave stiff nod, “She should have been married a long time ago, but there wasn’t anyone particularly suitable.”

Nereus watched her as she nodded her understanding, looking away as she considered speaking what they were both thinking. His sister Neith was not married because for so long her unofficial betrothal to Ryker had gone on as a huge disagreement among the church. A great many hoped for a marriage between the Ryker and the princess – those great many who also believed that Nereus was not worthy of his father’s crown, being an unmarked son of Theyrn. Though it was not uncommon for the sons of Theyrn to be unmarked, Ryker’s birth had sowed the seeds of doubt in the kingdom.

“Well, I’m sure she will make a beautiful bride,” Clio said finally. “And you will make a fine husband.”

He simply nodded his agreement, his mind drifting from the conversation. It wouldn’t be long before everything changed, his sister would be gone and he would be forced into a marriage bed – he would have to have a marked son, in order to quell the rumbles of doubt about his worthiness. In the meantime, he hoped that Clio could continue to keep him warm during the cold nights – even if her position as Queen was hazardous to their health.

Interest Known

Spring, Glyndwr

A songbird fluttered outside the castle window, Neith could hear its song despite the wall between them. She stood away from her desk, where the letter lay. The letter which had informed her rather roughly of Ryker’s impending wedding. She of course would not be attending, as the church was deftly negotiating her own marriage. Neith was the princess of Glyndwr, and therefore a tool at the Brotherhood’s disposal. Her chest ached, as she stared off into nothing. Although she had known for some time, that Ryker would be married to another woman, she couldn’t help the burning sensation of loss. As children, they had been told they would wed, and spent many hours in supervised visits, ‘courting’ her father had called it.

Neith had always been a quiet child, but somehow Ryker had managed to break through her barrier with his mischievous smile. It was her brother Nereus who told her the reason she would not be his bride. Rumours had circulated, by the rebellious few in the church who had pushed for Ryker to be named her father’s heir – instead of her brother. Ryker bore the mark of Theyrn, whereas Nereus did not. If Neith was married to Ryker it would reinforce the bloodline – and those rumours against Nereus would no doubt spur an uprising. Instead, she would be shipped off to one of the other kingdoms. The Brotherhood was hoping for a bond with Maela; however the alternative was Ruadh – where she would most probably become a second or third wife for one of their princes.

The door creaked open but Neith knew who it was, so she did not move. She had summoned Sofia not long before, intent on finding out as much as she could about Ryker’s new bride. She wasn’t sure why it mattered; it wasn’t as if she had any power over the situation. She waited and listened as the door shut again, and heard the girl step forward and curtsy.

“Princess,” Sofia chimed musically.

The two of them had grown reasonably close since Sofia’s arrival. She had been sent to wait on Neith while seeking a husband; it was obvious she was not able to gain one on her own. Neith finally turned to acknowledge the girl; she walked to her and smiled gently.

“How do you fair?” She asked Sofia plainly.

Sofia was of Maelan descent, on her father’s side. Her mother was Ruadhian, and she had spent her childhood in the kingdom of Ruadh. Neith had heard that Sofia’s father was not inclined to his ancestral custom of a matriarchal society. He had fled Maela in exchange for Ruadh, where he’d married a noblewoman and gone on to father several children. Unfortunately, Sofia was not exactly an appealing young girl and she did not make up for her lack of beauty with personality, so far as Neith had gathered.

“I am very well,” Sofia answered. “What of you, Princess?”

Upon further inspection, Neith could see she was nervous. It was understandable, being summoned by the princess without prior awareness of such a meeting. Neith smiled a little, she did not need the girl to be at unease.

“Let us sit,” she said, extending her arm. “Have you any news to share, any men to tell me of?”

Sofia followed her toward the table, “I’m afraid I’m only a little more desirable than before I came here – not that your highness hasn’t aided me immensely.”

Neith smiled again, giving a nod to acknowledge the truth in her statement. Neith had tried every trick in the book with Sofia, such as donning her in the latest fashions and having her attend every gathering alongside her. Sofia simply had very little to offer, she was timid with herself and yet forward with her politeness, when she spoke it was almost as if she was reciting a chapter from a book. She had also shown little interest in any man she had been presented to, or at least she had not made any interest known.

Neith sat down first, with Sofia waiting politely. It was a wonder that the girl hadn’t been forced into a marriage by her father already.

“Would you like a drink?” Neith offered, gesturing to the cups available.

Sofia looked horrified, “Princess I would not mean to impose –”

“I’m not thirsty either,” Neith interrupted.

She was growing impatient, eager to get to the point of the conversation. It seemed Sofia too was curious to learn the reason for her presence, as she had begun to fidget in her seat.

“Princess,” she began delicately. “If I have caused you offence in some way –”

“You haven’t of course, I doubt you ever could.” Neith said, “I’ve been told negotiations with Maela are going as expected.”

“Regarding your marriage?” The girl’s eyes lit up, “I have heard the prince is very handsome.”

“You have never met him?”

Sofia looked taken aback, “I haven’t been to Maela.”

Neith continued as if Sofia hadn’t spoken, “Your family in Maela is very connected I’m told, in fact your aunt is set to be married to Ryker.”

As she said the words, she felt her voice crack. Something welled up from her chest and into her throat, she gulped it back.

“My aunt?” Sofia seemed surprised, “I have two aunts –”

“Leda, her name is.”

Neith watched as recognition washed over the girl’s face, she flushed a little before speaking.

“My aunt Leda,” she said. “That is surprising, although I guess it does make some sense.”

“She has ties to the Brotherhood?” Neith asked eagerly.

“Well,” Sofia continued. “Sort of, she was sent to a house in Maela to be raised under the church – or at least an unofficial branch.”

“The Sisterhood,” Neith nodded knowingly.

The unofficial branch Sofia spoke of was known as the Sisterhood, not officially sanctioned by the church but somewhat supported. Neith knew it had been started by one of the previous Maelan queens – with the intention of providing Maelan born wives for the noble folk in other kingdoms. Beforehand, Maelan women had struggled with adjusting to life outside the matriarch.

“But,” Sofia added. “My father has implied that she was past her marriageable years – and that she would go on to act as a carer for new girls sent to the Sisterhood.”

Neith did not speak for a moment, her mind ticking over the new information. Sofia was suggesting that her aunt was too old – or at least beyond the regular years of a new wife. It was puzzling that the Brotherhood would choose a woman potentially unable to provide an heir for Ryker – although she supposed that she too was on the further end of the scale in regards to marriageable age. Her troubles had been due to the question of Ryker, whether or not he would be her husband had remained uncertain among the Brothers for a long time – and now that he was to be married, she was free to as well. Neith smiled broadly with the thought that perhaps Sofia took after her aunt – perhaps Ryker would be dissatisfied with his new bride, although unlikely, this thought made her feel a lot better.

A Keen Eye

Spring, Lyle

Leif stretched his arms out and groaned with pleasure, there was nothing quite like the release Meli offered. She lay splayed on the bed before him, watching him with a keen eye. They had met on the journey to Lyle, and her company had cured him of the boredom of travel. Although he had thought to stop his involvement with her after they arrived, her closeness and availability had made that difficult. She was quite pretty, in certain lighting. She had a plain face with dreary brown hair, but it was the blue of her eyes that had drawn him in.

“Are you off to see the king?” She asked him, perched on the bed.

“Maybe,” Leif answered mysteriously.

He loved the way she doted on him, always looking up at him as if being a member of the church somehow made him divine.

“Is the new queen beautiful?” She asked.

“I haven’t seen her face.”

He was getting annoyed with her, despite a part of him understanding her curiosity about such things. He went to turn away, hiding his disgruntled frown.

She whispered, “I think I’m carrying your child.”

“What makes you think that?” He looked back at her, scanning her naked body for any noticeable signs.

“I have a feeling,” Meli grinned at him.

There was something magical about her smile, something that broke the barrier of seriousness in him, causing him to smile as well.

“I can’t marry you,” he said, still smiling.

“I know.”

It was true although senior priests were allowed to take wives and have families; he was only new to the church. And if he ever did decide to marry, he doubted it would be to someone like Meli, as much as he did like her.

“If it’s a boy –”

“I know,” she repeated, interrupting him. “If it’s a boy then I must send him to the Brotherhood.”

“Yes, and I’ll be able to recognise him as my son.”

“And if it’s a girl?”

Leif shrugged, finally turning away from her, a girl would not concern him.

Fast Friends

Spring, Lyle

The scent of salt was strong today, Carver noted to himself as he went about his work. He had only lived on the island of Lyle for a short time, yet the place already felt like home to him. Maybe it was because he never really had a home, growing up as a second son – unwanted by his successful father. His mother had always been kind to him though, and it was after she gave her blessing that he had the courage to journey out to sea. He had been one of the first to be recruited to settle the island, as the Brotherhood had named a king to rule. Since they’d arrived though, many workers had fallen ill and some had even died. Carver had found himself with a larger workload than anticipated, and more responsibility. Somehow, he had pulled through it strong, and had been given recognition for his efforts. 

He had even been asked to meet the king, which frightened him greatly. His wife Mairi did not share his fears, in fact she had urged him to go ahead and even ask the king for greater reward for his work. She had always been more spirited than he was. She had arrived some time after he had, as were the rules for the first settlers of Lyle. Women were only allowed on the first boats if they possessed some kind of skill that would aid the cultivation of the land. Mairi was a cook and a seamstress, she could not bend metal or carve out stone. She had however, decided she would be the first to give birth on the island. And since not many of the workers had brought their families over yet – it seemed she would achieve her goal.

Carver was petrified of being a father. Mainly he feared the infant dying at his hand – his huge, dangerously clumsy hands. From what he’d seen, babies were fretfully fragile things. Despite his fears, he’d always hoped to have many children, although he had yet to discuss his desire with Mairi. She would be a wonderful mother, he knew, with her strong will and maternal passion.

There was a brisk knock at the door, “Working on your day off even?”

Erick Ingvar stepped through the open doorway, his tall yet slender frame casting a slim shadow over Carver’s papers. Carver smiled a little, although Erick was a nobleman and Carver was commonfolk, the two had become fast friends during their time in Lyle. 

“You want this village done within the year, don’t you?” Carver responded sarcastically.

“Done enough to live in yes,” Erick said with a wink. He walked over to Carver’s work desk, “The king has arrived and is happy staying in a tent for the time being, but I daresay his future wife won’t be so adaptable.”

Erick’s gaze was fast and deliberate, as if he was clueing puzzle pieces together as he observed his surroundings. His blonde hair and pale skin gave him away as hailing from the matriarchal kingdom of Maela, although his accent was lightened by years of travel.

“The main quarters will be finished soon, I assure you.” Carver said, “I understand that the other ships are arriving now too? Carrying all the women and children?”

Erick nodded, “Hopefully the men won’t be spending so much gold on the whores rather than getting the work done.”

“Well then…” Carver turned to stand up, “Does the king still wish to see me?”

“Yes, he’s very interested in meeting you – He’s already gone to the village site and seen the construction in action.”

Carver felt his cheeks heat and he smiled a little, he was nervous to know what the king thought of his work. As if she sensed his uneasiness, Mairi appeared from the other room. She stood a length shorter than either of the men, and her brown hair was left in curls and resting on her shoulders. To Carver, the protrusion of her pregnant belly made her appear even smaller and more breakable. 

“Is that a Maelan I hear?” She joked, “Get him out of here Carver, before he starts planting flowers all over the place.”

Erick and Carver laughed heartily, it was a common stereotype that all Maelans loved flowers – due to the abundance of greenery in Maela.

“Ah, Mairi” Erick said with a sigh. “When are you going to leave this old klutz and run away with me?”

“I won’t be running anywhere until this thing gets out of me,” Mairi groaned.

Erick laughed again, “Don’t talk too soon; I hear newborns can be a handful.”

Carver nodded in agreement, his fear of breaking the poor baby was secretly debilitating. If he had his way, the child would be born and grown without his interference, or at least without him having to hold the infant.

Modest Aura

Spring, Lyle

Ryker Theyrn was finally going to have his own kingdom. He had been taken from his birth parents because of a mark on his cheek, and raised as a prince. It was a system that had worked for more than a century now; babies who were born bearing the mark were taken in by the church and later gifted land to rule over. The Brotherhood believed that those who had the mark were descendant from their prophet and hero, King Theyrn. Theyrn had gathered all the savage men and women, ending all wars and creating the empire of Glyndwr. Ryker was the first commoner born with the mark in fifty years, and his ascension to kinghood was finally here. The Brotherhood had chosen an island called Lyle, which had been inhabited only by a few mercenaries for several years now.

Ryker and his advisors had arrived barely a day ago; the land was very flat, consisting of diving valleys that stretched out toward the horizon. The island was small; however the open fields almost tricked the eye. The air felt cleaner somehow, and Ryker felt a swelling in his chest for the island. Lyle would be a good place, he believed, a good place to raise a family and live harmoniously, he would make sure of it.

“Sire,” Arni called from behind where Ryker stood. “Are you ready to meet your queen?”

“I’m not king yet, Arni” Ryker replied over his shoulder. “And she’s not my wife yet, so how could she be my queen?”

Arni laughed cheerfully in agreement. Ryker was not certain on his thoughts of the men the Brotherhood had sent to be his advisors. Arni – the senior of the two, had a large belly for a man sworn to serve the church. And the other, Leif, appeared to be younger than Ryker himself. But in a way he was relieved to be away from the constant gaze of the Brotherhood, as he was finally being given the freedom to become his own man.

“Sire?” Arni asked tentatively, appearing at Ryker’s side. “You’re being very quiet.”

“I’m full of thought,” Ryker answered. “What do you know of this woman they’re sending me?”

“She’s very beautiful,” Arni said persuasively.

“You’ve already told me that,” Ryker replied with a snigger. “What about her temperament? And her personality?”

The older man gave a desperate shrug, and Ryker turned away from him with a sigh. He supposed it didn’t matter, he had to marry her no matter what she was like. The Brotherhood had spent a long time trying to find the right woman for him, so he’d been told. Originally he’d been informally betrothed to Princess Neith – daughter of the High King Rylan. He wasn’t completely informed on why that betrothal never went ahead, but he’d never really imagined himself married to Neith either.

Ryker looked up hesitantly as the ramp was lowered onto the sand; he cleared his throat and nervously straightened his back and squared his shoulders. Three figures made their way deftly down onto the beach, each hooded and cloaked with their faces hidden. Two of the women stood either side the one who Ryker guessed to be his future wife. He stepped forward as the women came to stop in front of him.

“Welcome,” he said. “This is Lyle, and I am Ryker.”

“If you’re Ryker,” the woman on left blurted. “Where’s your crown?”

“He has yet to be crowned,” scolded the woman on the right.

Ryker nodded, hiding a smile. “That’s correct, I’ll be crowned once the building of the church is completed.”

“As it is written, ‘a church of the Brotherhood cannot be called so without the crowning of a king to bless the stone.’”

Ryker blinked and looked at the woman who had spoken; she stood with a reserved kind of grace and was noticeably shorter than the other two. Her head was dropped low and he couldn’t quite see her face, but Ryker felt the flutter of excitement in him. He swooped toward her and reached for her hand. She pulled away at first, surprised by his sudden approach, but relaxed her hand into his. 

“I’m Ryker,” he said to her alone.

“My… Name is Leda,” she replied shyly. 

He did not move away – he stood there waiting and watching her. She stared away from him, with her head tilted down. He still had not seen her face. Slowly, she began to inch her gaze up at him, and he waited patiently. He liked her already, for some reason. Perhaps it was the softness in her, the quiet and modest aura she possessed. Whatever it was, he told himself, he would have to send a thank you note to the Brotherhood.  

Carver Elwood

Title: Master Builder
Spouse: Mairi
Biography: Carver is the second born son of a wealthy foresting family from Glyndwr, his elder brother Boyce was set to inherit the entire family fortune. Because of his lower rank as a second son, and his yearning for more in life, Carver agreed to travel and settle in Lyle, with his new wife Mairi.
Carver's skill as a carpenter earned him a high position in settling Lyle, and was soon befriended by Erick Ingvar, a respected noble who quickly appointed him as Master Builder. Many of the structures in Lyle are his designs, or modified versions of his designs.
Oddities:

• He has an intense wish to have a large family, although he hasn't shared his thoughts with his wife yet.
• His father might have disowned him when he decided to go to Lyle, he didn't stay to find out.
• He loves his wife, but sometimes her forwardness makes him feel uncomfortable.

Leda Ciel

Title: Queen Consort
Spouse: Ryker Theyrn
Biography: Leda grew up in a care house run by the Theyrn Brotherhood,  mostly she was only tutored by the Brothers while being cared for by priestesses called the Sisters. Although she was in frequent contact with her family, she has always felt distanced from them - and even spiteful toward her mother. Her younger sister Aura later joined her in the care house, and alongside her best friend Linda, the three were constant companions.
The cause of her living in the care house was to find her a suitable husband, which according to custom should have occurred when she was a lot younger. When she was told that she was being considered as a possible wife for the new King Ryker, she was filled with anxiety and doubt of her own qualities.

Oddities:

• She has a passion for gardening, although her passions were heavily frowned on by the Brotherhood when she was growing up.
• She believes she has an almost telepathic connection with her sister, the two are able to communicate without words by merely exchanging looks.
• She suffers from terrible anxiety, especially surrounding the pressures of being married to a king and bearing healthy children.
• She is constantly wary of any male attention, most likely due to the strict instruction of chastity from the Sisters in the care house. 

Ryker Theyrn

Title: King
Spouse: Leda Ciel
Biography: Ryker was born to a fisherman and his wife, he was taken as a babe by the religious group called the Theyrn Brotherhood because he had the 'Mark of Theyrn' on his cheek. He was raised in a castle and educated as a prince in Glyndwr, under the belief that the god and king of kings, Theyrn, had chosen him to one day rule.
As a child in Glyndwr, Ryker was treated well even by the High King Rylan - who also bore the mark. However Rylan's son the High Prince Nereus despised Ryker as Brotherhood extremists believed Ryker to be the true heir of Glyndwr because Nereus did not bear the mark.
Initially, the Brotherhood planned for Ryker to be wed to Princess Neith, twin sister of Nereus. The two were forced to engage in chaperoned visitations, and they developed a sort of bond. While Neith was always reserved and withdrawn, Ryker was eventually able to goad her into smirking or even laughing at the awkwardness of the situation. The High King Rylan put a stop to their friendship and planned betrothal, citing that Ryker was destined to rule his own kingdom and that Neith's place was in Glyndwr.
Ryker was always dubious of his supposed royal lineage, however never shied away from his expected duties. He was awarded the island of Lyle upon coming of age, and with him the Brotherhood sent a troop of soldiers and workers to settle on the uninhabited island. While nobles and their servants were free to join the new kingdom on their own wish, the Brotherhood chose the noblewoman Leda to become the queen consort.

Oddities:

• He despises vegetables, he attributes this to being forced to eat healthy foods by his childhood caretakers the Theyrn Brotherhood.
• He has a thing for blondes, ironically the Brotherhood chose a blonde noblewoman by the name of Leda to become his wife.
• He enjoys hunting, in his youth he was invited on hunts with the High King Rylan, it was another thing which he excelled at and the High Prince Nereus did not.
• He sometimes wonders how his life would have turned out if his betrothal to Princess Neith had gone ahead, although he was never attracted to her.
• He always disregarded the extremist views that he was the true heir of Glyndwr, and despite being born and raised there he never really felt it was his true home.