#taledevent 001

[thrcughthewccds]

where: stefan's palace | when: day time | whom: open to all

Titus wanders the halls of Stefan's palace, taking it all in. Sure, Naveen's family has a palace and it's beautiful and intimate. This though, this was Titus' entire town in one place. Easy to get lost in, somehow not very many empty spaces.

He's so caught up in his admiration that he walks right into a hard body.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," he says, turning to the unfortunate soul. "I wasn't watching where I was going."

[thrcughthewccds]

Yukine looks to the man with a raised eyebrow. While he's seen similarly dressed guests, it's still such a strange style to the snow king. The man certainly wears it well, though.

He smiles. "As a matter of fact, I do know where the king's collection is. I'd be happy to escort you there if you don't mind the company?"

LOCATION: King Stefan's Palace MUSE: Kamran Jafar Barmaki STATUS: Open

After making his rounds, Sultan Kamran Jafar Barmaki was officially spent. The new portals connecting the realms are fascinating but they are also liability. Meaning he has more so-called allies and possible enemies to gauge and maintain diplomatic relations with. A real headache. Though King Stefan has been a gracious host and the palace is comfortable enough... but Kamran dearly misses his bedchamber and, well, his consort. He has dismissed his attendants and decided to find somewhere to relax. Perhaps explore. Learn the secrets of King Stefan while at it if he can...

Kamran adjusts his red tie (he has taken quite a liking to fashion from the other realm, less fabric wasted and could be more practical with pockets) and approaches another guest. "Excuse me, dear. Hope you're enjoying the party but may I ask... would you happen to know where the library is in the palace? Or perhaps a gallery of sort. I was hoping to take a peek at the collections of His Majesty."

[thrcughthewccds]

where: the road to stefan's palace | when: day time | whom: open to all

Rory walks along the path, humming some random tune he doesn't know where he got from.

There are many reasons he shouldn't be on this path: he doesn't have an official invitation, he doesn't have anything appropriate to wear, this isn't technically his kingdom, he hasn't done anything of note to warrant him attending, his grandfather needs him back at the farm, the full moon is only a few days away.

He fingers the hem of his cloak, and all of those reasons melt away. His reason for going surpasses them all.

He continues on the path and then freezes when he hears a branch snap. He can tell with his hearing that it's close.

He turns around, pulling his hood down to see better.

"Who’s there?" he calls out.

[thrcughthewccds]

where: stefan's palace | when: during the ball | whom: @rubyslipped

Yukine is weaving through crowds in the ballroom. He's finding that despite all the entertainment available, he's rather bored. He could definitely throw a better celebration himself.

But he's here, satiating his curiosity.

Suddenly, he's stopped in his tracks as a large dog runs up to him and props itself up on it hindlegs. Its front paws are now resting against his chest. With the warm climate, Yukine had chosen a loose shirt that he could leave open and let his chest catch the breeze, so the paws now on his skin is a strange sensation.

[thrcughthewccds]

where: stefan's palace | when: day time | whom: @biancenieves

Rory is led through the expansive halls of King Stefan's castle. It was much easier than he had anticipated getting in and asking where the Prince Biance is.

Now he's being led to the chambers of his half-brother. At least that's where he hopes he's being led. Who knos in this labyrinth of a place?

Finally, he's stopped in front of a set of doors and then just left by himself.

Rory swallows hard and straightens his cloak. Please, please, please be there and not an asshole. And also actually his half-brother and let it not be some elaborate lie his mother and grandfather told him.

He knocks on the door, the sound echoing louder than he thought it would.

[thrcughthewccds]

Yukine leaves icy footprints behind him as he walks the cobblestone path in the garden. He'd already gotten bored inside and wanted some fresh air. Why had he decided to come to this mortal celebration again?

Oh, right, it's quite a unique one. His curiosity got the better of him.

Yukine pauses when he sees the man and is greeted rather warmly. He tilts his head as he considers the man.

"I haven't decided yet," he answers. "There's certainly plenty to see, but not all of it is fun."

He bows his head slightly, only barely respectful.

"Kita Yukine," he says. "And you are?"

location:   the   ball   at   king   stefan's,   in   the   gardens

gothel   was   too   busy   looking   at   the   flowers   and   staring   at   himself   in   the   reflect   of   the   window   that   he   didn't   notice   someone   else   was   there.   then   he   heard   the   footsteps.   “oh,   hello   darling.”   he   slowly   turned   on   his   heels,   feigned   smile   with   centuries   of   practice   spread   across   his   face.   “are   you   having   fun   or   are   you   ready   to   jump   into   a   portal   already?”   meanwhile   he   was   wondering   if   stefan   &   his   spouse   were   the   type   to   steal   flowers   from   others.

[thrcughthewccds]

where: bed chambers at stefan's palace | when: daytime | whom: @talebytale Naveen

Titus enters the chambers he's been set up in after spending the morning in the kitchens, getting to know the many servants and helping with their morning duties. He's tugging off his flour covered shirt when he notices a shoe haphazardly kicked aside under a plush couch in the entry space of his rooms.

"Naveen?" he calls, dropping his shirt and rushing into the bedroom. "You made it!"

He launches himself into his partner's arms, holding him tight in the embrace. He still smells like the spices from their kitchen and the hibiscus flowers of their little balcony garden. He smells like home.

[thrcughthewccds]

where: the kitchens of stefan's palace | when: morning | whom: @beautyawoken

Titus leads Prince Aurore through the halls of the palace. He'd finally managed to find the kitchens and had insisted he show his new princely friend the joy of baking something for yourself.

Holding Ari's hand, they turn a corner and pass under an arch leading to the massive bustling kitchen.

"Here we go," he says, looking at Ari with a grin. "Let's test your skills, shall we?"

They head to a small area Titus had set up earlier. The servants had been hesitant having both princes in there while they worked, but all it took was Titus making them all his famous gumbo to convince them.

[thrcughthewccds]

where: stefan's palace | when: during a ball | whom: @timedandtaled Rüya

Yukine is surprised by how many of the Moon's Guardians have made their presence known at the celebrations. Though in watching how Rüya seems to watch over and almost hover over the once-cursed prince, some details make more sense.

Finally, the Dream Guardian is separated from the prince and his family, and Yukine slips in to capture his attention.

"Seems you're quite beloved here, Rüya," he says with an icy smile. "You must tell me what you did to earn the royal family's affection like this.

[thrcughthewccds]

Rory had been wandering back to the palace after a much needed run in the woods. As much as he hates his wolf side, some of the wolf needs were great for the human side too.

But now Rory is hiding from guards with a handsome man and is suddenly on edge. Is this man a thief? An assassin?

Before Rory can decide if he's about to fight the man, there's an apology, and then he's walking away.

Rory is so confused by the turn of events that he almost misses the offer.

"I'm sorry," he finally manages to say, blinking up at the handsome face. "What? Who are you?"

ext. outside stefan's palace. night.

"   shh!   "    kit says, putting a finger over their lips to quiet them,           as he listened for footsteps at the walkway just above. looking back at them, he mouthed the words   '  i'm sorry  '   and   '  don't worry  '   for them to at least know this situation was not something bad. he just can't risk being caught now.

since the day he arrived in this realm, he had always tried to find a way to escape his entourage. for the most part, he has been successful: managing to explore the catacombs, and the west side of the lush woods-- where the beautiful flowers were   ( and they were really beautiful )   before they found him ... and announced better surveillance on him.

now, he wishes to continue his adventure of the forest to the east. they said it was where the fairies came to rest, and where the sleeping prince once spent his childhood in secrecy. he hungered for that now, and nothing will stop him.

when he finally heard their footsteps descend back to the palace, he was finally able to release the breath he's been holding. then he laughed.    "   i truly am sorry. but they've been following me the entire day. i just needed to escape.    "    he explains, before he turns to leave ... well, that is before he looks at them again still with that endearingly boyish smile.    "    ... you can come with me, if you want? it'll be an adventure.   "

[thrcughthewccds]

where: gardens of stefan's palace | when: sunset | whom: @onceuponers Carmine

Rory strolls through the magnificent gardens of the palace, taking in flora and fauna he's never seen before and in a wide array of colors. And the smells. This is one positive he finds in his condition, the minute details he's able to pick out with his heightened senses, especially smells. Rose, honeysuckle, moss, and so much more. It almost makes him wonderfully light-headed.

He turns a corner hedge and pauses when he sees a tall, imposing man in red among the garden arrangements.

"Oh, sorry," he says, dipping into a bow on instinct. Most of the people he's met here are some form of royalty, so he's found it best to bow as soon as possible. "I was just enjoying the gardens before tonight's festivities. I hope I'm not intruding."

[thrcughthewccds]

Titus turns from the (very boring) conversation he was having to see a handsome face greeting him. He smiles and completely turns away from the boring person (he hears an annoyed huff behind him) to fully face the man. He may be new to this prince and balls stuff, but he recognizes a host when he sees one.

"Hi, thank you for having us. It's like a dream and fantasy all in one."

He starts holding out a hand and then realizes he should probably bow instead. Sonhe awkward bends at the waist, hoping he's at least respectful if not graceful. "You must be part of the host's family. I'm Titus Rogers, prince consort of Maldonia."

He'd realized earlier that "Owner of Titus' Palace" doesn't carry the same weight around here as it down in his realm. It's irksome but the look on Naveen's face when Titus first said "prince consort" was worth the annoyance.

location: the castle's great hall when: early evening of the first day of celebrations

dressed  in  finest  garments  -  appropriate  for  the  occasion,  of  course,  ari  was  roaming  the  great  hall  with  a  soft  melody  on  his  lips.  they  had  musicians  play,  so  his  own  voice  should  barely  make  a  difference,  but  it  was  something  that  calmed  him.  it  all  still  was  overwhelming;  he  went  from  living  in  the  forest  to  being  a  prince  to...  being  cursed  in  a  few  mere  days.  he  still  didn't  quite  know  just  how  long  it'd  been  since,  but  he  knew  he  was  lucky  to  be  awake.  he  appreciated  every  single  person  who  was  here  at  his  father's  castle  this  weekend  -  truly.  he  wasn't  the  most  skilled  conversationalist,  but  ari  was  eager  to  meet  people.  strangers.  for  the  longest  time,  he  couldn't.  that  would  change  now.  he  picked  someone  randomly  -  a  back  that  said  talk  to  me  &  placed  a  gentle  hand  on  their  shoulder,  "hey,  thank  you  so  much  for  coming.  how  are  you  liking  it  so  far?"  wide  smile,  gentle  &  sweet,  inviting...  he  hoped.

[thrcughthewccds]

Yukine pauses in his walk as he takes in the hulking man who is trying to hide himself among the rose bushes. The look in his eyes is a familiar one. The look of someone too old for how young their body is.

"Hello," the Snow King greets. "What is a man such as yourself doing hiding among the flowers?"

He approaches carefully, sensing an animalistic nature from the man.

location: king stefan's castle gardens open to: all tbh (come meet my brooding bear)

heavy  feet  had  carried  the  prince  of  a  fallen  kingdom  to  the  portals  able  to  transport  each  &  every  person  to  a  different  world,  one  that  ...was  so  different  from  their  own  he  didn't  dare  thinking  about  the  consequences.  he  didn't  find  himself  invited  -  though  his  sins,  according  to  the  law  were  forgiven,  too.  villains  were  meant  to  find  their  way  back  home,  but  crinan...  could  not.  ever.  home  as  he  knew  it  was  no  more  &  whatever  he  did,  his  conscience  would  never  be  cleared,  because  there  was  nobody  to  do  it  with.

but  curiosity  &  the  need  for  a  chance  had  driven  him  to  take  on  this  journey,  attend  festivities  when  he  ...really  didn't  feel  like  celebrating  &  let  him  here,  to  the  gardens  of  a  palace  that  the  one  he  knew  could  never  keep  up  with.  maybe  he  could  find  peace  away  from  home.  there  had  simply  been  too  many  people  inside,  being  happy,  dancing  &  celebrating.  the  sight  made  him  sick  to  his  stomach.  it  churned  &  his  chest  ached,  so  he'd  found  himself  a  bench  to  rest  on,  even  if  just  shortly.  eyes  closed  &  hands  folded  in  his  lap,  he  assumed  he'd  look  almost  normal  to  a  stranger's  eyes.

the  long  scar  across  his  eyes  almost  hidden,  the  scars  littering  his  entire  body  ..  gone,  the  burn  marks  invisible,  but  it  wasn't  the  truth.  but  while  he  laid  down,  he  could  pretend,  right?  truth  be  told,  with  the  people  mingling  downstairs  &  having  fun  as  they  did,  he  didn't  expect  company,  which  made  a  voice  right  by  him  all  the  more  surprising.  eyes  fluttered  open  &  he  slowly  sat  up,

"hello."

[thrcughthewccds]

Titus looks in surprise. He'd been caught up taking in the window he hadn't realized he wasn't alone. Then it takes him another moment to parse out the words the man is saying.

"Hello," he greets. "I'm visiting as well. Another realm, in fact."

He offers his hand out as he takes in the broad shoulders and strong jaw of the handsome man.

"Titus. Prince consort of Maldonia."

Location: King Stefan's Palace Time: Just before the celebration officially began Open to: Any member of @taledhq

Evan had arrived a few hours ago and the castle staff had already indicated which room he would be staying in during his stay for the festivities celebrating the union between the different kingdoms. After leaving the small bag in which he carried all his belongings on a small dresser, he went out to walk through the corridors. Before entering, he had already found the building to be a breathtaking sight, but the more he wandered, the more he became convinced that the place seemed bigger inside than outside, from galleries that seemed endless to walls that almost touched the sky. Then he arrived at a place with a large stained glass window, the light that passed through made the colors of his clothes even more colorful, he looked up and down, impressed by the work and trying to decipher if there was a story being told through the images. He looked to the side and saw another person, probably from another kingdom since the flutist wasn't recognizing him. “Hello” he said with a gentle grace, “Are you from this kingdom or another place? Are you from afar, like me, you see? Not the same place, but elsewhere, could it be?”

[thrcughthewccds]

Yukine had been studying the man for several minutes from across the room. The man's features are the kind that usually tempts him. Many a rugged mountaineers or ice carvers stumbling into his realm and becoming lovers, however temporary.

So he'd decided that if he's subjecting himself to mingling with the mortals, he may as well find some entertainment and pleasure.

He'd glided up to the man, ready to smoothly flirt, but the man catches him off guard.

No matter. He can adjust.

"I apologize," he says, his clean, dazzling smile in place. "I should've been more considerate. Do you prefer your wine warm or chilled?"

event starter || @talednewsletter location: stefan's palace

"You're getting a little too close there."

Mark huffed at the other man in front of him. He wasn't particularly in a sociable mood, but given that his brother had decided to present himself, Mark would have to join as well. Not that he had much choice in the first place. The tight coiling grasp of Grimhilde could already be felt in his thoughts alone. The huntsman would have to remain, lest there be punishment.

"Surely you could have offered a man some wine while you invade their privacy."

His features soften a little. He supposes it was the music or the warm atmosphere in the castle. If Mark was meant to be somewhere he didn't want to be, he might as well try to get a few free drinks out of it. It did help that the men here were nice to look at.

[thrcughthewccds]

Rory had been following the familiar scent through the trees. He was sure he's mistaken, but he'd know that scent anywhere.

And it's only confirmed when the man calls out to him. Rory is downwind, so he's not sure if Ezekiel has recognized it's him yet. He takes a deep breath and steps into the warm light.

"Well, you know me, Zeke," he calls back. "I was never one to follow the path."

location: the lush forest surrounding town/the castle

many  townsfolk  -  or  other  folk  would  surely  feel  grateful  for  the  invitation  to  rest  at  the  castle  during  festivities,  but  zeke  did  not.  their  beds  may  be  comfortable,  their  meat  may  taste  rich  &  savory,  but  the  walls  made  of  marble  &  stone  were  confining.  he'd  needed  out,  at  least  for  the  night.  with  the  sun  barely  setting,  zeke  was  just  exploring  the  nearby  forest  -  he  heard  the  stories,  so  to  claim  he  wasn't  curious  about  similarities  &  differences  to  his  own  forest  alike,  would  be  a  lie.  not  that  ezekiel  didn't  lie  sometimes.  he  did  whatever  he  wanted  to  ensure  his  own  success.  lie,  deceive,  take  what  it  was  he  desired. 

he  found  a  river  &  followed  it  for  a  little  while  before  flopping  down  on  top  of  a  rock  overseeing  the  little  clearing  nearby.  maybe  he  could  hunt  before  sleep.  that  would  surely  ease  his  nerves.  the little snack he came across not long ago, which was currently devoured did only little to sate the beast inside. footsteps  pulled  his  eyes  from  the  clearing  though  &  back  towards  the  way  he'd  come.  "wouldn't  do  that  if  i  were  you."  came  his  voice  from  above,  low  &  raspy.  it  didn't  carry  far,  but  far  enough  to  reach  the  other,  no  less.