Ophelia has Cheesecake walk side by side with Luna. It seems as though Elora has a path in mind so she’s happy to follow her lead. All of the trails she has been on are lonely but she doesn’t remember where most of them are since she hasn’t had much of a chance to ride.
“It wasn’t exactly like I was planning for that to happen.” She laughs and shakes her head a bit. While unexpected, it certainly was welcome. Having heard that their moment was witnessed, she’s Ben more grateful that they stopped when they did. She’s almost certain that Kaillas will drag her into that maze at some point. The look on his face earlier told her that much. “Shall I ask why you know it’s a hookup spot?” Fair is fair. If Elora is going to tease her, she’s going to tease right back.
“I’m very happy. I adore your brother.” They haven’t quite made it to the love stage yet. She knows her feelings for him are growing stronger by the day. She just doesn’t know what to make of them yet. “Yes, Kaillas already told me about the tonics,” She confirms lightly. As far as she knows, he’s working on getting all of that set up.
Elora just gave Ophelia a look. "Everytime you see each other, you look like you want to jump each other bones. So if you can't keep your hands to yourself, be smart about it. And Kaillas knows better. Don't be afraid to tell him so." Thoigh it'd might be a turn on for him so maybe not.
She turned her gaze forward, a knowing smile on her lips. "I will not be disclosing that sort of information." And certainly not about the guard she had been in there with only yesterday. Not that he was the first person to take in there. And that certainly didn't need to be said either. Or about her brother.
"I'm glad you are happy. You deserve it. You both do." They had both been through so much, both been through so much tragedy. They deserved some happiness in their life. "Now tell me, what would like for your birthday."
Ophelia chuckles at Elora's teasing remarks, blushing slightly at the mention of her and Kaillas. "Oh, come on now, it's not that bad," She says with a playful glint in her eyes. Normally she would have insisted that they go somewhere a little more private but she hasn’t seen him in three long weeks so it’s proving to be extremely difficult to keep her hands to herself.
As Elora hints at some of her own adventures in the depths of the maze, she simply raises an eyebrow and smirks, deciding not to pry further. Some things are better left unspoken, and she respects her sister in law’s privacy.
The mention of her birthday has her a little deflated but she doesn’t show it. “There’s no need to get me anything. I’m happy enough just celebrating with everyone.” The thought is appreciated but she doesn’t expect any gifts.
Elora just smiled. Perhaps it hadn't been that bad. But she knew hee brother and knew his self restraint. And knew that the court may have well gotten a good look at his naked ass if he hadn't been on a time crunch. But she was happy for them. She had never seen her brother behave like this for a woman before. It was about time someone cane in to straighten him out.
She gave Ophelia a pointed look. "Now that's what we're not going to do." She knew the Queen's parents were coming and that was a sore subject for her. But that didn't mean she couldn't enjoy her party. "It's your birthday. You're going to enjoy it. I'll sick Katya on your parents and have them chat their ear off about plants and their uses if I have to so you can enjoy your birthday." She would gladly do it actually.
"It's your birthday and you deserve something special for it. So what would you like? And don't say nothing because that isn't happening. And if you tell me nothing you risk Kaillas going overboard and buying you a damn island."
Ophelia is certainly glad that no one got a look at her husband’s naked ass. The court gossip is going to bad enough as is. She can’t imagine how brutal it would have been had they gone further than what they did. Though she did have a lot of fun, next time they’re going to need to pull themselves together and move to somewhere where they won’t get caught.
“Please don’t saddle Katya will my parents. No one deserves that torture,” She says with a light laugh. There’s no way she would ask anyone to interact with her parents. They are very unpleasant people and she wouldn’t dare expect anyone to babysit them. They are her problem to deal with.
“Well, I certainly don’t need an island so that can be crossed off the list.” The idea is amusing but she would die if that actually happened. “Some fabric would be nice and a new hairbrush.” That’s about all she can think of. She’s admittedly terrible at coming up for gift ideas for herself.
Elora quirked a smile. "It sounds like they deserve it. She can chat anyone's ear off. And she doesn't tolerate people interrupting her either so they won't be able to get past her. Trust me." She might do it anyways just to keep their claws off of Ophelia as ling as possible.
"In all seriousness, remember that you are a queen now. You are equal to them. Don't let them talk down to you. They lost all rights to you as their daughter years ago." She wasn't afraid to stand up to them either should they try anything with her sister. Ophelia was family and she woukd defend her as such.
Kaillas would certainly go over the top if he wasn't given a direction. "You're queen now. A hairbrush is not a gift. You could ask for the finest artist to come and paint your protrait. You could ask for a closet of gowns. Or the most exotic animal."
“I appreciate your kind words but you don’t know how they are,” Ophelia says lightly. While such tactics may work on other people, she knows that it won’t won’t on them. The last thing she wants is for her new family to have to deal with them. At her party, she’ll do what they want to get them off her back and then she’ll escape to do her own thing.
With a soft sigh, she shakes her head. “I don’t want or need any of those.” Queen or not, such fancy things are warranted. She’s happy with her life and doesn’t see the need to get a bunch of exotic things. “I really only need some fabrics and a hairbrush.”
Although she’ll appreciate whatever she receives, she really doesn’t want anything too crazy. There’s just no need for it in her life. Grand gestures can be sweet as long as they’re not over the top.
Elora hummed softly. She didn't quite accept that answer. She would make sure her parents didn't bother Ophelua even if it meant that Elora herself would have to drag them around the palace and show them all the wonders it had. She would get with her siblings and figure out a plan. Or at least something to distract while Ophelia makes a break for it at her own ball.
"Good luck with getting Kaillas to agree with any of that then. He likes to go all out when buying presents. It might not be what you wanted but his heart is in the right place." She would try to direct him but there was no changing his mind when he decided on something.
They were in the woods now. Elora's shoulders seemed to relax as the palace was hidden behind them. She felt better being away from the shadow of court. "Kaillas means to go to war should it come." She turned her head to look at Ophelia. ""I have spent the first half of my life knowing I had a brother I've never met before he was squired to a knight and then forced into the army. I rarely saw him until my parents died. Give him a reason not to."
Ophelia sighs softly. While she thinks it's sweet that Kaillas likes to show his love with elaborate presents, it's just not something she wishes for. She's sure that she'll love anything he gives her but she does hope that he'll dial it back and not go too crazy. "Please try to persuade him to not get anything too….intense." If anyone can convince him, it's his sisters.
As they enter the forest, she lifts her head and takes a look around. The air is filled with the sweet scent of pine and the earthy fragrance of moss. She hums softly as she listens to the birds sing. Sunlight filters through the foliage, creating pockets of radiance that seem to illuminate the path ahead, guiding them deeper into the heart of the forest. It's truly beautiful out here. If only they had more opportunities to enjoy it.
She turns her gaze to Elora as the conversation takes a more somber turn. "I know he does," She says quietly, not happy with it. "You know I would love to convince him to stay but he won't listen to me. He's dead set on being out there when everything goes down." Attempts to convince him would be futile. Though it pains her to admit that, she knows she has to accept it.
There was no way Kaillas wasn't going all put for his wife. The beautiful woman who had wormed her way into his heart and lightened uo every dark corner. The woman he was beginning to love. The woman he would sacrifice everything for. She doubted there would be much she would be able to do to convince him to calm down on the gifts.
Elora ran her fingers through Luna's mane. She listened as the birds chirped their songs as they flew overhead. There was a rustling a few yards in front of them as critters hurried away from their loud party. The air was clear and cool and home. Out of the stuffiness of the palace of torches constantly burning and the smell of people in such small spaces. It cleared her head and calmed her being. The guard behind her smiled when he thought no one was looking.
"My sister and I have always known that we were not enough to keep him home. That he would rather fight to protect us and give us a good life rather than command at home. Before you came, he was preparing me to take over as queen. Whether because he passed on the field or of old age with no heir. He's always had excuses. But I think you might be able to change his mind if you try. You give him a reason to stay. You only need to make him see it."
Ophelia's heart tightens as she listens to Elora. She hadn't known that Kaillas was prepping Elora to be queen in the event of his passing. She feels the weight of the situation more intensely now. The gentle rhythm of their horses' hooves against the forest floor creates a soothing backdrop as she takes a moment to gather her thoughts before responding. Trying to be the reason Kaillas stays here instead of going to war…..it's a heavy weight on her shoulders and she worries about what will happen if she's not successful in her attempts.
"His dedication to protecting your family is commendable, and I don't wish to change that. I also don't want him risking his life on the front lines. I'll do my best to get him to stay but I don't know if he'll listen." Though he may be more protected on the battlefield than most men, he'll also be the most targeted. All it would take is one small mistake and he would die. Just thinking about it causes her worry.
What if she's not enough to keep him here? His blood would be on her hands. Her grip on the reins tighten as she looks down, a million thoughts running through her head. The lighthearted ride has taken a sharp turn.
Elora turned her head to look at Ophelia. "He will listen to you. He may be stubborn as a mule and thick headed, but you will get through to him. You give him a reason to live. Katya and I have never been enough for that. He gave him a reason to due for, not to live for. That's what you do. You give him a reason to want to live."
Luna shuffled uneasy underneath her. Her mare was sensing her unease and distress and responding to it. She ran her hand along her neck soothingly. "I'm okay," she murmured to Luna, "I'm alright." She turned her head just far enough to peak at Aedion behind her. He gave her a small nod. I am here. I am with you.
"There are other ways to serve in war than on a battlefield. Remind him of that. And remind him how much you need him." A few more steps and the brush of the forest parted to reveal a large pond with a small waterfall falling down into. Her own little sanctuary in these woods. "Don't underestimate yourself."
"I'll do my best," Ophelia replies softly, desperately hoping that her best will be enough. "I know Kaillas can be stubborn, but he's only doing what he thinks is best. I'll try to show him other ways he can contribute to the cause and find meaning in his life beyond the battlefield." She'll just have to find what resonates with him the best and convince him that staying put and helping from the sidelines is the best option for him and his family.
She briefly shifts her gaze to Cheesecake, knowing that the stallion is responding to Luna's stress. "There's nothing to worry about, my darling," She assures him gently as she reaches forward to lightly pat his neck. Thankfully, the large horse is well trained and easy to settle.
Upon reaching the pond with the small waterfall, Ophelia takes a moment to appreciate the serene beauty of the place. "This is truly a sanctuary," she remarks softly, turning her gaze back to Elora. She hasn't had much of a chance to explore the different paths and find the hidden gems that the kingdom has to offer so she appreciates that Elora is willing to share such a special place with her.
Elora murmured a few more words to Luna to help calm her. "Sorry. She's had a baby recently. She's on edge being away from him. But she needs the exercise and some time away from the foul. And I haven't ridden her in forever." Not to mention Luna was a mare and they were typically more temperamental.
She dismounted from her horse, dropping the reigns. Luna wouldn't go anywhere far. And with their guards she wasn't worried about trying to track the horses. "I come here when I need to think. Or I need a break from court. Or Kaillas." She sat byt the water's edge, dipping her fingers in the cool spring.
"He knows about this of course. And knows I come here when I need to get away. He respects that thankfully. I know others would not." She beckoned for Ophelia to join her and sit with her.
“It’s alright,” Ophelia assures her quickly. She’s not upset with the horse. The mare is allowed to express her feelings. Especially since she’s recently had a foal. She hopes that the poor thing is doing alright without her baby. “I’m sure she’s grateful for the break, even though she may worry.”
Following Elora’s lead, she dismounts and drops the reins. Her stallion is clearly uninterested in wandering and instantly drops his head to graze. She shakes her head in amusement before going over to Elora and sitting next to her. It’ll be nice to just sit and talk for a few minutes. The pond and small waterfall are peaceful so she’s hoping that it’ll ease the tension.
“It’s beautiful out here. I can see why you come here when you need a break.” And with how insane and intense court can be, she doesn’t blame Elora for escaping when she needs to.
Elora smiled as Cheesecake began grazing. That is one horse that she decided on for herself. At least it had a calming temperament and nothing really seemed to bother it. She also used the time to look back Aedion who was staring at her. Well, let's say she used this for more than just getting away from the palace. She used it for privacy too. With him. Just beyond the waterfall was a little cave that gave them exactly that.
"It is. Sometimes i like to come just before the sun rises and watch how the rays gleam off the forest above. I like to watch the wildlife, as the nocturnal animals begin to find their sleep and the others are starting to wake. It's a whole new life out here."
Luna came up behind her and nudged the back of her head, breathing into her hair. She scowled. "You're going to get snot in my hair. Stop it." She gently pushed the horse's head away. It didn't work.
Ophelia couldn’t be happier with Cheesecake. It was hard to make a decision but she certainly made the right one. The stallion is incredibly friendly and so calm. She hasn’t seen him be spooked by anything yet. It’s important to be able to rely on your horse and she knows for certain that she can rely on him.
“You have found a truly special place.” The area is magical and she can only imagine how beautiful it must be when the sun is slowly rising in the sky, golden streaks of light beaming down on the water. She would love to see it one day but she won’t intrude on Elora’s special hideaway. It’s obvious that it means a lot to her.
Luna's playful nudge brings a chuckle from Ophelia, amused by the interaction between the two. She can see the bond between them and the way Elora cares for the horse even amidst playful annoyance.
Elora nodded. She had since given up trying to push Luna away, secretly happy fir the affection. She had the mare since she was a child, raising it from birth. She had helped train her. She had been there the first time Luna had given birth and every time after. She simply raised her hand to pet her mare, her fingertips still wet from the water.
"It is. In the summer, the cool water is the perfect contrast to the hot air. I love to come here to relax and cool off." She had thought about taking her shoes off and putting her feet in the water. But wet feet and socks were not a good combination.
"You can come here whenever you like." She had seen that longing look on Ophelia's face. "Just let me know, so I don't interrupt. I do have other places I can go for solitude. You want be putting me out." She had a multitude of places. Some that even Kaillas didn't know about. She rarely went. She was barely able to escape her guard to go there. And now with the rising threat, it just wasn't plausible.
As much as Ophelia lives Cheesecake, she misses all of her animals back home. She raised each one since they were born and now she has no idea where they are or how they’re doing. She paid a few people to look out for them but there’s no way for her to be certain that they’re actually being cared for. It’s a great concern of hers.
“Thank you for the offer. I might take you up on that.” It’ll be nice to get away from the madness of the palace. This is the perfect place to escape everything and relax. She’s nearly tempted to drag Kaillas here at some point just so they can get a break from the demands of court. Of course, she’ll be sure to let Elora know so their schedules don’t conflict.
She looks out at the serene scene before them, the water gently rippling and the sunlight dancing on its surface. "I'm glad you have this place and your other secret spots. Everyone deserves a refuge from the troubles of the world, especially you."
Elora smiled back and nodded. "Please do. Just clean up any mess you and Kaillas might make." She winked at her. She couldn't help herself. Any chance she got to tease her and her brother she would take. Besides, it wasn't as if she hadn't done her own things here.
As if sensing her thoughts, Aedion was giving her a heated look. After ensuring that none of the other guards were focusing on them. He knew there was an age gap between them. It was why he was adamant on controlling themselves. They hadn't done much. Well, too much at least. She was still only seventeen. He was twenty. Be he had loved her a lot longer than she even knew he existed. He used to visit his father at the apace when he was a boy. He remembered the way she smiled at him, wearing her pretty pink dress and sparkling tiara. She was never without it at that age.
"You will find your own places as well, the more you explore the palace and surrounding woods. Everyone needs their own little sanctuary." Elora looked at her. "Try the astronomy tower. Not many people use it."
Ophelia nudges Elora’s shoulder playfully with her own. “You’re the worst,” She informs her work w laugh. The first few teases caught her off guard and flustered her half to death but not she’s starting to get used to them. It’s actually nice to be able to joke around and have fun with her sister in law.
“The astronomy tower is a great idea,” She agrees. She vaguely remembers being shown parts of it during the tour she took on her first or second day here. It was lovely from what she remembers. The added bonus is that it’s secluded and it seems as though no one really goes in there. She’ll certainly have to keep it in mind when looking for a place to escape to.
Once she gets some free time she’ll have to look around the palace and the surrounding area properly. As of now, she’s only seen what’s been shown to her on tours and such. She hasn’t really had a chance to look around and discover things for herself.
(Aedion is adorable and I’m loving his and Elora’s relationship!)
Elora giggled, shoving her shoulder right back. It felt nice to have a friend she could tease and play around with. Even if that friend was her brother's wife. But she was closer in age to her than she was to Kaillas. It was only natural that the pair got along. There wasn't really anyone in the palace that was her age other than the occasional lord's daughter visiting.
"It's private and far enough away that no one will be able to hear." That she did know from experience. Though not exactly with her guard. Or at least not the first time. "The staff avoids it mostly because the scientists don't like their things being touched. So when they're not there, it's nice and quiet."
Sue wanted so bad to look back at Aedion but she wasn't trying to be obvious. She knew Ophelia wouldn't say a word but the Queen's guards? They reported directly to him. As aedion was supposed to do. And he did, he just didn't tell him everything.
(Ugh, I know. I wanna do an ro with them but it'd be kind hard, or funny, to do an rp by myself.)
Ophelia is loving having Elora around. It’s so fantastic to be able to talk to someone her own age. While she and Katya are close in age as well, the age gag is even smaller between her and Elora. She never had many friends growing up due to her status so this is a dream come true.
“Something tells me that you know that for a reason,” She teases, unable to help herself. She speaks quietly as to not let the guards hear. It may be innocent teasing but she doesn’t want it to get back to Kaillas. While her husband means the world to her, she knows very well that he wouldn’t take the news well and she doesn’t want to deal with that.
She smirks playfully, catching on to Elora's attempt at subtlety. She glances in Aedion's direction for a moment, making sure he's not looking, before turning her attention back to Elora. For her, it’s obvious that the two are together but she supposes that Elora isn’t trying as hard to hide it around her as she is with other people.
(It’d be pretty hilarious to attempt one by yourself lol Their relationship is just so adorable. If you want, I’d be happy to borrow him for an Rp revolved around the two)
Elora tried to supress her grin though she didn't do a very good job about it. She punched Ophelia's side before putting her hands behind her and leaning back. She liked feeling the grass and dirt beneath her fingers. In a different way than Katya did. Katya felt the earth and saw the potential it had. Saw what could be grown from it. Elora felt the earth and felt freedom and serenity. She felt an escape from her life.
She narrowed her eyes at Ophelia at the smirk she gave her. "Later," she murmured under her breath. When they were safely tucked in her room with nothing but Aedion standing guard out front. And he wouldn't be able to hear their whispered words and she explained their story.
"Shal we head back? Or would you like to stay a little bit longer?" Elora was likely dying to tell her as much as Ophelia was dying to know.
(I meannnn if you're comfortable doing two rps together maybe we should 👀)
“Hey!” Ophelia protests with a laugh when punched. “Unlike you, I am proper enough not to hit others,” She jokes, an amused look on her face. Setting her hands on the soft grass to prop herself up, she leans back with a content sigh. It’s nice being out here and enjoying Elora’s company. It’s a lot of fun to be able to hang out with and talk to someone her own age. She’s glad to have a friend.
“Let’s head back.” As much as she’s enjoying their time out here, she’s eager to get back to the palace. They’ll be able to tuck themselves away in one of their bedrooms so they can chat properly without the guards evesdropping. Although the protection is nice, she desperately misses having privacy. Having all of her conversations listened in on is terrible.
With a hum, she stands up and takes a moment to stress. Thankfully she’s not wearing a dress so her clothes aren’t wrinkled or messed up from sitting in the grass. She steps over to Cheesecake and climbs up onto the saddle, ready to go.
(I’m definitely down for it!)
