Althea Asterius
Citizen
House Asterius
Caretaker to Galen & Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 21
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Post by Althea Asterius on Apr 30, 2010 18:56:35 GMT -5
The endless rocking of the ship was soothing to me, and it appeared to Galen and Kyra as well. I sat in the bow, the twins both on my lap, giggling when occasionally the seaspray would hit us, wetting our hair and clothes. I smiled at their sweet laughter, leaning in to breathe in the scent of childhood that clung to them, mixed with the salty tang of sea air.
I was going to ask Aleksandr for something, but when I turned, it was to see him holding on tightly to the side of the ship, looking a little bit green. I resolved to mix him some more herbs for his seasickness, though it did not seem to be helping him overmuch.
Instead, I called out to him, "Aleksandr, are you going to be well? Why don't you find Angelos and tell him that I've relieved you so that you might lie down."
He looked as if he might argue, but we hit a wave and the ship rolled, and if anything, Aleksandr's face turned even greener. He nodded then, looking so grim I felt awful for him. I personally loved the sea and the rolling of ships and even this long voyage that had no real end in sight.
I watched him go, looking for Angelos no doubt, and then returned my attention to the twins, who were beginning to outgrow being able to both sit on my lap at once.
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Angelos Adrastos
Military
Private Guard for Prince Galen and Princess Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 17
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Post by Angelos Adrastos on Apr 30, 2010 20:43:54 GMT -5
I was in the bunks trying to get some sleep.
I hadn't known what to think about my trip, my new duty, my new calling as it where; the idea had been completely foreign to me when Medousa first told me her plan. I still wasn't getting used to it, the idea that I would be watching and guarding these children for the rest of my life.
We would be going as a family Medousa said, Althea and I would pretend to be newly weds and Galen and Kyra would be our children and Aleksandr would be Althea's brother. It was a strange sort of feeling to all of a sudden have a family that you had always wanted, yet they weren't yours in the first place, it would only be a lie. It plagued me to the point of restless sleep. So I pulled out one of my books, hoping that the reading would help me dose off. That was until Aleksandr knocked on the door and entered.
"Angelos," He said as he tipped sideways and vomited into a bucket. I simply rolled my eyes and rose from my cot; I stuffed the book away and patted the young man on the shoulder with a smile before I walked past him and made my way to the bow.
When I finally reached the top I searched and found Althea sitting with the twins and laughing. I smiled gently at the image, unable to do anything by quietly wonder if this could have been my life. "Kalimera" I greeted Althea, my hands held behind my back as I walked.
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Althea Asterius
Citizen
House Asterius
Caretaker to Galen & Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 21
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Post by Althea Asterius on Apr 30, 2010 22:41:08 GMT -5
"Ah, Angelos," I said, as I tried to juggle the babies and pry my long braid out of Galen's chubby fist. "I hope that Aleksandr didn't wake you, but the man is not very helpful with his seasickness." I turned slightly so that I could face him instead of the sea before us. "Not that I need him overmuch here on the ship."
Of course, while we were in no immediate danger, Medousa had imparted the import of this situation upon me in such a way that I did not think I would ever feel truly safe, not even in Terre d'Ange. Men could have long reaches, when they truly wanted something, and power was one thing that some people would go to any lengths for. The thought made me hold the babes closer, kissing the back of Kyra's head as she squirmed in my arms. I had only had the babes in my care for the last few weeks but already I was attached to them, I loved them as if they were my own, and the closer we drew to Terre d'Ange the more I worried about what would happen when we arrived. What sort of reaction would this Prince Delauney have for us?
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Angelos Adrastos
Military
Private Guard for Prince Galen and Princess Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 17
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Post by Angelos Adrastos on May 1, 2010 14:20:51 GMT -5
I nodded a little as she spoke, glancing around casually as though not looking at anything, were as really I was gauging the situation. "Perhaps." I replied with a shrug and found a seat on a crate near by her. "Meda was not overly clear what she had seen, at least not to me." I continued to look around as though Althea and I were having a normal conversation, and perhaps I was perhaps there was no danger here, but I wouldn't take the chance. "All I know is that she was worried enough to send her children half a world away to a stange place, and a man they barely know. That has to mean something." I glanced to Althea then, curious if she saw things the same way.
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Althea Asterius
Citizen
House Asterius
Caretaker to Galen & Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 21
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Post by Althea Asterius on May 1, 2010 17:52:19 GMT -5
She had probably told me more than anyone else, save the babes father I assumed, but the information was not mine to share, so I simply nodded, holding the babies close as I thought about what Medousa had told me.
"Yes, the situation is obviously of great import and concern," I said, sighing and looking out over the endless sea. "I do not understand the mind of someone who seeks to use innocent babes as pawns. It seems so unnatural." I smiled slightly, looking back to my "husband". "Perhaps I am simply naive."
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Angelos Adrastos
Military
Private Guard for Prince Galen and Princess Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 17
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Post by Angelos Adrastos on May 1, 2010 19:21:12 GMT -5
I nodded gently then leaned forward in my seat so that my elbows rested on my knees. "Men do strange things for strange reasons." I replied simply, choosing not to think too deeply into why some one would choose to do such a thing.
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Althea Asterius
Citizen
House Asterius
Caretaker to Galen & Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 21
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Post by Althea Asterius on May 1, 2010 20:34:43 GMT -5
"This is true," I said, laughing lightly and bouncing the babies gently on my knee. I was apprehensive, however, as our journey neared its end and I was nervous to voice it, especially to a man that I knew only for the past few weeks, though traveling so far with someone was a good way to get to know them - and fast.
"What do you think it will be like, in Terre d'Ange?" I asked, again looking out over the water, as if I could see it from here. "I've heard so much about it, I wonder how much is true?"
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Angelos Adrastos
Military
Private Guard for Prince Galen and Princess Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 17
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Post by Angelos Adrastos on May 1, 2010 20:42:04 GMT -5
I looked to Althea for a moment then back toward the direction we were headed. "I'm not sure what it will be like," I replied simply, still staring off into the distance. "Most likely if will feel strange, and distant, and you will come to miss home before you know it." I looked to her then. "Probably the first time you realize how different it really is."
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Althea Asterius
Citizen
House Asterius
Caretaker to Galen & Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 21
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Post by Althea Asterius on May 1, 2010 21:18:21 GMT -5
I already felt that way, a little bit. I ached for the warm sun of Kriti, where even in the winter we had sunlight and warmth. "Do you think we're almost there?" I asked, leaning back as the babies seemed to be winding down, resting against me and yawning occasionally. The sea air seemed to tire them easily, though they did love being out of the cabin we shared, as did I.
"I know that it is a long way, but I am weary of traveling," I sighed, closing my eyes and praying that it would not be much longer. Every minute was further from Kriti, that much further that I would have to go if I ever wanted to go home again.
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Angelos Adrastos
Military
Private Guard for Prince Galen and Princess Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 17
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Post by Angelos Adrastos on May 1, 2010 23:08:16 GMT -5
I looked forward again, looking out into the distance. "It shouldn't be more then a day or two till we hit the D'Angeline coast." I replied softly and took a breath; I too wondered about what this new nation heralded.
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Althea Asterius
Citizen
House Asterius
Caretaker to Galen & Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 21
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Post by Althea Asterius on May 2, 2010 0:19:58 GMT -5
"A day or two..." I said aloud, opening my eyes and smiling. "I am relieved to hear it. Hopefully we will be able to find the Prince without too much trouble." Medousa had been too worried to send word ahead, lest it be intercepted, so we were on our own when it came to finding her Prince Delauney. I had deemed that the best course would be to head straight for the City of Elua, the capital of the realm, and inquire after him there, so once we hit the d'Angeline shore, we still had some journeying ahead of us.
"I'm sure Aleksandr will be quite relieved when we make landfall as well," I remarked, a smile playing about my lips. I knew it was not nice to make light of his misery, but it was a bit amusing nonetheless.
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Angelos Adrastos
Military
Private Guard for Prince Galen and Princess Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 17
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Post by Angelos Adrastos on May 2, 2010 0:23:47 GMT -5
I smiled and chuckled a little as I glanced to her. "I believe you are right." I replied and then looked forward. I stood then, steadying myself on the prow before I glanced back to the children. I hoped that it would be as simple as that, that we could simply ask around and we'd find him.
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Althea Asterius
Citizen
House Asterius
Caretaker to Galen & Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 21
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Post by Althea Asterius on May 2, 2010 13:57:56 GMT -5
"Poor man, I do feel badly for him, do you think he's all right?" I asked, smoothing Galen's hair as he yawned again, bringing his chubby fist up to grasp at my braid again. "I know some remedies, but they do not seem to be helping him." I was sympathetic, despite my smile, and despite the fact that I did not know at all how he felt, as the waves and the ships were like a second home to me already.
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Angelos Adrastos
Military
Private Guard for Prince Galen and Princess Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 17
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Post by Angelos Adrastos on May 2, 2010 14:02:44 GMT -5
I shrugged a little. "I'm sure he will be fine once we're on land, some are not made for the seas, and it appears Aleksandr may be one of them." I smiled gently.
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Althea Asterius
Citizen
House Asterius
Caretaker to Galen & Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 21
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Post by Althea Asterius on May 2, 2010 16:27:25 GMT -5
"Very true," I agreed, resting my chin lightly on Kyra's head as I looked out over the water. It had become chillier as we drew closer to Terre d'Ange and I was reminded that this was not the ideal time for traveling. "Do you think we'll make the coast before the weather becomes too inclement?"
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Angelos Adrastos
Military
Private Guard for Prince Galen and Princess Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 17
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Post by Angelos Adrastos on May 2, 2010 20:29:20 GMT -5
I sighed a little and looked around, judging the clouds, the wind and how they moved. "We'll be lucky if we can make it land fall before the waters change too much." I answered as I looked back to her. "But we're still early enough that that should cause a danger to us." I added, making sure she wasn't worried. Indeed we had caught the last ship to Terre d'Ange, but this were hearty sailor folk, they knew what they were doing.
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Althea Asterius
Citizen
House Asterius
Caretaker to Galen & Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 21
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Post by Althea Asterius on May 3, 2010 17:57:02 GMT -5
"Yes, I suppose the sailors know what they're doing." They had gotten us this far, after all. "I hope it is not too far overland to the Capital," I said, "although I suppose that is a good chance for us to practice our D'angeline. My accent is atrocious!"
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Angelos Adrastos
Military
Private Guard for Prince Galen and Princess Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 17
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Post by Angelos Adrastos on May 4, 2010 20:43:22 GMT -5
I chuckled softly and decided to switch to D'Angeline. "If you wish, we can speak it... together, for the trip." I said in my own thickly accented D'Angeline.
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Althea Asterius
Citizen
House Asterius
Caretaker to Galen & Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 21
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Post by Althea Asterius on May 5, 2010 21:17:07 GMT -5
"We probably should," I answered in kind, though the words were strange on my tongue. Melodious, like they spoke in song, and I wondered again if it were true that they had descended from angels. "It is good practice."
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Angelos Adrastos
Military
Private Guard for Prince Galen and Princess Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 17
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Post by Angelos Adrastos on May 7, 2010 16:38:31 GMT -5
"I believe you are correct." I replied in D'Angeline but then sighed gently. "How are the babes?" I then asked as I reached out and brushed the cheek of Kyra.
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Althea Asterius
Citizen
House Asterius
Caretaker to Galen & Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 21
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Post by Althea Asterius on May 7, 2010 21:14:38 GMT -5
"Unlike Aleksandr, the twins are taking to sea travel as if they were born on a ship," I said, laughing softly so as not to wake them. "The sea air does seem to tire them, or maybe it is just that babes of this age sleep often. I confess I haven't a lot of experience with little ones. I think Medousa asked me because she knew she could trust me, not because of any especial skills."
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Angelos Adrastos
Military
Private Guard for Prince Galen and Princess Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 17
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Post by Angelos Adrastos on May 9, 2010 17:35:50 GMT -5
I smiled as I looked to Althea. "Thats alright, you're doing well so far." I replied. "It comes naturally yes? That is what I have heard from women, I'm sure that the more time you have with them, the easier it will come." I shrugged a little then.
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Althea Asterius
Citizen
House Asterius
Caretaker to Galen & Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 21
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Post by Althea Asterius on May 9, 2010 21:37:45 GMT -5
"It seems so... and they are such good babies, they only cry when they are hungry or need changing, so that's not so bad." I smiled down at them, thinking about how I was already rather attached. "And yes, it does come naturally, at least to me."
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Angelos Adrastos
Military
Private Guard for Prince Galen and Princess Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 17
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Post by Angelos Adrastos on May 14, 2010 19:16:25 GMT -5
I nodded a little. "They are good children." I replied simply and looked around, the clouds looked grey and I feared the weather would turn. "Come, we should go under. Its getting cold and I do not want the babes to be sick." I continued in my faultering D'Angeline.
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Althea Asterius
Citizen
House Asterius
Caretaker to Galen & Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 21
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Post by Althea Asterius on May 14, 2010 19:58:34 GMT -5
I nodded, frowning at the suddenly cloudy sky and hoping that the weather did not get too bad. I rose, with some difficulty as I was holding two sleeping babes, but I managed and then followed him. "Perhaps I too will take a nap," I said, suddenly weary of travel and all that came with it.
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Angelos Adrastos
Military
Private Guard for Prince Galen and Princess Kyra de la Courcel
Posts: 17
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Post by Angelos Adrastos on May 14, 2010 21:16:47 GMT -5
I reached over and took Galen from Althea's arms, helping her so that she would be alright as we made our way down into the cabins. "A good idea." I replied.
After all, we'd be in Terre d'Ange soon, and then our lives would really change. We needed all the rest we could get.
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