Fantasy RP Dragoste Eternă (Chaotic)

[FaeWhisperer]

In the late 17th century, there lived a a young ruling king of Romania— a domnitori. He oversaw his kingdom from a very young age, as his father had succumbed to illness earlier that same year. He had been put into power when he had turned 15, and it had been three years since that summer day. He had no other family, since his mother had died in childbirth, so he had been a very lonely individual.

Except for his servants, the young ruler did not have much of any friends— and the only one he did have mysteriously had disappeared when he had become king. So from then on, he had spent his evenings alone and away from everyone. Often caught up in his study, or retiring to his bedchambers. He knew he had to keep certain political ties in place but was often absent at times, sending someone in his stead— like his royal advisor.

Then recently, there had been rumors of a witch coven establishing themselves in a nearby wood. And the village people were frightened, especially of the unknown. The young ruler knew that, and he wasn’t sure if they had any reason to be afraid. He wanted to see if he could discover this so called coven for himself, and had slipped past the guards to do just that.

He had readied his steed, a white stallion that stood tall and proud, and he had had this horse for quite some time. The horse was bonded deeply with the man, and the ruler was grateful he didn’t make much of a fuss when he prepared him to leave.

Riding into the forest, he had his sword on his hip and a dark cloak wrapped around his body. But it flew behind him as he rode, and he began to wonder just exactly what he would be discovering.

Now what he didn’t know— was that this childhood friend of his— who he hadn’t seen since his coronation, had been taken in by this coven. He had wondered why she had stopped visiting him, and had even traveled to her home several times to see if she had returned. Her home had been a small cottage located outside of the village— and not only was his friend gone, her mother was also nowhere to be seen. Another thing he didn’t know, was that his friend’s mother was also a witch, and had went to the coven with her daughter to train her in the ways of witchcraft.

(I’ll make a character sheet placement later but I wanted to get this out first and foremost)

 

[Chaotic_Emerald]

Morana was the daughter of a rather popular herbologist who worked with the alchemists in the King's castle, so she eventually met the prince and became close friends with him. While she didn't have too much of a problem with making friends within the kingdom, there was just something about the prince that caught her attention more than the rest. Whether it was the fact that he was royalty, had a different upbringing, or was genuinely interesting, she wasn't sure.

But what she was sure about was the fact that shortly after his father, the King, fell ill, her and her mother left the kingdom and fled into the nearby forest. Morana had no idea why she was dragged along until she learned that her mother, the alchemists and several others she'd known her whole life were witches. So was she apparently.

The reason why they'd moved out of the kingdom was because one of the alchemists had been the cause of the King's illness. There was a small suspicion among a few other commoners about the practice of witchcraft so the whole lot of them had to cut loose ends and bail. Morana never even got to say goodbye to the prince...or the new king. That was probably what hurt the most.

Occasionally she'd sneak away and into the kingdom to learn how he was doing from some other people she would speak with. Her mother caught her one of those times and forbade her from leaving. Instead forced Morana to focus on learning the craft. That's when she started changing...slowly. Her main practice was with herbs and nature magic. But from time to time, she'd dabble in some sort of dark magic she saw in a book from her studies.

It caught her attention, and she made sure not to get caught this time. There was a memory altering spell she learned and would practice in the kingdom. She'd hear reports of commoners losing their memories from a mysterious force. That was she only one she knew, and recently she had to stop as there were rumors spreading about the witches again.

Morana thought they'd stop once she left them alone, but they didn't. She didn't know that until she heard word of someone approaching the coven by horse. The whole coven had planned to force this person out by any means, but Morana managed to convince them to let her handle it. After all, she had the most people skills ever since they all fled out here.

So here she was, sitting on a tree stump just outside the borders as she could see the figure approaching. When she could make out who it was her heart stopped. It was the prince - no - the king. What was he doing out here? Last she heard he sent people out to deal with things and was often in the castle. Immediately standing, she straightened herself up. It had been 3 years, maybe he wouldn't recognize her. Or maybe...she could make him forget. But she couldn't control how much he'd forget. What if he forgot her entirely?

Thoughts were swarming her mind as his figure on the white horse grew closer and closer down the path.

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Theodore Alexandre may have sent others to do his bidding when it came to political matters.. but when it came down to personal matters that concerned his kingdom— especially those who lived in the nearby villages, he knew he would have to explore and figure out what exactly was going on. Of course it would have been better if he and his guards went out together, but he feared his royal advisors would be against this outing. Considering if there were actual witches out here in the first place, who knows exactly what they were capable of.

As Theo approached, the cloak of night surrounding him seemed to melt away as moonlight illuminated his very figure, making him and his steed appear very ethereal. His breath could be seen in short clouds of steam as he steadied his breathing, looking around the area. He noticed something at the end of this path, and he figured out that it was a woman.

She looked no older than he was, and he steadied his horse, as his steed seemed to become excited for some reason. Of course his horse would recognize Morana, but at first Theodore did not. He didn’t think that this woman in front of him posed any threat, and as the noble man his father had raised him to be began to shine through once more with words of concern. “Have you lost your way, miss?” He asked, seemingly dropping his guard down. He knew he must have been in the witch territory now but surely this woman in front of him was no witch. She did not appear as they had in fabled stories, but he figured maybe they did not all look like that. Something about this woman felt familiar, and he couldn’t quite place what it was.

 

[Chaotic_Emerald]

Morana was shocked to see the horse recognize her. She never thought the animal would have a good memory. But learning to work with nature had taught her several things, especially how to recognize when an animal is familiar with someone.

She couldn't help but look over both Theo and the horse. Gods it's been such a long time since she's seen them both. Then when it clicked that he was asking her a question she cleared her throat, "No I am not lost, sir. I live out here in these woods with my family. They don't take kindly to strangers showing up unannounced, so I am here to ask that you leave and return to your home." It was honestly the nicest way she could have put it for him. She couldn't exactly tell him what they all were.

Before he could get a chance to speak she continued, "I mean no disrespect...your majesty," She did a small curtsy, glancing up at him through her eyelashes, "But I would hate to see something happen to you or the people who live here if you were to step beyond the borders." She stands up straight and glances to where a seemingly natural arch was formed from a tree. Morana knew that the second he stepped through, the others of the coven would be waiting to strike.

Turning to look at him, "Perhaps you could tell me what it is you are looking for, and I can help you to find it." She offered, studying him. It was odd that the horse remembered her and he didn't. Would the horse try to give her away? That was certainly a worry in her mind. If he didn't remember...perhaps that was for the best.

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Clearly it had been some time since the two had last seen each other. His hair had grown long, past his shoulders and down his back now. It was as black as a raven’s feather, and his eyes were still that same shade of icy blue. His pale complexion showed that he rarely got out, but his complexion was also of that who had been pampered throughout his life, and never had to do any hard labor.

And although that was true, Morana would also remember that he was well versed in combat training. Even though there hadn’t been a war or any sort of battle in the three years he had been king, he still had been trained since he had been young. Skilled with the same sword that was currently on his hip, and if she was to use magic against him in combat, he was light and nimble on his feet, moving in such a way that one would think he had his own source of magic he drew upon to avoid attacks.

But what Morana didn’t realize, was that there was glimmer magic being used— a spell that disguised what you wanted, how you wanted. They were using such magic to make sure the king didn’t recognize Morana, as that would be better for their sake. And if by some other means, that Theodore walked through the barrier…unfortunately, they would have to eliminate him.

Then Theodore did what no one would expect. He looked over the woman before him, and then spoke after she had asked what he was there for. “To tell you truthfully, I came in search of finding a witch coven,” he tilted his head slightly. “And I know…you could very well be apart of that—even though you don’t look the part,” he shakes his head. Theodore sighs and closes his eyes. “I know I came out here because of speculation and rumor, but I wanted to see things for myself and make my own judgements,” he reopens his eyes and looked past where she was standing. He had figured at first she must have not been a witch—but then again, rebuilding his guard was probably best. But he continued to seem to…be less reserved. Maybe too openly trusting. Because he always gave people benefit of the doubt first, before judging too rashly or without reason.

“Surely, if you were to be a witch, I believe there is some understanding we can agree to with one another?” And with those words his steed seemed a bit uneasy, as if he was being watched from the shadows.

“I..don’t mean to harm,” he says aloud next, looking around, suddenly feeling like he had an audience.

 

[Chaotic_Emerald]

The more Morana looked at him the more she remembered their time together before he was king...before she left. But clearly enough time had passed and even though she was able to recognize him...the same couldn't be said for him. It grew clearer that he didn't recognize her and she couldn't help but feel something in her chest...pain? Not physical pain but more so emotional pain. Part of her hoped he recognized her, more for her sake. But there was that part of her that hoped he didn't so the others lurking in the shadows wouldn't do any harm to the king. That was something she had to get used to.

But she almost let her guard down when he mentioned the coven. But luckily she was able to hold herself straight as he talked about why he was here. In order to try and throw him off she let out a confused laugh, "I know nothing about witches your majesty. I thought there are not any witches surrounding this kingdom."

At his talk of her potentially being a witch, she shook her head before continuing, "I am no witch your majesty. I am simply a girl living with her family so we can make a life for ourselves. The kingdom was no good and we could not find any sort of work with our skills. Now we work for ourselves and trade out our herbs to nearby apothecaries and other places who request them. We are nothing more than a small village of people working together to make a living your majesty." She explained, keeping her expression soft as she spoke.

She wanted to say more, but didn't want to overwhelm him with reasons why he shouldn't enter. That would probably be more suspicious.

 

[FaeWhisperer]

Theodore looked confused, partly because the woman before him spoke as if his words had been nonsense. His lips parted as if he wanted to say something more. But his horse gave another uncomfortable snort, rearing his head and stepping backwards. Theo pulled on his reigns to steady him, wondering what had gotten him so worked up.

Theodore then looked up at the woman, “Alright, I believe you..” he started, his brow furrowing. Surely he had been sure there would be something out here. For where else would his friend have gone? If she had been captured by the witches…perhaps, that was a reason for her sudden disappearance. But again, being out here was leading him nowhere. How was he to find her now?

“I’m sorry to have wasted your time…” he apologized and turned his steed around, glancing back at the woman once more before he used the spurs on his boots to get his horse to start moving forward once more- back the way he came.

—

It was then Theodore woke up in a cold sweat, gasping slightly as he woke. His head began to pound. What…what was that? He had began to wonder. A dream? But why would he dream of finding witches…he knew the village people had their speculations and rumors of one, but he hadn’t actually went and investigated yet, had he?

Still, on his mind was that woman from his dream. She seemed so familiar, but she—

Of course it hadn’t been a dream, but Theodore didn’t know that. He was spelled to believe that fact, another precaution the witch coven had taken to remain hidden.

Morana’s mother had seen how upset she had become from the fact the king did not recognize her, and once Morana found out that there was glimmer magic used to disguise her in front of Theodore…who knows how she would react. “Morana, darling…perhaps this is for the best,” she murmured out, going to reach for her daughter. But ever since leaving without saying goodbye to him, her mother knew that had weighed heavily on her daughter’s heart. They just couldn’t risk being discovered, especially by the king.

 

[Chaotic_Emerald]

Morana looked confused at the way the horse was behaving, there shouldn't be a reason for him to be so uneasy. Unless he was able to sense the familiars that she could feel lurking but didn't think the horse would be able to. The familiars were keeping an eye on her and Theo, to report back in case she messed up somehow. She could even feel her own familiar, a black and white cat named Onyx, lurking around as well.

But she quickly switched her demeanor back to before, a gentle smile with her hands folded together in front of her. "You can never waste my time your majesty. I will always have time for you. I hope you find what you are looking for." She did another curtsy as he turned his head toward her.

Once his figure was distant enough, she turned around and her whole demeanor changed. Her smile dropped and her hands fell to her side.

As she began to walk towards the tree arch, Onyx came from a nearby bush and walked alongside her. Making her way through the little village she could feel stares on her. It was obvious that the king was not following her which meant she succeeded. So why were they staring at her, she could not say. But she didn't care. Morana had to report back to the coven leaders in the central building and after she needed to have a conversation with her mother.

Why didn't Theo remember her? She didn't think a memory could be altered like that. Then again she had been messing with people's memories for a while, but all she was able to do was erase them almost completely.

Reaching the central building, she entered and there was the 5 coven leaders waiting for her.

"How did it go?"

"Did he suspect anything?"

"Did he recognize you?"

Questions began as soon as they saw her. But that last one caught her interest. They didn't know about whatever prevented him from recognizing her.

All she did was shake her head before she responded, "He did not recognize me, nor did he truly believe the reason he came out here. He seemed to be looking for something, or someone." It wasn't the full truth, but to tell them that he was suspicious of witches nearby would but a bounty on his head. Morana didn't want that. Especially not after being able to see him for three years.

Giving the coven leaders a small nod after they seemed satisfied with her answer, she turned to leave and find her mother.

Learning she was at the village garden, she made her way over there and immediately got her mother's attention. "Mother...we need to talk." She said, moving to stand next to her mother as she tended to some plants.

"Yes? How did your task go? I heard someone came to the village but no one would tell me who. Who was it?"

"The king. The new king. The one I never got to say goodbye to. Remember him?" As soon as Morana said the king, her face dropped and before she could reply Morana continued, "He did not remember me. You wouldn't happen to know why, would you mother?"

Her mother stood, brushing off some soil off her dress before reaching out, "Morana...I...you see...the day we left I casted a spell to hide his memory of what you looked like. So he would not remember you and wouldn't go searching for you when we left. You have to understand...it was for the best."

Morana backed away from her mother, not wanting the woman before her to touch her. Tears were pooling in her eyes, betrayal written on her face. "You knew how much I wanted to say goodbye. How bad I felt for leaving him...alone after his father fell ill. How could you do this to me?"

Her mother sighed and tried to reach out again, "Perhaps this is for the best. If he remembered you he would have insisted that he enter. Then he could have discovered us! This is not all about you Morana. It was also to protect our people."

Shaking her head she backed up again, "Do not touch me! This is unfair. You could have at least let me say goodbye. That would have avoided more suspicion than simply leaving. You made things worse! Even if he does not remember me exactly, he will remember someone and he will search for them. You underestimated our relationship..." Narrowing her eyes at her mother she adds, "do the coven leaders know you used a forbidden kind of magic? I thought memory alterations were forbidden...almost considered dark magic depending on how it is used..."

Her mother's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the coven leaders, "You cannot tell them! They don't know, if they knew not only would they put me on trial, but they would harm the king."

"Then take the glimmer off. Let him remember what I look like. Let me talk to him, explain to him why I left and that I will not be returning. It will be better for all of us to give him and myself closure. Take the glimmer off...and I won't tell the leaders." It was blackmail, and she could simply hide away with Theo to protect him. She was great in her protective spells, best in her age group. Alongside that, she was great with healing, animals, herbal remedies and potions.

She was confident she could protect them both.

Her mother sighed, thinking. "Fine. Only for half of the day. Just with enough time for you to reach the kingdom and talk with him. Then it goes back up." Before her mother can let her hopes get too high, "But I will do it tomorrow. As soon as you are ready to depart, I will let it down."

Morana's face lit up, "Oh, thank you mother!" Nodding at her conditions before going off to tend to the rest of her duties.

 

[FaeWhisperer]

And for the half of the day, it went by way quicker than one would expect. It was as if the universe itself was trying to hurry up the encounter -- or perhaps some other unseen forces were happening in the background to move this along. Morana would have to hurry up and meet the king again before the spell that had been lifted would go back to how it had been -- when the veil was lifted, she would only have a short window to do this.

Theo for the half of the day had been in his study once more, reading over the census. There had to be something missing, he knew his friend and her family wouldn't just disappear like that. It was odd that there had been some records altered around the time of his coronation, and he was struggling to figure out why they had been changed. He sighed out of frustration and sunk back into his chair. Closing his eyes, he tried to remember her face, but for some reason he couldn't. Surely he had some portrait of her somewhere, but everytime looked he could not find one. "Morana-" He spoke out her name, the words rolling off of his tongue with ease.

Reaching around with his hand he rubbed the back of his neck, grunting softly as he grimaced and opened his eyes. His head began to hurt once more. It had been doing that often, and like everything else, he couldn't place why. This was the other reason why he had been so drawn away recently, and had refused to go out. Not only had he been grieving the loss of his friend, but the lapses in his memory didn't prove much good either.

Theodore then reached towards the front of his neck, feeling the locket he had kept from Morana. He always had kept it around his neck from the day she had given it to him. Often times he had opened it to see if there had been a portrait of her there, but it had been empty. No matter how many times he looked, it was always empty. But once again, out of morbid curiosity, he decided to open it once more. Looking down at the silver amulet, he suddenly sat up straight when the contents of the locket surprised him. There it was! As if it had been there the entire time, Morana's face was gazing back at him!

He looked up and around his study, his eyes flickering back and forth quickly around the candlelit room to see if this had been a trick of the light, but no- her face was there. It was truly there..!

And then as if the fog had been lifted from his brain, he remembered the 'dream' he had earlier. It had been no dream, but reality. And he had been talking to Morana the whole entire time. How could he have been so blind, so stupid?!

The king did not waste one single moment. Jumping up from his chair he bolted from his study to run down the stairwell to the outside courtyard. He didn't even think of grabbing his coat when he burst through the door. His guards had been surprised to see the king in such a rush. They all looked at each other with concern, what had gotten the king so worked up?

And there they were, both out of breath. Theo hadn't even finished crossing over the garden wall yet when he locked eyes with Morana. She would see the locket around his neck, the pendant open. He took one shaky breath and stepped forward to Morana, no other words would come to him except her name. "M-Morana?"