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 Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 2:40 pm
They were neighboring countries that had been at war for longer than either country could remember and it had caused more casualties and losses that many felt that the fighting continued for revenge and no actual reason. The king and queen of one side came up with a solution, asking audience with the other side in an agreed upon location. Both sides were leery and nervous about meeting but both were willing. The one side offered their child, a baby girl of 3 years old to marry their son and end the war. At first, the second side was not willing to do so, but as they thought about it, the more they were unable to come up with a better solution. So on the day that Zahra turned 4, she was betrothed to the prince of the other country.
Over the next several years, Zahra and the prince grew up, knowing they could never choose their spouse and that they had been given over to the other side. And at least for the princess, she felt she had been sold for a price, no matter how great. Regardless of her feelings, she would follow through with her parents wishes. She was a princess, she needed to do what was best for her country and not what she wanted.
The agreement that the two kingdoms made was on the eve of Zahra's 18th birthday, that she would seal the agreement in marriage to the prince of the neighboring country. So now, a few weeks before her 18th birthday, she is traveling to the prince's kingdom to ''get to know" her future husband and future king. After they are married, they will be moved to a beautiful home between the two countries as the new location for the future king and queen of the two countries. The prince knows next to nothing but the princess' name, and the princess knows nothing but the prince's name. What will happen when they finally meet..and will it be a forced marriage or will they find compatibility.
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Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2011 2:41 pm
The Princess Name: Zahra
Age: almost 18 (so 17)
Likes: long walks outside, being listened to, having a choice, doing what she wants (within reason of course), reading, writing, being outside,
Dislikes: being forced into something she didn't choose or want, being lied to, people who try to impress her for her approval.
Personality: Strong-willed and opinionated, she's not easily walked over, but she has a high sense of honor. And its that sense of honor that brought her from her home to a stranger's. She doesn't mind giving her opinion, but she knows when to hold her tongue, and does possess a gentle side, you just have to find it. She isn't spoiled, but she knows what she wants and knows how to hold fast to that. |{ Drillbit, go ahead and just post up your chari when you've got him ^^ I like to stylize my posts, so just a head's up about that}|
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Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 4:06 pm
The Prince Name: James
Age: 18
Likes: sporting, (archery, fencing, fishing, etc.) asserting his opinion, adventure, being outside, flirting with the kitchen maids
Dislikes: other show-offs (as he can be a bit of a show-off when he so desires), people that are strong-willed enough to butt heads with him, the fact that he is being betrothed to someone he didn't choose, not being able to flirt with other girls
Personality: Lane is very stubborn and assertive, and is only grudgingly agreeing to this marriage to the opposing country's princess, because it is for the good of his countrymen. He tries to be as honorable, dignified, and chivalrous as he possibly can, but often messes up. His dream has always been to marry a beautiful and loving girl and live like a simple man, owning a farm out in the countryside and not having to worry about his princely duties. He dreads getting married, fearing to find that the princess is a repulsive and loathsome creature.
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Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 6:46 pm
 Princess Zahra Beauleau If looks could kill you'd be the one
That takes my world and makes me numb
I'm nothing, without you I can't breathe (I can't breathe)
And as the sunlight burns the sky
I see through my obsessive eyes
I'm nothing, without you I can't see Zahra Beauleau rocked in the carriage wishing more than anything to be on horse back without the heavy veils that covered her head and face. She was a beautiful girl, any man could look at her and say that. But her hair, the unruly mess that had been tamed into a chiffon under the heavy, dark veil. She wore a golden-red colored gown that complimented her skin color, the covering over her head of the same thin material, that was used to the advantage to keep her hair color hidden for as long as her hair was covered. A light gossamer covered her face to her jaw as the carriage rolled up to the castle. She breathed out slowly and looked at her gloved hands that were gripped tightly together. She could hear the sound of the horses hooves on cobblestone and knew that in only a few moments she would look upon the man who would be her husband and King. She shuddered at the thought. She really wasn't looking forward to this. Her traveling party consisted of two lady's in waiting that were in a separate carriage and would not be part of the procession. They would be spared the curious looks of the people she would be surrounded with. And she had numerous guards and personal men who would have to intermingle with the castle, until the marriage was finalized and consummated. She closed her eyes, waiting.
The carriage lurched to a stop and she threw a hand out to catch herself. She could hear the people murmuring outside the carriage and she kept herself still, feeling the man get down and open the latch to the inner part of the carriage, offering his lady his hand to help out. She let herself be let out, seeing all the guards and stood quietly, muttering a soft thank you to her footman. She took slow, measured steps towards the prince that sat on his throne and when she grew close enough, closer than a commoner would ever be allowed to approach, she gave a curtsy, her head lowering slightly, but it was obvious that, in her curtsy, she only went down enough to show that she recognized him and his authority, without compromising her own. She stood straight, the rehearsed words on her lips.
"Thank you for such a kind and generous welcome to your kingdom, Prince James. I pray that our union brings about the desired peace that our countries so long for and that the next years shall be fruitful for our countries in a time of happiness and peace." You're the strength I need to fight,
You're the reason I still try,
I'm the moth and you're the light,
Use these wings so I can fly
Like the brightest star, you shine through
...baby, You make me feel so alive
I've got purpose once again
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Posted: Fri Sep 16, 2011 7:54 pm
The Prince, James Lane.  James Lane, Prince of Tidemark, was pacing in his study. Nervous fingers drummed on his thigh as he walked, his heart stuck in his throat and hammering quite loudly. Oh, how he wished for a drink of ale! He had never been so nervous as he was now, for he was about to meet the woman who would be his queen, the woman with whom he would spend the rest of his life. What if she was ugly and hump-backed, some terrible drabble of a girl? What if she was stupid and witless, incapable of socialization? He shuddered to think of what the princess of the country of their erstwhile enemies would be like, for he had heard that the people of that terrible neighboring country were all dim-witted, ugly fools. Hopefully, that was just a bored man's tale, for he could not bear to spend the rest of his life with some troll.
Presently his manservant, Fisk, came into the study, wringing his hand. The princess' carriage is coming down the drive! Please do hurry, young James, so that you are not late! You know how your father would be furious and your mother would fret, should you be unpunctual!" The manservant was nearly twitching with raw nerve, perspiring slightly in his magnificent uniform.
James closed his eyes with a shuddering sigh, steeling himself for what was to come. Time to meet the witch, he thought privately, drawing himself together. He would let nobody see how anxious he was, for to do so would be highly undignified. He self-inspected himself in the full-sized mirror on the wall. Tall, with slim, sloping shoulders, long-legged and trim-waisted, with sharp blue-gray eyes and fiery red hair, complimented by a fair smattering of his family's trademark freckles. The hair, a curse as it was, would be tucked under a dark blue beret that matched his blue based breeches and tunic and gold-trimmed pelisse. He supposed he looked fair- he could only hope that the princess thought so. Gathering himself, James followed Fisk out of the study and through the castle, striding quickly after the short-legged but quick-moving manservant. It was not long before he was outside and seated in his gilded throne on the lawn. It had been moved there for the occasion, the lawn decorated. Countless people stood about, waiting for the event. As he sat slowly down to wait, James wished they would all disappear. It was not long before the carriage came up the winding drive and stopped before him. The footman bustled to the door, folding down the carriage steps so that the princess might emerge from within. Here goes, James thought resignedly to himself, prepared for the worst.
His first thought when the carriage door opened was that she was beautiful, breathtakingly so. Her slender form was robed in a goldish-red gown, a veil covering her face so that he could scarcely see it. But her body was something to be admired, even if her countenance might not be. But of that, he had yet no idea. He watched, almost amused, as she approached him with slow, careful steps, stopping directly in front of him, so close that he could smell her flowery perfume. No commoner would have come that close to him, he was sure. She gave a stiff curtsy, bowing her head ever so slightly, and stood erect. Her words were pleasant, but he could sense the reluctance behind them. He slowly got to his feet to bow in return, giving a sort of downwards jerk of his back and neck, scarcely constituting as a bow. He forced himself to smile, to act pleased, when in all truth, he wanted to walk away and never come back.
"As do I, Miss... Zahra. And welcome, welcome to Tidemark."
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Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2011 8:26 pm
Princess Zahra Beauleau If looks could kill you'd be the one
That takes my world and makes me numb
I'm nothing, without you I can't breathe (I can't breathe)
And as the sunlight burns the sky
I see through my obsessive eyes
I'm nothing, without you I can't see If Zahra hadn't been so nervous and uncertain of the man before her, she probably would have laughed out of sheer stress and amusement of their reactions to each other. As her eyes perused the man in front of her, she realized he was no older than her, and his hair was a bright orange color, much more so than her own, rich auburn hair that complimented her sun-colored skin tone. Standing there, she couldn't help the feeling of awkwardness that filled her, but that was quickly dispelled by the king and queen of Tidemark moving into her peripheral vision. She turned and gave a deep curtsy, one that was befitting a princess to a reigning king and queen. "Good sir, and my lady. Thank you for the gracious welcome." The words were less formal. She knew how to deal with kings and queens, as she rarely was informal with her own family, unless her mother and herself were alone. Her eyes came up and met the queen's for a brief moment, and could read no sign of acceptance or rejection which gave her hope. Maybe she would be able to get along with the queen and gain some insight into her new kingdom as they got to know each other. Within a moment, both herself, the prince and the king and queen greeted the people, and adjorned inside to a private sitting room.
Zahra was uncertain as she stood within the privacy of the sitting room, keeping her eyes down, but back straight, obviously able to carry herself in many circumstances. With a few moments of awkward silence, the king and queen (go ahead and name them Drill) got up, informing both their son and Zahra that they would see them at dinner and departed leaving both awkward young people alone in the room. You're the strength I need to fight,
You're the reason I still try,
I'm the moth and you're the light,
Use these wings so I can fly
Like the brightest star, you shine through
...baby, You make me feel so alive
I've got purpose once again
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Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2011 2:08 pm
The Prince, James Lane. Prince James stood there opposite Zahra, perspiring slightly in his nervousness until his parents came up. He noted that his parents, King Patrick and Queen Diane, did not seem to treat the foreign princess with any disdain. They were not exactly warm towards her, but there was no coldness, either. "I am King Patrick, and this is my wondrous wife, Queen Diane. Welcome to Tidemark." The royal couple returned the gracious bow, and invited her quietly inside. James greeted their subjects mutely, waving at them all and giving what he hoped passed for a smile, before passing into the castle, where they all entered the sitting room. James stood awkwardly in the doorway of the sitting room, knowing that he should offer her a seat, but feeling increasingly flustered. His parents quietly sat for a moment, but the two young ones remained standing, the awkward feeling growing rapidly. Diane seemed to notice, and thought that it would be better if the two were left alone for a while to talk. She nudged her husband and murmured something in his ear before they got up to leave. "Well then, we shall see you both at dinner," Queen Diane said, straightening up. And with that, the King and Queen left.
The room was terribly silent after they left. Nothing could be heard at all through the stone walls, and nothing sounded within the chamber. It was completely silent until James, still standing by the door, came to, and bowed to the princess. "Er, you can take a seat, miss- anywhere you'd like," he said, his face growing rapidly redder.
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Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 11:38 pm
Princess Zahra Beauleau If looks could kill you'd be the one
That takes my world and makes me numb
I'm nothing, without you I can't breathe (I can't breathe)
And as the sunlight burns the sky
I see through my obsessive eyes
I'm nothing, without you I can't see At the departure of the king and queen, Zahra had no choice but to focus her attention on the prince, instead of the room. At his muttered words about her sitting, she took them as they were and moved to a seat, sitting down in it, and looking down at her hands with a small sigh, her shoulders stiffening slightly. "It's just Zahra..we are equals you know...And I don't bite." Zahra was known in her home as a woman who was frank and at times blunt and straight to the point. She didn't like beating around the bush and hated the politics that were involved with being royalty. She especially hated that herself and the boy, as she could not see him as a man at this point, had practically been sold to each other for the sake of politics and their country. She did not trust him, but she had to try to make things work. Hesitating, she tried to be a little more soft wit her words. "You can sit as well Prince James..."
Without meaning to, Zahra was back on her feet, moving around the room, looking at the paintings and out the windows of the castle that would not be her permanent home but that she would still need to be accustomed to. She would be here during certain seasons and holidays as the prince would be within her own kingdom doing the same during other seasons. Turning, she stared straight at the prince. "We don't have a choice in the matter....we either pretend we like each other, and try to get along or we pretend to like each other and leave each other alone to do as we please...neither option is really appealing...as I hate pretense....but its not like we really have a choice...do we?" The soft question gave away the slight vulnerability that didn't show through Zahra's posture and stance. She gave off an air of confidence and pride, while her inner self was insecure and even a bit afraid of James and the others in this castle. You're the strength I need to fight,
You're the reason I still try,
I'm the moth and you're the light,
Use these wings so I can fly
Like the brightest star, you shine through
...baby, You make me feel so alive
I've got purpose once again
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Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 4:11 pm
The Prince, James Lane. James watched as she took the small seat opposite him, feeling the anxiety growing ever-larger inside him. He wasn't entirely sure what he should be doing right now. He knew he should try to engage her in polite conversation, but he wasn't sure where to begin. Thankfully, she started it for him. Zahra, yes, that was the name his parents had told him a thousand times over since he was old enough to know his marriage had been prearranged. Surely, she knew his name as well, but he would tell her just as a matter of formality, as she had done.
"I am James Lane- I suppose to you I'll just simply be James, though," he said, trying to smile as he marveled at how she told him to sit down in his own castle... well, surely, she was just trying to find something to say, just as he was. She seemed to have a lot on her mind as well, for she got up and started pacing, looking about the room and inspecting each piece. And then she spoke.
She's making a lot of sense, James thought almost grudgingly. And she's thinking the same thing as me. How am I to immediately love someone I have never yet seen? But so was the politics of this marriage. They would have to pretend to love each other immediately for the benefit of the people in both lands. If they did not get along, the people would see, and their current unrest would turn into mutiny against the pact between the two countries. And where would they all be then?
He saw that their predicament made her miserable, just as it made him. Like him, she was scared of this whole thing, because there was no way any of it would turn out right for them individually. They would probably hate each other, and then it would be extremely hard for them to pretend to get along. And what if he had wanted to marry someone else? He thought about all of the girls his age that he could have married, especially one of the kitchen maids. He could have been happy, having chosen his own wife, instead of having his wife picked for him. He could have disappeared happily out of the royal picture and taken up residence on a small farm in the middle of nowhere with a good woman. He could have been happy. But instead, he was being betrothed to this girl standing before him, this girl that seemed to mirror his feelings. Suddenly, he felt sorry not only for himself, but for her.
"You are all too right," he murmured, still not having sat down himself. He stood in the same spot, gazing solemnly into the fire in the grate. "We haven't a choice in the slightest."
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Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 2:58 pm
Princess Zahra Beauleau If looks could kill you'd be the one
That takes my world and makes me numb
I'm nothing, without you I can't breathe (I can't breathe)
And as the sunlight burns the sky
I see through my obsessive eyes
I'm nothing, without you I can't see Zahra sighed softly, her body turning to towards the prince at his words of agreement. He seemed a man of few words, and she a woman of too many...ahead of her era. She brought a hand to her forehead, her eyes closing. She wanted to beg him to give her answers, tell her what he wanted from her, and that's what sparked more questions...what did he expect of her....was there expectations, was there a girl in his life already that he wanted or already had a girl and she would be his show girl? That bothered her greatly, but how could she confront something like that...he wasn't hers, though technically through name only he would be. And they would be expected to consummate their marriage and have kids...so that means they'd....She couldn't finish the thought, so instead she went with a safer question. "Do you know what your family expects of our marriage?" Zahra swallowed hard, nervous of his answer.
While waiting for his response, she turned around again and leaned into the windowsill, her eyes on the horizon, her gaze was glazed because of her thoughts and nothing else was really registering in her subconscious. And because of it, her voice sounded a little distant and lost. "You're welcome to ask me anything....and I'll do my best to answer..." Zahra didn't know if that would help or make him feel more comfortable, but she was trying to be personable, and trying to get along with him. She desperately wanted to get along, because, she may no know his morals but she'd do everything in her power to be loyal only to him. She'd never looked at another man because of this marriage. She wanted to be honorable to the man she didn't know, even if she never really knew him, she'd always put on a brave face and a smile and be strong for her kingdom, and only in the privacy of her room would she allow herself to be weak. You're the strength I need to fight,
You're the reason I still try,
I'm the moth and you're the light,
Use these wings so I can fly
Like the brightest star, you shine through
...baby, You make me feel so alive
I've got purpose once again
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Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 6:24 pm
The Prince, James Lane. He stood there, his own last words ringing in his head as he stared into the fire. He wished this wasn't happening. He thought for a moment that maybe he could run away and never look back, that he could go live his dream, but the thought ashamed him. He wasn't even giving her a chance. Not to mention, what would happen to his country if he did this? He looked slowly up when the princess spoke again. He could see her nervousness in her body language, the way she seemed to shrink inward for a moment, her voice growing soft with almost a timid note to it. Again, he felt sorry for her.
"Well, of course they want our countries to finally be at peace with one another. And they want us to be happy, and to... and to..." His face grew red at the thought of having children with this woman. He scarcely knew her! She likely knew what he was going to say, so he just gestured a little uncomfortably with his hands. "Ah, consummate the relationship." He waited for her answer, feeling increasingly and uncharacteristically embarrassed. He took to simply watching his own feet, not daring to look up. He was grateful when she spoke up again, for it was not about his parents' biggest and most problematic expectation. He knew that she could sense his embarrassment on that matter, and really, in this whole thing. He tried to think of a question he could ask simply to make conversation, and keep it away from that past subject. He rubbed an agitated hand through his hair. "...What... what is it like, in your country?" was all he could come up with. It was a stupid question, he felt.
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Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2011 6:37 pm
Princess Zahra Beauleau If looks could kill you'd be the one
That takes my world and makes me numb
I'm nothing, without you I can't breathe (I can't breathe)
And as the sunlight burns the sky
I see through my obsessive eyes
I'm nothing, without you I can't see Zahra could hear it, feel it in the room and she regretted asking the question, but he still spoke the words that both of them knew would be happening. It was expected and there was no way to get out of it. She already knew her mother would be asking rather quickly after the marriage if she was pregnant, or when to expect little ones. Her mother was thrilled at the idea of more children running around as Zahra had been an only child. She looked down and turned when he spoke of her home. Her home...her country. It was so different to her than what was here...this seemed so much more...like a city. But so was their main castle that they rarely stayed at unless for political reasons. Mostly they spent their longest months in their summer home, Winchester Castle. She loved that castle so much, and it was that love that came out of her mouth, without meaning to give away that much emotion.
"I didn't much like our winter castle...it was more of a place for business. But luckily I did not spend much time there. Mum and I, would try to spend at least 9 months out of the year at Winchester Castle in the mountains. It was always so green there and I could ride horses and do things without being waited on hand and foot by the servants. I was never allowed to just expect the servants to do everything...I learned how to be able to take care of anything that a normal woman and future wife would need to do...my mom wanted me to have those experiences and told me they would not only help in being a wife..." Zahra's voice got slightly uncomfortable, but continued. "and mother. Ad just in case things changed in my life for the worst...where I would not have a castle or nice things, I could take care of myself...." She turned her eyes towards the prince. "Do you like to ride P...James?" Zahra desperately hoped so. It might be a way for them to get to know each other better. You're the strength I need to fight,
You're the reason I still try,
I'm the moth and you're the light,
Use these wings so I can fly
Like the brightest star, you shine through
...baby, You make me feel so alive
I've got purpose once again |{OOC: Could you bold the sections that are speech? It makes it much easier for me to read. ><; If that is alright}|
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