Castle

[Sparkles]

The king lay in bed with his eys barely open and a horrible feeling that what he had to tell his son and daughter may be even more bad news; especially for Tarsha. Hopefully Stephan would be able to help the matter. He knew his son had more strength then he was wille dto believe and he also knew that he had little faith in himself, but hopefully his important news would make him have other things to worry about instead of worrying over the Kingdom so much. But still, the king did have conserns for the wellbeing and sanity of Tarsha afterward. He just hoped that Stephan would be able to help. Some way or another.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Stephan reached his father's room and stopped at the door. He raised his hand to knock and then stopped. This was stupid... his father would no doubt not want to see him.... but he knocked gently anyway before entering, his eyes still downcast to the floor.
"Father..." Stephan whispered, his voice quivering as he was unable to hide his overflowing panic and doubt.

[Sparkles]

The king smiled weakly at the sound of his son's voice; but he could not lift his head to look at him. The only thing he seemed to be able to do properly was talk. "How are you my Stephan?" he would try to say this brightly, "i was not expecting you for another hour" he'd think rapidly about what he'd say. "is Tarsha with you?" he'd quiery.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Stephan stayed near the door, his arms folded behind his back and his eyes still down at the floor.
"I had nothing to do... and no, she's in the city." Stephan answered hurriedly, he found speaking quickly masked the destressed tone of his voice.

[Cloud Strife]

Shikir sighed as the prince passed, merely bowing his head in respect while proceeding to go on his way. He had duties to attend to! Me oh my, what was the elf to do? In about an hour he had to go perform before the King; a soft flute and harp show.

[Sparkles]

"Come sit down" King Dyrnwyn patted the bedsheets beside him; trying his hardest not to show his sickness. "I could do with a visit anyway; it may be better for me to tell you something important before Tarsha so you can expect the worst" he'd let out a faint chuckle; this was not going to be easy.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Stephan trembled as he crossed the room, his eyes clenched shut to avoid the threatening tears from dripping where his father could see them.
He sat where his father had indicated, and wrung his hands nervously, spinning the ring he wore on one hand. The other shot up to wipe away the tear that had managed to escape his eyes and roll along his face.

[Sparkles]

The king's hand reached over and took Stephan's in his. He moved his head to look at his son, "Do not be nervous or scared Stephan" His father would say reasuringly, "The kingdom can look after it's self right now. But you and your sister need to look after each other... which is why i need to tell you something" he let out an uncomfortable grunt and shifted his weight on his right more to face his son a bit more. "Stephan..." he swollowed slowely and pondered over his words... "Many years ago The king of the Lartonian Kingdom and I had a dispute. We made a bet that..." he paused and closed his eyes; hating himself for it, " We made a bet that if a time came that our kingdom was to ever need to depend on his kingdom for anything then it was that..." he looked at Stephan wit a tear in his eye, "That Tarsha would be forced to marry his son. .. .. . I hate myself for it now but he hasn't forgotten and it may be close to that time that we have to depend on them if you and Tarsha are not ready to rule" another tear.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Stephan listened as intently as he could, the thundering of his own heartbeat loud in his heart. But finally he snapped... the pressure to much for him.
"You cant sell her life away like that! Just because shes your daughter doesnt mean you can just tell her who she's marrying. You and mother have already dumped so much on us and now you expect me to accept her marrying some... foreigner i've never met!?" When he spoke of his mother his tone got acidic... he spoke it as if he hated the word. She'd abandoned them and probably still lived, she'd just decided to dump the mess of a kingdom into his and his sisters lap.
"i cant do this... i never wanted to... and i never will... get Shikir to run things... he practically does right now anyway." Stephan stood and left his emotions no longer controlled. Once outside he burst fully into tears... his destination was the stables... if his mum could run away and leave it all behind... so could he.

[Sparkles]

Dyrnwyn's eyes filled up while he watched Stephan lose control. But it was best fr him to get it out and so he did not say anything at first. But when Stephan stormed out, his eyes widened in stress; he was capable of more then he wanted to think when he wasn't in a pleasant frame of mind. "Shikir!" he called out; hoping that the elf was nearby. He needed his son to understand that it was not final unless they did fall back. he had just wanted them to be aware.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Stephan ran down the halls. Not bothering to stop for anyone. If they were in the way they got knocked from his path.
He reached his room and opened to door with a great amount of force. He grabbed his travelling coat and gem encrusted sword. Belting the sword to his waist he then pulled the coat on, slipping it's hood over his head. He then left his room and closed the door behind him.
He wouldnt leave a note for his sister... father would tell her where he was.... if he really cared anyway. He reached the castle grounds and avoided the questioning glances of the people there.
Once he reached the stable he kissed his horses forehead. "Come on Shadow... we're leaving." He saddled the gelding and mounted. He had saddlebags attached to the saddle. He would buy provisions in town.... he was going to the mountains... their were villages there that would never know he was the prince.
Once he was ready he galloped from the stables and out of the castle, not looking back for even a moment.

[going to village]

[Cloud Strife]

Shikir was in the King's quarters almost instantaneously. "Yes Your Majesty?....Wait...where is the young prince? He didn't run, did he?" Oh great, this was just....UGH. Shikir would bow abruptly, having a feeling he knew exactly where Stephan had run. "I am terribly sorry, Your Majesty. I shall go find the young prince and bring him back." He emit before quickly exiting and sprinting down the hallway. Thankfully, being an elf, he was extremely agile and quick. This also was useful, because he got to the stables in half the time it would usually take a normal sprinting human.

The regal elf would mount his beloved steed, Mishik, not even bothering to gather any provisions or anything. He'd buy what he had to if he needed it later. Dammit dammit dammit! And off he rode; apologizing to Mishik as he went along. The stallion was just..well...confused, but he didn't question it.

[going to the Village]

[Sparkles]

Lyola entered a padoch and searched around for where possibly she could sign up but after a bit she realised that signing up would most probably only be available in the castle itself.

Tarsha walked slow as she entered a paddoch; not in sight of the one Lyola was in, hopeing to slow enough for the outsider to catch up. This would be interesting. no?

[Cloud Strife]

Kaabel had been attempting to dodge by unnoticed. However, this was not to be when he was spotted by Tarsha. Crap! A deep breath was inhaled as he nudged Mercutio foreward and towards the girl. At first, he didn't realize that she was the princess. Of course, upon further inspection, there wasn't the slightest doubt. Oh lord. Instantly, a hand lifted to tug at the cloak's hood; hiding his face and holding out the letter towards her. "....From....The prince of Larconia (? Is that right?). His Highness Kaabel...." He murmered. The boy couldn't believe he said that. And so, he decided to then reveal his true identity. "Haha...Just kidding. Well, not entirely, Miss. In truth, I am Kaabel...Please don't hurt me?" He inquired sheepishly; scratching the back of his head while still holding the letter out to her. "It is a letter I wrote...to you, Miss.."

[Sparkles]

Tarsha smiled at tghe hooded figure as he approched. She was supriseed to be handed a letter so suddenly, "Uh... she'd murmor and take it gently; was she suposed to open it? She'd give the sllightest scowl at the word Lartonia [that's how ^^]; it was the reason why Stephan was roused up at the moment?

Tarsha quirked a brow at the prince but didn't seem suprised, she just smiled, "Why would i hurt you?" she chuckled with a grin. "Okay um... well apart from being unexpected Prince Kaabel... Am i s'posed to open it now or later?" she asked, glancing at the sealer and giving a light chuckle.