[$] Long Live the King

[Tprinces]

De Mari, the Land Born of the Sea, is known for its richness. Everything from its divine food to its silks and golden treasures. No harsh weather tarnishes its shores, and no poverty touches its people. Its ports are constantly thriving with passing merchants and artisans, traveling around the world in hopes of sharing De Mari's wealth. For years, peace and prosperity flourished under the reign of the good King Alitar. Leaving only one son behind, the sudden death of the king brought panic to the people of De Mari, as his son had barely reached a proper age to rule. With the king's younger brother ready to take control for himself, the young prince must fill his father's shoes. A task which proves to be more difficult than it seems.

On top of the responsibilities of the crown, word of the former king's death spreads to the enemies of De Mari. It isn't long before the seaside kingdom is constantly under attack. While the armies of the young king are capable, they are not limitless. And so, there is no choice but to seek hired help. The aid of allied armies not being enough, the royal advisors recommend help of a different sort. In a desperate leap of faith, pirates are hired to protect the crown, and paid royally for their efforts. Vulgar, destitute, and dirty men, their types were more than uncommon in the beautiful city of De Mari. The worst of which is their leader: a man who has named himself a King of Pirates. Yet for all their debauchery, the mercenaries seem worth their salt.

Or would the influence of a pirate king be worse than the young monarch's enemies in the first place?

 

[Tprinces]

♕ ♕ ♕ The King ♕ ♕ ♕

Name: Korbin Pontus

Age: 18 (just had his birthday)

Description: Korbin has soft brown hair with darker streaks, pampered soft skin with only a hint of freckles on his nose, with wide innocent honey gold eyes he has a boyish charm with an adult body, since he's still growing he'll get taller but his body is filling out nicely.

Personality: Korbin has always been a good child yet he has always wished to do more than what his late father wished of him. He's always lived a grand life but sheltered as he is he's open to being lied to easily, although he knows a lot his common sense is poor. He may seem like a push over but Korbin knows right from wrong and has a great sense of justice. He's been formally trained in sword play and archery as well as lightly in hand to hand.

☠ ☠ ☠ The Pirate ☠ ☠ ☠

Name: Captain Alec Gaspare

Age: 28

Description: Tall with spindle legs. His hair is dark and curled along his face, which is narrow and as sharp as his blade. He often wears clothes that are far too elegant for a man with his job title. His eyes are an enchanting, jade green.

Personality: Alec likes fine things - fine wine, fine food, fine company. He's a well learned man, with a collection of books from all over the world in his ship's quarters. He is gifted with a silver tongue and a quick step. All too often, he's accused of being manipulative and untrustworthy. However, his reputation precedes him; somehow or another, Captain Gaspare has accumulated at least twenty ships in his fleet, and has thus dubbed himself a Pirate King.  

[Tprinces]

The most precious hours of the city of De Mari were during the beginning and end of every day. Every time the sun would peek or dip into the sparkling, endless ocean, one looking onto the world would feel a sense of magic. The world was painted over, and dripping with the sugar sweetness of the change of day. In the evening, the oranges and pinks would dress clouds like spun sugar. Golden speckles colored the steady ocean, twinkling as so many coins would. And in the morning, so many soft greys and blues nudged the earth out of its slumber. Pale peach ink seeped through the sky, a pleasant chill rousing the people of the palace with sweet, crisp kisses. It was on one of these tender mornings that only the world itself seemed more at peace than what was happening in it.

The Palace of De Mari certainly seemed calm, but within the castle's walls was chaos. At the docks far below, ships and ships of navy men sat, having returned from their battle at sea. Ten to be exact. As impressive as that number seemed, especially as they were galleon ships, the horrid fact was that twenty two had been sent out. More than half of De Mari's military forces had been wiped out. With the remaining fleet regrouping until reinforcements arrived, little could be done in the meantime.

De Mari, as it were, had fallen victim of constant attacks since the death of its once beloved king, Alitar Pontus. Being a port of wealth and leisure, so many faceless nations lusted for its riches. It was all the little nation could do to try and stop the assault on the water before too many ships breached their port. That effort, alas, was quickly failing.

And thus, chaos. Little sleep had been had within the palace walls, and that morning, so many pairs of feet scattered about the hallways, collecting documents and writing letters. With their forces weakened so severely, desperate measures had been taken to contact allies and, regrettably, a few sell-swords along the way. It was the sell-swords that had the men of the palace in tizzy that day.

"Ooh." A balding, big nosed man fiddled with his glasses as he quickly walked from room to room. His knees were thin and wobbled with every step. Great liver spots sat on his head. "Ooh," he repeated. His moans echoed with every new room he stepped into. "Where are they? Where are they?" He went to the window, peering into the new morning sky. "They should have been here days ago! Days! Blasted pirates..." He rubbed his temples in frustration.

"Where is Dante...? Dante!" He peered around the corner, beady eyes narrowing. Before long, a thin, fair haired boy came scrambling into sight. He had wide eyes, his face hording most of his body fat - the rest of him looked in need of a good meal or two. "Go see if the king has risen yet. Hopefully those damned mercenaries will have arrived by now. Lord, why did we pay them in part up front?!"

"Yes Master Tich." Letting the old Master Tich writhe in agony, Dante turned and rushed up the spiral staircase, making long, lanky steps two at a time until he had arrived at the doors of the royal chambers. He paused, straightening his servant's garb, before knocking.

"Your Majesty!" he called. "Master Tich has requested me to see if you're awake yet!"  

[RosesandBlood]

In the days that had passed since he'd turned the age of eighteen it had been war. The other nations swarmed them in hopes of gaining their riches and the young prince turned king was forced to take up a mantle he was not yet ready for. Yet he'd preformed his duty gracefully with no spilled tears for his now departed father. Still his heart pained him and when no one was around he grieved, grieved for the pain of his loss and the pain his people had to go through. Never though did he let his emotions play on his features because if he crumbled so would his kingdom; and his father taught him better than that.

So in the golden morning light he sat at the open window in his mother and father's old chamber, a place he wished he didn't have to be, and watched the sun rise. As the sun rose painting the sky in it's lovely rays, dispelling the dark of the night and the grays on the morning he felt a bit better. The shimmering ocean looked so beautiful and calm, it soothed his soul. Mornings were his favorite time of day. All was calm and waking almost like time was frozen but slowly moving forward once more. Much like how he was waiting for his life to do. He felt dead, frozen in the moment his father passed, now waiting for something to wake him from his gray times into the blooming peaches and golds of life again.

The knock at his door made him stand. "Of course, enter," he called for the servant. He was awake alright since he barely slept that night. Awake just not dressed, a little bit of laziness he indulged in sometimes. "Help me dress and I'll go see him right away." Korbin ordered Dante. After a bit of a rush to get his clothes on he followed fair haired boy along to where Tich was pacing and muttering under his breath. What had the man in such a tizzy this time?

"Mister Tich you needed me?" Korbin asked with a respectful yet self-important voice. He was trying his best to sound regal and not so unsure all the time yet he didn't want to come off as snotty, so he tried different ways of speaking and Tich was hopefully not taking him as rude. The servant Dante was shuffling his feet behind Korbin. "Ah, right. Go ahead and return to your duties. I suppose I'll be talking to Mister Tich a while," he said and when the servant was bowing to leave Korbin remembered he hadn't eaten yet. "Oh, but could you first bring me breakfast? I won't be going to the dining hall so just bring it to the sitting room around the corner alright," he instructed and let the other leave to do so.

"Now, let's go sit and I'll hear what you have to say," the young king then led the way to the sitting room he wanted. Once there he settled into a seat nearest the window so he could look out at the sea. "So, Mister Tich, what has gotten you so worked up now?" Because it really couldn't get much worse than every country trying to surround them, their fleet half gone, and his father dead. Or so he believed. Korbin knew there were plans to hire those men they lacked to protect them but hadn't heard much more on it since the letters and whatnot had been sent out.

"How is the recruiting going, by the way? I haven't heard much on the renewal of the fleets..." Something they desperately needed. Turning his head he saw a few ships in the distance. Now where were they from? Just specks right now but he was more than able to tell the shape of a good long ship from any distance. "Hm..." he tilted his head. Re-reinforcements or enemies?  

[Tprinces]

Master Tich fiddled with his glasses, which hung on a fine gold chain from his vest pocket. "Poorly, Your Majesty," he admitted with remorse. "I'm afraid the men and women of recruiting age are... in very limited supply. We've taken to recruiting those who are a bit... older. Suffice to say it is not ideal.

"The Northern Isles of Lin have also been delayed," he went on, putting his glasses on his beak of a nose. "I fear ill weather has sent their ships off course. We won't have their aide nor their alliances for another two weeks now..." He stopped only when Dante approached them both with a silver tray. On it sat a tea pot, two empty cups, and fine, fresh fruit. A small basket of pastries also lay in wait, along with the freshly churned butter and two unused and sparkling spreading knives. He set it on the small table between them and bowed out, leaving the men to their conversation.

"There's more," he lamented. "Those... those men we had hired. They should have been here by now. When last they sent word of their whereabouts, they had been sailing from the western seas. When last I checked, it had been nothing but fair skies. I'm afraid, then, that I have no excuse for their... tardiness..."

"Pirates are not the punctual sort, I will admit that much."

A new voice joined their discussion. Master Tich turned to see a man approach and immediately stood. He bowed his head in respect. "Your Highness..." The man smiled in response, swiping an apple from Korbin's tray of breakfast.

"Ease, my friend. You have every right to worry. Though gods know if you didn't, you'd still find reason to." The man who spoke stood tall, his handsome features aged by at least thirty years. His brown hair was wavy and flat against his head, stopping short of his ears. He and Korbin, as it were, shared quite a few facial features. With good reason, too: This man was Prince Vladimir Pontus. Brother of the late King Altimar, and uncle to the most recent crowned king. After taking a bite of the crisp crab apple, Vladimir spoke again.

"Tell me, Master Tich. Do you doubt my efforts to keep my dear, beloved nephew safe?"

Master Tich twittered nervously. "Of course not, Highness."

"Perhaps then you disapprove of my methods to hire pirates to do so?"

Master Tich stepped carefully. "'Disapprove' would not be correct, Sire. Merely... inquire. Why? Why men like them?"

"Because, my dear friend, they are the best at what they do. So long as who they do it for has a proper coin purse in the end."  

[RosesandBlood]

Korbin smiled sweetly at the servant and waited only a moment before serving himself tea and a pastry, he'd save the fruit for last to cleanse his pallet. Eating slowly and tidily while Mister Tich spoke he tried to think everything over in long terms. So reinforcements weren't coming for another two weeks and the hired ones weren't coming it seemed either. It seemed like fate could get worse. Casting his eyes down at his breakfast too lost in thought to notice his uncle until the apple he might have wanted was plucked up.

"Oh," his head snapped up and he forced a smile. "Good morning Uncle Vladimir," he bowed his head to his father's younger brother. He didn't want that apple anyways after all, because as his uncle ate it Korbin noticed only the slightest imperfection in the apple. Yet he took little joy in that small thing. Right now there was bigger things than boyish tomfoolery.

The pirates. As much as he didn't want to think of them as mercenaries only selling themselves to the highest bidder that was exactly what they were. He himself was very unsure of the sanity of this decision. However, that boyish side of his was elated to no end! Just think! Real pirates like just out of his fairy tales were coming here to be a part of De Mari's protection. That tiny repressed side of himself was overjoyed to know there would be such blasphemies going on under his royal, pampered nose; then it was that same royal side that made him wary of fiends who sold their swords for coin. They could just as easily be paid to slaughter them all in their sleep and there wouldn't be enough royal guard to stop them. It was all disconcerting really.

Again Korbin glanced out the window this time he sipped his tea softly. The ships were getting closer and yet no warnings had been called. Allies? But Mister Tich had just said the Lin Isles would be two more weeks. Then could it perhaps be the pirates? Korbin's dreamy little heart thudded in his chest quickly. His outside reaction was only a widening of his honey colored eyes.

"Uncle, what was the pirate's colors? What flag would they be flying to announce their entrance to us?" He asked eyes glued to the ocean horizon, tea cup perched at his pink lips.  

[Tprinces]

Vladimir had moved to take another bite when Korbin caught his attention. Lifting his eyes to the window, he spotted a small battalion headed their way. Pinpricks in the distance, but the closer they came, the more and more detail made itself known. Setting the half eaten apple aside, he went to the sill, peering out into the morning ocean. A smile curled along his lips. "What colors? What colors indeed, my dear nephew." He turned, eyes a twinkle.

"Black."

Indeed, black sails now sat on the horizon of De Mari, fluttering as easy as flower petals. No doubt the men beneath those sails did not prove to be quite as sweet. The ships grew nearer, and soon the horn of new arrivals sounded from the docks. The ships tallied at five in total. All were massive and well equipped. But the one that stood out among the rest was the largest of them all.

It was a swollen, ash wood ship, its fat belly sending crashing waves against the docks below. While its sister ships hoisted black colors, this one flew red sails. Deep and dark as blood itself. They pierced the pale colored sky with ease, as an open wound would disrupt a finger. As it waded into dock, those below rushed to see the sight of these new frigates.

Vladimir chuckled, turning away from their guests. "I suggest, Your Majesty-" He turned to Krobin. "-that you prepare your grand hall to receive your newest bodyguards."  

[RosesandBlood]

The young king was surprised when his uncle started smirking like he did. Then his questions were answered by a word. Korbin's eyes swung from his uncle to the boats: Black sails were flying. His tea cup was discarded to the table precociously clattering against the saucer it missed while the young man stood and leaned closer to the window. His eyes alight with excitement. Pirates!

Soon though he squashed those childish thoughts and reeled his emotions in. "Yes of course," he answered smoothly. Looking to Mister Tich he ordered the older man to get the servants ready and prepare a small welcoming meal, nothing too grand in the wake of his father's death. Even he was still mourning the late King's death and such fresh injuries did not need to be insulted by a grand meal for brigands; even if they were hired as help. Once his orders were given to the few servants that were summoned Korbin turned back to his uncle. Since the others had left he wished to speak to the man.

Since it was he who first hired these men he wanted to ask him to stand in as adviser with him. The older man was indeed wise in his years yet still young enough to look fearsome. His only fear was it would look like he was giving his uncle too much power or that he was nothing more than a puppet in his hands. If his succession had been what it should have been he'd have the late king to show him through things and advise him. However Korbin was not so lucky. He hadn't yet decided who it was okay to trust and what was proper protocol in some situations. Years of watching his father blurred under the stress he was in making it harder to think clearly.

Still Vladimir was family. Collecting his voice and his courage he pegged the older man with a confident look, or so he hoped, and spoke with as much authority as he could muster. "Uncle Vlamimir, I wish for you to join me in welcoming our guests. Since it was you who originally hired them I think it would be best if you had dealings with them now in the beginnings... However this does not give you complete control over the situation. I want your advice and wisdom on this matter as I highly respect you."  

[Tprinces]

Vladimir turned his eyes down to Korbin, a twitch in his brow. "Of course," he said smoothly. Hand on his chest, he bowed his head, a tiny smirk on his lips. "As His Majesty commands."

Trumpets sounded not long after. The grand hall had been cleared of the black drapes put up to mourn the loss of their first king, and the floor was emptied for their arrival. Servants stood on either side, straight and clean, like rows of decorations themselves. Korbin and Vladimir were escorted to the throne against the back wall. While Korbin was given his seat in the middle, Vladimir sat at his right hand side, looking as comfortable as you please. Master Tich twittered nervously behind them both.

Again, the trumpets blasted. The great oak doors leading into the grand hall began to pry open. The echoing sounds of dozens of feet grew ever louder. Stepping into the light of the hall were the pirates. The servants had to show astounding restraint to not recoil at the sight of them.

They were men and women of every shape and size. Each one was adorned with different trinkets and baubles. Some carried deadly, sharpened swords. Some chose to rely on axes. Guns of all makes and colors were in plain sight, illustrating the danger of these strangers. Tattoos sat on skins of brown and pink and yellow and black. Golden earrings dangled from so many ears. Shimmering rings rested on filthy fingers with unkempt nails. Boots, barely kept together at the seams, clodded their way along the pristine marble floor. Leaving behind dirt and sea water. Eventually, the whole lot of them piled in, their hands resting on sword hilts and gun holsters. Their presence looked more like an attack than a friendly party.

Vladimir, eyes skimming the crowd, tapped his fingers on the edge of his chair's arm. "Hm." He clicked his tongue. "I don't see him. Where, pray-tell is your captain?"

"That would be me, I'm afraid."

The pirates parted, eyes turning to the voice that spoke. A sleek, articulate voice that did not belong to a rough group like this one. The owner of said voice approached, very casually, causing all the more stir from onlookers. Unlike so many of the men and women that surrounded him, he was clean. Clean, tidied, and very well dressed. His slender body was tucked perfectly into a silk and embroidered, ash gray vest. The trousers on his legs were form fitting, tucking perfectly into the white stockings that curved out of his buckle shoes. His tunic was perfectly white, with a frilly cuff on each wrist, nearly covering his hands entirely. He was handsome, most certainly, with wild, black hair that curled down his face and neck. His eyes, which leisurely looked on the royal men with curiosity, were a sharp, emerald green. On his head sat a wide brimmed hat, black, and pinned to its left side. A white feather decorated its fold.

Vladimir smirked at the man before them. "Are you the captain of this fine fleet?"

The pirate smiled wider. Removing his hat, he bowed. His big, golden earrings twinkled in the window light. "Captain Alec Gaspare, at your service, Highness."  

[RosesandBlood]

Quickly Korbin was helped dress in a more royal robe and the crown, which he didn't like. It was large and his father's so if he didn't keep his chin up it slipped down his nose. Of course it had been endearing as a child but as King of De Mari he couldn't disgrace his people like that. Korbin could have a crown made for himself using precious jewels or had this one re-sized; but there wasn't time and it took too much effort. A crown was nothing compared to fulfilling the needs of his people so he put up with the one they had.

His nerves flared as the trumpets flared and the doors creaked open. Korbin stiffened on his throne at the parade of people, face only twitched and slightly amazed. So many in so many shades and sizes! It must strain any good leader to keep so many under any sort of control. At once their captain had his respect just from being able to keep them under any semblance of control in such a respected place.

However his uncle opened his mouth and the young king came to his senses. Right now everyone was an enemy to him. He must remain in control of this situation or risk loosing a promising ally. Focusing on the group he titled his head up more to watch a single man swagger forward. Unlike the others he was clean and kept. Very handsome as well. On conformation that this was indeed the leader of the group Korbin stood.

"Well met then Captain Gaspare. I am Korbin 'enBlue Pontus, King of De Mari," barely he nodded his head in fear of the crown slipping. The heavy, gaudy thing! "Thank you for answering our summons," he looked to his uncle. "This is the man who sent word, my Uncle Vladimir Pontus. I assume you conferred with him about payment before arriving," Korbin spoke loudly, clearly, and with as much authority a child like him could muster over these adults. The only ally he had for sure was Mister Tich, a long time servant.

"We can talk more about the particulars over a meal," gesturing to the side at a servant who skittered off to prepare he continued. "It is only a small meal for you and yours. Due to the recent events," the young man had to swallow the pain,"I cannot offer much more. So long as you keep your weapons sheathed I would be honored to have you rest here a while..." Hopefully he'd done that all right. He was so unsure and nervous, yet his boyish, childish dreams of meeting pirates and hearing their tales first hand kept him from stuttering too much.  

[RosesandBlood]

Tprinces

 

[Tprinces]

Captain Gaspare put his hat back in its place, his sailors lighting up at the prospect of food. "Much obliged, Your Majesty. Thank you for your most gracious honor."

Master Tich, twittering in unease as usual, motioned the palace guards to escort their newest guests to the great hall. As they did so, Captain Gaspare stayed where he was. After all, there would be much to discuss before the pirates began their service.

Vladimir stepped down to floor level, Gaspare bowing his head politely. "I trust your voyage was an easy one."

"As easy as it can get for a pirate, Highness." Those shocking, jade greens turned back to the young king, one hand resting on his hip. "Though I doubt we'll be seeing any sort of peace in these days to come. Be it waters or otherwise."

Chuckling, Vladimir turned to his nephew, extending a hand. "Come, Korbin. There's much to discuss over a fine meal."

"And fine wine, I can only hope," Graspare added.  

[RosesandBlood]

Tprinces

It was vexing how one could see so many people but never have seen such green eyes. Korbin was a little lost when the Captain spoke because of those eyes. His uncle's voice snapped him out of that and he stepped down to where they were standing as well. "I am very sorry about that, but as I understand it is what you do best...." The young man said looking up at Gaspare. "But enough for now, please this way," he gestured towards where the others went to before leading his uncle and the pirate to the dining room.

The room was large with a high ceiling and lots of windows, in the center was a long wood table where most of the pirates were seated or finding a seat. Food was already on the table but more was still being brought out for them. The seats at the head of the table and the the right and left seats next to the head seat, had been saved for them. Korbin showed Gaspare his right side and let his uncle take the less important left side of his. The pirate was the guest of honor after all.

Once seated the young king asked for a good bottle of wine for the Captain and ale for the other men, but in moderation; this was not a pub after all. Now that everyone was seated Korbin figured it would be okay to talk.

"So Captain Gaspare, where are your men planning to stay?" he asked then figured he sounded rude. "Ah, well, we have an inn with rooms ready or the soldier's barracks as well... I'd offer the castle rooms but," his eyes drifted off a moment. Pirates in the castle would just be pushing it a bit too far. His people trusted him and hiring such rifraf had upset a number of them, to further insult them by letting them into the palace... Well it was a strain he could not afford. "Well, I apologize for not being able to offer it." He bowed his head a little to show his sincerity.

Thankfully the wine for the captain showed up and Korbin smiled at the small blessing. "Please," he let the servant pour for their guest first before taking a small glass himself, and his uncle if he wished it. The others hadn't waited and were already eating. Korbin would rather talk himself but food was important for your brain to keep working so he picked at what he had, while trying to think of what to ask, or what to say. He really wished for this alliance to work.  

[Tprinces]

Graspare, however, did not seem to take offense. Instead, he poured his own glass of wine, sipping it gracefully. Every small move the pirate made seemed calculated. Much like the eyes that haunted his sharp face, his gestures and motor functions were fascinating. He sat upright, his hand delicate yet certain. He had the air of a swordsman, that was for certain. And while he smiled and spoke as leisurely as you please, there was something about him that remained guarded. Perhaps it was simply the life of an outlaw.

"My men and women will take shifts on our ships and your brothels. After all, you don't expect a fine sailor to ignore the chance at recreation, do you?" Vladimir chuckled, while Master Tich grew red around the face and ears. Graspare, seeing his face grow hot, took another sip of wine. "At ease, miser. Have you never met a sailor before?"

"Your men being sailors-"

"And women."

Master Tich pursed his lips. "And women," he corrected, "does not excuse such lewd behavior. There are more important matters than-than-!"

"Than a fine lay?"

Master Tich was practically a tomato with how ripe he'd grown. Vladimir found it all rather amusing, and said nothing, watching the pirate do his damage. Ignoring Tich for now, Graspare set his goblet aside, turning back to the new, young king.

"As for myself," he continued, "I think it should be appropriate that at least I stay in the palace."

Vladimir watched, eyebrow quirked in curiosity. "And why is that?"

"Simple. I am his bodyguard. It would do your good king no favors if I was away when some vagabond sneaks in to try and slit his throat now, would it?"  

[RosesandBlood]

Korbin was eased that his words did not offend and rather tickled when Tich began his newest tizzy. Really the old man was a prude of sorts, had a good heart, but sometimes his head didn't keep up with the times. Though mostly the young king watched the pirate. He was at odds with the man. He was a brigand and outlaw yet his movements were smooth and speech highly articulate. Well mostly anyways his choice of wordage could be far more crude.

Vlamadir got a bit defensive when Gaspare made the fine point of needing to stay in the palace. Korbin looked at his uncle only a moment before nodding to the captain. "I'll allow it. I'll have the room adjacent to mine fixed up for you then. I would also allow a small group of guards to be on grounds from your few. So long as nothing is taken and no one starts fights they too can stay in the palace." He said turning to view his uncle again. "I, assume of course, that you will agree with this. As they have been hired as a personal guard of sorts for myself I find it would behoove me to keep them close."

A small smile graced his face when he turned his attentions back to the pirate. "I will ask you to pick your finest or most trusted for this, since it is my life; and the trust of my people as a whole at stake here." The smile faltered of course. "I must stress to you that you keep your peoples under some semblance of control while docked here, Captain Gaspare. We are under watch by the whole of the kingdom on this matter. I cannot afford my people more unrest and mistrust of me than I already have. The last thing De Mari needs is an attack from her insides as well..." Korbin spoke with a heavy sense of seriousness that seemed to extend his years far passed what he had lived. Such a young man carrying such weight...