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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Dec 28, 2014 13:01:12 GMT -8
Prince Eric's Kingdom - The Royal Castle
Events occurring 5 years before Dark Curse
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 1, 2015 17:22:30 GMT -8
***Henrietta, Viktor, and Eric enter from Prince Eric's Kingdom - Moonstone Falls Forest***
"I'm very sorry to hear about your father," she said with heartfelt sincerity, her own father's condition and of Gerhardt's still so fresh in her mind that her tone and expression portrayed she related to what he was going through. She put a hand on Eric's arm to stop him from ushering them further. "Perhaps if you gave us the basic diagnosis of your physicians, we can at least come up with a temporary solution to alleviate some of his pain until we can do our own full diagnosis. Our rest can wait," she reassured.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Feb 21, 2015 16:00:37 GMT -8
Prince Eric
The Prince wasn't planning on taking up any more of their time, it had undoubtedly been a long journey for them and the walk to the castle had taken long enough. He started to lead them down a few side corridors once they had passed through the main gate and into the grand foyer. Their path crossed with a few pairs of guards protecting important locations within the keep. The men merely nodded, not questioning the Prince or his guests.
"I'm very sorry to hear about your father," she said with what sounded like a heartfelt sincerity. Eric could also see his own pain mirrored in the woman's eyes. She knew this situation on a personal level. That much was clear. She laid a hand on his arm, stopping his advance. "Perhaps if you gave us the basic diagnosis of your physicians, we can at least come up with a temporary solution to alleviate some of his pain until we can do our own full diagnosis. Our rest can wait," she reassured. "Everything must wait, as I have completely forgotten my manners. My name is Eric, the Regent in my father's stead. May you do me the honor of telling me your names?" Eric finished, waiting for their response.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 22, 2015 10:09:20 GMT -8
With the realization that simple introductions had been forgotten, Etta was thankfully distracted from her grim thoughts. She grinned in amusement at their utter lack of one of the first forms of manners ingrained into a person. "I am Henrietta Jekyll, or Etta as I'm more often called, and this is Viktor Frankenstein. We are pleased to make your acquaintance and are infinitely grateful for your hospitality, Prince Eric."
With no link to this world and therefore no way to trace them, there was no point in offering false names. The less she strayed from the truth, the less likely she was to err.
"You have a beautiful home and the view," she glanced out one of the windows at the calming waves, "is simply breathtaking." A stranger to the ocean, she took a few moments longer to observe the rippling of small waves moving their way toward them and gently lapping at the castle wall.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Mar 7, 2015 18:36:51 GMT -8
Prince Eric
"Etta, Viktor... It is my pleasure to officially make your acquaintance." He reached up and put a hand on each of their shoulders. "I appreciate your kind words and while I know you may not be from these parts please consider this your home away from home as you get what bearings you need for the journey that brought you here."
They continued to walk towards the informal dinning room and he grabbed a hold of one of his fathers servants, instructing him to take his guest the rest of the way down and see to their needs personally. Turning his head to the side again Eric glanced at Etta. "After all you have offered I can promise you no less. I will join you both later after I have attended to matters of court. I do hope you can tell me a little more about what has moved you so many leagues from home. Farewell for now my friends." Not wanting to seem rude but never being truly in charge of his time, the Prince dipped into a low bow before taking his leave.
**Eric exits leaving Viktor and Etta to their provisions**
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on May 30, 2015 21:36:27 GMT -8
***SEVERAL DAYS LATER***
Etta sat precariously on the ledge of the large window of her bedroom, her legs gently swinging against the castle wall. It had become a morning ritual of sorts, watching the sun rise over the water as the waves lapped against the castle wall below her. It had begun the first morning as dark memories of the previous days still plagued her, a half-hearted attempt to sacrifice herself in order to put an end to the darkness within. It would have been quick. If the icy waters pulling her under as the waves retreated wouldn't have done it, the bone crushing force at which they crashed back into the castle would have.
But she hadn't been able to bring herself to do it. A part of her felt selfish for allowing the will to live to win out and the hope of one day seeing her father once again but another part of her felt it necessary. What guarantee did she have that the Dark One would keep her father alive and well if she forfeit her end of the deal by removing herself from the equation?
As the sun slowly rose on that first morning, it reminded her of new beginnings. New possibilities. Hope that things would get better with each new day and if they did not--if the expense of whatever the Dark One had in store for her as repayment outweighed the life of her father, she could always revisit this option.
Several days had passed and still the Dark One had yet to reappear or summon her. Should she not have left the place in the forest where he'd unceremoniously dumped her and left her? Did he assume she'd fled or did he not know where to find her? No. She did not doubt for a moment that he could find her anywhere at any time. The first couple of days had her alternating between anger and confusion, bafflement and annoyance. By the third day, she'd decided to stop wasting these precious days and be thankful for each one that did not bring with it his return.
A knock sounded at her door. "Miss Etta, breakfast is ready to be served."
"I'll be right out," she called back as she carefully maneuvered her legs back over the ledge and stood, brushing the dust of the castle wall from the back of her breeches. She made quick work of lacing into her boots and in no time was following the servant as he escorted her to the large dining room.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on May 31, 2015 15:35:54 GMT -8
Eric
He wasn't sure how he had found himself in the chair at the head of the table. It was probably Ida helping him go through the motions as usual, the dear woman. He didn't know what he would do if it were not for those around him right now. She couldn't do everything however as he did realize with distaste that he was somewhat unkempt. And it was at that moment that the Prince saw Etta being escorted into the room as the servants set her a place at the table next to the food waiting for her ever elusive companion, Viktor.
"Etta my dear, please join me. I am terribly sorry for not coming myself to escort you both." He left the offer in the air even though by this point he did not expect the good doctor to join them for breakfast. Eric lifted his own plate and set it down next to hers, vacating his former seat. Pulling her chair out for her the young man waited patiently, hoping no one noticed he was also using the back for support.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jun 10, 2015 21:11:13 GMT -8
Etta automatically fell in step behind the escort, her mind full to bursting as various thoughts and worries flitted from one to the next, each battling for her attention and resolution. Unable to turn off her mind, she'd found herself tossing and turning since the events that led her here. Though a part of her was relieved the Dark One had not returned, the other wished he would for he was the only one who could give her the resolutions her exhausted mind needed.
"Etta my dear, please join me.
Surprise momentarily registered on her face as she was pulled from her thoughts to find she'd already arrived in the dining room.
"Thank you, Eric," she said, summoning up a warm smile as she walked around the table to her usual spot.
I am terribly sorry for not coming myself to escort you both."
"Oh goodness, no," she said, worry creasing her brow at the thought that she should add any further distress for the Prince, no matter how slight. "Please don't worry yourself over such things. You've a wonderful staff and I can manage just fine on my own."
She quickly assessed Eric as she approached. He appeared to be holding up well, only slight exhaustion in his outward appearance which would easily fool many but as a doctor and scientist, she was trained to see what lay beneath the surface. She read the well hidden strain on his face, the way certain muscles seemed to work harder to create the illusion of a smile that did not quite reach the eyes. Red splotches in the eyes from dilatation of blood vessels due to lack of sleep, most likely mirroring her own. The whites of his knuckles as they tightly grasped the chair to the strain in his arms as they took on more support in his stance than was natural. Etta gave one of his hands a heartfelt squeeze, understanding exactly what he was going through.
"Please, sit. You've enough on your plate. Viktor won't be joining us," she added as she eased into the seat. The doctor was restlessly working to keep Eric's father comfortable and despite the grim outlook, stubbornly worked to reverse the diagnosis.
Etta glanced at the empty chair in front of Viktor's plate. "Ida, would you mind terribly having Dr. Frankenstein's breakfast brought to him?"
"Not a problem a'tall, Miss Jekyll. I'll take care of it m'self."
Etta gave the woman a sincere smile. "Thank you, Ida."
Just as Etta had hoped, Ida took it upon herself to take Viktor his plate, leaving she and Eric to their privacy. As soon as the woman disappeared through the door, Etta turned to Eric.
"Manners dictate we hide our troubles and maintain a happy outward appearance in order to avoid distressing those around us." She looked at her plate, nudging the food with her fork. "However well intentioned, the weight of it only increases until eventually, it crushes us." She looked back at him and trusting in his kindness, lowered her walls leaving herself vulnerable. "I've just been through a similar situation as yourself and it appears we could both use someone to confide in."
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Jul 24, 2015 18:57:37 GMT -8
Eric
The princes shoulders slumped. "It does seem we have a great deal of common ground between us then. I am sorry to hear you have suffered much the same heartache, Etta. Your education seems to come from a family of means. Perhaps there could be a way our people could work together for both their sakes? I am afraid I know little of were you have come. It just didn't seem proper to questions you so. I hope it is an innocent enough inquiry." He gave the young woman a moment as he too pushed his food about the plate with no real intention of partaking of this breakfast.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jul 25, 2015 16:45:53 GMT -8
"It does seem we have a great deal of common ground between us then. I am sorry to hear you have suffered much the same heartache, Etta."
Though she had not technically lost her father, Etta felt heartache over the guilt of causing his fatality and the thought of never seeing him again. Her father's near fatality had been at her hands. If it had not been for magic--her thoughts were blessedly interrupted as Eric continued.
"Your education seems to come from a family of means. Perhaps there could be a way our people could work together for both their sakes? I am afraid I know little of were you have come. It just didn't seem proper to questions you so. I hope it is an innocent enough inquiry."
"It is," she reassured and stalled to come up with an answer by taking a drink of water. "Unfortunately, my father had suffered from a fatal accident." That small lie, the use of the word 'accident,' weighed heavily on her heart. "There was nothing I or Viktor--or any other physician, had there been any, could do." Not that she'd had the chance to even try.
"You've the second best physician already here," she said with a look up toward Viktor's general vicinity. "My father is the best doctor of medicine." She smiled fondly as memories of her father distracted her. "People travel for miles to seek his medical advise. He is the one who taught me everything I know but unfortunately, he and my home are very far away."
Immediately sobered by the slip of her last statement, Etta quickly added, "We will do everything we can for your father," then found a sudden interest in her food, chewing and staring at her plate as she tried to recall exactly what she'd said while distracted with memories. Had she been referring to her father in the present tense? And that last statement. That would have been hard to ignore even if she'd been using past tense.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Jul 26, 2015 4:19:38 GMT -8
Eric
"You've done more than I could have hoped already. Your stay here does not need to be paid for with service. You will be reimbursed for everything." Eric took a drink from his goblet as well. With another disinterested look at his plate he looked at Etta. "With the failure of our recent visits I have been forced to take the opportunity to send for healers of any background. Even an identity for my fathers affliction would be a boon at this moment."
He had to think for a minute. The prince wasn't even sure what he hoped to achieve when he dispatched his messengers but perhaps one would return with a lead they had not known. "It is a shame your home lies so far away. I would have so liked to meet your father. And not just for his knowledge but for his character. It is evident in his kin." The man smiled as he finished his sentence. "I must be honest with you Etta, our relations with our neighbors have not been at their peak. It wouldn't be the first time I suspected foul play. Corona in particular is said to be a land of strange folk and even stranger abilities in some of its citizens. If this is a curse, or spell, I would be forced to seek someone of that kind to counter what has been wrought. Although I do not know such an individual myself..." He let that linger a moment as he recalled what Etta had said... "People travel for miles to seek his medical advise. He is the one who taught me everything I know but unfortunately, he and my home are very far away."
Eric did not want to open a wound for his friend when it may have begun to heal but her last statement confused him. Not one to be suspicious he decided to inquire purely to find out if there was something they had done the Prince was not aware of. "I beg your pardon but you said your father suffered a fatal accident, yet he remains at home? Far off lands may hold different methods and perhaps his, and therefore your understanding may provide a means of staving off what would otherwise be an affliction just as severe?" He stopped his questioning and hoped he had not crossed a line.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Sept 8, 2015 21:04:35 GMT -8
"You've done more than I could have hoped already. Your stay here does not need to be paid for with service. You will be reimbursed for everything." "With the failure of our recent visits I have been forced to take the opportunity to send for healers of any background. Even an identity for my fathers affliction would be a boon at this moment."
Etta inclined her head both in thanks for his hospitality and as a positive gesture they would have an answer to exactly what afflicted his father. She was relieved that her slip-up had not been caught. No longer feeling the need to feign interest in her food, she returned to the illusion of eating by pushing items around on her plate.
"It is a shame your home lies so far away. I would have so liked to meet you father. And not just for his knowledge but for his character. It is evident in his kin."
Etta smiled. She could think of no greater compliment than to be compared to her father but the smile faded as he continued, confessing his concerns of possible foul play.
"I must be honest with you Etta, our relations with our neighbors have not been at their peak. It wouldn't be the first time I suspected foul play."
She frowned at that. If Eric's father was half the kind, generous man his son was, she couldn't fathom anyone intending them harm. Then again, sometimes kindness was seen as a weakness, particularly by those selfish and greedy with the wish to extend their borders.
"Corona in particular is said to be a land of strange folk and even stranger abilities in some of its citizens. If this is a curse, or spell, I would be forced to seek someone of that kind to counter what has been wrought. Although I do not know such an individual myself..."
She looked momentarily surprised and then thoughtful at that bit of information. Where she came from, such people did not exist. She's been so preoccupied with her own problems and her deal with the Dark One that she hadn't considered there would be others with extraordinary abilities outside the laws of science. It made sense there would be. She made a mental note of this land called Corona. perhaps she would be able to find a way out of the life-long servitude as well as ensure the well being of her father, or at the very least, give her freedom over to someone who did not possess so much darkness within. Etta did not mention that she did know of one such individual. Etta felt she was deserving of her current fate but Eric was not. His father's dire state was not by his own doing.
But why had he not traveled to Corona to seek out one of these strange folk? Would the journey have been to long and harrowing? Did he not wish to leave his father? She was about to inquire when he spoke again.
"I beg your pardon but you said your father suffered a fatal accident, yet he remains at home? Far off lands may hold different methods and perhaps his, and therefore your understanding may provide a means of staving off what would otherwise be an affliction just as severe?"
Thinking she'd gotten away with her slip up, his comment caught her completely off guard. She felt herself flush with guilt and lowered her head. She hated having to lie, especially to someone kind and generous enough to open his home to strangers. So far, it had been a lie by omission but now she was faced with truly lying or confessing. Lies were complicated. They could merely remain a small hole one has dug for themselves, eventually covering over as it was forgotten with time or you could find yourself shoveling another pile of dirt with each additional lie told to keep your first lie until you eventually find yourself or your relationships six feet under.
Resigned, she rested her fork against her plate and grasped her hands in her lap. "My father was bloodied and broken when I last saw him. He'd been attacked. By a monster," her voice hitched with anger and pain. She took a breath to calm herself. "He was good as gone. Perhaps mere moments from it." Her eyes stared blankly at her plate as the memory of her father, bloodied and dying lay before her, her own hands and clothes covered in his blood. She blinked back tears, forcing her memories forward to the dungeon. "I was approached by a man--no, not exactly a man." She searched for a proper word to describe him and settled on, "A creature of sorts. He offered me a deal. I accepted." Her tone sounded both regretful and resigned. A strange mix of polar opposites battling for the forefront, much like her own self--or selves--had become.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Jan 23, 2016 12:28:04 GMT -8
Eric
Etta rested her fork against her plate, her hands disappearing into her lap. She looked suddenly troubled. Almost afraid... To continue? There was a long pause as the Prince assumed a similar pose, giving her the time she needed. "My father was bloodied and broken when I last saw him. He'd been attacked. By a monster," she said as her voice became tinted with anger and pain. She took a breath before continuing. "He was good as gone. Perhaps mere moments from it." Her eyes glassed over and Etta began to fight back tears. Eric reached a hand up to stop her but he was too late. "I was approached by a man--no, not exactly a man... A creature of sorts. He offered me a deal. I accepted." Her tone changed to something very close to resignation.
After how hard that had been for her to say, Eric was not about to pry any further. He had not even thought of the possibility of something so... random? Unfortunate by every meaning of the word, it had not been the work of some jealous neighbor or hated rival. But a monster... "Forgive me for allowing this to go on as long as I have. There is nothing one can do against something so unexpected. I am sorry. I can only say how happy I am to hear some... one was near who could turn back time on what had happened to your father."
He could not keep the pain off his face at not having someone like that at his disposal at that very moment. But Eric raised his eyes to face Etta and stood from his chair. He forced a smile, "Someone will take care of all this. I do believe it is a pleasant day outside. A nice walk might help you to relax and ease such thoughts. Even if just for a moment."
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jan 23, 2016 23:00:16 GMT -8
"Forgive me for allowing this to go on as long as I have. There is nothing one can do against something so unexpected. I am sorry. I can only say how happy I am to hear some... one was near who could turn back time on what had happened to your father."
Etta saw the pain on his face and it pained her in return. He very badly wanted to know the name of the being that had restored her father life. To tell him would mean his father would be returned to good health but what would become of Eric? Her conscience was at war with itself.
"Someone will take care of all this. I do believe it is a pleasant day outside. A nice walk might help you to relax and ease such thoughts. Even if just for a moment."
The walk would not ease her warring thoughts but it might help her come to a decision. She stood. "A walk and some fresh air will do us both some good," she agreed and let him lead the way.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Mar 26, 2016 10:00:25 GMT -8
Prince Eric
"A walk and some fresh air will do us both some good," she agreed as she rose from her seat. The Prince did the same and walked to her side. "I think that sounds like a wonderful idea, may I show you something?" Eric held out his arm so that he could escort Etta if she wished. He knew just the place to give them a respite. As they walked a series of connecting corridors soon they were climbing up higher and higher. Out onto the ramparts and then through another doorway the young man lead his companion up another flight of stairs to a rather unusual spot.
They found themselves occupying a single open air turret high on the eastern wall. It was out over the water so one could look down and almost feel like they were flying. With the exception of the way they had come it offered a very wide view of the coastline and the sea that crashed ashore. It was unfettered by the works of man. "This is my favorite spot in all the castle. I come here often."
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Mar 26, 2016 11:57:27 GMT -8
"I think that sounds like a wonderful idea, may I show you something?"
She smiled and took his arm in answer, the gentlemanly gesture so reminiscent of Gerhart that she felt a momentary pang of loss, one of a string of them since being ripped only yesterday from everyone and everything she knew and loved. How long would it be until the pain ebbed enough to not sting the back of her eyes with unshed tears, she wondered as she walked in companionable silence. How long until it was all a distant memory?
The cool breeze off the ocean gently went passed her as she stepped out, taking with it her sad thoughts as she beheld the breathtaking view.
"This is my favorite spot in all the castle. I come here often."
"I can see why," she said breathlessly as she released his arm to approach the wall. She leaned forward against the wall, blocking out as much from her vision that wasn't ocean as was possible without tumbling into it. She looked at the horizon, as far as the eye could see. "It's amazing, how it just seems to go on forever." She watched the ripples of the water in thought. "Life becomes a routine--what you do, where you go, the people you're surrounded by. It becomes your own little world that you can forget there's something beyond it. Even when you're suddenly plucked from that little world and dropped into another, it's easy to once again see yourself stuck in a sort of bubble." She took a deep breath and smiled with a spark of hope that perhaps she did have options other than the bargain she'd assumed would have her metaphorically caged the rest of her life. "This is such a reminder that there's a big world out there. No barriers, no walls, no cages. Endless possibilities."
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Mar 26, 2016 15:29:23 GMT -8
"This is such a reminder that there's a big world out there. No barriers, no walls, no cages. Endless possibilities." Those words echoed in Eric's mind as if they were his own. In his own way, they were. His spirit reached out to Etta in that moment if for nothing else than that they could appreciate the world in much the same way. One just needed to open their eyes and see. "I have mirrored those sentiments on many occasions. It's taken every ounce of my being to not rush to the docks and take a ship from these shores and reach that horizon."
The prince walked up close to Etta and leaned out next to her to take in that view better. He smiled as he turned his head to the side to look at her. "Perhaps one day we can do that. I know just the vessel for the trip. I could take you and Viktor wherever you would like, but not before we had the chance to break that bubble and dispel those routines once and for all." There was longing in those words but patience as well.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Apr 22, 2016 21:36:08 GMT -8
I could take you and Viktor wherever you would like, but not before we had the chance to break that bubble and dispel those routines once and for all."
She turned her face toward him only long enough to offer a smile for his generous offer, though her eyes held sadness. She was only fooling herself if she thought escaping to that horizon would release her from the cage of guilt and pain still so fresh. In truth, she would exchange a thousand horizons for the chance to return to the time when her happiness made her blissfully unaware that she was living a life of routine in a bubble.
Etta turned her face from his view, toward the waves crashing against the castle. She swiped a tear away under the guise of brushing her wind-tousled hair from her face before facing forward once again. She'd been lucky for a time to have lived a dream. The Prince, on the other hand, still longed for his dream. She heard it in his voice and saw it in the way he gazed out at that horizon. Perhaps she should give her previous decision more thought. She'd meant only to protect him by keeping the identity of the Dark One from him but was it really right of her to make that decision on his behalf? She decided to gather more information to better weigh her thoughts.
Etta finally took her eyes off the horizon to face him. "If your father were well, would you be able to realize your dream? At least for a time?"
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Apr 23, 2016 12:56:11 GMT -8
The princes mind was still racing but then suddenly it hit a brick wall. Etta took her eyes off the horizon to face him. "If your father were well, would you be able to realize your dream? At least for a time?" This was the first time he had ever thought about it seriously... "I... I would like to think so, yes." He began his words slowly. "My father has his hopes but he always wanted me to learn, the kind of learning you don't get from books."
Eric studied Etta's face as he waited for her next thoughts. He was curious where she was going with that question. It may be hypothetical but there had been a sadness in her eyes that betrayed their moment. Sympathy perhaps, but the man suspected something different.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on May 31, 2016 22:02:18 GMT -8
That sounded very much like her own father. Etta's features softened and she even briefly smiled at the memories of standing beside her father, assisting him in the lab or with a patient. It was important to be hands-on, to see and experience the real thing. Books could teach you the terminology and methods but you truly did not learn until you have done.
"Your father sounds very much like mine," she said fondly. "'You can study and memorize the lessons in the books,' he'd say, 'but when faced with the reality, you may not find it as black and white as the ink on the pages.'" Like in so many of his lectures, the moral tended to be that things do not always turn out the way you expect them to.
Etta needed more time to mull things over. She barely knew anything about this Dark One creature she'd hastily made a deal with but there was something sinister in that smile and tittering laugh of his. Perhaps she could wait a day or two, see if the Dark One reappeared and attempt to learn more about him and the workings of his deals. If he did not appear, at least she'd have had a couple days to think on it.
"I am sorry to withhold my source, truly I am," she said, eluding to the creature she'd mentioned at breakfast. Etta searched for the best way to explain. "I know so little of what I've gotten myself into but I do feel strongly that a decision involving this particular creature should not be made lightly."
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Jul 9, 2016 12:20:51 GMT -8
Eric mulled that over for a moment or two before responding. He did not mean to break his manners but he felt there was no need to stand on ceremony at this point. "You do not need to worry, Etta. Take your time. My situation is not the priority here. I meant it that when I took you both in I would do what I could for you." His thoughts where a mess, he thought he should make himself more plain. He started to pace back and forth. His one hand behind his back, the other swirling around to emphasize his internal struggle.
"You both are still coming to terms with whatever brought you here. But this place is not just a room in an inn by the road. It is your home away from home. A place from which you can gather your thoughts and your strength before making any decisions on what to do or where to go... I have to leave for a few days, on official business. After that time perhaps things will make a little more sense for the both of us."
The Prince stopped pacing at that moment. He turned to face Etta. "You will not owe me an answer when I return but whatever the cost is for dealing with your source, it is mine to bear. And you should not worry about anything bad coming of it between us. I've long since prepared myself for any consequences of my own actions."
The situation had become more dour than he would have liked. It was not why he had brought the young woman here. "You will not be bothered here if you need the peace. No one comes here, I can assure you." He smiled then to let her know that however serious his tone, Eric was still optimistic and wanted her to feel the same. He kissed her on the hand and then departed the tower to make his preparations for his voyage.
**Eric exits for his diplomatic mission**
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Sept 3, 2017 17:12:13 GMT -8
*** A while later... ***
*** Rumplestiltskin enters from Moonstone Falls Forest ***
Suddenly a man, or more precisely the shadow of someone once had been a man, filled the by now unpeopled room, looking like an office within the castle. Here and then the Dark One picked up something from the table, turning it around in his hands, only to let it sink back at its former place again. Nothing of importance. Of importance was only the landlord.
Still wandering around, placing one step in front of the other, Rumplestiltskin waited for him to make his appearance.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Nov 4, 2017 18:45:32 GMT -8
Eric had paid his 'secret' overlook a visit in the hopes that he would find Etta there. She had not been present but he remained for some time to collect his thoughts. His father had gotten worse while he was away so he was glad at least that the mission had not been as long as he had thought it would be. If something had happened while he was gone... Eric shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. "Don't even think it," he said out loud to himself.
The prince stopped. So much for muscle memory, he had taken a wrong turn in the corridors. He was bone tired but he could not return to his room just yet. It was his study that he was looking for and it didn't take him long to get back on track. As he took the latch in his hand it felt odd somehow. The feeling got worse as he pushed the door open and stepped into the oddly cold room. It was dark, the shutters had not been opened but there was enough light to see he was not alone.
Eric froze. The man had been searching perhaps? Or just passing the time? This was not one of his servants though. The hair on the back of his neck stood up as those reptilian eyes passed over him. Was he smiling? "Somehow I don't think you are resident here. So who are you?" He tried to keep his voice calm.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Nov 15, 2017 7:49:46 GMT -8
Rumplestiltskin was just turning another object in his hands, when he suddenly heard someone entering the room with hearable caution. Finally. He was almost thinking to strike roots. The Dark One's lips raised to a smugly smile, as he turned around to the landlord, still standing in the door.
"Somehow I don't think you are resident here. So who are you?"
Rumple replaced the object of no interest on the table next to him, before he theatrically cleared his throat. "An acute observer you are, dearie.", he said with sarcasm in his voice, watching his dialog partner's discomfort with joy. "So you shall get an answer. Rumplestiltskin it is." A bow was following his introduction. "Or also known as the Dark One." Once he was back to an upright postition, a grin was playing around his lips one more time. He wondered if the prince had heard about him. To be more specific, if Rumple's moody student might have mentioned him before.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Nov 20, 2017 9:10:32 GMT -8
"Rumplestiltskin it is." The strange man dipped low into a bow. Eric did not know that name. But his confusion quickly turned to fear as the creature spoke again, "Or also known as the Dark One." He stood straight upright, visibly alarmed. That title he did know. Was this the thing that Etta had spoken of? If so he did not think less of her. He knew she would not have happily entered into an arrangement with one such as the Dark One. But he felt the deepest sadness for her plight now, as if it had been his own.
The prince needed to be careful. Was it here to kill him? Did he know too much? He did not want to say her name if there was no knowledge of her in its mind but he was worried for her safety. Why had it come and not her? At least by its side... "What is your business here, Rumplestiltskin?" he would not use the title. As if saying it gave the creature more power.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Dec 15, 2017 15:56:31 GMT -8
"Cat got your tongue, dearie?", Rumplestiltskin uttered after a while of silence, an amused grin laying on his lips. He liked getting such a reaction after having introduced himself. Discomfort. Fear.
"What is your business here, Rumplestiltskin?"
"Oh!" He couldn't suppress a feigned surprise about the sudden voice recovery, before he started to approach the prince with slow steps. "My business, huh? So you've heard about the Dark One before, right?" Rumplestiltskin didn't wait for an answer to his anyway rhetorical natured question. Only three more steps were parting them by now, as he came to a halt. "What if I tell you a little birdie has told me there's a friend in need?" An uninterpretable grin was playing on his lips.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Dec 16, 2017 11:20:14 GMT -8
"What if I tell you a little birdie has told me there's a friend in need?" The prince didn't like how the Dark One was dominating the conversation thus far. He must be refering to Etta. She would have confided in this creature because despite her warnings she must believe he could help. She was not the type to put him in a bad place. But he did remember her apprehensions. These things he would be wary of.
"We all have needs, what are yours?" Eric didn't want any surprises. He wanted to know exactly what it might offer, he did come after all. And he wanted to know what it would cost him. "I'm assuming it is not a life or we would not be talking."
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jan 6, 2018 19:48:41 GMT -8
***Etta enters from Prince Eric's Kingdom - Moonstone Falls Forest***
Etta had been going at a run since Moonstone Falls. Enough time had already passed for the Dark One to have not only made his grand introduction but to start working his magic, as it were. Memory of when he'd first materialized in the cell she'd made Viktor lock her in at Viktor's home came into her mind. He hadn't had to work that hard to get a deal with her. She'd had a minute to decide if she'd make a deal or be burned at the stake.
With Eric, he'd have to actually put a little effort in. Persuade him. Offer something to entice him and at the same time, ask for something in return that would most benefit his prey without going beyond the limits of the prey he was making the deal with. He hadn't had to do that second part with her. What he'd expected of her was an arrangement that happened later. Desperate times.
Etta had only just broken through the last of the trees of the forest. The castle was still far ahead, it's lands and gardens vast. The Dark One could have his deal completed within the several minutes it would still take her to not only get to the castle but locate them within it and if not, would at least have provided enough persuasion and enticement to make it difficult or impossible to sway Eric against a deal.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Jan 7, 2018 15:59:52 GMT -8
There was a long silence that actually unnerved the Prince. He liked to think he was unshakable but everyone had their breaking points. That was his. It wasn't fear for himself but if he paid for his fathers health with his life it wouldn't improve the Kings position much to lose his son and heir.
Taking a deep breath he tried to regain his footing. "If you are asking me for my life I would not hesitate under other circumstances. But it will solve nothing so any deal would be meaningless."
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Jan 8, 2018 10:29:35 GMT -8
"We all have needs, what are yours?""I'm assuming it is not a life or we would not be talking."
Rumplestiltskin couldn't suppress a joyful grin, nor did he want to. Other than that there was no reaction from the Dark One to the prince's remark.
One long moment of silence was filling the room instead. unnerving for one, amusing for the other. And not only did the prince's uncomfortable reaction, clearly readable on his face, amuse Rumple, but also the knowing about his fickle ward most certainly was on her way to stop him from striking this deal. Why not make fun of playing with the time? She anyway would mean no obstacle for this, as Rumple knew what the prince would be willing to make a deal for, must have come from great interest. So, in the end, would Henrietta really be able to stop him from agreeing to such a chance with only a warning? A warning about what in general? Did he harm her in any way at all?
"If you are asking me for my life I would not hesitate under other circumstances. But it will solve nothing so any deal would be meaningless."
"You just answered your own question then, dearie.", Rumplestiltskin replied with a shrug, as he started to walk around the room and kill some more time by picking objects of no interest to him. "You wanna tell me what it is that has to be solved in the first place?"
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