Just the right gifts ( open to everyone)

[agnes]

( image of the city of Kerberian )

[damienlove]

Damien did not expect her to use a portal. He should have known better it was little miss magic he was traveling with. Once through he reached out and pulled the girl back into the carriage "Now Agnes you rest. I am sure you will need it when you see your family" He gave the girl a hug and held her in his arms comfortingly.

He looked out the window taking in all the scenery of Kerberian. Damien thought nothing of holding the little mage in his arms. To him it was not something reserved only for those in a relationship. She would most likely feel his heart racing. Nerves were finally starting to get the better of him as the grew closer and closer to the city. Damien could only imagine what her family was like. Noticing the slight cool breeze he looked down to Agnes with a faint smile "Do you need a blanket or a cloak? Not sure if that dress of yours is warm enough for this place" Of course she would know better then he did.

[agnes]

For once Agnes didn't argue with him when he held her, it typically took alot out of her to hold open a portal for any length of time. Thankfully it wasn't like the last time when people wanted to stand around and argue. Ugh. She rested partically against him and stared out the window. The mountains rising up as sentinals as she couldn't help but smile a little. The small shake of her head was given with the question of needing a cloak.

" No.. I'm fine. "She spoke softly as she could feel the quickening of his pulse but .. there was never anything she had seen so beautiful then the sun's rays spilling down on the city before them. As they approached she slowly pulled away and drew in a breath. The city's main gates were open, though guards stood simply to watch for any disturbances. Otherwise..not many truly messed with the kingdom's captial. It seemed far more hastle then anything else. She had already given the footman directions before leaving Rhyfellion as to where to locate the Clayborn Manor. The cobble stone streets twisted this way and that as the houses gave way to gated estates. The further up upon the main hill.

The house itself was modest in comparison to some that they had passed, the flag baring the crest snapped in the summer wind as the gates were pushed open. Agnes absently drew in a breath and hadn't thought anything about it as her hand grasped his. Well..here they go?

[damienlove]

Damien would eye the guards as they passed. He was far from home and in a new land. He had to trust Agnes completely here. Thankfully she was no stranger and earned his trust a long time ago. Eyes filled with wonder as each house passed his gaze. He tried to guess which would be the Clayborn home but he had no idea what their status was. Nor did he know of their spending habits.

When they finally reached the manor he carefully stepped from the carriage and he held his hand for Agnes. "Well here goes nothing. I think I am ready for this" He can only hope things would not get too awkward. Something Damien never thought of but this was something different to him. Slowly walking to the door of the manor he waited patiently allowing Agnes to make their presence known. He tried to run a quick speech of who he was through his head knowing very well the questions would start as soon as her parents saw Agnes with a large man.

[agnes]

She sat absolutely still for several minutes before the small hand reached out and rested in his hand. She slowly stepped out of the carriage as she looked around. Strange how the place seemed.. different now. She took a moment to straighten her dress and drew in a deep breath. " That makes one of us.. "She whispered softly as they walked toward the door. While they couldn't see anything there were already sounds of music greeted them.

The small sigh left her lips. " Leave it to Mother... "She whispered as she didn't bother ringing the bell but pushed the door open. The foyer opened up before them as she stepped inside, the forward step of one of the maids. " Miss Agnes.. oh the Lady will be so pleased you are here.. and.. guest.. "She stated as she looked up at Damien and offered a pretty little smile and curtsied.. before rushing off.

"You still have about thirty seconds to run. "She whispered back to Damien as she looked at him. The polished stone of the floors gleamed as the left lead to other rooms and the right into the hallway and the stairwell that swept elegantly upward. Agnes kept a small pleasant smile on her face that she simply didn't feel as the voices rose and came toward them. The woman that accompanied a rather stern looking man approached. Agnes smiled and curtsied to both. " Mother.. Father.. "she spoke softly as her mother was truly a beautiful woman, though a little round she carried it well within her years. Her father however was a slender man, a man of business obviously not brawn as he looked at Damien before looking to their daughter and the functionary hugs , though light and seemed.. only because of social convention. " Allow me to introduce my escort.. Sir Damien Love of Rhyfellion. "She spoke quietly.

[damienlove]

Damien smiled warmly as they entered. He was just about to bow to the maid before she ran off oh well. He chuckled softly so not everyone could hear "I think I will be fine" He watched as her parents approached his heart stopping a moment. Out of somewhat fear he snatched Agnes hand and held it tight but not tight enough to crush it.

He bowed as he was introduced before taking her fathers hand and giving it a shake. He proceeded to take the hand of Lady Clayborn and brushed his lips against the top as if a simple breath was placed there. "It is a pleasure to meet you both. Lady Agnes has told me a lot about you" Too late to run he was in it for the long hall now. Those icey looking eyes of his looked between both parents then to Agnes not sure of what to say next. He was sure her mother would find something though

[agnes]

The two studied the pair of them as Agnes simply lifted a brow and shared a smal faint smile as her mother giggled coyly , even for a woman of her years she could still blush upon command. Her father however had met his handshake firmly though he hadn't the body strength to crush his hand.. so he didn't bother.

"Welcome Sir Love.. please..we were having some close friends over.. and you must meet the rest of the family. "her mother stated as Agnes lifted a brow. Oh sweet Goddess... though she managed not to roll her eyes. Her father escorted her mother off into the other room leaving the 'couple' to follow.

" Attention! Atttention everyone... it seems that our little wayward daughter has come home! " her mother gushed as Agnes very nearly stopped, the small hand had a rather firm grip on poor Damien's hand as she smiled politely as they came around the corner of the room. The hall itself was vast and the windows all opened to allow the cool summer breeze inside. The polished floors were taken up by tables and people. It seemed as if the woman had likely invited over half the rulling class to her little.. get together. There were some of Agnes's own siblings not far, both girls looked similar enough to their sister to be recognizable, though one seemed ready to burst.

Agnes inclined her head to those within the room as she kept a small faint smile. " Mother .. we have just arrived.. and it has been quite a journey... "she spoke up softly as the woman offered that warm matronly smile. "Of course my dear.. of course! "She stated with a light pat to her cheek. " Just..come and meet a few of your old friends? "She asked as she wrapped Agnes's arm with her own. " I shall steal her for but a moment M'lord.. " her mother chimed up and Agnes was swept off, whether she wanted to be or not.

That of course left Damien standing there with her father.. and slowly arriving into the small circle her two elder brothers. " Well now..I'm Cedric.. this is Caleb.. " He introduced himself and their brother before extending his hand toward Damien.

[damienlove]

Oh dear lord was all he could think to himself. He leaned into Agnes and whispered softly into her ear "What did we get ourselves into" He smirked and looked around at all the people. He would study the room but there were too many faces to take in anything else. He looked to each of her sisters with a smile sure he would meet them later.

He waved to Agnes with a sheepish grin as her mother had taken her "Do not be too long Lady Clayborn" Then it sunk in he was left her with father.....and brothers. He offered his hand to shake each of the brothers giving them both a firm grasp to each of them "Well met Cedric...and Caleb. I am Sir Love of Rhyfellion former Count of Kapaal. It is a pleasure to meet the family of Lady Agnes. I am sure you are all so happy to see her" Hopefully happy enough to not give him too much trouble.

[agnes]

The two brothers glanced to each other then back again to Damien. " We don't stand too much on ceremony.. besides to us..she's just a sister. " Caleb spoke up with a lazy sort of grin. Their Father however simply seemed to be observing. " Say..rehearse that much? " Cedric chimed up as he chuckled.
"Come on.. lets get you a drink.. you'll find these little parties of Mother's far easier to tolerate after a drink. "Cedric chimed up with a friendly pat to his shoulder. "And be happier if she were wed and not a burden on the mind of our poor mum. " Of course a sad look acrossed the room.
Agnes was being tugged around and curtseying here and there as she spoke quietly among the whole slew of nobles her mother paraded her around before. Though Agnes was no longer looking anyone in the face and retreating further and further within herself. She detested these silly things.
" Ah well.. about that drink? " He chummed up to Damien as he waved him to follow toward the punch bowl. The gaggle of wives and sisters were already whispering amongst themselves with no end of giggling insight.

[damienlove]

Thankfully Damien had masked the markings on his hands. The only tattoo that remained was his orders marking on his neck. But it was covered by that shoulder length black hair of his. He stood out like a sore thumb in the room full of nobles. Simple knights clothing, white looking eyes, and a giant scar. It did not help being overly tall as well. He smirked walking with her brothers as he whispered "I told you so"

Eyes wandered looking for Agnes curious how she was holding up. He would by no means touch the subject of marriage. Agnes and him were friends nothing more. " You seem like my kind of people. Not much for ceremony and a good drink." He offered a faint smile taking the glass of punch he assumed and brought it to his lips. He let the sweet liquid pour into his mouth before he lowered the glass "Thank you both"

[agnes]

Agnes continued to make the rounds as Damien was left to deal with her brothers. " You didn't say how you two met? " Caleb pipped up again as he looked over to his wife. For a long moment he watched her as she blushed and he smirked then looked to the large knight.

It was one of the maids that came in quickly to speak with her father as the man frowned and looked toward the door. The small nod was given as he drew in a breath and turned on his heel to step out into the foyer. It was likely the pull of energy that drew Agnes's eyes as she paused in midconversation. Her eyes flickered off toward Damien as she excused herself and began toward the doorway to the foyer.

There was a hush that fell across the room itself as the small man stepped inside. He was encased completely within black ,from the cloak that he wore to the satin robes beneath them. There were other ornamentations at all upon his form though it seemed his appearance made the gaiety of the party fall silent within a breath of his appearance.

Agnes took in a deep breath but unlike many there she did not turn her eyes away from the man. " It was you that opened the gate. " It was not a question but a statement that announced itself crisply across the room. The small rise of her brows came as her hands folded immediately before her.

" I did. It was outside the city limits , it harmed no one nor did it disturb anyone nor their livestock. "She spoke quietly, but clearly. The frown appeared upon the Marked One as he moved toward her with determined steps, obviously expecting the girl to cow away from him. Though Agnes simply watched his approach.

" I did not give you leave to speak. " He stated as Agnes canted her head.

" Nor.. did I ask it. " She returned again as the man glared at her.

"Insulance is not tolerated among the Marked ones "

" I.. am not a Marked one, nor have I any intention of becoming one. I am here to visit my family then I shall return to Rhyfellion in the company of my escort. " She stated quietly.

The man seemed infuirated as he looked at all those around and leaned in to whisper something within her ear. Agnes said nothing in return as her eyes lowered and the small nod was given. Though the smirk that lined the man's face appeared as he turned and departed , though leaving behind the heavy cloud of his presence among the others gathered there. Agnes drew in a breath and turned to look at those gathered.

" I am terribly sorry, and.. due to the length of my journey I do hope that you will all forgive my retreat. "She explained soflty as she slipped into a deep curtsy , then walked from the hall. Her mother stood with her eyes wide and her hand resting near her throat as one of Agnes' s sisters rose to stand with her. With Agnes gone from the room.. it was another that looked to the musicians to pick up the songs once more.. as she smiled and laughed lightly as if nothing at all had happened.

[damienlove]

"Well I was in the middle of an archery match when I first met Lady Agnes. She seemed like a quiet girl. It took some time for her to open up to me but I was persistent in getting to know her" He watched carefully as her father left the room. He stood silent keeping a careful eye on Agnes as she spoke to the man. When she took her leave he looked to her brothers and bowed his head "If you two will excuse me I think she needs me" He bowed again and took his leave jogging off after Agnes.

Finally reaching her he grabbed her wrist and almost pulled her into him. He held her gently with his hands and looked down into her eyes "Agnes what is the matter. What was that all about?" Damien had no clue who the man was. Nor what Marked One meant. This was all so strange to him but he knew his friend was upset. "Just relax Agnes. There is nothing to be worked up about" He assumed so at least. He looked over his shoulder to see if they were followed. He knew how nosy family could be at times. He returned his gaze deep into hers awaiting her answer.

[agnes]

Agnes was needing air.. a moment to clear he rmind as she was turned about and into Damien as she looked up at him. While there were truly very few that had ever seen the small noblewoman upset, the dark eyes that looked up at Damien were livid. She stood completely still for the moment as she glanced to the side to find her Father watching the pair of them from the hallway. The expression was one of disappointment as he turned and stepped back off into the hall. The sigh left her as she closed her eyes. " You don't understand.. Damien. "She spoke softly as she looked back up at him.

" We have no knights here.. we have a standing army but that isn't what keeps anyone at bay. Is them.. the Marked Ones. I.. "She sighed softly as she shook her head. " I have been given twenty four hours to spend time with my family.. then I am not to come back. " She stated quietly as she looked at him. And .. there was simply nothing she could do about it. " Just.. go.. enjoy the party.. I just need a moment to clear my head. "She spoke softly.

[damienlove]

Damien ignored the presence of her father. Agnes had his full attention as he leaned down kissing her forehead "No I don't understand. No one ever explained it to me. Is there any way I might talk this man into letting you stay? He sighed and simply held her. He knew most of his words would do little to comfort her in this time of need. Fingers rose and brushed a few strands of hair behind her ears. He tried to offer a friendly smile hoping it would be contagious.

"If you only have twenty four hours left I think you are the one that should be enjoying the party. However dysfunctional a family may seem, they are still your family. You should enjoy the time you have here. I shall be right there by your side through the whole thing Agnes I promise" And when the knight gave his word he kept it. He would stand by her side the entire ordeal. He smiled once more and gave her a hug holding it for a moment

[agnes]

She just sighed and leaned her forehead against his chest as she let it all run through her head the whole thing. Though She would have liked to have gotten all melocholy, the only thing that really Agnes got was .. angry. She shook her head to his questions. "Take a walk with me.. and I'll explain. "She spoke softly as she looked back up at him. She would go back and deal wiht her family in a moment. There were things that needed to be explained, else the next twenty four hours were going to be... interesting to say the least of it.

She kept ahold of his hand as she nodded toward the side doors. " Kerberian is located as you have seen between the mountain ranges. "She spoke as she opened the door and lead him out into the terraced gardens. However the veiw was breathtaking as it faced west. " The history is long and boring.. though I'll highlight what I can. There was a war fought for the pass, it was the only way through to the lower kingdoms from the Northern half of the continent. While at the time there were so few people here.. there was however a tower. It was kinda like our College back home but these were full fledged mages. They sought no gain within the war and soon tired of the dead left in the wake of man. So they proclaimed the Pass and the lands here for themselves. However they would not rule it, they gave the ruling seats to Twelve families. "She explained softly. " The mages themselves kept themselves away from the politics. The only time they stepped in was during the family disputes. As time passed.. the kingdom grew.. "She gestured toward the lower slopes of the mountain. " It has become an honored position to take up the calling of the Marked Ones. However one must renounce their family their ties to all that live within the city. I'm afraid my portal spell was not far enough away to keep from being noticed. "She stated quietly.

" When I left here.. I was only truly capable of calling Blot, I was learning more within the west wing library, though I knew I wouldn't be able to hide it for long. With my inability to keep it hidden , my choices were to leave.. or renounce all that I have known. "She explained softly as she looked back toward the house. " I choose my family over duty, for that my father still.. has not forgiven me. "She spoke softly. "As you can tell. He would far rather that I rose to a place of power, regardless it would be of no aid to his political status.. but even with me renouncing the family and my ties here.. it would still honor the Clayborn family.. far more so then running away to a different country. "She spoke quietly as she looked at him.