A King's wealth (open)

[King Blaine Manning]

Blaine was in the mood for a day in town. The markets were bustling with people selling their wears and people were greeting him kindly enough. It was nice sunny day and the air around the market was such a cheerful one that Blaine got lost in talking to this person and that person. Inside the city walls everyone was cheerfully going about their business. Outside was another matter. If Blaine would just lower the taxes on farmers living outside his walls things would be much better. But it was well known that some farmers loathed the sight of the King.

On this particular day he didn't feel the need for guards which he should have considered more seriously because from a distance someone was stalking Blaine and that someone had a dagger with his name written on it. Crawling ever closer to Blaine, ready strike, the king instead paid more attention to a beautiful jewel he wished to purchase for his wife. The man came out of nowhere, lunging for the king....

[Charlise Aura]

Walking silently only through her own gait rather than on purpose, Charlise was browsing some of the wares in the area when she spotted the King walking amongst them. Only did she furrow her eyes further did she notice the stalker and her brows narrowed dangerously as she slightly shadowed the two of them.

When the King was looking at a jewel, Charlise leaned against the side a little till she saw the dagger and she used some of her Force Magic to slow down the man's reaction. Stepping forward, Charlise sighed as she looked at the Farmer, his movements excruciatingly slowly to the point it looked like he wasn't moving as she spoke in a degrading manner to the fellow Farmer. "Honestly neighbour, are you trying to bring the entire wrath of Albanon onto our heads?" Was her statement as she grabbed the dagger, relinquished the Farmer of it before sliding it into her belt, her own Silverite dagger swiftly in hand and her Staff minimised to form a necklace around her neck.

Clicking her fingers, time resumed for the Farmer who would find the Silverite dagger flashed before him in a threatening manner as Charlise stood between him and the King. "Look, I know the taxes are too high for Farmers to manage... Especially after a bad crop season.... But killing the King won't solve our problems, it adds to them... So, word of advice? Stop wasting your gold and save it up...." She stated, her silvery grey eyes swirling a little at having used some of her magic, despite the subtlety of it being performed, especially with Force Magic.

[King Blaine Manning]

Blaine twisted to face the voice behind him and various of the people in the market screamed as the king backed slowly away from his would be assassin who was moving in slow motion. Guards came from all around surrounding the two farmers with their weapons drawn and citizens came bustling around Blaine to check that he was alright, asking questions and touching him until he threw his arms in the air in fury.

"I'm alright damn it!"
He screamed and they all backed off a little. He did however, reach out to snatch a wine bottle from an offering citizen guzzling some of it down before pushing through his guard to stand before his assassin.
"Arrest this man!"
He ordered and people snapped to whispers while the guards started dragging the farmer away.

He turned to Charlise and eyed her in a curious way.
"You saved my life? How would you like to make a permanent job of that?"
Blaine asked curiously, his eyes shining in surprise at her.

[Charlise Aura]

Watching the Farmer get dragged away, Charlise sighed as she chucked her dagger into the air. Slightly twisting herself a little to Blaine, the dagger spun in the air 3 complete times before it seemed to just slide into it's sheath on it's own before Charlise curtsied to Blaine.

"Your offer honours me, your Majesty.... But, surely you have enough Guards to fulfil such a role?" She replied, her voice mystical and holding a wisdom beyond her years she straightened up and looked at the king, her face confused but also concerned as the silver of her eyes swirled through the grey. It was always a hint of when she was using Magic, or at least used Magic though now she was able to use it as freely as she chose, thanks to no Templars here to lock her up.

[King Blaine Manning]

Blaine watched her actions showing just how impressed he was with them. Slowly he lifted his hands and started to applaud her. The whole market place joined in like she was some performer having completed a show for them. People cheered and only fell silent again once she spoke. The King nodded when she came to straighten up and tilted his head with a frown, staring into her eyes.

"It is true. I have many fine young men at my service but none of them wield magic like yours. You may still stay on your farm but I will pay you twice what I pay my knights if you come when I call upon you."
He said quickly wondering just how she would react to that. The crowd around them stared watching, waiting with baited breath for her answer.

[Charlise Aura]

Surprised at the clapping, Charlise's eyes widened a little as she blushed a bit before she curtsied. Such actions on her part were extremely natural, to intermix magic a little to make things seem out of the ordinary but it helped people to understand that she only used her magic for the greater good.

Pursing her lips a little, Charlise only vaguely noted at how he stared at her eyes but it was perfectly normal so she didn't bat an eyelid as she considered his offer. She'd probably split the gold between the other Farmers anyway.... And so Charlise curtsied before replying, "Senior Enchanter Charlise, at your service my King." It wasn't something that she was normally called upon but, if it could help her to help her neighbours whilst still able to work on the Farm. Then it was more than acceptable.

[King Blaine Manning]

The King always got what he wanted. No one dared say not to the King and really Charlise would have been an utter fool to do such a thing for the most part. The King did treat those who were loyal to him with a bit more care and understanding so most of the citizen's knew that they needed to be nice to their King if they wanted their King to be nice to them in return. Blaine's eyes flashed with delight when he heard what Charlise said and nodded.

"Oh Good. "
Again the people clapped before he waved his hand and made them stop and disperse to whatever they had been doing before the attention was drawn to Charlise who seemed to delight in showing off her powers, like a court jester. Blaine could do with the entertainment really.

"I need a woman's perspective. Here, I want to buy this jewel for my wife. What do you think?"
He beckoned Charlise over to come and look at he jewel.
"Also, you will join us won't you? For the public execution in the court tomorrow won't you?"
Blaine asked with a quirk of his brow.

[Charlise Aura]

Charlise sighed a little as the King smiled, naturally Mages did whatever they could for their Kings for it always made them feel a lot safer and more trusted. Of course, the last time Charlise was trusted by a King, his most trusted General abandoned him on the battlefield therefore betraying and leaving his King to his death, then took over the land as Regent before starting a Civil War when there was a more important one to be fought..... And that led to Uldred and the Tower....

Charlise visibly shook at that memory as she tried to shake it out of her mind, though she did unconsciously rub at an old wound that encircled her left 5th rib before her attention was drawn to the King so she followed him back to the stall. Looking at the gem, Charlise touched it but her finger slightly touched one of Blaine's as she searched his memories for an image of his Queen. Blaine wouldn't sense this of course as Charlise smiled, "I believe this gem would be perfect for her Majesty, especially if crafted into a simple necklace with a delicate chain to grace her neck. It is a good quality gem, my King." She replied before removing her fingers from the gem and Blaine's finger before she stepped back a little.

Frowning, Charlise looked at him, "Execution? For that Farmer? Don't you think that is a little....... Extreme? Especially for a failed assassination from someone who is clearly not skilled in such a thing so merely reacted out of desperation of what is pressed upon him...." She replied, her delicate and dainty scholarly hands at her side. At least with this extra job, she might be able to wear her Senior Enchanter Robes at least, if she doesn't piss off the King first.

[King Blaine Manning]

Blaine frowned when she touched the gem then stroked her finger smoothly and briefly across his own finger. His blue eyes slowly traveled along the Mage's form. Was she... trying to seduce him or something? She was already in his good books. She didn't need to try. The King lifted his eyes toward the vender and nodded quickly for her to bag up the stone so he could go to the smith and have it crafted like Charlise suggested. He gave a sigh and tilted his head to the side eying the new Mage to his kingdom.

"Your opinion is dually noted. Thank you for it. "
He said softy before pulling out a bag of gold from his belt and counting out a few gold coins to give to the vendor, receiving the jewel in return. Blaine shook his head and turned to the woman when she spoke of a treatment that was far too harsh. Blaine disagreed. It was law. It was justice. Anyone who threatens the royal family was subject to treason and the punishment for that was execution.

"Whether he is a trained assassin or not, his attempt on my life broke a law in the kingdom and his punishment is befitting his crimes. Death. You don't seem to realize how dangerous treason is on not only the Kingdom, Mage. If I were to die then there would be a thousand outlanders attempting to cease the throne in my place. My Queen would be subjected to all kinds of trials. Do you know how cruel a nymph can be, a Satyr, a Fairy. Image them on the throne, MY throne? Now do you think the crime was simply the same as stealing bread from a baker?"
He asked her before nodding down the road toward the blacksmiths.

"I'm sure the taxes are expensive but each year, for one month of that year, I allow for a feast. During that month there are no tax collections. I also pay the farmers for first harvest, quite richly I might add. So, whatever reason that man had to kill me was invalid. Now will I be seeing your lovely face in my box at the execution?"
Blaine asked again, this time with more meaning to his words.

[Charlise Aura]

Turning her head to Blaine, Charlise smiled with a nod, "You're welcome.... It is only a suggestion though... I'm not really the kind of person to ask when it comes to jewelery, Mages aren't generally given many gifts let alone jewelery..." She stated as she fingered her pendent which held two symbols amalgamated together. It obviously held a lot of meaning to her as it seemed like she never took it off at all.

Charlise listened to what the King said and when she turned her darkened grey eyes to him, all she replied with at first was, "I know how dangerous treason can be..... It almost got my Mother killed three times, and I lost my family and my home to it as well.... By Andraste's Pyre, I almost lost my own life! So do not assume that I don't know how dangerous treason can be!" She whispered quite harshly, a dark blue wisp swirling around her, especially around her hands.

Taking a moment to pause and regain control of her Magic, the blue ceased whilst Charlise shut her eyes as she took a steadying breath, "I merely gave an opinion, do with it what you will......" She added before listening to his words and knowing the meaning almost straight away. "Not in your box, your Majesty..... I will be better able to keep an eye out for any other attempts from elsewhere..... But I'll be there.... On this you have my word, my King...."" She replied to his question as she walked at his side but keeping a good distance between them.


The Two Symbols:

Circle of Magi Symbol Templar Symbol

[King Blaine Manning]

Blaine smirked at her words when she spoke them. Not given many gifts? What? Did Mages not give in to male attention then?
"My knights would shower you with jewels if you were to bed with them. The way to a man's heart is through his bed covers. "
Blaine leaned close to her whispering in her ear.
"The most devoted and faithful husband is one that has a mistress and a wife in one body. A woman who is as good in bed as any slave house whore...is one who will have a devoted husband."
Blaine knew he shouldn't be telling her that.

He was after all discovering his wife was a seductive creature himself and she seemed to be getting better as the moments ticked by. Blaine frowned when she began speaking of her experience with treason. Had her previous King died. Wait... was she a traveler? Blaine gave a soft sigh and quirked a brow. Blaine nodded when she said she would be there.
"You're a traveler aren't you? Tell me what happened to your King then? You mentioned treason. I'd like to hear about it."
The stepped into the blacksmiths and instantly the two men working over the coals and open fire bowed deeply.

"Oh Riley, we're old friends, come now. I was hoping you could turn this gem into a chain and pendent for the queen."
"Certainly Sire! My Lady!"
He greeted Charlise and took the offered Gem gently dropping it into his hand and examining it.
"I'll have some gold brought over and a guard station to protect you while you work as always. "

[Charlise Aura]

Charlise shivered a little at Blaine's words as she willed herself not to turn her head to him as she tried to speak as level-headed as possible. "Such... A thing was never... Encouraged with Mages.... Magic is not looked upon very enthusiastically where I come from..."

Sighing, Charlise nodded in reply to Blaine's question. "Yes... I am your Majesty.... I thought Messere Aura would have already spoken of me by now, mind she is quite a busy woman...." She stated before she rubbed her hands a little. "My country's King, good King Cailan, was betrayed by his most trusted General who sought to have the land under his rule by claiming that noble Warriors of my world had killed the King by stating there was a War against tainted creatures, which in the General's mind did not exist. Loghain then manipulated many people in helping him gain power. Uldred, a fellow Mage from my Circle, was one of the people to support in exchange for Liberty from the Templars.... My world's Guardians of Mage users..... It.... Did not go well...." She paused as she rubbed her left 5th rib before continuing, "But suffice it to say, the General got as he deserved..... My Mother was only sad that she wasn't the one to give the killing blow." She added in quite a dark manner for her.

Thankfully she had ended her discussion of her world before they came upon the Blacksmith's so stayed back as she watched the King interact with the men there. It was interesting to watch how the King worked as she tried to work him out. But she couldn't shake the feeling that someone else was around to take a shot at the King.

[King Blaine Manning]

He watched her shiver at his words and hide a smirk seeming more interested in rubbing at his jaw for a moment or two. Once she mentioned about Magic not being accepted in the Realm she came from he nodded and motioned around him.
"Look around you. My citizens are not human. Humans are few and far between here. There are a number of different species of people walking around here, living here. Some Mages, wizards, witches. Others elves, dwarfs, nymphs and elemental. They look human but here, we humans are the exception you see. "
Blaine explained kindly to her.

Blaine frowned at the strange word she used and tilted his head at her. Messere? What was that supposed to mean. His eyes flashed to meet hers and he quirked a brow.
"You mean the Healer we have? The Physician? Messere? "
Maybe it was a word for the medicine woman back where she came from. He didn't have a clue. He listened to her story and nodded carefully.

"My father had difficulty trusting anyone, not even his own wife. I am the same way, I'm afraid. I do prefer humans as companions. Currently, one of my generals is a young human named Sir James. He's also apprentice to the Court Physician... or well was... She disappeared you see so Sir James was to replace her. He has his sibling working with him."
Blaine explained. Once business with the blacksmith was handled Blaine turned to face Charlise.

"Would you like to share in a drink with me at the tavern, Lady Mage?"
Blaine asked politely stepping in beside her on the street once again and looking around at all the strange and wonderful people he ruled over. The sun was shining and people were in good spirits. Hopefully he'd be able to produce an heir for them... soon. His eyes dropped to the Mage beside him, his hands moving in behind his back in a relaxed manner.

[Charlise Aura]

Charlise smiled softly at Blaine's words as she listened to how Humans were in the minority here and she cocked her head to the side, "How interesting.... From what I've heard of... Other places, Humans are either the majority or the only Humanoid species..... That is... Very interesting." She stated, thinking a little to herself, glad that the topic moved away from.... Personal topics. It was awkward enough with the Lady who thought she was married...

Charlise nodded, "Sorry about interjecting Messere in there.... Where I'm from, it is how we address a woman who is of quite high stature but not nobility.... It's another way of saying Mistress." She stated before giving a slower nod, checking that no one was able to hear them before whispering. "I had heard from Sir James, I'm theorising that, for some strange reason, whatever power rules here, Healer Aura was taken from this world and placed elsewhere.... Where I don't know, and I have no proof I'm afraid to prove my theory...."

Charlise hummed a little in thought before looking up, "Just the one..... I agreed to help one of my neighbours with watching over her children tonight, she wanted to spend an evening with her husband tonight... So I agreed to mind them, so I have to be back at the farm just before the sun sets.... If that isn't too much trouble, your Majesty?" She compromised with a soft smile, fingering her two necklaces.

[King Blaine Manning]

Jamie had said the same thing. That there were only humans in his world and they ran the world. This was strange. There was definitely very few humans here and he was the only one that didn't travel at all. He wondered what else he was missing. He wondered how he'd gotten here? He knew his grandfather had been the first of their kind. He'd had one son and quite possibly a few illegitimate ones. They, of course, were well hidden so that no one would know and try to claim the throne like his first born.

Then his father had him and quite a number of other children scattered across the realms hidden as well so that he might be the only successor to the throne. He knew of his father's appetite for girls and knew very well how dangerous that could be for him to have the same appetite. His father said it would be a good thing for him to scatter his seed. Only problem was, he'd been scattering and nothing seemed to grow. He was getting far too annoyed to keep scattering now.

Not when Nalaac seemed to have a hidden talent for being sexy and seductive like she was. Blaine sighed at her whispering and nodded giving her an annoyed look. He so didn't want to discuss travelers. It was annoying. So hard to gather up human beings and then they would just up and disappear. How was he supposed to get anything done like that?
"Travelers. They are called travelers. Apparently they go to places yes. My wife is more interested in these things. I'm not. I'm more than happy to just pretend travelers and other realms do not exist. You ask the queen if you are ever lucky enough to come into her company. "

Blaine hated to think that at any moment Jamie would be taken too. He'd become a dear friend of Jamie's by now. He knew that Nalaac would miss the company that Liz had provided her. Poor dear thing. She was so starved for female company just as he was for human company. If Jamie left... Blaine huffed.
"How do you know Sir James then?"
He asked almost quietly.

Blaine nodded and moved across to the tavern to open he door for her letting her step inside first. It was when inside that he heard a cheer from his people and then they began to sing an old song they had made up through the Manning generation of the kings and the insatiable appetite for women. They came to Blaine then screamed afterward 'Long live the King!'. By that time, Blaine had a permanent smirk on his features glancing around all the merriness while he'd finally taken his seat.

Two horns of ale was brought to them and Blaine lifted his glass.
"Only the one."
He smirked then clinked his glass against hers. And this is where it began normally. Over a horn of ale, in the dimness of the tavern, in the merriment where you could dance and sing and delight. This is where his affairs normally began. The dimness made her beauty stand out more. The curves of her face caught the minimal lighting around the tavern. Her eyes were alight with fire and something else... Magic?

He reached out and stroked his fingers across her hand eying them momentarily before flashing his blue eyes up at her, his full red lips pulled into a slight smirk.
"You're so soft..."
He half purred.