[001 Incantation]

[heelofspades]

Title: Neutral and Dark Collide
Character(s): heelofspades Adrian Popescu (Romania) and queenofclocks Arthur Kirkland
Rating: Semi-violence?
Warnings: None at the moment
Post Type: Prose or Action RP

It's been a long time since Adrian wore his old wizarding garment, long azure robes adorned with the finest sapphires and silver linings. Truth be told, it's been a long while since he last dressed for any fine occasion. He was always happy with his long dark robes which hid all his features. He was happy staying in the shadows where no one paid him any attention. Darkness allowed him all the freedom he needed.

Unfortunately, this was the King's request. For all his child-like innocence and cheerfulness, lies a darker soul which the dungeon keeper did not really mind. The King had two duties: be loved and feared. Adrian had a healthy dose of both. Thus, when the King requested that the 'High Magician' of his court reveal himself to the Queen a week after their Royal Wedding, Adrian had to obey.

Adrian did not mind the request greatly. The new Queen brimmed with untapped magical abilities. If it was the request of the King to teach the Queen magical defense, he did not mind this entirely. After all, his love for magic equaled his love for his kingdom.

Immediately after the King had spoken to him, Adrian appeared within the Queen's chambers in a puff of blue smoke. His robes lighter than usual and the Lunalis staff on his hand. Then there was a cheerful salute.

"Gut day, your majesty"

Comments

[queenofclocks]

Arthur had been warned of the magician's coming, but he still jumped at the sudden appearance in his chambers, nearly dropping the book he'd been reading to pass the time waiting. Taking a breath to regain his composure, the new Queen set his book aside and took his time getting to his feet and facing the dungeon keeper.

"Good day, Lord Popescu," Arthur said with a polite nod of his head. He'd been given lessons on proper court behavior since he was young, but he was still a little unsure on how to interact with a few people in the Palace. And the magician was near the top of that list. "The King sent you, did he not?"

[heelofspades]

"Da, he most certainly did", he said taking long strides towards the Queen. He had his staff held firmly behind him with both hands. His amber eyes focused on the other man. Examining him closer and checking on his mana reserves. A cheeky smile then found its way on his face.

"His highness was worried, his grace might have had a life that was too comfortable outside the castle grounds."

[queenofclocks]

"And wanted to be sure I knew how to protect myself should the need arise, I gather," Arthur said with just a flicker of annoyance. Really, he wasn't helpless, but he supposed he should be glad that Alfred was showing he cared.

As for his magic, Arthur's reserves were a proverbial fountain. If anything, that was one reason why the spells he cast didn't work. Either he held the magic too tightly and not enough got used, or too loosely and too much went into the spell and made it work in weird ways that he hadn't intended. "Alright, how would you like to start things off?"

[heelofspades]

"Da", he said disappearing from the Queen's side and reappearing in his bed. Amber eyes now focused on the ceiling of the ornately decorated bedroom. "The King of Spades is truly concerned for your well-being", he said almost sighing. That young boy whom used to cry and wail every time one of his council members would enter his chambers to lecture him has grown to be a fine king - or at least, Adrian hopes he did. The longer time passed in the blue kingdom, the more silent their king became. Silent and brooding. He always appeared to be the perfect gentleman in front of others. But behind those sweet eyes was something much darker.

He then turened his gaze back at the Queen. "What do you know so far?"

[queenofclocks]

Twisting around to try and figure out where he'd gone, Arthur scowled when he spotted the dungeon keeper. He marched over to glare down at him. "Get out of there! There are only two people who ever belong in a queen's bed, and you are neither of them," he said, reaching to pull him out. "I've learned some basic wards and offensive spells I picked up when this idiot from Diamond kept visiting uninvited. Before my mark was announced," he added quickly. He didn't want to create any international issues where none were needed.

[heelofspades]

The mage laughed hysterically when the Queen tried to pull on him the way he was doing. He just couldn't stop laughing at the Queen's reaction. It was horrible. He was not supposed to act this way, but there was just something about how the Queen was tugging on him and reprimanding him that made the mage laugh. "Oh but your grace, none know of my existence in this form. More so, the King gave me permission to be in your room", he said smiling cheekily.

He was supposed to go on and tease the new Queen when he had heard the Queen's last words. "Tell me it was Lord Vash?", he said with a more serious tone.

[queenofclocks]

"In my room, not in my bed," Arthur said with a growl, increasing his effort when he was laughed at. But that change in tone made him pause. "Bonnefoy. Don't worry, I made absolutely sure there was always a member of my staff present. I knew him when we were children, so I know exactly what he's like."

[heelofspades]

He wasn't so focused about the teasing anymore, but he just had to have the last say. "I'm sure you would never tell the King of all people that I was in your bed, right?" It's true. He had a temper. He had a very ill tantrum-like temper.

He sat up. Still on the bed, but with a more serious facial expression following his tone. "Shit. That can't be good"

[queenofclocks]

He shook his head, giving up and folding his arms over his chest. "It'd stress him out more than necessary if I told him." Shaking his head, Arthur looked down at the other. "He stopped when my mark was announced. At least the idiot showed that he had some sense in his head. Or in his advisers, more likely."

[heelofspades]

"Forgive my choice of words, your grace", he said standing up from the bed completely. He snapped his fingers, and his whole garment fell neatly into place. After all, what's being a member of the Kingdom with most power, if he can't use magic for everything.

"I suggest you keep this information to yourself, lest you want to see how the King would acknowledge such information"

Perhaps he spoiled the king too much? Or perhaps it was the weight of the crown? But their King was never one to share or be trifled with.

[queenofclocks]

"As long as nothing further comes of it, I see no reason to bring it up further," Arthur said with a nod as he turned and walked back over to the seat by his desk. "I certainly never had interest in the twit, but there's no reason to make the King stress over it. Now, let's get back to the reason you're here."

[heelofspades]

"This would certainly be awkward. After all, among all the nations, they're one of our strongest allies", he said pacing across the rooms. "Worse. What if Queen Lili finds out", he said with a grim tone. How he hates that two-faced woman.

The High mage paused for a bit to calm himself down. Breathing heavily in measured intervals. He'll need to take a walk after this. "Care to elaborate on these spells you mentioned? What nature are they? And from whom did you learn such abilities?"

[queenofclocks]

"I'm adept at creating illusions and have some knack with curses," Arthur said, folding his hands in his lap. "Along with some transformation spells which are surprisingly useful. And I learned them from the fairies that lived around my home."

[heelofspades]

"So I take it you've met with a number of fairies up here including those found at Allista pond?", he said plainly.

"For the most part your spells are centered at trickery. Quite neutral"

[queenofclocks]

The Queen nodded, a little smile on his lips. Meeting the fairies around the palace had been such a relief when he'd been brought here. "They've been making me feel very much at home," he said with a smile before rubbing the back of his neck. "I was taught a few more direct spells, but I'm not very good at them. Either they fizzle or cause much more damage than I wanted."

[heelofspades]

"I'm glad, they're very nice. Made quite a few residences within castle grounds too. As always, there are some playful pixies about", he said with genuine smile on his face. He still had a score to settle with those hat-stealing pixies.

"That's precisely why I'm here your majesty. One hopes you had a light dinner."

[queenofclocks]

Well, if that wasn't ominous. Arthur frowned a little as he nodded in confirmation, wondering just how exactly the other planned to teach him. "I did, actually."

[heelofspades]

"Bine!", he said with an eerie smile. He spun his staff on hand and tapped it three times on the marble floor beneath them. The sapphires around Lunalis staff spun as a wormhole opened beneath the Queen and the High mage.

A few moments later, the Queen will notice that they are now within the training guards a few kilometers away from Allista Pond. "One hopes you are okay, your grace"

[queenofclocks]

"I'm fine," Arthur said quickly, a hand to his head as he reoriented himself. That was certainly not going to be his favorite way to travel any time soon. "Though I suggest when we're through for the day that we walk back to the Palace."

[heelofspades]

"But your grace, that takes time and effort. Why should we?", he said with a rather cheeky smile. He's far too lazy to waste his energy on walking. People in the other nations do that and not them.

There's another tap of the staff on the cobblestone training ground and large pillars of blue flame rose from the twelve corners of where they stood. It was a circular training ground with nothing of note around them. It was simply huge and barren. "What mediator do you use? Are you equipped with a staff? A wand? Or do you use nothing but your fingers like the King?"

[queenofclocks]

"Because it's a lovely day out and it's a pleasant walk," the Queen said with a snort, not about to admit that it was because he didn't like the feel of the spell when he wasn't used to it.

He held his hand up, a simple wand tipped with a star held lightly in his fingers. "It depends on the spell, doesn't it? But I'm faster with the wand."

[heelofspades]

The dungeon keeper looked around, the horizon, and then stars. "True. But we'll be too tired when we get back, wouldn't we?"

"Perfect. Now, why don't you show me your offensive spells. Try to hit me with the best you've got, your grace"

[queenofclocks]

"Remember that you asked," Arthur said, taking a deep breath to draw on that magic. Then without any more pause, he whipped up the wand and shot a bolt of power directly towards the dungeon keeper, stray sparks singing the ground around them.

[heelofspades]

There was a cheerful smile when the dungeon keeper noticed the Queen had raised his wand. It was a careful anticipation of mana that ensued quickly after.

The bolt of arcane power shot through the distance between them. Shortly after, a loud sound of metal hitting rock, echoed through the horizon revealing an eerie barrier consuming the attack. "Not bad your majesty. Care to try harder?", he said with a cheeky tone.

[queenofclocks]

"Don't patronize me," Arthur snapped, drawing up another blast with a growl. He should have known that the dungeon keeper would be a better fighter than he was, it was his job after all, but he still wouldn't take snarky comments from him.

[heelofspades]

"I am doing no such thing, your grace", he said with the same cheeky tone. Waving his staff sideways to block the attack and send it flying upwards until it disappeared. "Again?"

[queenofclocks]

Scowling, Arthur banished his wand, drawing that power directly to his hands. He had less control attacking without his wand, but could usually channel more of it. With eyes narrowed, he sent a wild wave at the other magic user.

[heelofspades]

Impressive. Very impressive. He can now sense the Queen's raw power. Truly remarkable.

The High Magician makes a mental note to show this feat later on to the King for his viewing pleasure, before he taps his staff once more and disappears. Moments later, the high mage reappears behind the Queen with a snarky expression. "Not bad if I may say so myself your majesty"

[queenofclocks]

Arthur whipped around, drawing another blast to his hands in preparation for whatever the mage was up to. His palms were red with it, and he knew from experience too much would make them blister. But he wasn't going to back down because of that! "Need to see more, dungeon keeper?"

[heelofspades]

"Offense, no more", he snickered. Shortly after, a quick yet soft blast of dark pulse made its way towards Arthur. Enough to land a bruise or minor wound if it strikes him. "Defense is also important"

[queenofclocks]

Ah, but defense was something he was very good at. Jumping back, he threw up his hands and a glowing shell surrounded him, pushing that pulse back at its caster.

[heelofspades]

"Good. Very good", he remarked. Clearly this was amusing him. He had to know the extent of the Queen's defensive capabilities. But he had to make sure he wouldn't get carried away. So he allowed the sapphires of the Lunalis staff to release their stored mana in short and equal pulses.

This next strike could possibly break through his muscle layer. Hopefully, he can defend himself. "How about this?", he yelled, as a dark blue cast tumbled through the gap between them with great force.

[queenofclocks]

The Queen gritted his teeth as he held his ground, heels digging into the ground as he pushed more magic into the shield. As the next strike hit it, a large crack appeared, bits of the attack pushing through to land a good slice on Arthur's outstretched palms.

[heelofspades]

He saw the barrier weaken, and almost immediately Adrian stopped his attack. He glanced up at the Queen and quickly marched his way. "Your grace. Did I hurt you?"

[queenofclocks]

"Just a scratch," Arthur said, showing the cuts on his palms. They weren't deep, just now starting to redden. "I've gotten worse being careless with my rose garden."

[heelofspades]

"Don't shrug it off, your grace.", he said cutting off the Queen quickly. He motioned his fingers on top of the wound and whispered a long arcane spell. An onyx blue light covered the wound for a long moment before it disappeared with the wound. Leaving no more than a scar.

"The scar should be gone within an hour.", he said clearly distracted. "People have been killed for much lesser offenses, Queen Arthur"

[queenofclocks]

"I'd mind more if you weren't actively trying to keep me from harm," Arthur said with a sigh. He was still getting used to being so fiercely protected. While he'd been kept safe before coming here, it hadn't been under such direct protection.

Once his hands were healed, he let them drop and slide into his pockets. He could keep them out of sight for an hour. "Thank you."

[heelofspades]

"You are kind for taking no offense from this", he said with a barely audible whisper. "The Spade King is very protective of you. I bet not even the Grand Minister or I, would be spared from the King's temper if something were to happen to you", he said finally being able to breed again.

[queenofclocks]

Arthur shook his head. "Then I'd best practice more to make sure that nothing does," Arthur said, a little bit of sway in his stance as he looked around, noting the bits of damage he'd done to the empty training field.

[heelofspades]

"That's where I come in, your grace", he said giving the Queen the most regal bow. He raised his form once more and looked at the Queen with a different aura. The aura he once had as the High Magician of the Kingdom of Spades. His voice became deeper, less playful, and more serious.

"I am here to teach his grace, the power to wield the most powerful of defensive spells. One hopes that the Queen will use it prudently to help his highness avoid conflicts within the Kingdom and the neighboring capitals. His grace is the most important asset of this Kingdom.", he said with a powerful tone. "Of course, I am sure you know this already.

[queenofclocks]

"I know," he said, inclining his head as his back noticeably straightened, that little bit of unsteadiness vanishing in an instant. "And I'm ready to learn. I want to help the King as much as I possibly can."