OFF WITH THEIR HEAD

Emmett’s heart raced even after Yarric revealed himself. “Good, god, man, you nearly frightened me to death.” Clapping a hand to his chest, Emmett took a steadying breath. Luckily, Emmett knew the man’s voice. The night sky didn’t quite cast enough light for Emmett to be able to see Yarric from where he was. “What are you doing out here in the pitch black?”

Sneaking out onto the grounds at night was nothing new for Emmett. It was a habit that he had started with young and had never grown out of. Despite the fact that the castle grew more dangerous with each passing day, Emmett found that when he couldn’t sleep, he liked to walk to the grounds.

Though he was used to the stillness of the night and the dark shadows in the garden, the flickering and movement right up ahead were not normal. Emmett paused, his breath hitching, as he realized that someone was there. “Who’s there?” he called quietly, wondering if he should yell for the guards. Were they even close enough to hear him or get there quickly enough if he needed help? “Show yourself!”

Upon his lap lays a thick leather bound book and to his side waning candle. It’s flickering light illuminating the pages allowing him to read in the stillness that came at this late hour. Usually he would of taken to this particular past time in his room but not tonight. He was far too restless, too anxious. He had needed the walk and to feel the coolness of the night air upon his skin. 

A stifled yawn escapes him as his fingers trace the words before flicking the page over idly. When had it grown so late? He must of been out here for an hour at least. But Yarric was reluctant to return to his room. Not yet. Perhaps one more chapter could tempt him. 

The inside of his mouth was suffering a great assault. His teeth relentlessly dragging across the inside of his cheek. Though his anxiety to the outside world he looked as if he was pulling strange and off putting faces. Anyone who dared pass him in his spot in the hallway would merely shuffle past murmuring words to each other or desperately avoid eye contact with him. 

He was used to it. Weird faces aside people went out of their way to avoid him, he smelt of death after all and the lords and ladies of the court didn’t like that. Thoughts are quick to consume him and he simply forgets where he is, walking to the other side of the hall and then back. Then repeating it. Again and again and again. 

“Of course,” Jasper answered, a little relieved himself. “Come on, we can cross the court yard together. Perhaps Applebee won’t bother me either if we seem like we’re engaged in conversation…” With one last glance over his shoulder, Jas nodded for Yarric to walk with him. “To be frank, I’m quite tired of listening to gossip as well, especially since I seem to be at the center of so much of it. Can’t we all focus on something more concrete? Like…our plans for food this winter. Although I suppose there is some gossip I’m interested in…” Jas looked down, making a show of appearing conflicted. “Like the rumors that the King and Queen’s deaths were no accident.”

When the nod is offered, he follows the pace set by the other male. Dull emerald eyes seem to inspect the courtyard that they both braved. Lingering on the lord and ladies for short while before returning to his companions face. Mostly he remains silent at the conversation till something grabs his attention. Brows furrow and a frown sets deeper on his lips at the mention of the king and queen’s deaths.

That cool gaze remains on Jasper for a moment as if gauging whether or not his expression is genuine. Whatever conclusion he comes to he doesn’t voice it. A low hum is offered in response before he speaks.  ❝ Yes, well they do like to talk. Whatever baseless rumors that float around are easily eaten up by those who are weak of mind. Wouldn’t you agree Lord Grey?❞  Despite the question it seems he’s not asking. Instead it’s his way of making it clear this is not something he wishes to discuss. Certainly not here at least.

it was only instinctive reflexes that had kept her from entirely sending them both into the lovely bed of irises and various other sweet smelling blooms. a wry laugh slipped from her mouth as she gathered her wits about her once more. “i suppose it’s better this way, than meeting on the chopping block,” cahira quipped before dropping into a courtesy. “lady cahira mykonos, at your service. or, rather, at your near meeting with the ground,” amusement twinkled in her eyes, not bothered so much with the fact that he dealt in death as some might be - everyone had a job and duty to kingdom. her gaze moved around, she’d never even noticed this little section of the garden before, but even she could appreciate the simple beauty of it. “i think i might have to use this part of the garden as a means of escape when the tittering and gossiping gets to be too mindless to entertain.”

Her humor seems to make the corner of his lips twitch in what would seem to be a very meager smile. ❝ Yes, well there certainly been better places to meet people. Most aren’t the best conversational partners.❞ Yarric returns it with his own dark banter. As quickly as it came the smile disappears once more. Her name had been mentioned to him in passing and as his light eyes scan over her face he seems to be wracking his brain to remember what else had been said about her.

Though it seems to be fruitless. Her words soon drag him back into the conversation once more. ❝ Yarric Morrell. Though it seems we are both aware of each other’s presence. I hope whatever was...voiced wasn’t too gory.❞ He introduces with a slight bow of his own, though he is soon stepping a side he offers her more view of the little oasis. 

Jas’ lips curled upward. It was never easy to tell if Yarric was joking, and truth be told, Jas wasn’t sure if he was in this moment - but the skewer comment was funny, even if the executioner hadn’t meant for it to be. “No need to apologize. Especially if you were trying to go unnoticed…you were doing a rather good job of being sneaky.” ·Raising his eyebrows slightly, Jas looked over his shoulder. There were a few familiar faces. “Argh, it’s that dreadful Lord Applebee and his little group of sycophants. Probably talking about the latest absurd policy they’d like to present to the princess. He’s the greediest man I’ve ever met. Why - are you trying to avoid someone in particular?”

Jasper’s keen awareness of his surroundings had been perfected as a child. A street rat who survived by stealing and who was frequently the victim of other thieves, he had realized at a young age that if you didn’t look out for yourself, you were absolutely screwed. Considering all the suspicious activity at court as of late, he felt a particularly nasty chill rise up his spine when he thought he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye in the courtyard. With his hand firmly placed on the hilt of his sheathed weapon, he crept toward the pillar. The initial shock made him jump back and begin to draw his sword, but when he recognized the familiar face, his breathing evened out.

“Gods, you gave me a fright, Lord Morrell.” Returning his weapon to its rightful place, Jas shook his head. “You’re going to get stabbed if you pop out at people like that.”

❝Lord Grey.❞  He acknowledges while his eyes flick towards the weapon that had been almost ready to strike. Clearing his throat he folds his arms across his chest, using this opportunity to assess the situation behind Jasper. Still busy. 

Despite his best subtle squint he’s unable to make out the faces. A silent frustration bubbles within him and without even thinking he makes a small tut. ❝ Apologies, it was never my intention to startle you...or anyone and I certainly do not want to be skewered anytime soon. ❞ 

PROFILE:

Name: Yarric Morrell

Age: 30

Gender: Male

Occupation: Royal executioner