Mid-Morning Meetings. -Mid-Winter Day 3 [Diamond]

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Midwinter had rolled around a lot faster than Melda had anticipated. In past years, this time of the season had come and go, time and time again. She recieved and had given gifts here and there for the odd friend over the years, but it had been decades since she’d had to put thought into the present. First with Aria, and now with Diamond. She wasn’t concerned with Lucinda, as she hadn’t known the Princess would even have been returning. Technically she had no obligations to give Diamond a gift, but she rather wanted to. He was with her nearly all the time- granted that was his job, but they still spent a lot of time together. Over that time, she’d developed… feelings, that she wasn’t quite ready to admit to herself, let alone another person, but regardless, she wanted to get him something.

It was mid-day, Melda had already gone for her morning walk through the gardens and was just heading back to her chambers. Diamond joined her on these walks occasionally, but this morning, Melda had given him off. She’d requested he be in her chambers by the time she returned, which was always just before lunch. She wore something simple; a plain white gown, staying true to her figure with a high neck collar. Over that she ware a grey blue over-coat, with sleeves ending just before her wrists, and a folded collar. It was done up from her collar bone to her navel, then the rest of the coat parted to show the white dress beneath it. Simple, but quite stunning matched with Melda grace and elegance. Her hair was down, straight against her shoulders and back, with her signature woven metal ringlet across her head. 

She opened the doors to her chambers to find Diamond had not arrived her. No problem, if he wasn’t on time, he was always quick to arrive. Melda took her seat at her table, opening the book she had left there. On one of the side tables, sat a noticeable box wrapped in light blue paper. The box was not overly large, just medium in size and rectangular. The name Diamond was written on a card sitting on top of the box, in incredibly smooth hand writing. Melda grabbed the card off of the box, and fiddled it around in her hand. She wasn’t sure the card was needed, and debated hiding it just in case. She’d written debatable things in the card, and Diamond simply didn’t need to see it yet.

Tag: @diamond

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Diamond had gotten the request from Melda awhile ago so the mercenary had desided to draw a bath for himself. It was not something common for most people in Nova. But since he had been overseas for a long time he picked up some habits from over there. It took a bit longer then normal to get the water heated as well as cleansing liquids to wash himself in. After he got done, the white haired mercenary got dressed in his normal attire but threw on a mantle to keep himself warm due to the cold weather. It seemed that he had ran a bit late as he could tell the light in the sky had slightly shifted as well as some of the shadows that were casted through out the castle. Diamond got to Melda's chambers and walked in hoping that she was not there yet but saddly that was not the case. "I do appologize for running late. I took a bath, they had problems getting the water heated. So what did you want to talk about" he asked. Since Diamond was not doing anything else that day as he had trained earlier in the day. Plus he did not feel like doing anything but have some r&r for a long time. As the last several times he tried to have that happen. Well it backfired greatly as there had been all kinds of chaos that would happen. From the last few times he tried at the hotsprings, perhaps he would just go on his own and avoid the majority of people he at least hoped.

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As she had predicted, it didn't take her guard much longer to arrive. She had been staring out the window fiddling with the card. As he walked in, she blinked and placed the card on the table, the side with his name facing up. Seeing that she quickly flipped it over, unsure if he had seen.

Its no matter, you're here now. Please sit. she motioned for him to join her, pointing towards the chair next to her. She had a hard time keeping eye contact, but She managed without turning completely pink. What did I want to talk about? Yes. Well. Right. Melda cleared her throat, obviously nervous about something.

You have served me for quite a long time now. Nearly a year in this coming season... You've followed me into some very interesting situations, and i thank you for that. The day you decide to leave me as my guard will be a sad one... So... I deciceded... To thank you.. Kind of. Hmm. Happy mid...winter, Diamond... through her speech she had grabbed the blue box and pushed it forward on the table, knocking the card with his name on it, onto the ground, nameside up once more. Melda had not noticed it feel as she was to nervous in this situation. The tips of her pointed ears were a light shade of rose and her blur eyes looked in any direction but his, aside from the quick glance here and there to see his expression.

When he opened the box, he would find two books; A large felt bound book with gold/yellow pages. A metal emblem in the middle and on both the front and back four corners. Two metal latches keep the book closed and the pages from ripping. Inside is the history of Nova, going as far back as possible, to dates about a decade ago. The other a brown leather bound book with a gem of every colour/element (not magical) in a straight line down the middle with engravings surrounding them. Three latches keep the book closed with metal hooks and leather straps. Inside is details of various known magical objects, and what they do. There is also a large section on every known magical gem and their purposes, as well as examples of them being fused with another object. In addition to this, there is a section on Mana control, limitations, consequences, and tricks.


Should Diamond open the card, it would read as thus; Happy Mid-winter Diamond. I know this isn't professional, but you have become rather important to me, as a guard and a friend. This is a rare occasion for me, so sharing a gift with you seemed like the least I could do. I'm always so elegant with words when my composure is strong, as I'm sure you've witness throughout your time with me, so this card is to better explain what I no doubt have fumbled with by now. You are great at your job, a true soldier whether you see yourself that way or not. You've saved the city more than once, from the incident at the Gallows, to saving the King- Yes I've heard that you saved him. Sadly, despite all our time together, you've learnt so much about me, but I barely know you. So, your present is me going out on a whim. You seem to like being in libraries, so I hope you enjoy these. You also have an extra weeks worth of days off at your disposal. 

Now, I'm not blind. I am your boss, and you see me as nothing more. Please don't take this gift as me changing that. My likely behaviour is because I'm a witch at heart and gift giving hurts me... no... that's not true. It's because you're an amazing person and you deserve this. Happy Mid-winter.

-Duchess Melda Delsaran Vanya.

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Diamond casually sat down his chair and gave a nod to Melda. Not saying anything as she was obviously nervious on something as he saw some figiting as well as a light tinge to her cheeks. What happend had surprised him greatly when she spoke and then gave him a present. He was not to familure with some customs and holidays so this got him off guard. Plus the way that Melda had acted had given the white haired mercenary a slight tinge to his own cheeks. Diamond took a minute to gather his thoughts with everything as he was a lot more calmer and more collected. As he was not as emotionally driven in this as Melda was. "I don't know what to say, honestly to that. I mean yes its going to be a sad day when we part ways, and I do appreciate this and I do........I am again lost for words" he felt slightly guilty as he had not brought a gift himself. So first things first he would get the card that was on the floor and read it. And then open the gift that Melda had given him. Diamond himself was not so sure what to do, perhaps he would seek some guidence from someone. As he was not sure how to keep his professional level on this. Since Diamond had tried to keep it on a professional level, second in this line of thought. The elven woman did not need someone like himself. She needed someone better then him, he was not good with these things. Third though he did have feelings but it was that of friendship.

Plus he himself was not attracted to the woman at all. She was beautiful woman on the inside and out, and had been all over a nice person. At the same time though, Diamond did not want to lead her on, but at the same time she was a lonely person even though she was a noble. The man was conflicted and was not sure what to do. Like a child in this sense as he did not know what to do. Most of his relationships were fleeting and wild rounds of love making. Since the next day either him or his lover could die the next day. Or that they would be seperated due him leaving for another job or some kind of other thing. Right now that had to be pushed into the back of his head. He then opens the card and reads it, there was a small smile on his face. It was nice thing and it was true that he kept to himself a lot with Melda. He then opens the package and was surprised by the books that were gifted to him. The man felt guilty as he did not have a gift to give back. "I don't talk about my self a lot since there is not really much to say. Well for someone of your nature since I go out and well beat the daylights out of people. That and well I don't want to make too many attachments. Since I don't know when there going to die. Or just part ways. It hurts when these things happens but thats the nature of the beast I guess" he said and then had a thoughtful look on his face.

"Do you happen to have a high quallity ruby or other kind of red gem and a high quallity green colored gemstone" he asked curiously as an idea came to him.

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Melda watched Diamond reach for the card, and opened her mouth to protest against it, but he had clearly seen his name written on the front, so she closed her mouth, and scratched her arm instead. She sat in silence for a moment or two, glancing at Diamond now and again, seeing a slight bit of colour in his face. When he spoke, she regained her composure entirely, and looked him dead in the eye like she always did.

Well you don’t have to say much, just open it, tell me what you think, and continue to stay by my side. For now, of course… She smiled, and watched silently as he opened her card, and read it. She didn’t know what was going on in his mind, but her stomach assured her of her nerves. The small smile on his face kept her from taking the card away and throwing it off her balcony. What she wrote in there was entirely unprofessional, but he seemed to find it amusing… so she wouldn’t act out so rashly. She was bigger than that.

Remaining silent still, she watched him put the card down and rip the blue paper open, revealing the two leather bound books within it. He looked surprised, and went on to say something about their differences. Melda looked stunned. Someone of my nature? Goodness, I am composed, I play my role, yes. However it would seem you haven’t seen every side of me. I thought perhaps the incident in the springs recently would have tipped you off. She laughed bitterly. I am a very angry person, more often than not. So you “beating the daylights out of people” would probably be more comical to me than otherwise. Unless of course, they’re innocent, then shame on you. Melda laughed, more openly this time. Why this amused her so much, she didn’t know, but the fact that Diamond only thought she was a delicate flower of a noble… well it was beyond comical for her.

The attachments I understand… Allow me to tell a small story; one I’ve come to realize not many people know… Long ago, when I was just a teenager, I fell in love. He was a brave soldier, dedicated to his cause at the time. A fighter through and through. We married two years after we met, much to my mothers delight. Now, it could have been the age difference, for he was seven years my elder, who knows really, but I was so sad to see him leave for battle, every single time. It always made my heart sink to my stomach when word of a new mission or fight came along. Just the thought of losing him to his fight made my utterly sick. So I asked him to stay one night, before he was to leave. He refused. Thankfully he came home a week later… But after that he stopped telling me ahead of time when his battles were. He always left a note in the morning after he left, telling me where he was going and why… I hated it, it always took my off guard.
Melda looked out the window, to the left of her shoulder.

It was during one of these mystery battles that he didn’t return. I had no clue he was gone, and by the time I had read the note, he was gone. I was devastated, as you can imagine. I was raised to believe in one thing above all else; True Love only happens once. Everyone out there has someone made especially for them. For me, that was him… Ever since then I’ve kept my word, and only been with him. Yes, I’m aware how long it’s been, before you make an age joke. I was in my twenties at the time, and now I’m in my two hundreds.
Melda sighed and shook her head. The point of my story, muddled as it is now, is that even if he had lived, and agreed never to go to war again… He was human. He would have died decades ago. Attachments… Friends… Family… Love. All these things happen without our realizing, unless we forcibly tell our minds it’s no longer possible for us. She turned her face back to Diamond, an earnest look on her face.

No matter how long you spend time with them… no matter how short your time with them us… The connection is worth it, even if you spend a lifetime telling yourself otherwise. Trust an elf, if no one else. I’m young for my race, but old in every eye of a human. I don’t know exactly what you are, or why attachments are difficult for you, but I do understand time. Melda took a deep breath in and smiled, happily changing the subject.

A high quality gem in red or green? Hmm… I believe I should yes. One moment please. Melda pushed out of her chair and waltzed over to her vanity, opening a delicate brown box, and sifting through it for a moment, before she pulled out a stunning silver ringlet that would go around her head, as she usually wore. In the centre, where it would sit on her forehead, was placed a shimmering ruby, medium sized. In her other hand, she pulled out a simple necklace, with the pendant hanging to her collar bone, in it was also a ruby, though larger in size. She brought them back to the table, placed them in front of Diamond, and returned to her seat.

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"Eh not as a noblewoman since you nearly turned that one guy into a pin custion. I was more inclined with racial background then anything else. Some don't like war or fighting in general as either its benith yourselves or its rather boring. Like there is no elegance to it as its more a savage affair. Pardon me if that was a bit racist" as this was one of the few times that Diamond was just being his normal self in this case. He stayed silent as his employer spoke as she told a small story about herself. The white haired male listened to the tale with earnist ears since this was rather important. He could understand the worry she had for her husband in this case. Then hearing about the true love bit and a few other things. "The one thing that my foster mother and many of the other women in my mercenary troop had said. Don't make fun of or mention a woman's age. I saw the concequinces first hand.....one guy had called my foster mother an old hag.......the sod had lost his *ahem* family jewels. So I tried to not go into that territory with any lady" he remembered that from his childhood. It was violent but at the same time very humorious to hear something like that and got a small chuckle out of Diamond.

"I think its overall that I had no stationary home. And that I was always on the move from one place to another. And since I have been in Nova for a year its been a confliction. To make the bonds and just settle here or not as I could go on the move next thing. I understand your words of wisdom greatly and I am taking them to heart" he said and then saw Melda get up and go and get a gemstone and brought it out to him. He took both in his hands and pulled a green gem from his jewel bag. "I don't know what would be best but....here is a gift on the spot though" he said and then took the gems into his hand and tapped into the magic he knew. Diamond closed his eyes and let his mind focus and let his mind's eye take over. In his hand the gems glowed and grew slowly, but after awhile they started to shift and come together and form something. It was taking a bit, but the gems had formed into a flower a rose infact. But it looked as if the gems and become very life like. As if someone had crystalized a living rose into this form of art.

"I felt guilty that you gave me a gift like that. So here is....something from me. Again as I said that it was on the spot. But please except this from me" he said and finished the gift and placed it on the table for Melda.

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Ahhh, I see what you mean now. Yes, most elves like myself are against violence, but we do see when it is necessary and thus are not opposed to war when it is needed. I don’t find fighting beneath me however, though I know my mother did. I find it rather stress relieving, I won’t lie. Melda gave a rather informal lopsided smile to her own comment, remembering when she’d been a teen, always in the training rooms, always sparing with someone. She’d never gotten good at it, her mother never allowed her to be taught anything of substance, but just the feeling of her fists and feet hitting something. Anger always tended to disappear after that. I don’t find it racist, and I disagree. There is elegance in savagery. Just the art of some weaponry and fighting forms, they in their own rights can be elegant and beautiful, don’t you agree? Archery was always my favourite. Absolutely stunning, the archer and the way the bow and arrow would manipulate him… like a dance, or a duet of music really. She sighed, visualizing it behind her eyes.

When Diamond went on to speak about his past, she listened with open ears. She was always eager to learn more about him, as he always shared so little. For one, she hadn’t know he’d grown up in a foster family. Oh. Well that’s a bit graphic… She cleared her throat, a pink tinge growing in her cheeks, though it was funny, and a small smile was on her mouth to prove so.

Diamond, I believe I understand your side of things now. Always moving from one place to another, making attachments and then having to let them go… it must have been tough. But I want you to keep this in mind; You seem to rather like it here, in Nova. Like it or not, you’ve made friends, out of Lady Aria, myself, and no doubt others, such as that girl from the festival a while back. She smiled jokingly. However, think of it like this; yes you’re making attachments even though you may leave again one day like you always did, but whose to say these people will be out of your life forever after that? Who’s to say you can’t return for a time, and visit, or they can’t visit you? Friendships and relationships are give and take. Sometimes you just have to make sacrifices for the people you hold dear. She shrugged, acting like what she’d said was nothing important.

She watched as he took a gem out of his bag, and stayed quiet when he spoke of a gift on the spot. She hadn’t a clue was he was planning, but was utterly mesmerized as he transformed both his and her gem stones, and closed his eyes, no doubt using magic. Her eyes watched the gems, slowly forming into another shape, and her mouth curved into a beautiful smile as it happened. Her eyes watered over slightly, not enough to let a tear loose, but enough that if he looked into her eyes, he would notice.

Don’t feel guilty… On the spot or not… this is stunning… and you really didn’t have to do this.. I… I don’t know what to say. I haven’t received such a touching gift in decades…. Thank you Diamond, truly. she reached out on impulse and grasped his hand in her own, for just a moment, squeezing it lightly before releasing it to pick up the delicate flower and raising it to glitter in the sunlight. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. It completely outshines the ones in the gardens.