Surprise Visit

[King Adam]

I am the shadow on the moonlit night
Filling your dreams to the brim of fright!

Adam was sitting inside a purple-coloured carriage; he had decided to pay an unexpected visit to the second Kingdom. He hadn’t seen Red or Bigby for a while and thought it might be good to catch up. He had wanted Belle to come but hadn’t been able to find her so he had gone alone. He’d send her regards, though; maybe Red and Belle could arrange to have lunch together sometime. The driver had gone past the Fourth Kingdom, which reminded the handsome King to see how Snow was doing. Ever since Charming had committed adultery, she had become somewhat colder.

When they passed the Third Kingdom, Adam felt a prickly sensation all over his body. He didn’t like being here; not nowadays anyway. He felt sorry for Ole King Cole; everyone knew of his kindness and generosity. It was a real shame that the witches had overthrown him. Aurora had been kind enough to let him and his citizens stay in her Kingdom for the time being. Adam sighed and mentally shrugged Ole King Cole out of his mind.

The carriage finally came to his friend’s Kingdom. It looked magnificent. He hadn’t been here in quite a while. He wondered how Hansel and Gretel were. The carriage drove through and up to the fortress castle that was home to Red and Bigby. The carriage parked outside and the door was opened his footman. Adam thanked him and the driver and then walked to the castle door, knocking on it when he came to the door.

Tag: Red and Bigby

Words: 256

[scarlett]

"A carriage from Fifth?" Red repeated the words of the maid to make sure she had the right of it, her brow creasing slightly. They had received no word of a visit from Adam or Belle, and she hoped that everything was all right. Things were uncertain lately, the Kingdoms hanging on the precipice of war, one never could be sure what to expect. "Is my hair all right?" She asked that same maid, always self-conscious in the presence of other royals. She'd been queen for years now, and yet there was still a part of her that felt out of place amongst the other queens. They always seemed so much more regal than she felt.

After receiving reassurances from the servant and thanking her, she finished getting ready, which mostly consisting of stashing a little knife in her cleavage, then smoothing the wrinkles from her skirt. She was dressed in a slim, pale green gown with a soft angora stole wrapped around her shoulders for warmth, and once she was satisfied with her appearance, she headed down to greet their guest.

The door opened almost as soon as the king knocked, but it was not Red who answered. It was a footman who answered the door, jumping back and into a deep bow when he recognized the king there, offering a polite greeting and ushering him inside from the cold. He was just offering to take King Adam's cloak for him when Red appeared at the top of the stairs in the entrance hall, a smile curving her lips upwards when she recognized him.

"Adam! We weren't expecting you." She called in greeting as she descended the stairs, her tone surprised and a little apologetic. "But of course you're always welcome. What brings you all the way out here?" Not many would brave a Second Kingdom winter for a social visit, but she'd wager that Adam would be one of the few. At least she hoped so. She dreaded any news dire enough to would bring him so far without notice if it wasn't simply for the sake of friendship.

[bigby]

Bigby was up in the north wing of the castle, sitting in a room that had been fashioned into his study a while ago. He was leaning over a map of the kingdom on the table, dressed more casually today with brown slacks, a white tunic, and a simple leather vest. There were small red dots all over the scroll, mostly close to the border, each one representing where they currently had a camp of soldiers stationed. He had told a general he would think about reforming some of the lines, due to the dwindling numbers, but at moment he wasn't quite sure what the best strategy would be. Since becoming King, he had growing more of a mind for military action, but he still felt nervous about making the right choices when it came to his people's safety.

A knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts. "Come in," he called out. A long time servant of the castle, Atherton entered with a bow. "The queen's maid passed a message to me, sire. Her majesty has gone to greet a carriage that is bearing the 5th kingdom's colors." Bigby briefly felt a need to remind him that he didn't have to be so formal, though some of the older staff members like Atherton were set in their ways, despite him and Red's insistence. He did raise an eyebrow at the news though. They hadn't seem Adam or Belle in quite some time, so the visit was a pleasant surprise (assuming it wasn't a visit with bad news). And truthfully, Bigby was glad to take a break from the maps and come back with fresh eyes later.

He gave Atherton his thanks and went out the door, quickly winding his way down to the first floor. When he walked into the entrance lobby, he spotted Red greeting a familiar face. "Adam," he said, giving the fellow king a grin. "Good to see you," he added, reaching out a hand to shake his. Red had introduce the two not long after their marriage, and it didn't take Bigby long to see why Red thought of his as such a trusted friend.

[King Adam]

I am the shadow on the moonlit night
Filling your dreams to the brim of fright!

Adam was greeted by a footman, who stepped back and bowed. Adam smiled to himself and walked in. he had to hand it to Red and Bigby; they certainly had come into their own since they became rulers of the Second Kingdom. No sooner had the footman taken the King’s cloak; the Queen of the Second Kingdom arrived, looking lovely as ever. He went to her and gave her a peck on the cheek and a quick hug. Not after that, Bigby appeared, causing the Fifth Kingdom King to smile and shake his hand. It was good to see them both after so long. Adam chided himself for not coming here sooner.

“Good to see you both, hope you don’t mind dropping by like this. Belle was busy with the Gingerbread Man and the Muffin Man, again. I swear those two will be the death of one another. Shall we adjourn to the drawing room? I’m cold and I didn’t manage to have something to eat before I got here.”

Adam wanted something hot to warm the bones up, but this wasn’t his place. He was a guest here so he couldn’t just go to the kitchens and get a cup of tea; that would be disrespectful to his hosts and their staff. He wondered how Hansel and Gretel were; he would have thought they would be around somewhere.

Tag: Red and Bigby

Words: 229

OOC: Sorry it’s short

[scarlett]

Red smiled as she embraced her old friend in greeting, looking back when she heard her husband call out to his fellow king as they separated. She was pleased he'd come down from his work, important as it was, he needed to take a break now and then. She would have gone up to get him soon enough anyway, but this was more convenient. Red was endlessly glad that Bigby had a head for strategy, because she was lost when it came to planning things. She really just kind of did things, and if they worked out, she was happy, and if not, she tried really hard not to die. Which was fine when you were already on the battlefield and needed to adjust your plan, but not so great when you were trying to make that plan.

"Look at that, my two favorite kings." She laughed lightly as the two men shook hands, then tucked herself against Bigby's side while Adam explained Belle's absence. She raised her eyebrows quizzically when he spoke of the Gingerbread Man and the Muffin Man, certain there must be a tale there, but somewhat afraid as to inquire what it was. "That's a shame, I'd have liked to see her. You'll have to give her our love when you return." She frowned, but her voice was warm.

When he suggested they move to the drawing room, Red looked towards the footman who had answered the door. "Would you please ask the kitchen to send up some tea, and maybe something warm to eat for our guest?" She smiled when he nodded, "thank you!" She added even as he bowed himself out of the room, more formal than was necessary, as usual. She looked towards the two kings brightly, "shall we, gentlemen?"

[bigby]

Bigby quickly shook his head when Adam mentioned he hoped he wasn't intruding. "Of course we don't mind. It's always much appreciated when someone will brave our roads just to visit," he replied, and while his tone was light deep down he was really only half-joking. Not only was he well aware that the 2nd Kingdom's weather was rarely anyone's favorite, there was also the unfortunate fact of who they share their border with. While there were relatively safe roads to take, it was still a risk (in particular for royalty) to make the journey through 3rd, and Bigby truly was grateful that their friends made the effort despite this.

He wrapped an arm around Red's waist as she stepped closer, and gave an equally bemused expression at Adam's explanation at Belle's absence. Then again, Bigby wasn't exactly one to talk about "on the nose" nicknames, considering the one he chose to pick up all those years ago. He nodded in agreement at his wife's sentiment, though, as he had become equally fond towards Belle as he got to know the 5th kingdom rules, and it was always pleasant when they were all together.

"Excellent idea," he added, to both suggestions of going to the drawing room and having a bit of tea. In all honesty, while as a local he may be fairly well adjusted to the climate, a warm drink never seemed like a bad thing. He gestured lightly with his arm for Adam to follow as he turned, moving towards the direction of the drawing room on the first floor. "I trust your journey today went smoothly?" he asked, politely but genuinely curious. The fact that Adam was here at all would suggest that it did, but it was worthwhile to make sure. Besides, any extra insight on the conditions outside these walls could sometimes be helpful.

((OOC: sorry for the delay, finals are approaching for school so I may be a bit slow))

[belle]

Belle was out in the kingdom today trying to deal with the Gingerbread Man and the Muffin Man. If she wasn't dealing with them she was trying to spend time with her adopted children and reading by the fire. She got back to the castle and found that Adam was not there. It saddened her that he had left but she knew that he liked to be alone as much as she did as well. She had settled everything with the two Men and soon enough was informed that her beloved had gone up to the Second kingdom. She was in her room and making ready to leave moments later. She freshened herself up and changed into a light lavender dress to make the journey. She would go on horse back because that was how she like to travel. It wasn't that she didn't like carriages it was just that she liked to feel the wind on her own skin. She would take a guard with her as traveling through the Third Kingdom without one was not a good idea.

It took her only a matter of time to get ready. Her horse was ready for her when she got to the stables and she thanked the boy who handed him off. She had told Iris that she would be leaving and that if they needed anything Cogsworth would get it for them. Soon enough she was off and heading through the third Kingdom pulling her riding cloak tighter around her. The faster they moved through her the faster that she would be able to feel safe again. She was in the second Kingdom before she knew it really. She was a bit tired but she wasn't going to pass up seeing Red and Bigby. She got to their stables and asked the stable boy to watch after her horse as she walked up towards the doors and was let in a few moments later. She looked at the servant who asked her a few questions. "I understand the need for questioning good Sir. However, I would like to see my husband and my friends." Her voice sounded a little weary but she would go through all protocol because after all no one could be too sure about what the third Kingdom might pull.

[King Adam]

I am the shadow on the moonlit night
Filling your dreams to the brim of fright!

Adam smiled when Red said about how there two of her favourite Kings were there. Adam said he’d give Belle their best wishes and also that he knew Belle would love to get together with them once she was little freer. The King of the Fifth Kingdom would say Red and Bigby were his closest allies and friends; he would trust them with his life. His thoughts turned to his beloved wife; he hoped that both Men were behaving themselves. He knew that they could be a handle at times.

The Queen of the Second Kingdom requested that food and tea be brought up from the kitchens, which Adam was happy about. They began to head to the drawing room when Bigby asked if he had a safe journey.
“I did, though I was relieved when I came into your Kingdom, dear friends. The Third Kingdom made me the hairs stand on end. Ever since the wretched witches took over, that Kingdom’s had a bad air about it. Do we know how King Cole is? The poor man.”

Not long after he said this, his heightened hearing picked up the voices of his lady wife and a servant. Adam said to the Second Kingdom rulers that his wife had arrived, much to his surprise. He hadn’t expected her to come, but he was glad she had. The two rulers would most certainly be happy that Belle had come, too. The burly, handsome King of the Fifth Kingdom said he’d go get her.
“It’s alright. This beautiful lady here is my lady wife.” When the servant bowed low and gone, Adam embraced and kissed his wife. “I was not aware you were coming, Belle, dearest. You look radiant, dearest.” He led her to where Red and Bigby were. “Look who decided to show?” He smiled when he said this and put his hand across her weight lovingly.”

Tag: Red and Bigby

Words: 316

[scarlett]

"I hear he is not coping with the fate of his kingdom well." Red answered of King Cole somberly, she couldn't blame him. She couldn't imagine being in his place, and the thought that if there was another war, they could be, was more than a little unsettling. It was why she and Bigby were so vigilant with keeping their borders defended, in case the witches decided they were no longer satisfied with having claimed just one kingdom. She wished they could do more to help King Cole and the people of the Third Kingdom, but she had begrudgingly accepted that until they were sure their own people were safe, they couldn't act rashly.

They had just entered the drawing room when Adam announced that Belle had arrived, and while she found the news as surprising as when Adam had appeared on their doorstep, she smiled nonetheless. While Adam left to fetch his wife, some of the kitchen staff arrived with trays bearing tea, sandwiches, and a tureen of hearty soup. She turned in slightly towards Bigby, resting her hand on his torso lightly. "You could probably use something to eat too, husband." She suggested affectionately, it wouldn't do to have him working so hard he forgot to eat.

When Adam returned with Belle, Red smiled and stepped forward to hug her fellow queen. "Belle, it's wonderful to see you! I was so disappointed when Adam said you weren't coming, but I'm glad he misled us." She said laughingly, genuinely pleased to see that the queen of fifth had made it. "I trust everything worked out between the Muffin Man and the Gingerbread Man?"