___Deathly silent, everyone moved with a practiced grace, small nods and transient smiles the only acknowledgment they exchanged. As they weaved in out of the many halls, a subtle peculiarity tainted their basic routine. Everyone was vaguely tense, unaware Elise missing presence was the cause. Slowly but surely with whispers here and there the fact came to light. Normally, she would be issuing instructions for the day, ensuring nothing was overlooked, but it seemed she hadn’t awoken yet. It wasn’t long before the mass of servants were congregated at her door, all worried she’d taken ill.
___“Head Mistress, are you alright…?” a maid weakly asked, having knocked on her door repeatedly. Ear pressed to the wooden barrier, she listened intently for any telling sound. All she could make out though was a slight click, which unfortunately was the sound of the door’s lock turning. Before she could even step back, she was toppling forward, yelping in fright as she tumbled into Elise room.
___“My lord, what are you doing child?” Elise announced, face wrinkled in consternation. Looking around she only shook her head in mock disapproval. It was obvious by their worried expressions why everyone was here.
___“I hope you all had the sense to finish your duties,” she sighed, oddly unnerved by all the caring faces.
___“Elise, you know you‘re always the first one up.”
___“Yeah, don‘t worry us like that!”
___“I didn’t realize I was head-mistress to such ninnies,” Elise conceded, making her way into the hallway with a stifled smile. No matter how hard she tried to hide it, everyone knew she cared for them. “Since you’re all here, I might as well inform you that we’re entertaining guest today. This goes without saying, but please be on your best behavior.”
___In more or less words, everyone had the same thought: The Prince has a new woman?
___Heedless of the shifting child beside her, Nina continued to sleep through the morning. Alex on the other hand moaned contentedly, stretching his tiny body as he wallowed in the heavenly fluff of their bed. Eyes half closed he slowly awoke, overwhelmed with the urge to relieve himself. As the world slowly came into focus, he couldn’t help but be confused.
___“Where, am I,” he muttered, rubbing his eyes as he let his legs drop off the bed’s side.
___It took awhile for everything to register. Glimpses of yesterday randomly flashed in his mind: David’s smiling face, Erik’s transparent sword, Nina staring at his necklace. His responsibility was all gradually coming back to him, his small feet freezing as they touched the cold stone floor. A heavy sigh was all he could muster. There were many things to accomplish today. Somehow, the Prince and David would have to be recruited to his cause.
___“Hey, what’s this?” he gasped, finding himself in a strange new set of clothing: blue, white, and green striped pajamas.
___Well, I guess it‘s not that bad, he admitted, slowly plodding toward the door. With Nina still sleeping peacefully nearby, Alex inevitably felt confident, even excited to explore. As stealthily as he could manage, he cracked the room’s heavy cedar door open, peeking into the hallway with one tiny darting eye.
___“I have to get them from the line. I left them to dry overnight,” a young maid explained.
___“Water…?” Alex muttered, unsure if his eye was deceiving him. He could see only the swishing vibrant blue of the lady’s dress.
___The maid soon continued on her way, finally allowing the child to see the hallway around her. A pale blue runner stretched the length of the pale tan stone floor, and elegant silver sconces were placed every so often between the numerous cedar doors along the wall. The maid herself wore a rather adorable uniform. It was comprised of a simple mid length blue poodle skirt and a matching sleeveless blouse over a white long sleeved pheasant top. The light fabric whimsically swayed around her slim form as she traipsed down the hall.
___“I wonder who she is?” Alex whispered. This place was just so different from anything he’d seen before. He wasn’t even sure if he was still in Lars. No matter where he was though the only important thing was his bladder at the moment.
___“Grr, I really I have to pee,” he grumbled, slumping his shoulders. One way or another he‘d have to leave.
___“Why do I get the feeling this is gonna turn out bad,” he griped, fully opening the door. To his relief, the hallway was currently empty. Quietly, he stepped out into the corridor, finding it slightly colder than his room. He also realized every door looked the same and so his own was left cracked open, hopefully to aid in his return. The entire hallway was repetitive though, nothing too noticeably different anywhere. Both directions ended in a new hallway, punctuated by a small round wooden table pressed up against the wall with a marbled cream vase of fragrant dessert flowers on top.
___“So… where am I supposed to go?” he sighed, peering around him.
___It wasn’t long before he simply stepped forward; standing still being the only pointless option. Excitement bubbling within him, he anxiously made his way to the end of the corridor, slyly peeking around the corner.
___So far so good…
___“May I help you young sir?”
-----------------
___“D-Daddy… where are you?”___It was a small voice, all too eagerly swallowed by darkness, echoing along the walls of an endless cavern. Huddled in a small shivering ball, she waited. Barely four years old, she was lost inside the depths of the Tarsion Mines yet again. She couldn’t even remember how she got here this time, but it didn’t really matter. In the back of her mind, beyond her fear, was the knowledge her papa would save her. He would rescue her like always.
___She could already feel him coming. His solid steps were all around, subtle vibrations creeping through the ground. Continually growing stronger, the click clack of his boots against the cold stone floor echoed about. Eyes clinched shut, she smiled, the light from his lantern assaulting her. It wouldn’t be long before his strong arms would be carrying her back home. It wouldn’t be long at all…
-----------------
___Two light knocks, an expectant pause, one last attempt and one more silent lingering. May finally just let herself inside. It was early and as expected, the Prince was sound asleep. She didn‘t doubt he’d wake to a drunkard’s penance and it was for that reason she’d come.___Expertly balancing a large silver platter on one hand, the gorgeous young maid carefully made her way across the room, placing her shining dish on the small table beside Erik‘s bed. Mandarin slices, a peach, buttered croissant with a large glass of water and lastly a small goblet of champagne all waited for the Prince consumption.
___“Daddy…” Tiffany muttered; convinced the footsteps she heard belonged to him. His lantern was the morning sun bombarding her sore eyes, but as she attempted to roll over, her arm grating against the wooden underbelly of Erik’s bed, her fusion of dreams and reality began to quickly unravel.
___“Wha…” she muttered, muted confusion riddling her face.
___“Oh dear, have I woken you my Prince?” May began, startled by the stirrings beside her. “I do apologize…”
___Her first instinct was to bow, head down and eyes reverently shut as she paused for Erik’s reply. Veiled by raven locks, a smile was tugging at the corner of her mouth. She was waiting for a charming invitation, the trademark of the always-flirtatious noble.
___None came though, and eventually she righted herself, ironically indignant that he hadn’t suggested something licentious for once. Contrary to what she thought she heard, he was still strewn haphazardly beneath the covers, foot dangling off the side of the mattress, and subtle childish wheezing occasionally reaching her ears. Her pout soon gave way to rolling eyes as she realized he had never even woken in the first place.
___Why does he have to be extra cute when he sleeps? How are you supposed to get angry with him?
___May shook her head in mild amusement and pertly left to finish her other chores. With guest in the manor, Elise would undoubtedly have a host of extra duties for her to perform.
___By the time the beautiful servant took her leave, Tiffany was conscious enough to realize she was a cripple. Her entire right arm was asleep, and refusing to heed her commands. Simply twitching her fingers was eliciting the most foreign of pains.
___“I gotta get out of here,” she whispered, beginning the onerous task of wriggling from beneath Erik’s bed.
___Standing, she thanked the gods for Erik’s stupor. She assumed it would be awhile yet before he woke. More pleasant still was his array of deliciously unguarded food. She had no problem using her good hand to seize his Mandarin slices. She highly doubted he would notice any missing.
___They still don’t know I’m here… so how do I change that?
___Flipping her hair, she quickly stole a glance at the Prince, smiling as she dipped a small finger in his goblet. She couldn’t help but imagine him drinking it later as she sampled the mysterious brown liquid from the tip of her pointer. Tongue indulging in sinfully sweet liquor, she knew she had to find the boy. Alex was by far the least intimidating of the bunch and seemingly the most important? Hopefully, he would be easy to befriend, because as far as plans went he was all she had.
___Light seemed to be rampaging through her skull, a dull ache pounding relentlessly through her neck. Why were her eyes open and when did she wake up? Nina wasn’t quite sure, but she knew she felt something shift. Rolling off the bed, she awkwardly stood, a wave of disorientation sweeping through her.
___Slowly she stretched, face twisting in slight pain as joints popped and muscles pulled. Sighing, a rare, carelessly awkward smile splashed on her lips, her body relaxed.
___There was really only one thought that made sense- he’s missing -and it needed no verification. Before she ever took a single step she was already flying through the halls, her presence a frantic wisp of air drifting about the manor. It was instinctual, no real logic lying behind her search. She simply needed to know Alex was safe, that she hadn’t failed to protect him. In fact, Nina had to focus on him, to concentrate her thoughts on the search, for even in the morning’s haze her mind was a tumult of things she dared not consider.
___Intent on places beyond immediate sight, she briskly marched through the manor’s west wing, nightgown regally billowing behind her. It was a silky fabric of the palest pink, a small glimmer sparkling from its folds in the morning light. Two long slender white ribbons dangled from her neck, their lengths nearly reaching the floor. It was quite stunning for such a commonplace garment, but as expected it hadn‘t the least affect on Nina’s humor. She would make her way toward the mass of presences clearly before her and take the answers they would undoubtedly provide.
___“Elise never ceases to amaze me.” Watson sighed, shaking his head in vague amusement.
___Standing in the threshold to the washroom, his towering form displayed a most rigid posture, simply magnifying the stiff classic style of his suit. Hands clasped behind his back and head held high it was hard to doubt his years of service to the crown.
___“What was it this time?”
___“I’ll have you know I saw one of our ‘guest‘ just now…”
___“So, was it a special woman then?” May inquired, cerulean eyes widening in anticipation. Rushing through the list of possibilities, her soapy dishes were all but completely forgotten. “Wait, don‘t tell me it was Lady Norelco?! Does that mean, the Great Knights of Aleris are here!?”
___“No, not nearly that dramatic I fear.”
___“Thank Dahlia… but then, who was she?”
___“A commoner, terribly young, and most surprisingly a… boy?”
___The last word fell from the aged butler‘s mouth as if it were a taboo chant, a curse that could only be whispered. In fact, a small frigid gust of air found it necessary to run amuck between them in that very instant. May’s skirt rustled, her ponytail drifting in the small breeze with Watson’s tailored coat tails doing similar. It seemed to grip them, concentrate itself and crawl along their skin searching without care for their discretions. May quickly blushed and even Watson dropped his composure for a moment, both locking eyes in a wary confusion.
___“What was, that?” May weakly panted.
___“I haven‘t the foggiest…” Watson admitted, turning to peer down the hall.
___May watched his eye brows arch in surprise before he quickly stepped out further into the walkway to bow. It seemed someone of import was approaching. She couldn’t help but tip toe to the door and steal a glance. An unfamiliar girl with the most stunning hair met her sight. Shimmering auburn waves cascaded down her shoulders, thick and full, and perfectly suited to her soft pale almond skin. It would have been easy to envy her, were it not for the magic of her eyes. Raising a hand to steady herself, May actually felt herself fall into her gaze, sinking in bottomless emerald depths. Who is she…?
___“My lady, I’m privileged to find your presence. How may I be of service?” Watson dryly declared, his tone neither too kind nor informal. Old and practiced, he had no reason to loose his wits around such an eminent lady. He could well contain his curiosity, even with her unsettling attire.
___“The boy?” Nina inquired, lacking the longwinded formal introduction one would expect.
___Watson made no snap reply, seriously waiting for the rest of the question. It was probably the least amount of words he’d ever been handed. There was to be no more though.
___“Yes, I believe I encountered him a brief while ago. I directed him to the lavatory. Might I show you there as well?”
___Nina calmly stood her ground, silently building an impression of the man before her. Head held equally high, her eyes darkened slightly as they beheld the remarkably thin, though not awkwardly skinny man. His gray hair and stern features whispered of age, expression blank and unreadable, though obviously not from lack of interest. She could tell he was studying her, but with the decency to tactfully conceal his thoughts. They spent a moment merely assessing each other, a calm stillness filling the air rather than any kind of anxious tension.
___Nina didn’t take long to assume all she wished to know, curtly nodding her agreement. It was the seal to an empty pact that left May mystified. She had no idea what was transpiring between them, and it may very well have been nothing at all, but as Watson left the intriguing woman in her adorable night gown saw fit to follow.
___“His highness found quite an interesting one this time…” May mused, returning once again to her waiting dishes.
___Nina followed in silence as Watson stately led her through the various halls and common rooms of the manor. Only the slightest attention was given to the many lush furnishings and decorative artifacts, the simple eminence of the space. A large portrait along one of the main hallways was really the only object to draw her eye. It held a family: a proud father, overwhelmingly beautiful wife, and lastly an adorable child protectively situated between them. Unsurprisingly it was Erik, tiny and innocent, and already painted with the regal dignity of his position. In general, he was the only one who didn’t quite seem happy. As she peered at his eyes the artist skill was obvious. He masterfully captured the longing in the boy’s gaze. It was almost tangible, and even now it still lingered.
___“When he was a child most thought he was terribly spoiled.” Watson explained, never once wondering if the woman behind him cared. “In truth he’s always desired exceptionally few things, but most are simply unattainable, even for a man of birth such as his.”
___The butler didn’t need a reply to know she understood and thus in silence they both continued on.
___“That feels better,” Alex sighed, leaning backward with a small stretch.
___Turning to wash his hands, he grabbed the fresh bar of soap lying on the nearby counter, dipping his free hand in the waiting silver tub of water. The white lather on his hands was pleasantly fragrant, a mixture of dessert flowers he‘d never seen.
___“This place is so weird,” Alex muttered, thoughts drifting as he rubbed his small hands together. He was out of his league here, and it wasn’t hard to see.
___He has so much to loose if he follows me, he thought, Erik’s face floating in his mind. They all do…
___“The world is at stake, but… what if that isn‘t enough for them?”
___Even with all his youth, the magnitude of his task was inescapable. It compelled him to pray, hand poised on the door’s ornate silver knob as he silently requested the Guardian’s blessing.
___Help me…
___“The child you seek should be at the end of this hall.” Watson concluded, finally stepping out of Nina’s path. Bowing, his open palm gestured in the obvious direction, the choice to proceed clearly left to her.
___Without averting her eyes, Nina offered a small, “Thank you,” before serenely proceeding on her way. It was probably the only action possible of surprising him. It certainly wasn’t outrageous, but his face itched to smile.
___How amusing…
___“Morning June,” a male voice called. It was almost a taunt, yet charmingly glib.
___“Hmm,” she hummed, looking around to find the source of the greeting. It shouldn’t have been a surprise, her morning task bringing her to the Knight’s Hall. Helmet in hand and face visible for once, Euryt was emerging from his room, completely suited up for his shift. Keen olive eyes were unflinchingly focused on her, searching in the way only knights could. Contrary to their habit though, everything he perceived laid written on a grinning face, and for the moment, it was purely a beautiful woman. Free hand raking through his short blonde hair the warrior couldn’t help but laugh at her. She seemed so lost.
___He’s, so beautiful…
___“Captain Euryt, I‘m so sorry!” June twittered, quickly attempting to bow atop her small stool. The haste proved to be her undoing as she quickly toppled forward, face contorting in fright. A cascading wave of brunette hair flew into the air, hand darting forward to break her fall.
___Euryt saw it coming. It was written in the girl’s precarious balance, and so his reaction came almost without effort. One smooth step, so precise it seemed to stir the air between them into a small tornado was all he took. Honestly, it was Nina’s fault, her presence washing between them and reaching for Alex.
___Calmly making her way toward the pair, she watched and dismissed their interchange all at once.
___June merely floated though, blue dress billowing in the sudden gust of air and a metallic echo ringing in her ears. She was supporting herself with her own hand, it being firmly planted in the open palm of Captain Euryt. When she finally looked up to see what he’d done, he only smiled, content beyond measure with the moment.
___“You should be more careful miss. I won’t always be here to catch you… or make you fall?”
___He watched her smile, blushing at his nearness as he easily lifted her back up, her face mere inches from his own. The wind between them passed, a sharp silence ensuing as their eyes connected.
___Either of them could give in, initiate a kiss that neither would refuse.
___Alex watched the massive knight from behind, standing there motionless, clueless as to what he could be so intent upon. He left the bathroom just in time to see the dull gray giant do nothing at all. The beautiful, and currently flustered lass the knight was entranced with was totally hidden from his sight. At best Alex held a minimal curiosity for the spectacle, but even that soon perished.
___A cool, green, immaterial sentiment slithered around and engulfed him, an atmosphere he knew all to well, and he smiled. She was holding him, pulling him near in the one way she remembered. It was how she loved him, or so he liked to believe. At any rate, Nina wanted him back and Alex was more than willing to oblige. Eagerly, the child began making his way forward, skipping almost. Steps light and easy her wind let him fly. For a moment he could almost see it, the world warped in a rainbow of hazy vertigo.
___“Here goes,” Tiffany whispered, watching the child through a cracked door. Her eyes were already changing, her mind settling in to the proper frame of mind. She’d been waiting for him to leave the bathroom forever it seemed. Filling her time with thievery like always, she had rifled through the small room’s few drawers and half empty closet in no time at all. It was fruitless, but that didn‘t really bother her. Leaving everything be was far better for the knight who obviously lived there.
___Blinking, his eyes unable to focus, Alex realized this was unnatural, even for Nina. His mind was racing faster and faster, but his body wasn’t doing the same.
___Is the hallway growing…?
___It seemed like the corridor was stretching before him. Peering down, his breathing suddenly strained, the fact his steps were slowing registered.
___What’s happening?
___He blinked, slowly, literally watching the darkness devour his world and grip his mind.
___“Hello stranger,”
___It was a girl’s voice, cute and young, shockingly crisp in the sudden stillness. When he opened his eyes, he gasped, a solid brick of air forcing it’s way down his throat. Calmly standing before him was that odd Elvin girl from before. Her eyes were the same eerie reflective mirrors he’d witnessed last time too, though this time he understood.
___“I thought you‘d be able to move again,” she announced, eyes sparkling. “You‘re odd like that…” Tiffany mused, tilting her head as she studied him; his frantic expression priceless.
___“Are you having trouble?” she playfully teased, knowing full well the reason for his strain. The air was no longer moving, frozen like everything else and he was desperately trying to breathe.
___“Gehck,” Alex managed, forming only a tiny squeak. He couldn’t even hear what she was saying, merely watching her lips move. The sound didn’t transfer through still air.
___He watched Tiffany raise her hand, unaware of her intention to release him. He actually flinched, his necklace stirring in response. The power seemed to wash through him, suddenly radiating outward in a pale blue translucent sphere of nullifying energy. Before Tiffany could do anything, Alex was already back to normal.
___Baffled, Tiffany only wrinkled her face, her hand shrinking back.
___“How are you doing that?! It‘s like you have my power, but I know you aren‘t doing it on purpose.” Tiffany asserted, defiantly planting a small hand on her hip. “You wouldn‘t be so uptight if you could actually control it.”
___As much as she hated being isolated by her ability, she had to admit it gave her a subtle sense of pride. Seeing this child foolishly manipulate time as well, the young girl felt betrayed. Gypped even. She was supposed to be the only one.
___“What kind of person pops out of nowhere and stops you from breathing?!” Alex blurted.
___His childish face was the picture of anger, lips protruding in token childish pout. In a few more years it wouldn’t be cute, but for now it was sickeningly adorable.
___“Hey, you could breathe last time!” Tiffany countered, completely ignoring the majesty of the moment. They were actually carrying on conversation with time frozen around them. “I think it‘s your fault kid!”
___“But…” Alex managed, raising a cautious hand to his necklace.
___Looks like I still have a lot to learn. Before it just acted on it’s own, but this time it waited… Do I have to learn to control it?
___“Hey, stop spacing out! I can’t hold time still like this forever!”
___“Huh?” Alex drawled, snapping back to the present.
___“Let’s try and stay focused here,” Tiffany sighed, shaking her head.
___“Oops, sorry…” Alex apologized, lowering his hand. It was time to deal with the current task. “I guess you want something right,”
___“Duh,” Tiffany scoffed, intrigued by the child’s change in demeanor. “I want answers. I‘ve never met anyone else who can do, this… Why though? And what’s with the others?”
___For a moment Alex merely remained silent, arching a skeptical brow at her statement. He couldn’t quite pinpoint her mood. Her tone was almost abrasive, but earnest as well.
___“So do you know why we’re like this or what? I just, I need to know…” she stammered, voice trailing to a meek plead. It was obvious she wasn’t quite as confident as she seemed.
___After a short pause Alex smugly replied, “I‘ll tell you everything.”
___It came to him in a flash, a sheer stroke of brilliance. He had just figured it all out. He knew how he would propose his mission. Today was going to be perfect.
___“I‘ll tell you everything you want to know, but I‘ll need a favor.” the boy began, watching her expression carefully. She seemed skeptical but willing enough to hear him out. “All of you will have your powers explained later but you'll have to wait and learn with everyone else. Do you mind?”
___“How long are talking here?”
___“Whenever David and the Prince decide to wake up?”
___“If that‘s all then sure. I can handle that.”
___“When I call, I‘ll need you to appear like you did just now. You seem like you can handle your power pretty well so I hope it wont be a problem.”
___“Fine by me. I prefer to stay in the shadows anyway.”
___“Looks like we have a deal!” Alex cheered, beaming a delighted smile at the stranger before him. Tiffany was almost forced to step back, assaulted by the sudden exuberance.
___No one should be that happy…
___“Uh, yeah, whatever…” she sighed, turning to leave with a disturbed grimace set in place. She swiftly made her way back through the hallway.
___It was interesting watching her leave, Alex still trying to understand the nature of her. She seemed to prance down the corridor, her steps light and cute, as if the stealthy gate of a real thief just wouldn’t do.
___Passing the captain and maid, she vaguely sneered, a subtle loathing surfacing at the sight of Nina. She didn’t really have a solid impression of her, but everything she knew seemed unpleasant; all save her appearance. The wind conjurer’s still form was overpoweringly majestic.
___A mere three inches separated them in height; nevertheless, Nina still seemed to tower above Tiffany, her empty stare eerily following her. I don’t understand how Alex puts up with her, the young time mage thought, an icy shiver running down her spine as she attempted to meet Nina’s gaze. It didn’t take long before she gave up, her hold on time beginning to weaken.
___“I can‘t wait to meet with time moving,” Tiffany whispered, dry sarcasm washing over deaf ears.
___Nina snapped her head to the right, eyes narrowing in an almost fierce scowl. Jumbled, the wind was definitely different, mangled even. It was like something had torn a path through the entire hallway in the blink of an eye. Whatever the explanation, Nina didn’t like it.
___“Excuse me,” Alex chirped, bumbling into the moment being shared by June and Euryt.
___The captain belatedly saw fit to move, June breaking free from her apparent daze simultaneously. Their hands parted and both looked down to find a most surprising guest bounce pass. Two pairs of confused eyes followed the child, curiosity doubling as Nina joined their sight.
___The beautiful wind conjurer easily quelled June’s interest, eminent scowl briefly passing over her as she meticulously scanned the expanse of hallway. Fretfully turning to continue her dusting, the young maid abruptly recalled her place. A furious vigor gripped her, the captain still standing so near. He couldn’t want her, some lowly household hand, and this she truly believed. It was just so much easier to call it impossible.
___Euryt lingered a moment more though, his eyes frustratingly ordering her unwilling attention before he finally saw fit to don his helmet. He wouldn’t dare let her glimpse his frustrations so plainly. Gritting his teeth he left, his solid steps defiantly meeting the ground and armor distinctly grating. June had to endure the sound of him for quite some time, releasing a dejected sigh as he finally faded away to nothing.
___“Good morning Nina!” Alex merrily declared, rushing to hug his companion. Arms wrapped around her waist, face smashed into her taut stomach, he was honestly content, a far cry from the previous couple’s mood.
___It didn’t take long before the peculiarity of Alex gesture dawned on him though. They had never been this close and as the boy realized the fact his smile melted away. What had he been thinking just now? He could only imagine Nina’s… disgust?
___Already flinching, he nearly jumped out his skin as he felt her warm hand atop his head. It was gentle, and equally surprising for both of them. Nina barely even realized herself until she looked down, green eyes studying the messy pattern of his dark brown hair. It was interesting, the way it complimented her skin, curling around her slim fingers. It was familiar, this feeling, so very familiar.
-----------------
___“Nina, will you be my wife?”___“Hmm, aren‘t you a little young to be proposing?”
___“I don‘t wanna be married now! I still got important stuff to do, like finishing my fort and catching more frogs.”
___“Oh, so when you’re older then?”
___“Yeah, I’ll build us a house and you can cook dinner like my mom. It’ll be fun!”
___“We‘ll just have to wait and see, but I bet you‘ll find someone more pretty by then…”
___“No way! You‘re the prettiest girl in all the world!”
___“You‘re such a silly boy,”
___“I‘m not silly, you‘ll see. You‘re gonna be my wife and we‘ll be together forever!”
___It was then he hugged her, his small arms wrapped around her slender waist and round face buried in her yellow kimono. Nina couldn’t help but smile, gently placing a kind hand upon his head. She was fully aware that the grandiose proposal would undoubtedly be forgotten one day, probably soon. For now though, she was ‘the prettiest girl in all the world,’ for he had told her so.
-----------------
___Watching the pair askance, June immediately assumed Nina was a noble and Alex her servant. Their embrace wasn’t typical, but their combined presence seemed to warrant such. Nina was most assuredly the boy’s master, and the child unashamed it seemed. She must have been far kinder than she appeared. It made June happy, to know that even with that harsh exterior she cared for him. Most noble’s merely pretended to be nice, their manners purely habit, but their servant’s demeanor was always the true tell.___“You‘ll never guess what just happened!” Alex announced, encouraged by Nina‘s simple gesture.
___He backed up and began making his way down the hall, Nina drifting beside him. Her mind circled around the odd occurrence in the hallway as she formed an answer.
___“Who was it?”
___“Huh?!” Alex faltered, manifestly perplexed. There’s just no way! “How’d you know someone was there?”
___The boy had ceased walking, anxiously waiting for the answer he prayed would come. Luckily Nina only continued a few more steps before she halted, turning to meet his gaze. Her expression remained impassive as ever, but when the reply came, it felt… like she smiled.
___“The wind doesn‘t lie.”
___“I, guess…” Alex reluctantly agreed. Eyes darting back and forth, he foolishly tried to inspect the now suspicious air around him, belatedly realizing there was nothing to actually see. The wind was something only Nina could read, and he would just have to take her word for it.
___“Most, uncommon…”
___Even if sardonic, it was still a confession, and as such it warranted little more than a slight smirk from her captor. He was relishing in her defeat, carefully memorizing the scope and depth of her surrender, her unconscious smile. She was yet to even open her eyes, childishly afraid of what lay beyond her sight. One hand pressed to his chest, the other pinned to the wall above her head by his heated grip, how could she deny he was real? Shallow breaths, warm and unhurried washed across her skin, his lips only barely skirting her own.
___Taunted by a fleeting memory, her parted lips carelessly whispered his name as she fought to reclaim it.
___“…David,”
___He was honestly impressed, amazed at how much she’d changed since he had seen her last. Releasing her, he stepped back, each now taking in the scope of the other. Silence, misleading and terrifying gripped them, and for a moment David almost doubted himself.
___Could she really be that strong, or is she simply testing me? I just, can‘t tell…
___He wanted… more, and the desire was burning inside him. His fingers were tingling to ravish her, his tongue to taste her, but above all else he wanted to know… what was she hiding? How could she stand there as if he’d done nothing at all? No, she wasn’t just waiting, she was leaving. There was nothing more than a small thud and light click as the door closed behind her. He was alone again, this time with more questions than before, and even less reasons to ask.
___What happened? It was a thought shared by both.
___“What was I saying again,” Alex absentmindedly asked, his train of thought thoroughly broken. “Oh yeah, another Element talked to me just now!”
___He actually fought the urge to pause, to look up and search Nina’s face for a sign of interest. It didn’t really matter if she was listening, but he assumed she was.
___“This girl can actually control time! Can you believe that?! I didn’t figure it out myself until after she’d left us on the road to Lars. I was such an idiot when we first met! Good news is she followed us, and with everything that’s happened she wants some answers.”
___It was a very matter-of-fact explanation. Alex spoke of controlling time as if it were an everyday occurrence. Nina’s common sense wasn’t allowing her to take such information lightly though. No matter how strong she became there was nothing she could do in the face of a time mage. It actually unnerved her, to know that anyone with that kind of unassailable power existed. What if strength was an illusion? Was safety the same? Weakness seemed to be a part of her, inextricable and dirty. Still, she wouldn’t give up. She would find a way to protect herself, even against this new Element…
___“I‘m going to invite everyone to join us today. I‘ve thought about it for awhile, and I think just coming right out and asking all three of them at once is the best way.”
___Nina gave no reply, merely continuing back to their room. She knew far to little to form any real expectation for his plan. Whether it succeeded was really of no interest to her anyway.
___“Always the same,”
___Brooding face peering across the expanse of his room, Erik lay draped along the edge of his bed, one arm and leg hanging lazily off the side. This was when he reflected; rummaged through whatever foolishness he’d done, and maybe offered a small prayer to Dahlia. If he was back in his bed he had ample reason to give thanks for her protective grace. This morning was atypical though. He couldn’t quite recall his transgressions; nothing but hazy impressions from last night at least, though he did have his suspicions. The Pearl Moon Ball was yesterday, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d seen her there. It could’ve just been his ever present desire playing tricks on him, but maybe it was more...
___At any rate, he would have to get up. If he’d done anything extraordinary he would undoubtedly learn from the whispers of Lukas and Minos.
___“I wonder what they left me to eat?”
___It was an empty statement, more the result of habit than hunger. Water was all he ever really desired. The dull ache in the back of his skull demanded it, asking with more insistence every minute.
___Glass in hand, cool liquid coating his throat; he stood with absolutely no resolve. Though his posture spoke of purpose his gaze still belayed his doubts, his desperate longing for something real. He wondered if anyone else noticed, critiquing this familiar Prince staring back from within his mirror.
___There was honestly nothing he had to do. His parents were the true rulers of the country. If he missed one or two appearances before the Great Assembly the nation certainly wouldn’t crumble, though the elderly senators would still have him believe otherwise. Urchine barely even knew he existed in any great sense and yet he was still failing miserably in his few duties. As an emblem of the monarchy’s well-being, his escapades reflected appallingly on the royal family. After all, he would be the next King.
___“No one deserves to live under such intolerable scrutiny,” Erik verbalized, his thoughts suddenly materializing before him. It was like déjà vu to hear the childish complaint. He quickly reminded himself yet again, that his life was not that hard, and others had it much worse. Who was he to complain?
___“Today is a day, and the morning requires a bath.” he easily recited, quoting his mother. Her answer to his pouting always involved laughter. She knew far better than he the restrictions of their birth, but she never let that diminish her smile. If for no other reason than her unceasing struggle to maintain her position, Erik would at least try. With a small nod of resolution he let his glass silently meet the silver platter beneath him. A bath was indeed the next order of business.
___ Sitting on the edge of their new bed, Alex watched Nina dutifully brush her hair. It was almost mechanical, the precise elegant movements untangling an already perfect mane.
___“Um, Nina, what happened to our clothes?” he softly ventured, warily breaking the silence.
___Seated before an intricately carved vanity, her eyes lazily drifted leftward, inspecting the room’s corner, silently noting that neither of them had any real attire to speak of.
___“They’re being washed I‘m afraid,” May interjected, peeking her head inside the door. “I apologize for the trouble, but Elise is gathering some fashions for you to wear in the meantime.”
___The young maid stood adorably framed in their doorway, hands nervously clasped before her, unsure how to properly address such guest. Alex tilted his head at the sight of her, intrigued by how her eyes matched her uniform so perfectly. This manor certainly employed many beautiful people.
___“I’m not quite sure how long you intended to stay, but your clothes should dry before dinner. I hope you‘ll allow us to accommodate you until then.”
___“I‘m sure we‘ll have plenty to do till then.” Alex assured her, a hopeful lilt in his voice. As if to confirm the notion he began happily bobbing his head and lightly kicking his feet, seemingly overjoyed to be just where he was. More than anything he simply wanted to put her at ease, the mere sight of her discomfort unnerving him as well.
___“…I‘m glad,” May hesitated, brightening as she watched the child. He’s just so adorable, she thought, finally allowing herself to breathe. “Oh my, I almost forgot, I’m here to tell you your baths have been drawn.”
___“I guess, it’s time to clean up then,” Alex observed, a ring of question in his tone. The child’s gaze naturally drifted toward Nina and as she stood he made sure to be at her side.
___“It‘s right this way,”
___“So,”
___“…he’s awake,”
___“What did he decide then?”
___“I, didn’t ask,” Lillian mumbled, words light and apprehensive. It was the first time her voice seemed to hold any honest emotion, a sad semblance of regret and confusion. “Forgive me…”
___Watson calmed himself for his reply, carefully scrutinizing this woman before him. May and June he was accustomed to, their childish innocence commonplace, but Lillian was simply so guarded. Being a recent addition to the manor staff, hired almost out of desperation, she was a polar opposite to their normal candidate. She’d always been reclusive, even if hardworking, as if she had divine secrets lurking behind those turquoise eyes. Normally, her privacy was perfectly fine, but this he couldn’t merely accept.
___“What did he do to you?”
___It was most assuredly a command. Watson wouldn’t dare let one of his kindred be manipulated, even by a guest of the royal family. Some things were simply unacceptable. He hoped he was jumping to conclusions, but the reality of the matter had to be ascertained.
___“Nothing I didn’t allow,” she unabashedly proclaimed, thoroughly surprising Watson. Her gaze finally met his, eyes desperate.
___“You must know I treasure this opportunity!” she began, fighting to make him understand. Pausing, she struggled to find the right words. She didn’t want anyone’s pity here, but David had forced her into a corner. “I know it isn’t my place to ask, but could my dealings with, him be limited.”
___Unsettled, Watson again tried to perceive her problem. She was gripped with such passion, and at the same time almost uncertain as to what for. Could she be in love with him?
___“It is my duty to ensure you are always safe, no matter the danger… Your wishes will be respected, but know there is nothing you cannot share with me, with all of us.”
___“I, appreciate the offer?” she mused, obviously disbelieving. She would undoubtedly have to deal with this on her own, or so she thought, and thus without anything further turned to proceed on her way, dreadfully ill at ease with the candidness of the moment.
___“We accepted you as much more than just a household hand. You are a member of the Monarchy’s trusted. Your reservations will never be ignored.”
___“How can you be sure that I even deserve such?” she literally scoffed, spinning on her heel, suddenly brazen in the face of such grand promises. It was almost as if she were disgusted with the notion, with him… maybe herself?
___“My dear in all honesty you probably don’t, but none of us did when we began.” Watson calmly admitted, completely disregarding her tone. “We worked to be worthy of the kindness shown us, and you will too.”
___It was her turn to be silent, digesting the impact of his words. Lillian was trusted here and that was far more than anyone else had given her.
___“With that said, I’ll take it upon myself to summon our guest. You my dear, should find Elise and learn what she needs.”
___“Thank you,” Lillian faintly ventured, watery eyes wide with revelation. A small nod and nothing more was all she received before he departed, the aged servant hoping she truly understood the implications of their dialogue.
___“Yes,” David called, stirred from his thoughts by the rapt knocking at his door.
___“I apologize for the intrusion sir, but a bath has been prepared for you. If you're inconvenienced we can stay the water’s warmth."
___“Nice,” David sighed, hoping off his bed. The service here certainly wasn’t lacking. Exiting his room he was bombarded by the sight of Watson, his lengthy form towering above him.
___“Now is perfect.” he ventured, unsure of the mood he sensed in their interchange. The servant seemed cold, but in no way he could readily decipher. Below the surface something was happening, but his mind was too clouded to truly care.
___“Very well then sir, it’s right this way.”
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