-:{(5)}:-
Proper Introductions
"First impressions are guesses; lasting impressions gifts…"
___Nearly searing Cartinya scented water held them, an indulgence of only the wealthiest nobles. Pale orange petals, the result of tireless cultivation, drifted and dissolved everywhere. They worked a subtle magic on the skin, rumored to even purify sin and were priced accordingly, though no one really believed it. If it were true, there had never been a group of people to need it more.
___Empty movements cleansing their bodies, all were preoccupied. Even young Alex eventually grew tired of playing, the possibility of failure wandering through his mind. Any, if not all his new prospects could refuse him, and it seemed likely they would. What did he really have to offer them?
___One room over, Nina was lost within her mind as well, though obviously not from any similar worry. She sat, one arm languidly extended just below the bath’s undulating surface gently scrubbing it length. Centered inside the massive excuse for a tub, her eyes held a striking green glare, water circling around her supple chest in soothing waves. A concentrated maelstrom stormed about her, seemingly disconnected from the tranquilly bathing beauty, but raging all the same. Absolute control was what she sought, even whilst in the confines of the small sauna. Though her body was luxuriously relaxed, her mind was steadily breaking under the effort, the air divided into numerous opposing segments and each moving of separate accord, all the while having their motion refined. The young woman had woven a brilliant tapestry, meticulously intertwined and dizzying, meaningless with its transience. While her sauna held this vicious tempest, the exact opposite occupied David’s. A thick gray mist filled the air. Skin nearly burning, his water ardently boiled. It wasn’t intentional, but as his thoughts drifted to Lillian the fire in his heart had no choice but to spread. Sliding down the tub’s porcelain surface the fragrant water climbed up his neck, even slowly washed over his angular face. Lazily, he looked through the chaotic rippling surface at the gray sky he’d created. It was their romance, a shapeless cloud with no defined space. Black hopes and white doubts played no part, it was only the nameless gray between. They just… were, and what they had was. The first time, the way she shivered under his touch. It was the only moment he recalled with any real clarity.
___Following a curve that lay only in his mind, his hand glided through the water, thighs subtly tensing of their own accord. Her shaky breaths and unintelligible whispers echoed in his ears, even after all his conquest as if she were the only one. Bitter, confused and wanton he soaked thinking solely of her touch. She made him want to jump off the edge, fall to the obvious demise, and do it again without hesitation. Hot bubbles bumbling their way around him, he was submersed in far more than mere water. He was inside her, intertwined and knocking at death‘s door, pure pleasure sculpting his face. The instantaneous eternity that you could never repeat was the night he’d spent with Lillian all those years ago, the night he learned what love felt like.
___And she was right there…
___If it was better to have loved and lost was a question for the ages but one Erik could have easily debated. The vision of Lady Norelco was haunting him and whether he was simply creating a fantasy or finding a memory was far from certain. It wasn’t long before his eyes were glaring white, a vision of himself and Charlotte traipsing along his bath’s surface. At first it was simply a game, music lilting in his ears as two miniature nobles danced before him, but the longer he watched his play, the more vivid it became. A room slowly formed, crowd of hazy faces standing in the background, tables, chandelier and all the other trivialities of a ball blooming around them. They weren‘t his imagination. They were glimpses of something he definitely remembered. Straining now, he was almost solely aware of her, desperately grasping for what lay around them. Warmed by the beautiful smile of Lady Norelco, he watched himself bow, heard the nonexistent song end and realized his recollection went no further. The scene froze, his mind left without even a hazy impression of what happened after. An irritated curse fouled the air as Erik swatted through his magical creation into the water’s ebbing surface, the image exploding in tattered pieces of sparkling liquid.
___This is pointless...
___Alex, David and Erik each stood, all tired of letting such useless thoughts rule them. Drying off with ludicrously soft towels, supplied among other things from seemingly invisible servants, they began changing into the new garments thoughtfully provided. Only David and Erik found it necessary to style their hair. Alex was blissfully unaware of any need, ignoring his comb completely.
___As for Nina, a vague pink cloud swirled about her body fading into the bath. Sitting up unconcerned, she gradually deduced its source, noting the thin red line drawn along her side curving just barely toward her navel before it met the water. Tracing the path, she found her nose bleeding and in the same instant her headache. Concentration discarded the wind dispersed itself with a garish explosion. It soon settled into a meaningless calm but Nina ached all over, wincing quietly as jars and toiletries toppled and crashed around her. She wanted to vomit, to curl into a small ball and disappear, but that was for someone weaker. Instead, she gathered her strength, and solemnly retreated from the now tepid pool. Water cascading down her slim form, she casually reached for the soft cream towel waiting nearby and uncaring for its value held a corner to her face. Of course, the fabric greedily consumed her crimson pain for itself, doomed to permanently stain. Wrapped in the rest of its fuzzy embrace, she walked around the tub’s small partition, head tilted to stint the bleeding, peering askance at the waiting surprise.
___Apparently, one of the servants had left clothes, a neat pile replacing the night gown she‘d discarded. Head still pounding relentlessly, she only gave the garment a cursory inspection. It was some sort of gown, a casual intent she guessed from its slim silhouette, the color of a midnight candlelit tryst, this sultry jazz red with boldly elegant white accents. Like everyone else she dressed in the manor‘s exquisite provisions, soon leaving the pungent scent of Cartinya blossom’s behind.
___Alex warily made his way back through the halls; walking somewhat awkwardly in the new suit he’d been provided. The structured collar had a bulky feel, and the jacket mercilessly forced his shoulders back. There was no choice but to maintain the proper posture, which admittedly did make him look better, but honestly who stood like that? Everything withstanding, he did kind of like it. It felt so official, prim suit beaming importance all its own. Modeled after a diplomatic vestment it was fairly simple comprised of only jacket and pants, but in a blaring cardinal red material. Trimmed in black, the jacket held four ivory buttons, two directly in the center of his collar bone, and the other two reaching to his waist while the coat’s elongated back stretched in a graceful ark to his mid thigh. The sleeves were less than a quarter length, his snow white dress shirt covering the length of his arms. It was quite dashing and obviously intended for someone of his youth.
___Finally resigning himself to better posture, he lightly bounced down the hall, more than anything desiring to find Nina. She had to see him. He was only vaguely convinced she wouldn’t be at least a little impressed.
___“How was your bath?” a wispy feminine voice ventured.
___“Huh,” Alex drawled, spinning around.
___“I‘m sorry, I just saw you pass…” May apologized, trudging out from a prior hallway. A generous array of clean folded towels laid in her arms, towering in the air. It was difficult to even find her face behind them, but she seemed to be making her way just fine.
___“No, it‘s alright,” Alex quickly assured her, standing on his tip toes to get a better view. “My bath was great too! It smelled so good, but… it didn‘t really taste like I thought it would?”
___May had to work exceptionally hard to keep from giggling. Endearing didn‘t even begin to describe the boy, especially with his new clothes and rumpled hair.
___“I’d imagine…” was all she could manage, actually glad the towels hid her smile.
___Alex wouldn’t have noticed anyway though, the mouth-watering scent of strawberry pastries steadily filling his tiny nose. Almost on cue, his stomach began to boisterously grumble, the curious sound quickly drawing May‘s attention.
___“Looks like someone’s hungry,”
___“…yeah, kinda,”
___“Ha ha, that’s good. Leon is waging a war in the kitchen as we speak. He‘s even making his famous pastries, which are probably what we’re smelling…”
___“…pay-stree?” Alex repeated, slowly sounding out the word.
___Eyes wide and begging, he earnestly questioned the young maid. He honestly had no idea what she was referring to.
___“Oh you poor thing! You‘ve never had a pastry before?!”
___“Well, no…” Alex softly admitted, far more embarrassed than reasonable. He was most certainly naïve, to many things, but in his mind everything he did seemed to yell he wasn’t normal.
___“Don‘t worry. We‘ll fix that right now. Breakfast is only a little ways off, but I‘m sure Leon won‘t mind letting one pastry go early. You just have to try one.”
___Alex face soon lit up, words escaping him as he nodded his agreement.
___“Just follow me.“ May assured him, setting off down the hallway with Alex happily following.
___Fully awake and irritatingly cold, Erik briskly made his way back toward his room, absentmindedly drying his hair with a small towel. Dressed in a surprisingly run of the mill tan linen shirt and matching wrinkled pants, he seemed… common, feet bare and chest minimally exposed. It was ironically one his favorite outfits, easy and simple, and above all else comfortable. Unfortunately he never wore it for any real length of time, always changing after his baths into something more presentable for his daily activities.
___Nearing his room, the token bickering of Minos and Lukas reached his ears long before he saw them. It made a slight grin taint his face knowing they would probably die if ever parted. Turning the corner, he observed them waiting before his door with an all too familiar expression.
___I must have done something memorable, he thought, continuing onward to meet them. Silence soon settled between the three, a cursory bow from both Armâ
re following.
___“Good morning sire,” Minos began, righting himself as the Prince neared.
___“I hope you slept well,” Lukas added, forming one seamless sentence.
___“Good morning to you both, and yes I did.” Erik genially replied, always amused by their habit.
___“So, tell me…” he coyly prompted them, eager and reluctant to hear his recent escapades.
___Minos and Lukas exchanged glances, neither certain of how to answer. Normally they would relate how many ladies he won, the score of drinks and so on, but last night was…?
___“Hmm, so it‘s only a matter of time before I‘m banished then.” Erik dryly asserted, face impassive as he waited to be corrected. He honestly wasn’t worried, but his folded arms and piercing gaze did little to reveal it.
___“No, it wasn‘t anything like that!” Minos quickly assured him.
___“It‘s just, we really don‘t know what to tell you?” Lukas confessed, sighing in defeat.
___“I disappeared again?” Erik taunted them, notorious for giving his Armâ
re the slip. It was a daring feat his parents never appreciated.
___“Actually, no… We were waiting for you outside the Crimson Lion‘s Den.” Minos explained, a quizzical lilt in his tone.
___“I can’t recall. It’s all a dismal blur.” Erik regretfully admitted, leading them into his chambers with a small wave of the hand. “Come and tell me whatever you do know.”
___Soon the attendants stood posted on either side of Erik’s door, both unsure of just how far they were allowed. Intently watching Erik change, they recounted the string of events from yesterday, starting with the Pearl Moon Ball and his brief reunion with Lady Norelco, through how the manor came to have three new guest this morning. Both of them were on edge, watching the Prince shirt and pants be discarded on the floor before he proceeded to pace nude between his closet and two armoires. His body was much too perfect to be ignored, and he had this awful habit of flaunting it to them at every opportunity. If he ever realized their unnatural persuasion he would undoubtedly stop, but it was all the more reason to hide such things from him. His trust was endearing.
___In Erik’s mind, two important things stood out. The first, was that one of the guest was beautiful beyond description. Suddenly his choice of clothing seemed terribly important. Breakfast would undoubtedly be his first chance to make a descent impression on the mystery woman. He couldn’t change whatever he’d done while inebriated, but he knew with the right words even an apology could win her heart. He was a Prince after all. The second important point was the “Demon” that attacked him. It wasn’t hard to realize it was probably his own doing, but the giant explosion of fire had no reasonable explanation he could conjure. At any rate, if he was using his powers he had probably been fighting. Breakfast was most certainly going to be interesting.
___This is stupid, David thought, unbuttoning his collar. The shirt and pants were tolerable, but the tie and jacket where asking a little much. It was a shame too, considering how handsome the suit was; navy blue with thin grey pinstripes. A matching grey dress shirt, black leather shoes, and black leather belt with a pure silver clasp completed his ensemble. Even without the jacket he looked quite dashing though. It was just enough to be tempting, the way he left the top two buttons undone on his shirt, or the tailored curve of his pants. He’d get nothing but positive attention for a certainty. Hopefully from Lillian, but he’d have to find her first to see. Maybe, he contemplated, opening the solid door to the hallway.
___A brief flurry of movement immediately caught his eye. It was far off at the very end of the corridor, but he could swear he saw a blue something whiz around the corner. Instantly he was picturing Lillian and before he even realized jogging after her. His entire face beamed eager anticipation, eyes sparkling and grin breaking through.
___It wasn’t long before his mind began to catch up with his heart though, apprehension slowing his gate. Just what was he supposed to say? Did he ignore what happened earlier? Ask about it? She hadn’t budged an inch, and then ran. It was quite possible she hated him after all this time, but it wasn‘t his fault either. There were too many possibilities. How was he to know? All he could really do was turn the corner, and so he did, heaving a small sigh as he collided with someone.
___“Pardon me sir. Are you alright?” Watson dryly declared, looking down his thin nose at a very flustered commoner. David seemed to be in a daze yet again, only this time half dressed. How he managed to become a guest here he would never know.
___"I'm sorry. I was just, looking for… well, no one I guess." David weakly confessed, stepping back.
___Though physically talking to Watson he was obviously distracted, concerned with what lay behind him apparently, eyes darting left and right past his slender frame. Unfortunately with their close proximity and Watson’s height almost the entire hall was blocked from his view.
___“Might I be of any assistance?”
___“No, it‘s fine…” David sighed, resignation obvious. “Thank you though,”
___With that he halfheartedly turned to leave, Watson’s wise old eyes reflexively studying him. The fact he loved her was obvious, but it mattered not. Watson‘s only real responsibility was to keep them apart, which is why David needn’t know Lillian was so close.
___“Sir, breakfast will be served in the dining hall at eight o‘clock sharp.”
___“Hmm,” David hummed, returning his attention to the servant. “Um, sounds good. How much longer then?”
___“If I‘m not mistaken the hour should be upon us shortly sir. Please, allow me to escort you.”
___“…sure,” David reluctantly agreed, shrugging his broad shoulders and stepping aside to allow the aged butler passage. Before following him, he couldn’t help but steal a glance behind. He wasn‘t a fool, but it still surprised him to find no one there. I’ll never stop hoping…
___ Calm breaths, light steady steps, and uncaring the world passed her by. Floating through the hall, resonant red gown billowing behind her, Nina was agonizingly hungry. It been quite awhile since she’d last eaten and with her headache relenting it was steadily becoming more noticeable. Remedying the problem could wait until she rejoined Alex though, and thankfully it wouldn’t be much longer. Intertwined with the boy’s hair a minute layer of enchanted air rested, calling to her. Created while he hugged her, she’d marked him as hers. All that was left was to follow him, and so she did, frustratingly unable to keep herself from reflecting on the past week or so.
___No matter how securely she locked down her emotions Nina couldn’t bring herself to simply forget it all. Whenever there was a silent moment her life seemed to play in reverse, each day adding a few more trivial moments to drift through before settling on her demon, to her mother hanging lifeless in its grasps. It was this particular memory that surrounded Nina, forced away from her mind to form an unyielding cage. Steadily growing stronger, her barrier built itself of the things she wouldn’t accept. For Nina the only sure thing was the race. She had to keep running from herself. It didn’t matter where, or who with, or even why as long as her steady stride carried her away. The past was a mirror she refused to examine, at least until she had no other choice.
___Where am I, right now, she thought, narrowing her gaze at the simple question. Tossing the auburn hair from her face, she took in the intricate detail of the familiar uniform in the distance. Wrapped in vibrant blue fabric embellished with elaborate white lace, the maid resembled a Victorian doll, busy dusting the polished wood. Hearing Nina approach she quickly left off her task, staring in bewildered confusion as the surreal ‘great’ lady neared.
___Who is- that dress! How did she… Lillian wondered, marveling at the unexpected guest gown. She’d seen it many times before, proudly displayed in the queen’s long forgotten wardrobe, but never in motion fitted to such beautiful curves. Elise had made it quite clear on her very first day it was never to be touched.
___I can only imagine what she did to impress Elise. Noble blood alone isn’t enough to warrant that.
___As Nina neared, Lillian shrugged off the unthinkable feat quietly returning to her dusting, and for all intents and purposes they ignored one another. It was a startlingly typical exchange between noble and servant, though neither woman would accept the title. Even still, Nina merely passed and disappeared, soon turning into the colossal foyer.
___Sun light seemed to gather here, fresh and brilliant, a venerable reverence in the air. The circular foyer held nothing but windows apparently, and every sort of reflective surface imaginable. It took Nina a moment just to focus, especially after entering from the relatively dim hall.
___Gaze drawn to the great round oak table in the room’s center, she took a deep breath before moving, inhaling the subtle scent of dessert flowers from the freshly cut bouquet in its center. She liked this place.
___Proceeding noiselessly, she intruded on the enchanted area, letting her finger tips grace the glistening table’s cool surface as she traced its circumference. Turning, she noticed the two gleaming staircases curving upward along the left and right walls, leading to a balcony and seemingly yet another hall. The floor was a smooth white marble, artfully dominated by this expansive faint blue swan crest. She assumed it was the sign of the royal family, noting it was also etched on both the entrance doors.
___Interesting, she thought, staring at her own arm. The light here made her glow, skin all the more perfect in its light. Arm outstretched, wrist and fingers waving in artful circles, she examined the light’s effect, belatedly realizing the shadow before her, focusing her gaze at the darkness between her thumb and pointer.
___She’s, like a beautiful child…
___Covered from head to toe, Euryt stood coated in his dull gray armor, somehow escaping the morning light’s magic. Deathly still and silent, his brooding presence seem to mar the majesty of the room. June’s unwitting rejection left him racked with bitterly passionate thoughts, although all where thoroughly interrupted by Nina’s appearance. Fingers lightly twitching, he uneasily maintained a steady grip on his monstrous sword.
___Nina curiously tilted her head at the sight of him, going so far as to childishly rear up on her tip toes in an attempt to verify whether a breathing soul really lay within. It wasn’t long before she found his shallow breaths, amazingly controlled and minute seeping through his armor. Before she knew it she was standing before him, one finger delicately pressed to his lukewarm helmet’s side.
___“Why?”
___Euryt distantly gathered the question, gradually realizing the young woman had addressed him. He wasn’t quite sure how, but he knew exactly what her vague query meant. She was inquiring about his stance, why he didn’t see fit to move, and he actually felt compelled to explain himself. Opening his mouth to do so, he watched entranced as her hand fell away. Eye’s darkening, she’d already lost interest, wryly exclaiming, “I‘m hungry,” before pertly turning and proceeding on her way.
___“Wha-” Euryt struggled, mouth agape as he watched her vanish.
I’ll always hold your hand
If you promise this once to smile
Forget the world exist to cause you tears
My life is to love you
And I’d have no other choice
For the only dream I’ve ever dreamt
Is to always hold your hand
___“Leon‘s in a good mood,” May whispered, mischief sparkling in her eyes.
___Spying through the dining room’s towering etched panes, the young maid carefully eased the great double doors open, giddily tiptoeing inside. Instantly drawn into the moment, Alex lingered behind with bated breath as she inched toward an oblivious chef.
___Cruelly, May blurted directly into Leon’s ear, “Singing about me again!” hugging him from behind.
___Hardly able to stand, Alex laughed till he cried, this high-pitch girly shriek echoing around him. Leon nearly jumped out his skin, white hat flying into the air and face flushed beat red. Spinning around, he tried his best to leer at May, unable to stifle a small smile at her feat.
___“You never have anything better to do,”
___“You know you love me…”
___“You‘re not that cute,”
___“Yes I am,”
___“Such a cheeky brat!” Leon sighed, stuffing his graying hair back in his floppy white cap.
___“I love you too,” May taunted, turning to wave Alex over. “But there‘s someone you must meet, and I promise you‘ll be his new best friend.”
___“Best friend?” Leon doubtfully repeated, confused.
___“He‘s never had a pastry before!” May heartily exclaimed, clasping her hands over her heart.
___Alex shook his head in mild disgust as he approached them, pouting as May enjoyed herself at his expense.
___“Hello,” he weakly ventured, waving a small timid hand as he quickly hid behind May. Something about being with all these new people was making him terribly shy.
___“Well, hello to you too.” Leon laughed, face warm and bright. He wasn’t quite as tall as Alex expected, with a small pot belly and rosy cheeks. Clothing dotted with small cooking stains, he wore a white full length coat trimmed in the same blue as the other servant’s uniforms with two rows of matching blue buttons falling down the front.
___“I take it I‘m supposed to give you something,” Leon drawled, slyly grinning as he picked up a medium sized dish from the table. Easily balancing it on hand, he bent down to present the most beautiful array of flaky brown shells to the boy.
___“Don‘t be shy. It‘s high time you tried one and I‘ve been told mine are pretty good.” Leon insisted, inching the plate toward him. He absolutely loved kids, but unfortunately the manor was the least likely place to find one. Watching Alex eyes sparkle as they roved the dish, tiny hand nervously hovering as he tried to decided, Leon already adored him.
___Eventually, Alex picked the one with the prettiest design, two abstract doves etched on the surface. Pleasantly warm and surprisingly light it was almost as if it didn’t really exist. He took the smallest, most timid bite possible, all too aware of the eyes keenly watching for his reaction. Leon and May couldn’t help but chuckle.
___“Come now, it can‘t be that bad.” Leon insisted, still chuckling as he watched Alex bites grow bigger and bolder. The small pastry was gone in almost no time, Alex face sporting a gooey red cream and gigantic smile.
___“Can I… have one more, please?”
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