Easton bumped into one of the guards on his way out. "Did you find anything yet? You know you are supposed to investigate him. Queen's orders. I hope you found something useful. If not you might get cut and I will be taking your place." The other man smirked.
Easton pulled the guard up by his collar. "Listen here, you little rat. I do what I want when I want. I don't need a time limit on how I do things. No one will be taking my place you got that. I will be the only one who is captain of the guard, make sure you get that through your thick bain. For your information, I found out his name what that he's doing all I need is the evidence. So stay out of it half-pint." He threw the guard onto the ground taking long steps around the town. He thought for a moment. "This is going to be way harder than I thought. I swear that scum won't know what's coming." He growled and decided to take a walk to relieve him of his stress. He didn't know where he was going he just knew he was in the middle of the woods. While he was waking on an incline and noticed the if he one more step he would be off a cliff. He sighed and sat on the edge his legs hanging off. He laid down on the grass closing his eyes. It was more peaceful than he imagined it to be.
After taking care of the group and congratulating them for the millionth time, Abrose went back to his little study to finish up his work. He attended to a slew of customers, with different sicknesses or needs. By the end of the day, Abrose was absolutely exhausted but he still needed to do a few more things before bed. He pulled on a cloak with a good and slipped out of his cottage home. When Abrose turned he nearly jumped out of his skin. "Spirits above, Mel, you nearly have me a heart attack!" He scolded the young male, gently nudging past him.
Mal grinned and jogged up beside Abrose, his golden locks bouncing in the moonlight. Lord Malisand Grandieur. One of the only Fae Abrose could tolerate, of course other than Cas. "I didn't mean to scare you Abrose but I needed to come now." He explained with that sly grin. Abrose tilted his head, brows turned up in concern. "Did something happen?" He asked softly, fear ripping at his throat. Did the Fae captain say something to the queen?
Mal shook his head and procured an ornate envelope from his cloak pocket and handed it off to Abrose. He cocked his head and scanned the fact Kettering scrawled on the front. "Invitation"
"And this is towards what exactly?" He asked carefully, his worry returning as he beheld his friend's smirk. "We have a ball coming up. All nobles were invited." He explained
"But I'm not a noble…"
Mal shrugged "a noble and a plus one. Since I have no romantic companion as of yet, I thought you'd might like to come. Gives you a break from all your work and a chance to see the Inner City."
Abrose sighed through his nose and scanned the letter inside. To all the royal families of Crinosa, you are all invited to the Queen's summer Ball. Any amount of the respective royal families may come as well as a plus one for each party. We hope to see you all.
Her royal Magesty, Queen Falique.
"See? Plus one. They never specified human or Fae."
"Yes but you and I both know she means Fae."
Mal rolled his eyes, "if she wanted only Fae then they need to spell it out on paper, otherwise I'm going to interpret it as all inclusive. Please Rose? Please say you'll come." His friend begged.
Spirits help him he couldn't say no to his dear friend. And not because he was fae and could definately have him killed but because he genuinely did love his friend and it would crush him to see him sad.
"I know you have your past with the Fae. And I know it's not the most comfortable place to be, especially for you but I'll keep you safe! Promise! You're my plus one. Please let me treat you, at least for tonight. If you don't like it we can leave but I think you'll enjoy yourself. Even for you." He joked, gently tugging at Abrose arm.
Nope, he couldn't say no. "Alright, alright. I'll go. But only if you stay with me."
"Deal! Oooh and I get to dress you!"
"Oh no no no-"
"Ah ah ah, shush. You worry about your horrible dancing skills, I got everything else!" Mal bounced off before Abrose could even try to protest. "I'll see you then!" He waved before sauntering off to his own home.
Easton felt hands pressed over his eyes. "Guess who?" The voice sang.
"Ah, Nick. How are you? What bring you all the way out here?" Easton removed the hand looking over to Nick and he sat down beside him.
"The queen is hosting a ball tonight." He took a rock-throwing it off the cliff.
"Of course, I was invited. I should know after all he smirked. "What's this about. WHat? Are you too afraid to go by yourself? You're a Fae just like everyone else who's going to be there." Easton scoffed after talking in his baby voice. "
"Okay, that's the thing. She didn't specify whether it was just going to be Faes. So, humans could be there. Everyone can bring a plus one which means faes who are friends with humans…" He trailed off throwing another rock.
Easton sat up with a frustrated expression. "Which means we'll have to be on the lookout." Easton ran a finger through his hair. He looked over to Nick. "Well, let's try to have a good time. We need a little break from everything. Hey, wanna be my date?" Easton was half-joking and half not joking. He liked Nick, not that Nick would ever feel that way.
"Ew, no dude, that's so gross. I'll see you there." Easton nodded and waved as Nick left him along with his thoughts. He decided to head back and get ready for this ball. He picked out one of his best suits. He wanted to let himself go tonight. There was going to be alcoholic food. He wasn't hungry but he could go for some booze here and there. He fixed his hair and straightened his tie. He lived quite close to where they were hosting it which was more than convenient for him because he just walked there with no hassle at all. Of course, he did wonder what the queen was thinking not specifying it to just Fae's, but maybe this was another one of her experiments.
With a small laugh, Abrose backtracked to his home to drop off his supplies he had planned to bring with him for some late night harvesting. He shucked off his heavier cloak and wrapped himself in one of his very few nice cloaks, a gift from a gmfamily friend he rarely used save for fancy gatherings. He arrived at Mal's home, no, estate right before sunset, glad for the light when walking through the the countryside. He was met by the lordling himself and was immediatly swept into the his room, barely able to give Mal's mother a hello. "Okay, anything I give out try on, I don't care what you think right now." Abrose knew better than to protest as he stepped into the changing room and took off his simple tunic and trousers. A few moments to later, he was handed a wine red blouse and onyx lether pants. "Mal I can't accept this." He tried to argue, looking over the exquisitely made clothes, the metalic thread used to delicately lace up the back of the shirt, leaving a bit of skin exposed.
"Think of it as borrowing. Besides, we have to get you used to all this for when your store really takes off, no?" For as long as Abrose had known Mal, he had always told Abrose he’d help with the store, especiall when Abrose had wrangled the nerves to tell speak about his family and their death. “You’re wreckless.” He scoffed a laugh and pulled on the shirt and pants. “And you’re firey.” Mal retorted, having already changed into an all white ensamble with deep green and gold accents. The colors of his noble home. “You look stunning.” Abrose compkimented, turning around as Mal nudged him to sinch the back. “As do you.” He replied, stepping back into the closet. “But we’re not done yet.” He handed Abrose a swath of fabric, the same shade of red as the shirt. “This goes around your waist.” He explained, tieing the surprisingly light fabric to Abrose and gesturing him to do a little spin. Abrose obeyed and twirled in place, loving how the makeshift skirt swooshed at his feet. “And this will add some mystery.” He tied a mask to Abrose’s face. When he opened his eyes and looked in the vanity mirror, he saw a lace black mask with complimentart red jewels ecentuating his green eyes. “Its stunning.” He breathed, looking over his shoulder as Mal donned a green mask. “It is. Now lets go before we’re late!” He looped arms with Abrose and pulled him out of the estate to an awaiting carriage
Once he got there, he showed the guards his letter of invitation. He was escorted in with a bow. "No carriage?" The man asked. Easton just shook his head. "I shall fetch you one for your trip back, sir. A pleasure to have you here tonight sir, enjoy it well." Easton bowed back, he straightened his tie once more before walking down the stairs. Easton looked around the room for quite a bit of time before spotting Nick. He tapped his shoulder pulling down his suit ever so slightly. Nick turned around with a girl on his arm. Easton wasn't phased by it considering he had mentally prepared himself for this moment. He waved and walked over to the table with glasses of champagne and appetizers. He picked up a glass taking small sips at it before downing it all in one go. He grabbed another this time going slower than he did before. He could sense a lot of humans but not too many to override the Faes. He sighed and leaned against the wall. Suddenly a girl slid in front of him. He decided to humor her and speak to her with ease. He was very bored by the conversation he was having but it's not like there was any way out of it. He needed something to do and sadly enough this was it. Well, at least until the big dance started.
"oh thank the Spirits we made it before the dances! How wonderful!" Mal explained as the pair approached the wide open doors. The walk up the stairs to those massive open doors gave Abrose a chance to scan the gardens as well as take in the sheer beauty that was the White Castle he was about to enter. He wondered if the queen was watching from her room as her home filled with Fae and Humans alike. Wondered if she planned to make an appearance. Abrose was snapped out of his thoughts as he was pulled by Mal towards a guard, thankfully not the captain. He didn't even know if he'd be able to recognize the captain if we're to show up at the ball at all. Abrose nearly scoffed, of course he would. If it weren't for the swagger in his walk then surely when he opened his mouth. While Mal flashed the guard his invitation, Abrose scanned the room before them, mostly looking at the decore instead if the guest. "Alrighty now it is time to party!" Mal exclaimed, dragging Abrise through the room. "Did I say wreck less before? I meant comply insane." He said flatly as he followed close behind, his red say around his waist billowing behind him. "Oh please, I know you're just as curious as I am about this whole shebang. Now let's enjoy ourselves before out inevetiable time comes where we all become old and do nothing but play poker And die a slow lonely death." Abrose chuckled lightly and glanced around. "Lonely you say? Well it seems as if you have a few individuals who look about ready to make that statement false." He mused, glad he had a mask on since a few were also eyeing him.
"I'm not only one." Mal murmured, eyeing a man clad in charcoal and gorgeous make up, not a mask in sight. "Bold of them to not come with a mask."
Abrose laughed and nudged him forwards "bold and wreckless, just loke somone I know. Go say hi." He encouraged, snatching a few glasses of Champaign as a waitor walked past. "And offer him this." He said, handing Mal two glasses. He arched an eyebrow in surprise "I don't know you were a matchmaker as well, Rose. Well, wish me luck." Mal took a deep breath and walked over, his exuberant demeanor now shifting to sudden shyness. It was nice to Abrose, seeing this timid nature to his otherwise very open and estatic friend
Easton spotted someone who looked familiar but couldn't quite put his finger on who exactly it was. He stopped the conversation between him and the girl, walking over to the boy in red. He lightly touching his shoulder. "A wonderful night we're having aren't we. You look quite handsome in that red suit of yours. Of course, where are my manors." Eastonplanted one foot behind the other in a bowing motion while kissing the young boy's hand. he couldn't recognize him, but he immediately assumed he must have been a higher up. Easton could tell that he wasn't a Fae but by the way, he smelled and how he looked, he assumed he must have been a higher up. "Did you happen to come with anyone? Just out of curiosity. Not that I would try anything." It was easy to talk to people when he had a mask on.
Abrose smiled whistfully at his friend. It had been ages since he saw Mal with a companion and it was nice seeing him with someone else, if only for one night. Lost in his thoughts, Abrose whirled around, nearly dropping his glass as someone tapped his shoulder. "I-it is indeed! And thank you. I would say the exact same about you." He looked the man over, taking in the suit and matching mask. There was something about the male in front of him that made him think of the captain. Abrose shook the thought away, a blush rising to his cheeks as his hand was kissed. He dropped into a low curtsy both out of respect and to hide the embarrassment. No, certainly not the captain, he couldn't imagine him doing such things, saying such words to anyone, let alone a human. Am easy smile fell to his features as he shook his head "I'd hope you wouldn't. And yes I did. A friend of mine who graciously asked me to come as their plus one." He replied, nodding over to Mal, who was surprising still talking with the man in Black. "And you? I doubt someone like yourself would come alone." He asked politly
"Just friends?" He smiled to himself. "I see.." Easton gave a soft chuckle. "I'm flattered really, but the person I asked turned me down. He called me gross. So alas, here I am, alone." He twirled his champagne, taking a sip. "You look cute with that blush on your cheeks, I hope I was the one who made you like that." He touched the boy's cheek softly caressing it. "Excuse my manners. I didn't mean to get so close to you." He took a step back, clearing his throat. "I hope you don't mind me asking but would like to be my plus one. Probably a little too late for that. The dances start soon and it would be an honor if I could have that dance with you." He placed his champagne on the nearest platter before holding out his hand. This boy was certainly not like anyone he ever met. That might be a good thing. Certainly, nothing like Abrose who has only been rude. His eyes twitched just thinking about it. He reverted his attention back to the boy examining him. He couldn't help but blush at how cute he looked. He's definitely my type.
Abrose's brows turned up in concern though they were concealed by his mask. "Perhaps not their idea of a plus one but to call the idea gross is a bit far." He muttered, taking a sip of Champaign. He paused and sucked in a quiet breath as the other touched his cheek. Despite the day he's had, and the warnings he had heeded all his life about Fae, Abrose found himself ever so slightly leaning Into the gentle carress. Spirits how he craved to be held in a lovers embrace just as he'd seen milling about that night. The mere touch of another was enough to "You are. I'm glad my embarrassment brings you joy." He breathed a laugh and glanced up as the male took a step back, keeping a respectable distance between them. Abrose tilted his head curiously and laughed softly "I had never heard of a plus on having two invitees. But yes, I'd be happy to be your plus one as well as have a dance." He gently took the Fae's hand and grinned "now look who's blushing." He teased
"I do agree with you on that part. Though he is a close friend of mine. Easton kindly held his hand, bringing him out onto the dance floor. "Only you are the cause of this blush appearing on my cheeks." Easton had his hand wrapped around Abrose's waist. he pulled him close in a loving embrace. "You're quite different from most I've met. You shine like the sun and sparkle like the reflection of the moon on crystal clear waters. I'm sure even beneath that mask you look just as exquisite, maybe even more. I don't know if anyone's ever told you that. Hopefully, I am the first." Easton noticed the stares from around the room, but he didn't care. It only felt like it was just the two of them dancing and no one else. "My apologies if I have said something out of line. I tend to speak my mind when I'm relaxed. You make me feel like that." He whispered softly into the other's ear.
Abrose followed the male out onto the ballroom dance floor, shaking his head with a laugh as he caught Mal's gaze and thumbs up. "I'm sure others will come and have the same effect but for tonight, I'm glad I'm the cause for this very adorable reaction." Abrose stiffened slightly at being so close to the other male, but he soon found himself relaxing into the secure and warm hold. Abrose found himself looking away as the other spoke, unable to meet his dance partner's gaze. "You're the first to say it in a way that makes my heart flutter and my cheeks burn." He admitted with a small smile. Never in a million years would Abrose think that he would find anyone near the royal family this interesting let alone so open and kind to him. This was the third time he had been proven wrong. Cas, Mal, and now this mystery fae he danced with. He blinked away his thoughts away and shook his head, tilting his head back to look at his dance partner. "No, you have not. I'm glad you feel comfortable enough around me to relax." He bit his lip light and inhaled slowly at the sensation of the male's breath against his ear.
Easton gave a light chuckled. "No one else can make my face turn red beside you." He loosened his grip, leaving a lighter touch onto Abrose's side. Easton smiled. "I'm glad, I made your heart flutter." Easton spun him out before bringing him back into his arms. "What do you say after this dance, we get some fresh air. Big parties and staying in one place really isn't my scene. There is a garden in the back. I heard it's beautiful at midnight. The lights turn on and you get to see the garden in all of its glory. Of course, if you feel uncomfortable with that idea we could always stay here and chat. Maybe have a couple of glasses of champagne?" He hinted at the suggestion very lightly. Easton didn't want the other one to feel forced to do anything or go anywhere with him. Especially if he wasn't interested.
Abrose gladly and thankfully didn't trip as he was spun out then pulled back in close. Mal wasn't wrong when he poked fun at his dancing, Abrose had never been the most graceful of dancers. "I wouldn't mind going oitside. I'm not much of a party person eother. I saw a peek of the gardens before coming inside." He said, truly excited to see the gardens at night. "Why not both?" He mused with a small smile. "I'm sure no one would mind if we took a few drinks outside. Surely there are guards posted outside for those who wish to be outside." The thought of guards outside made him nervous. Would the captain be outside? What he he recognized Abrose? He took a steadying breath and refocused on the dance. He wasn't here to worry about the captain. If they met that night, so be it, he hadn't done anything wrong. He carry on with his night. "Just before we go, let me find my friend, make sure he's not drink or raiding the kitchen." He laughed softly and shook his head, scanning the crowd for Mal
Easton smirked. "They better not mind or they'll have to answer to me." He joked. Easton had a soft flush on his cheeks. He loved the idea of just them two in the garden. Maybe he'll even get to see his face. Of course, that could only happen in a dream. The male probably didn't want to take off his mask and he was okay with that. He didn't mind either way. "Well, if he were raiding the kitchen I'm pretty sure he would've been dragged out by now. Everyone eats at the same time." The dance stopped and Easton bowed. He kissed Abrose's hand as a sign of thanking him for the dance. He let him go find his friend although very reluctantly. Easton thought about what they would do while they were in the garden. Maybe they would even kiss, but somehow he knew he was getting his hopes high with that one.
Abrose curtsied, the blush remaining as his hand was kissed again. He gently squeezed his hand in reassurance, a silent promise that he'd come back. He broke away and dissapeared into the crowd to find Mal.
"Ah so I see your little friend has finally let you go." Mal wrapped his arms around Abrose's neck and laughed softly, his breath smelling of sweet wine. "And I see you've been having a wonderful time with yours." Abrose replied with a smile. "I have, but if you need anything you find me and I'll handle things, got it?"
Abrose sighed softly and nodded. He didn't want to find out what would happen if he somehow found himself in danger amongst fae but that reassurance from Mal gave him some comfort. "Thank you, but I wouldn't want to get in the way of you and a possible romance. Besides, were only going out to the garden."
Mal shook his head "you're more important to me than any romance I could have today. I'll have my chance soon. Go enjoy yourself, but please be careful."
Abrose grinned and winked "always." He bowed to the young Lord and strode off to find his dance partner, stopping my the confectioners table to grab a few bites before heading to the doors that lead out to the gardens
Easton had been waiting by the fountain trying to pass the time the best he could. Until he saw his boy in red, come in. He had been holding two wine glasses and we wore a gentle smile. "I worried you wouldn't come back for a second, but soon enough you proved me wrong." Easton handed a glass to the boy. "Would you like to walk around the garden for a bit or shall we find somewhere to sit?" Easton couldn't help but smile when he was around him. His cheeks hurt just from how much he was. Easton had taken a couple of sips of his own drink while he stood.
Abrose smiled softly and stepped out into the moonlit gardens, trying his best not to gawk at the sheer natural beauty of it all. If anything he'd call it wild, but not in an overgrown type of way. More of a daunting powerful sort of presence. And the Fae male standing int he middle of it all brought all that together. "I could never bring myself to leave you all on your lonesome out here." He took a sip of the wine, welcoming the silly sweetness as he fell into step beside the fae. "Either or. Whichever you prefer. In all honesty I'm still jittery from the dance, and most likly the Champaign." He laughed softly and glanced around at the gardens. "I've never seen the palace gardens before, this is absolutely beautiful." He murmured softly, gently cradling a nearby bloom, the petals stark White against it's darker leaves
Easton regretted suggesting it. He hated plants, but of course, he wouldn't show that side to a noble. "I'm not quite fond of plants, but if you like them I'll make a Garen of Eden for you." Easton could easily make a garden like that, he had the money and resources to, so what he saying wasn't a lie. "Don't get me wrong I have a personal reason for it. I would never hate something natural about our earth that helps us live without reason." He watched Abrose closely. He kept his hands behind his back like a bodyguard. "Do you have a favorite one?"
Abrose leaned in close and breathed in the sweetness of the bloom, smiling softly as he gently nudged open the petals, allowing the bloom to get more moonlight. "Not fond of plants yet you chose the garden to walk through." He laughed softly and went back to Easton's side. "Oh I could never ask of you that." He said hastily. "I'm thankful for the offer of course but you have no obligation to do that for me." He reassured, slightly flustered. "Especially if you don't comfortable around them." He chewed on his lip and glanced around for a bit. "I used to hate something almost as strongly as you seem to dislike plants. Over the years I've learned that while my hatred has justification, even if very personal, there are those that Have made that hatred falter. I Even learned to genuinely love and care for some I thought I'd always hate. Maybe you can learn to do the same with plants. Not all, but some." He said softly, straightening and gesturing towards a flower beyond the garden trail, lightly dusted in pink. "Peonies." He whispered softly, as if someone could overhear. "They were my mother and sister's favorite."
Easton gently pets his head. "Look who's being wise on this fine evening. If you don't my asking. What did you hate so much? Someone like you should never have things on your mind. From what I've seen you are beautiful in every way. Me imagining an angry face on you only makes me think of you pouting. Which honestly…" Easton brings his hand down to his cheek, caressing it once more. "is quite cute the more I think about it." This time Easton didn't want to step away, but he didn't want the boy before him to be uncomfortable in his presents. So he stepped away to a respectful distance apologizing once more for his rudeness.
Abrose scoffed a laugh and shook his head. "I can assure you, I am not. though I appreciate the sentiment. You're most likly correct, the few people who have seen mead would most likely say the same." He leaned into the gently hand that carressed his cheek and took a steadying breath as pain ebbed it's way into his heart. He shoved aside the grief and glanced up into the male's eyes, searching for malice or any gleam of advantageous intent. He saw none. "You've been nothing but kind, you have nothing to apologies for." He let Easton take a step back with reluctance and slowly began walking needing to be moving around if he didn't want end up a flustered mess. "For a while, and I still think somewhat now, I hated the Fae." He glanced over his shoulder, eyes full of grief and pain. "I hated those who killed my family, those who ordered magic to be outlawed, those who watched but did nothing. dnd those who still seek us out and aim to extinguish those with magic in their blood." He took a deep, shuddering breath and gently brushed a hand along another flower. He had never told anyone any if this. Not Mel, not his human friends, not even his closest clients. Hell, he probably ly shouldn't have told a complete stranger who seemed to be close with the royal family, if not part of it himself. He supposed he understood now why he was sometimes called naive. One dance, a few touches on the cheek, and a few empty promises Abrose knew wouldn't come true and he was laying his past and feelings at the Fae male's feet. He swallowed hard and looked up at the moon. "Forgive me. That was a lot. Most likly far too much." He whispered hoarsly, for confirmation away his grief for later
Easton didn't want to say anything. He knew his opinion for people with magic. Somehow this man had changed it. In a matter of minutes, this man had changed his opinion because of the horrid story he just heard. "No, no, no. Your past can never be too much." Easton took his hand softly pulling him back every so slightly. "After all your past is a part of you.." he pulled him closer enough to have a hand lightly placed on his waist. "It shapes you and it makes you who you are today…" Easton laced their fingers together. "Without it…well…you would probably be a completely different person. My apologies, but I don't know if I'm one of the people you hate. I don't know which village was yours I just know that I issue all of the attacks and everything. It was under queens orders I-" He spoke fast with a lump in his throat. His eyes showed a great deal of regret as he looked into the others. "I don't know when, but if it happened recently, then the cause of your family and friend's deaths. lays upon me. If it was more than two years ago, I may have been the one who was attacking it. My deepest apologies. I'm sorry that I'm probably the cause of all of your grief, pain, and-and suffering. I'm sorry." Easton held him closer now as he told Abrose all of this. He was scared that he would leave. Not knowing what he would say scared him more than anything. He had no idea why, but this one person made him feel differently.
If Abrose weren't in such a state of fear mixed with exhaustion over telling this man about his dead family and potential ties to magic, the he surely would have been more than flustered at their closeness. He squeezed Easton's hand to keep them from shaking, his head thumping lightly against his shoulder in defeat. Abrose swallowed thickly and shook his head. "I doubt it was you. I was 14 when it happened. He shuddered at the memory of the two faces he peered at right before he went racing through the woods as he left the screams and crackling of fire behind him. "It wasn't you." He whispered, glancing up at Easton with a wobbly smile, letting tears roll down his cheeks. Not out of grief anymore but out of regret. He gently touched the other man's cheek, lightly brushing over it with his thumb. He slowly reached up on his toes and placed a soft kiss to the Fae's cheek. "Thank you for listening and for consoling me. It means a lot to know that you have a different side of you Captain." He gently pulled away, giving his hand one last squeeze before breaking off contact
Easton reached for him but didn't want to push him. "What do you mean I different side. I hope you're not going to hate me from this point on. Who am I kidding, you probably already do. If I may, can I ask your name before you leave?" Easton took off his mask. This person knew who he was so was there even a point to it? He touched his hand softly. "Are you…Are you crying? Don't tell me I am the cause of that too?" Easton reached for his cheeks, wiping away his tears. "Hey, it's okay. You have no reason t cry. I can assure you I'm not the one who did it. That's a good thing right? Am I still able to talk to you like this?"
