"Where you are has much to do with what happens around you. You expect us to act like those from your own world, when our worlds are very, very different. If we feel we must remind you of that, the fault lies not with us." Aster called after her, skipping another stone. Then he smiled slightly, and cast an illusion that made it look as if the castle had completely vanished.
Charlotte whirled around with a quiet hiss. "What did you do?" She seethed.
Aster gestured to himself. "Me?" He looked surprised. "I did nothing!"
Charlotte crossed her arms. "What, as soon as I get angry the castle mysteriously makes itself disappear? And I suppose that's a normal thing that I most certainly should have known because, ah, how could I have forgotten, I'm in Wonderland. If only someone had told me," she ranted, voice dripping with sarcasm.
Aster smiled. "Of course! The castle doesn't appear for angry people. That's why Quinn never leaves the castle; if he left, he might not be able to find it again!" He said.
Charlotte blinked. "I don't like being lied to," she managed. After a moment, she went to go sit behind a tree, leaning against the trunk and curling her knees up to her chest.
Aster sighed, and released his hold on the illusion. "I'm sorry, Lottie. It was just a joke." He said, raking a hand through his hair.
Charlotte sniffed quietly. "Congratulations, you've found the one possible way to make me feel stupider than I already have," she muttered.
(happy official birthday now XD)
Aster sighed, walking over to her. "Lottie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel bad."
Charlotte didn't answer, looking away silently.
Aster raked a hand through his hair. "Is there something I can do to make it up to you?"
(Oh frick I didn't see your comment, thanks for the birthday wish lmao),
Charlotte shook her head. "I'm going to go inside now," she said in a voice barely above a whisper. Wrapping her arms around herself, she stood up and walked towards the door once more.
(lol totally fine, you're welcome XD)
Aster sighed softly, and watched her go, not sure what to say, so he settled for saying nothing.
Charlotte made her way inside and looked around, knowing she was hopelessly lost. She wandered around for quite a while before heading music and following the noise to the ballroom. She didn't particularly want to go in there, either, so she simply sat down outside the doors.
After a few minutes, Quinn came out of the ballroom, swearing under his breath. His black hair was messy, and his crown was crooked.
Charlotte raised an eyebrow but decided not to say anything, looking back down at the floor with her chin resting on her hands.
He looked around, and spotted her. "Oh. There you are." He said, leaning on the wall and tipping his head back with a sigh. "Where did you vanish off to?"
"I went outside," Charlotte said simply.
"Hm. Someone take you?" He asked, seemingly too preoccupied to bother being his usual smirking self.
Charlotte nodded. "Hatter did. Are you alright?"
"Hatter…? Oh, Aster." He replied. He nodded. "I'm fine. Just exhausted."
Charlotte nodded silently, standing up. "I'm going to go to my room," she muttered, starting up the stairs.
He caught her arm. "Stay?" He asked. He looked, for just a moment, like a small, vulnerable child, before the mask fell in place again. "Just for a bit. I…"
Charlotte hesitated, confused. "I, er - " she nodded hesitantly.
He let go, stepping back. "Sorry. I… sorry." He said quickly. He closed his eyes for a moment.
(I just realized that Quinn is actually very similar to Vesper…….which makes me want to die XD)