forum Kingdom of Spirits (4/4) (CLOSED)

Started July 01, 2019 by @ShadeStar

tune

Javier pressed his lips together, still absentmindedly searching the street. He made his way up to the castle, which was still a walk to go—hopefully he would make the gala with time to spare. He traced the engraving on the pocket watch hidden away in his pocket, a nervous habit growing worse the closer he got to the gala.

Night fell upon Flaren and Cicada was sitting atop the inside of the hollow trunk of the Everflame tree. She sat silently watching, almost waiting, for the right time to leap down and take action.

Princess Tamara was in a deep red pink ball gown and adorned with plenty of gold jewelry. A simple tiara rest on her head as she stood by the entrance greeting the guests that entered. Her father, King Xavier, was stood next to her doing the same as her. Most of them richer folk with a few chosen townfolk or business men trickling in after them. This wasn't her original plans for her twenty-first, but she had done most of those earlier on in the day. A gala was fine to end this special day for her.

Aureole was standing a ways away from the entrance to the gala, debating whether or not to go inside. On the one hand, her parents would kill her if she didn't go. On the other, she didn't want to make a complete fool of herself in front of actual royalty by showing up to the princess's gala with blood all over her. After a moment, she shook her head and started to walk away, then stopped and stood frozen again with indecision. Dammit, this shouldn't be this difficult for you. Just make a decision and go.

A taller looking gentlemen with rich black hair that fell naturally to his shoulders and skin almost as pale as snow walked up to the young maiden with blood splattered slightly on her skin. He had planned to enter, but instead took time to walk up to her, "Are you alright madam?"

Aureole nearly toppled over, catching herself just in time. She looked up, eyes wild, at the stranger and managed a smile. "Um, yes, I'm - I'm fine. Just… thinking," she laughed nervously.

“My apologies for startling you,” he returned with a slight bow, “You simply appeared to be slightly hurt, and I was wondering if I could help in anyway?”

"Oh, um, thank you. But I'm actually - I'm fine, just feeling rather stupid," she laughed lightly. "I was debating whether to go in or not. I really don't want to be seen like this," she admitted.

“Well then let’s clean you up,” the man replied, “My name is Brecken and you are?”

"I'm - I'm Aureole," she told him, nervously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Aureole,” Brecken responded before offering her a hand, “Shall we go?”

Aureole looked down for a moment, thinking. "Yes, I suppose we shall," she decided with a sigh.

Brecken nodded and began to lead her a little ways away before opening up one of the doors to a seemingly empty house, “Stay here. I’ll be right back.”

Javier pushes open the door to the gala, nearly immediately overwhelmed by the sights and gowns, dresses, and the people. He scanned the room for either his parents or the princess. The sooner he could get the present to the princess the better, because then he could leave sooner.

Aureole tipped her head in confusion, but didn't move. "All right, then, I suppose," she muttered to herself.

Brecken came back with a wet cloth and some bandages. He looked to her and held them out towards her, "Here. Wipe up the blood with the cloth and then put the bandages on any open wounds."

Aureole winced. "I - thank you, I just - never mind," she shook her head and wiped the blood off of her elbows and knees, deciding not to use the bandages, especially because she would look stupid trying to bandage her own elbows.

Brecken took the bandages and then to her elbows and knees, "Do you want me to put them on for you?"

"N-no, I don't - thank you, that's kind of you to offer, but I'm actually - no, thank you," Aureole managed to choke out, turning crimson with embarrassment.

Brecken seemed to have no negative nor positive emotion as he put the bandages away, "Of course. Do you want me to escort you back to the gala?"

"I, um, yes. That would be lovely. Thank you," Aureole told him quietly.

Brecken offered her a hand, "Well, shall we go then?"

Aureole nodded, staring at his hand for a moment before coming to her senses and gently taking it. "Thank you," she repeated.

Brecken nodded and began leading her back to the gala, "It was my pleasure."

Aureole shook her head with a slight smile. "I'm sure it wasn't, but I appreciate the sentiment."