Introductions
Do you actually expect me to wear this all evening?? Tia exclaims as a servant helps her into her dress |
Of course! Evelyn snaps too vehemently Anything less wouldn't be appropriate for this event! |
Tia offers Evelyn an expression of disapproval and the old woman sighs |
I'm sorry, dear. She apologizes half-heartedly, holding a hand to her forehead I've had a time of it getting everything prepared this quickly! |
I don't envy that! Tia states comically and then sighs Can you run me through the names again? |
Perhaps I should scribble down some notes... Evelyn muses |
Downstairs, in the great hall and the central garden, guests have begun settling into small groups. Allen is posted at the front entrance greeting old friends, rivals and their children or spouses. He couldn't shake his chill, the ghost of his old life haunting him stronger than ever tonight. |
Good evening, Allen Ambrose greets him, Allen bowing his head respectfully before greeting Ambrose properly |
Good evening, sire. I'm pleased to welcome you to my home! Allen speaks politely before turning to the young man accompanying him |
This is my son, Prince Aldric. Ambrose denotes, gesturing to him as he steps forward |
Aldric offers a charming but dignified smile. He is fit and handsome, possessing his father's dark hair and emerald eyes. He bears himself well, as is expected of him. |
Duke Minx Aldric greets him politely I've heard so much about you from father! |
Hopefully the good bits! Allen jokes and offers a humble smile You look so much like his highness when he was your age. |
Allen catches Ambrose's smile falter at this comment. But then a small toddler dashes in from behind them, tugging on Aldric's sleeve. Aldric beams and hoists the little one up into his arms, to Allen's surprise. She giggles before reaching for Ambrose, grasping the air with her tiny fingers. |
And this little delight is Princess Abigail! Ambrose chimes as Aldric passes her to him |
Unlike either Aldric or Ambrose, she has a tangle of white hair bursting stubbornly at the seams of her dual braids reminding Allen of Tia at that age. Abigail still shares their bright green eyes, flickering to Allen as she waves timidly. |
What a bright little one! Allen remarks, waving back at her |
I'm looking forward to meeting your daughter as well. Ambrose hums She might be one of your greatest surprises to amuse the court yet! |
Allen nods, bowing again as they make their way inside. Following just behind him is Martin, dressed fully in uniform and regalia. A tart looking woman approaches with him, seeming to overlook Allen entirely and eying those within the hall past him. Ben and Euan chat just behind them. |
I thought you hated these events! Allen exclaims with a touch of laughter and Martin grimaces |
His Highness insisted. Martin grumbles and juts a finger at Euan He's taken a liking to the boy, wants him to mingle with others his age. |
Martin sighs as his eyes slide to Euan, clearly dreading keeping him out of trouble. Euan peeks inside eagerly, assessing the crowd with a smirkâparticularly the women. |
Ahhh Beatrice! Allen addresses the woman at Martin's side, finally gaining her attention Did you get stuck with this cantankerous grump? |
Stuck with! Beatrice honks in her nasally voice More apt than most care to call it. |
Allen looks to Martin with eyebrows raised, understanding why his old friend was more miserable than he had left him. |
A pleasure to see you again, as always, Beatrice. Please, Allen gestures beyond him Enjoy yourselves. |
After making the rounds with his father, Aldric is able to wander the hall alone and meanders around in search of more amicable company. |
So, you think she'll be a pretty one? A familiar voice calls his attention to the garden door |
Florio stands in the threshold, a glass of wine in each hand and a charming smirk on his lips. As usual, a row of jagged thorns poke out of his collar along his neck and the scent of roses wafts from the diminutive teen. Streaks of pink hair peek through waves of well groomed black, perfectly matching his eyes and vivid attire. Aldric shakes his head, despite wearing a smile, and follows his flashy companion outside. |
Does it matter? Aldric answers, sipping at his offered drink and assessing those in the garden |
That's your problem, Al. Florio complains You have a bounty of beautiful, powerful woman ready to throw themselves at you. He states gesturing and winking at a gaggle of young woman watching from across the garden Yet you rebuff every one of them! |
Ready to? Aldric jokes in a deeper tone Just yesterday Zetian practically shoved Makeda out of her way to "accidentally" trip into me! |
The two girls of mention avert their gazes as he glances to them, pretending to chat amiably with each other by the railing |
These women drive me up the wall, Flor! Aldric complains, his eyebrows dropping into a scowl I don't know why father insists they stay in the castle. |
Oh, we know why Florio sasses, wiggling his eyebrows before loosing a sigh They're so thirsty for you, it hurts. I'm standing right here and not a single glance in my direction! |
Believe me, Florio A woman's voice sounds and he adorns a bitter smile upon hearing it You could be the only man at this party and it wouldn't do you any good. |
Andrea towers over Florio, brawny and angular with sharp grey eyes and fine platinum hair. Silver plating is woven into a her dress and sections of her actual body possess a metallic sheen as well. She cuts a more than imposing figure. |
Andrea! Florio chimes, turning to her and sucking in a breath through his teeth You say that as if you actually have any interest in men? |
Andrea hoists a frigid leer in Florio's direction which causes him to jump. |
I need another drink! Florio squeaks and absconds immediately, disappearing rapidly into the great hall |
Andrea watches him flee and shakes her head in disgust, surprised he does so by foot rather than by his usual, more dramatic means |
On your own tonight, Drea? Aldric asks, stifling his amusement |
Unfortunately Andrea breathes a discontented sigh Renard is kissing boots, as usual, and Orin certainly won't attend, as he always cant. |
She spots Zetian and Makeda giving her the stink eye and stops to smile and wave at them as if they had done the same, squinting despite the gesture |
Cant seem to find Leon either. Andrea grumbles |
Well, I'm sure he'll turn up. Aldric assures her, not concealing his distaste He would never miss a chance to trot himself out at an event. Besides, it seems Dowager Minx was very thorough with her invitations. |
Well Andrea's tone jumps with laughter A new heir to the Minx line pops up, ruins quite a few aspirations. Everyone's going to want to see if they can take a bite of out her! The rumors- |
Are rumors, Drea. Aldric reminds her, frowning We'll see for ourselves soon enough, I'm sure. |
She shrugs and hums in partial agreement before seeming to make up her mind |
I think I'll take another look around. Andrea announces, not waiting for a response before striding away |
As soon as she's gone Florio pops out from behind the shrubbery, dusted by leaves |
That one is nuts. Florio notes, his voice too high, and he hands another half-full glass to Aldric She would gut me right here in this garden and not bat an eye! |
All the best women are crazy. Another voice sounds, also from behind the shrubbery |
Florio nearly leaps off his feet and they both swivel to identify the source. A darkly dressed, macilent teen emerges from the shadows. His gloomy appearance matches the reptilian wings folded behind him and a sheen of equally caliginous scales dust his face. Faintly gleaming crimson eyes flash to Florio, set below imposing horns which drape smoothly over his scalp and compliment his handsome albeit bony face. |
But that never stopped me! he drones with a coy smirk |
Luxis help me, Danut! Florio gasps, hand over his pounding heart Why are you always creeping up behind me! |
I enjoy the sight of blood leaving those rosy cheeks of yours! Danut replies, his smile widening, and Aldric can't help but snicker at Florio's distress |
The music in the great hall cuts off and servants begin guiding people back inside |
Well... Aldric breathes with a sigh Here we go! |
Are you ready, Snowdrop? Allen questions, knocking on her door |
Tia gives a nervous laugh from behind the barrier, hesitating to emerge |
You say that like I could hide away in here all night! Tia answers, anxiety still lingering in her voice. The door creaks open and she shuffles into the hallway. |
You look like someone tried to make a maiko out of a monkey! Allen jokes and Evelyn gasps, looking to Tia with concern |
Tia bursts out laughing wholeheartedly, gasping some thanks to her corset. Allen grins, pleased she seems more relaxed. His own wonder over how different she appears from the starry wildling he knew still hides within his eyes.
I feel like a dolled up monkey...! Tia gasps as her laughter wanes. The dress is more elaborate than Tia had imagined and the material is heavy. Her grandmother has stuffed her into a yellow ballroom gown far frillier than Tia would ordinarily tolerate. She is comfortable, at least, with the open back which allows her to move her wings freelyâEvelyn insisted she must manifest fully throughout the evening. Tia is less thrilled with the jewelry Evelyn had her pierce her ears for, dangling every time she moves. |
Honestly, the two of you! Evelyn gripes This is the latest fashion, it took me all week to track it down! |
Tia takes a deep breath and hooks arms with her father. Evelyn shuffles ahead of them swiftly, decidedly wanting to watch Tia descend with the rest of the gathering. Duff had disappeared earlier in the evening, deciding to "assess threats" in an inconspicuous form. He seemed to have mapped out every useful crevasse and shadow within the manor in preparation and wanders the grounds in the shape of a housecat. |
His Grace, Duke Allen Minx and his daughter, Lady Tia Minx! The staff announces and Tia nearly holds her breath as they descend the staircase |
The nobility have stuffed themselves neatly inside and wait seemingly by rank to greet them. King Ambrose and his family are front and center at the base of the stairs, Tia's eyes catching on Abigail's white hair briefly. She redirects her eyes down as her etiquette tutor had emphasized and bows as they reach the bottom. She counts out in her mind the appropriate duration before rising and smiling pleasantly, despite her nerves. |
It is a pleasure to meet you, your majesty. Tia speaks deliberately and as smoothly as she can manage |
Ambrose's smile is subtle but Tia is relieved she hasn't offended him yet. She feels he has a brooding aura about him, both his face and posture rigid and grim. Lofty and discerning, Ambrose displays an intimidating stoicism and exerts an expectance for respect with the slightest glance. |
Hmmm... Ambrose hums, his pensive expression lingering as he appraises Tia and her heart races under his scrutiny. Finally, a pleased smile spreads across his face. I had doubted I'd ever see another Minx child... He muses, his eyes flicking to Allen briefly It is, indeed, a pleasure Lady Tia. |
Ambrose nods to her in approval and she releases a sigh as quietly as she can, having held her breath in that strenuous moment |
You leave us all with baited breath, sire. Allen chuckles lightly An appropriate skill for a king. |
Ambrose gives a humming laugh before he waves Aldric forward |
Why don't you escort the young lady around and introduce her to the others? Ambrose suggests She ought to meet her peers. |
Of course. Aldric echoes back with a pleasant but neutral expression and gestures for Tia to follow him |
Tia bows again to Ambrose before trailing behind Aldric, other guests ogling her as they pass. A number of teens wait for them in the garden. Aldric had asked Florio and Danut to gather everyone together, guessing beforehand what his father would request. Duff observes them from the shadows, having been doing so since the party began. He knew already what Tia was about to walk into. |
Duff sounds as they approach
|
Tia answers curtly, nearing their destination |
Duff stresses
|
Tia has no time to consider Duff's advice or to respond. The others had been waiting rather impatiently, even bickering with each other, but everyone falls quiet as Tia and Aldric step outside. |
Everyone, this is Lady Tia Minx. Aldric announces in a formal tone before turning to her These are your peers, the heirs from each of the other Houses. |
U-um... Tia stutters, her throat going dry as her eyes scrape the group Hello. |
A few of them snicker until Aldric levels a frown in their direction |
Why don't we introduce ourselves, hm? Aldric suggests, eyes jumping between the gathered teens Who's first? |
A blonde young man strides forward instantly, an arrogant smile ever plastered on his pointy face. His hands are stark white with maroon patterns cutting across both his fingers and face. Aldric is less than surprised and blinks at him with a deadpan expression, restraining a sigh. The boy steps uncomfortably close to Tia and leers down at her, despite not being much taller than Tia herself, and flashes an eerie smile.
He announces and leans further forward, his eyes assessing Tia's reaction. Tia is unable to restrain her scowl and her feline eyes narrow in warning. A spark jumps between her earrings and Leon flinches back. Despite this, he chuckles and smacks his lips, eyes flicking to Aldric briefly before he meanders back at his own pace. Aldric finds himself relieved he didn't need to step in. |
You're always so rude! One of the girls complains and pouts in Leon's direction. Leon clears his throat and averts his gaze from her, suddenly meek. She perks back up immediately
Hellooooo~ She nearly sings, strolling over to Tia with light steps. She is extremely small, even compared to Tia, her hair close to sable in hue and her demeanor bubbly. As she steps closer, Tia notices the sheen of mint scales along the edges of her face and when she beams at Tia again, rows of serrated, triangular teeth are exposed. A long, fishy tail swings behind her, poking out from underneath a dress even frillier than Tia's. She even possesses gills along her neck, rows of pearls strung about them. |
Andrea groans into Adamantia's babbling |
This is going to take all night! Andrea gripes and they all turn to her This is painful! Just... list us off or something. |
That's fine. Tia agrees, shrugging as Aldric looks to her for approval, and he waves his a hand to Andrea first |
Aldric gestures then to his gloomy friend with the black wings who offers a charming smile And he is Danut Cel Tradat. His House originates from the southern valley. |
Aldric gestures then to Lucy, who stands between a dark haired boy and a winged girl. The boy appears to be her sibling, both having the same fair features and bright blue eyes but while Lucy has blonde hair his is sleek black. Her brother appears equally amicable but far more composed and thoughtful. |
Aldric continues Their family is responsible for Sesli Plato on the other side of Flumen Pontem, west of the valley. |
It's good to see you again, Tia! Lucy greets her energetically I hope you've been adjusting well! |
Tia answers with a sunny smile of her own |
Aldric continues, gesturing first to the girl next to Lucy Their Houses have made their home in Flumen Pontem since the kingdom was founded! |
Martia stands erect in a militant position, hands clasped behind her back as she maintains a neutral expression. She is quite muscular and strapping, cutting an imposing visage with keen golden eyes and bulky, metallic wings. Her dark hair, while wavy in texture, is elaborately braided about her skull and imposing avian talons emerge from beneath her simple dress.
A sheer opposite, Sirius hangs at the back of the group sitting leisurely on the edge of the fountain, seemingly lost in thought. He gives a light smile and wave in response to Aldric's introduction before staring aimlessly into the garden again. He is markedly handsome and spindly but has an otherwise nondescript and unassuming appearance with no visual indications of his form exposed. |
Grusha had been watching Tia quietly and occasionally whispers to Adamantia. She supplies a curt smile to Tia, nodding to her at Aldric's introduction but remaining silent. Stockier than most of the other women present, she is also extremely poised and has a glamorous appearance with her light hair braided and laid over her shoulder. Her hair and attire glitter with ice crystals which show no sign of melting while her arms appear molded entirely out of diamond. |
Aldric appraises Tia as she looks from peer to peer. He's unsure of what to make of the awkward girl yet but is appreciative of her benevolent demeanor. However, he's still concerned with Tia's competence for her role, already seeming lost amidst the group. Tia turns to him while he contemplates, holding his gaze with green eyes much like his own. |
And... what about you? Tia questions gingerly and he inclines his head to her I um... She hesitates with her wording, spinning her hands in circles I haven't heard your name yet? |
Aldric blinks but quickly realizes his father had failed to introduce him. |
Tia nods vacantly, feeling she had heard his surname before but is unable to place it |
So! Andrea pipes up, clapping her hands together Now that we're done with... all of that. She states, staring intensely to the side before looking to Tia I had a question! |
Tia blinks with innocent astonishment, glancing to a few of the others before replying |
Sure...? Tia chuckles, trying to act as naturally as she can muster |
Tia wasn't sure if she had ever been amid this many of those her age without events taking a disastrous turn and her heart is pounding despite her displayed calm |
Did you really grow up in Nippon like everyone has been saying? Andrea questions, a faux curiosity concealing her inclination |
All of them seem eager to find out for themselves but Duff chooses this moment to stroll out into the open, intent on derailing the conversation |
Ohhhh, kitty~! Adamantia sounds and bounces over to touch him |
I wouldn't...! Tia tries to warn her, reaching out her hand |
Duff hisses, hair raised, and prepares a paw to swat at her but Grusha manages to pull her friend back before she can reach him. Adamantia looks at Grusha with a pout and they lock eyes yet, without another word being said, Adamantia sighs and steps away. Before anything else can happen, Andrea clears her voice, grabbing Tia's attention again. |
Well? Andrea insists, to Duff's frustration |
Oh... um, yes. Tia admits freely I was. |
Each of them expresses their surprise differently. Andrea, for one, narrows a frigid glare onto Tia which worsens gradually. Some of them begin chatting to each other about this admission or throw incoherent questions about Nippon at Tia, taking her by surprise. Sensing Tia's anxiety, Duff meanders to her and leaps into her arms, Tia floundering to catch him and peering into his eyes briefly before shuffling her grip to hold him. Despite the surprise, he can feel Tia gain some confidence with him at her side and he peers out at the teens. Aldric eyes Duff, a bit amused by the seemingly quirky pet. |
I heard Leon cuts in over the other questions They don't have any magic in Nippon! |
This garners shock from Tia at first, followed quickly by irritation as she perceives the smug smile tugging at his lips |
They have magic! Tia corrects him too harshly They're just.... really private about it. |
Leon laughs unnecessarily loud before addressing her again |
But how do you know? Leon insists Did you ever see them use any? |
Tia glowers at his purposefully antagonistic baiting. Duff flicks his tail, leering at the arrogant boy himself. Leon's eyes wander to him and as Duff peers into his eyes, the boy's face loses all color. Leon is rendered silent, trying to wrap his mind around this eerily ominous feline and the inexplicable fear settling in his stomach. No one else picks up on this exchange, not particularly bothered by his silence. |
Wait, wait, wait! Lucy gasps with genuine curiosity Do you even know how to use magic? |
Lucy's characteristically thoughtless inquiry causes a blush to rise from Tia's neck and drags a sigh out of Martia. Faustin is quick to grimace at his sister as well but Lucy blinks at their reaction, not understanding her mistake. |
Ooo Andrea coos with a strained face and speaks with whimsical exaggeration I hope you at least trained martially! It would be tragic for the Minx House to lose their only heir! |
Drea- Aldric begins to scold |
I'm sorry? Tia challenges Andrea with a scathing tone, her feathers ruffling |
Andrea laughs at Tia as an adult laughs at an angry child. Duff shifts his attention to Andrea but her eyes are firmly planted on Tia. |
I mean, you grew up abroad. If you're unfamiliar with magic and you can't fight, too... She offers a fake grimace Assessments are, what, two weeks away? How do you plan to survive service when you're so far behind! |
Tia holds Andrea's eyes, her expression grim, trying to ascertain her intentions. Was Andrea trying to scare her, embarrass her or was she the first person to be blatantly honest since she arrived? |
Andrea! Aldric warns more firmly while the two girls stare each other down Tia is our hostess tonight. |
Andrea seems to ignore Aldric's warning entirely and Tia decides to risk seeming the fool |
What Tia speaks slowly Are you talking about? |
Andrea glances to Leon and Lucy before locking eyes with Tia again, her expression betraying her mirth |
You really don't know? Andrea asks gleefully Assessments, service? |
Tia scans the others, her frustration mounting as she realizes she is the only one among them unaware and the familiar sense of being "other" cultivates rapidly. Aldric shifts in place, trying to muster the right words of explanation. |
Military service Martia cuts in with a neutral tone and Tia blinks into her words Every Accian citizen, every one of us here, will serve the kingdom as a soldier. |
Military...? Tia breathes before looking to Andrea again You said two weeks? |
All of the strange comments, her grandmother's anxiety and her father's secrecy begins clicking together in Tia's mind |
I see. Tia seethes in a low tone, cold rage building in her gut |
Electricity jumps between her jewelry again as Tia broods, her markings crackling with energy. Wary eyes are exchanged between the teens and Danut goes so far as to extend a protective wing to Aldric but the prince gestures for him to relax. |
Let me apologize. Aldric states, flicking a heated glance at Andrea On Leon and Andrea's behalf. This was all highly inappropriate. |
Thank you Tia nods once to acknowledge his gesture and speaks as softly as she can manage without the anger quivering her voice For taking the time to greet me. |
She bows to Aldric one more time before making her way back into the manor, Duff leaping to the ground. Despite her size guests part before Tia anxiously at the sight of her expression. Aldric moves to follow her but nearly trips over Duff who darts between him and the door. Duff pauses briefly to regard the prince before disappearing past the balcony. Aldric stares after him, a sigh sliding out his nose while he considers the debacle. He levels a disappointed scowl at Andrea as he turns around. |
You know how I feel about foreigners. Andrea states as if to excuse herself |
Allen spots Tia ascending the stairs, a grim expression anchored on her face. He excuses himself and trails after her to her quarters. |
Snowdrop, are you- Allen begins as he enters the room but his voice drops off |
Duff stands beside her in his natural form, malicious eyes stabbing at Allen as Tia rests her hand on him, Tia's rage flowing into him |
What's wrong? Allen questions, looking between them warily |
How long were you going to wait? Tia answers, her tone low, and she watches Allen's face drop How could you keep something like this from me! |
Allen double checks the door behind him is shut |
I wanted to tell you sooner but- Allen tries to talk in a soothing voice |
But you didn't! Tia scoffs Instead, some haughty brat informs me in the most humiliating way she could manage. |
I was trying to protect you. Allen grows firm and her eyes flash with another spike of anger |
As Tia fumes, the walls behind her begin to darken, ordinary shadows becoming more opaque and stretching out. The words Allen had gathered up disappear as these shadows swallow the space behind her. A strange fear begins cumulating in the pit of his stomach and he struggles to ascertain the source. |
You haven't protected me once since we arrived! Tia scathes ruthlessly Not once. Allen sucks in a pained gasp, Tia speaking slowly and vehemently And this wasn't protecting me. You don't hide things from family! |
As she continues to peer into his eyes, his fears begin flooding into her mind |
Duff tries to interject |
No! Tia barks at him before squinting at her father again You... were only protecting yourself and how you felt! You were afraid I would cut you off, that I would see a selfish, incompetent father! |
Allen's eyes brim with tears, drawing out the same from her. Tia clenches her eyes shut, flips around and approaches the window, trying to compose herself. As her anger dissipates into empathetic sorrow, the room returns to normal. |
I am horribly unprepared... I don't know how to be a soldier! Tia nearly whimpers, her shoulders wavering alongside her voice But you were taking me to concerts and restaurants...! You promised me you would help me adapt to what was coming but you weren't even honest about what's going to happen. |
Tia turns and looks into his eyes again as a silence falls over the room. Then, before either of them can break that silence, a knock raps on the door and Duff dashes under the bed. |
I... I- Allen stammers but Tia waves a hand at him, blotting her tears away with her other hand |
The party isn't over. Tia states in a flat tone as Evelyn opens the door |
She checks her appearance in the mirror once before gliding out of the room. Allen watches her go, staring after her even after she disappears. His mother lingers in the doorway, lips pursed. |
How did she find out? Evelyn asks simply |
One of the other heirs. Allen answers, his voice lacking any power |
Evelyn turns to follow after Tia but pauses as he speaks to her |
Is this how you felt... Allen asks softly When I left? |
Evelyn turns to him, her eyes sympathetic |
Yes She replies in a small voice It likely is. |
He gives her an almost apologetic expression but they are both silent as she leaves the room |
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