Demonically Innocent [Loveless x Syllana ]

[Loveless]

The knock at her door had startled her, and with wide silvery eyes, Akira had turned her head to the door to then see that it was Ryu who had entered in her room as he pushed the door open to allow himself in. Blinking her eyes in confusion, she turned herself fully to face him and neared herself to his form as she listened to him speak. His words only add her confusion as she watched her guardian knelt before her but she then spoke to him, as if to reassure him. "Please, Ryu. You do not need to apologize. I handled Lord Zuon just fine, and only showed him the rest of the castle before I departed from his company."

Still, what surprised her was when she had noticed a strain within his voice as he spoke once again, as if he was trying to control his emotions in turmoil. She blinked her light-infused eyes once again at this, before seeing something unexpected for her. Was that a tear she just saw?

At this, the female moved closer to decrease the gap between them before lowering herself slowly to have her head almost leveled to his own. She was uncertain but indeed, Ryu looked and even sounded mighty upset — and that worried her quite. Whether it was because of Lady Pyre or not, she was uncertain, but she could not bear to see her closest servant to be in such turmoil.

"Did Lady Pyre do anything to you, Ryu?" She spoke with concern within her voice, but felt she should do something. Akira gently bit upon her lower lip before leaning closer, the maiden then wrapped her arms around Ryu in a firm yet comforting embrace. It was like how he had given that warm embrace to her on the first day when she was brought to this strange, new home of hers. Gently hooking her chin onto his shoulder, she allowed for him to lean against her and she rubbed his back to soothe him. ".. It's alright, Ryu. Everything would be fine, I promise." Her words almost rang similar in a way on how the late Lord Akira would say — in that similar, calming tone and adding with a small yet reassuring smile of his — and just like him, the maiden pulled her head back and gave that familiar smile to Ryu.

Standing up slowly, she had brought Ryu to stand up with her and once both of them were at their feet, the maiden finally released him and drew her arms away from him. Moving away, she walked over to her dressing table to pick the book up within her hand. "... I am not certain about music, but I am sure you do, Ryu," she said before nearing to him once again, and she handed the book over to him, with that smile still remaining on her lips, "If you please, could you play the music sheets which are within this book? And.. if possible, could you please stay at my side while I sleep?"

The smile widened on her lips as she spoke further, "It's the least you could do, especially when I even watched you as you sleep on my bed, don't you think?"

[Syllanna]

Ryu was comforted in his Lady's arms and felt his own fears slip away. Even if he was torn from her side, at least he had her for now. That would have to be enough. He shook his head when she asked if it was Lady Pyre's fault that he was this way. No sense in having her blamed for something she had nothing to do with. And Ryu was fairly proud that his lady could handle Lord Zuon, though he would make it a point to make sure they were not alone again. Then she was asking him to play the music in a very familiar music book. His eyes, slightly red around the rims, lit up at the sight of the book. Then he flushed when she mentioned his sleeping in her bed earlier. How embarrassing for him, yet the Lady seemed to find it humorous. He grunted under his breath and rose, straightening his form out. "I will do as you wish, milady." He took the book gently from her hands and scooted her towards bed as though she were a wayward child. He settled beside her on the edge of the very large bed she slept in and opened the book.

He didn't really need the book as he had memorized the songs in it. It was his favorite book because of Lord Akira. Ryu pulled his flute from his belt and smiled at the Lady as she settled in. He nudged the book towards her. "Pick any song you want to hear, and I will play it for you. Tonight, I am yours." He lifted the flute to his lips and began to play for her.

[Loveless]

When Ryue nudged her to bed, Akira followed obediently though chuckling at the motion before she slid herself onto the bed and then pulling the cover over herself. The bed was large to fit a few people on the bed, and so there was space for Ryu to comfortably sit and play for her while she listen. Letting herself be comfortable, she watched as Ryu brought the book closer to her and she flipped through the pages, looking at them one by one before settling onto one particular song — 'Serenade of the Song Bird'.

Glancing at the title, she wasn't certain why but she wanted Ryu to play this song in general and allowed for Ryu to play the song for her while she laid there on her bed, even turning her body to lay on her side to keep facing towards her faithful guardian. Indeed, Ryu was just amazing with the flute, and she had enjoyed him playing his musical instrument when they had spare time together like this.

Eventually, the woman's eyelids drooped slowly and closed though she strained to keep them open, but then fell asleep all-together. Her sleep was peaceful, though her dream she had was rather odd. Once again, meeting with the strange, tall figure within her dreams though seemed like the figure sounded worried for her, even giving her a simple warning within the dream before disappearing. Because of this warning, she only left with confusion at this.

___________


The strange movements and departure of some faraway Demon Lords had brought curiosity for the Paladins within the Holy Citadel. When new information which was brought to them, now enlightening them though surprised at this revelation. "So, the new Lord Akira is actually a Lady? That's interesting." A pause from the High Paladin before he then made his final yet crucial decision, "Summon the rest of my comrades. I feel this would be high time for us to get ready and attack."

[Syllanna]

Ryu often stole moment alone with Lady Akira, deftly deflecting Lord Zuon's advances and spending just enough time with Lady Pyre to keep her from being offended. The preparations for the ball consumed much of his time as demon Lords and Ladies arrived in droves for the ball. Every eligbile bachelor from Eden to the human villages gathered into one palace and they filled the place with colors and motion. Lords and Ladies met, conversed, plotted and fought. Among it all was Ryu, gently guiding the Lady Akira through her continued lessons which now included dancing and court etiquette. Given a little time, she could potentially become a member of the court. Though she still had not unlocked the vast part of her powers.

With a grin, Ryu had Lady Akira's dress carted into her room and set up. "Now, when you are dressed and ready, you will arrive in the ballroom to preside over the event. Every eligible male who is present will be presented to you excepting some of the males under your command. Don't be nervous, milday, this is a night of great joy!" Ryu escaped the room as the ladies in waiting poured in, giggling. They set to work getting Akira bathed, oiled and dressed. Then they spent forever on her hair, weaving pearls into it and making up her face.

Ryu was busy overseeing the chefs and waiters. He headed out onto the floor in his royal blue clothing, embroidered with gold. His hair was pulled back in a low braid, glistening under the sun and he wore a single sapphire shaped like a tear at his ear. He bowed and mingled and separated demons who looked to be on the verge of fighting. The musicians did their work until the doors opened and the crowd hushed as Lady Akira was presented. Ryu held himself back as she took her seat on the throne. Best to let her be for a few minutes. Only once she was settled and the young men lined up did Ryu move subtly to her side as quiet support. Lady Akira already knew she'd have to dance with all of the men in turn so Ryu didn't need to say anything. Surprisingly, Lord Zuon was one of the first young me, as was Vethis.

[Loveless]

Throughout the day, Akira had her mind slightly distracted with her thoughts, at times, though she knew this day was supposed to be a very important day for her — despite any disagreement she might have for this whole arrangement. Two weeks ago, she knew she was against the whole idea all-together and had even asked for audience with the whole Demon Council, but was denied all the same. Still, the dream she had that day had been making her slightly worried — as if she felt like someone was warning her the incoming and inevitable danger, and yet, she was uncertain on what danger would be approaching or even when.

It was apparent that some things had been on Akira's mind throughout those two weeks, and days had passed by rather quickly. Throughout those days, Ryu had been teaching her on how to dance, and she managed to catch through easily though the first few lessons, the woman had to apologize for stepping on Ryu's feet so many times. All these preparations so she could see on which demon would be fitting to be her husband, she thought to herself and almost made herself depressed.

Even the comforting words by Ryu did not console her that much, and she watched as he leave in a hurry before releasing a long sigh. Allowing her maids to assist her, she had cleaned herself and bathed herself in pleasant-smelling oils before adorning the dress Ryu picked for her. Thankfully, it's more concealing than the other dress she had to wear, that was for certain — having long, draping sleeves and made out of finest silks, and embroidered with small diamonds and pearls, and of course, to be in the colour of pure white. The back, however, was a bit low cut, but at least her long, raven hair could cover her back at least.

Sighing once again, she moved from her bedroom to head to the large ballroom, hearing the music dying down as the door opened for her to enter and seeing on how the crowd focused on her. Moving to her throne, she seated herself down and displayed a smile upon her face though surprised to see the sheer amount of guests, and even more, the amount of young male demons who were interested to have a dance with her. This would be a long night, she thought to herself, and even glancing to Ryu. Moving her gaze back, she decided she would dance once she was done eating. And indeed, the feast was magnificent with the waiters serving the food and she eaten the delicious food, while conversing with the people.

Eventually, it was time to dance and looking at the eager, young gentlemen; Akira felt slightly pressured. Still, she glanced to Ryu and then began to voice out to her guardian, "Ryu? If you may, I would like to have my first dance with you." Giving an apologetic nod towards the men and reassuring them that she would dance with them after Ryu, she stood up and took Ryu's arm, and allowing for him to lead her to the dancing floor. "I apologize, Ryu. But well, I was thinking it would be fitting for us both to dance first. You are a very important figure to me, and taught me so much, so well, let this first dance be for us, if you may."

[Syllanna]

Ryu had served by her side as the meal was laid out. Now she was asking him to dance. And there was no way Ryu could politely tell her that it was inappropriate for her to ask her servant to dance so he had no choice but to accept as graciously as he could. So he led her to the dance floor and nodded as she spoke. "As you wish milady." He smiled softly and placed himself a respectable distance from her. "Though the other young men will be jealous of me for having your beauty to myself even for so short a time." He danced beside her, moving slowly to the gentle music designed to seduce. The dance required some amount of closesness though and he was swamped with the smell of the oils upon her skin, accentuating the light sweetness of her natural scent. "Did you see any gentlemen that you liked milady? Any that set your heart aflutter?"

[Loveless]

Smiling gently, she followed Ryu as he led her to the dancing floor, though oblivious of the outcome of her asking her closest guardian and servant to dance with her. It never occurred to her that anything would go against just a simple and innocent dance with him, nor did it occur to her that the music being played by the exceptional musicians to draw the distance between them closer. Wasn't it almost similar to how he would teach her during her dance lessons?

At his question, Akira did glance over the males who were interested in a dance with her. Some were handsome, with attractive features; some were not, but very wealthy enough that any females would ignore their features. But none had really interested her or do anything for her really. And which, she responded with a gentle shake of her head. "... None so far. I mean, many are very handsome and good-looking, but.. looks does not matter to me. Nor wealth. Seems rather sad for myself that I have to rush to fall in love with somebody within this room. When I am certain that none of these men are interested in myself, but more of my position and my kingdom."

Pausing for a moment, listening to the music as it was played and she then asked a curious question, "Ryu, do you know how it is to love somebody? I really do not have the slightest clue on how to love someone."

[Syllanna]

Ryu smiled gently at her. "Perhaps milady simply needs to speak with some of them. I'm sure many of the Lords present are interesting and captivating when they speak. It's not about rushing so much." He said calmly as he twirled her gently over the dance floor. "It is about what is best for you. Many of these young Lords are eager to please, eager to have you be their companion for life. Many marriages both here and among the humans are things of politics. What is best for the kingdom and not the individual. In this case, you are the kingdom as much as you are an individual. It does not mean you cannot be happy." He tugged her closer, enjoying the happiness in his own heart at having these last few moments with her.

"For instance, you can choose a demon Lord who makes you laugh. Or makes you feel safe. You may come to have feelings for any of them if you spend enough time together." He was confident in this. "And you may fall in love at first sight or first touch. Many of the most romantic tales are thus." He lifted a brow in skepticism before her final question caught him off guard. "Ah, in this I would be a terrible teacher milady." He said lightly, almost amused.

"I have never been in love, though I know many who claimed to be so." He looks thoughtful, eyes looking down into Akira's as he imagines it. "Supposedly, it makes your heart beat faster to be near the person you love, but it's as calm as it is exciting. As though the world could fall down around you and you wouldn't worry because your love would keep you calm in a sea of chaos. You find yourself thinking about that person at random times throughout the day, just to wonder what they're doing. Someone you can't wait to be with again. Who makes you smile for no reason." He trails off and then smiles. "Someone you can kiss and it will let you feel like you can die happy just for the kissing. I'm sure there is someone for Lady Akira in this world. Someone who will make you feel like you can't live without them. You deserve love, milady, so I'm positive you'll find it."

[Loveless]

Keeping one hand upon Ryu's shoulder and her other in his hand, she had moved her feet and body according to the rhythm of the music in graceful motions as well as being guided by Ryu. Through the pleasant music being played by the musicians, Akira had listened to Ryu's words as he responded to her words and question. Blinking her silver eyes a few times, she considered his words in her mind and wondered to herself; did he felt something like this for Lady Pyre, maybe? Indeed, she did not felt anything like so for any of the male demons present, nor even for Vethis or Lord Zuon as she had spent more time with them. Nor anything for the handsome male demon lords present for the grand ball.

"Would it not be enough if I just only have you?" She responded then, not really thinking through of her words other than being honest with herself and with him. She then explained, "You make me laugh, and you take good care of me. I know I am not the easiest person myself, and you had always been there for me ever since. I wouldn't know what to do without you really." Akira said those words with pure honesty, and even with her firm smile on her lips.

"But... what you said though, about feeling like so when you're in love? Those does sound really wonderful. I do wonder if I would feel like so with someone within the room? Perhaps that would be nice." Soon, she realized on the dance with Ryu had to end, listening how the music then ended with a wonderful finish and she separated from Ryu as she removed her hands, and begin to curtsey to him. "Thank you, Ryu, for the dance. I really enjoy it. I really do hope you'll find your own love, like I would try to find it tonight." Her attention then was taken away as Vethis approached her this time, asking for a dance with her, which Akira had to oblige to. It was then, a familiar voice rang inside her mind but this time, it happened when she was awake, rather than her in her dream.

"Danger is approaching, my dear.. Be careful now."

At this, a look of confusion touched her features and she turned, wanting to voice out to Ryu but Vethis managed to grab her attention and then pulling her to dance with him for now. And then, the same voice somehow managed to pass into Ryu's mind; sounding very familiar to even the guardian yet it was such a soft hush, like a whisper and could be almost dismissed easily. "Please protect her and stay by her side always.."

[Syllanna]

Her blatant honesty was one of her better attributes, despite the low value it held among the demon lords. But a lord, or in this case lady, who led with complete honesty always had the heart of their people because the people always knew where they stood with them. Ryu had to laugh softly at her desire to be with him, as he knew the desire came from a wish to be friends. He restrained himself from laughing out loud though, with the thought that she may take offense at his mirth. Still, his eyes danced with mirth.

"The future is yours to find, milady." He said as he bowed to her and just before Vethis grabbed hold of her waist. The young demon was certainly not hiding his intentions any longer, though Ryu thought he might need a few more years to make a proper husband. Still, all Lady Akira had to do was marry him and then train him into the proper man for herself and her kingdom. Still, his ambition might prove a problem for Eden. Ambitious lords caused strife in their attempt to grasp more than was theirs.

When the voice came into his mind, Ryu looked about confusedly. He could swear someone had whispered to him. Maybe one of the servants? Certainly he was ignoring the serving duties due to the dance. He frowned. Ryu had a feeling about this and it wasn't necessarily a good one. Maybe it was all the powerful demon lords around the room. He moved subtley, no one taking much notice of the quiet demon, into a position where he could watch his lady carefully and still have a good view of the room. Standing at the side, he waited as the music crescendo'd.