Everything had just happened so quick in succession, the ill-fated encounter with Varros, the disarming of her only defensive weapon, the kitchen knife easily taken from her hand and cast aside, as if it posed no mere threat at all to the dark and evil beast of a man, and then....that touch to her cheek....the very touch that left her in a state of unresponsive confusion and terror upon the floor of the lobby, having slid against the wall as she doubled back after the unexpected and knee-trembling act had taken place, the warmth of his freshly shed blood, courtesy of Irina's blade, upon his hand culminating with the bitter contact of his skin to hers, his hand as cold and lifeless as the very heart that beat within the Lord of Narsil, albeit maybe some warmth left in that dark and lonely abyss in his chest, but a miniscule fraction Irina could only assume. Still in utter shock and disbelief, her polar blue eyes widening yet losing all light, all sparkle within their skylit irises...becoming nothing but dark pits as again she felt of her cheek, the viscous blood of Varros still warm upon her....as were lingering his last words before his departure from the Knight....He's....he's attracted to me? Dear Goddess.... To think...her very beauty, which she naturally hid under chainmail and plate armor, casting away any sense, any notion of her that was feminine....to think that when she decided to expose her true feminine self, her surprisingly ravishing beauty, that it would attract attention to herself.....just the wrong kind of attention. Her stomach, it was doubling over in severe, painful knots in her abdomen, quite frankly Varros' parting words...were making her physically ill just to think of them.

Not a moment later, the Princess discovered her against the wall of the lobby, rushing swift to her protector's aid and kneeling down beside her, all while Irina was still deeply petrified, but upon hearing Crystal's frantic call to her, she immediately snapped from her fearful trance. Her lady, she was indeed panicky at the grim sight of this, Irina, seeming to have been attacked as there was Varros' crimson blood still present upon her cheek....though it were from something more...unwelcomed than just a brash physical onslaught towards the knight. However, despite how desperately she wanted to call the name of her supposed attacker...the woman knew it would be all in vain, as Crystal would never believe her she figured that much, and...to put her paranoid blame unto Varros would just soil the evening for her lady, and Irina did make solemn vow she would not do anything to ruin this night for Crystal, her only night of freedom it seemed from the Royal Palace. "Hmm?" Quickly the knight perked up, her distant glower of dismay hastily brightening into a sincere and lovely smile. "Oh, twas no one, M'lady. I was on my way to garner a chalice of water, when I tripped and...seemed to have cut my face. There is no need to worry of me, Princess. I should be the one worrying about you." Dabbing the tips of her two fingers against her tongue, she tried to smudge away the best she could the dried blood, Varros' voice still plaguing her mind like the annoying buzz of a nearby biting fly.

Crystal knew Irina wasn't telling the truth, but didn't press further for information. Her panicked features relaxed significantly just to hear Irina's voice, to know she was alright. A sigh of relief as she reached into her bosom and produced a handkerchief, it smelled of lavender and was the same color with white lace trim. She gingerly held Irina's wrist away from her bloody cheek, pressed the handkerchief to the tip of her own tongue and hesitantly wiped it against the smudge on Irina's cheek. It was an intimate act, she knew that, but Crystal didn't care if Irina minded. Gently, she wiped the blood until her handkerchief was dirtied with all of it. "You have to be more careful..." Crystal frowned at Irina, brushing a curl from the girl's forehead. She got to her feet and extended a gloved hand to Irina, she didn't say anything more, but her mind was abuzz with endless questions about Lord Vaross.

Irina was certain the young, white-haired lass was not going to buy that little fairy tale the woman hastily and rather hesitantly weaved, so as to throw any suspicions off the back of Lord Varros before they could even take hold, but the Princess, she was cunning, smart, and sharper than any blade Irina had ever wielded. Of course there was no way, no chance at all Crystal would believe Irina's miniscule untruth of falling in the lobby and injuring herself mildly, though for quite the agile swordswoman she was, Irina was rather clumsy at times, that she could attest for indeed, but still...it was quite clear Crystal was going to blame Varros for this bizarre and abrupt incident, and strangely, eventhough it was the man's fault Irina was left in this dismal state of disbelief, a part of her seemed to have wished Crystal did not place all blame upon the Lord of Narsil for this harmless but indeed shocking occurrence. She couldn't fathom why though she would long to spare Varros from such scrutiny. Perchance....it were those very tears he shed upon viewing the diva of the opera and the very grimace in his eyes, so full of pain, so melancholic and yet so rare for the dark man to show any emotion other than malice. Sitting there for a moment or so of silence, her smile dimmed a bit as she tried to recollect her thoughts, scrambled for the moment, but it was when her eyes returned to the Princess, tending to her instead of vice versa, Irina had caught sight of something....something to rather redden her cheeks, once Crystal furnished from her dress, more specifically from the hem of her corset, whereupon unwittingly Crystal had given Irina a short view....of the slight of her bosom. Quickly her eyes snapped away from the Princess upon this most mortifying and indeed ignoble of visions, her cheeks only blushing redder as that oh so pleasant scent of lavender caught her nose and she felt the warm touch of Crystal's handkerchief, dampened with her saliva, dabbing softly at her cheek. For some reason.....Irina could have gently closed her eyes and envisioned those tender touches of the cloth....as though the Princess' lips were upon her cheek.

Seeing as how Irina did not accept her offer to help her up, Crystal knelt down again and took Irina's hand into her own. "Are you feeling unwell?" She applied a bit of pressure against the hand and studied the face of her protector. Irina's cheeks were flushed red and she appeared to look a bit out of it, like she was daydreaming. "Perhaps we should take our leave." She murmured, looking to Irina to see if she might offer her opinion on the subject. Crystal didn't really want to leave in the middle of it..when things were just getting good, but she would do so without a second thought if Irina was ready. She didn't want Irina to suffer for her own enjoyment, and knowing that Irina had run into trouble would make it difficult for her to enjoy the Opera.

A server walked by, headed for box 17 with a silver platter full of wine glasses. Crystal eyed the man longingly. Clearly it was a sign that they were supposed to stay and drink. So, regardless of what Irina's answer was, Crystal would lead her back into the box 17 for the rest of the evening. "You'll feel better once you have some of that sparkling water." She would say to Irina as she opened the door behind the server.

Still entranced was she by that oh so wondrous touch upon her cheek, that of the Princess namely and not the skin curdling grace of Varros' hand upon her face, that she was not aware of the dark storms of worry and apprehension that her inaudible silence was conjuring within the very troubled heart of her lady, the young lass indeed fearful still of what may have become her protector, and strangely enough as Irina considered of herself, her friend... Such an updraft of tension it must've brought to poor Crystal, Irina's unresponsiveness as she lulled through this trance induced upon her. What was wrong with her, though? Why did she...feel this way all of a sudden? Twas not a paralyzing fear, such as what attacks her relentlessly and grips her in the metaphorical talons reaching from Varros' cold, lifeless eyes to grasp at the evidently intimidated woman, no....this was far more....relaxing....far more welcoming than any sort of sensation to fall upon her....but it just felt.....to bizarre for Irina. It was only when the Princess was contemplating upon leaving the performance early, and herself....forsaking her one and only night...., that Irina was finally able to pull herself from this stupor of hers and finally speak a word, "M'lady wait!" She called out, her voice a bit hoarse, but still able to carry through the lobby. "There is no need to leave so soon, for I am perfectly fine. I do apologize greatly however for my silence. I....I just felt a bit...rushed in thought it seems." A very light chuckle she gave, her cheeks only slightly red as she brought her hand to her lips. "But please, Princess. Do not let me spoil your night any further."

As the two women returned to their reserved balcony, Irina happened to notice a server pass by, as always carrying a tray of silver, topped with what else but sparkling, elegant chalices filled with bittersweet white cider, and...despite the knight being on guard of the Princess...Irina began to wonder to herself, Well...I suppose one drink wouldn't hurt. I mean....I should at least be enjoying this night as well as the Princess, and again I don't want to be too overbearing of Crystal. She had noticed the girl in question also laying eyes upon the polished glasses of dazzling clear liquor, albeit very lustful and languid eyes, which brought a bit of a smirk to Irina's lips, erasing her once doubtful and imposing glower. Her smirk only widened more with a bit of scheming delight as she listened to Crystal's little excuse of water to make the Knight feel better. "Water?" She replied to Crystal with a bit of an insolent snicker. "Or perchance a taste of white cider? Don't think you can pull a fast one on me, M'lady." But then her smirk softened into a more calm and friendly smile, "Make sure you get one for me too, M'lady. I...feel as though I could use a sip or two after that debacle."

---

Meanwhile as the intermission was coming to a close and the third act was soon to be afoot upon the stage, Varros remained stationary and rather stoic in the lobby, a hand clutching within the brass pocket watch he fished from his duster, his eyes, once terrible flames of hatred, of savagery only the cruelest of men could muster....had died down and faded away, the candles of his malevolence seemed to have been snuffed in an abrupt gasp of storm winds, as he intently stared upon the miniscule black hands of the small clock, watching as ever second and every millisecond began to pass by him, the minute ticking and whirring of the miniature gears resonating about his ears as a thick mist of disparaging apprehension gradually began to fill his predatory eyes. In deep thought certainly was the dark man, albeit...only to some was he this dark and intolerable creature, this demon come lurking from the abyss to bring chaos and misfortune to all, when all he was.....was a man...a man scorned for too long. But a man was he still, and even the most hated of men...still held a heart within their chests. My Jocelyn..... He sighed to himself, closing the watch with a snap and placing the brass piece back into the shadows of his coat, shortly adjusting his hat as he made movement down the hall, strolling cautiously away from the lobby. I wonder.....if you are looking upon me now, upon my....endeavors. What is it, I wonder....do you think of me? He made his way swiftly down the hallway to his right, happening upon a door, which his frail knuckles wrapped upon twice, and the door opened to not one or two.....but fifteen men, all clad in black robes, their grim faces all but visible underneath the thick shadows of their hoods. "My lord." One of them spoke graciously of their master, kneeling before him. "The third act has not begun, but we are ready. Just give us the order, and we, your faithful warriors shall bring terror upon-" But.....the dark fiend paused in absolute and bewildering awe of what befell from Varros' lips, "I'm calling off the attack. We're returning to Narsil."

"What?!" Immediately was the cloaked beast to his feet, quite the towering presence over Varros, but the Lord of Narsil, he was not intimidated, not fazed at all. Rather, his teeth were grit within his mouth, as silently he listened to the berating of his doubting soldier, "My lord, surely this is a joke! What of Narsil? What of your fellow countrymen? Do they not deserve this night to take vengeance upon the damned Kingdom of Alegasia? Blood will be repaid with blood!" Then Varros spoke, his voice harsh, rasp almost, as if the low and guttural growls of an agitated beast, "And vengeance Narsil shall have, my knight! Mark my words, my fellow warriors of Narsil, retribution is at hand for Alegasia. They will pay for the very sins they committed upon our homeland, and there shall be no absolvement from the Goddess herself of their bloody transgressions.....but tonight is not the night for payback. Tonight, after the opera, we return home and plan for another day. There will be a time when Alegasia burns to the ground and the ashes of Narsil's past shall consume it whole....but that time is not upon us yet. You are all dismissed from further duty tonight. Make ready the horses and my carriage for the ride home." And with his last decrees given, Varros left the room of his knights' hiding and made his way back to his seat in box 17, his mind still aflutter as he slowly sat down....at odds with his own morality....

Crystal smiled and nodded to her Lady Knight as she held a second glass of wine in her hand for Irina. "I always pull a fast one on you Irina..." She said softly after taking a sip of her own white wine, a pleasant look on her face. How long had she waited to enjoy herself like this? She was certain after that little incident out in the lobby with Irina, nothing like that would happen for the rest of the night. Things were perfect now, even with the suspicious annoyance behind them. But he didn't seem to be paying the two women any mind, so she couldn't really complain. Sighing happily, The Princess took her seat beside Irina and watched intently as the red curtain re-opened for the rest of Poponoriodestia Amour.

---

By the end of the Opera Crystal had drank herself into a drunken mess and had several crying fits over Lady Isabelle's death at the hands of her jealous, ex-lover. It was heartbreaking, Isabelle found a new a lover on the island of Poponoriodestia while vacationing with her boyfriend and his family, but instead of leaving her be... he poisoned her to get revenge against them both. "How terrible! I hate tragic love stories." Crystal wiped several tears with a gloved hand, refusing to stand and applaud the cast for such a terrible story. Pinching her lips together and hiccuping, Crystal folded her arms together before standing to pay her respects... She was just so bitter over that ending. Happy endings are the only endings in her mind, especially when it comes to fictional works. One more drink and Crystal would have booed the performance, but luckily the server stopped coming around after act III, or Crystal would have embarrassed herself. Right now she was in the clear, no one but Lord Vaross and Irina would be able to see what she was up to, or how upset she was with the tragic death of her favorite character.

Pouting lightly, she looped her arm under Irina's, wobbling just a bit. "Irinaa, I don't feel good. Perhaps I should never drink again..." She said with a sigh, her eyes closing and her head resting against Irina's arm. "Let's go home." Crystal said sleepily as she tugged Irina toward the exit against her will.

Even though the conclusion to the wonderful performance was indeed tragic and unexpected, and indeed did it coerce the knightly woman to shed many a tear of woe, as did her lady over the death of the main character, though it must've been the both of them in their intoxicated stupor due to partaking of....a bit too much wine for the evening, Irina enjoyed the opera, such an amazing story, such splendid and talented actors and actresses she thought of them, standing just as the rest of the audience to give a rousing and heartfelt ovation, well...excluding a deeply intoxicated and embittered Crystal who clearly and quite audibly voiced her honest opinion of the Opera, stating strongly her displeasure towards tragic endings.....but...not everything always ends in happiness, as grim as that may seem, but despite this night ending on a bit of a dark note, Irina still cheered greatly and applauded, a bright and enthusiastic smile beaming from ear to ear, "Bravi! Bravisime!" And even after all the bizarre and somewhat...threatening events that took place, this had to be certainly for Irina, as it may or may not have been for Crystal, quite the night to remeber...albeit...it was not over yet. Aye me.....I should not have drunken so much. I...I can barely walk, let alone stand still for but a second. Such a time it had been since alcohol, that enticing venom of the fairy, fell sweet and bitter upon her very lips, and just as her lady Crystal, Irina too was drunk beyond resolve.

"Ah but why leave so soon, M'lady?" Irina questioned, evident by her jovial and rather slurred voice that she indeed...did have a little too much wine, perhaps a tad few more than the Princess. "The night is still young! Would you not wish to enjoy the sweet and pleasant fruits of such a splendid evening?" Still though she was dragged along in her drunken stupor by Crystal, her footsteps wobbling and buckling with every shaky and uncoordinated stride of her legs. The woman...she was indifferent of her surroundings, completely unaware that she did not even notice the Lord of Narsil slipping past them, giving she and the Princess a curt tip of his hat. "But I suppose you are correct, Princess. Come then, let us return home."

Crystal blinked with heavy eyelids, half paying attention to where she was going even as she lead the way, only mumbling a series of jumbled words in response to Irina... the Knight probably wouldn't know what she was saying. When Crystal was heavily intoxicated, she would speak in a dead tongue of Alegasia; very little people still spoke it, and Crystal was one of them. She stumbled, wobbled, and hiccuped all the way to the carriage waiting in front of the Theater, but never once released her hold on her Royal Attendant. Irina was the only thing keeping her from face planting in front of the curious watchers, all of them waiting to write in their papers about The Princess taking a tumble at the Royal Alegasia Theater. They couldn't write about about her being intoxicated as she wasn't being a nuisance to the public, and was within legal drinking age.

The driver gently ushered Crystal into the carriage with no trouble at all, even going as far to lift her up onto the seat. Next was Irina, causing his cheeks to become flaming red to match her pretty dress. Noticing she was in almost the same shape as Crystal, he wrapped his arm around her waist and lead her to carriage. It seemed his time away from the ladies had given him courage...or maybe he was taking advantage of the fact that the lady knight was intoxicated to cop a feel. Of course he didn't for being scolded and in the presence of the Princess, that could cost him his job if she found out.

When Irina got into the carriage The Princess would be asleep, taking up most of the seat from being sprawled out...though there were two other rows of seats in the carriage for Irina if she minded.

The ride back to the castle was smooth, mostly because they were one of the first to leave...being royalty and all. "We've arrived." The driver opened the door to allow the two ladies to exit. Crystal woke up fairly easy with just the carriage coming to stop. She took the offered hand of the driver and stepped out of the carriage, feeling worse than she had at the Opera. Wiping her forehead with her gloved hand and heading into the castle, uncaring on whether or not Irina was following behind or not. She was only concerned with lying down and getting a good night's rest.

The Driver would stop Irina from immediately going after Crystal, he...he needed to make himself known to her. He had no ill intent by grabbing her by the elbow, and did not pull her toward him. "I used to think the Princess was the most beautiful woman in the Kingdom, but you...I would argue that now that I've seen you." He said, his cheeks glowing a light shade of pink. How embarrassed he felt to be so infatuated with this woman, but she was just too beautiful to ignore. If she denied his advances, he would be a little upset, but get over it quickly. It wouldn't be their last time seeing each other...The driver took comfort in that. "Your name. I must know it." His eyes glistened in the moonlight, and for Alegasia standards he was quite the handsome fellow.

Crystal unknowingly opened the door to Irina's chambers and shed her dress, leaving only her corset and a white slip that resembled a nightgown. Yawning tiredly, she crawled onto the farthest side of Irina's bed, nearest the window. She tucked herself under the warm blankets and drifted off to sleep with a smile on her face.

Just as the ride to the grand Royal Theater of Alegasia, the return to the Royal Palace was just as smooth and as peaceful, the elegant white carriage and its pearlescent mares who carried the burden upon their hooves gently strolling away in departure from the Alegasian City and through the vast and majestic land's mysterious forests and moonlit countrysides, basking in the dim, cream white glow of the midnight sun cascading across the emerald valleys of thick grasses and a soft evening wind carrying forth the pleasant late spring aromas of lilacs and jasmine and all the lovely flowers of the night, blooming forth to feel the evening's cool embrace and expose to those wide and starry skies their frailty and their amazingly radiant hues and shades of such wonderful colors. Irina was quite lucky to gaze upon the scene, even if it was with tired and heavy eyes desperate for that sweet release that a good night's sleep would bring to them. A deep yawn she exhaled, already the euphoria of the alcohol in her blood seeping away and in set the debilitating hangover, the aching, pounding resonance in her head, the feeling of her body limp and almost lighter than a feather, save for her eyelids daring to collapse over her crystaline eyes, although a bit murky and reddened sort of with cracks about her whites. Fatigued was she indeed, barely the strength in her left to maybe raise a finger or so. Damn....what was I thinking? Great Goddess forgive me.... Another yawn escaped her weary figure as her eyes fell upon the petite form of the young girl resting next to her, the Princess' head so precariously nuzzled against the woman's arm. Hmm....even if I was sober, I would still admit....M'lady is...rather charming as she sleeps... A bit of a smile slowly crossed her lips, how adorable Crystal was to her....and not at this point really either.

It would be a while or so before the carriage had made its full return to the castle, so Irina, as worn out as she was, just as her lady, carefully inclined her head against the windowsill of the carriage and closed her eyes....instantly falling asleep....

"We've arrived."

But it almost felt within seconds, not even a minute or so did they arrive upon the grounds of the Royal Palace. Hmm....some nap that was, but at least the two women were finally home, finally to their beds that awaited their weary and fatigued selves to fill them, to be embraced by the warmth of blankets and drift away to that ever calming sea of peaceful dreams. As always, Crystal was the first to depart before Irina, never waiting for her attendant and boldly striding ahead brash and reckless as accustomed. Luckily for this night, Irina didn't have much in the way of duty, no arrows to shield the Princess from, no daggers to disarm from the clutches of nefarious assassins, not a single threat. Surprisingly, even Varros didn't pose much of a risk for this night....except for a few....minor...things... Again thinking about the man's hand upon her cheek, again feeling mentally that callous chill of his seemingly lifeless aura, Irina shuddered in her own skin, not to mention his....apparent attraction towards the knight, which only made her shiver more as she hastily shook the thoughts from her head and made her way towards the castle, but what was this? Huh?! The grapple of her arm was quite unexpected and indeed a bit jolting to the woman, almost jumping out of her heels. Had it not been for Varros forceful relieving of her only weapon at the time, the poor bloke who grabbed her, the carriage driver, would've certainly been instantly stabbed through the chest with just a dagger. Her own cheeks had blushed, but not for the reasons as to this young lad who spoke of her as if she were the Goddess come descended from the Heavens above. No, actually......her reddening was more of a nervous and frustrating nature than of a more infatuated sort. Dammit! First Varros and now he? Oh...dear Goddess, if this be a heavenly jest of yours, then consider me the butt of this very joke. "Oh...why kind sir, you flatter me so." She giggled a tad halfheartedly, slipping her arm through his hand, but leaving hers within his still, again working her more....elegant side if you will. "If you are so eager to know the name of this beautiful woman, then I suppose I shall tell you. It is Irina, good sir. Irina Belmonte." She figured it best to at least give the young lad something in return, so, though inside she was regretting it, Irina leaned forth ever close to him, and upon the driver's forehead, she left a small kiss. "The Princess and I thank you deeply for your kindness. Now, if you will excuse me, I must see to my lady in hope that she is well. Goodnight, kind sir."

A small wave of her hand to the blushing lad and away Irina went, gracefully yet swiftly as her feet carried her across the courtyard and into the grand marble halls of the majestic castle, now dimly lit by the faint orange glows of stray, flickering flames from torch sconces and candelabras, rather romantic was the sight to Irina, but she didn't pay much mind to it. The only matter more present upon her mind was finding her bedchamber, getting out of this damn dress, which now she felt was attracting....too much attention to her. I swear to the Goddess, from now on, I am sticking with chain and plate. No more fancy evening wear for this warrior. Thought it was nice for a while to not feel so burdened by the weight of steel armor, and of course the last of all....getting a good night's rest, so that come first rise of the sun, she would be fit and ready for tomorrows assigned duties. Twas all fun and games for this night, but early morning...it would be back to being Sir Irina, Royal Attendant and personal Bodyguard of her lady The Princess Crystal. Speaking of whom, Irina wondered where the young lass had gone off to. Probably to her own chamber, as of course Crystal was just as tired as her knightly servant. I suppose I shall see her again come first ray of morn. Irina sighed, a bit of a yawn upon the tail end as she wearily strolled down the hall to her chamber, already her hands at work unfastening the ties here and there and letting the crimson fabric of the dress fall to the floor. There she stood in the mirror of her vanity, her unclothed figure reflecting upon her. Strange for once to see herself this way, but only brief as she stepped over to the wardrobe and took from it a soft nightgown, which she shortly donned and unraveled her hair from its braids, letting the soft blue locks fall gracefully upon her shoulders. Such an eventful day it had been, and such an eventful evening to follow, but finally it had come to a close, however....just as Irina slowly ambled barefoot over to her bed and peeled back the covers, her eyes were alit with a surprise at, or rather whom had already occupied her bed. "P-princess?!" She gasped upon the petite figure of the girl, nestled in the warmth of the bedsheets and already fast asleep, but the problem was....this was Irina's bed and not hers, plus.....well.... After that bit of shock quickly receded from her, Irina pondered upon the young girl, already adrift in dreams she was, and....it would not be wise of Irina to rouse her lady from sleep, also...she wouldn't think no consequences would become of this, for she didn't mind Crystal sleeping in the same bed as her, and they were both women. "I....I suppose it would be okay...but for one night...." Giving a light shrug of her shoulders, Irina slipped under the covers, moving a little bit closer to the sleeping Princess next to her, but not too close. "Goodnight, M'lady." She whispered softly, though obvious Crystal may not have heard her.

The next morning

Crystal opened her eyes to see Irina on the same pillow...sleeping. Oh, Goddess. What have I done? She lifted the sheets and peered into the darkness, blushing instantly as she saw that their knees were touching and...they were both in their night clothes. Holding her breath, she inched away from Irina towards the edge of the bed, and then got off the bed, trying her best not to move too much as not to disturb Irina.

"You left your room a mess last night. That's unlike you, Princess." Crystal perked up and turned to see Ginger in Irina's restroom, running Irina's bath water most likely. Looking around self-consciously, Crystal placed a finger against her lips. This was just too awkward...Now Ginger knew?! She peeked over her shoulder at a still sleeping Irina and tip toed into restroom, shutting the door quietly. "I don't know what you mean... My room was near perfection when I left." Crystal said in a hushed tone, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. She had always known Ginger to be a neat freak, but... she really didn't have a messy room, even by Ginger's standards. Crystal tried not to make the maids jobs too difficult.

"Your things were strewn about everywhere, but it's okay." Ginger dipped her fingers in the water and turned off the faucet, a devilish smirk on her face. "Perhaps, you just... forgot?" Ginger smiled more sincerely after seeing that Crystal looked quite confused, hurt even, by Ginger's words. The maid wasn't used to Crystal leaving her things out all over the place, but what other explanation was there?

"I suppose you're right. I'm sorry, Ginger. I hope it wasn't too much trouble." Crystal said softly to the petite maid, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. Ginger shook her head as if to say "no", and turned back to the bath water. Even after Crystal had dismissed Ginger from tending to anyone else but Irina, the maid still liked to check on her things and keep everything looking nice and in place. Irina was lucky to have such an attentive maid. "Okay. Thanks..." She waved goodbye to Ginger and after picking up her things, retreated to her own room in a hurry.

Crystal locked the door behind her and exhaled, leaning against the door as she scanned her spotless room. She couldn't tell just by looking, but someone had been in her room. Pushing off of the door, Crystal went into the restroom to take a bath and get ready for the new day.

"Perhaps I will go out into the city." She mused, placing a large white straw hat on top of her head. It was perfect for blocking out the sun, and keeping curious eyes at bay. Plus, it was really cute and matched her dress perfectly. After fluffing her curls a bit, The Princess went down stairs by way of her secret passage. Skipping happily, she passed Pindel and Versetti. "I'm heading out into the city for a bit of light shopping. Send Irina my regards! I'll be back soon." Crystal said coolly, shooting them both a glare before heading outside. She preferred to walk to the shopping district, it was a lot closer to the castle than the Royal Alegasia theater and generally safe. She walked there many times.

"Oi oi....what 'ave we here? The drunken servant doth lie slothishly in her bed, eh Versetti? And after a wild night with her lady no less."

"Ohohoho...too right, Pindel. Methinks this one was chuggin' the wine all night. She practically stinks of elderberries and liquor, oh and did ye hear? The Princess....was in her bed last night....HER bed!"

"Ahaha...so Lady Knight is one of THOSE ladies, yeah? I knew she had that air about her. Loves to tip the velvet does she instead of takin' a tug on me sword?"

The insolent and snickering voices about her didn't seem to rile the woman much from her deep and almost comatose spell of sleep, a long and lingering rest brought upon by the mixed exhaustion of such a debaucherous and wonderful night of drinking, of merriment, and of the Opera, and not to mention the copious ounces of alcohol still ever present in the blood of her veins, and this very morning, or rather early noon, she would definitely bare the consequences of her rancorous attitude that very evening....oh how she would bare them indeed. Tumbling slowly in her bed, she muttered a few soft incoherences, her long locks of sapphire hair lying tousled and frayed obscuring her face, almost as the very sheets of Alegasian satin that clung to her slightly firm yet elegant figure, accentuating every curve and feature of her body, a body that, a little to her chagrin, most men seemed to desire deeply.....if only she fancied those men in that particular nature of thought. And in her deep and peaceful slumber, that had droned on for a bit too longer than she would've desired, Irina was not aware of the two sets of beady, deviously dazzling eyes that fell upon her with ill glee in their hearts as the two imbeciles in armor giggled giddy and whispered such insulting language behind the knight's back. "Well Versetti, better not let her sleep too late now. She's got a job to do." Pindel grinned, his yellowed teeth so putrid with this morning's breakfast of poached duck eggs and rye toast with raspberry jam, even just the stench was more unbearable than the grim and grotesque sight. His lanky croney replied, a sinister face of his own diabolical expression, and clutched in his very hands....a cast iron pot and a wooden spoon, "Right mate. Can't let our lady knight dally too long, now can we?" And thus what became next. With all his despicable might, the skinny bloke went to it banging wildly on the pot, the shattering rings resonating ever abrupt and ever violent in Irina's sensitive ears, that suddenly she darted upwards, wide eyed and very much alert and awake. "What in the name of the abyss are you sods doing in my room?!!" The woman barked ever vicious to the two, her blazing glare of such malice and unrelenting mange cast dreadfully upon them, a hand resting upon her heart, already daring to break free from the bone bars of her ribcage. "An explanation is in order!!"

That would be when these two idiots decided to stop chortling and giggling with such impractical and annoying jests towards the woman, finally such had happened and it was the fat one to speak as always, "Ah good morning to you, Lady Knight! Or better yet, good afternoon!" Wait a minute....did Pindel just say....AFTERNOON?!! "We didn't want you to be late on the job, so me and me good bloke here Versetti, we decided to give ye a li'l wake up call. You're welcome!" No....they were lying. They had to be lying, another cruel and careless joke of theirs played upon their favorite victim, the ever easily flustered Knight, already growing red, so red in the face from her vengeful anger towards these numbskulls for her rude awakening.....and fearful....indeed fearful of having slipped ever so far from her appointed Royal duties....for this, quite literally, the King would have her head. "Dear Goddess!" She yelped, instantly away was she from her bed and crossing to the wardrobe, unwittingly tossing her nightgown and unexpectedly.....giving Pindel and Versetti....quite a view.... "Oh how foolish of me! I knew I should not have drunken so much last night! So sloppy am I!" Over and over the woman cursed herself and reprimanded sternly her own faults and misgivings, all while slipping on hastily her chainmail and surcoat, no time to affix her plate, save for maybe her gauntlets and her greaves. "You two bumbling buggers! Where be M'lady? Where be Princess Crystal?" Fiercely and ever hesitant she inquired of the guardsmen as she snatched up her longsword and tied it to the belt around her waist, then tying back her hair in a loose and rather sloppy ponytail. "Well?"

"Oh right!" The plump Pindel fessed up, "We forgot to tell you eh.....the Princess....has already gone on without ye to the city's shopping district. Better run while ye can catch her, yeah?" Irina didn't like the sound of that one bit, and she showed her displeasure such in a deep and grim huff of hot hair swiftly exhaled from her lungs as she darted from her room.....leaving behind those two idiots....one of them.....quite entranced by a past viewing of the lady knight...unarmored so to speak. "Ehehehe...certainly got her knickers in a twist, eh Versetti? Eh...Versetti? Oi! Oi numpty!" The lanky one's eyes were widened, almost as round as the sun and the moon, and upon the face of the enamored Versetti....quite the largest and most pleasant of grins. "......I'm in love, Pindel....." He swooned ever deeply and ever romantic, and in that very swoon, down he came crashing to the ground before his friend, who could only give a sigh and roll his eyes in dismay, "Oh bloody ho....."

---

"Argo! Up lad! Up!" Within seconds of her departure, Irina was already to the stables, calling to her muscular and majestic steed, who just as his master was earlier, sound asleep without a care in this ever drastic and changing world. "Come on lad! We need to go now!" The brutish Clydesdale neighed gruff in his response to Irina's goading, giving a hearty shake of his auburn mane and trotting over to Irina's side, playful as ever bumping his wide nose into the woman's face. "Ach! Not now, lad. I'll play with you later. We have work to do." Irina returned to the horse, readying his saddle, making sure everything was fastened tight, every strap and buckle in place before she moved her feet to the stirrups and straddled her noble steed, unexpectedly having some company with her as she noticed the white ball of fluff spring unto Argo's back and land perfectly in Irina's lap. "I suppose you're going along too, huh Lily?" Eventhough she was in a haste, the knight couldn't help but smile at the Princess' large hare. "Right then. Ride Argo! Hya!" And with a swift kick of her foot to the side of the horse, Argo thundered away from the stables in a swift gallop, already far from the palace and bounding powerfully through the forest path. Hopefully nothing had befallen of her lady, but Irina didn't think so, what with Lord Varros seeming to be out of the picture....for now at least. And I hope to the Goddess I never see that bastard again!

Crystal removed her monstrosity of a hat and fanned herself with the floppy straw, lifting her hair off of her neck momentarily to ventilate the area where most of her hair liked to sit. Aaahhh...Much better. The sun was especially blazing on this spring afternoon, it almost made her wish she had taken a carriage instead of walking. She was almost there though, after forty minutes walking she only had ten more before the vendors and shops came into view, and five before she could smell the tempting aroma of food from the restaurants in the district. Feeling a bit cooler, she placed the sun hat back onto her head and kicked a stray pebble with her feet. It was a quite entertaining past time, and helped the last five minutes fly by in no time...also gave her the time she needed to think clearly without any interruptions. There was the issue of her having slept in her Royal Attendant's bed last night, and possibly doing immodest things that the Queen would scold her for...if she were alive. There was also what happened last night...Well, she didn't really know what happened, but Irina had blood on her cheek and it definitely had something to do with the Lord of Narsil. Speaking of Irina, Crystal hadn't thought of the woman since she left for the shopping district. It was no shocker that the Lady Knight would be livid and red faced when she found out Crystal left without her. She sighed and hung her head, pondering how she would react when she next faced Irina... She had been given specific orders not to run off again and even said she would try to behave for Irina. Ohh! What if she yells at me?!

Mmmm! I'll make sure to get her something nice so that doesn't happen. Crystal perked up at her idea and rubbed her hands together, the lace gloves she wore making it a bit difficult. "I wonder what Irina likes." She said to herself, holding her hat against her head as she looked up at the sky. It occurred to her that she didn't know very much about the Lady Knight, and hadn't made an effort to get to know her...at all. Of course, she didn't particularly care that Irina's job would be difficult babysitting her, but... she did want to at least try to know some basic things about Irina. It was only right to know the favorite color of the person you shared beds with, right? Crystal nodded and marched onto the cobblestone path leading to the market square, lowering her gaze to somewhat conceal her face from the bystanders. If the nobles reacted so wildly to her presence, she couldn't imagine the reaction from the commoners if they discovered her. Not to mention the very real possibility that she was being hunted by something far worse than overzealous admirers...

---

Anyone with the right funds could shop to their heart's content without entering the luxury shops, because everything one needed was right there in the market square on top of the modest looking shopping carts run by mostly honest workers. Plus, the nobles liked to think they were above buying handmade items, which only attracted Crystal to the unique items sold by the vendors even more. The items weren't any more cheap than going into the shops, or any better...It just made her feel more original to shop at the cute little shops. Really, she liked to dabble in both...As The Princess of Alegasia, she felt a strong duty to contribute to all good businesses.

Crystal looked over a stand with snow globes, blinking curiously as one in particular caught her eyes. She picked it up off of the stand, finding it was surprisingly heavier than she expected even with it's small size. It was a perfect replica of the palace of Alegasia, down to every little detail, including the courtyard and the fountain in the center of the large green lawn. She shook it around gently to stir up the snow that settled at the base of the globe, and...her eyes lit up. It was winter all over again! Crystal could almost feel the snow on her skin again, being a kid and playing outside with her parents. It wasn't for her though... This was a gift. Smiling, Crystal held it out to the shop keeper with a cheerful look. "I'll take it! Gift wrapped please." She said sweetly as she handed it over to the shop keeper, being careful not to drop it. Crystal fished out fifty gold pieces, stunning the shop keeper and those around with how easily she paid for the snow globe. No wonder it hadn't sold until then - it was so expensive. It's worth it though.

"Here you are, young lady. I hope your friend likes it, they'll always have a piece of the palace with them from now on. I made it with that idea in mind..." The shopkeeper said, a distant and dreamy tone to his voice as he seemed to reminisce. "Thank you!" Crystal accepted the heart shaped gift box from the man and nodded before leaving him to his business. She preferred not to mingle too long...then people start to get curious and want to take a peek under the hat and ask questions. As if it wasn't obvious enough by her snow white hair.

As much as many would wish to believe that the Lord of Narsil, that dreaded and most unscrupulous of fiends known to some as only Varros, had gone from the fair lands of Alegasia, along with his brutish and brooding black cloaked guardians, they would be sadly and most hesitantly mistaken to say that such had come to pass, for even now in the broad and glistening daylight of this seemingly wondrous spring afternoon in the market district of Alegasia City, the inhuman being's shadow still ever crept horrendously about every corner, every dimly-lit alleyway that beckoned for such ill matters to brew forth, and even in the midst of the crowding commoners who mingled rarely with the nobility of these beautiful and majestic lands....that the man only desired more and more he gazed upon them with such disdain in his cracked and blackened heart....to see burned to nothing but ashes and rotting timbers amidst the black smoke rising to blot out the sun from this infernal Kingdom. Such feigned kindness...such ill played jovialness but to hide behind the very mask that conceals their true face....war....death....melancholy amidst their crooked smiles with bitter teeth. I but grow ill pondering of such. In one of the many alleyways and openings of the market, the shadowed lord in question was with his soldiers, a fiendish of dealings being held amidst the dark of the alley, concealed so unscrupulously from the light of this damned place. "Did you find it?" In a hiss of his tongue, he asked of his haunting warrior, the cloaked fiend kneeling before him before giving reply, "I did not, My Lord. It was not present amongst the lady's chamber, nor the rest of the castle I fruitlessly searched. I fear as though we are searching in the wrong place, Lord Varros." Upon hearing of this, Varros furrowed his brow, his eyes glazing over with such disappointment, luckily such instead of exploding into bitter flames of rancorous anger. "Damn them!" His teeth grit, he growled under his breath. "That senile codger, of course he wouldn't entrust such a treasure of extreme value upon his ditz of a spoiled child. Perhaps it is hidden elsewhere, but of its whereabouts.....I am certain that our lady of the white knows." Such a vile snicker to permeate the air from the dark man's lungs, as his serpentine eyes glistened yellow with such illness to his demeanor, only to glow ever more fiendish as they spotted...a familiar mane of snow white hair.

"By my word, here comes my lady. You three, make yourselves invisible to us. Follow, but not close. We shall find the Royal Treasure of Alegasia soon....and then....we shall torch this infernal land in abysmal fire....just as they had done to our beautiful Narsil." And.....to my beloved Jocelyn... The three shrouded men bowed in due rsepect of their lord and away to the shadows they went as commanded, just as Varros stepped from the alley and into the open of the sun, still a living shadow shrouded in the same shades of evil as his nefarious guardsmen, and his presence made known well by the many onlookers in tense horror of his brooding and sinister self lurching towards the Princess, approaching her from behind as he spoke grandly, yet with that very evident hint of malice to his voice, "Ah, good day, my lady Crystal. Fancy bumping into you on this very fine spring afternoon." The dark one mused, a feigned smile of joy crossing his parched and dry lips, but his eyes glinting dangerously upon the young lass, the daughter of a country he so held in violent contempt. "Please forgive me of last night's behavior. I was...not really myself it seemed. Twas quite the evening we shared though, the Opera I mean, it was rather splendid if I do say so myself, and it appeared to me you and your Royal Attendant enjoyed it as well....as much as the wine you and her partook of. Ah but do not worry, Princess, for it would be very unjust of me to report such demeaning behavior of a noblewoman to her father. Consider it.....a kind gesture of a dear friend." Varros smoothly took the frail hand of the Princess in his own, calloused and cold, before placing to the back of Crystal's hand the tender touch of his lips, releasing her hand with a genuine sneer. "Speaking of your knight, Lady Crystal, where be Lady Irina? Is it not unwise of the Princess to be parading about so carefree and reckless without her Royal Attendant? There are quite the dangers in this world, you know." But not long after the very words had slipped from his putrid mouth, the thundering resonance of Argo's galloping could be heard approaching vast towards Varros and the Princess. "Ah...here she comes." Varros snickered, turning to face the majestic and mighty war horse charging at him, atop the Clydesdale, Irina clad in chainmail and surcoat with Lily, the abnormally large pet rabbit of Crystal, still snug in the woman's lap, only to bounce and hop away towards his young mistress and cower behind Crystal as Irina hastily dismounted her steed, and with such blazing heat in her otherwise cold and icy eyes, drew her longsword to the Lord of Narsil with a snarl, "You!"

"Nah ah ah! Sword back in the sheath. Temper temper." Varros...as usual he only grinned mischievously to Irina's grim threats. "There is no need to cause a scene here, Lady Irina." And again calling her Lady just to slight the embittered knightly woman. Her eyes flashing still with rancor towards the bastard, Irina growled vicious to Varros as she sheathed her longsword with a heavy clack, "That's SIR Irina to you!" And of course....Varros only resumed scoffing at her, "But of course "Sir" Irina. My most sincere of apologies, but....even under all that armor and masculinity, you are still quite the beautiful lady. It appears my presence is not welcome here at the moment, and so my ladies, I must bid you both a fond farewell. May our paths cross again sometime. Adieu." And may my blade find its way to your heart, you damned wench. How dare you insult the Lord of Narsil.

Vigilantly and with her most harsh of glares, Irina watched as the man tarried away from her and her lady Crystal, muttering under her breath further insults and profanities behind Varros back, though she wasn't sure if he could hear them or not...didn't matter much to her really. "I swear I will not hold back if I ever see him again...." Then, she turned to Crystal, "And you?! What were you thinking leaving me behind like that, M'lady? You know damn well your life is at risk as of recent, and I must be with you at all times should anything drastic occur! I mean do you realize how much tension you put upon me just by-!" However her reprimanding had paused significantly, her voice lowering to a softer and more considerate tone, after noticing most of the eyes upon her and the Princess during the woman's tirade. Wonderful Irina....simply wonderful..... Mortified, her cheeks reddened deeply as she whispered to her lady after a deep and embarrassed sigh, "Princess, I am sorry for my harshness, but you scared me, and when I noticed that bastard Varros....I...I lost control of myself. If you are angry, I understand, but please....don't ever leave my side again. Do you promise?"

Unaware that she was being watched by Lord Vaross and his faithful servants, Crystal continued in her merriment from checking out the various vendors in the market square. There was one in particular she was especially thrilled to check out, a shop for pet accessories that opened for business not too long ago. Her dear Olivia often traveled to Alegasia's shopping district and during her time there, would update The Princess on all of the little happenings outside of the castle walls since Crystal didn't go out often enough to know. An ear piercing squeal escaped Crystal's lips as she stopped at the pet shop, eyes widening in amazement at all of the collars and miniature clothes for her furry friend. She had never heard of animals wearing clothes, and didn't intend on putting Lily in any clothes but it was still very cute to The Princess. Sighing happily, she held up a lavender collar with amethyst stones on the band. "Ooohh, Lily would love this!" Crystal mused, holding a collar of the largest size up to her neck... For a second she almost wished it were for her. Not caring of who watched, Crystal posed cutely in front of the small vanity mirror perched on top of the vendor's stand. She was smiling, carefree...happy, until those familiar black robes fluttered out from behind her reflection in the mirror. Before that man opened his mouth, Crystal knew exactly who it was, nearly dropping the collar and resisting the fear that came over her as he spoke with that feigned delight. It was a miracle that Crystal was able to turn around and face the man, the man who she was sure had hurt Irina last night. "Ah, Lord Vaross...Th-thank you, you're so kind." Crystal swallowed nervously as Lord Vaross held her hand, her heart beat drumming loudly in her ears as his parched lips pressed against her hand; she could feel the skin on his lips through the delicate lace on her hands, but she was glad to have some protection from his venomous touch. Oh, Goddess. Please, I'll never abandon Irina again if you help me out of this.

Just as her desperate prayer was sent to heavens, the thundering of hooves on cobblestone were heard. The Goddess heard her pleas and sent her a knight in shining armor to cut Lord Vaross down. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as Irina neared on her noble steed, the same as when she rescued her for the first time. Crystal stepped away from Lord Vaross, exhaling for the first time since he appeared behind her. In the midst of the confrontation, she had come to a shocking conclusion about Lord Vaross. She wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt before, but now she knew for a fact he was stalking her. Maybe Irina was right all along. Covering her mouth with a gloved hand, Crystal watched in shock as Lord Vaross retreated to wherever he came from. This was all his doing; The Opera, someone rummaging in her room for something. It all added up now.

Crystal sighed and nodded in understanding to what Irina said toward Lord Vaross, but when she got a scolding of her own...in public at that; she was startled to say the least. Blushing deeply, she hung her head to shield from the on lookers in the market place, her face completely concealed by her giant sunhat. Crystal frowned and turned away from Irina, feeling worse to hear that Irina was scared for her. No longer could Crystal pretend this wasn't happening. It was time to grow up a little.

"Forgive me, Sir Irina..." Crystal sounded remorseful for once, sincere even. Irina had no reason to apologize, and she knew that. "It was foolish to leave without you." She knelt down beside Lily and patted the bunny between the ears before placing the unpaid for collar around his neck. The shop keeper didn't notice with all of the commotion going on, but Crystal put several gold coins on his counter. She grabbed a matching leash and tied it to Lily's collars, glancing up at Irina with a soft sigh. "I promise I won't leave your side. Please grab my things so we can go home...They're too heavy." Crystal said coolly before leading Lily away in one hand, and Argo in the other by his reigns. Argo seemed willing to go and gave a huff toward his owner. Crystal giggled to herself, loud enough for Irina to hear.

She had to wonder if it was right of her, just of the knight to scold her Princess as though she were a child who misbehaved, for it seemed even if Irina did have every right to reprimand the wayward Crystal for startling her with her reckless ire, perhaps it was best for the woman to hold her tongue and just let bygones be bygones. Certain, just by how the Princess had turned from her, the evidence of her attendant having chided her in some way quite prevalent in her lady's soft and melancholic tone, a tone of voice that....in a way brought such painful regret upon the knight, it was all too clear that Irina may have hurt the young lass in some sort of unwittingly cruel manner, the opposite of what she intended with her stern and well deserved, but perhaps too harsh and unrelenting words she voiced upon her lady. "M'lady, I...." In her rather glum state of mind, the woman was able to speak, but was cut short by Crystal giving her most sincere promise she would not abandon her Royal Attendant again and asking for Irina to carry her things, trinkets and such she had purchased during her day at the market it seemed to the woman, but she didn't survey them much. Perhaps when they arrived at the Palace, the Princess could show her attendant all that she had bought, that is....if Crystal would oblige to such after what Irina had done. Well....I mean....she did deserve it somewhat for.....but....Dear Goddess...I'm at a lost for words of my actions...

At a loss for words, because Irina found it hard-pressed to believe that any amount of words, any at all would smooth out the rough abrasions she had inflicted possibly between her and her Princess. Even her noble and trusted steed, of all the animals in Alegasia, seemed to hold his master in disdain for her scolding of Lady Crystal, issuing a much displeasured snort and a huff to Irina as he so willingly handed his own reins to the white haired beauty....strolling away from her. I...I suppose I deserve that, Argo. A drawn out and mournful sigh fell from her lips as her eyes, glazed with a doubtful guilt of herself, found themselves staring upon the cracks and odd shapes of the cobblestones below her feet, while she followed behind, carrying her lady's things in both her hands. Crystal, she had to be bothered indeed by the roughness of her protector, even going as far as to hide it in what Irina considered a feigned giggle of false glee. There's no possibility she is that joyful after my verbal onslaught of her, but.....as much a scolding she needed, I should have at least been more considerate of her, and well....everyone else in the market. Perhaps there's a way I could at least make it up to her. Wait....I know. She looked to her steed, a bit of a brightness returning to her once grave eyes of woeful despair and a little bounce in her step as she moved closer to the gargantuan horse, slipping her foot into the stirrup and climbing onto the beast's back, next taking the Princess by surprise, and with all her strength, pulling the petite young girl also onto Argo. "It would probably be better for us to ride back to the Royal Palace instead of walk, M'lady." To her lady, Irina gave the most sincere of smiles she could give to Crystal, the light blue of her eyes glistening with such a warm light. "I'll admit, you were in the wrong venturing on without me, but...I shouldn't be so brash upon you either. So, shall we return home now?" Gently, she moved her arms around the Princess' soft figure and took the reins of Argo in her gauntlets, the horse seeming to act on impulse and begin a slow trot towards the forest road, the pathway home.

"Ahh!" Crystal yelped as she was lifted from the ground with ease and placed on Argo's back, she may as well have been in Irina's arms because it felt like Irina was cradling her. Lily followed Crystal by jumping up and landing behind Irina, laying on his belly and closing his eyes to sleep. Sighing softly, Crystal looked at the ground as it moved, relaxing against Irina just a bit. That felt much better to The Princess, her feet were already feeling relieved thanks to Argo...and his master. She figured Irina wasn't so bad after all - even if her Lady Knight had publicly embarrassed Crystal and possibly blown her cover in front of the whole shopping district. Crystal furrowed her eyebrows at Irina, that woman did not know how to let things go, but to her surprise it wasn't another scolding... Irina was actually being more considerate of Crystal's feelings, realizing she was not without fault either. "You're the one who overslept, Irina." Crystal mumbled, turning away from Irina slightly and turning her nose up. "And yes, I would very much like to go home. I'm starved." She said in a matter fact way as she removed her sun hat to fan herself.

"I wonder why Lord Vaross is lingering in Alegasia...I think he's the one, or maybe he hired someone to break into my room." She said this casually, like Irina already knew that someone had come into the castle and snooped her room. It was as if Crystal had forgotten that Irina was overbearing, and worried way too much. "He is very suspicious. No wonder you didn't like him. I must say, Irina. You have surprisingly good judgement." Crystal covered her mouth as she yawned and leaned against Irina's body of steel.

"I knew he was up to no good the day I laid eyes upon the fiend." Irina replied in her own matter of stating fact as slowly Argo trotted through the only pathway through the thick of Alegasia's many vast and shadowed forests of mystery. "I guess it's just an intuition of mine, M'lady, to see danger before it has a chance to present itself, or rather in this case himself. I'll be sure from now on to keep a firm eye on this damned creature of Narsil, for I believe we may not have seen the last of Varros. Ah...but let's put the thought away from our minds, shall we? I would love to hear about your day at the market rather than ponder upon the scheming of a madman." If Irina knew one thing certain, it was that her lady wasn't much for these stern and somewhat militaristic talks of their enemy, so best of her to show more interest in how her Princess has fared instead of wondering when Varros' next attack shall be sorely inflicted upon the two. And honestly.....Irina did want to take more interest in Crystal, desiring a bit more than usual to talk of everything else other than just knightly duties of the Kingdom and Irina's suspicions. No, the woman for once cared more about what wonderful items her lady may have garnered from the many famous shops of Alegasia's market or perhaps to hear more rousing and beautiful tales of Poponoriodestia, that distant paradise Crystal described as, being to Irina, a fragment of the heavens laid upon the earth, now thinking of one day seeing the peculiar island for herself and maybe...feeling that same surge of rapture that overcame Crystal as she spoke of it.

It amused Irina, how much her thoughts had changed towards the young Princess she swore to guard with her life, the beautiful lass with snow white hair and glimmering amethyst eyes. Though she still considered the girl to be somewhat of a nuisance, rather reckless and whimsical in dealing a great amount of stress to the knight, she tended to see more past the negative qualities of her lady, looking upon the Princess as kind, fanciful, and not much of a pain but a joy to be around, seeming to grow closer to her with each day that had passed. She had even considered to letting Crystal sleep in the same bed as her, an act maybe accepted in a relaxed Kingdom such as Avalon, but surely it was indeed frowned upon in the more morally statured and strict Alegasia. Nevertheless, a smile found its way to her lips as her sapphire eyes fell upon the white haired girl leaning close to her. I don't know why, but even in my most bitter of moments, all seems to fade and dissipate...when I gaze upon those very features of you, M'lady. It's as though you have a charm over me, quelling my rage with your violet eyes and your hair, white as the most peaceful of winters in all the Kingdoms. I don't understand what it is about you that eases my troubled soul....and I guess I may never find out, but....I may tend to enjoy it all the more...

Crystal sighed and folded her arms across her chest, giving Irina a rather cold glance before responding. "I didn't have much of a day at the market so there isn't much to hear..." She noticed Irina looking at her in a strange way... a nice way, and felt a little bad for being so curt with her when she was only trying to make conversation. "I did pick up a few things though...We're almost home so I'll show you when we get inside." At that, Crystal smiled; She couldn't wait to see the look on Irina's face when she saw the snow globe she'd gotten for her out of the kindness of her heart... Well, that was part of the reason. It was mostly a gift to mend things between them, but now that they both apologized there was no need to mend anything. I can keep it for myself then! Hmmm... Maybe not. Crystal reconsidered, finding she couldn't pass up the chance to do something nice for Irina. She remembered her Royal Attendant's tale of hardship at the dinner table, and...though Crystal didn't show it right then, it did make her feel a little sad. They were the same age and Irina was a nice girl - she saw no reason for Irina to be unappreciated. It was her way of saying Thank you...without actually having to say anything.

After several minutes Argo trotted up toward the palace and stopped in front of the fountain to let them off. Crystal, being her usual hasty self, jumped down from Argo's back without waiting for Irina to help her off of the giant steed. The distance from the ground was greater than expected, and Crystal did not anticipate the pain that shot up her legs when her feet hit the ground that caused her to fall back and hit the ground like a rag doll. She was not unconscious, but she wanted to be. Her legs were in so much pain; it scared her to think she may have broken them. Groaning, she tried to lift her head but...the sight of Irina and knowing she witnessed this poor display embarrassed her. "Irina, this is all your fault..." She said weakly, shielding her eyes with her arm so she wouldn't have to look at Irina anymore. "If you would have just left me be..." Crystal didn't finish the rest of her sentence, it was just too much for her.

Her eyebrow furrowed a tad in utter dismay and the soft smile she displayed so brightly....had faded into shadows and twisted downward into a frown when the Princess returned to her, not her usual warmth in her smile that Irina was hoping to bring forth from the girl, but unfortunately what Irina had received....was by far the coldest of glowers from the Princess, not wishing honestly to carry on a more friendly and casual conversation with her attendant, which in turn seemed to dishearten the knight....quite a bit. Sure there was a sort of smile from Crystal, but only for a fleeting second before that icy expression of displeasure towards the woman had returned and remained affixed for the rest of the journey, rendering Irina unable to....really say anything. That only made the journey home feel much longer than it should, despite the clopping of Argo's massive hooves against the ground as he trotted along, no further sound was made....only a dead and unnerving silence.

Shortly, though it having felt almost an eternity before Irina would ever see the gilded tops of those majestic white marble towers, the two women and the two animals, the horse and the rabbit, had finally arrived upon the emerald lawns of soft, glistening grass of the Royal Palace's courtyard. Irina, she would have been the first to dismount her mighty steed, but Crystal, the Princess reckless as ever, was already scooting off the saddle before Irina could grab a hold of her in time to warn her of leaving so hastily off Argo. She knew what would follow next, and sure enough she heard the Princess' yelp out in pain before falling to the ground, a redness about her bare legs to display the great deal of shock she dealt to herself from such a fall. "M'lady!" Instantly, and almost accustom of the knight, Irina flew into a panic, herself brashly dismounting her horse, but making sure to not make the same hapless error her lady had made before. Already was she to the injured girl's side, falling to her knees with such a grimace of worry upon her face. "Princess! Are you alright? Let me see your-" But as she heard the Princess speak to her....telling her such....such ill words... Her eyebrow had furrowed for a more different reason.... "Oh stop being so childish, M'lady." In that small instance, there was a gruffness to her voice, feeling as if....actually no she was chided by Crystal laying the blame upon her...not taking fault for her own foolish actions... "Twas no one's fault other than your own. Now c'mon. Let's get you inside and have the castle nurse look at your legs." Not even caring once if her lady objected, the knight hoisted the petite girl into her arms, almost akin to how perchance a groom would carry his lovely bride, but Irina hardly noticed the similarity to such. "Argo, to the stables lad. Go!" She commanded of her horse before stepping into the castle and already afoot towards Crystal's chamber, her eyes catching the equally small frame of Ginger, the former maid of Crystal...now given over to Irina.

"Ah! Welcome back, Sir Irina...eh....w-what happened to the Princess? Is she okay?" The young maid, her once cheerful and welcoming smile had but vanished and a grim expression of dark apprehension had come forth to usurp her youthful features. Irina replied curtly to the maid, pushing open the chamber door and ferrying Crystal over to her bed, "She should be fine, Lady Ginger, but I fear her legs may have been broken. Send for the castle nurse. I shall tend to whatever my lady the Princess needs." And with that, the girl nodded before exiting with haste....leaving Irina there with....the girl who had scorned her with those harsh words. "I'm not angry with you, but.....what you said did offend me a bit. I don't know why you would hold disdain to me, when all I try to do is look after you....." Such a glower the knight carried, her bottom lip quivering and her ice blue eyes, once intense...now misting over with a melancholic haze as she departed from the side of Crystal's bed and took her place in a small chair nearby....eyes only upon the floor instead of upon her lady.

Crystal muttered some incoherent sentences in response to Irina's comments as she was hoisted off the ground and into Irina's arms bridal style. If Crystal wasn't on the brink of dying, she would think of how romantic this was, but sadly Irina had picked her up for a different reason and didn't look too amused by it either. She allowed most of her weight to rest on Irina, only weighing around one hundred pounds it would be an easy task for her royal attendant. Hearing Irina address Ginger woke her from her pain spell just a bit, but she still appeared to be in quite a bit of pain. "Ginger, have a maid fetch my things from the courtyard." Crystal mumbled towards Ginger, grabbing hold of the maid's sleeve briefly before they entered her room. Ginger nodded to the Princess, but that was the least of her worries... She needed to inform the castle nurse first of Crystal's injury.

Once Irina set Crystal down on the bed, the pain in her legs subsided just a bit, but not enough to make a huge difference. She closed her eyes and groaned, trying to push the thought of having broken legs from her mind...and thanks to Irina that didn't delay too long. Crystal opened one eye and turned her head toward Irina, opening both eyes with a hint of sadness in them. It was clear by Irina's facial expression that she had hurt her feelings in some way... Frowning softly, she moved her hand to touch Irina's before she left the bedside, but Irina had already retreated to a chair by the wall. Her Royal Attendant was refusing to make eye contact...a bad sign for Crystal, but she didn't say anything to make Irina feel better. Crystal sighed and stared up at the ceiling as she dreaded the nurse's arrival, her anxiety runny higher with each passing second.

Crystal's eyes darted to the door as it creaked opened and the head nurse, Rosie entered the room with a tray of tools and a frighteningly large syringe needle in her hand. She was a tall middle aged woman with short coal black hair and almond shaped eyes; an attractive looking lady with exaggerated breast and hip proportions, visible even through the loosest of clothes. "I beg of you, no needles!" She said with frantic waves of the hand. Her pleas didn't deter Rosie from coming closer, she seemed to be getting a lot of enjoyment out of tormenting the Princess with the needle. "Relax, Crystal... " Rosie said softly as she set the needle down on the tray before gingerly touching The Princess' legs to inspect them. "You've only sprained your ankles. I told you to stay out of those high heels--embrace your height." Rosie shook her head and looked at Irina. "I'm Rosie, the head nurse. Thank you for taking care of our Princess. I imagine she's..." The nurse glanced at the trembling Princess, a smirk on her lips as she returned to Irina. "Making you feel right at home?"

Crystal pressed her lips together so tightly they were nearly white. She couldn't be rude to Rosie, she had helped deliver her and was best friend's with The Queen when she was alive.