Lullyn

Fairy Tale (closed. RE: carsgovroom only)

"I'm sorry," Avril said. "We didn't mean to interrupt." Stephen wasn't looking at her. His eyes had been on Ella, but he seemed to stiffen at the sight of her and then bowed quite low. "Lady Beauchamp," he said, causing Avril to give him a shake of the head. "You two are as bad as each other," she said teasingly. "You've known each other too long to bother with titles." When Stephen straightened, his cheeks looked a little flushed, but he quickly turned his head. "We came to find you," she said, purposely not looking at he guard behind her. "You shouldn't be hiding up here." She gave a little grin and guestured to Ella, "you should be asking her to dance." Stephen looked slightly alarmed but managed, "I beg your pardon, Lady... Ella. Forgive my rudeness. Please allow me to escort you to the ballroom floor." He offered her his arm. Avril, who now was out of his line of sight, nodded furiously at her friend, gesturing for her to take the hint.

The Dragon Empire

She was silent for sometime. In the tree she was pouting, more because he knew exactly what buttons to push. "Damn it, Jube," she said in annoyance, but it was clear she wasn't angry. "You're so mean." Jube could make her stay, she knew it. He was making her feel guilty. She was the one who protected him, stood up to the other kids for him, pulled faces at the adults who looked at him strange. She didn't care that they thought she was just as weird because she understood why, but Jube had never hurt a fly. She was adament she'd leave, but the idea of leaving him behind to fend for himself. Stupid boy she thought angrily, climbing down so far and then swinging herself so that she landed on the ground, not far from where Jube was stood. She was still pouting, and she crossed her arms in defiance "Please tell me you just knew I'd be here and there wasn't any reason you came looking." She wanted to believe that he didn't know, believe that she could pretend for a little longer that she was just having a moment with her family.

The Dragon Empire

ooc: I've kind of made up a little history between them. I hope it's okay. The trees were thickly packed, so close that most touched branches. It smelled best when there had been fresh rain, which was why Kes liked it. She liked to go there, sometimes with Robin, others with Jube, or by herself. It was the 3rd place she'd thought of. The first two had been the roof of the forge and the other was one of the unharvested fields. She heard Jube's voice call to her and bit her lip. Either he knew nothing and had just guessed she might be here, or someone had already told him. She didn't want him to know, didn't want anyone to know. "No," came her voice, but it was hard to tell where exactly from because the trees were so dense, but it seemed to be in the branches, rather than the ground. "I'm not going back this time. There is no way." She'd threatened only once before to run away. She'd stormed off before in the heat of anger or humiliation, but she'd always gone onto the roof of the forge and the beating of metal had calmed her. This time felt like last time, but worse. It was when they'd been small and her mother had said that she didn't want her to play with Jube. They'd not long started to talk and they were friends but to a child knowing someone for 2 minutes could make them your friend." "He's a strange child," her mother hand said, Swan and Sparrow nodding their heads with their usual smug faces. They were of a similar age and never had much time for her. "Robin, you're to keep your sister away from him." Robin had the same expression as today, pained surprise. She knew it wasn't his fault, but she felt mad as hell. She'd screamed at her mother that there was nothing wrong with Jube and when her mother had tried to forbid her, she'd run off. She couldn't remember how old she'd been but no more than 6. She hadn't come here that time. She'd ran into the cornfield and Robin had followed, telling her to come home. She'd said no, stubbornly refusing, saying she was going to leave. Jube had come that time too, quietly and kindly. Robin had tried to explain and Jube had been sweet and said it was okay. She'd got angry and upset for him. He was trying to be kind and good, not wanting to get her in trouble, so she'd come flying out of the crops and had shouted at him. "Don't you want to be my friend?!" she'd demanded. He looked shocked and said that of course he did, but he didn't want her to get in trouble. "I don't care what she says. You're my friend and she's a cow." Everything went quiet for a few moments, her panting with anger and Robin looking shocked. Then they'd all began to laugh. Jube pursuade her to go home and said they could be friends still, so she'd reluctantly gone home. Her father had been told what she'd done and had put his foot down with her mother. Jube and her had carried on being friends, though often Robin had to come too to "keep an eye on them." Her mother had never understood that she was the bad one, not Jube. But Jube was not going to convince her to come back. "I'm leaving," she said, her voice soft now.

Fairy Tale (closed. RE: carsgovroom only)

Avril gave a grin, and off they went, Avril giggling occasionally and talking of times gone by, as well as admiring clothes. She was more relaxed when she was with Ella, that was for sure. But in Avril's head there was a plan that she hadn't shared with her friend. Over time she'd noticed Stephen seemingly drift away from Ella. He was sometimes in the room, but he would be quiet and say little, or make an excuse to go. There was no single moment where this had occurred, but it was as gradual as a stone being worn away by the sea into sand. The worst thing was that she knew that Stephen didn't dislike Ella. She didn't know any more than that, but when they were young it was always Stephen who would play with them, even when Edward was too mature to keep playing kids games. She didn't like the idea that she might have to choose between them. When they reached the doors of the balcony, there was not 1 but two figures with their backs to them. They were similar in build and in the light it was hard to tell the difference. "Stephen?" she called with some confusion, which caused both young men to turn around, revealing her brother and a young man she'd never met. He was wearing the uniform of the guard she could now see. H blushed somewhat and mumbled something that was most likely "your highness," as he gave a quick bow and hastily returned to his post. Avril couldn't help but watch him, then realized she was doing so when he looked at her and quickly looked away.

Fairy Tale (closed. RE: Kyrisse only)

Avril was surprised by her friend's tone, but didn't look around to see what had caused it. Possible excitement at seeing her brother? She could but hope, but it was something they hadn't discussed, though they had discussed much else. Moving with some speed and giving a giggle, they reached the doors to see the two figures on the balcony, their backs to them. They were similar in build and in the light it was hard to tell the difference. "Oh," said her alarm when she realized Stephen wasn't alarm, which caused both young men to turn around, revealing her brother and a young man she'd never met. Hiro blushed somewhat and mumbled something that was most likely "your highness," as he gave a quick bow and hastily returned to his post. Avril couldn't help but watch him, then realized she was doing so when he looked at her and quickly looked away, approaching Stephen. "I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to interrupt." Stephen's smile was soft but on sight of Alessandra he seemed to become a rigid, surprise on his face. "Lady Kent," he said, giving a stiff bow, causing Avril to give him a shake of the head. "You know she's Alessandra," she said teasingly. His cheeks flushed a little and he looked away. "We came to find you," she said, looking at Alessandra to get some encouragement. "Why are you hiding up here?" She found herself glancing over to Hiro, who immediately averted his eyes. "I'm not hiding," he said, his voice kind but still a little stiff. "Allow me to introduce you. Lady Kent, Avril, this is Hiro. Hiro, this is Princess Avril, my sister, and her good friend Lady Alessandra Kent." The young man gave a deep bow but didn't say something. Clearly he was embarrassed, and what was more, Avril seemed to be too. "I think you should ask Alessandra to dance," she said quickly, like it had fallen out of her mouth. "It's a ball, not hide and seek."

The Dragon Empire

Robin shrugged.
"It is for Kes," he said, gesturing for the boy to follow.
He seemed to be trying to think about what to say, causing his hand to run through his own hair and mess it up.
"She's had a bit of a shock," he said, wondering if Kes should be making this announcement.
They'd reached the town center whilst they walked, Robin looking around all the time as he spoke.
"Mum's decided Kes is to marry," he said.
He left the words out there, hanging like daggers above a body. He wasn't sure how to feel about it.
He told him about the family being there, about how their older sisters had been so happy, giggling and crooning as they spoke of men suitable. Kes had been sat frozen, her face draining of colour.
"Of course, she got out of there sharpish," said Robin with an affectionate smile. He might have been a year Kes's senior, but she'd always been his closest sibling. Starling, the only other boy, was 4 years younger, so it was hard for him to talk to him the way he did with Kes.
"Problem is, I'm worried," he said, looking around as they changed direction. "She just looked so...."
Pale, shocked, betrayed. They were all the right words. She'd looked at him, her face stricken. He wasn't sure how shocked his own face was. It seemed that his mother and older sisters were possibly the only ones who were in on it.
He pointed down a path, which lead to the crop fields.
"Look, can you help me find her?" he said, rounding on the boy who was his own age. "I don't know where she's chosen to go and if she wants to stay hidden, I know I'd never find her. If you take the fields and woods, I'll take any spots in the village where I think she'd go."

The Dragon Empire

The racket from the Smith home, which was next to the forge, was louder than usual. The Smiths had 6 children, the older 2 of whom were married and living in their own homes and children in the village. Today, however, all 6 of the children, along with their offspring and partners, were at the home. The family was made up of 4 daughters and 2 sons. They were all named after birds, because their mother thought it was sweet and thheir father had always been good at bird calls. They were a pretty big family. But the noise wasn't just due to volume of people. "Kestral!" came their mother's cry as the door swung open, emitting the 3rd eldest daughter, and 4th child. She didn't stop but was gone in a moment. By the time Robin reached the door, he couldn't see her. He gave a sigh. This was not their mother's best idea. Fancy springing that on her with everyone there. He walked down the steps in front of their home, just as the door swung open again. His father and his younger brother, Starling, came out. His father looked no more pleased than he felt. "We're going back to the forge," his father told him as the passed. "This is women's things." Robin knew his father would expect him back in the forge, but he wanted to speak to Kestral first. She'd be cooling her heels somewhere. He headed down the track to the middle of the village, which was a well. She wouldn't be there, but it was as good a place to start as any. Why would his mother think she'd be happy? He was heading along when he spotted a figure, which he recognised as Jube. Robin had nothing against Jube. The rest of the village seemed to think him an odd duck, but Robin never held truck with being mean to someone. Jube had never harmed him. "Jube," he called, giving a wave to the boy. "Seen Kestral?" If anyone was strange, Kestral certainy fit that bill. She wanted to work in the forge. Their father was dead against it, so she'd been acting the rebel since. The villagers thought her odd too, but then Kestral had told him they thought him odd, because he was so good with animals and wasn't interested in the villagge girls.

Fairy Tale (closed. RE: carsgovroom only)

Good to me. How was Disney?

Fairy Tale (closed. RE: carsgovroom only)

"Exactly," she said with annoyance. "They see the title. They don't see me." She looked at the ceiling, then seemed to remember this was a party. "Anyway...,"she said, blushing a little. "I lost Stephen. I don't know where he ended up." It was true, Stephen had been a little distant and had vanished the moment her back was turned. He always was good at hide and seek as a kid. She could remember the 3 of them, Edward, her and Ella spending ages finding him. Sometimes they never did. But as they'd gotten older, Edward had found an interest in hunting and girls. Stephen had become quiet, preferring books. She adored both her brothers, but they were so different, in appearance and in interest. Both boys were, in her opinion handsome, but Edward was a dark blonde and well built, Stephen's hair was a dark brown and slight. They were of a similar height now. "Shall we go find him?" she asked brightly. "Or would you like to find a partner to dance?" "Should you not go back to the party?" Hiro asked Stephen. "It's okay," Stephen replied, his gaze back at the view. "I like the peace." "Isn't there someone you'd like to see?" Hiro asked, with mock teasing, but was a little surprised when Stephen's cheeks grew a little pink. "I'm sorry, my...." "You know I don't like you to call me that," said Stephen. "And you have no need to make apologies to me. You say what you think and I wish I could be more like you." Hiro ran a hand through his hair, a common habit when he was nervous or embarrassed. "I'm glad you've joined the guard," said Stephen. "But if you start acting like I'm royalty, I will...." But the threat was not even meant, anyone could see that. Hiro hadn't met any of the other royals, other than the King and Prince Stephen. They'd known each other for a while now, and sometimes he got the feeling that the boy was lonely, and would have traded situations in a heart beat.

Fairy Tale (closed. RE: Kyrisse only)

Avril’s eyes followed hers and she smiled at Edward. “He loves to dance,” she commented, but at her friend’s next words, she frowned. “I lost Stephen earlier,” she admitted, looking around as if he’d suddenly appear. “You know what he’s like. Probably gone to find somewhere quiet.” She linked her arm through her friend’s with a grin, “shall we go try and find him?” She avoided any larger than 2 groups of males, and they made their way around the room. The problem was that Stephen could hide very well. It was a talent. “My lady,” said a well dressed servant to each of them, offering refreshments on a tray. “Have you seen my brother, Presley?” she said as she took them. Since Edward was hard to miss, the servant knew immediately which she was looking for. “I believe Prince Stephen is taking the night air,” the man said with a bow. Avril’s eyes looked to the balcony entrance. “Of course, thank you, Presley,” she said with a sweet smile, changing their direction to the stairs that would lead to the balcony. “Are you coming tomorrow?” Hiro asked Stephen, his gate somewhat relaxed. “I will certainly try. I believe Edward intends to hunt. I’ll come down during their preparations.” Hiro didn't ask why Stephen wasn't joining this escapade. He knew why, because it had been a previous topic of conversation. “Does the Queen know you sometimes….” “Mother has flowers to tend,” Stephen said simply. “She doesn't say anything so I doubt she minds. Are you still okay with it?” Stephen turned his head to look at Hiro. “You aren't under any obligation,” he said, turning to the other. “If you don’t want….” Hiro had been surprised by the words, which was why he hadn't responded straight away. “You’re always welcome,” he interrupted, which would be an uncommon act for a guard to do. Had his general heard, he probably would have received punishment. “Beside, it’s good for you to get some air from time to time.”