Tpartywithzombi

Tea's partner search ( F looking for M characters)

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(F seeking F for MxF) Searching for long-term partner interested in Historical, Post-Apocalyptic and more!

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🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: The woods
Mention: Callum @helo
Interactions:
Appearance: No shoes | Thin white long dress | Heavy black cloak with hood

The words Callum expressed caused Ari to freeze in the moment. Her eyes widened slightly in reaction as they sobered her up just enough to comprehend their meaning. ” We won't let your mother take freedom from you.”

From a life met with so much ugliness and hate, Callum, likely unknowingly just gave her the kindest gift anyone had ever presented her. Looking at the bottle as she felt butterflies fill her belly she brought the bottle to her lips taking another large mouthful of the fiery liquid. Although Callum saw himself as a force of destruction, Ari saw him as a bringer of peace.

The rest of his statement did bring a sense of sadness to her mood. Although she knew the Prince would never be interested in her in such a way she had hoped, maybe even the tiniest amount that his actions were met with care for her and not just revenge. She smiled non the less, not allowing her emotion to show before nodding along in agreeance.

She grinned “ What about you?” she asked her friend “ Will you be free?” She kept her voice low to match his as they reached the fire. “Mother does think you to be a troublemaker, so it wouldn’t be a lie. She forbids me from seeing you again” She scoffed before taking another drink as her balance seemed to waver slightly. “ I never listened to her before and I don't plan on starting anytime soon” She giggled softly to herself.

Taking attention to the shaman “ Oh .. Tea...Right!” She extended her hand out to Cal offering the bottle. “ Would you mind holding this for me?” Without much else Ariella left Callum's side to fetch the tea from the shaman. She stopped for a moment to appreciate the singing and dancing that Roman and Mina performed, but her eyes too kept getting drawn back to the fire that Callum continued to watch with intent.

Taking the tea in one drink she set the cup down onto the shaman's tray before returning to Callum's side. She was about to speak but felt like her feet were no longer touching the grass. Looking down she watched the ground float away from her as her eyes widened “Whoa…” she whispered. Her eyes moved up to look at the fire that appeared to dance to the beat of the music, thrashing and crackling as the beautiful lights illuminated the pair. “...it’s beautiful” she said softly as if in a trance by its movement, so focused she didn't hear Anastasia shout about the party.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: The woods
Mention: Callum @helo
Interactions:
Appearance: No shoes | Thin white long dress | Heavy black cloak with hood

Staring at Callum with a confused expression about being a giant owl, Ariella didn’t pay too much mind to her friend. Her eyes widened with shock as he explained his side of the story as an expression of panic seemed to wash across her face.

“Oh no…” she said softly shaking her head “ I might aswell enjoy my last night of freedom…” she said in a sombered tone. As she sat there contemplating all the things her mother would say and do the moment she returned home a thought of her storming off to speak to the king about his wild child caused her once somber expression to brighten as her cheese flushed with red.

Letting out a giggle she pictured her mother storming off like a child. Ari’s eyes dropped down to Callum bare feet as she grinned from ear to ear before pulling up the hem of the skirt and wiggling her toes. Her face beamed from ear to ear at Callum.

“Oh! Yes! Tea…Where do we get that from?” she asked as she lowered her skirt, looking around for any sign of tea.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Location: Unknown
Time: Sola 23 / Night
Interactions: ???

Many moments had passed since Violet was abducted from the balcony. Snatched up by the very man who glared at her with enmity at the tea party. The young woman was splayed out with her back against the white silk sheets of a bed fitting for two. Unmasked with a glint of moonlight creeping into the room from between the window curtains.

“Wake up, my little raven.” Alexander's voice was but a whisper from his lips that grazed her ear. “Wake up.” he whispered once more, this time his lips were at her neck. A subtle taste of her was all that was needed to take him. It was in this instance, she became his captor. He was hers.

He couldn't help but do it again, this time without the whisper. And again. And again. He found his body moving closer to hers with each kiss as he continued to desire more. She was in ecstasy. She was his new addiction. He wanted to take her now but his desire was for her to want it. To yearn for his embrace that he could barely hold back. To permit him to remove clothes from flesh. To let him learn her body better than anyone else could.

It was all but a dream for Violet…

“Wake up!”

There was no bed. No kisses. No intimate embrace. Instead, Alexander was standing over her whole she laid on the floor with scattered strands of hay.

Violet woke with a loud gasp as the air filled her lungs, her mind spinning with the remnants of the strange dream. She shot forward in the mound of hay with her hand gripping around her throat. Her neck felt tight and sore to the touch as her body continued to fill its lungs in a panic. She tried to speak, she tried to yell but the damage to her throat only allowed small cracks of noises to escape her lips. But then…

The smell…

Her eyes perked up as the heavenly scent of blood filled her nose. The blood she hadn’t smelt before as tiny whimpers echoed around her.

Unmasked and with a scowl on his face, Alexander spoke up once more.
“You've let yourself get so weak. Do you have any idea how long you've been slumped on the ground like a ragdoll?” Alexander scolded before shaking his head. Over a half hour had passed since she was taken. The carriage ride, the arrival, and even the set up for tonight's small brief event. She had slept through it all.

Violet's ears perked as she heard the voice, the voice from the dream. Who was he? Why was she here? Why did he try to kill her? Was he the one who killed her? The questions circled loudly through her thoughts. All the while, Alexander remained silent, granting her a brief moment to sort herself.

Slamming her fist on the ground Violet attempted to shout at him, the stranger, but it only came out as raspy noises. Frustrated and after a few more attempts at mumbled shouts she finally managed a few words.

“Who-are…you!” She growled between her clenched teeth but Alexander seemed unfazed. Instead of answering her question, he crouched and swiftly grabbed ahold of her jaw with his gloves hand. Despite only being caught between his index finger and thumb, his grasp on her was powerful.

Violet felt a growl grow deep in her chest as her eyes narrowed inwards as she felt his powerful grip on her jaw, she had never felt such strength from someone with just two fingers. Whoever this was, he wasn’t playing around.

“Hush.” His voice was quiet and sharp. His face now held a more neutral expression as he peered into Violet's crimson eyes. “I will give you my name in due time.” He released her from his grip before offering her the same pain-inflicting hand to hold.

Violet knew she was out matched here. Her body was simply too weak to even try to fight him off and the luck of her brother stepping in to help was slim to happen again. Seeing a shadow of a hand reach out towards her she slapped it away before helping herself to her feet. She fell backwards slightly into the wall behind her as she stumbled on her feet, her head dizzy from the attack. This only brought on a sigh of disappointment from Alexander as he watched her struggle.

“Why do you all insist on attacking me and not finishing the job?” She asked softly, her voice still raspy but she was finding it easier to talk now. Alexander declined to answer yet another one of her questions. Violet felt her hand instinctively rest around her neck as it continued to throb, red and swollen from the constricting of her windpipe. So feeble… She's almost in the same physical state as the boy.

Soft sounds of whimpering sobs echoed around them

There it was again… It wasn’t coming from Violet or Alexander's shadowed figure. The smell of blood was still thick in the air as it made her mouth slightly salivate.

“Who else is here…”

“Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?” He mocked her with a soft high-pitched voice. “Go find out. He can't quite move anymore and… he quite speak either. Shattered jaw and all... Come let's go take a look at your supper,” Alexander said nonchalantly.

Violet's red eyes narrowed on the man, she could feel her frustrations and anger grow within her belly. Her supper!? He had to be joking. Did he know? Did he do this…

“I don't know what you're talking about, but I'm not eating a human being!” Although the words escaped her lips, the sweet smell of blood in the air filled her nose giving her a euphoric feeling of need. Pulling herself out she had to remind herself she was stronger than that and this was clearly a trap. Whoever this was, he was testing the waters and she wasn’t going to budge.

Then the whimpers echoed again…

Violet's head turned into the direction of the sound, she could see a dark shadow slumped over onto the ground. It easily could have been confused with a pile of hay but the sound continued to come from it. Shutting her eyes she tried to ignore the man's cries. This wasn’t real… It was a terrible dream and she was about to wake up at any moment.

“This is disgustingly nostalgic.” Alexander nodded as he crossed his arms. His sleeves were rolled with his forearms still bearing the scratches Violet had inflicted.

Violet stood in silence, her back pressed against the wall. She felt her arms wrap around her chest for comfort as the situation continued to get stranger. If only her eyes would work she could find a way out of here.

“You can't deny it. What you are now. And I don't care how much you'd love to go back to your quaint life, it is beyond your grasp.” Alexander continued walking toward the body slumped in the darkness. “Something tells me you and this young man are not so different. I wouldn't have expected it from the daughter of an esteemed Count but you are…”

She felt the hairs on her skin rise as the more words he spoke the more she realized that he knew he had a hand in her death. Her fist clenched tightly as she felt angered with herself for not being stronger to repay the favor.

Alexander briefly stopped to turn to her. “Weak. Unbelievably so. Too weak to help yourself. Too weak to take the bad hand you've been dealt and overcome this sick game we're all forced to play.”

Violet pushed away from the wall turning towards the man, her red eyes bright in the darkness as she focused on him. “You’re wrong, I am not weak. I survived, and I will continue to do so WITHOUT hurting innocent people. I don't care what you think I am!”

“Think? Fine.” Alexander spoke as if he had let her win. He turned away from her and proceeded toward the whimperer. “Sorry, Darryn. She doesn't seem to be interested. Even after I made you so tempting.” Alexander took a seat beside Darryn, wrapping a friendly arm over his shoulders.

His voice sent a shiver down her spine, the way he spoke about the man as if he were just a simple snack he had before dinner. Was this her future that she was witnessing? Would she turn into this … monstrous being?

“Story of your life, unfortunately. But I can pity you. You didn't choose to be this pathetic and you can still serve a purpose.” Alexander smiled as he took a deep breath. The smell of the body's crimson nectar was something he couldn't quite ignore. It made him smile a toothy grin. A grin of teeth that was awfully peculiar. “I was no different than you once, and that is exactly why I am so invested. You can't have both… Come. Come here my scarlet-eyed raven and join us.”

Scarlet… what a name.

The pungent aroma of blood hung heavy in the air, relentlessly teasing her senses. With each passing moment, the scent seemed to creep deeper into her consciousness, whispering its dark allure to her vulnerable mind. But Violet, despite her inner turmoil, refused to succumb to the temptation.

The man's words were like sharp claws scratching at her sanity. His twisted thoughts seemed to wrap around her like a suffocating vine, pushing her to doubt her identity. Every fiber of her being rebelled against his insidious influence, but a part of her couldn't help but be enticed by the alluring taste of the sweet honey she once tasted.

With a surge of frustration, Violet defiantly shook her head, trying to cast off his charm. "NO," she declared, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and strength. Her words echoed through the eerie silence, carrying an unmistakable conviction.

“No? Did you hear her Darryn? She still won't bite.” Tears and blood rolled down the stable boy's beaten face. With an abrupt movement, Alexander was back on his feet.

"I will do more than just scratch up your arm if you continue to imply that you have a single thought of who or what I am." she threatened, her voice now laced with an eerie calmness. Her warning held a dark promise that she would not waver from, no matter the outcome. Though the path of darkness called a siren song, Violet stood strong, unwavering in her refusal to embrace the monstrous destiny that others sought to impose upon her. She would not be swayed by the desires of a single man.

“And the lies continue.” Alexander started to slowly walk toward Violet. “You won't hurt me, because you can't.” Violet could see his dark shape getting closer. His voice becoming clearer. “And I know exactly what you are because…” His fist crashed into the pit of her stomach.

Breath shot out from her lungs and she leaned over attempting to catch herself. Her lungs battled for air as her fists balled up. Her eyes widened with shock at the situation at hand. Violet let out a gasping breath as she tried to shoot herself forward trying to escape but her foot caught on the train of her dress. Even with this folly, she should have at least barreled into her assailant but instead, she hit the ground. Several horses woke with the commotion, neighing loudly due to being startled.

Alexander had not been in front of Violet when she tumbled as his movements were deftly quick. While gasping for breath, she felt his firm hand clench the back of her neck.

“Do you see what you did, Scarlet? You scared the horses.” Alexander started to drag Violet by her neck toward Darryn's body. Letting out a cry, Violet thrashed around violently in his grasp as her body was dragged so easily along the floor. Her legs kicking and and pulling, her hands grasping towards his arm trying to break free of his hold. “Stop it!” She shouted as tears formed in her eyes, the panic and fear clear in her voice as it cracked.

“You even forced my hand. I do not enjoy putting my hands on women this way but you leave Darryn and I no choice.” Alexander continued to drag her until he was right before the bleeding stable boy. The same boy who had been spared from execution just two days before. Violet's crimson eyes laid on the withering shadow as the smell of blood became too strong. She could feel her body fight against her mind in a dark clash of morality as tears streamed down her face. Her body trembled in Alexander’s grip as she could feel her mind slowly losing to the primal feeling that swelled over her.

“I went through the trouble of preparing him for you. Giving you the very thing you need. What you crave. Now consume!” He declared as he shoved her face-first into immobile beaten young man. Without any more hesitation, the blood touched violets lips sending a fury of hunger over her. It felt as if the flood gates had been sealed for so long, when they finally opened an animalistic hunger took over.

Violet’s eyes widened with rage as her mouth closed around the stable boy's neck, her teeth sinking into his flesh as streams of red liquid honey flowed into her mouth. Tears still streamed down her pale face as she could feel herself pulling the life from the weakened man whose whimpers tickled her ear.

Alexander crept to Violet's side, comfortingly rubbing her back as she fed “Good girl. Look at how strong you are. Feel what you are now. It isn't good but it is who you are now,” he encouraged in a hushed voice. “You and I are not so different. That is why I care.” The rubbing stopped but his hand was still present as he bore his fangs and plunged them into the other side of Darryn's neck. A deep growl bellowed from Violet's throat as she continued to feast on the man, her fingers digging into the stable boy's skin as blood dripped down her chin like a child.

The blood began to drain quicker than anticipated. She could feel the life of the body fade as his once warm flesh turned gray and limp in their grasp. Violet's eyes fixated on Alexander, adjusting as if stepping into the light after being in a dark room for so long. She could see his face, she could see the hunger that consumed him as he too fed on the boy. His clean-cut hair and pale skin along with his masquerade attire, he had been watching her and it was only now that she could see that.

With a swift motion of her hand she threw her weight into a shove, attempting to push him off the body. Violet would savor each drop of the liquid gold that she had been needing, unwilling to share. Pulling the boy's limp body away from his grip she released her hold from him, unclenching her lips from his neck only to take over the spot that Alexander once held claiming the boy for herself.

“Good, Scarlett.” Alexander chuckled as he sat himself up. “Take as much as you'd like.” He couldn't keep the proud smile off his face as he stood up. “I'll make sure our frightened guests keep quiet. Just focus on what's left of your meal.”

Alexander proceeded to hush the horse, calming them as he sweetly whispered to them. Drawing too much attention would be the worst thing given the situation and where the two were.

“Shhhhh… Shhhhh… Everything is fine my friends… We're not here for you… Shhhhh…”

The life of the stable boy slowly slipped from her fingers as the darkness took over his eyes. Soon his whimpers turned to gurgles until he stopped breathing all together. Breaking from the boy Violet gasped for air as her head tossed back. Blood adorned her pale skin, dripping from her chin onto her dress and chest as her breathing was still ragged and hoarse.

It took only a moment until Violet realized what she had done. Seeing the mangled and gray body in her arms she swiftly pushed it away before shooting to her feet. Looking down at the lifeless form she stared in disbelief. Not only could she finally see, but the first thing her new eyes lay upon was that of the boy she had just murdered.

Panicked and with new tears forming in her eyes, Violet spun around running towards the only door to the stable.

“Don't you dare run. Alexander's voice cut through the silence. He was facing her from the center of the stable. “There's a carriage outside. Just for you and I. Wait there while I sort this mess to my liking.” He walked to a pile of hay and kicked an executioner sword that had been stashed beneath it.

“Go.” Though he did not raise his voice, it was commanding nonetheless. Looking back at Alexander, Violet paused for a moment her hands pressed against the barn door as she looked at the mess she just created.

There was so much blood.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: The woods
Mention: @Helo Callum
Interactions: @Conscripts Dr. John
Appearance: No shoes | Thin white long dress | Heavy black cloak with hood

“Who cares about Drake”She drew out his name in a childish manner as if his name was disgusting. Her attention was peeked as he mentioned something creepy. She stopped to look and saw two shadowy figures " Maybe Giant owls?" she asked curiously as she squinted her eyes as he inquired about Drake again. " I don't think he likes anyone outside of his reflection." She responded very matter of factly " He takes after mother..." She took another swig of the drink as her eyes kept on the two shadowed figures off in the distance.

Drawing out a long sigh her attention turned back to Cal, as he mentioned making her mother very upset today. Adjusting herself on the ground she sat on her knees with her hands resting on her thighs, her visible expression of anticipation evident by the fire that reflected over her face " Oh please, I must hear this." her voice filled with drunken excitement at the idea of her mother being mad. "Then we will go get some more tea." She smiled and nodded as if confirming she could handle it.

Avalia

☽Location☾ The Salt Runner
☽Time☾ Morning
☽Mentions☾ Arlen @Silverpaw

☽Sirenas Voices (what she hears)☾

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM-3zi5wzVg

☽Bits and Bobs Shop☾

Shop is currently closed

Sea life had not favored Sirena. It had taken some time for her stomach to get used to the crashing waves but once it didn’t she started to feel a bit more comfortable… with the ship that is.

The other crew mates of the Salt Runner certainly were kinder than most she would meet however she felt their eyes on her. Constantly watching, trying to see what it was she would do. At least they weren’t whispering about how disgusted they were, at least not close enough that she could hear.

She sat amongst some cargo, finding a box that she rather favored as it allowed her to see the beauty of the sea. It created a natural chair with the way they were stacked and kept her relatively sheltered and away from the main crew as they went along their days.

Though the one they called Arlen would constantly be keeping his eye on her. She could feel his glance as she tried to ignore them but they would not. “ Hear him…see him…sense him.” “ He is watching “ “ Always watching “ “ Can you blame him... Disgusting fairy” Shutting her eyes she tried to drown the voices with the sounds of the waves crashing against the ship but the voices continued to get louder. She watched as the man nodded towards her as he spoke to the women she had helped earlier. She watched as a woman followed Arlen around, constantly watching over him…protecting him. A mother? A sibling? Why did it matter, they were always so quick to judge when Sirena could see their history haunting them without them even knowing.

Everyone had a story. Including her…

Her attention fell back on the ocean as a voice pulled her from her meditation. “Best not fly around too much. A bad stray wind catches you, you’ll be like those,” Her eyes moved to bellowing sails as he walked over to attend them. She pulled her cape over her shoulders tighter as she crossed her arms. “ I d-Dont…” She took a deep breath mustering the courage to talk “ I don’t use them.” She replied before looking back out towards the ocean. Her eyes fell onto the water “ I won't use them..” she whispered to herself. “A fae with no wings..” the voices mocked as they broke out into laughter.

Sirena's legs were tucked tightly into her chest as the water continued to mock her. Reminding her of being trapped on the ship with the crashing sounds as it smashed against it. As long as she stayed away from it, it could not hurt her. As the water crashed again, standing a splash towards her Sirena nearly fell off the crate as her body sprang back to avoid its touch. Sirena fell off the crate she sat picking herself quickly off the deck before climbing back onto the seat reluctantly. "I can't hurt me..." she whispered. “They will drown you” "They won't trust you" " Toss her overboard!"

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: The woods
Mention: @Helo Callum
Interactions:
Appearance: No shoes | Thin white long dress | Heavy black cloak with hood

A familiar voice caused Ari to look around as she was greeted by her “Oh! And I just saw an owl, but it flew away.” In her drunk and wobbly state, Ari nearly lept off the ground with her arms stretched clumsily in the air as they wrapped around her friend tightly nearly knocking them both back to the ground.“CAL!” she shouted with excitement, her voice raised to a pitch she had no idea it could hit.

She pulled back with a large grin on her face “ I was so worried, my brother just told me you were found in an alley, beaten up or something…” She tried to recall what exactly he said.

Taking another large swig from the whiskey bottle she managed to swallow it without much work. It was starting to feel like spicy water. “Wait? Did you say tea!?” She giggled lightly “ I loveee tea… mother never let me have any caffeine she said it would make me jittery.” Her eyes moved back toward the bottle “ Wait! I have this too!” she showed him the half-empty bottle of whiskey. “ I should drink this stuff more often. I feel great!” She took another swig before offering some to Callum. “ You want some? Then we can get some tea!” She smiled brightly.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Time: Evening
Location: The woods
Mention: Callum @Helo Drake @Lava Alckon Roman @ReusableSword
Interactions:
Appearance: No shoes | Thin white long dress | Heavy black cloak with hood

Ariella huffed down the steps that connected to the balcony, wrapping the large and heavy wool cloak around her, and throwing up the hood over her head. Her brother's words circled her mind as concern hit her when he mentioned that Callum was found beaten in an alleyway. The idea of her friend being hurt let alone left in an alley on his own pained her. Knowing Callum he would bounce back and likely act like nothing happened, the thought giving her some comfort however she still felt concern for him and anger that her brother only brought it up during an argument, failing to inform her of her friend's condition.

Grabbing the lid off the decanter in her hand, Ari took a large mouthful of whiskey. As the warmth of the drink hit her belly she could already feel the world around her start to feel lighter. Her cheeks reddened as she felt them warm as a result of the few drinks she had consumed. She was not someone who could hold a drink having drank very little before but she wanted to try and see what all the hype was about. Perhaps it would give her some sense of peace, even if temporary.

The walk took a while. Ari’s feet were thankfully built for the type of terrain from all the times she trekked through the wooded area of her not-so-secret spot. She had enjoyed enough of her whiskey that she had already forgotten about the cold air.

Taking a wobbly step into the woods Ariella giggled to herself as she nearly tripped over her feet into a tree. Bracing it for support she leaned against it seeing some light off in the distance deeper into the woods at lovers Lake. Taking another swig of the bottle, she felt a small stream of whisky on her chin as she wiped it away with the back of her hand before sauntering towards the light. As she came closer, she could hear Romans's voice and a burst of fire and sounds of crackling erupted around her.

Nervous, Ariella stopped at the edge of the wood line. She looked down at her bottle of whiskey that had certainly worked its magic on her as she was feeling great. No wonder Callum enjoyed drinking, it had already helped numb a lot of the anger she felt and now she just felt…drunk.

Giggling to herself she took another sip of whiskey before turning her attention back to the bright red and orange light that bursted through the trees, creating a sort of painting of color around her. Still feeling wobbly, Ari attempted to sit down on the ground. As she reached the ground she lost her balance and fall over to the side finding herself laying on her back, sticks and leaves poking her back as she let out another soft giggle at her situation. She gave in and just continued to lay there staring at the fiery lights as they danced over the leaves.

🗡 Roses and Daggers 🎕

Drake and Ariella

Time: Evening of the 23rd
Location: Edwards Estate
Mentions: @FunnyGuy Lorenzo @Helo Callum

---

Ariella peeked from under the bottom of the scrapes from her dress, the dome of her skirt still erect in its full glory in the center of her brother's room.

The knocks at the door had alerted her, and she took a breath of relief at the voice on the other side of the door. She crawled out of her prison and walked shamefully towards the door before slowly opening it. Her red and swollen eyes greeted Drake as she just stared.

Drake looked at his downtrodden sister with concerned eyes. He quickly looked around to make sure no one else would see her hiding spot and quickly shuffled in before locking the door - stopping any prying eyes from finding her like Sebastian had done earlier. Moving backwards, Ariella pressed her back against the wall as she watched her brother with her swollen and red eyes. He began working to clean up what he could while still keeping most of his attention on her. Ariella looked away as their eyes met as she took in a deep breath listening to his attempts at picking up the graveyard of scraps.

”I think it should go without saying that I won’t be telling Mother about any of this.” His first idea was to offer comfort, and as he gathered the storm of scraps and pieced them into a pile for a trusted servant to come clean later. ”Why don’t you start from the beginning and air out some of your frustrations to me, Ari? I think you deserve a chance to be heard instead of being yelled at.”

Her eyes moved to look at him again with pain behind them “ I panicked… I couldn’t breath. The corset was too tight.” she looked down towards the large heeled glass shoe ”and she really out did herself with the shoes Ariella slouched her shoulders ” Brother… this whole situation…mother and father.. The titles..the balls..the courting..I can’t do it anymore Ari breathed as if releasing the air from her lungs after holding it for so long. The sense of relief she felt as she spoke was clear on her face as she continued “ I want to live in the woods, in a secluded little cabin…living off the land that I help grow and build. All of this…” she gestured towards the pile of scraps ”It’s fake Brother…none of this is real! Do you think that these events, that the women or the men are here for anything but climbing titles and statues? Their words are just as empty as the thoughts in mothers head!” her tone raised in frustration.

His face turned and he looked at her with a somber expression. She was genuine in her declaration and he knew that in all honesty, she was right. He didn’t really care for this farce that they all played in trying to gain power and prestige amongst one another, but he was one who was willing to dance the dance of nobles. His sister didn’t deserve to be forced into such monotony. ”Well, everyone should have a right to live the life they want to live. As much as our parents would see it other ways, I at least agree with you on that.” After doing a sufficient job of cleaning his study, Drake walked over to her and offered a hand to help her up, guiding her to a nearby chair where she could properly rest her weary body that had likely felt immense emotional, physical, and mental strain these past few days. His voice lowered as he spoke, pulled a chair of his own to sit across from her with a sincere look on his face.

” But one thing I will say is that sadly, it is all very real. While the emotions and the faces we see are fake, the game we all play is very much real. Some may find enjoyment of it, however perverse they may be. Some, like me, simply accept it as it is to be. Finally, there exists a group of people like yourself who find themselves fed up with the charade. Frankly, I don’t blame you one bit.” He leaned back in his chair and thought for a moment before speaking out.

Ari sat back in the chair shifting around uncomfortably as her discomfort and anger became more and more clear.

”So I won’t sit idly by while my sister is tormented by the degradations of our society. How can I help?”

Ari slammed her hands on the arms of the chair, gripping onto them for support as she leaned forward with furrowed brows “ You are just as bad as them!” she said angerly “ Do you think a play is real? You think the actors on the stage believe themselves to be us as they prance around mocking the very society you are so happy to participate in?” Ari scoffed before falling back into the chair with her arms crossed. “You’re a fool to think any of this to be real.” she said under her breath.

Drake calmly took in her words, and with a thinking gesture pondered their meaning. His eyes moved down in thought before he met her sulking gaze once more. ” Well, I would suppose I am a fool then. But does an actor not get their enjoyment from committing to their role? To be so immersed in a role that you can hardly mistake it with reality? It’s hard to say if such dedication to the arts is healthy or prosperous. But the fact of the matter is it all exists. Therefore it is real, in my book.”

Ariella let out a drawn-out sigh as she continued to sit back in the chair with her arms crossed. Her brother really had a knack for twisting words to make his point.

Standing up, the man walked over to his cabinet and began to prepare a few glasses and some aged whiskey from his personal collection. No matter their quarrels, he knew his sister would need a drink. In all honesty, he could use something to lighten his mood as well. He popped the top of the bottle and poured the contents into two clear glasses, with two nearby ice cubes plucked from the tiny ice box that was hidden away. Ari looked up and took notice of the commotion, taking note of the rather full and large crystal decanter. She watched her brother move towards her as he handed her the drink and sat back down. ”If I am as bad as you say I am, then I hope you do not find this entire interaction pointless. I have my own reservations as I’m sure you guess, but I still want to offer my support where I can.”

Accepting her drink she held the glass in her hand smelling the rather harsh fumes coming from the glass as she swirled it around. Callum seemed to find comfort at the bottom of the glass, perhaps it couldn’t hurt to indulge. Taking a rather large sip, Ariella finished off her glass in one quick motion. Her shoulders buckled up as her face contored into a funny expression as she felt the burn of the liquid as it may its way into her belly creating a warm and comforting heat. “ If this is what makes you happy Drake then I am happy for you… I just…I need a break. Mother has been following me around ever since she found out about Cal-...Prince Callum and I would have really hoped she would have dropped the stuff from the forest but it seems to be a constant concern of hers. I just wish she would forget about it and leave me alone. “ Ari looked down at her glass with a disappointed expression before placing it down onto the nearby table. “ Can you cover for me? Lie and say I left to the ball…I heard about something going on in the woods today and I really wanted to check it out.” she looked at him with a hopeful expression “please?”

Almost immediately Drake had noticed a particular reaction from Ariella that came with some regrets. Perhaps it was a bit bold to introduce such an emotionally unstable woman to one of the first strong drinks she’s had. Nonetheless, he let her finish and promptly hid the bottle back in the cabinet.

”Happy wouldn’t be the word I’d choose. It’s more like I’m…fulfilled. I guess it is just nice to feel like I serve a purpose.” It was then Drake took a moment to reflect on the face staring back at him in what remained of his glass. The man couldn’t help but wonder for a moment. Was this his purpose? What would make him happy? Power? Women? Companionship? Solitude? Many such questions to be asked, but now was not the time.

He took a quick swig of his whiskey, remaining stoic as the liquid smoothly burned along his esophagus. He placed his glass on the counter and returned to his seat across from his sister. ”Very well. I shall tell them you plan to attend as a complete stranger. One who wishes to remain mysterious to fit the theme of the gathering, and that you will behave despite Mother’s misgivings. But you must promise me…” Drake leaned in and with a mixed expression of concern and seriousness, continued. ”Don’t get into any trouble. I know you really like the Prince, but something about him seems….off. Like he’s hiding something beneath the surface. I don’t want you to be caught up in something dangerous. So promise me you’ll be safe.”

Her eyes widened with surprise as she couldn’t believe the words coming from her brothers mouth. Standing to her feet Ari looked down at him “Off!?” her voice raised as she looked around hoping no one heard them. Returning her attention back to her brother as she forced her voice to lower but the frustrations she held were clear on her face. “ I shouldn’t be surprised that you really are just like everyone else. Prancing around like your better then everyone. Sitting here claiming my friend to be off just because he doesn’t fall into the norms of everyone else is rather laughable. Just like how mother believes Lorenzo to be off. Maybe if you actually took a moment to get to know these people you’d see that they are actually very kind and misunderstood. “ Ari marched off towards his desk grabbing his cloak while very carefully grabbing the entire crystal decanter of whiskey and slipping it under the large black heap of fabric. Tossing it over her arm, careful to hide the bottle she turned back to her brother. “ Perhaps you and Princess Camilia are perfect for each other, you both can sit in each other's miserable company. Just as quick as the words left her lips, Ari had already slipped out the side door that led towards the balcony exit.

Drake stood up and paced quickly to the door she just walked out of. In a slightly louder voice, he spoke to her. ”The man was found drunk and beaten in an alley this morning. I know you like him, and I will support you. But don’t blame me for holding reservations.” Then as he thought over those last words, he simply had this to say.

” That’s right. Your miserable older brother who wants to make sure you make it to sunrise without some strange would-be ne’er do well causing unwarranted hatred and mischief to come your way! Powerful people hate that man, Ariella. Like it or not. And if they hate you too there is little I can do to protect you. I do not wish to control your life. I do not wish to control your choice of companionship. I just want you to be safe and happy!” With a slight explosion of volume, the man simply sighed and crossed his arms.

” Go and seek danger if you must. I merely made a request. But it seems no one likes to listen to those nowadays.” He turned and shut the door, leaving his sister to her devices. Drake rifled through the cabinet to pour himself another glass, only to see his whiskey bottle missing. With furrowed brows, he reached instead for some bourbon and poured it into his empty glass. His hands rested on the counter, and all of his weight shifted forward as the emotions from the day began to swell to the surface. All he could do was sit in contemplative silence as the feelings ran their course.