Belated Gift (Aria, ask to enter)

[Deleted]

Aria rubbed the back of her head when Adrain asked her what their relationship was at least prior to losing his memory. ”Close friends; your pretty much family to me at this point. I use to call you gramps because you were so old, well old to me, and serious, a lot more so then you are now. But you really were like an older brother type figure. Your companion there is forever treating me like his kitten… you both took care of me. Despite the fact I got in more trouble then what normal people would have. I admit I was super clingy at first due to the fact the last person who had shown me as much kindness as you did disappeared when I was a lot younger. You restored my faith that some people could be trusted.” She smiled; when she met Adrain she had been friendly…but slightly distrusting. If he hadn’t had Serai with him the day they met she would have avoided the serious character all together. ”There was at certain point; when you developed feelings other than the paternal sort. There was a couple of awkward instances before you finally told me why the hell you were acting all weird and grabbing at me. But at the time I was young, only sixteen…an adult in human perspective but for a phioric still a child. I was confused already with possible feelings for another man… and most certainly wasn’t ready for any sort of relationship, so I turned you down. I distanced myself from you for a bit and you moved on and we stayed friends.” She was honest as possible with him; while she would be happier to forget about the more awkward times he did have a right to know. At least it never went any further to be even more awkward. Especially not that Lucinda had feelings for him.

Adrain soon answered the very questions Aria had on her mind, along with concerns. ”What are you doing about the ethical issues surrounding testing that? Are you using animals to test? Or if you’re using people you have the added problem of treating someone with mana corruption. There are not many mages who have the knowledge and even less who are willing to treat corruption due to the fact it has to be transferred into another living being.” Manna corruption was the healing magic she specialized in, due to the fact it was what she bugged Mylee specifically to teach her. The lessons certainly….well she did not leave from them mentally sound. Mylee had demonstrated firsthand what consequences came with treating the fatal disease.

Aria nodded when Adrain said she would have to wait; it did make sense. She did catch Lucinda’s look of questioning which made her chuckle. ”I’ve noticed with observation that I conduct almost the entirety of my spells in a different manner then most. While the results are the same the method is different. People use symbols, hand motions, words, all there magic is right there in the open….their basic knowledge of magic differs from mine. I’m almost certain if I took that test I would most likely get a chunk of them wrong.” In short Aria just wanted to test her knowledge and compare it.

As they started down the incline to the beach, Aria needed a little more support from Noky. To the point where Noky arched up a wing up and around Arias waist. They were almost down to the beech when they took a side path concealed by some thicker brush. Wrapping around and into the cliff side, the path led to the stone gazeebo, large enough for a large full sized drake to walk in and out with ease. When they finally got to the gazeebo Aria stepped inside and sat upon one of the sturdy stone railings. Her legs terribly shaky from the effort it took to get there. The gazeebo itself was made with a light stone and the floor was a perfect circle. Mostly made of small turquoise mosaic stone; and in the middle of the floor a large lotus flower depicted with mother of pearl. The view from the gazebo was pretty; however the main view of the ocean was blocked by boulders. The area on which the gazebo sat, was a small ledge of sort. Not quite at sea level, and high enough still too avoid splash offs from when the waves hit the cliff below. One could walk to the edge of the ledge that was on one side and peer over the edge to a small enclave that was carved by the waves below. A good thirty feet down you could see the tide wash into the small cliff face; and a watery run off that formed a small water fall to it from the top of the higher cliffs above. The ground surrounding the gazeebo was still grassy, with lilac bushes that hugged the stone wall of the cliffs. On the side that the ocean sat, was blocked by large boulders hiding the gazebo from view of passing ships. All and all the location of the gazebo was fairly secluded; one would have to know it was there to even think to look for it. Aria sat admiring it for a bit; the workers she had chosen had done a fantastic job, and were worth every cent she had paid them. They certainly would earn bonuses when the job was all said and done. When Adrain spoke Aria turned her attention to him and nodded.

”Its close location to the salt water should help with amplifying the effects and both locations are Ocean based. I do hope that helps. As for visiting the other location, we can get there in two days via ship, or if you’re able to teleport there from this location we can do it today. I can port there myself first if you need an anchor point.” Aria watched as Adrain then did something she wasn’t aware he was able to do….She blinked in surprise as his body dematerialized and dove into the ground. ”When in the fucking hell did he learn how to do that?” Yep that sounded lady like…Aria sat there blinking at the ground for a few moments before turning to Serai ”I don’t think I’ve ever seen him do that before….wonder how that feels…” Eventually Aria turned back to Lucinda seeing how this seemed like the perfect time to explain what was going on.

”So a good while ago when we were up in Palico, do you remember the time I took the drakes out for a long distance flight training? Well when we were out I came across this island, there are large cliffs on one side that would be a perfect nesting ground for drakes. Anyways, I did some research when we got back and discovered that little parcel of land was unclaimed by the surrounding territories…So…..considering one of the conditions for me being a duchess was to not own land in Palico, and I was no longer a citizen of Nova….and the whole drama with Silas. This seemed like a good option. So I claimed it as mine…However I do admit I had to approach ownership in a slightly unconventional means. After I returned here to Nova I approached Noku with a proposition. Long story short he’s agreed to extend Novas borders to surround the island in order to protect it under Nova law; while also opening up a trade agreement. He’s even agreed to allow me to open a portal from here on the castle grounds to the island. I do still wish to continue the duties directed to me as drake trainer for the Palico Army. I believe the island would be a perfect location for it; especially for younger ones.” Aria smiled sheepishly, she certainly had been busy. ”The location would be impractical for Palico to claim it, and its fairly close to Kanto. Nova seemed like the logical kingdom to make the agreement with. The major details however Noku said he’d be willing to help out with Silas, but I was also hoping you could help me smooth things over as well.”

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda followed along with the other two, enjoying the scenery and listening as they talked about the garden project Adrain had planned. As Aria started asking questions about testing and manna corruption, Lucinda’s brow furrowed a little. That was certainly concerning. She knew the sickness was rare and very difficult to treat but not much else beyond that. Still, she trusted that Adrain would do what he could to make sure it was safe before allowing anyone to risk their lives.

When Adrain turned down Aria’s request to take the exams, Lucinda wasn’t really surprised but still didn’t understand why Aria wanted to take them in the first place. Until, of course, the redhead finally explained. Lucinda made a small ‘oh’ of understanding and then laughed lightly. “That makes a lot of sense. You seem to rarely do anything the way it’s usually done, and yet it works out well for you. You are truly a unique individual, Aria,” she said, smiling.

Finally, they seemed to reach their destination though. Lucinda gaped for a moment when she spotted the gazebo before remembering to close her mouth. She stared around wide eyed and smiling softly as she took in the beautiful structure tucked into the cliff side. It was hidden very well and the stone work was simply gorgeous. “Wow, Aria. This is absolutely amazing and beautiful!,” she said, sounding impressed.

Lucinda listened as Adrain and Aria talked about portals and a possible trip somewhere. She looked confused and she eyed the two of them. Then Adrain said he needed to survey the area and disappeared. The princess let out a squeak of surprise and her hands flew to cover her mouth before she looked up to Aria, who also didn’t know he could do that.

However, that seemed to prompt something and Aria finally decided to explain. Lucinda sat on the bench beside the redhead and listened, nodding to answer the initial question but not saying anything as she didn’t want to interrupt. By the time Aria finished, Lucinda was looking at her in what was obviously shock but also impressed at the girls resourcefulness.

“I see, so this is what you’ve been up to. This is rather impressive for a duchess and I have to commend you for getting around that little loophole my brother left open. He certainly won’t be happy about this, but there is little he could do aside from kicking you out of the court. You own a parcel of land, so you’d keep your title now regardless. I’m sure Uncle Noku would take you if Silas decided he didn’t want you, but I doubt he’d risk losing you. You’re too good of a drake trainer and politically speaking, it would not benefit us for you to grant that to Nova.” she said, thoughtfully, and smiling.

[Deleted]

”That one was not by choice, you see, magic was….well it was taboo. Basically mages were the fated of my time. I showed signs of being a mage when I was seven years old….my orphanage then locked me in a shed and then burned it. Mages were not liked even the ones that were children. I spent the next nine years trying to suppress my magic. Wasn’t until I was sixteen that I learned the hard way that I needed to learn control my magic. Frankly as you can imagine finding any sort of teacher was difficult….Mr floating orb there was going to teach me…but life got hectic. I didn’t have time to wait. I experimented on my own in secret.” Aria couldn’t help but chuckle at Lucinda assuming things went ‘well’ for the most part. ”Lucinda, I’ve burned children, accidently killed two people by having rats eat them alive, and burned off half of a gods face off with my magic…I wouldn’t call that working out well. Not to mention how many times I burned my eyebrows off experimenting… and how much furniture I destroyed…. I destroyed a guy’s house once cause plants went out of control. I even managed to become mana corrupted… That’s just the tip of the ice burg.” Well would definitely not be the word she would use to describe it.

Aria was glad Lucinda thought this little portion was pretty, it honestly didn’t do her island justice. ”The location was already here, all that I did was add the gazeebo. Found it during my exploring of the castle grounds. Thought it would be a good location to put this thing.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The salty air invigorating her, she enjoyed the smells. Feyerlun wasn’t located near the ocean…unfortunate but it wasn’t until she turned seventeen and her father took her to the glade that she got to see the ocean. Honestly it was the first thing she loved about the place. She was fascinated by it. So many questions, and so much to explore…

Lucinda took the explanation of the island well, chuckling as she praised her for finding a loophole around Silas’s conditions. ”It will be a good lesson or him in his future dealings as king yes? If there is a loop hole someone will find it.” Her smile only grew as Lucinda proved her own political skills as she pointed out the fact it wouldn’t be good for Palico if she took her abilities elsewhere. ”I’m excited, the island is gorgeous. Tropical, white sand beaches, coral reefs filled with the most beautiful marine life…the colors put the forever forest to shame. When I go streaking my lady bits don’t get frozen out, which is a benny.” Aria giggled, clearly excited for her homes new location…at least for a second. A somber look fitted across her features shortly after….her child’s grave was not on the island. It would be like moving without them. She would have to consider moving the grave. After all the wisteria tree was made with the ashes. It was possible. She could possibly plant it in the enclosed garden off of the dining room. She had designed it to be the child’s play area after all…would Garrett want to move the grave though?

Aria absentmindedly reached out to stroke Serais fur, she hadn’t told the cat yet about the fact she had lost a child. It was a few moments before she realized she had lost herself in depressing thoughts, as it clearly showed on her features. In a moment the look was gone replaced by the normal smile that was on Arias face. ”I’m building a Palace on the island as well, I made plans to have a room built for you as well. I know you may like your rooms here, but I would be happy if you’d come to stay with me when you wished.” A conspiring grin grew across her features as she leaned in closer to Lucinda. ”There’s room for two on your bed” She waggled her eyebrows as she glanced towards the spot where Adrain had disappeared into the ground.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda's mouth dropped as Aria explained some of the more grusome accidents that had resulted in her attempts to learn magic and the view of magic in her homeland. "That's awful! I don't understand why anyone would go to such lengths to avoid magic as to burn children. It's so much easier to teach people to control it than it is to wipe it out. It's a part of us, a part of our world, whether we like it or not," she said, still horrified at the thought. "I am sorry you had to deal with that alone. Having those kinds of accidents as a child must have been terrifying for you," she added, giving Aria a look of sympathy.

The princess nodded as Aria mentioned that this little island would be a good lesson for Silas, though she wasn't sure he would take it so well. "I fear my brother will still be upset when he hears this but I'll do what I can to smooth it over for you," Lucinda assured Aria. She listened as Aria described a bit more about the island, smiling at the other woman's enthusiasm.

Something Aria said seemed to upset herself, though, and Lucinda watched as the emotions played across her friend's face. Her own face turned down into a frown as she wondered what had depressed her. The look was quickly replaced as Aria continued, leaving Lucinda to wonder, but she wouldn't pry.

Aria's next bit of news brought a large grin to Lucinda's face. "You made a room just for me? Thank you, Aria! Of course, I would love to come and visit you!," she said excitedly, bouncing a little on the bench. Aria's following comment stopped Lucinda short, however, as a deep blush spread across her cheeks. "Nothing's official yet, you know. This is the first time I've seen him at all since I've been back. I still haven't mentioned it to my brother, of course," she whispered, her eyes downcast.

[Deleted]

”In a way they probably thought it was a mercy killing; mages if they were discovered were really no better than slaves. I was seven…and my magic was dangerous. It would have probably been different if it was something…well nicer…water…floating..healing…but fire…fire was destructive and I was a danger to the other children.” Really Aria only hopped that more people continued to feel the way Lucinda did now….perhaps later down the road what happened in her time could be avoided. ”Not everyone felt that way; after all Caster was kicked from the pantheon because of the release of magic in our world….but I agree it’s very much a part of us…and coming from someone who tried it’s not easily suppressed without chaotic backlash.” At the point of pity Aria shrugged; it was scary…enough that she had isolated herself for many years. ”It was around that age that I started understanding animals to; it was actually a cat that got me out of the shed. I thought I was going mad cause I heard voices in my head where meows or woofs should be. Mind you there were no phiorics left by the time I was born. I had no knowledge such a thing existed. Most people didn’t…in fact I didn’t find out what I was until I was sixteen until that point I thought I was just some sort of monster…by that point I had plenty of people who told me so.” Aria watched as the breeze rustled the plants.

”Oh I’m more then sure Silas will be pissed; but I’ll accept the consequences….I’m sure he’ll have me do something unpleasant to make up for it…” She’d have to tell him at the right now though….perhaps this upcoming dinner she might hint about it. It was worth a try at least. Aria chuckled as Lucinda showed her enthusiasm for the fact she had a room specifically made with her in mind. ”I think you’ll like it…its very …different then what’s here and in Palico. The whole palace is in fact; I think I’ve found the perfect balance that combines my love for the outdoors with the finer life expected of a duchess quite nicely.” Aria pat Lucinda on the shoulder knowing the girls worries quite well. ”Well with the news of my island….and throw in the fact I’m being courted by a commoner, I’m sure the possibility of you courting a duke will seem extremely…low key in comparison.” Welp that was the first official time she told anyone about dating Garrett…well there was Melda and Roxanne. But she was planning on asking him to live with her on her island. It made sense since she was already sneaking into his room at night in the barracks. Might as well start telling someone at least.

[Deleted]

Abruptly, a flash of magic emits as a black light erupts and Adrain's form reforms on the sand near the gazebo. He exhales deeply. He touched his head seemingly dizzy his eyes closed as he coughs some and breathes deeply. He remained crouched down as he spoke next and kept in a prone position.

"I forget how unpleasant surveying leylines in a shadow mana form was...ugh." he murmurs, standing up finally after a bit and looking at Aria and Lucinda. "It shouldn't be too much trouble to set up the teleporter, I will have to make some custom pylons but that isn't so bad. I still need to see the other end of the gateway though." he states, then looking at Lucinda affectionately for a moment before focusing for a bit on the Gazebo again.

"Light, Light, Earth, Arcane Pylon.." he murmurs mentally going over the process since Lucinda and Aria seemed to be talking amongst themselves and let them finish.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda listened as Aria tried to make sense of the fact that someone had wanted to burn a child alive, looking rather horrified and slightly like she might lose her breakfast. She listened as Aria continued with her explanations, nodding in understanding and taking a few deep breaths. Clearly the young princess was a bit squeamish.

“You have had such a hard young life, Aria. It’s rather impressive that you’ve turned out as well as you have. Your gifts are a blessing and quite amazing so I’m very glad you stopped trying to suppress them and that you eventually were able to control them to this extent,” she said, choosing to focus on the more positive aspects of outcomes.

“It is true that Caster was kicked from the pantheon for it, but that is not our fault and now there is no denying it’s a part of us, whether it was meant to be or not. Magic is too dangerous to be left uncontrolled now and I still believe it better to teach that than fear and hate,” she mused, watching Serai for a moment.

Lucinda winced a bit when Aria mentioned that Silas would be pissed. “It’s hard to tell with him. Though if he knows that I approve, and if I seem to love your island, then that might help quite a bit. He’s a reasonable man though, usually. I’m sure he’ll see the benefits in this. He better not try anything like he did at your coronation again or I swear I won’t talk to him for a month,” Lucinda said firmly, the bit of irritation almost amusing coming from her.

She looked intrigued as Aria explained that the palace on the island was different than anything Lucinda had likely seen. “I’m sure it’s beautiful. You have such good tastes that I couldn’t possibly believe otherwise,” she said, smiling.

Then blushed a bit when Aria mentioned her courting a duke would not come out as bad as Aria’s island or her commoner. That last part caused her to look up in surprise. “So it’s official then? I remember you mentioned an interest when you were telling me about your midwinter gifts that night you caught me out so late,” she asked, smiling fondly at the memory. It had been her first date with Adrain and the conversation with Aria afterward had been interesting. She supposed, even with it not being official, that ‘dating’ was exactly what they were doing.

Adrain’s sudden reappearance startled her and she jumped a little then looked at him in concern as he seemed to recover from his adventure. The news that he needed to set up extra pylons didn’t mean much to her but she was hoping that his need to see the place for the other portal would mean a trip to the island today, or at least soon. She smiled back when he looked at her though, wondering how much of the conversation he’d heard in his shadow form.

[Deleted]

”I have been fortunate enough to have people who have entered my life that have shaped me as such. As for magic I agree, it now is very much a part of us. I do hope I never see the views on magic from when I came from come to frustration in this timeline.” Aria scratched her nose as the subject moved onto Silas. He was likely to be mad but it was amusing Lucinda’s reaction to it. She blushed slightly when Lucinda said she had good taste, that was good to know considering before becoming a duchess she really never cared to show she had taste or otherwise. ”Thank you, I’m flattered.”

Aria smiled bashfully as Lucinda asked if it was official; she was pretty sure it was…after all they almost had a kid. But since midwinter she and Garrett had gotten to spend more time together, even if it was really only during the night. But his and her relationship only seemed to keep growing. Also considering he had been her closest friend since she was four certainly helped. She didn’t really see their relationship crashing and burning. ”I would say so, I really do love the man. I will most definitely have to introduce you two…..that way you can get me back for what I’m about to do.”

As Adrain popped up she turned her head to him, nodding when he went over what would be needed. ”If you wish and are able we can port over to the island now; there are workers on the island finishing up construction on various parts of the island. But for the most part it is done. Lucinda your room is already finished so you’ll at least get to see the end product. Also while we’re there” Aria turned her attention back to Adrain with a sweet smile. ”You can tell me what your intentions are with my dear Lucinda here. After all I have heard you two have had relations of the sort.” Kissing was relations right? Well either way she was curious to what Adrain’s intentions were. Considering the last time she saw him, he was super friendly with the baroness Yuki. Plus the tension between the two was making her skin itch slightly, and considering she already knew she figured it would allow them to lessen their guard a bit.

[Deleted]

Adrain shook his head when Aria stated to port to the island. "I have to be at a location to feel the energy and distance before able to safely portal to such a place. I can port us to the coastal edge of my land, a little more south at most." he says, as he continued his analysis, but when Aria mentioned 'relations' with Lucinda, his eyes whitened for a moment not that the other two could see as such with his back to them. He ceases his analysis and turns to Aria and Lucinda, his expression to Lucinda a moment of 'what exactly did you say to her?'.

"Relations huh? Not usually good to spread rumors, mm?" he says, cognizant of the fact that they were still on palace grounds and there were things to do prior to any sort of formalized status.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda nodded, smiling. “I would say you’ve been very fortunate indeed,” she commented, though she also hoped that magic here never gained that kind of reputation. It sounded like a truly awful world to live in. As Aria thanked her, Lucinda’s smiled widened. “You’re very welcome,” she replied, meaning it.

When Aria mentioned loving her man and introducing him to the princess, the blonde looked excited. “Oh yes, I would love to meet him,” she said then gave Aria a confused look at comment that followed. She listened as Aria talked to Adrain about porting them over today to look at what was done, mentioned that Lucinda’s room was finished, which caused the young princess to smile until Aria opened her mouth a moment later.

Aria’s request to have Adrain explain his intentions towards Lucinda and saying that she knew the two had ‘relations’ caused Lucinda’s face to flash and instant rose red. As Adrain looked at her in question, his words caused a flare of defiance to spark in her eyes and she sat a little straighter, though her face was still red.

“I have not been spreading rumors. Aria was waiting for me in my room after the night we spent at the Arch watching the meteor shower. I told her you’d kissed me and showed her presents you gave me. She doesn’t know anything more than that,” Lucinda corrected, working to keep her face straight. "No one else knows about us," she added quietly, her voice a bit disappointed.

[Deleted]

Aria frowned; she was hoping to get to the island today to see how the construction was progressing. Unfortunately that didn’t seem like it was going to happen. ”That’s too bad; I was hoping to be able to show you both the island. I suppose another day then Lucinda.” It took about two days by boat and a good half a day by air via one of the drakes and that was taking off at a southern point not from their location where they were at presently. In her dragon form she could cut that even further due to the fact her form was meant for speed; however she was in no condition to make a cross ocean flight. The D’Aranches land happen to be the one directly across from her island on the coast; so Adrains land had to be at least a little further inland. It would be well later into the evening before they’d likely reach the island and frankly her body probably couldn’t make the trip at the current moment. It took some energy just to get down to this point. She reached over and pat Noky on the head who came and rested his head in her lap. No matter she could still enjoy her time with both Lucinda and Adrain. Along with the fresh air.

Aria instantly shot an eyebrow up when Adrain had said it wasn’t nice to spread rumors; he better not be denying he kissed the Princess. Only to swing her head around when Lucinda spoke; both eyebrows shooting up in alarm. ”Anymore then that?!” There was more than kissing and presents?! Ok now she realllly needed to know his intentions. Her eyes darted back to Adrain; and then to Serai ’Can yooouu shed a little light on this?’ Really she hadn’t known Adrain to be a flirt or play around with a woman’s feelings. Aria didn’t think he’d lead Lucinda on, but as life had taught her. People did change….and often it was a person past that shaped them. Adrain had no memories of his past…..did that effect his personality?

[Deleted]

At Serai's beckon, the large cat looked at Aria intently. 'Well...they had a nice little time together and he really got her good, I can smell the baby cooking in her right now.' Serai says, sitting on his haunches for a moment.

When Aria indicated that it would be a long ride, without addressing the other concerns that may have been risen he holds his arm out and manifests a portal, walking through it. On the other side the party would be at a coastline as close as he could manage safely. Aria possibly recognizing it but being a fair ways off while Adrain closed his eyes and felt out the winds and the currents. Mana around him begins to stir at his command, noticeably with more force than Adrain usually had with such magic.

A large patch of ice begins to manifest, shaping up into a small, but large enough boat for all present that had some characteristics with a sled. A number of water elementals begin to manifest at the front as if taking up reins with chains of ice and water manifesting though it was clear this was an act of cooperation from the summoning. Adrain steps on, Serai moving after a moment's hesitation at the construct of magic.

"Get on." he states to those present. Once all were on he shouts out in arcane language and a shell of thin, yet still firm ice manifests as walls with the ground shifting to a more snowy, less slippery state and the enclosure finishes. The elementals begin to surge forward, pulling the frozen construct incredibly quickly, certainly faster than muscle powered flight due to both the elementals surging forward with magic further propelling forward in the direction of Aria's island as Adrain held his hand up maintaning an arcane flow of energy while the passengers adjusted and got stable. It was only then he spoke again.

"Right, so...Lucinda and I spent a night at the top of the tree where we watched the Mana Aurora as well as the meteor shower. It was a nice evening, though the accidental ingestion of Lunar-me-Bisquit which had been for at least awhile sold as a headache medication led to a more intimate night under the stars, clothes on of course, the Princess' virtue is intact." he states his voice having hints of annoyance at the way Lucinda suggested there was more.

"As far as a more public affair goes, this is something I've had to be careful about approaching. King Silas is something of an enigma to me, while King Noku sees me as a strange mage first and a man second. Once any more formalized approach is made scrutiny will follow and to improve my chances of making things go cleanly, I am attempting to improve my status within the nobility circle through projects such as the Mana Farm which will be a large benefit to all if I can get everything to go perfectly, which I damn well intend to make certain of." he states then exhaling a little.

"Plus, in the research I have been able to do with regards to law, if and when marriage were to happen, Lucinda might lose her title of Princess of Palico, which is something of a significant consequence not to be taken lightly. Granted that is an old scripture and I haven't had time to fully pursue it, and I haven't asked for help due to the fact it would raise questions or create rumors potentially." he states then going quiet.

It was clear Adrain had much thought and on his mind with regards to this subject.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda realized that she had put her foot in her mouth, her blush deepening and giving Adrain a deeply apologetic look. She noticed he didn't say anything right away but rather put his focus into making sure they got to the island. She followed the group through the portal and watched in amazement as he created the makeshift boat and summoned the elementals to aid him, looking suitably impressed.
When he indicated that they should get on, she did so carefully and settled herself quickly onto the ice made boat.

Once they were on their way, she watched as he maintained the flow of energy, and listening as he finally explained. Her face was a brilliant red color, rivaling Aria's hair even, her eyes immediately settling on her feet. She looked very abashed and grimaced a bit at the obvious annoyance in his tone. His answer explained what hers left out and why he was being so careful, though she wasn't convinced on the whole loss of title thing. If that were the case, wouldn't her dear cousin lose his own crown if he married lower? That thought aside, Lucinda still felt she owed Adrain an apology.

"I am sorry, I did not mean to let that implication slip. Nor did I expect to find Aria in my bedchambers upon my return that night. I appreciate the thought and care you're putting into this situation, however. Please understand that I am simply enjoying what time I do get with you, I am not at all trying to be pushy with this," she said, peeking up at him through her lashes.

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As Serai answered Aria looked even more alarmed; her ears shifting to that of a gorge hound. The long triangular ears were slightly longer then the length of her head and were pricked forwards in Lucinda’s direction. From where she stood she could hear not only Lucinda’s heartbeat, but Adrains, Nokys, Serai and a family of mice located somewhere in the brush. But she did not detect a second smaller heart beat within Lucinda; her ears went back against her head as she sent a sharp look towards Serai. ”You dirty lieing feline; she’s not pregnant! And please refrain from making baby jokes in my presence.” Really it was too soon. Adrain came with a distraction very shortly after as he made a portal; at which Aria got to her feet. ”Apparently we’re going anyways; very well then. Perhaps you’ll get to meet my water cats while we’re there” Aria, with help from Noky, walked through the portal; assuming Adrain had a plan after all. When they walk through the portal the air was already warmer; Aria watched with curiosity as Adrain summoned water elementals and created an ice boat. She was still learning how to control water and such; it was easier for her to convert it to steam and fog then it was to condense it the other way. She was more than sure with the salt water it was even more difficult; so she was impressed with the short amount of time that it had taken Adrain.



When the boat was finished and Adrain instructed them to get on. She let Lucinda get on first; and waited for her to settle. She made it look sturdy enough. So Aria hopped on after her; with not nearly as much luck. As soon as her slippered feed touched the ice she slipped; not having enough strength in her body to keep herself up right she plopped down onto her stomach and ended up sliding to the helm of the boat. Finally sliding to a stop in a crumpled heap when she hit the side. {b]”I’mmmm Just going to lay right here and not try that again..”[/b] It was running on marbled floor with paws all over again… Noky jumped on the boat and had a bit better luck then Aria staying up right. When they started moving once again Aria slid; this time from the front to the back as she crashed into Noky. Ice and staying in one place….did no mix. She huffed as she sat up; crossing her legs beneath her. She wasn’t going to try to go sit in a seat; with her luck she’d fall off the side of the boat.



It was a good thing she was still in warmer clothing; as the ice was a bit chilly to sit upon. But the plush velvet of her robe made it more than tolerable. When it was time to land she’d probably have to take it off. Adrain then took the time to explain exactly what happened; She nodded; it sounded like Adrain meant to pursue Lucinda further; and was taking steps in order to do so. ”Silas isn’t as adverse to magic; you might have a better chance than most. I have already told Lucinda that I wouldn’t mention this to anyone else. As for the scripture maybe I could take a look at it. Father trained me in ancient languages as a part of my education before I was fated….Plus I wouldn’t mind reading about that subject myself.”

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As Aria made an exclamation about pregnancy, he turns to Serai and gives the large cat a stern glare. There was some sort of communication going on and he really, really felt at unease when the cat was around Aria. Meanwhile, Serai, growls faintly.

'These things are part of life, you move on and make light of it or you let it hold you back. But I suppose for humans it's different than it is for a cat where losing one or two of a litter is unfortunate but keeping the others alive takes priority and doesn't allow us to overthink it.

Once upon the vessel, Adrain didn't respond immediately to Lucinda's apology but sighs a little after a minute of silence, speaking. "It's alright, really it's just a bit misleading where the words were at first." he says, knowing the complexities of the situation at hand. As the elementals pushed forward, the speed would slowly increase. Adrain noted Aria's discomfort since she didn't seem to react as well as Lucinda did initially.

"I really should work on the flying ship at some point, but I still worry that would be used for malice instead of progress at this time...I suppose this spell could have been refined for comfort using the salt to turn to a stone seat or base." he states absentmindedly once Aria was somewhat settled. As they continued on, he shakes his head a little.

"Well, even if Silas is open midned to magic there are other issues." he says with a sigh. "Lucinda, my past is a bit of a mystery to me beyond the past twenty years. I don't know what could be waiting in the mists, nor do I know a lot of things that might be raised if things ended up advancing beyond this secretive dating phase. 'What of your family? your lineage?' Silas or someone meddlesome could ask, to which I have no answer. There is also a nonzero chance that I am...'Fated'. It isn't something I advertise, but at the same time it's a factor in things. I don't mean to have hid anything but I hope you understand there are...complications with being fated in the eyes of some." he says, then going quiet for a time.