New Friends (Aria)(Open)

[Lucinda Noru]

After her official arrival and an unofficial tour of the castle, Lucinda took the rest of the day to settle into her new quarters. She directed the unpacking of her things and went through the extensive closet available to her. Most of the clothes were medieval style dresses ranging from simple to more elaborate designs. There were a few Japanese style robes, all of which were very elegant. They were more to Uncle Noku's tastes than hers, but that's why she'd had them made before coming to Teair. The room itself was spacious, well decorated, with a bed, a small sitting area set up and a bathing room. On of the chairs, nestled in amongst a throw pillow and some soft cloth, was a dragon egg. It was primarily white with red-violet spots and it moved fairly often.

The next morning before the brunch with Uncle Noku, Lucinda sent for Aria to be invited to her room. She wanted to try and help the Fated woman to present herself better, provided, of course, that she was willing. If Aria accepted the invitation, she would be escorted to the Princess's room. Lucinda was already dressed and waiting, having chosen one of asia style robes. It was made of a light silk, consisting of two layers. The top layer was light blue, almost white at the edges with a dark blue flowered design. It covered her chest, tied in at the waist, extended down to make the sleeves, and then flowed over the back of the skirt. The second layer was a light, bright orange which primarily made up the skirt and edged the sleeves, which were flared. It was form fitting over her chest and waist with the skirt being very loose.

[Deleted]

Aria was awoken first thing that morning by a knock on the room in the infirmary she had been put in arriving a few days before hand. She blinked sleepily; Garret had provided her an overly large shirt to sleep in and as a change out of the ones that had gotten bloodied by her shoulder the other day. She moved stiffly at first; her hair seeming to take a mind of its own while pieces fell out of its braid that she had slept in. Her shoulder had been freshly bandaged; but it was due for another change. She zombie walked over to the door and opened it…blinking sleepily when someone she didn’t know stood before the door. She tilted her head in slight confusing as the blushing fellow stammered out his invitations. Then stood there awkwardly as Aria just blankly stared at him. It was a good few moments before any answer came from the sleepy red head.

”Tell her I graciously accept her invitation and will be there momentarily”

With that Aria re closed her door and went to go find her pants; if you ever had to put pants on without having full mobility of your arm then you know it’s an interesting process. She struggled into her pants and undid her braid and ran a hand through the long wild tresses that cascaded down to her hips. She still wore the shirt she slept in…she didn’t have another. She emerged barefoot and found a healer to help change her bandages. Soon as she was all set she left and headed up to the Princesses chambers. She knocked calmly on the door and waited to be admitted into the chambers.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda jumped lightly at the knock on her door, having fallen into her thoughts while waiting. She was still working to process yesterday's arrival. Her chamber maiden moved to get the door as Lucinda stood and straightened her clothes. Her hair was still down for the moment, blonde locks brushing her shoulders. The room was lit primarily by sunlight coming in the windows and as such was a little warm. She smiled as the door was opened to reveal Aria, pleased that the other woman had accepted her invitation.

"Good morning! Please come in and don't bother with formalities for right now. I'm very glad you accepted my invitation. Aria, right?" Lucinda greeted her, all smiles and bell toned voice. Her blue eyes fairly sparkled so it was obvious she was genuinely happy that the red head was there. She took in Aria's disheveled state and frowned a little. "I'm sorry if I woke you," she apologized.

[Deleted]

Aria was slightly taken back as the door opened and she was greeted by an already dressed very bubbly princess. She bowed to the princess, however was quickly corrected to drop the formalities….which was a bit of a relief. It was fairly early in the morning.

”My apologies Princess, it would be entirely rude of me to drop all formalities. I do not wish to present that all of us Novanians are impertinent to the Royal family. I’m honored to have received an invitation.”

A kind smile graced her features; so far she liked Lucinda. She seemed very friendly and not overly worried with formalities. She also came off as genuine; frankly even it was early she didn’t entirely mind being woken up. She had been curious to get to know the young lady after seeing her in the courts yesterday.

”Yes my name is Aria; I’m surprised you know it. I don’t think I was called anything but woman, fated, or vermin yesterday.”

Her blue green eyes sparkled with amusement; the insults obviously hadn’t bothered her much in the least.

”May I be so bold to ask if you needed me for something? I was just informed you wanted to see me in your chambers”

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda shrugged at Aria's comments regarding formalities. "If that is what you wish," she said simply. Certainly she wasn't going to press the issue if Aria chose to continue with light formalities at least. That was her choice, after all.

As Aria mentioned being surprised that Lucinda knew her name, she smiled. "Well, after event yesterday I decided to ask around the castle for the latest news. The staff are usually a good source for that kind of thing, Champion,"she explained, actually addressing Aria with the more formal title as was her right. Being a Champion of a god or goddess was a respected and hard won position. Her status only added to Lucinda's confusion over Severine's behavior.

Aria's next question about her invitation pulled the princess from her thoughts and she laughed lightly. "Of course, how rude of me. I wanted to offer you my assistance in getting ready for brunch this morning with Uncle Noku. You may have your choice of any dress in my closet and it shall be yours to keep. A gift, offered as a token of friendship. I'll have my chamber maid assist you with your hair and some make up, if you wish, as well," she explained, grinning before turning to the sitting area, her attention momentarily diverted as her egg shifted violently on the chair. She moved to adjust the cloths around it and tuck it down more securely.

[Rivers]

“Would Milady's care for a cool beverage?” Asked a voice from nearby. A well groomed man with combed back golden locks and a finely waxed black mustache came up to them. He wore a fine emerald and white coat along with a tasteful red cravaet in the style of the kingdom of Aerish style. His cuffs had a small hint of lace and the entire outfit seemed design to show a certain level of class without attempting to overshine the far better dressed nobles.

He held a tray with iced lemonade and he made a formal bow while managing to keep the tray level. Despite his very different appearance Aria's tunnel would tell her instantly who the well dressed man was.

“Please do forgive me for overhearing Milady, but it sounded like you might be in need of a tailor.” After all anything that fit Lucinda would be woefully large on the pint sized Aria. “I was wondering if I could be of assistance.” He asks in a slightly nasally tone that suggested the remnants of an Aerish accent.

Rivers eyes scan over Aria and a hint of well masked relief played over him. Rivers hadn't known what was happening when Aria had suddenly dropped out of contact and his tunnel had disappeared, but it seemed she was doing fine.

[Deleted]

She and Lucinda were going to get along just fine; the servants definitely did know there information and news certainly traveled fast. Her attention was suddenly diverted when a man spoke; her eyebrow arching up. She took a moment to take in his appearance; it would seem he located the honey come considering the amount of wax in that mustache…that was a completely different color then his hair….really it was a remarkable feat that Arias face stayed unchanging despite the strong urge to keel over laughing….with the conflicting emotion to throttle the dummy.

”Thank you for the offer, may I ask who I am addressing?”

She would allow Lucinda to accept the drink or not before taking or not taking one herself. Aria’s gaze traveled back to Lucinda when she called her champion and frowned slightly.

”Aria is fine princess, I feel odd being called champion when I have been stripped of my weapon. In addition I feel as though that title has been dragged through the mud lately due to the inexcusable behavior of two of the other god’s representatives. It has brought shame to the title and great disrespect to the remaining champions and their deities.”

Aria’s expression towards Lucinda turned to slight shock when the woman offered her a dress from her closet…and a very large declaration of her intentions to form a friendship. Aria glanced back at the closet then back at the princess and bit her lip slightly… that was a bold statement to make considering the circumstances revolving around her.

”I’m honored by your generosity Princess, while your friendship would be most welcome and appreciated…it could be a burden on you. You witnessed a portion of that yesterday morning.”

Depending what Noku decided with the whole being related thing, Lucinda’s friendship with her could have some serious backlash. Either the girl was very brave and honorable; or she had no clue what she was signing herself up for…but touching none the less. Noku had already taken that first step when he revealed his connection to her; he was likely to get a lot of backlash because of it. Which is why she was surprised he had done so publically so soon. Then sleexy mc sleeze spoke up again offering his tailoring services; causing Aria to blink. She looked down at herself and sighed rubbing the bridge of her nose.

”I suppose wearing an oversized guard’s uniform would be inappropriate…would you like to help me pick one Princess?”

At the sound of the egg moving Aria took a closer look at the décor of the room. Spotting the large egg… her expression softened and she became slightly more relaxed as she strolled from the doorway to the egg which the Princess was adjusting.

”May I?”

She gestured towards the egg; if given permission she would gently pick it up and bring it to her ear. A small grin spreading across her face as the unmistakable scraping of an egg tooth could be heard. Aria let her mind gently brush against the soon to be hatchling in the egg. She was met with a twinge of determination and curiosity. She slowly brought the egg down and placed it gently in its make shift nest and turned to Mc Sleezy again.

”Would you mind gathering some river stones? Smooth ones and a metal container please. Something like what you would use to warm the beds in the middle of winter.”

She turned to Lucinda with a large smile.

”Congratulations; its hatching day. We might want to dragon proof this room; once she’s out she’ll likely sleep for a couple of hours but they’re pretty mobile from the get go. You’ll have to keep the nest warm until she can warm it herself. I can help fire proof your belonging if you wish as a thank you for your generosity.”

[Deleted]

Melda had woken up that morning, curious of the newly arrived princess. She dressed, choosing a grey gown, with white accents, and a baby blue cloak. She ate a small breakfast before deciding to meet the young girl. Melda made her way through the palace, the hood to her cloak up, covering her white hair, which was half up and down this morning, the braids twisting around her head in the back while the rest waved nicely down to her waist. The Princess had intrigued her, and her arrival certainly had been tense, back and forth with the King also focusing on the Red Woman… Melda was also curious of her, but the Princess took precedence.

Melda arrived at the door of the Princess’s chambers and knocked softly. While walking down the hallway, she’d seen a man enter the room, dressed finely as though he worked in the castle, though Melda had never seen him before. New hire’s happened frequently, so she wasn’t alarmed.She could hear speaking behind the door, something of the Champions and their behaviour… someone was shaming them? Who? When the door would open, she would speak, bowing before the girl, not seeing the Red Woman as of yet.

Excuse my intrusion Princess, I wished to meet you in person, away from the dramas of before. She raised her head, My name is Melda Delsaran Vanya, Duchess of the castle. She stood straight once more, a smile on her face, though it faltered when her eyes spotted Aria, not expected to see her.

Oh, hello. She nodded her head politely, unsure as to why she was there, but not angered by it, though it became clear who spoke of the Champions thus. For what reason did a champion shame others? Melda did not understand it. She took note of where the man stood, but paid no mind to him— after all, if he was a servant, there was no need to address him as of yet. However, the champion did, asking for river stones and a container. She seemed to have no problems asking for things in the position she was in. Odd. Hatching day? Melda’s eyes ventured the room and spotted an egg. What had the princess brought to the castle?

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda looked up, a little startled, as the servant addressed them. She hadn’t heard him come in and she frowned at her chamber maid, assuming she had let the strange man in without announcement. The princess shook her head lightly when the maid moved to apologize and motioned her instead to taste the drinks, which she did using a straw. “Yes, thank you, sir,” she said in response to his question about the lemonade, reaching to accept one of the glasses. As he offered her tailoring services, she considered a moment before nodding. “I hadn’t thought about that actually. We would be most grateful for your help, sir…?” she said, turning it in a question at the end as she inquired his name.

Lucinda listened as Aria explained about the champions and offered her thoughts on the her offer. “Very well then, Aria. I find it odd and most disappointing to hear about this treatment of the Gods and their champions. It’s not how things are usually done, but I am sure you are already aware of this. As for the burden of your friendship, that is something I am more than willing to accept. I have knowledge of your actions and believe you have been unfairly judged. Nor do I agree with the Arch Duchess’s treatment of you or behavior in general. That you are a Fated also does not concern me. We have heard of the plight of the Fated in Palico but we, specifically I, oi believe that an individual is accounted for their own actions and that punishing a whole group makes no sense. None of the Fated asked to be here. It is my understanding that it’s the work of the God and that is not for us to question or make judgement on,” Lucinda explained, her voice calm but very firm and it was clear she had a lot of respect for the pantheon.

Realizing she’d gone on something of a monologue, the princess blushed lightly as Aria drew her attention to the egg. She gave her an apologetic look and nodded. “That was my farewell present from my brother. He wanted me to have company here in Teair. House dragons and drakes are quite common in Palico,” she said, as Aria made her requests and she nodded that the servants) should move to accommodate them. Lucinda broke into a lovely grin as Aria told her it was hatching day. “That would be wonderful, yes please. Usually, these are hatched in a special room on the castle grounds but Teair doesn’t have that here so I’ve been doing the best I could,” she said, laughing as she accepted Aria’s help with the tiny creature’s care.

A moment later, Lucinda noticed the lovely high elf from the day before had come to pay her a visit as well. The door had been left open after the arrival of the lemonade gentleman so she simply motioned for the other woman to enter. “Welcome, Duchess Vanya, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Please, come in. Have you met Aria?,” she gestured in question. “I’m helping her to get ready for the King’s brunch,” she explained, smiling, then added“You’ll have to excuse us, though, if we seem distracted. It’s hatching day!,” she finished. Lucinda seemed very excited about all of it.

[Rivers]

By the time everyone turns from the egg the servant is gone, but in his place is the tray on a stand with another lemonade, the implements Aria asked for and the patter of shoes running down the hall as a seamstress was summoned.

[Deleted]

Aria stepped aside and fell silent as soon as someone else entered the room. It was the Duchess that reiterated the fact she partly transformed into a dragon. Least she said dragon and not demon or what not. When the duchess turned and introduced herself Aria bowed with a small smile.

”A pleasure to meet you under slightly better circumstances Duchess.”

Her attention turned back to Lucinda as she gave a very passionate view on the situation. Aria thought for a moment, while looking at the ceiling…formulating her answer with care. Do disagree with the princess would be rude; while also agreeing with her full heartily would be slandering a woman whom as dislikable as she was, was still apart of Nokus court. The Princess was also somewhat in danger of making enemies where there needn’t be any. When she looked back down her eyes were a bit sad but held a deep intelligence behind them.

”It is disappointing, however there have been a series of circumstances that have brought things to where they are. The fated are a fairly sensitive subject; while I fully agree with you that the fated have no choice in being brought here by a gods doing, we are also a strain on this economy….”

Aria looked out the window in the direction of the third district.

”Even in a thousand years’ time this city is still stricken with poverty; however in these times the plight is exuberant. The fated people have only inflated this problem; we are brought here with only the clothes on our backs…however the fated are more diverse. They can come from worlds much different from ours, and bring different skills and technologies. But for many especially for those in the third district, another mouth fighting for that last hand out might mean the life or death. Doesn’t matter if its man, woman, or child….each spot a fated takes is another displaced.”

Aria looked back at Lucinda with a kind smile. While it may have been a work of god, the kingdom was suffering for it. Something needed to be done; unfortunately it was handled by someone other than the one who’s right it was.

”I am afraid fated are easily hated; unlike me many don’t come from Nova. While I’m fated I am fated from Nova, it is my past, present and future. Others they are taken from such worlds called earth, or Hyperia, and many more. They do not have the same customs; or hierarchy systems, or even magic or gods. They lack the knowledge required to adjust to our world. That or simply refuse to adapt. They are hurting and lost. The disrespect from them comes from ignorance; while the disrespect from many Novanians come from fear…I don’t approve of how things have unfolded, I can still see the reasons and consequences of circumstances. I do have every bit of faith that his majesty will set things right as he sees fit.”

Aria scratched the bridge of her nose as the broached upon the topic of champions.

”The champions and I are in a difficult position. While I am lumped in with the fated, I am also lumped with the woman who tried to kill his majesty…who also happens to be a champion. Ai I can’t imagine is pleased with how she’s been represented. Ironically I haven’t been once questioned on the reason why I was imprisoned in the first place….However I was imprisoned because I had contact with the assassin. People saw me dance with her at the ball….that and the woman once punched me in the face with a rock held a knife to my throat and tried to kid nap me to wear shoes…. ”

At that Aria wiggled her toes…she still wasn’t wearing shoes.

”The orders were however that anyone who had contact with the assassin be brought in so her collaborators would be executed as well….Unfortunately for my title that was a loose loose situation. I either brought disgrace by being fated and associated with that woman, or I brought disgrace lapsing on my duties as a Champion………Apparently now its I who ramble, my apologies Princess. But I accept your friendship with the greatest gratitude.”

Aria turned her attention back to the dragon. She missed her little dragonlets and was excited to see another young one. She chuckled at the mention of the little dragon being of some company.

”Well you now have two dragons to keep you company….I will help teach your young one proper behavior whilst it’s missing its peers.”

Aria turned back to Mc Sleezy…..only to blink as she heard footsteps running away…..her face deadpanned at his exit. She resisted the urge to face palm, but was pleased to see the river rocks and pan there. She placed the rocks in the metal bin with one hand, and then dragged the tub of rocks to the rocky hearth. It was awkward since her left arm was quite out of commission. Once that was settled she extended her hand. A very controlled wave of flame came from her palm and flickered steadily over the rocks until the glowed red. Once that was settled Aria let the flame dissipate and stood chuckling over the Princesses excitement.

”By the time she pops out of the shell the rocks will be a good temperature to place a blanket on and snuggle her up on. It’s good to show her to heat up her sleeping space….Though I’m not sure if house dragons would need to as much…..In the wild dragons use sunning, or bed warming as I just did to warm themselves before and after a flight. The air is much cooler up there; and a higher body temperature is needed…and the process needs to be done all over again when they land.”

[Deleted]

At the Princess’s welcome, Melda stepped further into the room, glancing at the woman she named as Aria. Not formally no, it is a pleasure. She nodded her head at the woman, noting how she smiled and bowed. The woman had manners, she could give her that. Melda was still judging this woman, slowly over time. She found it unfair to judge her based on the events from the night before, alone. Such an event could be misleading. However, when the Princess mentioned that she was helping Aria dress for the brunch called by the King, Melda’s eyebrows nearly skyrocketed. She blinked and regained her composure, smiling tightly. She did not know if such things were normal to the Princess, and as she, Melda, was below her in stature, it would be impolite to question her. Instead she nodded, How very generous of you, Princess. But if you could explain, Hatching day? You have brought an egg with you I see. Such customs are normal for you, yes? She did not mean to seem rude, but the question did come out skeptical. She’d never heard of raising dragons in a castle before. Quite strange indeed.

She walked a bit closer, looking at the egg carefully. When Aria began to speak, Melda slowly removed the hood from her head, letting it fall back to her shoulder blades and untucking her hair from under it. The pale white locks streamed down her back curling lightly her waist while the rest waved softly. The braids were now visible on the crown of her head, four of them, two on each side, folding around each other to form one knot at the back. Her eyes —a soft lavender today— now looked at Aria, noting the details as she spoke, looking out the window, scratching her nose. Small details that may be important later. When she spoke of the Fated, the Duchess’s eyes narrowed and she tilted her head. Being one herself it made sense that she knew so much, but Melda hadn’t known that she was from a future time of Nova. The thought alone was confusing. If that was so, couldn’t this woman alter their future? Her past? Melda didn’t like the idea of that, but had a hunch that the woman didn’t have such intentions— not yet at least. For the most part, Melda agreed with the views Aria spoke of, about the King and the way he may handle things. But, once she moved on to the champions, Melda clicked a few things together. Part of her crimes were because of the assassin who was after the King. By Aria’s description, the woman did not sound pleasant, though at the mention of shoes, she found herself looking down at the womans toes disdainfully and let out a silent sigh. Of course she wasn’t wearing shoes, though the Princess would probably fix that.

Once Aria was finished, Melda blinked looking back to the egg. An interesting way to see things, Aria. Though I do not disagree with you, I would not go around sharing from where you are Fated. It could and would most likely cause confusion and people would ask questions better left unanswered. Her tone was swift, not looking at the red head while she spoke. Her advice was simple; do not tell people she was from the future. It simply wasn’t wise. Melda looked away from the egg to the place where the servant once stood. She could sense the winds around him shifting but when she looked over, he was gone. Her eyes narrowed once more— for what reason did she feel a shift? She could not speak to the wind, though she wished she could, but she could manipulate it, and feel when it was being manipulated. Something about that man was off.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda listened as Aria explained the situations further concerning the champions and the Fated. She found it interesting that Aria was from a future Nova and perhaps she would ask her more about that later, as it seemed to displease the Duchess. "I really appreciate your knowledge on these things, Aria. I was sent here as an ambassador and you are catching me up quite quickly. I can see your point about the economy, now that you mention. It was not something I myself had even thought about," she commented before letting the subject go and focusing her attention on the dragon egg. She noticed that the servant had disappeared but that the things Aria requested were already there and a puzzled look crossed her face before she dismissed it.

The princess smiled as Aria worked around the egg and explained about the temperature, offering to help teach it proper behavior. Turning to Melda, she gestured at the egg. "This is a house dragon egg. They're small dragons, so small that we keep them as pets in Palico. Apparently, this little one is now ready to make her entrance into the world and you, Duchess, are lucky enough to be here to witness this birth of sorts," she explained, her voice barely containing the excitement and so she didn't come across as degrading to Melda. "I'd appreciate the help, Aria. I don't know much about raising baby dragons," she admitted, glad to have the Fated woman here to assist. "I consider myself lucky to have met you," Lucinda said, smiling.

[Deleted]

Aria’s eyes sparkled with concealed amusement at the duchess’s reaction; she had much of the same reaction.

”It is quite an honor to have her assistance, it’s greatly appreciated…if you ever had to put pants on with one functioning arm it’s an interesting process.’

At the advice Aria nodded; it was probably wise but it wasn’t something that was unknown already. Aria gazed kindly at Lucinda as she thanked her for her information.

”There is quite a bit to be caught up on; but his Majesty has things well in hand I’m sure. I’m curious, you said that Palico have heard of the fated; have none made it to your borders yet?”

Aria smiled as the duchess asked about the egg and hatching day. She was very interested to know that the Noru’s raised house dragons. It made the family emblem make more sense…that was for sure.

”The Noru’s crest are three dragons intertwined; one purple, one red, and one gold if I remember correctly. While this is new information to me that the Norus have house dragons, it does seem fitting. Dragons are magnificently intelligent creatures; they have a mind like you or I. They are fiercely loyal to those they bond with. It’s a very special thing for them to align themselves with a family. I would love to hear more about the house dragons you raise.”

Aria smiled at the egg, remembering her dragons…they were a handful to raise. She learned the hard way about instilling manners early.

”Back home I raised five; the last few of their sub species. A plasma breathing type, very fast, and agile….much like a cat with scales. They have special well I guess you would call them gill like appendages that help them breathe in thinner air found at higher heights.”

Aria stopped when she realized she was rambling again and blushed slightly, then turned her attention back to the Princess.

”Perhaps we should get ready as the young one is getting ready to break out of its shell. The process can take a while.”

[Deleted]

Melda arched an eyebrow as the young Princess spoke, explaining the egg. So it was normal for them to have a dragon about. Alright then. Melda nodded, concealing her shock. She would simply have to get used to it, though she wondered what the Kings— or more so, Severine’s reaction would be. Would certainly be interesting, that much she could assume.

It would seem I am lucky, wouldn’t it? She smiled, humouring the Princess, though her mind lingered on the odd servant man. Did either of you recognize that man? Something about him simply doesn’t sit right with me She eyed the supplies he’d left again, and the door he exited from. She was certain she’d felt the winds shift…

Looking back to Aria for a moment, she nodded, An honour indeed. Though I do think that pants may be inappropriate for a brunch with the King… Don’t you agree Princess? She arched her eyebrow again, looking at Aria’s figure. She would look dashing in the right gown, and if she’d heard correctly, a seamstress was being sent to help. That red hair of yours, matched with the right colour gown would be stunning. She admired, mumbling slightly, it was more of an afterthought to herself than anything.