Moving Forward. [Cole/Open]

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity was leaving the castle, flustered. Aria had given her a lot to think about— not that she could back out now. Serenity was to move into the castle. She was to serve Aria as a handmaiden… and she was to bow to that stuck up blonde that was the Princess of Palico. She was so frustrated and unfocused that she'd made a wrong turn and now had no idea as to where she was in the castle. She let out a grumble turning around and trying to retrace she steps. She knew she had to go home and pack that night, as well as bring some of Arias things back with her.

She’d wanted a purpose, a useful way to spend her time… this was a solution to that. She knew that. But she wasn’t fully willing to move away yet… but she didn’t have a choice at this point. How she was going to tell Rivers, and Roxy she didn’t know yet… She knew she had to thank Aria, for this was a great opportunity. It wasn't Aria she was mad at. 

[Deleted]

The castle still didn’t feel like home. That being said, not much time had passed since his recent arrival, but Cole would have hoped that after enough nights in the same bed he wouldn’t keep being surprised to wake up in his room. Walking down the halls, everything still had a novel, unfamiliar feel even though he knew his way around. He turns a corner, blue priest robes flowing behind him, and stops short of a woman.

It’s an unfamiliar face. Truthfully, everyone in the castle was, but Cole could at least put a house and lineage to most of them. Except, of course, the newly appointed duchess and this woman now. There was no long legacy behind the name Wurud, and Aria had shared very few details about herself. It was entirely possible that they were of the same family, considering the red hair. However, Palico elevating two people to nobility was even more confusing.

He bows slightly. “Good afternoon, my lady.” Standing up, he tilts his head to the side with a curious expression on his face. “You seem lost. Perhaps, I can help?”

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity looked up, seeing a man in her path. He looked at her curiously, causing her to do the same. She’d never seen him before— which wasn’t entirely surprising, as she didn’t spend much time in the castle until now. She blinked as he bowed, taking a moment to answer.

Oh… Good afternoon Sir… Quickly she returned the favour by curtsying, realizing her rudeness. I am a tad lost yes… I am trying to get out of the castle actually. she laughed lightly, and due to her nerves, her accent was in full swing. She’d forgotten to hide it. It was always a dead give away of the fact she was Fated, and being in the castle she had to be careful. She realized her mistake but kept her face blank, not wanting to seem weak.

I do not mean to be rude, but who are you? I don’t recall seeing you before… Might as well act as though she’d lived here forever.

[Deleted]

It’s a peculiar accent and not one he can pinpoint. However, Cole’s never met anyone outside of the major kingdoms, so it made sense if she was from some smaller, distant country. Or if she grew up in some backwoods area, he wouldn’t recognize it either. That would hardly be surprising if she was related to the duchess with the mysterious background. He gives a reassuring smile. “I would be more than happy to help you. I was just headed out as well.”

Cole gestures down the hall that she just came down before walking that direction. He chuckles a little at the question, realizing there were wondering the same thing. “Actually, I was just about to ask that as well. I am High Priest Cole Merritt. I am relatively new to the city, which might explain why we haven’t met at other occasions. Yet, I’ve been here just long enough to figure out my way around the castle. I got lost on my first days in the castle as well.”

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity followed, nodding her thanks. He seemed nice enough, but then again, so did the Princess. Thank you very much. She smiled brightly at him, and listened to the words he spoke. She wasn’t surprised to learn he was wondering who she was. She did dress as though she belonged here, but her presence made it clear she did not. She’d been out of her own world for so long. She’d forgotten what it had been like to hold a place of power.

It’s a pleasure to meet you High Priest. once again she bowed her head, not able to curtsy as they walked. My name is Serenity Caine, I am from a distant land often overlooked by the rest of the world. She chuckled. I am actually being hired as Duchess Wurud’s handmaiden… I have no higher stance than that. She looked at her feet, her mind noting how far apart they were in social status, yet she talked to him as though he were a normal person.

[Deleted]

Cole waves dismissively as Serenity thanks him. “It really is no issue.” He was hardly deserving of praise for such a simple task. However, it does appear that he misjudged her standing, so perhaps she feels the need to be more grateful towards him. “While you might not have any holdings, you certainly carry yourself in a manner befitting of a lady of this castle.” The compliment is sincere as Serenity did seem to have a certain elegance to her. Whoever taught her had taught her well.



He runs a hand through his hair only for it fall back in place. He has many questions, and it was hard to figure out where to begin exactly. Probably with whatever seemed less intrusive to ask. “I can’t say that my home is distant, but I also come from a place much smaller than this. A barony close to Heavens Pass called Obtera. It’s still within this kingdom, but it’s often forgotten. If you don’t mind me asking, from where exactly do you hail? Does Duchess Wurud come from the same place?” He could give some meaningless information about himself away to get some in return.

[Serenity Caine]

She looked up at him, startled. She still held her stance? A rush of pride filled her for a moment, proud that she hadn’t lost all of her old self. Well, you could say I haven’t always been this way. I used to hold a standing. She shrugged, leaving it at that. Much more and she’d have to explain about her home, which could lead to trouble.

She nodded along as he spoke, finding herself interested in what he was saying. She’d never heard of the place he spoke of, but she had also only been here a few months.

Well… We call it London. Serenity cleared her throat, hoping to leave it there, but was startled again as he asked about Aria. Lady Aria? Oh goodness no. I haven’t met another in these parts from my home. As for her… I actually… huh. Serenity’s face scrunched up. She had no idea where Aria was from. She knew she was fated, but that was all.

That is a question you may need to ask her… I haven’t a clue. A small tinkering laugh escaped her as she clasped her hands together in front of her.

[Deleted]

At the mention of former standing, Cole gives a sympathetic look. He’s heard of nobility losing titles before. It wasn’t a common occurrence, but it did occasionally happen. “My apologies. I imagine it must be difficult for you.”

“London,” Cole repeats. He makes a mental note to check for it on a map somewhere. “I hope that Teair Nova isn’t too drastic of a change for you then. I’m personally use to the countryside more than busy streets.” So many people coming and going and new things happening everyday, he wonder if it’s possible to really get used to a place that seems to change constantly even if just in the small ways.

Duchess Wurud was quite the mystery indeed if not even her handmaiden could speak to her background. “So I take it you two became acquainted in the city then? It must be an interesting story, especially since that she is also a champion.”

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity waved her hand, dismissing the apology. Oh it’s nothing. I’m getting quite used to it now. Mind you, my new job is proving to be more difficult that I originally assumed. Learning to step down to another when you used to be above them… it’s challenging. Serenity rubbed her thumb along the back of her other hand. London. Just hearing someone else say the name gave her goosebumps. She really did miss it.

It was certainly a big change when I first arrived… but I’ve begun to like it here now. Though I must admit, I do miss the city a tad. She laughed and shrugged. Looking over to Cole as Aria was mentioned again, she smiled. I suppose you could say that. I met her friend before her. He became a very close friend to me, while Lady Aria and I were at odds for a period of time. Red heads don’t always get along it seems. When she spoke of Rivers her eyes had softened a bit. But over time things changed a bit, I have no idea how, and next thing I knew she was offering me a job. That was today. So that probably clears up the surprise as to why I don’t know little details. I’ve only started training today. Serenity blushed, looking at Cole for a moment before looking down again

[Deleted]

Serenity certainly wasn’t taking her loss of title too badly, but if it had been awhile, it only made sense to move on with one’s life. However, Cole doesn’t think he could take the same situation as calmly. He almost stumbles when she says that she used to be above duchess. What was above that other than royalty? If he didn’t already feel bad about her situation, he did now. “I can only imagine. I would say maybe you will get used to it with time, but quite honestly, I am unsure if I ever would if I were in your shoes.”

It is curious that Aria would choose to employ an individual with whom she did not get along previously. Them suddenly getting along is also quite strange. Perhaps, Aria had some means of securing Serenity’s loyalty or perhaps the mysterious friend played a greater role in this than stated. Such odd people that Palico choose to associate with. “Ah. I do hope that you stay on good terms with the duchess then and that she doesn’t give you too much trouble. However, coming to stay in the castle must be worth looking forward to, yes? After all, I have trouble imagining a woman with your grace and elegance belonging anywhere else.” He wears a soft smile when he gives compliment before reaching the stairs and heading down.

[Serenity Caine]

Everyone is different. It’s been a long time for me, so change is actually rather welcome for me. As I’m sure you can imagine, if this job were to be offered to me, directly after my fall, I highly doubt I would have accepted it with grace, or even at all. She shrugged once more, laughing lightly. She really had come a long way. She had no doubts he assumed she was royal or something, rather, used to be, but in her world, the status she had was higher than a Duchess. She had been the heir and soon after, owner of the largest company in London. She had ruled over many different people and sections of the city. People with noble status still had to go through her to get things done. In a way, she had been royalty of sorts, back then.

I hope so as well. I suppose it mostly depends on how well I can do this job. I already had a spat with the Princess. She and I do not see eye to eye… Serenity looked away for a moment, making a sour face as the prissy blonde girl entered her mind. Though you are right, moving to the castle is an upside. Though the place I was staying before this, it was rather homey. But I suppose it was the people who lived there that made it like home, rather than the building itself. It was a little haven for me. She smiled sweetly again, thinking of Rivers, Lia and Roxy. She would miss them, but had no doubts she’d see them again.

As they reach the stairs, Serenity lifts the hem of her dress so as not to trip. You said you were new here as well.. What brought you here?

[Deleted]

Cole’s never met anyone who would openly reveal a dislike for royalty. However, Serenity was proving to be a surprising open person. “I have yet to meet the Princess of Palico. Or any of the royal family for that matter. But since you are working under the duchess, you shouldn’t be taking too many orders from the princess.” That being said, the princess was still above Serenity and could probably order her as she pleased.

Friend and home. It was far more than what he had so far in the city. Maybe with enough time, he could speak of this place with similar affection. “It sounds like you’ve gotten pretty used to life here in the city then.”

Walking at a slower pace, Cole remains by her side instead of walking ahead. The true answer to her question was nepotism, but that felt odd to say directly. “Ah. My great uncle was the former head priest and recently passed away. I came here to fill that position, which has had its work cut out for it. I wasn’t made aware of the extent of recent events in the city prior to my arrival, so you can imagine my shock to find the temple in the state that it is. Repairs are moving along smoothly though.”

At the base of the stairs, he takes a right. “The main doors should be this way.”

[Serenity Caine]

Ahh, she and the Duchess are close it seems. I will be seeing much of her. But no matter, I must make the best of it. Serenity laughed, though she was far more bothered by it that than. She had agreed to the job on Aria’s terms, not the Princess’s.

Yes, I suppose I have. It is certainly interesting, but finding people who become important to you I found is the key… otherwise… you just float, wondering what you’re doing with your life… Serenity spoke absently, her eyes wandering the beauties on the walls of the castle, different artworks here and there. Her eyes shifted back to Cole as he answered her question, smiling.

Oh! Yes, I heard about that… I was out of the city when it happened, but it sounded horrible. I wasn’t aware the temple was harmed though. Her mind immediately went to the incident involving the Fated… and herself.

She began to sweat lightly around the base of her hair. He mustn't know she was a Fated, let alone involved in that crime. She followed him at the end of the stairs, nodding and humming a response. Thank you again for your help. I’m sure helping a handmaiden wasn’t in your schedule today. She had entirely forgotten that he was on his way out as well.