Returning Home

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When she dropped her arm, it fell with a plop, and caused a deep growl from the red heads throat. It made Lilith move her hand, and hearing the king laugh, caused her to laugh herself. He controlled his within a second, hiding it with a cough, but she let hers out openly. Aria was so tired, but she’d find this funny later on. Lilith looked up to find Noku closer than she’d expected, not noticing him come and kneel down next to her.

Yes, she definitely needs some rest. Lilith responded, watching him stand and return to the door. He spoke softly, and compared Aria to an unknown person, until Lilith connected the dots, looking over to the painting after he did. Luca looked just as stunning there as she did laying softly in her bed. Yes… I can. I can see exactly what you mean. Lilith smiled softly, pushing stray strands of hair behind her elven ear.

Lilith stood, hearing his question. She opened her mouth to respond, but the door was pushed open, and two people came in to get Aria while she slept. He withdrew his question and told her she could leave if she wished. She remained silent as the servants picked Aria up and brought her out of the room. She watched the door click shut before deciding to respond. You aren’t keeping me, if I may be so bold to say. I could have left with Aria if I’d chosen. But I have the feeling there’s something further you wish to speak about. If I’m wrong, then by all means, I will leave if you so wish. But I’m already here if there’s something you want to say. Lilith cleared her throat and sat back down on the chair she’d been in early, looking at Noku curiously. Just the fact that she was in the Kings office with him was stunning to her. Less than a year ago she’d been known by no one, and now, here she was.

[Noku Noru]

Noku didn’t respond the first time Lilith spoke. His mind preoccupied with what was scattered across the surface of his desk. His golden gaze glued to the reports in a desperate attempt to not make eye contact with Lilith while the Servants entered the room. With his head tilted downwards, Noku was able to hide the raised brow at the comment she had made.

Though remained silent while the servants carefully removed Aria and carried off into another room that was prepared for her. Meanwhile, Noku’s eyes were fixed on the reports not realizing that Lilith had decided to stay. The silence of the room slowly lulling him into a trance of reading until the latch of the door had finally clicked and the sound of light foot steps patted against the marble floor caught his attention.

He dared not lift his head as her voice broke the silence. His eyes shooting up from the scribbled writings for a split second; long enough to lock eyes for a moment before lowering his gaze back down to his desk. His head still tilted down words as if still paying attention to the report; though in reality he was listening intently to what she had to say. His heart fluttering in his chest the moment she asked if there was something more he would like to say.

His body going rigid in his seat, leaned over in a reading type posture for nearly a minute. He hadn’t expected her to stay! Nor did he really know how to ask the question that was plaguing the forefront of his mind. Even as he was building up the courage to say something while she was taking a seat, it felt like he had a lump forming in his throat preventing him to speak. How humiliating; Noku thought before finally taking a deep breath and very slowly Lifting up his head and straightening his posture in a more noble manner. His hands clasped in front of him on his lap.

“ You are not wrong. “

Noku was now looking directly at Lilith, studying her while she was within his presence. Though his direct gaze didn’t last long before turning his gaze to the side of her. “ I was given a report a while back stating you were now the new key holder.” Noku paused, clearing his throat before continuing. “ I have to say, I was rather shocked to see this change, though I do not disagree with Lady Melania’s choice. “ Noku spoke a little more seriously, a little curious as to why Mysteria had up and decided to give her key to someone else. He was some what concerned that the recent trauma of her losing a arm might have swayed this decision. However, he was not going to question it any further in front of her for now, instead he wanted to take this rare opportunity to speak with this woman.

“ How has she been fairing?…”

Noku asked, the concern present in his tone as he finally looked at her from across his desk.

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Lilith wasn’t surprised by the King’s lack of response. Everyone who worked in the castle knew he wasn’t a man of many words, so if he a lot to say, you must have really pissed him off, or you knew him on a level others didn’t. Regardless Lilith kept a positive attitude; he hadn’t thrown her out if his office, that was a good sign. She watched curiously as he looked so busy with his paper work. No doubt he had much to do, with everything going on. She was staring so intently during the silence, that when she started speaking again, she caught his eye flicker up for a moment. Her own locked with his, for just a moment before he looked back at his desk. In that moment she felt her heart plunge to her stomach.

What was that? Why did she feel like her skin was crawling in a way that gave her goosebumps. She rubbed her arms quickly, hoping they would go away lest he notice. She had looked away and down at her knees. What was she thinking? The king didn’t want to speak with her about his family— about his mother!— about anything. She was just the lady taking care of his mother. Though the task was important, that didn’t make her really relevant in his life. She really had no right deciding to stay here in his office—

His voice cut her off. She wasn’t wrong? So he was curious… she wanted to ask why he didn’t visit her himself, but the idea of talking to your mother, who didn’t know your father was dead, seemed awful. To be unable to speak about how he was now king, about how he ruled his kingdom with pride… it was heartbreaking really. With a new wave of confidence, in her own way, she looked back up at him, tucking the stray hairs behind her pointed ear once more. His eyes were directly on her, which wasn’t what she expected, but after a slight falter of blinking and clearing her throat — she didn’t completely overcome her shy habits — she returned his gaze. Not that it lasted for long.

To be honest… It came as a surprise to me as well. Its nice talking about it with someone else though, Lady Mysteria is the only one I’m aware of, aside from you, whom I am allowed to speak about it with. I was hired by Roland about a year ago, on the Mage Guard, as I’m sure you’re aware of as well. Once Lady Mysteria had her… incident with her arm, Aria—Duchess Wurud, suggested me as her healer, as she knew news wouldn’t spread as I don’t gossip. Perhaps that was the deciding moment. Who knows… She babbled on clearing her throat at the end. She knew being nervous in front of the King was normal, he was the King…

His question weighed heavy in the silence. She’s… alive. I can tell she wants to roam about, go on walks… see the sky and the gardens… but she’s unable, and it hurts to watch… She’s an amazing woman— I know you know that… She loves taking turns, sharing stories with one another. I’ve never met a woman so…pure. I swear it’s like she’s from a fairytale… Lilith sighed, catching herself babbling again. Of course he knew about how great she was… She’s doing well… it what all of that meant. Her vision is almost gone, shapes, colours and shadows now mostly… But her hearing is like a hawk. She smiled, hoping the talk of his mother wouldn’t damper his spirits further.

[Noku Noru]

Noku sat very silently and still in his seat while Lilith managed to look him in the eyes, though her bravery to meet his gaze didn’t last long. Her words coming out like babbling as if nervous, which he understood. She had every right to be nervous in his presence. Most people he met that were not born and raised in the court often met him with this same gaze; so it rarely bothered him as she talked about how she became hired into the Guard and came to her position within the Castle.

Her nervousness once again coming straight out as she spilled most of her information of what she believed was the reasonings for Mysteria’s choice. So the elf woman was justifying her situation. An Noku just sat there with barely any expression on his face as she continued to speak. This time answering his last question; About his mother….

Noku’s eyes flashed as Lilth began telling him how his mother’s health had been doing as of late. His heart sank in his chest as he listened in silence, his features becoming soft for a moment as those intently hanging on to every word that was coming out of her mouth. His mother wanted to leave her chambers, something that both horrified and stabbed at his soul. He wished to accommodate this woman that birthed him and he called mother, however he knew granting such a wish would do more harm than good. His lips pressed as she continued to speak and make light of her deteriorating vision. So she was becoming blind as well? Noku, remained silent the entire time as Lilith spoke. When she finished he still continued to remain silent. His attention trailing over to the painting within the room as he stared up at the ‘fake’ happy royal family within the portrait. His lips slowly pressing into a frown as he continued to stare up at the picture.

“ I see… I’m sorry to say that I can not comply with her majesty’s wishes. I understand what she desires and I forbid it.” Noku spoke some what firmly as if convincing himself that the decision he made was the right one. His eyes returning to meet Lilith as he stared at her from across his desk. “ Thank you for telling me about her failing vision. If you need any supplies or anything to make her comfortable within her chambers, then I will see that it is brought to you.” Noku nodded, assuring Lilith that he would help her to the best of his abilities. Though with this, his frown seem to return as he closed his eyes.

“ I know you must think of me as a cruel son for not letting my own mother be free to do as she pleases, but I assure you her safety within that room is better than what I can offer anywhere else. “ He spoke sounding some what defeated as he rubbed the bridge of his nose between his eyes. Obviously exhausted, but doing an outstanding job at keeping it together for the time being as he sat waiting to hear the elf girl had to say…. Waiting to hear ‘Monster’ and ‘tyrant’ come from such a graceful and elegant elven woman.

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She felt his gaze on her at various point while she spoke, causing her to shift in her seat more than once. By the time she had finished speaking, he was looking up to the portrait over his desk. She glanced at his face, seeing the frown. She had already known this news would not have pleased him, it was silly of her to assume he would be okay with it.

When he started speaking, she snapped his eyes to his again, determined to have the confidence someone in her position should have. She was here on behalf of her job, as his mothers caretaker. That deserved some confidence. She sat up a bit, forcing her shoulders straight and continued to meet his gaze, unless he were to look away. Her heart was pounding, but she would beat this shy behaviour of hers. She nodded when he said he forbid it; she wasn’t surprised by that. She’d only told him of the Queen’s wishes, because it took part in her condition. Mysteria had already made it clear that she would not be leaving her chambers.

When he told her he would help with whatever she needed, being supplies or whatever the Queen required, she nodded once more, thankful for the gesture. She opened her mouth to speak her thanks, but stopped when he closed his eyes. She had a feeling he would continue to speak, and in a moment or two, she deemed herself right. However, his next words caused her to frown his time, and her eyebrows to furrow.

You Majesty… it’s alright. You are keeping her safe. You are providing her with care, and healers, and nearly everything else she so desires and needs. I do not see that as cruel… I do not know why things are the way they are, why she is unable to leave, but I respect your decision regardless- not just because you are king, but because I know you must have a reason for it. I don’t need to know what that reason is. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Despite everything, she seems fairly happy. Lilith cleared her throat lightly, glancing up at the portrait herself, wondering if their family was ever as happy as they seemed to be there.

In regards to things she needs… May I use the castle library? She seems to love stories, so I feel that if I bought some with me, she would enjoy it much more. I’m not the best story teller myself, so I fear my own tales are growing dry for her. I imagine she pictures the tales in her head, her own type of escape. I used to do the same, and I can assure you, it can be quite lovely. A soft smile spread on her face as she looked back to the king, and cleared her face once more, bringing back the confident and professional demeanour.

[Noku Noru]

Noku could feel the glare from his seat. He didn't need to open his eyes to know he probably had offended or angered Lilith with what he had said. When he did finally open his eyes, Lilith had finally disrupted the silence by speaking out. She was honest at least and he respected that. Though the frustrated look on her face made him a little tense. His eyelids blinking at her with a bit of bewilderment. It seemed that during the time he had closed his eyes the elf girl had found her courage. However her frown she had the entire time she spoke made him a little unsettled. His golden eyes locked onto her the entire time as she spoke to him; listening intently on what she had to say. A brow raised as she cleared her throat and glanced up at the portrait.

His eyes focused on her features for a moment during the time she was looking away. His mind burning the image of this woman into his memory as he stared at her from across his desk. Her words sinking deep within his heart and pulled at him to lean foward in his chair. Noku reached into his desk to pulled out a piece of parchment and began writing as she continued to talk. When she was done talking, he had finished writing and placed the quill back down in the ink bucket. He folded the parchment onto the desk several times before sealing it his royal signature seal. His eyes shooting up from the parchment with pressed lips. " I see... If the castle library is something you need to use then I have no problem with you doing so. However, please re-frame from filling my mothers head with unattainable dreams. I don't want her to suffer any more than what she has....." Noku spoke in a soft tone, sliding the letter across the surface of his desk towards her. His eyes widen slightly as he noticed her smile, his own lips parting to give a small smile in return.

At this time a servant opened the door, interrupting the two with a nervous ah-hem. " Your majesty, Lord Breton wishes to see you." The servant nodded, informing the king of breton's summons.

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Lilith was surprised she’d gotten away with speaking out as she had; the king from what she knew, wasn’t known for his overly forgiving habits, yet she didn’t seem to be in any trouble. As she was speaking their eyes had stayed locked on each other for what seemed like an eternity, she not wanting to look away to prove she could be confident, and he just seemed to be listening intently, which she appreciated. She noticed while she was talking, he’d begun to write something, but she ignored it at first, knowing full well she was taking up a decent chunk of his already busy time.

When he gave her permission to use the library, her face lit up noticeably. Though her intentions were for the Queen, there was no doubt that she would be spending time in there as well, for she loved the atmosphere. She’d always wondered what the castle library would look like in comparison to the towns. Yes of course Your Highness. I simply wish to make her time more entertaining, I’ve been in a similar position as hers; stories can be the only relief one has sometimes. I assure you, I will keep her happy. She smiled softly, her voice sure and confident in that, while also soft as per usual.

She blinked once or twice as he slid the sealed parchment across his desk to her, hesitantly pointing a finger to herself in question, before standing from her chair to take it gently from his desk, her eyes still lingering on him as she caught his smile. Aria had told her it was nearly impossible to make him smile, but she must have something wrong! Lilith had seen it three or four times since this meeting had begun; surely it wasn’t so difficult then, if she could make it happen.

Lilith fiddled with the paper in her hands, feeling its smooth texture in her hands before moving to sit down. However, before she would get the chance, the door would open once more, and the servant would announce his message. Lilith jumped lightly at the sounds of someone else’s voice, and cleared her throat lightly in embarrassment after. I will leave you to your business, Your Highness. Thank you for your time, I greatly appreciate it, and I will keep you updated. Lilith curtsied softly, her head bowing down and her hair tumbling over her shoulders as the loose braid came undone a tad more. When she stood again, there were strands of hair falling everywhere, but Lilith hardly noticed it.

Lilith moved to exit the room, the door still open, and stopped at the threshold. Fighting like you did, for your kingdom… It was very brave. I know not everyone got to watch from the front lines like I did, so I just wanted you to know that I admire you for that… Good day… Lilith bowed her head once more, ducking out of the room after that, knowing to leave the King to his business. She’d heard about Breton, and Lilith didn’t want to be the reason the King was late for something; she had a feeling it would come around and bite her in the ass later.