An Overdue Return (Closed, Noku and Aria)

[Lucinda Noru]

Amid the growing dangers of Nova, Silas, the King of Palico and Lucinda's brother, had sent for her return. She understood his reasoning: he wanted to protect her, where he could see her and know that she was okay. To this end, Lucinda returned to Palico together with Aria, who then assumed her new role as Duchess and Dragon Tamer. It was a long few months. Alli, the royal house dragon, grew and, with help from Aria, became very behaved. Lucinda helped her brother, as much as possible, with affairs of the kingdom. When the time came for Aria to leave, Lucinda remained behind for a time. Her kingdom needed her, and her brother was overprotective. There were many disagreements between them whenever the topic came around to her return to Nova, but she knew things had settled down some. Honestly, the princess had grown a fondness for Nova and it's quirky people. She planned her trip, this time agreeing to fly instead of taking Heaven's Pass and when the time was right and Silas agreed, Lucinda left in the accompaniment of her Alli and a small guard. 

The still of late afternoon lay heavy on the courtyard, not even a wind to stir the branches of the hedges that lined the area. Sunlight peeked around the edges of the towering castle, casting a shadow over the stairs leading to the grand entrance and touching only briefly on a second stairway, further into the garden. It was the time of day where the birds start to quiet and the night insects begin their hum, which was punctuated occasionally with a splash from the koi pond. Everything was covered in a blanket of snow, which crunched lightly underfoot and gave the courtyard a sort of winter wonderland feel. The water in the koi pond having clearly been enchanted to withstand the cold. 

A feminine figure made her way slowly across the marble path, the hem of her dress barely skimming the stones, followed by a medium sized ball of energy that proceeded to fly around the courtyard, inspecting the empty flower beds, bare trees, and pond at leisure. The odd couple was being quietly stalked by a gentleman in armor, clearly a body guard of some sort. The woman turned her head every so slightly and waved a hand towards the man, dismissing him, before continuing to make her way towards the castle, a gentle whistle recalling the house dragon to her shoulder.

The guards on either side of the grand door had been watching the exchange with a level of alertness, not yet sure who the woman was or what she thought her business might be here. As she approached, the figure lowered the hood on her cloak, her blonde hair bouncing free and falling to her shoulders. Underneath she wore a very finely crafted woolen dress, dyed royal purple with silver threading and sensible winter shoes. The guards relaxed visibly but straightened and then bowed. “Our apologies, Princess. We didn’t recognize you and weren’t told to expect your arrival,” one of them said quietly. Lucinda nodded, smiling. “You are forgiven. I have my men coming with my things. Please send someone to inform His Majesty of my arrival and Lady Aria. I shall wait out here, pending Lord Noku’s acceptance of me” she said, then made her way over to one of the small seating areas by the pond to watch the fish, shivering occasionally despite the tiny ball of warm house dragon on her lap. 

[Deleted]

Alli had grown since she left Nova; her hatching place. Now they were returning; Nova was such a blue to the young dragon, her mind was still that of an infant. But Young dragons as she was taught develop quickly; more so with house dragons so they could be of use to the family they were to belong to. It was such an honor to be a house dragon for one of the Norus. There was a rich history for house dragons, a highly intelligent refined breed.

Like most house dragons, young Alli was small in size. Currently she was the size of a small hunting dog; she still had some growing to do. At her full size she would be about the size of a large dog; it saddened her slightly she wouldn’t get any bigger; but any bigger then they wouldn’t really be capable of being house dragons. Like all house dragons her physiological make up was not quite what one pictured when one said dragon. She had a long muscular body, and a long neck with a large triangular head with large eyes in which lavender orbs gazed out curiously. Her front feet were something one would expect to see on a bird of preys; with long talons, however the back toe was double jointed and opposable. Allowing the young dragon to get into many things she probably shouldn’t be. Her back feet were more like cat paws; it made walking and standing on the ground long times more bearable. If her front feet became tired, one could often find her just sitting or even walking on her hind legs with her tail draped in her hand like a lady would carry a hand bag. Her tail was something special; only house dragons had a long prehensile tail that was quite good for grabbing and manipulating things. Really they were the perfect house helpers for the Royal family. Alli’s mature coloring had developed, along with a fine coat of fur. Something house dragons began to develop after the first few months of their birth. Her soft fur was white with a lavender sheen, while her belly which would remain scaly was pearl white. Her talons and claws were a deep dark purple; while the scales on her front feet were darker lavender in color.

Her wings were larger but not large enough; she was able to glide short distances, which she was doing down as she fallowed her mistress. Alli was still a bit easily distracted, as she was still young. Really she ought to be next to her mistress; but at least she was close by and no one was correcting her. So she gladly was going from snow covered flower bed to the next. Though Allie did returned to Lucinda’s side as a guard spoke to her mistress. Alli landed and sat up on her hind legs; a small clawed talon holding on to her mistress’s dress. She looked up at Lucinda and whistled softly in an inquisitive manner. When she was older she’d form words but she was still too young for that, though she understood human speech perfectly fine.

Allie waddled over to the bench with Lucinda as she sat; quickly jumping up into the Princesses’ lap. She wondered why they were sitting out here in the cold. Naturally they should have been brought inside to wait…not freeze out here. But her mistress chose to stay out here; so the least the little dragon could do was keep her warm.

[Noku Noru]

Noku sat before a lush mahogany desk poring over his father’s left behind journal, his face uniform and indifferent. Amber rays filtered through narrow, arched windows of the king's private library, filling the richly decorated room with a warm glow, and casting a sombre tone on the pleasant afternoon. As he thumbed through the tome, he would occasionally add a personal notation, make an entry in the remaining free pages, and return to his methodical procession. At length, he arrived at a section that drew his attention, and he replaced his quill in the inkwell, leaning back in the plush chair and knitting his brow. He remained focused a long time, reading and re-rereading the contents of the open segment.

The door to the library swung open, admitting a neatly-clad servant who spoke timidly: "Ah, uh...I have a message for you, your majesty..." Noku remained fixated, his eyes repeating the same flitting pattern. An awkward silence followed; a few moments later, the servant repeated in a tremulous but audible voice: "I have a message for you, your majesty!" Noku started, coming to as if from a trance, and looked about himself, eventually catching sight of the open door and the servant, his brow deeply furrowed. He locked eyes with the servant and demanded in an agitated tone: "You! Why are you in here? It is poor manners to enter a royal's chamber without admission." The servant came to attention and stammered out: "Ah, your majesty! I come to inform you that lady Lucinda and Duchess Aria have just arrived at the castle. I beg your leniency, my king." Noku examined the man briefly, then relaxed his expression and replied, while looking distractedly around the room: "Lucinda. Of course, there must be tidings from Palico...very well, let us welcome our guests properly-here, he returned his gaze to the servant-meet them and ensure that their needs and wants are furnished, and report back to me in half of an hour with an agreed upon meeting-place...let's say.....the garden. Also, send word to deliver a luncheon to the royal gardens to the kitchen after you tend to my first instruction." The servant bowed respectfully and enunciated: "Yes, your majesty, right away!" He hurriedly exited, closing the door softly, and silence returned to the room.

Noku returned his attention to the journal, gazing absentmindedly at the open page. He collected himself quickly, however, and placed it into a concealed nook in the desk, removing an ignominious pin from the drawer and pocketing it. He removed a stack of stationery from one of the drawers to his right, along with a lump of wax and a miniature steel ladle. Returning to the quill, Noku began to scribe, turning page after page of deliberately calculated script facedown in an orderly pile as he awaited the return of the servant.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda was rather enjoying her time out in the courtyard, despite the cold that Alli was helping to abate. It was quiet and beautiful; the most peace she'd had in a long while honestly. So it's end was met with mixed feelings and the arrival of a servant sent by the king. He informed her of Uncle Noku's choice to meet in the garden after she'd been settled so she agreed and followed the servant back inside after scooping up Alli.

The servant led Lucinda to her chambers where she took some time to warm up by the fire, with a cup of cocoa that was brought to her, and change out of her traveling clothes. She hadn't brought much back with her but she had left quite a bit here. Most of it was summer clothes though and she struggled to find something appropriate.

Eventually she managed to dig out an outfit from the back of the closet: a finely crafted woolen dress and black wool leggings. The dress was a deep navy blue with gold colored lace around the sweetheart neckline. The sleeves were long and close around her wrists, extending over the backs of hands to a tiny ring that settled on her middle fingers. She found a black cloak with some kind of fur trim on th hood and put that on as well.

Satisfied that she was appropriately dressed, Lucinda sent the servant back to the king. After he left, she sighed and gave Alli a worried look. "I hope this isn't a bad time and that Uncle Noku won't be displeased with us. I do so prefer this place to home, honestly, especially with Silas acting so strange and aloof these past months," she said to the tiny dragon. Of course she knew Alli couldn't reply yet, but the tiny dragon was very smart and Lucinda knew she could understand perfectly well. "Well, I suppose we shouldn't keep his majesty waiting then," the princess sighed anxiously and then left to make her way out to the garden, escorted by a second servant to the chosen meeting place.

[Deleted]

When the servant came back Alli hopped off her mistress’s lap, fallowing her inside to her old rooms. She apparently hatched in these rooms and was fairly curious to explore them while she was there. While Lucinda dressed, Alli found herself poking into every dusty corner of the room. It would seem that no one else occupied the room in Lucinda’s absence. Eventually she paused in her exploring and stopped to watch the Princess. Allie stood on her hind legs with her tail in her front talons, watching curiously as the princess sifted through a range of dresses.

Alli was happy all she had to worry about was cleaning her soft velvety coat; it seemed like a lot of hassle to change furs all the time. But apparently learning to pick out fashions was something she would have to learn to do if she was to be able to assist Lucinda as she got older. She would pay attention to her preferences and what was needed throughout the seasons. Alli shuffled forward on her two back paws, her narrow snout getting closer as Lucinda worked the buttons; she would need to learn how to work these buttons to…Maybe Lady Aria would be able to assist her with that.

Soon Lucinda was dressed and they were on their way again. As they walked Allie walked alongside her, though a bit awkwardly on her two hind legs. She looked up at Lucinda and let out a sympathetic whistle, she also hoped it wasn’t a bad time. It would be unfortunate to annoy the King of this country the minute they arrived. Eventually Alli dropped to all fours, as walking like that was very tiring and her muscles for it were not yet developed for it. Once on all fours she happily scampered ahead, more than happy to explore the garden outside again. Even if it was covered in snow.

[Noku Noru]

Noku had sealed and stowed the letter he set himself to at the servant's departure within a hidden nook in the desk alongside the journal and pocketed its subtle key-an unimposing rod bearing no noticeable markings-nearly as the same servant entered once more, preceded by an appropriate knock. "Yes, you may enter" Noku stated, and rose to meet him as he entered. "Your majesty, Lady Lucinda has been installed in her apartment, and notified of your desired meeting-place. The kitchen is preparing a luncheon, according to your request." Noku observed a moment, then replied: "Very good, then. Go along ahead of me and have the greenhouse prepared for our meeting; it just occurred to me the winter air might be inhospitable for such a purpose. Pass along the detail to the kitchen as well." The servant replied; "Yes, your Majesty!" and hurried off, counting himself lucky to evade reproach for his earlier carelessness.

Noku exited the office, locking it behind him with a unique skeleton-style key kept permanently on his person in a special pouch alongside many of its similarly-styled brethren, out of sight and beyond knowledge. He passed by his bedroom, deciding to enter and don a large, robust fur cloak trimmed in grey satin, embroidered everywhere with silver, a crimson, ochre, and violet insignia emblazoned in mirror on each side, running from about the breast to just below the knees. Satisfied, he exited and wound his way to the gardens, stopping here and there to ponder the signs of the gardeners' industry during the winter months. Everything had been kept properly; neatness and order framed the lifeless skeletons of so many bushes and vines that would burst into overwhelming splendor come spring. A tangible melancholy hung about the place; one could almost hear the anxious whispers of the garden, murmuring to itself: "soon, but not yet!", a sort of hushed anticipation of the glorious days to come. Advancing in this way toward the central greenhouse, Noku observed the bustling about of servants obviously preparing the space for the luncheon, accosted one who was emerging with an empty tray, and entreated him to fetch from the royal tobbaconist two specimens of "Holy Drake's Talon," the one, loose with a paired wooden pipe, and the second, prepared as a cigar with a brandy-cured wrapping.

He entered the greenhouse, approached the luncheon-table, quickly accumulating a most respectable offering, and sampled here and there cheeses and fruits as his palate directed. Seating himself with a small handful of such samplings, he hailed another nearby servant: "It would please me greatly to undergo this meeting to a bit of cheerful music; send some musicians here with a string quartet for the purpose." Now contented as to the presentation of the affair, he awaited Lucinda's arrival, quickly dispatching his pilfered treats.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda finally made her way outside into the the royal gardens. It was eerily beautiful with all the sleeping plants and snow. Her feet crunched lightly in it between stones as she made her way through the hedgerows, wondering where in the garden Uncle Noku would be. A flurry of activity drew her attention to the greenhouse and she smiled, nodding to herself. "Of course, the greenhouse. It's much warmer in there. Come along then, Alli. You'll like it better in there too," she said to the tiny house dragon.

Entering the greenhouse, Lucinda shivered as the warmer air hit her, contrasting sharply with the air outside. She looked around for a moment, never having really been in here and fluffed her hair out. The sound of music drew her further in where she noticed that Uncle Noku had a luncheon set up. This was very elaborate on such short notice and she grinned in earnest when she saw him, munching away at various tasty looking edibles.

"Your Majesty," she said to announce herself, curtsying appropriately. She wasn't sure he'd be happy to have her back. "I have returned to Nova, of my own desire, and would much like to stay, if your Highness has no objections," she stated, hoping to appeal to his curiosity and ego concerning why she'd rather be here than Palico. "Whether I am allowed to stay, or forced to go, I would speak with Aria. Have you seen her, Uncle Noku?" Lucinda added, trying not to look worried. She was though; worried he would send her back, worried Aria wouldn't even know she was here looking for her.

[Deleted]

Not far off from where Lucinda first arrived a barn owl sat perched in a tree. The owl had a snowy white heart shaped face, framed with dark red feathers which two large blue green eyes looked out. Aria had taken an owl form today, not feeling particularly social. She was able to check on the drakes in this form; and make note of where everyone was. That and she enjoyed being able to coast along the winds the sea often brought in. She remained completely oblivious to the fact Lucinda had summoned her due to the fact none of the people sent to find her could….and or were told the wrong information. So here she sat on the branch unaware of the princesses’ arrival.

Aria sat preening soft feathers, she fluffed up the soft down that was nestled underneath her other feathers. Creating a warm packet of air that kept her warm during these chilly months. As she was preening it would seem one of the snow banks decided to up and start moving…..She spun her head this way and that…before the owner of the bob of white hair came into view. Turns out Noku was out for a stroll. She glided silently to a different branch curious to what was going on. She saw him heading to the green house which seemed to be the center of some commotion. She lighted upon a branch in view of the door; surprised to see Lucinda was not far behind…..This cause Aria to shift slightly from foot to foot….why was Lucinda here? She clacked her beak, not sure if she liked this new development. She liked Lucinda well enough…her brother however. Well Lucinda’s presence was suspicious.

Aria adjusted the feathers on her facial disk and tilted her head in a way which she could listen better. It would seem Lucinda hadn’t been sent by her brother, or so she said. But she was asking Noku for permission to stay in Nova…annnddd she was looking for her. Aria took that as her cue to join the little get together. So when the door was open once more Aria glided on in. She gently and lightly took perch on snowy white head; and bobbed her head up and down in a greeting. A soft chirp which sounded like the tingling of glass bells coming from her beak.

She shortly took a small hop down to Nokus shoulder, and traveled down his arm before hopping onto the table. Her talons clicking as she awkwardly walked along the flat surface. Eyeing one of the treats… they did look good. She was about to scoop on up when she came beak to snout with a certain curious house dragon who’s claws were out reached…. Aria let out a scolding screech before abandoning the treat she had been eyeing and flying back up to Nokus shoulder where it was safer from impulsive young dragons.

[Deleted]

Alli fallowed Lucinda along to the green house, it was at least warning here; and there seemed to be a lot of movement. Once they were inside Alli scampered off to explore. She explored this and that plant; and any other corner of the room she could find. What brought back her attention though was the soft chirp of a bird. Her head poked up around a plant to see a red feathery puff ball perched upon the gentleman’s head. She blinked…..and ducked out of site. Alli got down low and slunk as quietly as she could back up to the table.

The young dragons eyes were wide, and her pupils dilated as her soul focus was on the chirping red ball of fluff. She waddled up to the table; her front talons outstretched. She almost had the bird in her grasp when it turned and let out a sharp screech that cause the dragon to place its front feet over its ears. Alli sat back on her back legs looking grumpily at the bird which had taken perch on the king. She let out a puff of air through her nose and decided to wait….the bird would probably come back down eventually.

[Noku Noru]

Noku reclined in a lavish lavender papasan, sampling the assortment of cheeses, sweetmeats, and multitudinous pastries of every fashion, a gilded stone goblet in his left hand, a section of pomegranate in his right, his brow open and relaxed, a pleasant smile on his lips. Lucinda entered, accompanied by a young house-dragon, a fine looking specimen of its species, and begun what sounded to be an apology for her arrival, eliciting a critical glance from the king.

"My, why would you fancy yourself unwelcome in my kingdom, Lucinda? Is there trouble in Palico?"

He examined her a few moments, his gold eyes searching her for signs of distress or fatigue, curious what had Lucinda so tense. He smiled warmly, raising his goblet and motioning to an adjacent seat.

"No one is going to force you to leave; sit, sit! Enjoy some of that blue-frosted thing there, it's most excellent. Now, come! Tell me what news from Palico has you so distressed."

He drew the last of his cider, and motioned for a servant to refill it. A steaming pitcher was brought forth, and an amber liquid cascaded to the granite vessel, filling the air with a warm, pleasant aroma of cedar and cinnamon, and a sweet smell of roses, steaming even in the balmy atmosphere of the greenhouse. Noku brought it to his face and inhaled deeply, sipping from the edge before setting it before him on the table.

"A touch on the scalding side, but easily remedied."

Noku uncovered a small basin of finely fired porcelain, blue-trimmed and inlaid with flecked jade, revealing a fresh honeycomb, amidst a generous portion of reddish-brown honey. He raised the dipper from it and applied a handsome dollop to the liquid in the goblet; at once an odd sensation atop his skull drew his attention, and arrested his movement. A chittering, attached to the presence of some living thing, descended from his head to his shoulder; turning to face it, two enormous blue eyes framed in a broad white face met Noku's piercing gold eyes, alongside a look of pure astonishment. The eyes lept to the table, attached to a body of soft white feathers, long taloned claws, and broad wings, hissed at the curious housedragon, and alighted on Noku's shoulder once more. Noku simply stared the owl in the face, his body rigid.

"W..Why is there an owl in the bloody greenhouse?"

The servants nearby stood equally shocked by the random intruder, and balked at the question.

"Well then, somebody get it off of my shoulder before it soils the furniture, will you?"

The servants snapped to attention and approached with blankets and tablecloths, closing in around Noku and the barn owl.

[Deleted]

The situation she had flown into seemed fairly intense; judging by Lucinda’s behavior the poor girl was walking on eggshells…..she wondered if something had happened in her short absence….did someone off Silas? Oh she hoped so…ok that was a bit mean. But still Aria knew Lucinda to be a very ….outspoken girl who wasn’t intimidated easily. But it seemed the mood needed to be lighted somewhat.

While she sat from her perch, Aria kept an eye on the house dragon; she was more than sure the dragon wanted to see what owl tasted like. But she knew Alli was smart enough not to try to pounce her while she was on Noku…Lucinda maybe, but Noku was a safe place at the moment. She scratched her beak with a talon; looking quite pleased with herself. It wasn’t long when she felt that Noku had gone quite rigid; she blinked and turned her head over her wing to see what the matter was. He looked quite astonished….She blinked and tilted her head to the side in a silent question. Then he spoke; did he just stutter? Awww, it was just like Garrett when he was surprised or shocked about something. On an impulse Aria reached over and booped him on the nose with her beak.

Aria pulled her head back and fluffed up her feathers when he suddenly accused her of possibly soiling the furniture…She only soiled people she didn’t like! She sat up straight looking around at the servants that were now circling them with blankets. Well…then….if that was how they were going to play it. She fluffed up her feathers and hopped right into Nokus lap; spreading her wings out wide and extended one talon in a come hither motion. It was a clear as day ‘come at me bro’….a fairly unowl like behavior.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda had to admit that Uncle Noku looked very majestic today. He had gone to a lot of trouble in a short notice to welcome her and so when he asked her if there was anything wrong and actually insisted that sit, she felt a bit guilty. She sat quickly and smiled, obviously relieved by his words which to her seemed concerned, in his own way.

Lucinda began putting together a sort of sampler plate, starting with the blue frosted thing her uncle had pointed out. As she was doing so, she formed her answer. "There's nothing going on that I'm aware of, in Palico. It's just things have been tense lately, with my brother. Not to mention, the whole situation with the zombies and Helena. It's so unfortunate. I wasn't sure if this would be a bad time." She sounded as relieved as she looked. "There's not much news, Uncle. My brother seems stressed lately, with the current events. His agitation wears on me so, and he won't even talk to me about what's on his mind. I miss the days of our childhood. Being a king does not weigh in him well, I think. It has changed him so," Lucinda said, a depressed tone weighing down her usually light voice. "I know it's not my place, but could I ask a favor of you, Uncle Noku? I'd very much appreciate if you didn't mention my last comments to Silas. I doubt he would be pleased with my opinion," she asked, blue eyes wide in question.

After Noku distracted himself somewhat with his tea, the princess proceeded to munch some of her samples. She popped the delicate morsels into her mouth, only to briefly choke as a very uniquely colored owl swooped in and landed right on the king's head. Lucinda was equally as astonished as he was but couldn't help but laugh as Alli attempted to catch the bird, which was clearly not happy with the effort. She watched the owl as it continued its strange behavior, which climaxed with the bird seating itself in the Kings lap and then clearly motioning the servants in a dare.

"That is a very strange owl. I've never seen one act like that, or come out at this time of day," Lucinda mused, "although, it is a rather pretty bird, don't you think sire? Such lovely red feathers and blue eyes..." The princess trailed off, her eyes widening slightly as she remembered something that Aria told her once and she gave the owl a sudden knowing look but didn't say anything further.

[Deleted]

Alli watched the owl with a predator’s intensity; annoyed that the owl had gotten away. A little pout forming on her snout as her mistress laughed at her failed attempt to catch the owl. The owl then turned its eyes on her…something about those eyes were familiar now that Alli noticed. She tilted her head to the side; her gaze becoming more curious then blood thirsty. She watched on as the owl playfully booped the kings nose, before realizing that there were people with sheets coming to catch it.

Alli looked up at Lucinda when she started to comment on the owls behavior; Alli tilted her head to the side more looking back at the owl more closely….Alli came to the same conclusion shortly after Lucinda did. Two little talons when up to her snout in a gesture that clearly said ‘oh shit’. Alli looked up at Lucinda with wide eyes. If that was Aria, oohhhh she was in trouble….she just tried to eat the dragon trainer! And she was about to get sheeted!

[Noku Noru]

The boop on the nose was all it took to make Noku’s entire demeanor and stance shift within his seat. His body still completely ridged though his features were no longer shocked or awe struck. In fact, that single action from the bird and the following behavior caused Noku to become skeptical of the barn owl’s authenticity. In fact, he had a high hunch who the feather trouble maker could be. The servants closed in slowly, their face’s stern as if trying not to be intimidated by the small owl. However, they dared not approach any further the moment the owl moved to stand in Noku’s lap, their eyes seem to bug out of their sockets while holding the blankets in case it decided to fly. Their fear to approach becoming more apparent as they noticed Noku’s shift.

As the Owl began to wiggle it’s talons out to harass the servants, Noku took this moment of opportunity and the bird’s current distraction to quickly clasp both his hands around the bird’s wings. His hands forcing the wings up to act as a shield in case the blasted feather beast decided it wanted to try and take a bite of his fingers while his thumbs pushed her legs back so she couldn’t kick or get balance to stand. His upper body strength holding the bird in place, carefully not to crush it but enough to hold it steady. His face clearly disgusted.

“ Enough! “

Noku barked, his brow knitted and one raised as he cleared his throat in front of Lucinda. “ I no longer need your assistance, however you may want to accompany Lady Wurrd back to a room where she can return in a more…..Proper manner. “ Noku spoke in a rather calm tone, his eyes cutting down a swift glare as he slowly moved the barn owl off his lap and onto the table in front of him. Slowly setting her down onto the table with a rather stern expression. “ This is why I don’t sleep well at night…..” Noku grumbled while dusting his lap, remembering the reports he had received from Roland and the guards about Aria’s habit of transforming around the castle. One of the reports being that of a owl if he recalled correctly. His attention turning back to Lucinda with a half hearted smile.

“ Yes a very strange owl indeed…” He humored the princess giving the owl another glancing quick glare before returning his attention back to his dear cousin. Thankfully he had heard most of what she had said through the chaos of the red feather menace being caught, carefully released and promptly warned. Noku even took this time to wait for Lucinda to to enjoy the samples she had picked out before answering the girl of the vague news she had given about her brother.

“ I see… So Silas hasn’t been himself as of late. I am sorry to hear such news for your sake, Lucinda, however that is the cost of ruling a kingdom. I hope he has not lost too much sleep over his troubles.” he scoffed, placing his hands clasped together on his lap as he leaned back into his chair. His brow raised at her sudden request for a favor. His eyes focusing on Lucinda’s when he realized the request was a humble plea of not to mention any of this to her dear older brother. A curious request, but one he answered with a nod in agreement.

[Deleted]

Aria looked quite pleased with herself as Lucinda commented on her pretty plumage. She did indeed consider herself a pretty bird. However her pleased expression turned to that of surprise as she suddenly found her wings pinned in an awkward position and her body thrown off balance. Her head spun around to meet the disgusted king’s gaze. Apparently he had figured out who she was. It was confirmed when he mentioned she should be escorted back to where she could change into a proper form and return. She blinked… she was invited to this thing? Aria regained her footing when she was placed on the table. Her wings spread out ever so slightly as she got her balance on the slick surface. A soft ‘churrchirp’ escaping her beak as she picked up his mutterings; bobbing her head up and down in a humorous manner.

Aria kept her eyes on the servants; once released she waddled her way over to the side of the table. Lucinda had asked Noku for the favor to keep things under wraps, but didn’t mean the servants wouldn’t let something leak. She made sure note each of the faces present; that way she knew who to go after if things were leaked back to Silas. Her gaze turning back to Noku when he commented about her being a strange bird; her head bobbing up and down once more when his glare was directed at her. Perhaps she shouldn’t have booped him on the nose….she just couldn’t help herself. His stuttering was an adorable family trait.

She made her way to the edge of the table; a challenge in itself as the flat surface was not made for taloned feet. Aria spread her wings a bit more preparing to glide of the table; she wouldn’t flap her wings as she didn’t want to accidently get feathers in any of the food. Aria at this point decided to put in her opinion fallowing Nokus scoffing concern regarding Silas. Her beak clacked fallowed by a few deep churrs; her feathers poofing up as she did so. At that Aria made the final hop off the table gliding to the door knob. Allowing her weight to open the door so she could take off once more.

Aria came back into sight just a short while later, back at a trot in her humanoid form. Her hair was left un done, but it fell neatly past her hips. She had pulled on a long sage green dress made in winter silk, with off white wool sleeves, the sleeves sectioned off in a loose shirring pattern. The dress had a square neck line; and the hems had decorative dark green leaves sewn into it. She also had a dark green knitted shawl hung across her shoulders for extra warmth. On her neck hung a silver locket, with a moonstone at its center. It was the one she had gotten from Melda for Midwinter.

Aria quietly entered back into the green house and shut the door quietly behind her. Quietly coming over to the table and bowing, then patting Alli on the head. She would not hold it against the little dragon for looking at her like a snack.