An Overdue Return (Closed, Noku and Aria)

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda flinched when Uncle Noku finally lost his temper with the offending owl, not really shocked that he did after the bird hit him on nose. She covered her mouth with one hand as he announced that Aria was to be accompanied back to a location where she could change suitable and return, hiding a grin of amusement. She watched as Aria waddled awkwardly across the table and finally left, flying out the green house door. "Are you terribly upset with her?" Lucinda asked, almost absently.

The princess quickly regained herself and picked up a new snack to distract herself with as the king continued, nodding in agreement. "Thank you for your condolences, Uncle. I understand that ruling the kingdom must be terribly stressful for him but that's not quite what I meant. He's been much more, ah, closed off than usual. Perhaps it's just that he was worried with everything that's been going on here. I've heard that you had you hands quite full while I was away. My condolences concerning the tragedy that had befallen your kingdom, Uncle Noku. I trust that you are well, however?"Lucinda asked, clearly worried.

When Aria finally came to rejoin them, the princess smiled at her but didn't dare address her before the King had the chance. Rather, she reached to scoop Alli out of the chair so that Aria would have a place to sit once she was allowed.

[Noku Noru]

Noku didn’t say a word while the red owl flew off and disappeared out of sight. His posture still regal like a king, keeping both golden eyes locked on lucinda as she moved her hands up to cover her mouth. His brow raised slightly when she asked if he was terribly upset with her. Upset no, a little irritated yes. His facial features not betraying any other emotion other than the quirked brow he gave his little cousin; Obviously she was concerned what he thought about Aria. A heavy sigh escaping his lips within the silence. It seemed as though everyone was questioning what he was thinking now these days.

“ Frustrated is a better word for how I am feeling towards the girl at the moment. “ Noku assured his cousin, answering her absent minded question with an emotionless one of his own. His attention turning towards the entrance; While his gaze met directly with Aria’s when she came quietly into the green house and approached the table. He didn’t say a word as he stared at her; With once again, The same quirked brow he gave Lucinda a moment ago.

“ So glad you decided to join us Lady Wurud. “ Noku spoke to Aria, returning his gaze back to Lucinda as she spoke and asked if he was doing well. His brow knitted forward in a more serious manner. Recalling that day at the siege was not something he was too fond of. An his posture tensed at the thought of what that bastard black dagger member had done to him. A lot of bad things could of happened during the time he was ‘not himself’. So many lives could of been lost other than a couple of dragons and the un dead. A heavy sigh leaving his lips as he closed his eyes and leaned back in his seat.

“ My health is fine, though my pride is a little wounded. Your concern is appreciated dear Lucinda. “ Noku answered her question, before opening one eye to look at Aria.

“ My I never imagined you to be so polite now, I suppose earlier it was alright to just take a seat without asking permission.” Noku spoke, closing his eye back and lifting his arms to put his hands behind his head. “ Well have a proper seat girl and get you something to eat.” Noku added, finally slowly opening both eyes and reaching out with his left hand to plop a piece of cut cheese in his mouth. The servants returning to their stations while attending to the king by placing heating pads under the seats of each guest.

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Aria met his quirked brow stare with one of her own; an almost comical change to her goofy demeanor just a short while before. She waited quietly and patiently for him to speak; after she booped him on the nose she wasn’t surprised when he had her wait. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lip as his gaze was directed back towards her with a small quip about not asking to sit before.

”My apologies; It’s fairly hard to ask permission without the proper anatomy. How would you like me to ask for future instances?”

Aria tickled the dragon under her chin before taking a seat. She wanted to at least show the dragon there was no hard feelings. She was surprised she wasn’t in more trouble for her antics. She plucked up a snack and began to nibble on it. Her attention turning to Lucinda.

”I’m surprised your brother let you come so close after the attack. Did you have a pleasant midwinter?”

Aria ran a hand through her hair; blinking when she pulled out a long red feather….apparently she had missed some. She turned and tickled Alli’s nose letting the dragon take the feather to go play with it. She then plucked another piece of food from the table this time a fruit. One she happily munched on; after all she did like sweet things and fruit wasn’t as common in the winter as it was in the summer. So she enjoyed the treat.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda kept pretty quiet in the moments following Aria's departure and Noku's own silence. She munched lightly on some fruit and cheese as her uncle contemplated his answer to her question. When he finally put forth a reply, she nodded in understanding, not really knowing what else to say about it. Lucinda gave Aria a small smile when she returned. She found the king's reaction to the whole affair very surprising. Honestly, she expected him to be more displeased, even angry perhaps, with Aria.

As he answered her question about his health, she looked obviously relieved. "I am glad to hear that your health is well, Uncle Noku. Pride is something one can at least restore much easier," she replied, smiling. She lapsed back into silence as he spoke with Aria after leaning back into his chair. Lucinda wasn't quite sure what to make of the conversation. Aria never behaved as was expected of her and yet somehow the king didn't seem too upset. Rather, the two seemed to have a familiarity that was rather unusual to the princess.

Aria's question to Lucinda caught her off guard. She couldn't hide the guilty look Aria's comment incited in time for it not to be noticed and sighed. "I would use the term 'let' very loosely. He did not stop me when I informed him I was leaving, but I also did not give him much chance to do so. We still have not resolved our, ah, differences in opinion. I spent most of midwinter alone in my chambers because of it, so no I would not say it was pleasant by any means. I came back here as soon as I heard the city had been declared safe," Lucinda explained, vaguely. She knew Aria would understand exactly what she was referring to and while she wasn't sure of how Noku would react, it was the truth at least.

Lucinda looked rather amused, smiling, when Aria pulled a feather out of her hair and gave it to Alli. "Did either of you two have a pleasant midwinter?" the princess asked, attempting to deflect the conversation away from herself. It was a poor attempt though at best, obvious due to her discomfort.

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Alli watched with wide eyes as Noku grabbed Aria and placed her on the table; ohhh the looks Aria was getting now could peel paint. When the conversation shifted over to Lucinda’s brother; Alli shifted her weight on her feet nervously. Silas was a sore subject for Lucinda since Arias coronation. Alli hopped up onto a free chair and placed her front talon on Lucinda’s lap. Looking over as Aria angrily chattered in owl; her feelings for the before mentioned king weren’t the touchy cuddly ones either. Alli watched as the red owl flew at the door opening it herself; and taking off. Probably to go transform and rejoin them…..or run away…if she was Aria she wouldn’t be sticking her head back in here so soon after angering the King.

Alli looked up as Lucinda inquired how angry Noku was at Aria; her head swiveling to look at the king with a bit of surprise when he admitted he was just frustrated with Aria….Aria shortly proved her earlier thought wrong and appeared at the door way dressed. Suddenly she felt herself picked by Lucinda and she let out a whistle of surprise. She then quietly settled into Lucinda’s lap only slightly intrigued by the interactions. She was getting quite bored now that things calmed down. When Aria tickled her under the chin she let out a couple of chirp like laughter; she was glad the dragon trainer was not mad at her.

When the feather was pulled out of Arias hair and presented to her; she snatched it out of Arias hand and hopped down from Lucinda’s lap. Proceeding to bat it across the floor with her front talons. It was a more amusing prospect then listening to the conversation.

[Noku Noru]

A servant walked over with a platter of silver mugs, the cups decorated with engraved leaf patterns within the fine metal. The servant also had a matching engraved tea kettle in his right hand. Steam escaping the spout as he held the kettle up over the mugs. A smile on the lads face as he poured the hot drinks for the group as a warming treat. Noku nodding at the sight of the poured beverage and giving a slight warm smile as the drink was handed to him.

Noku completely ignoring Aria’s smile as she sat down and asked how she should ask for future reference. Noku’s brow quirked as his golden eyes shot up at Aria over his silver mug that he held up at his lips. “ Well Aria, maybe next time you want to sit in my lap do so in human form next time.” Noku took a sip of his drink, knowing very well that his comment would most likely disturb the girl. This kinda brought a twisted smile on his lips, curled back with the cup as he took three gulps. His smile vanishing as he lowered the mug from his lips. His eyes tracing over to Lucinda.

He listened to her and took another sip of his drink. Savoring the flavor as he sneaked another sip during the time Lucinda spoke. His lips pressing into a frown as he stared at Lucinda. Something that she said didn’t match up and his curiosity got the better of him. Silas didn’t want her to come to Nova? Not only that they were not seeing eye to eye on something? What was it that they were fighting about this time for her to stay locked up away in her room most midwinter. His brows furrowed as he gave a sharp glance over at Aria for a brief moment before returning his gaze back over to his dear cousin. His posture more tense as he seemed to think a little bit before speaking out. His lips pressed as she asked how their midwinter had been.

“ Lucinda…..” Noku paused, his words interrupted by a lump forming in his throat. Not sure how to respond to Lucinda without sending alarms to the two women in the green house. “ Does your brother at least know you made it here safely? I don’t want your dear brother going crazy thinking the worst has happened to you.” Noku asked, concern apparent in his voice, but he kept his true thoughts silent. He would need be cautious what to ask next along the issue of their ‘difference in opinion’.

“ My midwinter was fair, I stayed in most of the holiday.” Noku took a final sip of his drink before setting the cup down. His eyes not leaving the rim of the cup as he slightly leaned forward to have his hand on the handle still. “ Did you and Silas have a fight? Or is there something I need to be aware of? “ Noku asked very bluntly, His concern still present in his tone, but his gaze did not lift up while let go of the mug and leaned back into his chair.

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Aria’s curiosity was peaked as the cups of warm liquid were brought out; she sniffed the air catching the sweet scent of cider. Her features immediately brightened; as she thanked the servant when he offered her a cup. She was about to take a sip when an unexpected reply came from Noku which in result had her raise an eyebrow. It didn’t quite solve the inability to ask permission; however his response was noted. ”Good to know; next time your lap’s the safest place I’ll take you up on the offer” Aria took a sip of her drink; a happy smile forming on her face. She didn’t know how but every time Noku seemed to throw one of these luncheons he seemed to pick exactly what she liked.

Lucinda however looked fairly guilty over such a simple question; her eyebrows shooting up in surprise when Lucinda admitted to have not received permission. Aria immediately turned to the young dragon; and searched her mind for exactly how the Princess arrived here. She was at least relieved to learn that the Princess came with a small guard. Aria ran a hand over her face as she continued catching the look the Noku gave her...so much for pleasantries. When Noku asked if Lucinda his question Aria sipped her drink. It was likely Lucinda hadn’t sent a message yet. But Lucinda seemed to want to talk about more pleasant things. ”I would say I had a pleasant midwinter; I even got a small belated birthday party forgot about it completely when I was in Palico. Actually I’d say I was pretty busy during this holiday; curious to what Mylee’s reaction was when he noticed someone gave him undergarments… Either way certainly beats last year when I was sleeping out in forever forest in this snowy mess.”

She attempted to lighten the situation; however Noku came out swinging with the unhappy stick. Aria looked down at her lap as she placed her mug on the table; running her hand over her face. ”Yes to both…” Aria looked over at Lucinda with a sigh and then back to Noku. ”…Their disagreement revolves around my coronation… Lucinda he does deserve to know…considering the circumstances and he’s going to hear about it soon from one of the nobles that visit eventually. I have to say kinda shocked it hasn’t already.” Aria scratched the back of her head; trying to word this carefully. ”Before I get into the reason they are fighting, I should explain some things first. Perhaps this might shed some light for you as well Lucinda. Silas agreed to have me appointed to Duchess due to the fact I am part phioric; I can talk to the drakes. A phioric in order to transform has to inserts themselves in the mind of their companion animal and loose themselves in order to transform completely. However if one loses themselves completely then that phioric remains trapped in the mind set and form of the animal, basically they become a husk of their former selves.” A magical lesson on phiorics wasn’t the answer that he was looking for but it was leading up to the start of what caused Silas to do what he did. ” A strong phioric in theory could reverse the process on the companion animal; they could snuff out what makes that animal well themselves…Silas wanted me to do this to the drakes. I refused to; I’d be going against the very thing phiorics were created to do if I had agreed. I know there mostly just beasts to any normal person but it’s hard to have the same view when I talk to them almost how I talk to you. But facts are I flat out refused an order of a king…..” Aria fiddled with the handle of her mug. ”I offered a deal instead, I’d get the drakes trained in the time frame he wanted but I’d do it my way. Silas at the time seemed to accept the offer; I was to spend every second devoted to the trainings. I thought things were settled.”

Aria took a small sip of her drink, before continuing on with the explanation. Aria hadn’t told Lucinda about the dialog between her brother and herself until sometime after the coronation. After all it had been a private exchange in his office and she thought it was settled. She had been wrong and was caught off guard. ”Silas I guess hadn’t let our private exchange go to rest; during my coronation I was brought out to an arena. As a punishment for my refusal; and as a way to display his new form of power to his court. He set six wild drakes loose on me…I transformed and killed two of the drakes and made the others submit. He was hoping I would be forced break them; I got them to submit but not in the way he wanted.” Aria looked up at Noku apologetically ”I’m sorry I got into trouble and was an embarrassment…I’m sure you’re going to hear rumors of it eventually. Silas made it a big show….Which is why Lucinda is angry with him.”

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda accepted one of the intricate silver mugs with a quiet thanks, sipping on the hot liquid carefully. She watched, listening and munching, as Noku and Aria went back and forth a bit. Their interactions were amusing and surprising. She wasn’t used to her cousin being so sociable.
It was quite nice to see.

After her answer to the questions, she could tell it bothered Noku and knew she probably should have worded that better. Mentally, she was kicking herself and it showed briefly on her face in a single, frustrated look. She reined that in as Noku as called for her attention, asking if she’d let her brother know she was here safely. She shook her head. “No, I haven’t quite had the chance. I literally had just arrived right before I sent the servant to let you know. I do plan on writing to him though, as I wouldn’t want him to worry too much. I’m very glad to hear you’ve have a decent midwinter, though, Uncle,” she answered.

Aria proceeded to also answer her questions, which had Lucinda smiling and then laughing at the mention of undergarments. “That sounds wonderful! You mean the god Mylee, yes? You really gave him undergarments? Goodness, Aria,” she said, amazed. She’d still yet to meet any of the gods herself but was beginning to understand that they seemed often to show up in human guises. Apparently Aria was on good terms with most of them, too.

Noku’s next question was inevitable and Lucinda sighed, her momentary amusement abating as she set her mug down gently on the table. She opened her mouth and Aria’s voice came out. She looked at the other woman, surprised, as Aria began to explain about the coronation. Lucinda nodded when the red head insisted that Noku should know, that he would hear about it eventually. That was very true and she knew it was better if he heard it from them first. So she listened as Aria gave her detailed explanation. The princess herself was quite surprised to hear about Sila’s plan. The surprise giving way to a heavy anger that settled on her delicate features as Aria continued. There was a certain family resemblance when she got angry but she didn’t interrupt. When Aria ended with her apology to Noku, Lucinda frowned. She didn’t think Aria should apologize because it wasn’t her fault, it was Silas’s. His callous disregard for the welfare of the drakes and Aria’s personal wishes was disgusting as was his ‘coronation’ for her.

“I cannot speak for my cousin, but for me, I believe it is I that owe you an apology, Aria. I am sorry that my brother treated you that way, regardless of orders ignored. I don’t believe he should have ever asked to begin with, it was inappropriate. However, overall, it is my fault that you were ever placed into that situation since I was the one that suggested you be made a duchess and the drake trainer. Quite honestly, I am nearly as upset with myself as I am with my brother but at least I can put space between us,” Lucinda said, looking at Aria. Her face was a kaleidoscope of emotions; anger, regret, sadness, and a bitter self loathing all dancing in her blue eyes.

She turned to Noku, struggling to keep her emotions in check, as she looked at him. “I am sorry,” she said simply. The word loaded with feeling. Lucinda wanted to apologize for doing this to Aria, for not standing up to her brother and not taking care of Aria while she was in her court. She fought the urge to dismiss herself and spend the next couple hours crying in her chambers as she did in Palico. A few tears escaped her efforts and she dabbed them away quickly, giving both Aria and Noku another apology. “My apologies. This is very upsetting,” she said quietly, taking a few deep breaths.