Late Meetings & Winter Greetings (Lucinda)

[Deleted]

Well midwinter was over, yet she still had gifts that she needed to give. Lucinda had also made her appearance; Aria while she enjoyed the woman’s company she questioned the motivation for her presence. Not that she thought Lucinda had an alternative motive; it was her brother Aria questioned. It seemed quite….convenient…Lucinda had been sent over both times after a large catastrophic event happened to take place in Nova. She knew if she had seen the pattern, Noku was more than likely to have seen it as well. After all this political affair shit was his form of expertise.



Aria was up, as she was often ought to do, quite early. Her hair was brushed so it fell down past her hips in soft waves. Her was silky to the touch and gleamed like a freshly polished garnet. It contrasted nicely with the dark navy blue of her dress. Her dress itself was simple and hung off her curves gracefully, the entirety of it being made in a dark navy blue winter silk. It had a scoop neck, with long trumpet style sleeves. Form fitting at the upper arm and cascading into the long loose bells; the fabric ending at her knees. A decorative silver metal belt hung off her hips with etchings of moons and owls imprinted into the thin mental disks. Aria also wore a very ornate silver locket around her neck; it was circular in design fitting inside the palm of her hand. The metal swirled in pretty designs around a round moon stone. Much like the ones found in the temple. It was a gift she had gotten during midwinter from Melda that she wore proudly.



Aria packed a small bag with carefully wrapped gifts; she planned on making a few rounds today. Her first stop however was Lucinda’s room. Aria slipped on brown boots, and fastened her black bear fur lined cloak around her neck and made her way to the castle. She nodded to the guards and said her hello’s before making her way up to Lucinda’s rooms. Aria wasn’t one to really announce her appearance; or send a messenger before her. She just showed up and knocked lightly on the large wooden door.



”Lucinda, its Aria.”

[Lucinda Noru]

It was still early morning for the princess. Her rooms were dim and quiet, save for the gentle snoring from a still asleep Lucinda and a tiny house dragon. The light knock on the door startled her and she sat up, looking around in confusion for a moment before realizing what the noise was and motioning for the handmaiden to open it.

The princess yawned sleepily as she got out of bed, still in her sky blue, flannel pj's. She went to draw the curtains herself before sitting down at the end of the bed, interrupting the maid that was attempting to make it. "Good morning, Aria. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company at this hour?"she asked, running a hand through her hair. It was noticeably longer now, brushing her lower back and badly tangled. Rather, it looked as if Alli had slept in it all night, sticking up in odd angles around her face and at the top.

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Aria waved to the sleepy hand maiden as she let her in; already in good humor at the early hour. She walked in; whistling like a chipper little bird. Really it did remarkably sound like the birds often hears out in the garden. She made her way into Lucinda’s room and placed her bag down.

”Dear Lucinda! What a glorious morning it is.”

With a flourish Aria took a seat on the window sill; unclasping her cloak and letting it fall off her shoulders, while she crossed her legs and leaned back in a relaxed position with a pleasant smile on her face. All while doing her best impression of Noku’s bitch I’m fabulous demeanor. Aria flipped her hair over her shoulder, before lacing her fingers together in her lap. Her eyes resting on Lucinda, after a moment they opened wide and her hand went up to her mouth in a mocked shocked expression.

”Oh my; did I wake you?...my sincerest apologies”

Aria bent down to her back and took out a small present wrapped in shiney brown paper tied with a gold ribbon. She had another one in the bag for the little dragon, but knowing her she’d be asleep for a while yet. Aria held out the present to Lucinda.

”Perhaps this will make up for my rudeness”

Inside would be a sterling silver cuff bracelet with an intricate design of drake; the bracelet was about two inches wide and wide enough to fit the small wrist of the princess comfortably. Inside the bracelet it was designed to look like archways in which the drake walked. Bits of black pearl decorated the bracelet as well. It was a pretty piece that hopefully the princess would enjoy.


Bracelet CLICK HERE

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda just looked at Aria, completely deadpanned as the other woman proclaimed the morning 'glorious'. Soon though, she was smiling at Aria's mocking expression and shaking her head. 'It's early yet to tell but yes, I suppose you could say that you woke me. I don't mind though," she said, watching the red head dig around in her bag.

Her eyes went wide as Aria presented her with a neatly wrapped gift and she accepted it, holding the tiny package gently in both hands. "Aria, thank you! but, I didn't get you anything.." she said, both obviously excited, grateful and yet disappointed. Lucinda carefully unwrapped the present to reveal the beautiful bracelet, immediately sliding it onto her wrist and turning it this way and that, letting the sun play on the bits of black pearl and silver. "It's perfect! And so beautiful! I love it! Thank you!!" the princess exclaimed, her blue eyes twinkling with joy as she ran over and threw both arms around Aria. Realizing she was being a bit loud and excitable, she let go, giving Aria a sheepish smile and glancing at the house dragon to make sure she hadn't Alli up either.

[Deleted]

Aria was a brat, and she knew it. Luckily that endeared her to some people; Lucinda being one of them. At least she was amused by her early morning antics. Aria herself was a nasty grouch when woken up; but she had been up for over an hour now so she was bright eyed and bushy tailed. Aria rolled her eyes and waved Lucinda off when she exclaimed she did not have a gift for her in return.

”That is not the point of a gift. A gift is given because the giver wishes to see the person receiving it have joy in it not because they expect something in return….otherwise it would be called a favor.”

Really so many nobles she found expected that they needed to give something back in return. Aria let out a chuckle as the woman launched into a hug. She patted the girls back before she removed herself and glanced at the house dragon. Aria looked over at Alli…that dragon slept like a rock.

”I think she’s fine; I have a gift for her as well. She’ll likely be still sleeping by the time I leave so I will leave it here for her. I have other gifts I need to deliver. Senrai and Adrain are the only people I have left to deliver midwinter gifts to. You’re welcome to come if you’d like; the man does wonders with hair….not that he’d remember he’s good with it.”

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda nodded as Aria explained about gifts, not that she didn't know that of course, merely that it was a good point. "Yes, you're right, of course. This is much appreciated and has given me much joy, so your goal is accomplished," she said, still quite cheerful.

When Aria mentioned going to see Adrain and Senrai, the princess perked up even more. "Is that so? I would be delighted to join you, if you don't mind waiting a moment or two for me to get dressed. I doubt the Headmaster wants to see me in my bedclothes," she announced, rising and making her way over to the closet. "By the way, what do you mean, not that he'd remember it?" she asked curiously.

Digging through her clothes, Lucinda eventually settled on a bright red winter dress. It was a simple design, made of velvet with bell sleeves. The top was corseted with white and gold ribbons. She paired it with white winter boots and a white cloak, which was lined with white fur, although from what animal she couldn't say. Coming out of the closet, she looked at her hair in the mirror in dismay. "This is a tangled mess,"she exclaimed, pounting and sitting down. Her handmaiden came to gently work out the tangles and then left it long, as instructed.

[Deleted]

Aria nodded in confirmation that the woman indeed liked her gift.

”good”

Aria let out a chuckle as Lucinda went to get dressed, commenting how the headmaster wouldn’t care to see her in her night clothes.

”I wouldn’t bet on that; he might enjoy it.”

Aria wiggled her eyebrows wickedly. Adrain knowing him wouldn’t notice a difference. When she first met him she didn’t think he noticed differences in gender. But he had proven her wrong on occasion; but none could say he wasn’t a gentleman about it. Aria rubbed the back of her head when Lucinda asked why he wouldn’t remember being good with hair.

”The headmasters fated from the same time I am; however it would seem he has no recollection of his past. It is of my opinion the past best stay in the past; his past would pain him much if he remembered it.”

A sadness washed over her features; there was much wrong with their time. Adrian seemed happier here without the knowledge. If he was going to remember, it would not be because of her if she could help it. So she had kept her distance from her old friend.

”Serai remembers me though. We met when I was still living on the streets in the slum district. I was malnourished and starving, I’d manage to get meals every now and then but they were far in between. He took pity on me and bought me lunch one day…after I randomly decided to start petting his tiger. Not shortly after meeting him I got in trouble with the law; he helped me disguise myself. He cut my hair and dyed it brown to help me look like a boy. I was just skin and bones then so it did not take much to make the switch. He proceeded to help me get an education and paid for me to learn my letters. He was a good friend.”

Aria smiled softly at the memory. Meeting Adrain had been a turning point in her life. It was sad he didn’t remember, but hey his sister ended up destroying their home planet, helping kill thousands of people to activate the center, his mother dying, and all that lovely shit. Now he was separated from a person he was betrothed to….it was nicer her didn’t remember. Aria was pulled out of her thoughts by Lucinda’s exclamation on the dreadful state of her hair. Aria chuckled.

”Least yours is straight; mine gets curlier and takes on a life of its own”

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda looked at Aria in surprise at the implication. "Is not the Headmaster already betrothed? He's very handsome, smart, talented. Why would he be unwed?" she asked, curious disbelieving. As Aria continued her explanation though about Adrain, Lucinda frowned. She waited though, as Aria continued, giving her a piece of her history as well as Adrain's, the princess's face falling into a most depressing demeanor. "That's the most awful thing I've ever heard! How did you live like that? I'm really glad you had someone to help you but I'm so sorry you had to go through that!" she said, sounding truly remorseful as if it were her fault that Aria had endured such things.

It took a moment for all of what Aria was saying to fully click with the princess, which was obvious because a minute or so later she look horrified. "Wait. Are you saying Adrain doesn't remember you as his friend at all? Doesn't remember his life at all? By the gods, that is unfortunate and yet it sounds as if its almost a blessing of sorts. How cruel," she murmured, clearly upset with the whole thing. "Of course, I won't say anything. If you've not said anything after all this time, and he's your friend, I have no right to either," she added, just in case Aria needed that reassurance.

The change of subject was welcome, and brought with it a chuckle from the princess. "I suppose that would be rather difficult, curly hair. I'll count my blessings better from now on," Lucinda said, still laughing as she stood and then looked at Alli. "Well, I'm ready to go but I hate to leave her behind. Do you think she'll be alright here by herself until we get back?" she questioned.

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Aria thought for a moment, Adrain had been betrothed…however Karina she didn’t think actually survived the last activation of the center. Plus in this time she didn’t think Adrain was actually betrothed to anyone. Senrai probably would have mentioned if Adrain had gotten a mate.

”No, as for why I would imagine its cause of his horrible flirting techniques.”

Aria chuckled, having been on the receiving end of those flirtations, Adrain had been forward enough with her to notice….and she was quite oblivious when it came to things such as that. Aria raised an eyebrow as Lucinda suddenly had a small outburst; she did suppose it would seem impossible for a noble…well to some.

”I lived, simple as that. I always managed to find food and shelter, I met a very good teacher when I was four. He taught me what I needed to know to protect myself and survive. Which I put to good use when I was seven which was the time that I was no longer welcome at the orphanage. I consider myself very fortunate; because of that I was able to survive. I never had to sell my body for food or for a warm bed; unlike many in my situation I kept my dignity. My life could have been much worse than it was. Yes life can suck but in those hard times it prepares us for the road ahead. Those skills that I learned when I was younger served me well when I was fated over here. I did not have food or money; and it was dead in the middle of winter here. Because of my past adjusting to having nothing was as easy as breathing. I had a much easier time then others in my situation.”

Aria didn’t look on her past with a bitter heart, in fact sometimes she missed the simplicity of it. Aria nodded in agreement with Lucinda’s assessment on Adrains loss of memory and her promise not to say a word. Smart girl; she had been hoping Lucinda would pick up the subtle cue, which saved her from having to ask the princess to keep it hushed.

”I believe it would cause him more harm to know; knowledge is a very powerful thing, both a gift and a burden. On one hand it can help you accomplish great things, on the other it can destroy lives…some knowledge is best left forgotten. If he remembers his past I can only hope I am not the one to bring him it to him.”

When Lucinda was ready Aria stood; grabbing her cloak once more. It would be a hike out to the Arch….she wondered if they should take one of the drakes or horses….Drakes would be faster and she did know where the arch was. She was pulled out of her thoughts when Lucinda wondered about Alli.

”She’ll be fine, if she does she won’t feel bad for long when she notices the shiny left for her”

Aria pulled out another small package and left it on the bed. When Alli awoke and opened it she would find a jeweled necklace like collar. Oval amethyst set in octagonal gold plates, each segment connected by a gold S shaped bracket with a pearl on each end. It would be large on her for a couple years to come, but it would fit her splendidly when she was full grown. With that set Aria pulled on her cloak and fastened it around her neck and shouldered her pack.

”We can probably ride on one of the drakes; I know where the Arch is….broke into it once for haha’s just to say I could…no one caught me until I was close to the headmaster’s office. We won’t be taking the entrance that I used….considering I think it’s overrun with something much worse than rats since the execution. We can probably snag something from the kitchens before we go as well.”

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda couldn't help but laugh at Aria's description for Adrain's flirtations. She didn't find them that horrible but supposed it was mostly personal taste. She chose not to say anything further but merely let Aria continue with her explanation, listening intently. Aria described a world that the princess found unbelievable and she certainly looked quite surprised to hear of it. "That's awful that children would be expected to do such things. I can't argue with you though, if you consider yourself fortunate. I can only say that I am glad you found use of such a life and that I hope you don't have to return to it," she said, looking very somber and merely nodding in agreement at Aria's further comments concerning Adrain.

Her face turned to one of relief as Aria assured her that Alli would be fine and perhaps even forgive them so long as she had the present. "If it's anything as beautiful as this bracelet, I'm sure she'll love it," she said before turning to the handmaid. "When Alli awakens, please inform her that we left for the Arch of Ages, that the present here is hers, and that we will return. I don't want her attempting to follow us and get lost," Lucinda instructed the woman who nodded in understanding.

When Aria suggested they take the drakes to the Arch, Lucinda agreed. "That would be faster, possibly less comfortable but one can't always have it both ways. I don't think we'll have to sneak in though, being a duchess and a princess does have some advantages," she said, granting Aria a conspiratorial wink. The mention of food had her tummy growling though and she gave the other woman a sheepish look. "Breakfast does sound good," she admitted, making her way towards the door and waiting for Aria to lead the way.

[Deleted]

Aria blinked and tilted her head to the side; was Lucinda really oblivious to how things in the slum worked. When Lucinda explained she hoped Aria would never have to return to such a life she chuckled. She wouldn’t ever have to go back to that life, unlike her time in feyerlun she had skills and abilities that would ensure she would never have to scrape like a mortal again. Aria was also amused by Lucinda’s worry Alli would try to fallow them and get lost.

”It would be good for her; Noky’s probably making his way back here. I left him to figure out how to track me; though I would have guessed he got out of the pen by now….I gave him a few days but it’s been a couple weeks. My guess is he’s goofing off.”

Aria shrugged when Lucinda commented on the comfort; she didn’t find riding the drakes uncomfortable. But she suppose they didn’t have carriages attached to them. Her face blanked when Lucinda mentioned using the front door….she suppose that would be the easiest…it just didn’t fit her style much.

”But that’s no fuuunnn; there’s no look of what the hell are you doing here when they suddenly find you nestled among their experiments.”

Aria sighed; it would seem they would be taking the proper non trouble causing root. Aria led the way out of the room and headed to the kitchens to grab a breakfast on the go. Once they got their food she headed to where the drakes that were not on duty were stabled. She picked a drake that seemed like it needed the extra flight but mellow enough and led it out for the princess to mount. She also brought out a drake for herself. Aria had saddled up one mount and left hers bare.

"Your mount dear Princess"

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda laughed a bit as Aria told her about Noky, the red head's own drake and nodded. "You're right. I really don't give her enough credit. But I mean, yours is a drake right? I know there's a big difference there," she said, looking relieved. A look that quickly changed as Aria commented on her choice of arrival. This new look said 'now I know there's a story behind this but I'm not gonna ask right now' and true to that, she just shook her head, laughed a little, and followed the duchess to the kitchens and out of the castle.

The princess watched as Aria prepared their mounts, looking pleased. "You do have such a way with the drakes. We're honestly lucky to have you in Palico, though I don't blame you for preferring Nova. I find it much more interesting and pleasing to the eye as well. Not being around my brother all the time is such a relief. He didn't really want me to come back, you know. I insisted though," she said casually as she mounted the drake and waited for Aria to lead them off.

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Aria shrugged yes there was a difference, Alli had the advantage over Noky…she was more intelligent as species went.
”Yes; however Alli is a lot more intelligent; I know it’s hard to tell now until her speech comes in, but she thinks like a human would. She can think far ahead and understand consequences for future actions…Noky is intelligent for a drake; he can manipulate current situations and understands what is going on around him. However he cannot think of a complex plan as a human would.”

Aria explained as she set up the drakes; it wasn’t long until Lucinda expressed her joy in her work. This caused Aria to smile as she scratched the drake in the soft spot that was between the jaw and the neck. The drake made a chuckle like purr sound that seemed to vibrate the air.

”It helps that I can talk to them; a piece of my consciousness sits with theirs. I can experience the world through their eyes, hence anticipating their needs when they feel them. They see the world through pictures and feelings; at least they do at first. Part of my work that I do with these drakes is associating human words with these pictures and feelings. In order to do that in the speed of which your brother was wishing I’ve had to remain in consistent contact with the drakes for an extended period of time.”

It wasn’t as bad now; since the flight she had brought with her no longer needed that contact. After the months of working they had a basic understanding that would help them work as an effective unit with their rider. Once Lucinda was on her mount, probably side saddle for ease of her dress. Aria mounted up on her drake as well; not for the first time thinking of how impractical dress’s could be.

”Almost everyone I care about is in Nova, it is my home. Not that I can’t be happy in other places; it’s just these surroundings are familiar to me. I can see little pieces of what reminds me of the time that I am from.”

Aria nodded when Lucinda mentioned she enjoyed Nova more then Palico, she agreed with her on that point.

”Why not find a suitor in Nova then? Though I wouldn’t suggest going after Noku…..that’d be weirder then Zepon tripping on Lunar flowers.”

Aria was intrigued to hear that Silas didn’t want Lucinda coming to Nova; however she kept the level of her interest masked. She wondered how much Silas really put his foot down….or how much of it was an act. Sure there was probably a level of concern in there somewhere, Silas did seem to have a soft spot for his dear sister.

”Well there was the attack; I’m sure he was concerned. But I’m surprised you find him tiring, is there something wrong?”

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda was both surprised and also not at the information Aria provided on the drakes and dragons. "I didn't know how smart they were and despite the fact that I'm from Palico and it's supposed to be our thing, I personally don't much about the differences between the two. Although, I'm not too terribly surprised really. I had noticed that Alli is very intelligent," she admitted, then listened as Aria explained more on how she worked with them. She looked at her for moment, thinking. "Is that a phioric thing?" she asked, puzzled.

The topic turned to Nova and Lucinda's expression eased into sympathy. "I am sorry that you were forced to come here and leave your home. It's not the same for me, I could go back, so I cannot possibly understand your situation. However, that doesn't mean I'm heartless and would ignore the feelings plain on your face," the princess said, attempting to be understanding. The question about finding a suitor here gave her a blush that quickly turned to horror as Aria brought up Noku. "Uncle Noku? I should certainly think not. No,NO. I am looking, however,"Lucinda said, laughing at the comparison the other woman offered. It would be very weird, indeed.

Lucinda found it easy enough to mount the drake, given her side saddle of course and was soon quite ready to go. Aria had one last question though and the princess sighed. "I'm sure he was likely concerned as well but his behavior these last few months has been a bit odd, but I don't really wish to speak of that. I came here to distance myself, after all. Let's go see Adrain, shall we?" she answered, firmly closing the topic but not sounding harsh. Rather, she seemed excited with the prospect of seeing the Arch and its Headmaster.

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Aria nodded when Lucinda asked if it was a phioric thing.

”It is; any phioric can do so with their companion species. Elders are able to communicate with a multitude of species. There is a danger in it though; the more beings you connect with, the more you’re putting yourself at risk at loosing yourself. Often young phiorics loose themselves in the first transformation, trapping them in the mindset and body shape of their companion animal….I almost lost myself on a horde of rats the first time I took control of a large group.”

Aria smiled softly at the young princess, perhaps now she would understand why she had been so …down and work oriented while in Palico. Yes she would have light hearted moments, but not as often as she would here. In fact most people in Palico would refer to her as quiet and slightly reclusive with maybe a slightly eccentric side for those who bothered to talk to her at length. She had done much in order to build her reputation as a good Duchess among the Palico courts.

”I understand why it was needed for me to leave Nova and go to Palico; Palico yet to have a stigma placed upon fated individuals. Your kingdom is also military based; considering I come off as not being as refined it made sense I could make a name for myself in your courts. After all your culture values a militaristic mind; if someone can produce something that is of use to the kingdom such as the drakes, it brings them esteem throughout the court. Though getting most to look past the fact I have boobs has been a difficult task.”

She had been fortunate that the fact half her face had been burned to all hell helped those look past there picture of what a noble lady should be like….kinda hard to be fair and dainty with your face looking like you laid in a bed of coals. Because of that not once had she hidden her scar in Palico; she often had worn her hair up and out of her face just to show it off. It worked to her advantage.

The mood took a lighter note when Lucinda reacted in a horrified way at the suggestion that she should shy away from Noku. Aria let out a cackle, clearly enjoying the young princess’s reaction. She was amused to hear that she was indeed looking for a suitor here in Nova….which made the fact she had shown such interest in the fact Adrian had been unwed all the more noteworthy.

”I would imagine it would be difficult for you to find a suitor…..I imagine there would be a lot of complications…though frankly I think you might know more then I on the whole topic. I’ve never given the subject much thought. I’m curious what do you want for yourself in the future?”