How to Make Friends and Influence Elves (Melda)

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"But don't worry, I wouldn't try to do such a thing to you. It is nice to see your veil drop a little as a Duchess and see your deeper personality, but you are a Lady to be respected first and foremost. I just am being a little more loose tongued since the experience has been fairly enjoyable thus far." he says with a more radiant smile, not feeling fear to Melda. He wasn't the sort to let his pants dictate his actions outside of a single isolated incident which involved an accidental dosage of a certain drug with someone he had an affection for anyway.

"Melda? Are you okay?" he states, having seen her expression contort to one of confusion or panic. After a moment, Melda seemed to snap out of it. He raises a brow at the comment of the 'red haired one' along with a voice.

"I didn't hear anything...I'm not certain who a red haired one would be referring to. Now that I think of it...Aria is the main one I know of, most of my other friends are blonde or some other color." Adrain says, then sighing a little.

"Every once in a while, if a person has a nightmare or a night terror in the past, it can manifest here. It is extremely rare, but maybe that is what happened. In any case, let's close down the session since you are at unease." Adrain says holding a hand up as white light begins to radiate and shine, causing the entire illusion to disperse. When they were back in the reality, sitting in the chamber, Adrain had already stood up, looking at Melda with genuine concern.

"Duchess, can I get you anything? I am very sorry that such a rare event has spooked you, this chamber has been used thousands of times and that sort of incident happening maybe ten or so. It is no more real than any other nightmare though." he says, genuinely believing that this wasn't anything more than that: an illusion or nightmare.

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Wise of you. But I do understand. Melda smiled as well, his smile being almost contagious.

She didn’t hear his voice, over the one in her head, and didn’t even know how long the voice was there, even after it was gone. You didn’t hear anything? ….was it just in my head then? Aria… thats who I thought of too.. She murmured to herself, only nodding when he said they would exit the session now.

When she next opened her eyes, they were back in the room they had started it, Adrain looming over her as she laid there. She sat up slowly, bringing a hand to her head, feeling dizzy for a moment. May i have a glass of water please… She cleared her throat, taking a deep breath and decided to remain sitting there for a moment more.

You say its a nightmare that I brought into that? There’s no way. I’ve never had a nightmare like that. I would remember the red eyes. It’s like they pierced my soul. That voice… it didn’t sound like it was trying to scare me. It was more trying to push me, or remind me… like it wanted something. Well someone obviously. She shook her head, running a hand through her hair, paying no mind to whatever hairdo she had originally had, it was a bit matted from laying down anyhow. She would fix it before heading home obviously.

That felt real.

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Adrain nods when asked for water, making a portal and stepping through it only to reappear a few seconds later. He hands Melda a crystal glass of water, clean as was possible by human hands requiring the divinity of the bald headed deity responsible for cleanliness to surpass it further. He waited a moment for Melda to compose herself before he spoke again, listening when she went into some kind of description about the presence she thought she felt. He took her seriously, even pulling a paper and writing implement out of his robe to record the description.

"Similar has been described before by the others who have had this happen, plus there are a lot of things that go on in the subconscious that might influence it. The fact that it was there for a moment sort of speaks to the temporary nature of whatever it was. All the same, I will keep the ARC out of use and personally inspect the magic and glyphs thoroughly to make certain there isn't anything out of the ordinary." he says, then pausing and smiling.

"But at least take away the positive parts of your experience here and put that...incident behind you. I wish I saw whatever it was so I could help you relieve your mind more." he says then holding his hand up, a glow manifesting momentarily as the primary entryway begins to open.

"Perhaps some fresh air will help..." he states, creating a portal, and then offering Melda a hand to help her get up, then releasing it once having done so and stepping through the portal. On the other side would be an expansive terrace of marble with a canopy of the Arch's branches arcing overhead. A fountain would sit in the middle of the area, whilst there were various things such as a large dining or meeting table, a reading nook, and a few other assorted sections. When approaching the edge of the platform there would be a magical barrier such as to see that one was near the top of the tree which the Arch was.

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Accepting the water, she drank almost half of it immediately. She was grateful he was at least taking her a little seriously, writing down what she told him. I appreciate that. Whatever it was, you definitely don’t want that happening to someone else. But don’t worry, this doesn’t affect the rest of my experience. The whole idea is brilliant.

When he made a portal to a canopy, Melda stood up, patting down her dress and, placing the water down, quick pulled the pins out of her matted hair, and placing them in her bag. Leaving her hair down took less time than fixing it, she thought as she picked her water back up, and took her bag with her. She took Adrains hand carefully, stepping through the portal with his help. Its beautiful here, I must admit. I don’t remember seeing this in any of my last visits. She smiled fondly.

So. To start a rather random conversation, Yuki seems rather fond of you, no? Melda smiled slyly, poking fun at him, while also trying to spike a conversation.

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"Well I'm glad you still think highly of it, but the concern is definitely still valid if such an experience happened." he says, then letting the subject rest if Melda didn't pursue it further. There was no reason to really dwell on it when that would cause discomfort to the elf and she probably wasn't that interested in the technical means through which he would make certain the ARC was still safe to use for it's intended purpose.

When Melda admired the Headmaster's Terrace, Adrain chuckled a little. "It was first added about...sixty or so years ago I think when the headmaster at the time wanted a formal meeting place on the outside, and from then on this structure has been a Headmaster's privilege to use as a sanctuary or whatever they see it fit for. Unfortunately, the best feature is at night when the tree releases mana stowed into the sky as a prismatic veil." he says with an amused smile.

When the subject of Yuki was raised, he frowned slightly at first before he .

"Ah yes, she does find a fondness for me, for more than one reason I can assume. She actually has a great potential for magic within her, she's taken a very steady approach to her studies. For her to spend time here at the Arch in an apprenticeship program is possibly the best step in her life right now." he says, a bit of hesitation in his voice indicating that there was more to it than meets the eye, and not so much the romantic sense.

"I do worry for her safety even at the castle. I think she feels an affection for me because it might be only when I am around she seems to feel as though she is safe."

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She smiled and nodded, leaving the subject there. The voice still lingered in her head, only a memory now, but she had a feeling that she wouldn’t be able to convince Adrain it had been real; and who was she to say it was? He knew the program better by far, so if he said it was nothing… it must be nothing.

Ahh, sixty years. No wonder I hadn’t seen it; it didn’t exist yet. She laughed lightly. See I’ve heard of the prismatic veil, though I’m a bit sad to say I’ve never witnessed that. It sounds lovely. You must love coming out here, it seems so relaxing… She smiled and looked around again, wishing she had something like this outside her balcony at the castle. Of course she had the castle gardens, and she loved it, but something like this… it would be wonderful. However, it was not to be, so she would take in the view now.

Turning the conversation to Yuki may have been a bad move on her part, she soon realized as Adrain frowned for a moment. She does, does she? So can I assume her coming to me for magic help, had to do with you then? Melda arched an eyebrow at him. Her magical abilities had been kept under close wraps, as Adrain knew, so Yuki coming to her a day or so before had been a shock to her, to say the least. But if Yuki and Adrain had a connection through magic, then well… maybe that was how she found out.

She does seem to have some potential, you’re right. And she seems more than dedicated from what I saw… Melda stopped there and processed his words. Yuki was attached to him because she felt safe with him…even that was dangerous. I’m sure you’re aware of this, but it would be wise to keep a professional distance from that girl, unless you intend to change your emotions about her. I don’t want her getting hurt over something she thinks she feels. However, I believe you’re right; the apprenticeship program would most likely be the next best step for her. She’s always wandering alone in the castle, coming here and being a bit like a regular student… it could help her find her confidence, in addition to teaching her magic. Melda nodded firmly. She only meant to warn Adrain that yuki could easily be swept up in school girl fantasies, and she didn’t want him ruining either of their reputations over rumours of the Headmaster and a young princess.

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"It is quite lovely, if you really want to see the veil and can be convinced to stay long enough, you'd be more than welcome to enjoy it." the mage says, continuing to offer good faith to the duchess to curry her favor and friendship. He could probably try to arrange some sort of meal if she accepted the offer, though it would be some time yet before night.

When the subject came to Yuki, his expression sharpened slightly. When she mentioned that Yuki had approached her for help, he nodded not really to hide it. "Well, yes I did suggest it to her. In hindsight, that may have been a mistake of judgment to impose such upon you made in the moment when I was thinking of all possible options to try to help her the night I saw her in the gardens when I was leaving the Castle Records on my own business." he says, thinking back to that evening. "Though I suppose it is less strange now if I were to try to teach her myself somewhere on the grounds out of the sight of most. I don't know how much this has gotten out yet, but I hold the title of Duke now after acquiring a rather large land holding around the Arch, so a noble with a noble will raise a little less question, at least I would hope as much." he states.

When Melda warned him about the relationship status and the problems it would cause, he shook his head.

"If only it was so simple." he states distantly, walking to the edge of the platform and looking at the landscape in the direction of the sea, deep in thought for a moment.

"Melda, I can tell you have at least...concern for Yuki, at the very least you might be able to advise me on the correct course of action to take from the stance of the Court as I am new to the backstabbing rings." he says, making light with a slight chuckle. He turns to her, his expression ice as to convey seriousness as he raises his hand, erecting a sound barrier around them just in case some other mage happened to be in a balcony or something below.

"I think I can trust you to keep this to yourself or have wisdom to only tell those who really need to know." he says with a sigh, taking a very deep breath before speaking once more.

"The situation with Yuki is far more complicated than I think anyone else knows. The Yuki that we see today was not born female...rather, she at least used to be the male brother of the twins named Zane whom I believe is legally dead according to documentation. You see...apparently, the original Yuki was betrothed to some son who would have granted the D'varaches matriarch some status, money, or something or another. Then the original Yuki fell ill and died, but apparently that news did not meet the suitor." he says, then grimacing at the next part of the story.

"The mother got the idea in her head to turn Zane into Yuki...from the moment on, Zane was psychological broken down into a female mentally, beaten when he tried to resist, and essentially transformed into a woman mentally against their will to maintain the appearance of having a bride for this suitor. I believe Yuki ran away from her wedding, perhaps at the least sanity keeping her from being married and well...the honeymoon would be awkward I imagine." he says, then clenching his right fist.

"It gets worse still...the mother apparently gave Yuki a ring that forcibly changed her biologically into a woman. It is a powerful gender changing spell that is so deeply woven into her body I think trying to remove it could very well kill her. I've been trying to track down the mage who created such an unethical abomination of a spell but I haven't had much luck with that. But at this point, maybe it's better that the body match the mindset since Yuki had been a woman enough to fool you as well as everyone else." he states, then looking to Melda.

"So you see...I feel I must protect Yuki as much as I am able before the mother finds some way to ruin her life once more. This isn't something said from the perspective of a man trying to get into a woman's skirt, but what any honorable human being should want to do for anyone who has frankly led an incredibly painful and scarring life like that. It is possible that I am the only one, at least until now, who knows the truth here. It's why I'm pushing her to become skilled enough to enter the program and then enter the program so Yuki can figure out who she is and what she really wants to do in life. If she decides she wants to become male and return to what she was born as then I will help her as much as I am able...but as you can imagine, this is...incredibly complicated."

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Hmm… I believe that today is not the day for that; besides the time for that is far from soon, and I’m sure you have other things to do than entertain me all day while we wait. But i graciously thank you for the offer; perhaps another time. She smiled, wanting to see it, but not wanting to burden him with her company for an entire day just for some pretty lights. As the conversation remained on Yuki, Melda’s face remained blank.

Yes..well… its not the imposing I was worried about. You see Headmaster, as you’re aware, the king is not the fondest of magic, in general, let alone someone in his court possessing and using it. Yuki learning magic is not my concern, as long as she keeps a thick veil on it in the presence of the King. My concern was you telling someone about my magic. I will assume you are unaware of this, as you clearly must have been to have told somebody, but I do not tell people I have magic. Its a danger to myself that anyone knows as all. I knew you knew I had magic, as you have access to the records here, and thus you must have done some research on me to have told Yuki at all. However, telling Yuki was highly irresponsible, no matter how innocent it was intended. I tell only those I trust, or those who cross me; but those who cross me are unable to tell anyone about it anyways. If the king hears of my magic, I could be removed from the court all together, which would not only leave me homeless and without possession, it would dishonour my family name, and you see, I’m the only one left with my name, it would not do my good to dirty it. So in the future, if you would refrain from doing that, I would appreciate it. Melda ended her rant with a huff, her face still blank as her words said it all. If Yuki so much as mumbled a word about her magic to the king, she was screwed. Yuki knowing at all jeopardized her greatly. Severine had spies everywhere, so her saying anything to anyone, or around anyone could screw Melda over in a heart beat.

Congratulations on the new title. I suppose that means you’re the same level of importance as me. Melda looked over at him cautiously. With him as a duke, she really didn’t have the right to be acting so high and mighty around him, but she wouldn’t let her confidence falter yet; she needed him to understand her risk.

As he launched into his tale about Yuki, she remained where she was, watching him curiously as he spoke. The ice in his eyes was odd to her; he seemed to warm inside to carry about such frost. Throughout his speech, Melda had a variety of reactions, from disgust at the mother, to shock of the news.

How can such a small body hold such a strong story? Melda shook her head thinking back to all the times Yuki seemed to look out of place; well no wonder, how could you just easily fall into place somewhere, as someone you weren’t? I understand why no one knows about this… but I really wish everyone did… it would make everything so much easier on her; people would stop judging her when she doesn’t know what to say, or how to act… She doesn’t know who she is yet… but how could she, really? You’re right to push her towards this. Magic, dangerous as it is for someone in our positions, can really help a person find themselves, from the inside out. I’ll help you, and her, with whatever you require. Just tell me. And as long as you keep it purely professional when in a public setting, rumours shouldn’t spread. Your new status, though it changes the circumstance a bit, doesn’t change the fact that you are far older than she. More so than a suitor for her age should be; no offence. She grimaced, realizing how insulting that must sound.

You must be a saint on the inside, you just must be. To have taken on all this on purpose… it’s a lot to deal with on your own.

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"I cleared my schedule for this meeting as I was more concerned about the possibility of being rude to you by brushing you off. The look in your eyes suggests a little more desire than you let on, but its up to you. Perhaps whether to come for you later in the evening after a certain point or really anything." he says smiling warmly, obviously fine with either answer Melda had on the subject.

When Melda finished her scolding, Adrain closed his eyes and hung his head. It was an error of judgment on his part. He looked up, meeting Melda's eyes with his amethyst spheres. "You're absolutely right. I made a poor judgment at the time and if I can make it up to you just say how. If you were to lose something, I would find some way to make things right or reimburse you." he says, pausing and then lowering his head a little. "Though the king isn't completely anti-magic, he knows well enough I am a mage and there are others who have power in the court, but I do imagine that having concealed it thus far, it would be complicated to come out with it. Again, I apologize and I do mean it when I say I will make it up to you."

He only nodded in acceptance of Melda's comment when she congratulated him. The fact that he genuinely felt ashamed at his moment of poor judgment was evident. He took note of Melda's reactions and facial expressions when he told her the story, and it at least validated his belief that she had some degree of sincere concern for Yuki. As the elven duchess offered help, he nodded.

"Thank you. I'll admit, I'm not certain what course of action would best suit her in the court. To go to the King on this requires evidence of which I have little and Yuki might be too scared to tell the truth or ignore it for the sake of trying to help the servants of the D'varanches estate. The mother must be dealt with somehow, but again I'm not certain as to what. Maybe if you talk to her, sort of try to be a mentor it could help Yuki decide how she wants to go forward with her family. At the least, if that is something you feel you are up to. he says, still mindful of Melda's time and duties. When Melda took a shot at his apparent age he laughed a little to lighten the mood.

"Oh? Do you think I'm that old? Is that an invitation to court you instead?" he says, manifesting a rose of ice for a moment, his expression humorous and coy knowing it might get a rise out of Melda. When the joke had worn off he would dispel the rose assuming Melda didn't take it. It was a little refreshing to shift the mood for a moment as he chuckled softly.

"A saint huh, that's a first. I'm used to taking on difficult tasks alone and trying to help others, this just might be the hardest case I've taken upon myself, but as I said before, I don't think anyone needs it more than Yuki."

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Melda laughed a little, people were always so cautious with her. Well, I suppose we shall see. I have no further meetings in the day either, so if we continue chatting the way we are, time may just fly by. She smiled, keeping it to herself that one needn’t be so cautious; it was usually in her favour any how.

Melda watched closely as Adrain seemed to understand the gravity of her scolding, closing his eyes and lowering his head. She hadn’t wanted to make him feel guilty, but she needed it to be clear that her entire lifestyle could be at risk. No no, I’m not angry with you, and you needn’t make anything right. I just needed you to understand. You are correct, the king isn’t completely anti magic, however, there are certain people who reside within the castle with me, who like to twist knowledge, and create stories, and frankly, I would rather not be the centre of one of those stories, lest it reach the king. Melda had Severine’s wrinkled face in her head, but kept names to herself, as it was impolite to gossip for one, and two, one could never be too sure that one of Severine’s spies weren’t lurking. Even with a spell up, Melda would rather hint, than out right say names. And yes, coming out suddenly and showing him that I’ve had magic all this time wouldn’t certainly shake a few things up. Why, I’ve known that man since he was but a child, I highly doubt he’d take to the news lightly. Melda sighed, remembering when Noku was just a baby, Luca would hold him so closely, sheltering him from all that was bad. Melda had been there shortly after he was born, before the Queen got sick and passed away. He was so innocent back then, not the hardened ruler he had become today.

Melda noticed how lightly he took her congratulations, and arched an eyebrow, Now I know it’s not a huge change of pace, but its still rather big news, I’m surprised you’re not more excited about it. I certainly would be, I mean, Ive been the only Duchess for years, and suddenly you and Lady Wurud are on my level. But maybe thats just me; this had always been my lifestyle. She shrugged, wondering how Aria took the news when she found out. Melda remembered how surprised she’d been when Lucinda told her; she originally hadn’t wanted to share the title, but soon grew fond of her red headed friend.

Understandable. Don’t go to the King without more proof, it’s a delicate situation. I don’t mind keeping and eye out for her, but perhaps having her move into the dorms here, try altering her lifestyle for a little while? Maybe that would help her relax, learn that life isn’t all about being what her mother wants. In addition, it would keep her motivated for learning magic. Melda always saw Yuki roaming alone in the halls, or in the library, and it always looked like she was searching for approval; perhaps if she moved in with other normal students, she would find who she was, or rather, who he was, if it came to that.

When Adrain comment on his age, and courting her, Melda blinked, surprised. Did i— wait what? No! Of course thats not what i meant. Goodness Adrain, I was simply saying Yuki is too young! Anyways... As i was saying, Yuki will be okay— ...did it really sound like an invitation to you? Honestly. Melda huffed, glaring at the silver haired main lightly for a moment, before cracking a smile; it was rather humorous, she couldn’t hide that. She shook her head, the thought of him courting her had never crossed her mind, and honestly, wouldn’t have ever made sense to her, had he not just become a Duke. But regardless of that, love wasn’t an interest she cared about. She wouldn’t search it out, not again. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees a rose made of ice, and Adrain offering it to her. She scrunches up her face, looking confused for a moment, before blushing lightly and laughing. How pretty, yet so very fragile. She took it from him, arching an eyebrow at his expression. Careful, or the water in this rose will end up on your head. She twirled it lightly, using her own magic to keep it from melting.

Well, you’re doing a good thing for her. Maybe one day she’ll be comfortable enough to reach out for help on her own, but until then, I think she needs you.

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"Such time would fly by indeed, perhaps if I were to offer some wine it could make the passing more fluid, enjoyable, or at least mildly inebriated." Adrain says with a slight chuckle, remembering that Melda being a woman of fine tastes might enjoy such an offering."Any particular requests in type of wine, I have a fair supply of varieties in my stock."

When Melda expressed her concern, almost paranoia at being overheard, he simply smiled softly. "You worry a little too much Melda, though in truth you know more than I on the workings of the person you speak of. That said, if such a person tries to interfere or meddle, I may have some stern words." he says having no apparent fear about it. It was the fact he was a mage before a noble and in general lacked a sense of fear for better or for worse. "But once more, I do apologize for the discomfort caused to you by my actions." he says, bowing for a moment, hoping to move on from this subject to not dwell. Adrain knew he dun messed up, he would make it right however he could.

When Melda seemed disappointed about his lack of apparent enthusiasm, Adrain chuckled a little. "Responsibility is already a part of my life, and the Duke title at least means my input on things will be taken a little more seriously than before. It can only help my goal of making magic more broadly accepted as a part of life and not some element of mysticism with superstition behind it."

He nodded when she suggested to have Yuki live in the dorms and to avoid going to the king without suitable evidence of such wrongdoing.

"Yes...that was the plan as soon as I came up with it, such to give her distance and time as well as protection. I planned to have an air elemental be her personal bodyguard to give a sense of safety. With time she will figure out things, assuming she gets through the entrance exam and finally calms down enough to take a step back and decide for herself without an overbearing mother involved." he says.

When Melda got flustered at first, he laughed a little more openly. "Perhaps, the beautiful elven maiden alone for oh so long meeting a dashing stranger, it's a book written cliche!" he states, obviously joking about the subject. He knew not of her tumultuous go with Diamond, but ultimately like with all things he wanted to see people he liked and respected happy. Melda seemed content day to day but was she really happy? That was debatable, at least that was the mage's instinct on the couple of times he had met her before.

"I think all things of beauty can be said to be fragile. If the were indestructible, they would be taken for granted." he says, a poetic moment manifesting. When Melda lightly threatened tohave the water end up on his head, he chuckled.

"Oh? Perhaps the rose will grow and not leave so easily?" he says, as the 'stem' of the rose wrapped softly but firmly around Melda's wrist, but she would easily be able to reverse it as it was but a humorous thing once more to evoke a smile from the elven duchess. When she praised his efforts to help Yuki, he nodded.

"I just hope it's not too late to give her control of her life again, she deserves better."

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With the offer of wine, a small smile spread on the Duchess’s face. You know, I think that would be lovely. Do you have any more of what you provided at the springs? That tasted absolutely divine. She remembered the taste almost vividly, it was so rich. Just thinking about it had her mouth watering again, although she would accept any brand of wine he had to offer.

When Adrain told her she worried too much, her smile dropped. You have a spell up so that no one can hear us, correct? Upon hearing a confirmation, she would continue. You are correct, I know far more than you about the workings within the castle. Your stern words would do little to meddle with whatever thing she has planned. I presume you know the name of Lady Zoe? She would pause again, awaiting another confirmation. Yes, well… She’s quite the devious noble. She has eyes and ears in every nook and cranny of the castle, and her mouth is always against the kings ear, whispering ideas and rumours into it. Now, I’m not saying the king is, or ever has been swayed into anything, nor am I questioning his judgment, but I do not trust her. She has been the cause of many dramas within the castle, and thats just the least of it. Melda sighed, deciding to leave it there for now. If he still saw her as paranoid, then so be it.

Moving on, he explained why he was less than excited about the “promotion”. She simply nodded on this discussion, understanding his point of view, and leaving that discussion alone as well; everyone had their preferences about the status.

However, when Yuki came back around to topic, Melda was more involved. Well it’s a good plan. It can teach her values of life that she may not be able to learn while being smothered within the castle. Yuki had a lot of potential from Melda had seen, and she really hoped Adrian could bring it out of her.

Moving on once more, Melda arched a silver eyebrow at the mage, his story one of books and lies. A cliche meant for love struck teenagers; you and I both know that happily ever after’s are rare to come by, even in a book written by the biggest romantic. Despite his joking tone, and even her own, there was some weight behind her words, although her laugh afterwards lightened it up a tone or two. She was heavy on such a topic, even when she tried to keep it light. She was utterly oblivious to what he was thinking, and had never thought about it herself. Next thing she knew, the ice rose had its stem wrapping around her wrist, the chill of the ice causing goosebumps up her whole arm. How very true. Though I feel some things are despite that. Imagine all the roses, all the shattered mist, all the delicate flowers, plucked from their homes for the pleasure of their viewers, for the pleasure of loved ones, or courted ones. Although a kind gesture, imagine if the flowers were more than nature. Their beauty would be destroyed on a daily basis. They are more than fragile, and no doubt, are always taken for granted regardless, because as you know, flowers will always grow back… Kinda proves that something beautiful can be stronger than the eyes originally think they are…. I’m sorry, that rant was kind of pointless. She laughed a bit nervously, not knowing where that speech came from. She left the icy rose around her wrist, keeping it from melting as well.

Yes… she does… If a life of a noble is not what one wants, then it should not be thrusted upon them.

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"You like that one? I should have a few bottles left in my wind cellar." Adrain says, stepping back and having a purple aura surround him for a moment as he disappears. Melda would be left alone atop the terrace. Up to five minutes would pass before the mage would reappear in a surge of purple light, holding another bottle of the Paliconian Moscato with a pair of crystal glasses. He pours a glass of the frosty cold wine into a glass, then handing it to Melda before pouring himself one.

As the elf asked about the sound barrier, he nodded. When she went into a spiel about this Zoe, Adrain thought for a moment, then just chuckled slightly. "What does this Zoe actually do for the kingdom? I have plans for a new entire method of feeding the populace even well into the winter as well as reinforcing the King's army with new implements after the undead siege. Even if she is a woman of rank and deviousness, I can be far moreso if the situation called for it. A few wind elementals invisibly messing with her via sound and item manipulation would make anyone mad...of course, only if such an occasion called for such a direct hand in manners." he says, chuckling a little at the thought.

"Now that I think of it, isn't she the one who had a huge problem with her daughter's suitor unable to bend her to his wishes? Noku is a strong willed man and I have faith that push come to shove, he will make the best decision for the kingdom and not just follow the whispers of a raisin. But Melda, I do understand your caution and I thank you for your advice. I will have to resist my tendency to take it as a challenge to teach this lady a lesson or two if the situation called for it, and I am quite good at teaching."he says with a lighthearted laugh, to ease the mood, then moving on unless Melda pursued it further.

He simply nodded at the comment regarding Yuki's potential. He knew he could teach her magic, but it would largely be up to her to learn those critical self improvement lessons that will serve her in life as well as make her a stronger person with true strength from within.

"Yes. But the question is do you drag yourself down with defeat and settling for mediocrity because perfection seems impossible, or do you chase perfection and hope for the best possible outcome knowing that the odds are small. If that one chance happens, I believe it's always worth it to never stop growing and to never stop trying." he says with a calm smile, looking absentmindedly in the horizon, his silver hair drifting in the wind.

"Poetic, but I somehow feel as though you refer to more than just flowers. In that same lesson, there must be balance. Too many roses would smother out the rest of nature, too few would let them die. True beauty isn't in visuals, but in meaning and intent. The young take it for granted that a rose communicates something more than a colorful bud atop a thorny stem to represent that beauty has it's own burdens and must be treated with care. "

Once more, he just nodded at the comment of Yuki, there was little more to discuss there.

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Melda nodded and smiled her thanks in advance as Adrain took his portal and left for a few minutes to retrieve the wine. During her alone time, Melda took her time to look around the terrace, finding a bench to sit on. Although she’d been sitting for quite some time during their time in the alternate dream state, she didn’t like standing for long periods of time and wanted to sit again regardless. It may seem a bit lazy, but if they were being casual, she would remain sitting. He didn’t seem like the type to care anyhow. After sitting, she remembered that her hair had been kept down after coming out of the dream state, and did a simple braid down her back to keep it out of her face. By the time Adrain would return, she would be tying off the ends, and it would rest just below her shoulders. She smiled as he came back out of his portal, and watches silently as he pours her a glass, accepting it graciously. Honestly, this may be some of the best wine I’ve tasted in a while, so thank you. Everyone is a little cautious with the wine in the castle; after the king was almost poisoned. Melda shook her head, the castle drama was just piling up, day after day.

When Adrain questioned Lady Zoe’s role for the kingdom, Melda’s eyebrows shot to her hairline. Essentially, she’s the King’s advisor. Her say has a lot of rule in the castle, and the kingdom… If I’m not mistaken, it was, and for all I know still is her leading the hunt on the fated. The execution was headed by her as well, although the girl on trial did deserve her punishment. One of them anyhow… Melda remembered how Aria had been one of the girls chained up to die that day, or at least be tortured. With the way things turned out, Melda really did never know what the actual intentions were for her. I have no doubts in you for any of the things you say, but I do warn you, as a friend, not a noble, for that would be wrong of me, that Lady Severine Zoe is someone to be watched out for. Mess with her all you want, if she finds out it is you, well… good luck. I’ve avoided her all together and I’m doing just fine. Melda nodded to herself. She had been around the castle and the royal family a lot longer than Severine had, but she was a rank below her family regardless, and thus couldn’t say a damn thing about it.

Adrain was making light of the situation, and although Melda appreciated the light hearted intentions, she really hoped he took her warnings to heart; Severine could be a real bitch, and she would hate to see something bad happen to him because he underestimated her. Yes, she is. her daughter, Aveline, apparently fell in love with the head of the Royal Guard; sorry, the ex head, Roland Walker. I’m not really sure what happened there, but now he’s on trial for abandonment of his post if I am not mistaken. Lady Zoe believes he used his magic to enchant her daughter, and that she does not really love him. I believe she had her own plan for the girl, and it didn’t involve him… poor child really. Melda sighed, taking her first sip of the wine, and loving the taste across her tongue. It was like a rich silk floating down her throat. Like I said, I have no doubts in our King, I just hope he sees her ill wishes before it’s too late. She smiled and laughed at his end comment. I have no doubt that you are Headmaster. No doubts at all. She chuckled lightly, taking another sip of wine.

Melda said nothing to his reply about happily ever after for a moment, needing to think carefully about her reply. … I don’t think it’s defeat. I think it’s acceptance. Chasing is for children, abandoning all responsibility for the slim chance you stumble upon your true love; it’s ridiculous. However, if you’re truly meant to be with someone, I believe they will find you, or you them, even if you do not run around the world searching for them… And if it takes years, or doesn’t happen at all.. well, that’s what the acceptance is for. One becomes accustomed to their life at it is, and thus, are fine when their life ends with no “true love”. However, should they accept it, and their true love does appear, well then… surprises aren’t always bad now, are they? Melda smiled softly, a warm look in her eyes as she looked away from him and sipped her wine. She would fight it to her dying breath if asked, but she really was a romantic at heart, despite all the heartbreak in her past. She glanced at him through the corner of her eye, the wind dancing in his hair as he looked all dramatically to the sky.

Oh? And what else would I be referring to, may I ask? Melda objected, cocking her head to the side curiously, setting the glass down on her lap. Though I can’t disagree with you; balance is the key to many things, and the youth take too much for granted… It’s almost painful to watch them change the kingdom I grew up in, altering everything. She sighed again, shaking her head. How do you do it? Teach them? They seem so stubborn all the time. Set in their ways. She turned her head to him fully now, and honestly curious look on her face.

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"Oh really...I wasn't aware that had occurred. So treacherous this court business is. I'd rather risk blowing a limb off using a spell any day. I can see why you'd relish this chance to indulge here at this time." he says, then manifesting a platform of ice forming into a pedestal, carving an indenture into the top and placing the bottle there for Melda to grasp whenever she wishes.

As Melda went on about how the Lady Zoe was basically the most unpleasant person on the planet, Adrain was quiet taking mental note and paying Melda due attention, his general mirth to attempt to keep the conversation more pleasant fading in and out as he heard of some of the things she were responsible for.

"I've never understood why anyone goes out of their way to bother fated. They have clever ideas and can be of great benefit to this world. Most would go back given a chance since they are almost always taken without consent or knowledge. Just because they are different is no need to cause them misery." he says, a bit irritated at the fact that some people let paranoia cloud their decisions and think the fated were an ominous threat.

When Melda explained her perspective on the shenanigans with Roland, Aveline, and magic, he scoffed. "Roland can be an obnoxious pain in the ass at times, but he wouldn't magick a woman into taking feelings for him. He usually has an incredibly strong sense of morality. The abandonment thing, that I admit I don't understand. I saw him at the North Gate where I intervened to help defend. When the forced were diverted I ran west to attack the forces there but Roland seemed in control of the situation at North. Something must have happened." he says, then gladly allowing the subject to pass once she made a laugh at the other comment.

As Melda went into her spiel regarding love, acceptance, and beyond he thought of a reply carefully. "When people are young, they need to learn, make mistakes but also have dreams. The flicker of imagination is required to have value of time both present and future. One of the basic human needs is acceptance, usually that lends itself to a perfect equal, vigorous and complimentary. To ignore that desire for too long coldens the heart, something I only recently fully realized myself. I was a purely work focused person until the siege, after which I realized that there was more to things. But as long as you remain open in the end, that is all the matters." he says, then taking a sip of the wine before speaking anymore. Melda challenged his assertion that he was talking about something else.

"Perhaps personal experience to an extent? Or maybe it's the wine making me speak before thinking." he says with a small, coy chuckle. When the subject came to change, he rose a brow.

"Change is growth. You have lived through several human generations, and seen the kingdom advance from your station. Were it not for changing the structures of civilization, people would live in trees and caves roasting animal flank over a cold campfire. To teach...you have to force the young to realize that they don't know everything, that they are less wise than they truly are. It isn't always a pleasant process, such as the Dragon Simulation in the ARC, but the benefits last a lifetime when the arrogance of youth fades and the mind opens to greater wisdom." he says, then taking a few steps toward Melda with a smile.

"Is there anything you've ever wanted to learn? Perhaps I can show you."