Girls Afternoon [Aria/Private]

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Lilith had run into Aria about a week ago now, and they had decided to meet up at her new house, seeing as Aria had never even been to her house since she'd moved in. She'd written down the directions, and the scheduled time, and that had been that. Today was that time. Lilith had gone out and picked up some food, seeing as she rarely had any in the house as it was, being in the castle as often as she was, and prepared some small snack foods. She wanted to just relax with her friend, which they scarcely had time for these days. 

She dressed in something simple, not planning on leaving her house much as it was, and stuck to an off white dress, ending at her ankles, with long sleeves and a square cut. There was a bow in the back, resting on her hips. Her hair was up in a messy pony tale, not having the will or want to even brush the insane length that morning. Honestly, if she could cut it, she would. It had stopped growing when she'd hit 18, but even when she tried to cut it it just magically grew back in the morning. Same with dyes. She chalked it up as an elven trait years ago. 

Lilith was sitting on the couch with a book, the fireplace warm against her skin off to her right. Whenever Aria chose to arrive, she would either open the door, or greet her from the couch, should she chose to just walk in.

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Aria dressed herself for today’s visit; she fished through the clothing she had brought trying to find something simple but appropriate….really this was easier when she didn’t give a shit what she looked like. Aria eventually chose a light white cotton long sleeves shirt that cinched neatly around her wrists; with a low scooping neckline. Over it she wore a sweet heart styled dark blue corset; plan and simple but it showed off her curves wonderfully. Her long skirt stopped at her ankles and was light ocean blue. She wore dark blue shoes with a slight heal to match. Her hair was tied half up and back with a light blue bow; the rest of it was brushed out to form soft flowing waves down her back and past her hips. She fastened the dagger Lilith had given her to her waist by a thin black leather belt; leaving the decorative but functional piece full out in the open. She also fitted two pearl earring studs to the lobes of her slightly pointed ears. Today it was the only jewelry she wore out; before leaving she gathered some things in her brown satchel before heading off into the city.

It really didn’t take her long to locate Liliths house; Lilith had given Aria good directions. That and she knew the city fairly well by this point. Aria didn’t even bother to knock as she swung the door open and shouted in a sing song voice ”I’m HERE” She skipped in and hip bumped the door closed on her way out. She walked over to Lilith who sat on the couch and gently placed her satchel on the floor. There was a audible clink of metal as she did so. ”Lilith I have great news! Did I tell you about the home I was having built?” She made herself comfortable on the couch next to Lilith. ”Noku just approved it a couple days ago; my island is now under the protection of Nova and has a trading agreement. I am now a Duchess of Palico owning land that flys under Nova’s flags….does that make me a duel citizen? Actually I’m not sure, neither is Noku. He says he needs to talk to Silas about it. But I got the go ahead from him anyways….wait did I tell you I claimed an island…. And my new homes a palace….that seems like a big detail I might have forgotten to mention…” Aria trailed off not being able to remember if she told Lilith this or not yet….Her attention didn’t last too long on the subject as she looked around the home she very rapidly made herself comfortable in. What she saw already was adorable; it fit the young elf quite well.

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Lilith looked up as the door swung open, Aria’s recognizable voice calling into her otherwise quiet home. A smile spread on her face as she closed her book, placing it on the table beside the couch. She moved her feet so that Aria would have room to sit, Ignoring the clang of metal as her bag was placed down. 

Well hello to you too! She laughed lightly, a grin clear on her face. As Aria jumped into her story, Lilith’s face turned into a surprised look, her eyebrows raising appreciatively. My…Aren’t you important now. Though I’m not surprised Noku signed off on it. You deserve your own home, away from the rest of the idiots who live out here. And I’m sure he’s a bit glad to have you out of the castle- maybe things will calm down for him. She laughed, clearly joking about it. Lilith caught Aria looking around and it dawned on her that Aria had never been here.

Oh right. This is my home now. A lot better than the old place. Behind me, the ladder leads to my bed, and that door by the kitchen leads to my basement, which is where most of my magic stuff and books are. The bathroom is the door next to the ladder behind me. She gave a quick tour with her words, not feeling the need to stand from her perch on the couch.

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Aria smiled sheepishly apparently from the look on her face she had left that tiny detail out. Chuckling at the fallowing comment about needing to be away from all the idiots. The statement causing Aria to give Lilith a look that said ‘you have no idea’…considering she was just kidnapped the other morning from her lovers bed. Worse in the quilt that she had worked so hard to make…she literally made her own trap. ”The nice thing is I have permission to ask Adrain to make a port from the Royal Beach to my island. From where I’m placing the port it would only be an hour of a beautiful hike to the palace. Or a quick hop to the other side via dragon back. You’ll be one of the people I’m giving an open invitation to come by any time you wish. Best part is the island is tropical! Which means if you get sick of the snow during the winter let me know I’ll have plenty of room for you to visit.” Aria clapped really excited for her new home. ”I don’t know about Noku being happy or not; I had to convince him of my reasons and whether it was a safe choice or not…. Either way I have quick access back to Nova because of the agreement so there won’t be long extended times where I’m not mucking about. So I don’t think it’s a way to get me completely out of his hair.” This was probably what Aria was most excited about. She had her home which was approved; and it would take her away from her friends and new family that she seemed to be accruing. Best of all it wouldn’t take her away from Garrett.

”OH speaking of the island I DID get you something; its somewhat the style down near Kanto and its fairly tropical. I also fished through the stuff I took from that dwarf adventure and found some pieces that more than suit you and wanted you to have them.” She picked up her bag; really whenever she seemed to find time to see her friends she always had something to give them. Aria first pulled out a gorgeous white sleeveless dress with a sweet heart stile neckline. The main dress was light summer silk with peacock feathers hand painted along the white silk. The dress was accompanied by a sheer white one shoulder cape; the front of the cape was threaded through a white belt with a green diamond fish pattern. Allowing the rest of the front of the cape to drape down the front of the dress; while the rest was hung over the shoulder. Giving the dress a one sleeved look. The next thing Aria pulled was a few pieces of jewelry; explaining the metal clanking sound. The first piece was just a simple small gold peacock feather attached to a thing gold chain. Forming a delicate and subtle bracelet that wasn’t to flashy. The second piece was a pendent; also featuring the colorful blue bird. It was decorated with precious stones and gold; with a few pearls mixed in. It hung on a long gold chain; Aria remembered Liliths costume to the festival quite clearly; so she thought the pieces fit the young elf quite nicely.

Aria listened as Lilith’s gave directions around her home; it really was an adorable cottage. ”This suits you nicely; if you ever want any help with anything with it let me know. I can carve designs into any bits of the wood if you want something more personal.”

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Lilith smiled and laughed along. Sounds like a beautiful place. Good, I kinda dislike snow, not gonna lie. She laughed again, happy to take up the invitation anytime. She remembered the name Adrain; if her memory was correct, he was the man; the Headmaster; who helped with Tresor’s wings. Still and idol in her books. 

Quickly enough, Aria moved on to gifts, which Lilith had not been expecting. I hadn’t even thought to take anything like that. She commented on the dwarf mission. She looked over the dress, her eyes turning into purple orbs. This is beautiful! She spoke in a slow awe. Aria surprised her again with a stunning bracelet, which resulted in Lilith looking at her with a “Dammit this is stunning” look as she fondled it in her palm. It reminded her of her Festival Dress, it would have gone beautifully. In fact everything here seemed to have a peacock theme, thoroughly reminding her of her dress. The last was a beautiful necklace, matching the theme as well. Honestly Aria, you shouldn’t have. These are stunning! I love them all so much. Thank you. She reached over and hugged the red head softly, in an odd position to do so. 

With Aria’s offer, Lilith chuckled. I will keep that in mind. I need to do some redecorating. Some of this stuff has heavier memories than others. She spoke semi grimly, glancing over at the kitchen table and chair set she had.

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”I like the snow; in moderation. It just rains, a lot, down where the island is. Its lo…actually its easier just to show you.” Aria waved her hand and in front of them a miniature version of the kingdom of nova shimmered into view. It was a bird’s eye view of the entire kingdom from high up; and perfectly detailed. Animated to as Aria had included the ocean to in the little illusion; little tiny waves lapping at the seashore. Aria pointed to a castle on ledge surrounded by a large city; ”This is Nokus palace right here.” To give her a location based idea of where they were on the 3d map; from that point Lilith might notice several familiar landmarks close by the castle. How close everything was, was put into prospective. Once she was familiar with it Aria would twitch her hand slowly rotating the floating map; her finger traveling south; and to the very boarder of the land. ”The end of the Forever Forest marks the border between Kanto and Nova; if you travel along the border line and to the coast.” Aria’s finger trailed off the coast and too a noticeable crescent shaped island popping out of the vast ocean. Located just a bit above the border line. ”That is my island; I’m calling it The Lost Isle. I found it during a distance training mission with the drakes. Originally it was outside of any Kingdoms boarders; but the new contract has extended Nova’s boarders in order to give my island some military backing if anyone should want to take the little parcel of land.” The map zoomed in to focus on just the undeveloped island. Aria pointed to a tall peak on the island. ”This is where I’m putting the port; there will be a trail leading across the ridge of the mountain; on the other end is where I’m building the palace. Construction will hopefully be done soon.” With a wave of her hand the illusion as gone; but the fact there was such detail with the illusion told how much attention Aria payed to details. As any illusion was formed with in the casters mind.

Aria chuckled as Lilith admitted she hadn’t thought to take anything from the treasure room. ”I’ve done my fair share of jobs like that; you learn to take what you can when the opportunity is presented to you.” Aria smiled as she watched Lilith’s reactions to her gifts. ”I saw the pieces and I thought of your festival dress; you looked stunning in it. Plus Noku seemed to think so; it’s unfortunate that you left with Sima that night.” This dress wasn’t as flashy as her festival dress but unlike the festival dress, Lilith could wear this one more often. Aria patted Lilith on the back as she went to go hug her; glad Lilith liked her gifts. ”There are peacocks on my island; I was thinking you’d blend in wonderfully.”

As the topic changed and unexpectedly took a darker tone. Aria’s eyebrows knitted with concerned; it wasn’t like the elf to take a dark tone. Concern washed over Arias features ”What happened?”

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It’s lovely to look at, but I hate when my feet are wet, aside from bathing or swimming. And the only time that happens is with snow. Not even rain. She spoke absent mindedly as Aria pulled up a 3D map, much to her surprise. She nodded along as Aria explained, raising her eyebrows as she said the borders of Noku’s kingdom had to be expanded. I wonder how the other Kingdoms will react to that. She shook her head, blinking once or twice as the image disappeared.

I doubt I’ll ever go on one of those missions again. Ugh, that smell still haunts me. She shivered, goosebumps forming on her flesh. She smiled with Aria as she too thought of the peacock theme, however her smile faltered when she mentioned both Sima and Noku. What are you talking about? I didn’t even see Noku that night- I hadn’t even met him yet. And Sima was.. well you know! She was confused, her eyes narrowed lightly trying to put puzzle pieces together. She didn’t want to explain Sima yet.

However it looked like she would have to; Aria caught on as she always did and asked the question that Lilith couldn’t lie about. It’s a long story. She sighed. Sima and I… we broke up. Months ago… not long after that festival actually. It… it wasn’t working anymore. I was always at the castle working… he was always at the restaurant; which was fine. But he’s a very clingy person— which was okay! I just… I always felt so bad leaving for work… I shouldn’t have felt bad for doing what I love… There was a lot of complications involved in that… And to be honest I don’t know where he is now. He went on “vacation” around the kingdoms and I haven’t heard from in since then. I hired someone to run Lua Azul in the meantime, seeing as I can’t do that and my own job… She sighed again, her face flushed with emotions she didn’t want to slip out. She’d cried enough.

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Aria shrugged; ”The one with the biggest issue’s going to be Palico. Due to me being their duchess; however Kanto might have a problem….but they hadn’t claimed that piece of land yet…speaking of Kanto apparently the kings Nokus uncle. Should be interesting meeting him. Noku said his knowledge of allies and battle strategies are invaluable.” She left out the fact Noku said he wished that the man would go die off a cliff somewhere. Aria didn’t think that was something that should be spread outside of Nokus office. When the topic turned to the mission Aria chuckled. ”I quite enjoyed it other than the novites; that thing at the end reminded me of visiting Uncles tower… horrible smell, something trying to kill you, monstrosities beyond words. It was just like home again.” Aria giggled; a look of nostalgia crossing her face. One had to question just what kinda childhood she had with that reaction.

As Lilith claimed she hadn’t danced with Noku that night Aria laughed; she supposed Lilith didn’t have the nose that she had. Mask did little to hide a person’s identity from her if she already knew the scent. ”You were the first person he asked to dance; your feathers caught his eye. Noku was dressed as a white dragon I believe that night. Really nice dancer. If you don’t believe me next time you’re in the castle wear the dress I just bought you and see if it doesn’t catch his eye.” She chuckled a bit. ”After Sima stole you from him I stepped in. He took it really well…..That was an interesting party. Ai, Saden, and Zeapon showed up to it as well”

Aria listened quietly as Lilith went on to explain about her and Sima’s split. Aria nodded an understanding look on her features. ”You seemed suffocated even back when you were together when I took you for your dragon ride. I believe Blue eyes was using you as his connection to this world. I would not be surprised if he became lost after your break up…he’ll come back once he’s found himself. I believe you did the right thing for both of you separating that is. You’ve grown so much since last year” Aria gave her a comforting smile; trying to reassure the young elf. Aria herself never had a break up before…least not with a lover… she only ever had her eyes on Garrett. But she had plenty of falling out with friends…not quite the same. But it was the only thing she had to relate to it. Though her falling outs seemed to be a lot more violent. ”If you need any help going over the paper work and such just let me know. I can at least check in to make sure the person you hired is doing a decent job. Back in my time I took over the Bloody Mary after the old owner left it to me. Running a tavern and such isn’t much different....well sorta….” The Bloody Mary was known to have….interesting entertainment. At least it was in her time. Aria was never required to be one of the dancers when she lived there and was lucky enough just to have a bar tending job when she first started out. Now she suspected Garrett had something to do with sparring her from that duty.

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Well, I get the feeling Noku will have to deal with it more than you in the long run. Lilith raised her eyebrow. His uncle? I had no idea. That’s gotta be stressful. Always under the watchful eye of a King more experience than you. Ugh, I hate family drama. She sighed. Moving on to the quest, shivers ran down her spine. I’ve never smelt something so disgusting. Nor have I ever puked in public like that. She looked at her oddly. Something like that could never remind her of home, nor could she giggle about it. But then again, Aria was rather strange.

However, Aria laughing at her was unexpected. As she explained, her light purple eyes widened to the size of small tea cup plates. The Man In White… had been Noku??? The talk of the gods flew over her head, her mind filled with memories whirling around. Sima— Sima stole me— from the King!?!? She shrieked. He could have been killed for that!!! Lilith’s mind spun back to the day she’d been lead to his bathing chambers. Does…does he know? That it was me? Oh I hope he doesn’t. Her mind was whirling. How embarrassing! She’d been stolen from the King! Lilith’s face was flushed, and she clutched the dress in her hands.

She calmed down a moment later, talk returning to Sima. Yes.. well.. He is who he is. She sighed,a memory dawning on her. She’d misspoken before. Oh… right. I was wrong before. I have seen him since then… actually he stopped by my house a day or so ago… I’d been convincing myself to forget about it that it slipped my mind entirely. He came back and told me he was buying me out of the restaurant. She glanced at Aria, a grim smile on her face. I told him he could just have it. It was never my dream… So I no longer own half of it. However— She stood, walking to the fridge in the next room, and reaching up to pull something down from it. He gave me this. She handed it to Aria, plopping back down on the couch. It was a broken chain with a silver mens ring around it. His wedding ring, from his first wife. He used to hold that thing like his life was attached to it. I always hated it; reminded me of Hotaru- the first wife. She had purple eyes too. She betrayed him in unspeakable ways. But now, according to him, it’s my memento of him. She shook her head, face flushed with unspoken and unshed tears.