Post by Aric Demarais on Mar 6, 2009 17:26:06 GMT -5
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ALEXANDRIA:
She smiled slightly by his response, though she could see that expression he wore and she wondered what he was thinking. Brows furrowed slightly in concern, but she slowly lead him towards the front. As they walked she spoke softly. "Are you alright, m'lord?" She'd allow him to answer her before they reached the platform rise in the front of the ballroom. She carefully climbed the steps, holding the hem of her dress as she moved up them. Once the orchestra noticed, they stopped playing, which would most likely cause the room to go into a silence. Alexandria stood there, nervously as she thought of what words to say. She lightly cleared her throat and then spoke as loud as her voice could carry. Though luckily, the room echoed as she spoke, carrying her words throughout the room. "People of Elysium. Thank you so much for coming this evening. I won't take away from your night for too long, but I just wanted to say a few words, if I might." She paused, her fingers lightly played with the fabric of her dress nervously, though she had no knowledge of her doing so. "I know things might look difficult right now... If you look around you will see the destruction and the devastation that has stolen the beauty this land once held... We have lost many to this war... Dear friends--" She paused, almost as if she would start to choke up in her tears. But she took a deep breath and urged herself to continue. "Dear friends and loved ones that cannot be here with us tonight... Please say a prayer for them all this evening. It is because of them and because of our great allies that we all stand here today. It is because of all those who fought hard and intelligently to win this war for us. For those still with us today... Your efforts will never be forgotten. For those we have lost, we will never forget you..." She glanced around the room a moment before she turned her eyes to Aric, standing beside her. She forced a small smile before she looked back into the crowd. "But now we must pick up and move on after this war. Rebuilding has begun and Avalendor is left behind. Elysium is what we will become... Our land will grow beautiful and strong once again. And I need you all to understand..." She paused for a moment, trying to gather up her words as carefully as she could. "That my decision I have made in my alliance with Prince Aric of Tresteria has been a careful one. I know we fought a war to gain our freedoms from an evil tyrant...And to get away from the threat of another leader taking over our land through marriage... But truly, I believe this is a different situation. Prince Aric, his brother the King of Tresteria and their people have proven to be helpful and kind... Without their help, I am afraid that our rebuilding would not have been able to happen... And this is why I have agreed to this arrangement... " She stepped back slightly to make room for Aric. "Your future king of Elysium, Prince Aric..." She finished, then, allowing Aric to say whatever he wished, then. And she stood now, with her eyes to the floor, her mind racing with various thoughts, then.
ARIC:
Aric had actually remained behind as Alexandria moved up those steps, assisting her up until she was out of his reach. He still remained close by, allowing her to be the sole vision before her people as she spoke to them; heartfelt and truthful words, still strong despite the nervousness he could see. Hands twisted at her skirts, trying to keep her composure...and at that moment, he'd find himself silently stepping up behind her, moving to her side to grasp a hold of one of her hands...in some way to comfort her, to help her keep calm, or simply just to have a presence there at her side. He watched her in silence, her voice continuing to echo inside the grand ballroom...and he knew he would not be able to match up to her passion, to the love she held for both people and country. He was awestruck for that entire moment, ocher eyes having fallen to the ground until he heard his name at the very end...bringing his attention back up to her quickly. Aric was suddenly hesitant, not so well versed as she in such instances and he was still unaware of the reaction that the citizens of Elysium had towards him. Some appeared alright with it, and his future marriage to the queen...while others, perhaps, felt he was simply going to destroy what was left of their beloved kingdom. Regardless of that fact, and that he was well aware his words would not strike the heart as Alexandria's had, he drew in a slow breath, turning to lift his eyes towards those gathered. "I...am honored to be here, to have fought beside you...a mere island, so small, yet had been able to overcome what most would deem the impossible. I've been witness to your pain, your suffering...but also your strength and courage." He paused himself, looking over to Alexandria with the briefest of smiles, so small that she might have missed it if she hadn't looked...but it still held that sincerity that was not foreign to his features. He looked back to the people. "And with this marriage, King Edward and myself offer a pact of security and friendship, to help rebuild your kingdom into what it once was and allow your glorious victory to shine through this momentary darkness, and prove, even further, the dedication you all hold for your kingdom."
CASSANDRA:
Cassandra found herself wandering to the drinks, brushing passed the people without so much as an excuse me, but not quite barreling into them either. Instantly picking up the first goblet of wine available, sipping at it lightly, her attention was pulled over towards the queen as she and her cousin stepped near the small stage. Her slight nervousness of before seemed to calm down, intent on listening to the lady give her speech... one filled with so much devotion and love that it would normally, well...make her sick. However, Cassandra found herself sighing gently with some sort of sympathy, features softened from their once hard and snooty expression...and as both speeches came to an end, she hadn’t realized she had downed the wine in her cup without having realized it. It seemed the marriage was still on, and she could sigh in relief...and get herself some more wine.
ORIN:
His drink was completely finished by the time his sister got up and began to spoke. And at the moment she began speaking of Aric, he got himself another drink and downed it right away, leaving his glass empty once again. The look on his face said a thousand words. He was upset with the whole thing. Angry, in fact. He muttered something under his breath as his sister finished up her speech and the future king spoke up. Words. They were just words. And although they seemed promising and convincing, Orin was having a difficult time believing them. Or maybe he did not want to. He sighed heavily, got himself another drink just as the woman got herself another goblet of wine. Little did he know that the woman just happened to be the man's cousin. Otherwise he would have probably had some words to say to her at that place in time. His arms folded over his chest and he rolled his eyes at the closing of the speeches. Once the room was left in silence again, Orin stepped forward and away from the table. His hands clapped together in a slow, mockful form of applause. Annoying really. But he was tired of it all. His clapping stopped suddenly and he took a sip of his drink before holding it up in a 'cheers' kind of manner. "Well said.. Well said... Your majesties. This place has gone to hell as it is....Why not bring it down further!" He let out a laugh, almost as if he were a mad man. And then, another long swig of his drink. "Cheers! To many years in hell!"
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria smiled, silently moved by Aric's speech. She thought it was very genuine and nice of him to say. When he had finished she moved closer to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, speaking silently to him. "Thank you for your kind words." She paused and just as her lips opened to say something else, came that sarcastic clapping. Her eyes turned into the crowd and it was then she saw her brother. She nearly cringed. A step back was taken from Aric and she bit her lower lip nervously as he began to speak. She stood there, watching her brother with a look of disbelief and upset painted on her features. How could he? When she needed his support the most, he was throwing this into her face? Her eyes fell downward and she just listened to his words fall off his tongue like knives coming at her. But at his last words, she looked up and stepped forward suddenly, yelling out loudly. "That is enough, Orin!" Her face was marked with frustration. "Your little speech is rude and uncalled for... You speak as if I am a stupid woman and know not what I am doing... But it is for the good of the kingdom and the people whether you like the idea or not... And I will not have this argument with you in front of everyone. So just stop it. Stop it before you make yourself look like a fool any further." She turned and stormed off of the platform, angrily disappearing into the crowd.
ARIC:
There was a small smile in return at Alexandria's thank you, but he still didn't think it had been good enough. It wasn't something he was used to, and quite frankly, wasn't sure he ever would be. Aric might have looked passed this awkwardness...if it weren't for Orin stepping in to make his opinion known. Ocher eyes averted towards the man, body stiffening as he let him go on his small tirade, shattering the hopefulness the queen had set. Just like that, without one ounce of thought or consideration. But she, too, fed into the anger and bashed him in return, right before watchful eyes. That was something he would not have agreed to. Aric rushed forward, stepping easily off the front of the platform to make his quick advance towards Orin. He did not slam into him, did not even touch the man, but he was there...in his face with a deep growling threat that was meant for Orin's ears only, but with the sudden quietness of the room, he couldn't be sure whether others could hear. "Is that it? Has your childish and foolish behavior driven you this far as to strike down your own sister in her one, bloody moment of hope?! Is THIS what you call protecting her?" To keep himself as composed as he possibly could, jaws clenched tight, words hissing through his teeth while he lifted an arm to point towards the exit. "Get out." It was no longer an amused comeback as his words had been during their first meeting...this time, he was threatening him, and damn sure taking control whether he was king yet nor not.
CASSANDRA:
She had been delving too deep into the wine, muttering to herself about Edward, that she wasn't going to listen to him...the silence after the speeches was almost deafening, but not as much as it was when Orin decided to speak up..ruining the damn relief. Funny how she was making this affect her when it shouldn't be so much. Or maybe it was because Edward would not leave her alone and possibly throw her clear into poverty if she didn't make sure this marriage went on. Eyes widened, floored by the display that played out before her, actually taking a few steps back as Aric stalked like an angry lion towards the bastard and his harsh words. She nearly cheered him on, waiting for him to snap his neck in two, tear out his innards, eat his eyeballs...or whatever warriors did on the battlefield. But she didn't. However, she couldn't contain the deep, trilling laughter that emitted from her throat, perhaps heard too clearly.
ORIN:
Orin stood there with very little emotion on his features as his sister shouted at him and then stormed off. But when Aric quickly moved over to him and was in his face, Orin stood there with an unmoving expression. Stoic in appearance as if he were unbothered by everything. What Aric hissed over at him into his face, seemed to go ignored, for there was no gleam in his eyes as if he took what Aric said to heart. Only, by his sister's reaction at first, did he start to feel bad for what he had said. Now Aric's words only confirmed that, though he would never admit that. Now he had just made things that much worse between him and his sister and he knew he'd need to be the one to fix it this time. Aric was demanding him to leave. And without so much as a word of protest, Orin turned and left.
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria had escaped out of the room from a different entrance than the main one. She should have perhaps bit her tongue and told him to leave. She felt mostly embarrassed, not just for Orin but also for herself. How could he do something like that to her? She quietly moved down the hall. Now that she was out and away from the crowd, her tears spilled freely from her eyes and down her face. Hands moved up to tear her hair down from the pins and clips that had held it up in place and she moved to the end of the hall and slipped into the library where it was dark and quiet and she knew she could be alone. She sunk down into a chair and buried her face into her hands, allowing herself to just cry... Something she had not so freely done in quite some time.
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ALEXANDRIA:
Just when the night had begun to feel a little more secure, a little more...alright, it came crashing down on his head. But not just his- Everyone who had been witness to the scene, and most of all, Alexandria. Aric had seen her leave the ballroom quickly after the incident, but he remained to ensure Orin had left...and then bore the overwhelming silence and tension in the air as the rest of the people left, leaving him in the middle of the large room to think about what had happened. Was Orin's anger and rage because of him? Because of the marriage? It almost made him feel responsible for the man's childish behavior, even though he knew better than to believe that. Boots echoed softly as he walked across the newly polished floor, exiting the ballroom and down the hall. He should probably check up on the queen, make sure that she was alright...but he knew what he'd be getting into. Aric knew she was far from alright. No one in such a situation would be, but he wasn't willing to leave her in such a state either. After questioning a few of the guards, he managed to gain a bit of a clue as to where the queen ran off to...and he soon found himself moving into the library, searching the dark shelves for her sulking form.
Alexandria felt as if she were in some sort of unspeakable shock. She could not understand why he would do such a thing... In front of all those people, especially. The library was only dimly lit by the fireplace that a servant had lit for her after seeing her escape into the room. She had thought she would have gone unnoticed, but as a known figure of the castle, that was nearly impossible, she supposed. She sat there, curled into the chair, her feet drawn up onto the edge of the chair, knees bent up towards her chest and her arms hugged her legs covered by the layers of fabric. Her face was buried into her knees and she freely cried. It was one thing to be caught up in all of this... But to have her people, and especially her brother, not trust her, or not be supportive... It just, well, killed her. Which was why she was so upset. She heard the doors open, but she hoped whomever had entered would not notice her. Tear stained face was lifted from her knees and she looked up and over to the doors, straining her eyes from the light that poured into the room from the hall. It cast some sort of shadow on the person entering and she squinted, trying to make out who it was. "If that is Orin, I do not wish to speak with you right now..." She looked away, her eyes falling on her fingers which fumbled with the fabric of her dress now.
ARIC:
He found her small form across the way, curled up in a mass of skirts and now tangled hair upon the chair. Aric didn't have to see her face clearly in order to know she had been crying, so distraught over her own brother's careless display. It should’ve been something he was expecting, but even he was a little shocked by the whole ordeal. Upon their first meeting, Orin had made it quite clear of how protective he was of his sister...the fact that he had hurt her like this only made the frustration over the entire matter swell upon inside him. He took slow steps forward, a hand raising a little in gesture, "No, m'lady...it is not." He was hesitant now, not sure if he should even be here...but he thought that, if anybody could relate to her pain, he could. His steps came to a pause a few feet before her, waiting for some form of acknowledgment or wish for him to leave.
ALEXANDRIA:
When she heard that voice speak, she recognized it as Aric's and immediately, her feet slid down from the edge of the chair and she straightened herself in a normal sitting position on the chair. Her hands lifted and she quickly wiped at her face, not wanting him to see her so distraught as she was. Alexandria cleared her throat and tried to speak as if she were not upset, but her voice came out a bit shaken. "...I am so sorry for what just happened. And for acting the way that I have..." She felt embarrassed, more than anything. She moved to try and straighten her unruly mess of hair and make herself seem a bit more presentable, at least.
ARIC:
From the gesture of her body, he took those few more steps forward to come and stand before her while she apologized and attempted to wipe her sorrow away. His features had softened, but there was still that lining of uncertainty, bordering his confusion on even how to stand there in front of her, to somehow console her in some way. A light shake of his head, he dismissed her apology as quickly as that. "It could not be helped...and it's over and done with. We just need to try and move forward." There was tension in his jaw, clenching tight as he struggled with this situation. He was no good at this, and that bothered him. Perhaps, sometimes even more than the fact that the rest of the kingdom probably now, most surely, thought him a criminal.
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria shook her head ever so slightly as Aric dismissed her apology. She still felt awful about the situation and felt part of it was her own fault. "I know... But it was just awful... I half expected it, but I thought he would perhaps be a bit more decent to not say anything in front of everyone. How embarrassing..." She looked away from Aric and rubbed her face with both of her hands, almost as if trying to hide herself from him. Then her hands dropped down to her lap and she averted her eyes towards the fire. She just wanted to scream out and throw some kind of a fit, but she knew she needed to keep herself as composed as possible, even if she felt as weak as she did. She shook her head again and spoke quietly. "You did not deserve that... "
ARIC:
"I don't deserve a lot of things, Alexandria..." he spoke in reply, a secretive grin, small and just the usual hint of one creased his lips before he crouched down before her. He almost took one of her small hands into his, but kept his own twined together before him, forearms resting upon his thighs. There came a tilt of his head, looking up at her in hopes to gain her complete attention. "I think he knows what he has done was wrong." It was his turn to defend her brother, but there had been some sort of recognition on Orin's face after Alex's distraught reply. Aric was only beginning to remember it now...now that he wasn't fuming and face to face with him. "What's done is done. All you can do now is move on, prove to your people you are unaffected by it...that this kingdom will prosper once again. They need that hope now, more than ever." Though his words remained low and somewhat gruff from the harsh words from Orin, they still managed to hold that genuine care and emotion that often fluctuated within him.
ALEXANDRIA:
She stared into the fire until she saw Aric crouch down in front of her, from the corner of her eye. Her sapphire eyes shifted to look at him, then, studying his face closely as he spoke to her. She had not witnessed what happened after she spoke out at Orin and left, so she hadn't seen Orin's face or what Aric had said to him. But part of her felt that maybe Aric was right. Orin was not a heartless man and she knew that he was most likely angered and felt helpless in what was going on. This was just his way. His desperate attempt to reach out to her and try and help, even if it came across horribly, she knew his intentions. And as hurtful as his words had been, she knew he was only trying to help. With a heavy sigh, Alexandria nodded in agreement with Aric. "I know...I just..." She paused, trying to think. "I just don't know what to say anymore... What to do to keep that hope alive..." Her fingers continued to fumble with her dress and she glanced down at her hands for a moment as she thought. "As bad as it sounds...sometimes I feel as if I am not fit to be a queen... I did not grow up a noble... I had no idea that this would be my life...That it would just be thrown on me as it was. And I feel I am still struggling to grasp that..."
ARIC:
Brow furrowed as he watched her, listening to her as she spoke, how she nervously toyed with her dress again. He didn't even know what to say now either. This wasn't something he was used to handling, and once again, wasn't even sure he was good at comforting another. He had isolated himself from others' willing condolences for so long, that he had forgotten. In attempt, one of his hands finally lifted to rest over hers, grasping it gently. "A noble birth means nothing. It does not determine whether one is fit to rule or not." He was about to use himself as an example, but that might possibly only plague her with more worries, and it was a thought that only stemmed from his own low self-esteem. Eyes lowered to the ground as he pushed this to the back of his mind once more. "Everyone faces a hard choice in their life, one they must endure for their own sake or for others. It is a heavy burden, Alexandria, but you will overcome it. All you can do...is continue to brace the storm and not bow down to it." She was a stronger woman than she probably believed, more than she let on. Despite her fragile appearance right now, those compassionate eyes held more strength than his entire being ever could.
ALEXANDRIA:
Her eyes lifted as he spoke again. She watched the features of his face while he attempted consoling her troubled mind. Though her appearance made her seem older than she was, perhaps, her youth she felt seemed to come out now in her actions. She seemed almost childish in the way she spoke and how she had just yelled at Orin and broke down and cried in this room. She was not as experienced as she wished she was, and though she had been queen of Avalendor for nearly four years, she still felt as if all of this was new to her, somehow. She sighed quietly, looking down and then suddenly realizing Aric had taken her hand. Her hands were cold and small, but his hand felt warm on hers. She lightly squeezed his hand back. "You're right, my lord..." She forced a weak smile before she continued. "I must appear as a weak and young child, in your eyes... I feel foolish for the way I have been behaving as of late." Her eyes lowered once again, studying his hand as her thoughts wandered.
ARIC:
It felt wrong for him to let the gentle and softness of her hand be touched by the almost rough fingertips of his own, the wearing damage of years of holding a sword. Her skin so cold, so pale from the tragedy, but she managed to still hold her loveliness. It was a sad beauty, something the poets and playwrights would write, and he found himself suddenly wondering about the brightness of her features when she was honestly and truly happy, smiling without one ounce of worry on her mind. A part of him wanted to know and see that side of her.
There came that dismissing shake of his head again as he urged the gesture with a small grin. "You can only handle so much at one time. It will get easier, and you won't believe yourself so foolish." He didn't believe she was. Perhaps her reply to her brother was somewhat uncalled for, but Orin had cut her deep, a wound that may not heal for a long time. At least, not until this kingdom was brought back to its feet. And then, what of him? Would he not have tried to bring Orin down by physical means if the man had continued to persist? He dare not think of it. Briefly, he turned his eyes to the fire, unsure once more on what to say.
ALEXANDRIA:
The feeling of his hand reminded her of Eoin...All the times they sat together hand-in-hand, just talking the nights away with one another's company. She missed him dearly. After Aric arrived to Elysium, she had finally taken his ring from her finger and put it away in a jewelry box. It was now a memory that would need to be forced into the back of her mind. He was gone. And whether she wanted to or not, she needed to move on. Just as Aric was being forced to move on with the loss of his wife. Her eyes remained downward at her lap as she thought. She did feel foolish, but his words of support and encouragement had sparked a small and brief smile to her lips. "Aye... Perhaps. There are many things that still need to be done." She didn't even want to think about everything that needed to be done. And now, one more thing had just been added. Dealing with Orin and trying to knock some sort of sense into him. It was all overwhelming. And now she fell silent again, also unsure of what to say now. She was hopeful for a somewhat better evening... But Orin's outburst had put a damper on things and had ended the night quickly. She had at least hoped to dance once during the night. To have more conversations with some of her people. She felt...disappointed.
ARIC:
As he would forever remind himself of, Aric was not one who was very good at comforting another. Offering advice was sometimes something he managed to do well...but to console a crying or upset woman was never an easy feat for him. Maria, his late wife, had perhaps been the only one he could, indeed, comfort. But it was easy to. All he needed to do was hold her, tell her everything would be alright, kiss her forehead...everything he couldn't do now, with Alexandria. Even if he could consider her a friend, he would not think that proper. Nor did he wish to alarm her. Her small smile was assuring, however, as light as it was...but she was trying. This was not something she could easily overcome, and he didn't expect her to so swiftly to now. He had learned a short while ago that she had lost more than her kingdom, but also her heart...a thing not so foreign to himself.
Aric found that all he could do was nod. There were only so many times he could say things would get better, and after awhile of redundant phrases, she might think he no longer cared...having nothing better to say. But as though he read her mind, he spoke up once more, "Your brother will come around...and those who had been here tonight will realize your words spoke truth."
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria was trying really hard...With just about everything she tried to do. But it was proving to be horribly difficult. Though Aric was right; one just had to continue on and hope for the best, and that was what she was trying to do. There were obstacles that just jumped out every so often, making it a bit more complicated than one would want, but that was how things were dealt in life. Her sapphire eyes lifted to look at him as he spoke again and she slowly nodded, forcing another smile of reassurance. "I know..." She was trying to be optimistic more than hopeful, because, well, sometimes hope just didn't do enough. "I believe that everything will work out as it is supposed to...We all just need to keep our heads above water for now." She didn't want to feel this misery that had taken over her since the ending of the war. It was killing her both mentally and physically and if she continued, it would just make her horribly sick.
She lowered her gaze, noticing he still held her hand. She wondered if he had forgotten, wanted to, or was simply just being nice in trying to comfort her, but she hadn't removed her hand from his, in fear of being rude or giving him indication that she wanted him to leave her alone. She actually felt somewhat grateful for his company, which she felt a little confused by. Before she wanted to avoid him at all costs, but now she was beginning to enjoy their small conversations--perhaps it was just getting to know someone new and making a new friend, that she enjoyed most.
ARIC:
He dipped his head, trying to find her eyes once more as he'd look to her with an inquiring gaze...as though wondering if she was saying such words just because she had to, or if she truly meant them. All she had to do was try her hardest...no one could blame her for that. He'd made a silent promise to himself to make sure he reminded her of that whenever the situation required it. She needed to know how strong she truly was, and he only hoped that he could help her see it, completely, some day.
The silence soon followed after her words...for he could find none. Nothing more to offer comfort. But it wasn't really awkward anymore. It felt...normal, that perhaps at times silence was okay. It was an understanding and mutual thing. The fact that she hadn't pulled back her hand made him wonder if she was bothered by it at all, or if that simple gesture had been enough to ease even a little of her sorrow. He was to be her husband, and though he expected nothing from it, he at least hoped for friendship...even in the smallest of forms. Aric at least knew he was capable of that. At times he might have proved he was a distant, secretive man...but he was loyal, and he was willing to be just that for her if she wished it. Alexandria had not once given him a reason to not want to be.
And so he did the damndest thing. His grip on her hand would become more firm, but still gentle as he rose to his full height. The crooked grin he offered her seemed more charming this time. "Dance with me." As much as it was a question, it also wasn't.
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria needed a loyal friend. Her closest friend left was Zane, and she hadn't really had the ability to speak with him as of lately. Perhaps she enjoyed Aric's company for that fact--that he seemed to listen to her and understand her without her really needing to convince him to understand. Though there was still that slight fear that she was doing the wrong thing in this arranged marriage and that perhaps Orin and Zane were right-- that this would just bring up another uprising to Elysium, she felt a little more at ease with every conversation Aric and her had with one another. She could see it in his eyes and just the feeling of safeness that seemed to settle around her when they spoke of plans and arrangements for rebuilding and the future of Elysium. He seemed genuine and honest, and she appreciated that. She did not know what would become of them emotionally. It was hard to tell the chemistry between two people at first or what it would turn into, but she did know that she was also a very loyal friend and companion. Even if their marriage was a loveless one, Alexandria would not make Aric regret his decision to agree in this arrangement. They would be partners in ruling a country and if they were to do that, they needed to learn to at least trust one another.
She felt his grip on her hand tighten as he rose and assisted her to stand from her chair. His words confused her at first, brows furrowing a bit as she processed his request. Sapphire eyes glanced around the library before they returned to him, a soft smile upon her lips. "But there is no music playing..." She tilted her head in a questioning gesture, her eyes studying him curiously. Had he read her mind, or was that disappointment she felt for how the night went just completely spelled out upon her features?
ARIC:
Trust and honesty. It was what they needed. If they could manage those two things, they would be alright in a loveless marriage or not. He had feared the worst when Edward had told him of this agreement, and hardly without his consent. Sadly, however, if he had been given the choice, truly given the choice, he most likely would have declined. Most arrangements such as this never started or even ended well. Love or even friendship could never be found because the people were so different. Aric hadn't wanted to deal with it or risk the chance that Alexandria was like most queens and women of high status. She was everything but that from the time he was able to spend with her, after getting passed the awkwardness of it all. He was actually grateful for such a woman, but one he felt he did not deserve.
Honesty would be needed now as his smile seemed to widen just a little. The man could be rather quiet and to himself, lost in thought, but there was a side of him that many would never know. It was to be their little secret...for he was probably going to make a fool of himself right about now.
Eyes had lowered to the ground almost shyly from her comment until he drew her closer, holding her in that gentlemanly way of a dance. There was a bit of hesitation on his part, ensuring himself to keep his eyes from her own, if only for the fact it might make him fully realize what he was doing. And he would move...leading her in step to a slow and casual waltz as though he heard the music in his head, aiding him in this carefree moment. Silly, maybe, but that was the point. The night had gotten far too serious when it was supposed to be the complete opposite of it. If he was able to, he wanted her to remember it like that...the way it should have been, with music and smiling faces of people enjoying themselves.
Aric was rather surprised and amused with himself; a vague smile on his features even still. Though, his posture would lightly slacken after a few moments of what would probably be giggles from her...or perhaps even just silence if she didn't find it completely foolish and pull away from him. If she dared to remain, the dance would have subconsciously slowed, his head tilted downwards just a little, almost sleepily...and he began to hum. So very faint at first; deep and soothing, loving as though it were a tune near and dear to him. A favorite song or maybe even a lullaby that not only consoled her, but himself as well.
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria had also worried the same concerns about the arranged marriage. She had grown up disliking nobles and their arrogance and greed. She expected Aric to be this way, and felt surprised by the fact that he hardly seemed so at all. She only could hope that he remained this way and did not show his true self after their marriage. Though she had to continue to remind herself that Elysium had great allies on their side now, Tresteria especially. She did not know how they would have survived this war if it were not for them. For that reason, she also wanted to trust in Aric and in his brother, Edward. She hoped to show Aric that she was different from most queens. She was human and real. She did not hide behind her royalty and use it as a weapon to put herself high above everyone else. In her mind, she only wished to be queen to keep a land for people to be free and live in fairness and as much peace as she could bestow upon them. Many kingdoms she had known were corrupted by their leaders and that alone. And she wanted to provide a land of opportunity and free of corrupt natures. She only hoped to succeed in that and as long as she was queen, she would fight to keep it that way.
It was hard for others to see the different sides of their leaders. No one really knew Alexandria for who she truly was. To them, she was a queen. A woman that had a lot on her shoulders. Perhaps they saw her as a kind woman that would do anything for her people. Though no one saw how she was personally. Eoin had and Zane had become a close friend for the simple reason that he treated her as a person rather than his queen. This free and spirited side of Alexandria--or as Orin had put it, the Aurora side of her, would shine from her the more Aric got to know her as she was outside of her queenly duties.
When he pulled her to him closer, she smiled softly, drawing her lower lip inward in a nervous fashion. She danced along with his lead, her smile widening a bit with every step that was made, and...was that a laugh that had escaped her just moments before the dance slowed down and things got quiet? She looked up to him, studying his features as he began to hum. Her smile faded slowly, though not in a sad sort of way. She felt a bit at ease as she remained there in his arms and in his lead of their dance. Her eyes moved over his shoulder and she stared off into the darkness of the bookshelves that surrounded them, her mind racing with various thoughts, and a slight nervousness creeping over her. But she was quiet, his soft and gentle humming making her feel calm and somewhat peaceful. Memories and hesitation that prevented her from resting her head down against his shoulder...
ARIC:
It was an odd feeling...but comfortable, to be standing there with her, swaying in place more than actual dancing now. He didn't quite understand it himself, that he was so willing to offer his condolences and advice for this woman. Perhaps it was because she didn't look at him like some of the others did, didn't look down at him with an evident frown that had been so common on his own brother's face. Aric would be the first to admit his faults of the past, his inability to be anything better than what he was...to be able to have the strength and possess the knowledge to be what was right for this kingdom. How could he when he couldn't even be that for his own home? All he knew, and wanted, was to be able to try...and Alexandria was willing to give him that chance, to right himself and push away the shackles of those horrid memories. He wanted to forget though he was afraid to...but in this moment was only able to hear and concentrate on his voice and the gentleness of her breathing.
He could hear it now, having leaned in closer towards her face, nearly brushing cheek to cheek without his knowledge of doing so. It was as though his mind reached out and sought her for comfort, making him relax and not be afraid to be himself...to be okay and trust her. Inside, he knew he could, and deep down he wanted to prove to her that he could, truly and honestly, give that in return. He wanted to be there for her, for these people, to be the friend she knew she could always count on...
....so then why did the very scent of her, so close, seem to lure him in? Washing over him in gentle waves, bringing his eyes to open halfway. But he couldn't move to look at her, didn't know he had the strength to look into those eyes in fear of seeing her sorrow. And yet, still, a part of him was dying to...if only to feel the desire to take that sorrow away, and perhaps, to do just that.
ALEXANDRIA:
The sound of his voice relaxed her and made her feel peaceful in that very moment. It was as if the troubles of what had happened earlier were melting away and were being forgotten--or replaced with what she was feeling now. At some point, she had unknowingly to herself, closed her eyes and focused on just his humming. She could almost feel his cheek touching hers, and it left her feeling nervous. Her once icy hand now warmed inside of the grasp of his one hand, while the other rested on top of his shoulder, fingertips lightly pressing against him. She wondered if he could feel the heat that was radiating from her cheeks and she hoped he could not feel or hear the sound of her heart that pounded within her chest. He felt warm. And for the longest time, in this moment, she did too. Was this alright to feel this way? She wasn't sure and it only left her feeling more confused and lost. Was it simply that she missed Eoin and her mind wanted that feeling back? To have someone hold her, to be close to her...but this wasn't him and she knew that. She knew just in the way he held her there against him in their swayful dance. It was different...but yet, it drew her in despite how badly she wanted to shut it out and run away.
She was afraid to look at him, then. Afraid to see whatever expression was held upon his features. Her head had tilted down a bit more, her forehead nearly resting upon his shoulder near where her hand rested, and her eyes remained closed. She couldn't help but wonder what went on in his mind at this moment... Or what she would do if Orin were to walk into the room...
Nemesis' words rang out in her mind, just then…What if Eoin had lived? Would she be here where she was right now? So many what ifs. And Alexandria had no answers for any of them.
But then there were the other questions... Who was this man she was with? What had his life been like? Who is he? Still they knew very little about him. A man she thought she would despise for the rest of her life for agreeing to go along with his brother's arrangement...A man that would trap her into this marriage and life...Yet...why every time she saw him, she felt a flutter in her stomach?
She wanted to know who he was...To learn everything about him. There was something she could feel within her that made her just want to know him...To be his friend. But no questions could be asked in this moment. Their shared silence and his humming lulled her into feeling as if she were in some sort of trance. The world around them no longer existed and everything was gone except for the two of them, and the floor that held them up under their feet.
ARIC:
A part of him felt this was wrong as he slowly became more aware of their closeness. It had been almost a year since he held someone like this, that he was comfortable with being there and unafraid to show it. But it was not the same for her...at least, it didn't seem that way when she shared with him that aspect of her life, the man she had lost during the war. And here he was, daring to get so close, unable to comprehend why because he had told himself and made it clear that such feelings would never claim him again.
Were they feelings? As faint as they were, it was something...something that made him want to remain at her side, keep that smile on her face. It could simply be friendship, that comfort of a familiar presence. He knew, at least, that much was true. But he couldn't help but turn his head slightly, daring to lift his eyes over to her, to look at her and see the gentle flush to her cheeks. Somehow, for some reason, that small a thing made him happy, almost childishly amused because he had caused it. He would think her stronger and wise to break free from him if she were uncomfortable in a more negative way...maybe the deeper, darker part of him wanted her to...
Despite himself, his hand that held hers moved to rest between them; uncurling a finger so that he could brush it against her chin, to lift that face and see those eyes, drawing him so close...far too close...
ALEXANDRIA:
How long had it been since he arrived in Elysium? Three weeks? A month, perhaps. They had gone from hardly looking at one another, hardly speaking...To the moment they were in now... So close against one another in some sort of unexplained way or reason.
She remained there, in a silent battle with herself. Part of her wanted to break free and run away, escaping to her room. But the other part of her--the part that kept her there now-- wanted to remain. How had this situation come in the first place? One moment she was crying, and the next, feeling strangely at ease... an ounce of happiness even. She felt his head move, and her eyes opened slightly, the reality of what was going on came rushing back to her, quickly. Perhaps now would be a good time to run away. But she didn't. Her fingers curled around his as he drew his up between the two of them. Perhaps a barrier to keep their bodies from coming any closer to one another. But perhaps not, since Aric's finger urged her to lift her face to look at him, her eyes meeting his finally. And she stood there, silently gazing into his eyes as if searching. Searching for any answers to the questions she had for him. As if looking into his eyes would let her see everything. And for the first time, she noticed the color of his eyes. She swallowed nervously, cheeks still flushing with color, perhaps even more so now. A breath was slowly taken inward and she held it, afraid to release it too soon... She could feel her heart nearly leap into her throat. What was happening? Alexandria parted her lips, that held in breath was slowly let go as she whispered. "....What are you thinking?" She hadn't pulled away from him, her question was asked in that far too closeness that lingered between them. Her sapphire eyes remained locked on his, almost trying to find his answer before he gave it to her.
ALEXANDRIA:
A month didn't seem long enough to him, to be daring to do what he was right then, whether he fully understood why or not. But it wasn't desperation, it wasn't the deprivation of a woman's touch. He just...wanted to. He wanted to hold her, as simple as this, to protect and console...to see her smile, the glint in her eyes when she felt almost hopeful, happy...wanted to take in the essence of her, feel the softness of her lips...
Aric wouldn't be able to hide the array of emotions those ocher eyes portrayed. Not now. He was comfortable yet confused, confident but also nervous. There was no settling on just one, and as he tried to think about just what he was doing, he realized he had stopped humming. He could feel the flutter of her heart now, the whisper of her breath when she spoke...and he stood there, watching her so closely, his mind racing a mile a minute without giving him time to think anything through...to give an answer to those questioning eyes.
Thumb rose to brush the pad of his finger across her chin, just below her bottom lip, that mouth that had suddenly gained his attention just then. The logical voice inside him began to scream at him, trying to halt him as he slowly inched forward. It echoed and rang loudly in his head as he prepared to press his lips to hers...
And then the door of the library swung open loudly as a servant waddled in, fumbling with an arm full of wooden logs for the fire. It had startled him, of course, swiftly drawing his face from the queen as though suddenly snapping out of a trance. The rather stout, young woman stared wide eyed at the pair, as much as she could over the pile of logs; face flushed red at the scene she had so foolishly interrupted. So stunned and childishly scared, she nearly dropped the wood to the floor.
And Aric seemed confused, surprised at himself as he reluctantly drew himself from Alexandria, looking to her with some sorrowful and apologetic look for what he had almost done. A kiss wasn't a crime, but he knew not where this was all coming from or where the queen herself stood and what she thought.
Rushing forward, he'd help the woman with the pile she fought to balance in her short arms, taking them all from her easily to carry them towards the fire.
ALEXANDRIA:
She nearly cringed by her own question, realizing it was almost a dare to him, as if to have him admit or act upon whatever was on his mind. And suddenly that hit her as she felt his thumb brush just underneath her lower lip and it seemed as if he would kiss her. No, she couldn't let this happen...Eoin had only been gone for five months now. Not enough time had passed in her mourning him and this wasn't right. Inside, she screamed. Move away. Turn your head. Stop! But she stood there as if frozen. She could almost feel his breath on her lips, but then came this loud crashing sound and it hit her like a pile of rocks falling down around her.
The door opened, and however light the sound was, it cut through that silence and seemed louder than it perhaps was in reality. Startled, she nearly jumped away from Aric, and would have had he not still held onto her. Her eyes widened as the realization of everything came pouring in. That warmth. It faded quickly and the cold set in once again as if she had just jumped into the freezing ocean waters. And suddenly she felt dizzy, like the world came rushing back to her, spinning quickly, stealing the breath from her very chest. She caught a brief glimpse of his apologetic look but quickly spun around to look at the servant who had entered, her hand coming to rest behind her neck, underneath her hair while the other reached up to place on her cheek, trying to diminish that pink color that brightened her complexion.
As Aric rushed forward to help the servant, Alexandria just stood there, confused. Her mind raced in question and as he helped her with the fire, she turned, moving to one of the bookshelves, fingers idly sliding along the spines of the books, that look of confusion never leaving her features.
ALEXANDRIA:
She smiled slightly by his response, though she could see that expression he wore and she wondered what he was thinking. Brows furrowed slightly in concern, but she slowly lead him towards the front. As they walked she spoke softly. "Are you alright, m'lord?" She'd allow him to answer her before they reached the platform rise in the front of the ballroom. She carefully climbed the steps, holding the hem of her dress as she moved up them. Once the orchestra noticed, they stopped playing, which would most likely cause the room to go into a silence. Alexandria stood there, nervously as she thought of what words to say. She lightly cleared her throat and then spoke as loud as her voice could carry. Though luckily, the room echoed as she spoke, carrying her words throughout the room. "People of Elysium. Thank you so much for coming this evening. I won't take away from your night for too long, but I just wanted to say a few words, if I might." She paused, her fingers lightly played with the fabric of her dress nervously, though she had no knowledge of her doing so. "I know things might look difficult right now... If you look around you will see the destruction and the devastation that has stolen the beauty this land once held... We have lost many to this war... Dear friends--" She paused, almost as if she would start to choke up in her tears. But she took a deep breath and urged herself to continue. "Dear friends and loved ones that cannot be here with us tonight... Please say a prayer for them all this evening. It is because of them and because of our great allies that we all stand here today. It is because of all those who fought hard and intelligently to win this war for us. For those still with us today... Your efforts will never be forgotten. For those we have lost, we will never forget you..." She glanced around the room a moment before she turned her eyes to Aric, standing beside her. She forced a small smile before she looked back into the crowd. "But now we must pick up and move on after this war. Rebuilding has begun and Avalendor is left behind. Elysium is what we will become... Our land will grow beautiful and strong once again. And I need you all to understand..." She paused for a moment, trying to gather up her words as carefully as she could. "That my decision I have made in my alliance with Prince Aric of Tresteria has been a careful one. I know we fought a war to gain our freedoms from an evil tyrant...And to get away from the threat of another leader taking over our land through marriage... But truly, I believe this is a different situation. Prince Aric, his brother the King of Tresteria and their people have proven to be helpful and kind... Without their help, I am afraid that our rebuilding would not have been able to happen... And this is why I have agreed to this arrangement... " She stepped back slightly to make room for Aric. "Your future king of Elysium, Prince Aric..." She finished, then, allowing Aric to say whatever he wished, then. And she stood now, with her eyes to the floor, her mind racing with various thoughts, then.
ARIC:
Aric had actually remained behind as Alexandria moved up those steps, assisting her up until she was out of his reach. He still remained close by, allowing her to be the sole vision before her people as she spoke to them; heartfelt and truthful words, still strong despite the nervousness he could see. Hands twisted at her skirts, trying to keep her composure...and at that moment, he'd find himself silently stepping up behind her, moving to her side to grasp a hold of one of her hands...in some way to comfort her, to help her keep calm, or simply just to have a presence there at her side. He watched her in silence, her voice continuing to echo inside the grand ballroom...and he knew he would not be able to match up to her passion, to the love she held for both people and country. He was awestruck for that entire moment, ocher eyes having fallen to the ground until he heard his name at the very end...bringing his attention back up to her quickly. Aric was suddenly hesitant, not so well versed as she in such instances and he was still unaware of the reaction that the citizens of Elysium had towards him. Some appeared alright with it, and his future marriage to the queen...while others, perhaps, felt he was simply going to destroy what was left of their beloved kingdom. Regardless of that fact, and that he was well aware his words would not strike the heart as Alexandria's had, he drew in a slow breath, turning to lift his eyes towards those gathered. "I...am honored to be here, to have fought beside you...a mere island, so small, yet had been able to overcome what most would deem the impossible. I've been witness to your pain, your suffering...but also your strength and courage." He paused himself, looking over to Alexandria with the briefest of smiles, so small that she might have missed it if she hadn't looked...but it still held that sincerity that was not foreign to his features. He looked back to the people. "And with this marriage, King Edward and myself offer a pact of security and friendship, to help rebuild your kingdom into what it once was and allow your glorious victory to shine through this momentary darkness, and prove, even further, the dedication you all hold for your kingdom."
CASSANDRA:
Cassandra found herself wandering to the drinks, brushing passed the people without so much as an excuse me, but not quite barreling into them either. Instantly picking up the first goblet of wine available, sipping at it lightly, her attention was pulled over towards the queen as she and her cousin stepped near the small stage. Her slight nervousness of before seemed to calm down, intent on listening to the lady give her speech... one filled with so much devotion and love that it would normally, well...make her sick. However, Cassandra found herself sighing gently with some sort of sympathy, features softened from their once hard and snooty expression...and as both speeches came to an end, she hadn’t realized she had downed the wine in her cup without having realized it. It seemed the marriage was still on, and she could sigh in relief...and get herself some more wine.
ORIN:
His drink was completely finished by the time his sister got up and began to spoke. And at the moment she began speaking of Aric, he got himself another drink and downed it right away, leaving his glass empty once again. The look on his face said a thousand words. He was upset with the whole thing. Angry, in fact. He muttered something under his breath as his sister finished up her speech and the future king spoke up. Words. They were just words. And although they seemed promising and convincing, Orin was having a difficult time believing them. Or maybe he did not want to. He sighed heavily, got himself another drink just as the woman got herself another goblet of wine. Little did he know that the woman just happened to be the man's cousin. Otherwise he would have probably had some words to say to her at that place in time. His arms folded over his chest and he rolled his eyes at the closing of the speeches. Once the room was left in silence again, Orin stepped forward and away from the table. His hands clapped together in a slow, mockful form of applause. Annoying really. But he was tired of it all. His clapping stopped suddenly and he took a sip of his drink before holding it up in a 'cheers' kind of manner. "Well said.. Well said... Your majesties. This place has gone to hell as it is....Why not bring it down further!" He let out a laugh, almost as if he were a mad man. And then, another long swig of his drink. "Cheers! To many years in hell!"
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria smiled, silently moved by Aric's speech. She thought it was very genuine and nice of him to say. When he had finished she moved closer to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, speaking silently to him. "Thank you for your kind words." She paused and just as her lips opened to say something else, came that sarcastic clapping. Her eyes turned into the crowd and it was then she saw her brother. She nearly cringed. A step back was taken from Aric and she bit her lower lip nervously as he began to speak. She stood there, watching her brother with a look of disbelief and upset painted on her features. How could he? When she needed his support the most, he was throwing this into her face? Her eyes fell downward and she just listened to his words fall off his tongue like knives coming at her. But at his last words, she looked up and stepped forward suddenly, yelling out loudly. "That is enough, Orin!" Her face was marked with frustration. "Your little speech is rude and uncalled for... You speak as if I am a stupid woman and know not what I am doing... But it is for the good of the kingdom and the people whether you like the idea or not... And I will not have this argument with you in front of everyone. So just stop it. Stop it before you make yourself look like a fool any further." She turned and stormed off of the platform, angrily disappearing into the crowd.
ARIC:
There was a small smile in return at Alexandria's thank you, but he still didn't think it had been good enough. It wasn't something he was used to, and quite frankly, wasn't sure he ever would be. Aric might have looked passed this awkwardness...if it weren't for Orin stepping in to make his opinion known. Ocher eyes averted towards the man, body stiffening as he let him go on his small tirade, shattering the hopefulness the queen had set. Just like that, without one ounce of thought or consideration. But she, too, fed into the anger and bashed him in return, right before watchful eyes. That was something he would not have agreed to. Aric rushed forward, stepping easily off the front of the platform to make his quick advance towards Orin. He did not slam into him, did not even touch the man, but he was there...in his face with a deep growling threat that was meant for Orin's ears only, but with the sudden quietness of the room, he couldn't be sure whether others could hear. "Is that it? Has your childish and foolish behavior driven you this far as to strike down your own sister in her one, bloody moment of hope?! Is THIS what you call protecting her?" To keep himself as composed as he possibly could, jaws clenched tight, words hissing through his teeth while he lifted an arm to point towards the exit. "Get out." It was no longer an amused comeback as his words had been during their first meeting...this time, he was threatening him, and damn sure taking control whether he was king yet nor not.
CASSANDRA:
She had been delving too deep into the wine, muttering to herself about Edward, that she wasn't going to listen to him...the silence after the speeches was almost deafening, but not as much as it was when Orin decided to speak up..ruining the damn relief. Funny how she was making this affect her when it shouldn't be so much. Or maybe it was because Edward would not leave her alone and possibly throw her clear into poverty if she didn't make sure this marriage went on. Eyes widened, floored by the display that played out before her, actually taking a few steps back as Aric stalked like an angry lion towards the bastard and his harsh words. She nearly cheered him on, waiting for him to snap his neck in two, tear out his innards, eat his eyeballs...or whatever warriors did on the battlefield. But she didn't. However, she couldn't contain the deep, trilling laughter that emitted from her throat, perhaps heard too clearly.
ORIN:
Orin stood there with very little emotion on his features as his sister shouted at him and then stormed off. But when Aric quickly moved over to him and was in his face, Orin stood there with an unmoving expression. Stoic in appearance as if he were unbothered by everything. What Aric hissed over at him into his face, seemed to go ignored, for there was no gleam in his eyes as if he took what Aric said to heart. Only, by his sister's reaction at first, did he start to feel bad for what he had said. Now Aric's words only confirmed that, though he would never admit that. Now he had just made things that much worse between him and his sister and he knew he'd need to be the one to fix it this time. Aric was demanding him to leave. And without so much as a word of protest, Orin turned and left.
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria had escaped out of the room from a different entrance than the main one. She should have perhaps bit her tongue and told him to leave. She felt mostly embarrassed, not just for Orin but also for herself. How could he do something like that to her? She quietly moved down the hall. Now that she was out and away from the crowd, her tears spilled freely from her eyes and down her face. Hands moved up to tear her hair down from the pins and clips that had held it up in place and she moved to the end of the hall and slipped into the library where it was dark and quiet and she knew she could be alone. She sunk down into a chair and buried her face into her hands, allowing herself to just cry... Something she had not so freely done in quite some time.
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ALEXANDRIA:
Just when the night had begun to feel a little more secure, a little more...alright, it came crashing down on his head. But not just his- Everyone who had been witness to the scene, and most of all, Alexandria. Aric had seen her leave the ballroom quickly after the incident, but he remained to ensure Orin had left...and then bore the overwhelming silence and tension in the air as the rest of the people left, leaving him in the middle of the large room to think about what had happened. Was Orin's anger and rage because of him? Because of the marriage? It almost made him feel responsible for the man's childish behavior, even though he knew better than to believe that. Boots echoed softly as he walked across the newly polished floor, exiting the ballroom and down the hall. He should probably check up on the queen, make sure that she was alright...but he knew what he'd be getting into. Aric knew she was far from alright. No one in such a situation would be, but he wasn't willing to leave her in such a state either. After questioning a few of the guards, he managed to gain a bit of a clue as to where the queen ran off to...and he soon found himself moving into the library, searching the dark shelves for her sulking form.
Alexandria felt as if she were in some sort of unspeakable shock. She could not understand why he would do such a thing... In front of all those people, especially. The library was only dimly lit by the fireplace that a servant had lit for her after seeing her escape into the room. She had thought she would have gone unnoticed, but as a known figure of the castle, that was nearly impossible, she supposed. She sat there, curled into the chair, her feet drawn up onto the edge of the chair, knees bent up towards her chest and her arms hugged her legs covered by the layers of fabric. Her face was buried into her knees and she freely cried. It was one thing to be caught up in all of this... But to have her people, and especially her brother, not trust her, or not be supportive... It just, well, killed her. Which was why she was so upset. She heard the doors open, but she hoped whomever had entered would not notice her. Tear stained face was lifted from her knees and she looked up and over to the doors, straining her eyes from the light that poured into the room from the hall. It cast some sort of shadow on the person entering and she squinted, trying to make out who it was. "If that is Orin, I do not wish to speak with you right now..." She looked away, her eyes falling on her fingers which fumbled with the fabric of her dress now.
ARIC:
He found her small form across the way, curled up in a mass of skirts and now tangled hair upon the chair. Aric didn't have to see her face clearly in order to know she had been crying, so distraught over her own brother's careless display. It should’ve been something he was expecting, but even he was a little shocked by the whole ordeal. Upon their first meeting, Orin had made it quite clear of how protective he was of his sister...the fact that he had hurt her like this only made the frustration over the entire matter swell upon inside him. He took slow steps forward, a hand raising a little in gesture, "No, m'lady...it is not." He was hesitant now, not sure if he should even be here...but he thought that, if anybody could relate to her pain, he could. His steps came to a pause a few feet before her, waiting for some form of acknowledgment or wish for him to leave.
ALEXANDRIA:
When she heard that voice speak, she recognized it as Aric's and immediately, her feet slid down from the edge of the chair and she straightened herself in a normal sitting position on the chair. Her hands lifted and she quickly wiped at her face, not wanting him to see her so distraught as she was. Alexandria cleared her throat and tried to speak as if she were not upset, but her voice came out a bit shaken. "...I am so sorry for what just happened. And for acting the way that I have..." She felt embarrassed, more than anything. She moved to try and straighten her unruly mess of hair and make herself seem a bit more presentable, at least.
ARIC:
From the gesture of her body, he took those few more steps forward to come and stand before her while she apologized and attempted to wipe her sorrow away. His features had softened, but there was still that lining of uncertainty, bordering his confusion on even how to stand there in front of her, to somehow console her in some way. A light shake of his head, he dismissed her apology as quickly as that. "It could not be helped...and it's over and done with. We just need to try and move forward." There was tension in his jaw, clenching tight as he struggled with this situation. He was no good at this, and that bothered him. Perhaps, sometimes even more than the fact that the rest of the kingdom probably now, most surely, thought him a criminal.
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria shook her head ever so slightly as Aric dismissed her apology. She still felt awful about the situation and felt part of it was her own fault. "I know... But it was just awful... I half expected it, but I thought he would perhaps be a bit more decent to not say anything in front of everyone. How embarrassing..." She looked away from Aric and rubbed her face with both of her hands, almost as if trying to hide herself from him. Then her hands dropped down to her lap and she averted her eyes towards the fire. She just wanted to scream out and throw some kind of a fit, but she knew she needed to keep herself as composed as possible, even if she felt as weak as she did. She shook her head again and spoke quietly. "You did not deserve that... "
ARIC:
"I don't deserve a lot of things, Alexandria..." he spoke in reply, a secretive grin, small and just the usual hint of one creased his lips before he crouched down before her. He almost took one of her small hands into his, but kept his own twined together before him, forearms resting upon his thighs. There came a tilt of his head, looking up at her in hopes to gain her complete attention. "I think he knows what he has done was wrong." It was his turn to defend her brother, but there had been some sort of recognition on Orin's face after Alex's distraught reply. Aric was only beginning to remember it now...now that he wasn't fuming and face to face with him. "What's done is done. All you can do now is move on, prove to your people you are unaffected by it...that this kingdom will prosper once again. They need that hope now, more than ever." Though his words remained low and somewhat gruff from the harsh words from Orin, they still managed to hold that genuine care and emotion that often fluctuated within him.
ALEXANDRIA:
She stared into the fire until she saw Aric crouch down in front of her, from the corner of her eye. Her sapphire eyes shifted to look at him, then, studying his face closely as he spoke to her. She had not witnessed what happened after she spoke out at Orin and left, so she hadn't seen Orin's face or what Aric had said to him. But part of her felt that maybe Aric was right. Orin was not a heartless man and she knew that he was most likely angered and felt helpless in what was going on. This was just his way. His desperate attempt to reach out to her and try and help, even if it came across horribly, she knew his intentions. And as hurtful as his words had been, she knew he was only trying to help. With a heavy sigh, Alexandria nodded in agreement with Aric. "I know...I just..." She paused, trying to think. "I just don't know what to say anymore... What to do to keep that hope alive..." Her fingers continued to fumble with her dress and she glanced down at her hands for a moment as she thought. "As bad as it sounds...sometimes I feel as if I am not fit to be a queen... I did not grow up a noble... I had no idea that this would be my life...That it would just be thrown on me as it was. And I feel I am still struggling to grasp that..."
ARIC:
Brow furrowed as he watched her, listening to her as she spoke, how she nervously toyed with her dress again. He didn't even know what to say now either. This wasn't something he was used to handling, and once again, wasn't even sure he was good at comforting another. He had isolated himself from others' willing condolences for so long, that he had forgotten. In attempt, one of his hands finally lifted to rest over hers, grasping it gently. "A noble birth means nothing. It does not determine whether one is fit to rule or not." He was about to use himself as an example, but that might possibly only plague her with more worries, and it was a thought that only stemmed from his own low self-esteem. Eyes lowered to the ground as he pushed this to the back of his mind once more. "Everyone faces a hard choice in their life, one they must endure for their own sake or for others. It is a heavy burden, Alexandria, but you will overcome it. All you can do...is continue to brace the storm and not bow down to it." She was a stronger woman than she probably believed, more than she let on. Despite her fragile appearance right now, those compassionate eyes held more strength than his entire being ever could.
ALEXANDRIA:
Her eyes lifted as he spoke again. She watched the features of his face while he attempted consoling her troubled mind. Though her appearance made her seem older than she was, perhaps, her youth she felt seemed to come out now in her actions. She seemed almost childish in the way she spoke and how she had just yelled at Orin and broke down and cried in this room. She was not as experienced as she wished she was, and though she had been queen of Avalendor for nearly four years, she still felt as if all of this was new to her, somehow. She sighed quietly, looking down and then suddenly realizing Aric had taken her hand. Her hands were cold and small, but his hand felt warm on hers. She lightly squeezed his hand back. "You're right, my lord..." She forced a weak smile before she continued. "I must appear as a weak and young child, in your eyes... I feel foolish for the way I have been behaving as of late." Her eyes lowered once again, studying his hand as her thoughts wandered.
ARIC:
It felt wrong for him to let the gentle and softness of her hand be touched by the almost rough fingertips of his own, the wearing damage of years of holding a sword. Her skin so cold, so pale from the tragedy, but she managed to still hold her loveliness. It was a sad beauty, something the poets and playwrights would write, and he found himself suddenly wondering about the brightness of her features when she was honestly and truly happy, smiling without one ounce of worry on her mind. A part of him wanted to know and see that side of her.
There came that dismissing shake of his head again as he urged the gesture with a small grin. "You can only handle so much at one time. It will get easier, and you won't believe yourself so foolish." He didn't believe she was. Perhaps her reply to her brother was somewhat uncalled for, but Orin had cut her deep, a wound that may not heal for a long time. At least, not until this kingdom was brought back to its feet. And then, what of him? Would he not have tried to bring Orin down by physical means if the man had continued to persist? He dare not think of it. Briefly, he turned his eyes to the fire, unsure once more on what to say.
ALEXANDRIA:
The feeling of his hand reminded her of Eoin...All the times they sat together hand-in-hand, just talking the nights away with one another's company. She missed him dearly. After Aric arrived to Elysium, she had finally taken his ring from her finger and put it away in a jewelry box. It was now a memory that would need to be forced into the back of her mind. He was gone. And whether she wanted to or not, she needed to move on. Just as Aric was being forced to move on with the loss of his wife. Her eyes remained downward at her lap as she thought. She did feel foolish, but his words of support and encouragement had sparked a small and brief smile to her lips. "Aye... Perhaps. There are many things that still need to be done." She didn't even want to think about everything that needed to be done. And now, one more thing had just been added. Dealing with Orin and trying to knock some sort of sense into him. It was all overwhelming. And now she fell silent again, also unsure of what to say now. She was hopeful for a somewhat better evening... But Orin's outburst had put a damper on things and had ended the night quickly. She had at least hoped to dance once during the night. To have more conversations with some of her people. She felt...disappointed.
ARIC:
As he would forever remind himself of, Aric was not one who was very good at comforting another. Offering advice was sometimes something he managed to do well...but to console a crying or upset woman was never an easy feat for him. Maria, his late wife, had perhaps been the only one he could, indeed, comfort. But it was easy to. All he needed to do was hold her, tell her everything would be alright, kiss her forehead...everything he couldn't do now, with Alexandria. Even if he could consider her a friend, he would not think that proper. Nor did he wish to alarm her. Her small smile was assuring, however, as light as it was...but she was trying. This was not something she could easily overcome, and he didn't expect her to so swiftly to now. He had learned a short while ago that she had lost more than her kingdom, but also her heart...a thing not so foreign to himself.
Aric found that all he could do was nod. There were only so many times he could say things would get better, and after awhile of redundant phrases, she might think he no longer cared...having nothing better to say. But as though he read her mind, he spoke up once more, "Your brother will come around...and those who had been here tonight will realize your words spoke truth."
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria was trying really hard...With just about everything she tried to do. But it was proving to be horribly difficult. Though Aric was right; one just had to continue on and hope for the best, and that was what she was trying to do. There were obstacles that just jumped out every so often, making it a bit more complicated than one would want, but that was how things were dealt in life. Her sapphire eyes lifted to look at him as he spoke again and she slowly nodded, forcing another smile of reassurance. "I know..." She was trying to be optimistic more than hopeful, because, well, sometimes hope just didn't do enough. "I believe that everything will work out as it is supposed to...We all just need to keep our heads above water for now." She didn't want to feel this misery that had taken over her since the ending of the war. It was killing her both mentally and physically and if she continued, it would just make her horribly sick.
She lowered her gaze, noticing he still held her hand. She wondered if he had forgotten, wanted to, or was simply just being nice in trying to comfort her, but she hadn't removed her hand from his, in fear of being rude or giving him indication that she wanted him to leave her alone. She actually felt somewhat grateful for his company, which she felt a little confused by. Before she wanted to avoid him at all costs, but now she was beginning to enjoy their small conversations--perhaps it was just getting to know someone new and making a new friend, that she enjoyed most.
ARIC:
He dipped his head, trying to find her eyes once more as he'd look to her with an inquiring gaze...as though wondering if she was saying such words just because she had to, or if she truly meant them. All she had to do was try her hardest...no one could blame her for that. He'd made a silent promise to himself to make sure he reminded her of that whenever the situation required it. She needed to know how strong she truly was, and he only hoped that he could help her see it, completely, some day.
The silence soon followed after her words...for he could find none. Nothing more to offer comfort. But it wasn't really awkward anymore. It felt...normal, that perhaps at times silence was okay. It was an understanding and mutual thing. The fact that she hadn't pulled back her hand made him wonder if she was bothered by it at all, or if that simple gesture had been enough to ease even a little of her sorrow. He was to be her husband, and though he expected nothing from it, he at least hoped for friendship...even in the smallest of forms. Aric at least knew he was capable of that. At times he might have proved he was a distant, secretive man...but he was loyal, and he was willing to be just that for her if she wished it. Alexandria had not once given him a reason to not want to be.
And so he did the damndest thing. His grip on her hand would become more firm, but still gentle as he rose to his full height. The crooked grin he offered her seemed more charming this time. "Dance with me." As much as it was a question, it also wasn't.
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria needed a loyal friend. Her closest friend left was Zane, and she hadn't really had the ability to speak with him as of lately. Perhaps she enjoyed Aric's company for that fact--that he seemed to listen to her and understand her without her really needing to convince him to understand. Though there was still that slight fear that she was doing the wrong thing in this arranged marriage and that perhaps Orin and Zane were right-- that this would just bring up another uprising to Elysium, she felt a little more at ease with every conversation Aric and her had with one another. She could see it in his eyes and just the feeling of safeness that seemed to settle around her when they spoke of plans and arrangements for rebuilding and the future of Elysium. He seemed genuine and honest, and she appreciated that. She did not know what would become of them emotionally. It was hard to tell the chemistry between two people at first or what it would turn into, but she did know that she was also a very loyal friend and companion. Even if their marriage was a loveless one, Alexandria would not make Aric regret his decision to agree in this arrangement. They would be partners in ruling a country and if they were to do that, they needed to learn to at least trust one another.
She felt his grip on her hand tighten as he rose and assisted her to stand from her chair. His words confused her at first, brows furrowing a bit as she processed his request. Sapphire eyes glanced around the library before they returned to him, a soft smile upon her lips. "But there is no music playing..." She tilted her head in a questioning gesture, her eyes studying him curiously. Had he read her mind, or was that disappointment she felt for how the night went just completely spelled out upon her features?
ARIC:
Trust and honesty. It was what they needed. If they could manage those two things, they would be alright in a loveless marriage or not. He had feared the worst when Edward had told him of this agreement, and hardly without his consent. Sadly, however, if he had been given the choice, truly given the choice, he most likely would have declined. Most arrangements such as this never started or even ended well. Love or even friendship could never be found because the people were so different. Aric hadn't wanted to deal with it or risk the chance that Alexandria was like most queens and women of high status. She was everything but that from the time he was able to spend with her, after getting passed the awkwardness of it all. He was actually grateful for such a woman, but one he felt he did not deserve.
Honesty would be needed now as his smile seemed to widen just a little. The man could be rather quiet and to himself, lost in thought, but there was a side of him that many would never know. It was to be their little secret...for he was probably going to make a fool of himself right about now.
Eyes had lowered to the ground almost shyly from her comment until he drew her closer, holding her in that gentlemanly way of a dance. There was a bit of hesitation on his part, ensuring himself to keep his eyes from her own, if only for the fact it might make him fully realize what he was doing. And he would move...leading her in step to a slow and casual waltz as though he heard the music in his head, aiding him in this carefree moment. Silly, maybe, but that was the point. The night had gotten far too serious when it was supposed to be the complete opposite of it. If he was able to, he wanted her to remember it like that...the way it should have been, with music and smiling faces of people enjoying themselves.
Aric was rather surprised and amused with himself; a vague smile on his features even still. Though, his posture would lightly slacken after a few moments of what would probably be giggles from her...or perhaps even just silence if she didn't find it completely foolish and pull away from him. If she dared to remain, the dance would have subconsciously slowed, his head tilted downwards just a little, almost sleepily...and he began to hum. So very faint at first; deep and soothing, loving as though it were a tune near and dear to him. A favorite song or maybe even a lullaby that not only consoled her, but himself as well.
ALEXANDRIA:
Alexandria had also worried the same concerns about the arranged marriage. She had grown up disliking nobles and their arrogance and greed. She expected Aric to be this way, and felt surprised by the fact that he hardly seemed so at all. She only could hope that he remained this way and did not show his true self after their marriage. Though she had to continue to remind herself that Elysium had great allies on their side now, Tresteria especially. She did not know how they would have survived this war if it were not for them. For that reason, she also wanted to trust in Aric and in his brother, Edward. She hoped to show Aric that she was different from most queens. She was human and real. She did not hide behind her royalty and use it as a weapon to put herself high above everyone else. In her mind, she only wished to be queen to keep a land for people to be free and live in fairness and as much peace as she could bestow upon them. Many kingdoms she had known were corrupted by their leaders and that alone. And she wanted to provide a land of opportunity and free of corrupt natures. She only hoped to succeed in that and as long as she was queen, she would fight to keep it that way.
It was hard for others to see the different sides of their leaders. No one really knew Alexandria for who she truly was. To them, she was a queen. A woman that had a lot on her shoulders. Perhaps they saw her as a kind woman that would do anything for her people. Though no one saw how she was personally. Eoin had and Zane had become a close friend for the simple reason that he treated her as a person rather than his queen. This free and spirited side of Alexandria--or as Orin had put it, the Aurora side of her, would shine from her the more Aric got to know her as she was outside of her queenly duties.
When he pulled her to him closer, she smiled softly, drawing her lower lip inward in a nervous fashion. She danced along with his lead, her smile widening a bit with every step that was made, and...was that a laugh that had escaped her just moments before the dance slowed down and things got quiet? She looked up to him, studying his features as he began to hum. Her smile faded slowly, though not in a sad sort of way. She felt a bit at ease as she remained there in his arms and in his lead of their dance. Her eyes moved over his shoulder and she stared off into the darkness of the bookshelves that surrounded them, her mind racing with various thoughts, and a slight nervousness creeping over her. But she was quiet, his soft and gentle humming making her feel calm and somewhat peaceful. Memories and hesitation that prevented her from resting her head down against his shoulder...
ARIC:
It was an odd feeling...but comfortable, to be standing there with her, swaying in place more than actual dancing now. He didn't quite understand it himself, that he was so willing to offer his condolences and advice for this woman. Perhaps it was because she didn't look at him like some of the others did, didn't look down at him with an evident frown that had been so common on his own brother's face. Aric would be the first to admit his faults of the past, his inability to be anything better than what he was...to be able to have the strength and possess the knowledge to be what was right for this kingdom. How could he when he couldn't even be that for his own home? All he knew, and wanted, was to be able to try...and Alexandria was willing to give him that chance, to right himself and push away the shackles of those horrid memories. He wanted to forget though he was afraid to...but in this moment was only able to hear and concentrate on his voice and the gentleness of her breathing.
He could hear it now, having leaned in closer towards her face, nearly brushing cheek to cheek without his knowledge of doing so. It was as though his mind reached out and sought her for comfort, making him relax and not be afraid to be himself...to be okay and trust her. Inside, he knew he could, and deep down he wanted to prove to her that he could, truly and honestly, give that in return. He wanted to be there for her, for these people, to be the friend she knew she could always count on...
....so then why did the very scent of her, so close, seem to lure him in? Washing over him in gentle waves, bringing his eyes to open halfway. But he couldn't move to look at her, didn't know he had the strength to look into those eyes in fear of seeing her sorrow. And yet, still, a part of him was dying to...if only to feel the desire to take that sorrow away, and perhaps, to do just that.
ALEXANDRIA:
The sound of his voice relaxed her and made her feel peaceful in that very moment. It was as if the troubles of what had happened earlier were melting away and were being forgotten--or replaced with what she was feeling now. At some point, she had unknowingly to herself, closed her eyes and focused on just his humming. She could almost feel his cheek touching hers, and it left her feeling nervous. Her once icy hand now warmed inside of the grasp of his one hand, while the other rested on top of his shoulder, fingertips lightly pressing against him. She wondered if he could feel the heat that was radiating from her cheeks and she hoped he could not feel or hear the sound of her heart that pounded within her chest. He felt warm. And for the longest time, in this moment, she did too. Was this alright to feel this way? She wasn't sure and it only left her feeling more confused and lost. Was it simply that she missed Eoin and her mind wanted that feeling back? To have someone hold her, to be close to her...but this wasn't him and she knew that. She knew just in the way he held her there against him in their swayful dance. It was different...but yet, it drew her in despite how badly she wanted to shut it out and run away.
She was afraid to look at him, then. Afraid to see whatever expression was held upon his features. Her head had tilted down a bit more, her forehead nearly resting upon his shoulder near where her hand rested, and her eyes remained closed. She couldn't help but wonder what went on in his mind at this moment... Or what she would do if Orin were to walk into the room...
Nemesis' words rang out in her mind, just then…What if Eoin had lived? Would she be here where she was right now? So many what ifs. And Alexandria had no answers for any of them.
But then there were the other questions... Who was this man she was with? What had his life been like? Who is he? Still they knew very little about him. A man she thought she would despise for the rest of her life for agreeing to go along with his brother's arrangement...A man that would trap her into this marriage and life...Yet...why every time she saw him, she felt a flutter in her stomach?
She wanted to know who he was...To learn everything about him. There was something she could feel within her that made her just want to know him...To be his friend. But no questions could be asked in this moment. Their shared silence and his humming lulled her into feeling as if she were in some sort of trance. The world around them no longer existed and everything was gone except for the two of them, and the floor that held them up under their feet.
ARIC:
A part of him felt this was wrong as he slowly became more aware of their closeness. It had been almost a year since he held someone like this, that he was comfortable with being there and unafraid to show it. But it was not the same for her...at least, it didn't seem that way when she shared with him that aspect of her life, the man she had lost during the war. And here he was, daring to get so close, unable to comprehend why because he had told himself and made it clear that such feelings would never claim him again.
Were they feelings? As faint as they were, it was something...something that made him want to remain at her side, keep that smile on her face. It could simply be friendship, that comfort of a familiar presence. He knew, at least, that much was true. But he couldn't help but turn his head slightly, daring to lift his eyes over to her, to look at her and see the gentle flush to her cheeks. Somehow, for some reason, that small a thing made him happy, almost childishly amused because he had caused it. He would think her stronger and wise to break free from him if she were uncomfortable in a more negative way...maybe the deeper, darker part of him wanted her to...
Despite himself, his hand that held hers moved to rest between them; uncurling a finger so that he could brush it against her chin, to lift that face and see those eyes, drawing him so close...far too close...
ALEXANDRIA:
How long had it been since he arrived in Elysium? Three weeks? A month, perhaps. They had gone from hardly looking at one another, hardly speaking...To the moment they were in now... So close against one another in some sort of unexplained way or reason.
She remained there, in a silent battle with herself. Part of her wanted to break free and run away, escaping to her room. But the other part of her--the part that kept her there now-- wanted to remain. How had this situation come in the first place? One moment she was crying, and the next, feeling strangely at ease... an ounce of happiness even. She felt his head move, and her eyes opened slightly, the reality of what was going on came rushing back to her, quickly. Perhaps now would be a good time to run away. But she didn't. Her fingers curled around his as he drew his up between the two of them. Perhaps a barrier to keep their bodies from coming any closer to one another. But perhaps not, since Aric's finger urged her to lift her face to look at him, her eyes meeting his finally. And she stood there, silently gazing into his eyes as if searching. Searching for any answers to the questions she had for him. As if looking into his eyes would let her see everything. And for the first time, she noticed the color of his eyes. She swallowed nervously, cheeks still flushing with color, perhaps even more so now. A breath was slowly taken inward and she held it, afraid to release it too soon... She could feel her heart nearly leap into her throat. What was happening? Alexandria parted her lips, that held in breath was slowly let go as she whispered. "....What are you thinking?" She hadn't pulled away from him, her question was asked in that far too closeness that lingered between them. Her sapphire eyes remained locked on his, almost trying to find his answer before he gave it to her.
ALEXANDRIA:
A month didn't seem long enough to him, to be daring to do what he was right then, whether he fully understood why or not. But it wasn't desperation, it wasn't the deprivation of a woman's touch. He just...wanted to. He wanted to hold her, as simple as this, to protect and console...to see her smile, the glint in her eyes when she felt almost hopeful, happy...wanted to take in the essence of her, feel the softness of her lips...
Aric wouldn't be able to hide the array of emotions those ocher eyes portrayed. Not now. He was comfortable yet confused, confident but also nervous. There was no settling on just one, and as he tried to think about just what he was doing, he realized he had stopped humming. He could feel the flutter of her heart now, the whisper of her breath when she spoke...and he stood there, watching her so closely, his mind racing a mile a minute without giving him time to think anything through...to give an answer to those questioning eyes.
Thumb rose to brush the pad of his finger across her chin, just below her bottom lip, that mouth that had suddenly gained his attention just then. The logical voice inside him began to scream at him, trying to halt him as he slowly inched forward. It echoed and rang loudly in his head as he prepared to press his lips to hers...
And then the door of the library swung open loudly as a servant waddled in, fumbling with an arm full of wooden logs for the fire. It had startled him, of course, swiftly drawing his face from the queen as though suddenly snapping out of a trance. The rather stout, young woman stared wide eyed at the pair, as much as she could over the pile of logs; face flushed red at the scene she had so foolishly interrupted. So stunned and childishly scared, she nearly dropped the wood to the floor.
And Aric seemed confused, surprised at himself as he reluctantly drew himself from Alexandria, looking to her with some sorrowful and apologetic look for what he had almost done. A kiss wasn't a crime, but he knew not where this was all coming from or where the queen herself stood and what she thought.
Rushing forward, he'd help the woman with the pile she fought to balance in her short arms, taking them all from her easily to carry them towards the fire.
ALEXANDRIA:
She nearly cringed by her own question, realizing it was almost a dare to him, as if to have him admit or act upon whatever was on his mind. And suddenly that hit her as she felt his thumb brush just underneath her lower lip and it seemed as if he would kiss her. No, she couldn't let this happen...Eoin had only been gone for five months now. Not enough time had passed in her mourning him and this wasn't right. Inside, she screamed. Move away. Turn your head. Stop! But she stood there as if frozen. She could almost feel his breath on her lips, but then came this loud crashing sound and it hit her like a pile of rocks falling down around her.
The door opened, and however light the sound was, it cut through that silence and seemed louder than it perhaps was in reality. Startled, she nearly jumped away from Aric, and would have had he not still held onto her. Her eyes widened as the realization of everything came pouring in. That warmth. It faded quickly and the cold set in once again as if she had just jumped into the freezing ocean waters. And suddenly she felt dizzy, like the world came rushing back to her, spinning quickly, stealing the breath from her very chest. She caught a brief glimpse of his apologetic look but quickly spun around to look at the servant who had entered, her hand coming to rest behind her neck, underneath her hair while the other reached up to place on her cheek, trying to diminish that pink color that brightened her complexion.
As Aric rushed forward to help the servant, Alexandria just stood there, confused. Her mind raced in question and as he helped her with the fire, she turned, moving to one of the bookshelves, fingers idly sliding along the spines of the books, that look of confusion never leaving her features.
