dorian is better than that
We all know that Dorian have always been too polite to decline all the ladies who would curtsy at him, slash ask him for a dance. But I have this headcanon that, once upon a time, there was a lady that Dorian himself had asked to the dance. And it wasnāt even that romantic.Ā
From thatĀ āsmall, insignificant port cityā called Meah, a lady by the name Hymn came to the castle with her older brother, Elflock. They hail from the line of Oilenger and owns half the island. Their family played a big role in the economy of Adarlan, and her parents were particularly friendly to the king.
But the trip of these two Oilengers werenāt of important business. It was all because of Hymnās wish to see one thing: snow. It hardly ever snowed in Meah. Or to say that it never snowed in Meah is closer to truth. Some say the siblings werenāt that beautiful; but that statement would be met by people countering that it was only because they dressed poorly. Some say the older brother embarked in the journey to look for a wife, though no one could pinpoint who exactly stated that as a fact.Ā
Well, that is what Dorian heard, and has been hearing for a while.Ā
āItās the younger sisterās first time to be here!ā, said the queen. āItās just proper for you to greet and lead them to the great hall. And give your warmest gratitude as I am sure they would be worn out from all the traveling.āĀ
I wouldnāt bother too much just to see snow, he thought. But he bit down any protest and just nodded.Ā
Besides, a part of him was curious about these two. His father has never been esteeming with this . . . energy. He couldnāt describe whether it was excitement or joy or simple pleased. And the amount of work, too.Ā
The ruckus created by their arrival can compete with the rushing that happens in the castle when his brother, Hollin, would come back from a short trip. The great hall was decorated impeccably by flowers of different assortments. He knew about the countless planning done in the kitchens to cater to the taste of theseĀ āsalt-tasting tonguesā from Meah. The stables were arranged with the finest horses as the Lord Elflock (he was made Lord not long ago) had horse reins for hands. But above all, it was the smile plastered on his fatherās face that was new to him, so similar to what his mother would be wearing at court.Ā
Right before lunch, judging by the footsteps of people hurriedly going about their duties, he knew they had arrived. And it was time for him to meet them. Tugging at his fine suit, he tried not to peek at the brooch pinned on his left chest. His mother insisted he wore the little trinket made of shells to show his welcome to the lord and lady. What made him feel like a fool was the fact that it was made of shells. Surely, the siblings have seen enough shells as much as heād seen snow. A flower that only bloomed in Adarlan would have been a good replacement.Ā
Still, he wore a warm smile as he neared the arch leading to the mouth of the great hall. As the procession of maids, guards, whatnot finally reached the top steps, he wondered to himself,Ā āWhere are the lord and lady?ā
Searching for the two siblings (though he didnāt know who to look for), somebody cleared their throat and a hand extended from a tanned arm. Looking up, he saw a man standing at more than a foot his height. He was tan. Very tan. Not the usual warm mocha tint but the rich caramel tan that one could only get from spending days under the sun.Ā
āPrince, itās been a while,ā said Lord Elflock. So many things flew through his mind. What does he mean byĀ āItās been a whileā when they barely met when they were five? How could this tall man be his age? Nobody has ever shook his arm during their first meeting (though technically it was the second); most bowed at him. And the smell. Oh, the smell. It was as if he were standing right by the sea. And the port. The smell of seafood and clams and fishes were unmistakable.Ā
But above all, he noticed how poorly dressed he was. His short is cut short but a long braid was peeking from his back. He was wearing a tunic though it was thin and cut at the shoulders. And the lady beside him . . .
āLord Elflock. Pleased to have you here. Finally.ā Well-rehearsed.Ā āAnd you, Lady Hymn.ā He extended his arm towards the lady after shaking hands with Lord Elflock.
āMy pleasure,ā she said in a strong voice. Loud, even, which was contrary to how she looked. Her face was very much the same as her brother: big, black eyes, small nose, small lips but a strong jaw. She shared the tan complexion. And the smell, too.Ā
They couldāve bothered with wearing a cologne, he thought. But this quick judgment would soon turn into dust as he got to know them more and find that the warmth in their stature was so natural because it came from within.Ā
(1/n)
