Prince of Windor

[pristinepeach-blog]

When things don’t quite add up

[pristinepeach-blog]

With how Richard had agreed so easily and understood her reasoning, Asbelle couldn’t help but smile brightly at him.  Even if there was a chance her mother would disagree, it was really nice of him to consider her request like this.

“It really would be nice if we help Sophie somehow.” she eventually spoke out while finally daring to let go of her escorts arm to walk a few slightly wobbly steps ahead of him, “And it really would be great if I can see Barona with you and everyone.”

It wouldn’t be at the start of one of her years, but going out on an adventure with her friends - both new and old- was more than appealing.

“But I guess…” Asbelle stood still and turned back towards him, “I should probably try to act extra lady-like to mom to help convince her to let us all go with you.”

Rebelling against her mom wouldn’t win her any points in any situation.  Although the thought of entertaining their guests and the sons of their guests were quite discouraging.

[fragmentedroyalty]

He was finding himself rather hopeful that Lord and Lady of Lhant would agree. Though most requests from anyone in the royal family were honored, it was a rather personal one, not to mention a spur of the moment one.

“It may help to mention that the trip could help Sophie when you bring it up to your parents,” he said. “It might make they a little more likely to agree.”

He followed after her, trying to find the right pace that he didn’t look like he was crowding her while still not being too far away to catch her if the heels betrayed her. Cobblestones may not have been the best thing to walk on.

“I’m sure just being polite today will be enough to help convince her,” he said. “If she does agree, don’t let her pack all dresses. There’s an amazing overlook just outside the city, but it’s a bit of a hike to get to.”

She sounded downtrodden about the idea of going along with her mother’s wishes, but it did sound like a necessary task.

[pristinepeach-blog]

When things don’t quite add up

[pristinepeach-blog]

A look of disbelief appeared on Asbelle’s face as she stared at Richard due to his rather generous offer. 

“Can I?!” she burst out in a cheerful voice as she leaned close to him, “Really?!”

But just as quickly as that expression appeared did it get replaced by a look of alarm as she realized a few things that could hinder this invitation.

“Mom might not let me.” came her follow up before raising a hand over her mouth as she fell into deep thought.

Some seconds passed and she continued to mull over details here and there that she couldn’t just ignore.  Eventually, she did turn her glance back towards her blond companion.

“Um… let’s say my mom does agree… Is it possible…” Asbelle trialed off into a meeker voice, “… if Sophie and Hubert and Cheria can come…?  I-I mean if it’s okay…  I-It’s okay to say no!”

The thought of leaving her brother and her best friend behind while she was given the choice to explore the city just seemed so wrong.  Plus she couldn’t leave Sophie behind.   Especially not Sophie!

“I-I was just thinking that I didn’t want to leave everyone else like that.  And then I thought that Sophie doesn’t remember anyone or anything here, so maybe she’s from Barona or someone in Barona would know her.  I would be an opportunity for her to find her family.”

[fragmentedroyalty]

He blinked at her sudden excitement, surprised at how suddenly her demeanor changed. Regardless, it was rather endearing to see; even when he dealt with people is own age, he didn’t often meet anyone who was so enthusiastic and upfront with their feelings.

“Really!” he said, unable to help but smile. “I can’t imagine that my father would object.”

The mention of parents brought her to worrying about her mother refusing, which then brought on another rather long silence. Richard waited patiently, even though it dragged on a bit – perhaps she was more of the introspective sort than he realized.

“It’s probably best not to leave Sophie here alone when her memories are gone,” he said. “There’s plenty of room on the ship for all of them and plenty of guest rooms in the castle.”

Though he hadn’t interacted much with her brother and friend, it seemed harmless enough to agree. Traveling with one extra passenger or four didn’t make that much difference – they would just need more than one turtlez transport when going from Lhant to the port.

“That’s actually a very good idea, Sophie might know someone in Barona,” he said thoughtfully. “There are so many people there, it’s really possible that she could be recognized. If she’s from Windor, she’s probably been in Barona at some point.”

[pristinepeach-blog]

When things don’t quite add up

[pristinepeach-blog]

It was easy enough to notice that Richard found some amusement in that particular detail of her life, even if he was trying to hide it, and couldn’t help puffing a cheek in disapproval.  

“It’s really weird, you know?  Meeting all these people and their sons.  Some of them are younger than me and have no interest in swordsmanship.” she sternly stated out loud, “How can you protect your people if you’re not willing to fight for them yourself?”

Asbelle followed up with a huff before hearing the rest of her escort’s words.  She froze and stared at the blond with a mix of a puzzled and troubled expression.  It just hit her…

“… Oh.” she raised a hand over her mouth in thought, “… Once I join the knights… then we can’t hang out anymore.”

Training could take from a few years to more than a decade according to a visitor Asbelle once came to talk to.  So it could take that long before she would see Richard at a closer distance again.  Then there was also the fact that a when a knight was assigned to a duty and it didn’t mean she would be given a chance to protect the king directly, or have much of a particular choice.  That would usually go to those who held seniority and the trust of the king.  She would really have to work hard to be in such a position.

However… that wasn’t the point of joining the knights, was it?  She wanted to join because she wanted to protect those around her, the people of the country she lived… Now why did her thoughts suddenly just center around the would-be-king?

“… Hmm..” she droned to herself, “I guess visiting sooner might be a better idea after all.”

Maybe she should ask her mother a bit more insistently…

[fragmentedroyalty]

He smiled at the way Asbelle pouted and puffed her cheek out at the way he reacted. He didn’t want to offend her, but it was rather amusing.

“Sorry. It sounds even worse than meeting with the daughters of nobles,” he said sympathetically. “I have to agree with you though. It’s disappointing that so many nobles have no desire to even learn to defend themselves…never mind fight for the sake of others.”

He was used to hearing noblemen being too caught up in the luxuries of their rank to learn to fight. Though Richard wasn’t terribly fond of his swordsmanship instructor, he still at least wanted to learn the skills. It was better than not learning at all; too many of his peers were content with that.

He watched as her expression changed when she fell silent in thought. Her pause lasted a bit of a long time, but he waited patiently.

“The knights will keep you busy. That’s all the more reason you should come to Barona soon,” he said with a smile. “You could come aboard the ship I’ll be taking back when it’s time for me to go home.”

[pristinepeach-blog]

When things don’t quite add up

[pristinepeach-blog]

His guess wasn’t too far off from what Asbelle had heard from exchanges between her parents.  And while it may be true for now that being unable to see the city Richard lived in was unfortunate, it wasn’t too bad of a fact.

“Mom thinks there isn’t a need for me to go there unless the family has business that would involve… uh me, I guess.” she explained, “And I don’t really mind it since that might mean meeting more of my potential futures, as she calls them.  I’d prefer to go there alone.”

She glanced over at Richard and smiled brightly.

“And look at it this way! When I finally visit you in Barona, there would be more for me to see!”

What followed after was a small silence as she listened to her companion speak of his future.  There was also that reality.  Someday, Richard will be king of Windor.  And being king meant…

“That means… you’ll be married to a queen by then, right?” she muttered in thought before breaking into a small chuckle, “Maybe if I manage to join the knights, I’ll be assigned to protect the two of you in your travels!”

[fragmentedroyalty]

As a prince, he’d always heard plenty of talk of who would be the best match for him. Fortunately, since his father was hoping to have him marry royalty from outside the country to form an alliance, he’d avoided already getting engaged to one of the highest nobles’ daughters 

Even if it was a little odd for a crown prince not to have something arranged when he was still young, Richard was rather glad at least that aspect of his future wasn’t already set in stone.

But when she said potential futures, he paused.

“That’s literally what she calls them?” he asked, trying not to laugh. “Not suitors, but futures?”

He shook his head slightly, somehow unsurprising that Lady Kerri would use such terminology. From what he recalled hearing about the Lhant family, Lady Kerri’s marriage has brought about quite a lifestyle change for her.

“You should come visit sooner rather than later, there’s too much to see in just one trip,” he said with a smile. “You’ll be too busy to go sightseeing very often if you join the knight academy.” 

[pristinepeach-blog]

When things don’t quite add up

[pristinepeach-blog]

“Mom says the same thing.  That the city is quite a sight to see.” she replied with a nod, “She was originally from Barona, but she’s never taken me there.”

Her father on the other hand occasionally traveled to the Capital due to his role as the Lord of Lhant.  The most the young Lhant born female had seen of the place were little trinkets her father had brought home as presents for her and Hubert.

They were now out of the manor and were surrounded by the sight of fancy outdoor lights and hanging decorations that the villagers and house-hands had prepared over the last few days.  Honestly… how could she had not noticed these things going up? 

“… Having a simple birthday really does sound best.” she murmured as a comment before breaking into a chuckle, “I wonder if that would ever be possible for either of us.”

[fragmentedroyalty]

“That’s a shame, I’m surprised she wouldn’t be more eager to bring you to see her old home,” Richard said, finding it a bit odd.

He could only guess that perhaps Lady Kerri kept her away from Barona since she didn’t want her daughter going anywhere near the knight academy. At some level, he could understand her family’s aversion to the idea, but there were still many female trainees at the academy.

It was rather endearing to see how much effort had gone into preparing the area for the celebration; though it certainly wasn’t as extravagant as the decorations that were used in Barona, many of them looked to have been carefully made by the villagers rather than imported from some business with an elegant name and high prices.

“Simple would be nice,” he agreed, though his voice became a bit wistful as he continued. “I don’t know if it’ll be in the cards for us. Perhaps I’ll be able to get away for a bit somewhere at least near my birthday once I’m king.”

[pristinepeach-blog]

When things don’t quite add up

[pristinepeach-blog]

“Hmm…” she droned again in thought.

While Strahta would have been one of the places she would like to see, its connections with a certain nut-named kid lessened its appeal.

“I guess that’s one place… but I wouldn’t mind going anywhere outside my father’s territory.” Asbelle replied, “I wouldn’t mind traveling within Windor first.  I’d even like to see Barona.”

Barona did mean being able to stand before her true goal: Entering the Knights Academy.

“What about you, Richard?  If you had a choice, how would you want to celebrate your birthday?”

[fragmentedroyalty]

Despite everything that was going on in preparation for the party, Frederic appeared at the door at precisely the right moment to open it for the two of them. Richard was grateful for his assistance; he had thought to get the door for her for proper etiquette, but had the feeling that she’d end up stumbling if he unhooked his arm from hers too quickly.

“You’ve never been to Barona before?” he asked. “It’s a beautiful city, you should come visit.”

Once they were outside, he slowed his pace slightly now that they were walking on slightly uneven cobblestones.

He paused for just a moment before answering her question. “With absolutely no political celebrations or parties.”

Though he imagined that Asbelle’s party would be more formal than political, it occurred to him that their answers weren’t all that different. He was just resigned to dull ‘celebrations’ where politics and how much older he was getting, and thus closer to having the throne.

[pristinepeach-blog]

When things don’t quite add up

[pristinepeach-blog]

That was too bad, or at least that was the thought that came into Asbelle’s mind.  Most of the people in attendance who had children were usually accompanied by a guardian or relative.  For Richard’s father or his uncle not to be around to accompany him was quite out of the ordinary in this situation.

Then again, Richard did come to Lhant without any relatives but a group of personal guards and knights.  Sending ones child away like that for a vacation seems a bit odd and not to mention lonely.  That was why she took the opportunity to get to meet their young visitor anyway.  Being alone wouldn’t be any fun for anyone.

Asbelle’s thoughts were quickly dragged away as Richard threw a question at her.  A birthday she would have wanted?

“Hm…” she droned in a murmur, “If I had a choice… then I would like to go on a trip! To be out on an adventure!”

Nothing beats exploration of new places, and most importantly–

“With friends, of course.” Asbelle added with glee, “Wouldn’t it be great to be out there traveling at the start of a new year of your life with friends?” 

Plus, there wouldn’t be nobles speaking of marriages, and watching her parents keep up appearances, and MOST especially no dress requirements!

[fragmentedroyalty]

Though he wasn’t supposed to say much of the situation with his father’s health or the tension between his father and uncle, he felt as though Asbelle was trustworthy enough to discuss his family with. It was a strange feeling; most people, even those around his own age, didn’t give him that sense. Too often, even if the sons and daughters of nobles were too young to realize what they were doing, they would often be told by their parents to make it a point to ask questions that could hint at important information. 

Regardless, he was still glad when she answered his question with such enthusiasm and left the topic of family behind; despite feeling like he could trust her, he couldn’t be too quick to start divulging things about his family.

The idea of travel made her face light up, he couldn’t help but return the smile when she started talking about her ideas.

“That sounds like it would be a lot of fun,” he said. “Do you know where you want to go visit? Maybe Strahta?”

[pristinepeach-blog]

When things don’t quite add up

[pristinepeach-blog]

Asbelle tried to refrain from groaning at Richard considering his comment was uttered with such good intentions.  Fresh air would do little for her.  Running away was the preference.

“I really don’t get why they have to hold this every year like it’s any different from the last one.” she sighed.

It would be the same order of things: reintroductions to nobles her mother had already introduced her from a previous event, exchange pleasantries on how was so and so was doing, and then facing off with weird smiles and comments about how lady-like she’s become since they last saw her.  Then, there were those dreaded times when she had to meet a noble’s son, or be told how they have a nephew about her age and how wonderful it would be if they got along. 

Speaking of which, in the last few years, the nobleman from Strahta had brought over a twerpy little kid for her to get to know.  She couldn’t even remember his name… Some kind of nut?

Reaching the last step, she let out another sigh-this time out of relief.  They had managed to get to the main floor without her having to magnificently fall on her face.  Although… she really should get used to these shoes considering Richard couldn’t be around to hold her hand and support her like this all day.  Maybe… until they get to the courtyard.  There were still the steps leading out to it after all.

“Oh. Is anyone from your family here, Richard?  There’s a few nobles from Barona present.” Or at least her mother has informed her.

[fragmentedroyalty]

He noticed her expression darken even before she made the comment about the celebration being repetitive and couldn’t shake the feeling he’d said something that didn’t sit well with her. Treading the line between complimentary and pestering was difficult when she was so clearly uncomfortable with all the festivities.

The mention of family wasn’t the happiest of topics for him. He didn’t know how much Asbelle was kept aware of politics; even with her interest in being a knight, or rather, especially with that in mind, he had to imagine that her family likely tried to steer her away from news of politics and military. Her family was clearly too focused on seeing her marry well that the thought of encouraging such endeavors probably never crossed Lady Kerri’s mind.

“No, I know several of those nobles, but I’m not related to them. My father had to stay in the palace and my uncle considered coming, but he never confirmed,” he said, trying not to say the name too distastefully. “He probably decided to stay in Barona instead.”

He could have given more details about why his father stayed behind, but it was easier to say the duties of leadership were to blame than other things. He wasn’t sure if trying to change the topic with Asbelle would work, but he at least tried to.

“If you could hold any kind of birthday celebration that you wanted to, what would you do?”

[pristinepeach-blog]

When things don’t quite add up

[pristinepeach-blog]

Help her down the stairs?  Asbelle stared at him with a puzzled expression which then trailed down to the hand he offered out to her.  Finally understanding what he meant, she found herself breaking into a wide grin.

“Sure!” she reached out and walked unevenly to take his support, “Thanks, Richard.”

[fragmentedroyalty]

He couldn't help but worry as they started walking down the stairs when he saw the way she wobbled with every step. Even though he was helping to keep her balanced, he was ready to catch her if she slipped or missed a step.

“You’re welcome,” he said politely. “Getting some fresh air before a celebration is better than being cooped up all afternoon.”

[pristinepeach-blog]

When things don’t quite add up

[pristinepeach-blog]

Considering the cloth colours were the only things she ever could give an opinion on, she could actually agree with the young royal that they were good choices. 

“I guess you’re used to seeing stuff like this.” she muttered unhappily as she slightly waved the skirt to emphasize which stuff she meant.

Barona probably had loads of galas and balls and tea parties.  Lhant only held such things when it was the celebration of someone’s birthday in her family, or if neighbouring nobles came to visit.  Clothing aside, watching her parents put on airs also was a bit upsetting. 

This was why balls, parties, and such irrelevant gatherings should be dealt with by escaping!  Or so she always hoped…

So when Richard had made the suggestion to at least go outside, Asbelle immediately perked up.  Outside was definitely good, and she could even take a chance to survey any escape routes to boot.  However, just as she tried to step forward, her leg made a sort of wobble which reminded her of her earlier predicament.

“Um… Sorry, Richard.” she froze and glanced down before she raised her skirt just to expose her shoes, “… I’m not sure… if I can walk for very long with these on.”

[fragmentedroyalty]

She still seemed unhappy with the situation, the compliment didn’t help. He wasn’t particularly surprised that it didn’t cheer her up, given how tomboyish she was. Regardless, it just made things feel more awkward.

The more he thought about it, he started to wonder if him complimenting her came off as strange, considering he hadn’t said anything of the sort when he thought she was a boy.

“Formal events are quite common in Barona, I’m quite used to attending them,” he said, but lowered his voice before continuing. “With so many nobles eager to show off their status to others…there are events happening constantly.”

Despite his age, he was expecting to attend quite a number of them, especially since his father as unable to. Truly, the reasons why he was in Lhant were not all that different from the usual routine, but he found himself not minding it this time since he’d met Asbelle and Sophie from being sent there.

He was relieved when she momentarily looked more like her usual cheerful self, but that moment was brief. As soon as she revealed the heels, he understood why.

“I can help you down the stairs,” he said, extending his arm out to her with a smile.

[pristinepeach-blog]

When things don’t quite add up

[pristinepeach-blog]

“Thanks… You’re just being nice, aren’t you?”  Asbelle grumbled as she gripped her hands tightly on the fabric of her skirt.

She really disliked how these dresses felt and being a female alone made it mandatory that she should wear them.  Much to her mother’s displeasure, this always ended with the dress discarded somewhere (or hidden/buried under her bed) and replaced by her usual wardrobe of preference.

However, today was one day she couldn’t rebel against her mother as there were too many important individuals in town and her father might lose face if she suddenly ran off again.  Then there was the fact that Sophie was hostage inside, and from the looks of it, Richard was also part of the festivities.   If she ran off, then she’d definitely be alone.

“… How come I can’t wear something like yours, anyway?” she continued to sulk openly, “I don’t see why some noble’s kid or a bunch of old people would care as to what I would wear anyway.”

[fragmentedroyalty]

“No, I’m not, it really does look beautiful,” he insisted in response to her doubtful grumble. “The colors really suit you.”

Now that he saw her dressed up as a proper young lady, he couldn’t help but wonder how he’d been oblivious enough to think that she was a boy. Granted, she was very adventurous and dressed the part at the time…not to mention the short hair. She was different from the girls in the capital or those who visited from other areas, who had little interest in adventuring.

He found himself thinking back to the gifts; it was probably some sort of jewelry or other item customarily given to a young noblewoman. Despite the revelation, Richard still found himself doubting that she would have any interest in such a gift.

“It’s really just tradition that decides what’s proper for who to wear what,” he said sympathetically. “Do you want to step outside for a walk around the courtyard? There should be time before the festivities begin.”

[pristinepeach-blog]

When things don’t quite add up

[pristinepeach-blog]

And as if on cue, a familiar head of blond hair came to view just after her thoughts wandered to him.  It seems like Richard had also gone through a similar situation as she did with how primp and proper his hair and clothing had gotten - more, that is.  Although just as Asbelle broke to a smile to greet her friend, she found herself freezing as she caught sight of the changes to his expression from climbing those last few steps to the gaping stare of disbelief.

What followed was the young daughter of Aston and Kerri Lhant exploded into a bright fluster of embarrassment and continued horror.

“I knew it!” she said out loud, “I look weird, don’t I?! I told mom this was too much…”

[fragmentedroyalty]

He felt his face redden slightly and hurried around the banister rather than being awkwardly rooted to the spot. He smiled politely, trying not to make it seem he was overreacting. Worse yet, if Asbelle was unware of his misunderstanding – and it seemed she was – it made his reaction even ruder.  

“No, not at all!” he said, shaking his head abruptly. “It’s just very different. I’m used to seeing you…”

He didn’t want to blurt out something rude or anything that would reveal his mistake and stopped. It wasn’t that she looked strange, the revelation just caught him too off guard.

“I’m sorry, you don’t look weird at all,” he said. “It’s a very elegant dress.”

[pristinepeach-blog]

When things don’t quite add up

This was terrible.  She had made a mistake. A big mistake.

Those were the thoughts that repeated in Asbelle’s mind as she stood awkwardly in front of her bedroom door.  Today of all days… she had lowered her guard only because they had all left her alone as of late, and she never would have thought this would happen.  In fact, she wouldn’t have let it happen had she been aware of their plan for today.

But again, she lowered her guard even though the signs were everywhere.  Hubert had even pointed out that there were ambassadors, guests from Windor, and even nobility from Strahta arriving in the last few days, and those should have been her first warning. 

But how could she worry about things like that when she was having so much fun with Richard and Sophie?!

Yes… it was a party.  A celebration for her birthday concocted by her dear mother.  The moment Asbelle’s bedroom door opened that morning, she was surrounded by the maids under her mother’s lead… and soon enough was thrown into her worst enemy.  A dress. 

They had thrown her in full regalia of a formal teal and light blue silk dress with white frills accenting the sleeves and the edges of the top, and tucked an arrangement of white and pink flowers into her short hair, accented unnecessarily - in her opinion- with little pearls and jewels. 

It was horrendous and was completely over the top. (Again, in her opinion.)

“Urgh….” she groaned unhappily as she wobbled slightly while she tried to take a step.

While shoes with heels weren’t so much of a problem in terms of boots and what she would commonly wear, formal shoes were always so stiff and weird.  Making a - now- twelve year old  wear it  could easily be considered torture.  Plus, it made running away harder.

Hmph… that was likely the plan.

Asbelle glanced over towards the stairs with a pitiful sigh.  With Sophie still captured behind the door of her room as the maids and her mother worked on appropriating her looks for the afternoon’s celebration, she couldn’t help but wonder where Richard was during the last few hours she had been held hostage by her dear mother or what he was doing now.

[fragmentedroyalty]

Lhant Manor was the busiest it had been since Richard arrived. The maids were all preparing for the celebration while Frederic seemed to be panicking due the presence of ‘such important guests’ and insisted that his already gray hair was getting grayer.

Though all of his attires were fitting for a prince, one of his attendants had packed several fancier ones suitable for formal events. He was used to getting ready for galas and parties since he was required to attend them so often in Barona, so getting ready didn’t take too terribly long.

He wandered around the first floor and briefly peered inside the kitchen to see it was abuzz with activity, full of extra cooks and people who looked like volunteers from town making all sorts of types of food for the party, including a cake. Richard closed the door and stepped back before he was noticed.

Richard walked up the stairs, deciding that he may as well check to see if Asbelle was ready. He wouldn’t have been surprised if his new acquaintance – friend, if he would be so assuming – was still not ready, considering that the celebration was for his birthday. Richard knew that the politicians from Windor had packed some gift for the Lord of Lhant’s oldest child, but he was rather ashamed to admit that he didn’t know what it was. He was never given enough information on the people they were visiting and he hadn’t expected to get to know Asbelle at all. However, now that he did, he was terribly uncomfortable with not even knowing what it was, let alone if it was good enough of a gift, or something that Asbelle would even actually like.

He was distantly thinking that a small sword suited to someone still growing would be a good gift when he reached the top of the stairs and stopped abruptly. He looked to the right and saw someone that he momentarily doubted was Asbelle.

He blinked when he saw him – her – standing outside the door to her bedroom in a dress, high heeled shoes, and with her hair decorated with flowers to mask make it look more ladylike despite its shortness.

He wasn’t entirely oblivious and had a few fleeting suspicions, but truly, he had been under the impression that the Lord of Lhant had two sons. But instead, the older of siblings was very much a girl in a very elegant silk dress and matching jewelry. He realized too late that he was gaping, too startled to catch himself before he let his expression betray his surprise.

[fragmentedroyalty]

Study breaks...

[eats-crablette]

*once again, does as Asbelle does, pressing the red orb against her sleeve and taking a big bite out of it*

*though now, she’s got a piece of apple in her mouth and no speaking abilities to comment on Richard’s comment… if she even wanted to do that*

[pristinepeach-blog]

“W-What?” *turns and sees Frederic making his way over* “Already?!”

“S-Sorry, guys. I’ll see you at the mansion at little later!” *already making a run for it* “If they catch me now it’s another 3 hours of dance lessons!”

[fragmentedroyalty]

“Be careful going back through the window!” *doesn’t have the chance to say much else and isn’t quite sure if he was fully heard, since Asbelle’s already gone*

*turns back to face Sophie* “We should probably head back soon too.”

“...Do you like that apple?”

[fragmentedroyalty]

Study breaks...

[eats-crablette]

*looks puzzled at what Richard and Asbel are telling the guard, but will mimic hesitantly as she receives an apple* “Thank you..?”

*and looks at the apple like it’s a really strange and novel item, which it is for her* ”…Asbel’s hair?”

[pristinepeach-blog]

“Haha, does it?  I thought my hair looked a bit duller in colour compared to an apple.”

“Here, Sophie.  You need to do this.” *shows her the apples she’s holding, only to rub it against her sleeve, then take a big bite off it*

[fragmentedroyalty]

“They’ll be really fresh.”

*glances toward the path they’d taken when he hears footsteps* “Asbelle, I think your butler is coming over this way...”

[fragmentedroyalty]

Study breaks...

[eats-crablette]

*stares at the tree that has apples for everyone and briefly wonders how everyone shares the apples there*

*though, for once, is paying attention to the other conversation because that sounds like quite the mystery* “…Why can’t you climb trees?”

[pristinepeach-blog]

“Not that I can’t climb it.  They just think I’ll hurt myself trying.”

*the guard then hands her 3 large apples which she takes happily* “Thanks, mister!” 

[fragmentedroyalty]

*nods toward the guard* “Thank you, sir.”

*rubs one of the apple with his sleeve out of habit* “These look really ripe.”

“Does seeing them up close remind you of anything, Sophie?”

[fragmentedroyalty]

Study breaks...

[eats-crablette]

*nods to their explanation of how else they could possibly procure themselves apple and other items*

*but that begs the question of what they need in exchange for the apples in this tree* “So you give him gald too get the apples?”

[pristinepeach-blog]

*watches the guard who is already in the process of getting them apples* “No, they’re easy to reach if you’re good at climbing.”

"It’s just they make a big deal and freak out when I try.  They really can be no fun sometimes."

*turns to Sophie* “And not these apples, Sophie.  This tree is for the entire town, so anyone can have some if they wanted one.”

[fragmentedroyalty]

"The guards in Lhant are more strict than I expected." *admittedly disappointed, though they're still much laxer than the ones in Barona when it comes to letting nobility run around...*

"They sound just like the ones in Barona when it comes to tree climbing."