#wwropen

[prince-steffan]

Steffan had just received news of his Father's improving health. A million questions were swirling in his head. Would he need to remain at the academy? Was the academy necessary now? Would Steffan be king in a year if his father was doing better? And how did he feel about the answers to those questions? In truth he was conflicted though he was elated his father was better. The prospect of losing the man did not give Steffan any warm feelings, even though the man had withheld his love for Steffan's entire life. The good outweighed the bad right now though and he hoped to be able to correspond with his father in the days to come. It wouldn't do Steffan any good to brood now, he had classes to get to and girls to protect and get to know. "It is truly happy news, yes." He said in response to the question asked, hoping it would suffice.

[aurora-fiondaughter]

"Blizzards, they truly are dreadful things. I must confess my relief that I am here and not there, for a blizzard would certainly make me fall ill. The cold gets to my bones quicker than the other Aleskians."

[prince-steffan]

"That was a rather enlightening class, did you enjoy it?" He sat in on the lessons when he had the opportunity and he was very much enjoying doing so. Some of the girls seemed bored, others enthralled and others just lost. 

[prince-steffan]

"My apologies, was there something you needed?" Steffan glanced at the window, it was still dark outside, he hoped nothing was wrong. Though if there wasn't there would be no reason for anyone to have woken him.

[nyarieflint]

Nyarie was nowhere near where most girls hailing from the Lowlands would be at her age when it came to reading, but since her first lesson the young girl has found books and stories intriguing. Reading was one of the first selfish things she's done since arriving at the Academy and every time she turns a frail page her heart weighs down with guilt.  Such a simple task left her feeling as if she was betraying her family by both leaving and finding joy in her new home.

Lost in thought with her eyes on the pages of a book she could hardly read, Nyarie was startled when she bumped into someone in the hallway. Why she was caught off guard by a single person when there were always people milling about in the hallways is unknown, but either way she gathered her wits about her and made eye contact with the person in front of her.

"I'm sorry." There was no stutter in her small voice, Headmistress Olana made sure that habit was left back home. For the most part at least.

[lucascairbre-blog]

The ballroom was the most beautiful room Lucas had ever seen before. It was large and and glittering, illuminated by a large chandelier that seemed to be made of a million diamonds. The walls were gilded, the music swelling, and the people glamorous, but Lucas could not enjoy it at all. He did not dance or make small talk or come with a date; instead, he just stood near the wall with a glass of fizzy punch, packed with an extra punch thanks to the flask he'd thought to bring to the mountaintops. Looking at the couples dotting the dance floor, Lucas felt like his already-broken heart was breaking once more. He and Alys had always been the life of the party and in the center of the dancing at the village celebrations, but she had stolen that charm from him. Alys would've loved this ball.

[prince-steffan]

Steffan had taken care to choose a suit that wasn't too outlandish, preferring to keep it simple, as he had the choice now for the first time in forever, to do just that. He wasn't the Crown Prince at this ball, he was just friendly guard Erik. It was liberating and the cheaper suit was much more comfortable. Still he took care to press it properly and get himself cleaned up, though a more relaxed clean up than usual. It felt good, and tonight he had the chance to see all the girls and maybe even dance with them and speak with them. This ball was truly a perfect opportunity for him to gather information and add pages to his notebook. He didn't ask for any girl to accompany, preferring the freedom of going stag. Still, he entered the ballroom, posture and carriage all suggestive of someone of higher birth, he was ready, let the games begin.

[aurora-fiondaughter]

Her footsteps with were light, smile bright and eyes wide as she entered the ballroom. A feeling of amazement filled her, whilst smooth fingers ran down the fabric of her dress. She had never worn anything so perfect, and she'd never felt more beautiful than she did right now. Aurora scanned the room, a curiosity filling her as she looked at those surrounding her. She'd made sure to get a colour that complimented her pale skin and dark hair well, the ivory gown swished around her feet as she turned on her heels. Her smile was welcoming as she glanced over at the person stood beside her. "Quite the occasion! I suppose this marks the beginning of it all."