When he finally started to tug back to awareness, he couldn’t remember the length of time he had even been out. A sort of dull unawareness holding the slow waking thoughts like hoarded pennies. Refusing to give it up due to the fact that if it did, then he would truly be awake once more. Rather than existing in a half state of gradual rising. Granted there was some back and forth returning to stints of sleeping before he was finally growing his mental state enough to allow thoughts to form into coherent concepts.
Sort of just existing for a long while till he was attempting to determine what one did next after such a state. And what to do with Araminta if necessary.
Araminta lasted a good long while in playing her music, long enough to finish her drink and play on well late into the night. In her dutiful plucking, she’d managed to re-arranged her favorite of the minstrel’s songs into a simple version with her lyre. Quite proud of that accomplishment, as it wasn’t always so easy!
Bit by bit she’d nestled down into a comfy position, eventually drawing her own feet up onto the chaise and tilting until she was propped up half on his legs. Finding herself a nice cat-nap rhythm of her own, where if he’d shifted a bit, Araminta would open an eye and take a peep to be sure he was good and alright, before slipping back into napping again.
Until she was finally a dozing noodle with one arm dangling over his legs and the other propping her head up over his knees. When it seemed he was shifting around a little more than usual, she gave a soft sigh and lift her hand to point in a vague direction.
“Bath time now,” she murmured in her sleepy haze. Making no motion that she intended to move, really just nestling back in like she was content sleeping there. “I’ll be in bed.”
Sleeping somewhat properly was strange enough but when his brain finally had enough power to turn on its working ability, the fact that Araminta had arranged herself to be half limp over his legs, it had warranted a lot of internal confusion. Soundless rambling of bewilderment that hadn’t even finished even as she shimmied over with some comment about bath time –leaving him to quietly gawk at her- while she clearly was smooshing herself down into the couch to be snuggled in.
Leaving him to observe with an obviousness that she was going to stay just right there.
Prompting him to take that blanket that had been tugged over much earlier, to flip out and drape over her. Not about to go so gentlemanly to once more pick her up to put her into bed as he had a bit ago at his hut.
Settling to leave her to rest.
There surely was no other that would have allowed him the chance to rest as she had. Knowing he could count on one hand the lack of people that would have even given it a try. With a lengthy consideration, it warmed something in his chest to think she did something that likely seemed so insignificant. She was… something of a enigma, that was true. But there was a compulsion in his chest that felt like her gentle behaviours were warranting his own desire to be ever present and ever more important to do what he could to lessen her burdens.
A soft internal hum came and he adjusted his frame to sit at least. Assuring she could rest properly as he played the various new things around in his head.
If there was one thing Araminta was good at, it was sleeping where ever she fell. She always preferred her cozy comforts when she could get them, but the princess never had issues catching sleep where she could get it – if one ignored rooms full of taxidermized animals, anyway! That simple murmured instruction for him to have a bath was the last peep she made, seemingly content with her job well done now that he was awake, to allow herself to fall back to sleep without hindrance.
When she did finally wake, it was late into the morning… not so unusual for Araminta’s long sleeping habits, especially in tryin to get her stiff limbs moving. Without anywhere they needed to be or dangers they wanted to avoid, it didn’t much matter.
Araminta, did however, feel bad about leaving Theon alone and idle for too long, knowing that he still didn’t know how to exist as a person rather than a looming ghost in a corner waiting for instructions. So when she did sit up and peer around, she was a little worried she’d find Theon standing in a corner as a living set of stationary armor keeping watch!
Lucky for her worries, he was at least secure enough within the room to meander somewhat. Even with a lack of forward momentum in the means of doing anything, he at least took the incentive to find something that would work well to manage his free time. Favouring that in which came to delicate repair of the gear that was his protection. Having made an effort to at least distance himself from the slumbering form of the woman to where he could sit at the table and work with a concentrative effort by going in tedium to check over every bit of armour he had.
Favouring currently by repairing the inside of that of the chest piece. For where it had begun to fray at its innards with rogue broken banding that kept a soft cloth to avoid any potential roughing or chaffing across any bared skin. Though the typically wore a mesh of chain netting beneath, it was still important to work over the effort of mending the broken stitches within.
Although she should have expected him to at least be a little bit of a busy body in the means of exiting the room at some point. Having met the secondary clerk of the inn being that of Mary Beth’s brother, he had asked for refreshments in the form of clean water and a bit of fruit that could be eaten when Araminta was ready for it.
Pulling the gut through that of the padding, his attention seemed to spark just enough to let a silver ring wander to find the woman sitting up. Peering around in search to where she could find him sitting and working. Not so much standing in a corner fidgeting because he had no direction at all.
He inclined his chin then before a low hum was made. His way of bidding good morning with a slight point to the table that had the pitcher of water resting with the arrangement of tangy fruits for her to select from.
Consider Araminta surprised that he was sitting nearby and working away on his armor, not still as a statue in a corner brooding away. Finding that cleaning up his armor was a thing on her newly started list of Things Theon Does to keep himself occupied. Chores weren’t exactly the same thing as hobbies, but she supposed it was a good place to start.
For the time being, Araminta slid onto the floor, scooting herself closer to Theon for companionship’s sake and settled to pour herself a cup of the water and to try the fruit she was least familiar with.
“Are you ready for adventures, today?” she asked, instead of the usual politesse of asking how he slept. It was good enough that he had, and they’d make it a repeat that evening too. Maybe even in a bed this time. “Besides getting some fishing supplies, I was thinking we might find a couple books too and maybe some things to start a winter garden around your hut.”
Eyes rose to watch her on the floor at first. Almost expecting her to tug the blanket over her head to make believe herself an inch worm on the floor. To slowly crawl across rather than making herself close at hand to where she was willing partaking in that which was watering and fooding herself. Urging a gentle pause of his own work to the query that was adventures. Rightfully laying his interest to her that was a loud and unspoken visual turn in his generally impassive features of what sort of adventures.
Relying on her to be the leader of such things seeing as if he was, they would likely stay in this room. With no form of entertainment than one’s own thoughts.
“Winter…garden?” He asked her seeing as he had no idea what that even entailed. Books were easy enough though he maybe ought to ask her what sort of genre’s she was thinking of putting in that of the hut. Till his thoughts seemed to resonated, “Is it necessary for you to decorate that of the hut? It does not seem like a place that would be of use to your skills.” Suggesting in his own way that he hardly expected her to linger around to put her touch to things or to even bother at all.
“A winter garden, yes, to grow things not so easily found in the woods,” she explained the obvious, knowing it wasn’t exactly the real question he was attempting to ask. Smiling with amusement when he spoke next, as she had the feeling those inner thoughts of his were tilting towards I don’t need this, and not yet realizing they were now a we.
“What place would you say my skills would be at better use, Theon?” she asked, actually sincerely as… well, Araminta was fairly curious what he thought a lost feral princess should be doing at all! He’d likely be a lot happier if she stopped doing the trials, but it did have her wondering what else he might’ve hand in mind.
She plucked up a round, deep purple fruit and took a moment to squeeze it and give it a smell. Then she did a bit of a lean to grab her bag and dig out that bone knife. Granted, this likely wasn’t the use the fae had in mind, but fruit might just be the only flesh Araminta might ever stick it in! Quite carefully she cut down to the pit and then another slice to pull off a reasonable bite sized piece to pop in her mouth. A little sweet, mostly tart… it tasted like a beachy plum and was surprisingly lovely.
“The hut is home and a home should have nice things for living. For when we’re not doing the trials.”
It did not alleviate this thoughts. His curiosity. Rather it fueled it by her very matter of fact explanation. Leaving him to naturally poke at the remainder of the conversation in the same way one might have poked those slimes in the blighted village. With cautious intrigue. Just of course with Araminta being the ever clever one, she was shortly turning the question about face. To ask just where else would she put her homey touches to use.
Which had the man pausing ever longer in his task. Blinking once. Twice. A third time was enough of a response to state he had not a clue where she would. It had not been a thought on his mind. Perhaps more of an assumption that she would have gone off to find herself a nice manor with a few servants to work with her. To make friendships with after the trials were finished to her discretion. Not so much bothering herself to make the hut that was hardly much more than a few sticks playing as walls, her abode.
But she continued making the fruit become a slit pair. Nibbling at it shortly after so she could form her finalizing commentary to where his mind seemed to polarize on the comment of we’re.
Raising his stare at her and boy it was hard to even feign controlling the way his cheeks darkened at all of this in a manner of seconds. “It is not a home for one as fair as yourself. It wouldn’t be polite to have a young lady, princess or not, stay in such a…?” Dump… dump was the word. But he couldn’t bring himself to say it. Instead brushing the back of knuckles over the heat in his face, “There are many places suitable for one of your radiant presence instead of a shack in the woods. Especially in a kingdom that is for no lack of a better term, miserable.”
He stared at her as if she’d just said she intended them to live in a moat full of bog hags! Yet that wasn’t nearly as intriguing as the flush of red to his face and his almost emphatic insistence she belonged somewhere better than shack in the woods. Araminta might’ve immediately burst into laughter, only he’d called her radiant and the princess couldn’t think of anyone in her life that’d ever described her so. It left her feeling a bit pink in the cheeks herself with a sudden need to pay extra close attention to cutting up bite-sized pieces of her plum.
“Then we ought to put a little work into it, shouldn’t we?” she did manage to say once she could find her clear voice. “All it really needs is some furniture… but we could build on an extra room or two. We’ll just need wood and stones, some other things… I’ve never tried building a house before, but between the two of us I’m sure it would come out lovely.”
We.
We?
The word he understood but in this situation, it was about as foreign as flying with his own arms. Doubly so when it came to Araminta just ever so easily stating this as if he wasn’t a murderous prince that had a list of a mile long of various reasons no one would even consider him as she did. Yet—
She was mentioning furniture. Building an extra room or two with various items that would need certainly more than just wood or stones. Mortar and nails. But his mind seemed to hone in on something then and there, “What would you do when you meet the one you wish to spend your life with and have a family with?” Was he supposed to gracefully just disappear?
Well probably. Actually, that probably went without saying.
He’d called her radiant and he believed it to the morrow of his bones. However, if he seen that, others did. And it would take no time at all for when she wished to settle to find that perfect other that would compliment her like a pairing of wine to meal. “Never mind.” Theon shook his head to disperse the very thing. He knew what would happen and he would not make a singular complaint about it.
Araminta deserved to be happy in every way she wanted. With his limited understanding of friendship, he understood that he would never do anything, say anything, be anything less than what made sure she got it all. If she wanted to take that of what had been his, then he would willingly give it over and assure that she was left happy, healthy and healed.
Well, that certainly wasn’t the question Araminta was expecting out of him! It actually gave her a moment of pause!
“No, not never mind. It’s a good question,” she admitted slowly, now pondering those very answers. “Because we’re partners, we should always discuss big choices that might affect us both..”
That, at least, Araminta intended to take very seriously. because of her, she’d up-ended his entire life. Severed him from his own family (even if she is an evil old witch), and now he had only a big blank timeline of nothing in his future. There was no way she was going to abandon him or leave him to flounder before he had a chance to finally fill in those blank spaces with a future he wanted for himself.
“I’m not so sure falling in love and having a family is meant for me anymore,” she admitted, not with any sort of sadness, just that practicality of her present life. “There is no telling how long it’ll take for me to complete all the trials, and then there is trying to go back to Caeldalmor and seeing what must be done there. No time for romancing, I think.”
Carefully cutting another tiny slice of the plum, she set it on the edge of the table as nearest to him as she could get it without it ending up in the way. Just to see if he might make the attempt to eat it.
“For now making us a home will be good for us! And… maybe you would like to come with me to Caeldalmor? When the trials are over?” This was a pertinent question, as it was one thing for Araminta to assume they’d live together for now while doing the trials, as that simply made sense. But the after? He might very well decided he’d had enough of her!
Pushing the needle tip down into the padding once more to repeat the tedious task of stitching, he glanced at her from the corner of eye. As she declared there was no chance of ignoring his blurting but rather her desire to expand upon it. Something in his belly curled at the notion. Apparently not wanting to discuss this further. However, he wasn’t the sort to say no anyways.
So as she seemed to think this over with due care, it came out that she had a question mark on the suggestion of her future in such ways. Something about that and the lack of sadness to it, stuck out at him. Maybe because he doubted it. He found her curious of course. Enthralling and was able to tell that she had a personality that would be akin to honey in sweet spring to most notable souls that would hardly think of only keeping it platonic. Of course, her mentioning that there was no certainty to how long the trials would take and of course returning to her homeland in hopes to fix the problems that arose, there was little time for her to romance as she said.
Though he found his mind also mentioning to himself that such things tended to show up where one didn’t expect. But kept that private to himself.
Pulling thick thread through while she sat on the lip of the table. Mustering up something that might be akin to courage by suggesting a home for the pair of them –what an odd concept- but asking in her gentle way about coming along.
Causing him to lift his chin up to land sights upon her. It was a question of course but to him, “Yes.” It didn’t even seem to be a question. Rather, it just made sense to him that he would come with her to the place that was her home. He’d never been there firstly and he would like to ensure her safety too. “I would like too.” Theon stated matter of fact. Fighting. Traveling, these were things normal to him.
A winter garden and building rooms, less so.
No need to hide her relief there, letting that soft breath and breathing easier for it. Granted, as time went by he might very well change his mind. Araminta knew it was an eventual possibility – he had to have a life of his own – but for now, she much preferred imagining a future where Theon was in it. Beyond even just the trials, all the way to showing him her homeland. Ignoring the fact it was likely full of demons now, taking Theon back with her sounded like a beautiful plan! Something she could actually look forward to!
“Then we have a plan!” she said cheerily, holding up a finger. “First, we try not to die! Probably the most important, as we can’t do anything else if we perish.” With a second finger she continued. “Second, we make a nice home to live in when we’re taking a break from all the mortal peril.”
On the third finger, she looked at her hands, seemingly struggling to come up with the third step of her vaguely put plan.
“…and try not to die again, I suppose. That’s important enough to list twice. Peril, home building, rest, then repeat until successful.”
One day he might learn how Araminta could be so optimistic so often. Daring not to say all the time because that was hardly the case, but she oozed that happy go lucky attitude that even as fingers were raised and slowly making their curls inwards with the plan, he was left to be her astute little observer. Nodding carefully as he agreed that not dying seemed vital enough that it warranted two placements on that of her announcement.
Fingers slowed their dedicated sewing to eye her a little then. “What is it you wish to do today then, Araminta?”
“Not think about peril,” she said immediately with a bright sudden smile. They were on a rest trip, after all. Araminta was already feeling worlds better after a single day, another day or two and she’d be read to take on the world again. Hopefully with Theon properly rested and rejuvenated as well.
After drinking down the rest of her water, the princess climbed back to her feet to go sifting through the things he bought her. Having a great deal of fun – and appreciation – in being able to mix and match pieces to actually change her clothes. Being able to change her clothes was one of those little things she hadn’t realized she missed so much. The sort of thing you just take for granted!
“Lets go for a walk around the city and see what neat things we find? We’ll figure out the rest as we go. It’s nice sometimes just to wander.”
On that note she took her clothes with her to her own partitioned little room for a quick exchange. Taking the time too for combing through her hair and braiding it out of her face an into a tidy pony tail. If they were to explore and later do some fishing, she wanted it good and out of her way.
Well that made sense. To avoid thinking about peril seeing as they had come here under the idea that Araminta wanted to see the ocean as one of her bucket list ideas. Which they seemed to have at least glossed at it the previous day before she was set upon by the man and then went to the tavern to listen to the minstrels. It seemed right that they continue down this venture as he nodded. Watching her rise up to go venturing away short after she had selected her various fabrics to adorn herself this time within.
As he took the spare few minutes to finalized the last quicken stitches so he could knot, test and cut the repair. Having to be satisfied with it till he could find an actual armour repair person that could give the gear the proper attention.
Shortly standing up to stretch somewhat before his head turned to the sound of her voice once more. At the mention that she wanted to walk around and see what sort of things she might find utterly interesting. Guessing it wouldn’t be difficult as she was rather good at having a quick eye. Urging him to nod at her suggestion before she tarried away to go and arrange her items to how she would prefer.
He’d take the chance then to assess the gear before ultimately readorning it piece by piece back to his person. To ensure he was ready for any potential problems or attacks that could happen while keeping watch to her adventures.
Once Araminta reappeared, she clearly had being active in mind – having chosen to wear pants the simple blouse and the set of green. Presently, completely delighted with pulling the new belt around her waist and seeing just how many pouches and pockets she now had for stashing things. Even quickly figuring out the new scabbard where her bone knife gift fit perfectly inside.
She was now a princess with a weapon! Even if the thought of having to try and use it one someone still filled her with a sense of impending dread.
For the moment, though, Araminta was nothing but energetic smiles. Barely giving Theon a quick once over to be sure he was actually ready before she grabbed his hand and was basically kidnapping him out the door of their private little suite.
“I’m not sure if we should look at shops first or the open air market,” she animatedly chattered on. “Although, I suppose we have time for everything! Do you think they have a museum of history here? I really should have thought to talk to people at the tavern last night, the locals always have interesting things to say about their town and the people in it.”
He’d just managed to get the last piece of himself settled when Araminta whisked back in. Looking peppy and cheerful as per usual with new ideas verbally being expressed with a thrill of life tumbling out. Particularly in the means of what they would do first as he was lead by the hand out of the space that had been warranted their temporary shelter. Leaving him to adjust his gait quickly to keep up while she offered a plethora of ideas.
“Mary Beth?” saying the name then, “Perhaps asking her would not be a bad idea if you wish to know what is interesting. As a inn owner, she likely has insight that very few others do. And may give you an idea of which direction you would like to start first.” He offered figuring that the two women would easily have a grand time coming to decide which would be best to attack first. And of course answer any questions about whether or not there was a museum or not. Searching his own thoughts to find absolutely little in the regards to what might be available in such ways.
“Then… shops perhaps? That way you can also talk to the locals and shop at once.” Seemed he might be trying to put some effort into helping her choose the next direction.
“Oh, Mary Beth is a good idea!” she agreed readily, making her way down the steps (this time) with care not to go speedily down with risk of tumbling. Holding his hand the entire way down until she’d made it to Mary Beth’s counter, where the woman was working on a bit of stitching of her own.
“Glorious Morning to you both, Araminta and Ghost! A little late to start today, hm?” she asked, a bit of a rosy mischievous lit to her voice, that seemed to pass right over the princess’s head as she as too excited about the day to catch on to any deeper meanings.
“It’s hard to fall asleep when there is so much to do,” the princess explained away easily. “in fact, there are so many possibilities, we’re having a difficult time narrowing it down on what to do first! We do intend to go fishing later today after we visit the markets, but have you any recommendations for us? Something quiet for the two of us, I think. We’ll have more than enough of people at the markets.”
At the request of something quiet for the pair, Mary Beth glanced them both over curious before that knowing, pleased smile reappeared on her face.
“Let me think! You’ve already seen our acclaimed minstrels, which is generally the first thing I always suggest, hmm…” Setting her stitching on the counter top, it seemed Mary Beth needed both her hands to help her ponder this request. “Are you interested in dancing?”
Araminta wrinkled up her nose and shook her head. Even if she thought Theon might find that overwhelming, she herself was not very good at dancing in the slightest. A thing best avoided if people wanted to keep their toes in tact.
“No dancing, hmm.” Mary Beth continued, now eyeing Theon as if his stony expression would give her any hints. “…you might like the tea gardens of Thebe Manor. Hardly anyone goes there now since the incident, but they’re stunningly beautiful and worth the visit.”
This seemed to pique Araminta’s interest, the princess leaning forward on the counter to whisper curiously, “What was the incident?”
Triggering Mary Beth herself to lean forward as if this was some sort of juicy, secretive gossip. “Well, it’s all a bit mysterious and hearsay besides, but one of the lamplighters swears he’d seen the lady of the manor swinging by rope from one of the trees, just as dead as could be. Though the next day she was up and about in the gardens as she always is, apparently as right as rain! Of course, since then everyone is a bit shy to visit. The fear of necromancy and vampires and whatnot, silly superstitions, really.”
“Has no one thought to ask the lady about it?” Araminta asked, appalled and enthralled by the whole story.
“I’m sure someone has!” Mary Beth laughed with a wave of her hand. “Likely a boring answer too, I bet, else there would be nothing for us to speculate about!”
Araminta giggled with a wide grin, as that was the truth of things no matter where one went. Local legends and mysteries often had boring simple answers, but it was far more fun coming up with wild stories and theories. Which really made the world all the more interesting when there were so many actual real mysteries too.
“We may just have a look then, thank you,” she decided. Tilting her head to gesture to Theon she was ready to go.
“Oh! Be careful on the beach when you do go fishing!” called out Mary Beth as they left. “There’s a rumor about a pirate ship being out on the water and you never really know where they’ll dock and cause some trouble! Safe journey!!”
Pirate ship. And a woman that had appeared hung out to dry but to be fine at a place that was addressed as the gardens. He was temporarily hushed more than usual while Mary Beth and Araminta spoke about such logistics. Finding that Essurn had certainly more strange happenings than one might have originally believed. Although he didn’t put much belief into the woman of the garden’s story itself, the pirate one he certainly did.
Although he would find it questionable that they might be so close to dock and raise mayhem. Yet he didn’t know much about pirates so it could be very well in the realm of their decision.
His attention rotated down to the live wire of a dark crown while the door closed with Mary Beth’s calling warning to stay out of trouble. Something he wasn’t sure applied to them. As it appeared trouble had a keen eye for one or both of them. “Do you believe the stories?” he asked then seeing as he was very interested in what sort of thought process Araminta would have about such things. She did provide often a unique perspective that he doubted any other person would have, so it was only fair that he prod the wonderment out.
Out in the fresh sea air again (not that their suite didn’t have plenty of open air space), Araminta enjoyed a nice deep breath. While there was that hint of fishy ever present, there was something kind of wonderful about the salty, briny air of a coastal town. Thought she wouldn’t want to live here in a permanent sense, it made a lovely place for a visit.
To his question, Araminta gave him a curious glance then laughed as she thought it over. Naturally leading the way to where ever their destination was going to be, as if leading tours in Essurn was something she did everyday.
“The pirates may be true,” she decided quickly. “A coastal town like this would have to be wary about dangers coming from the sea, be it storm or ship. No doubt local fisherman are always keeping watch about ships they don’t recognize while out on the waters. Essurn is too large of a town to be raided by pirates, though. At least not a single ship of them? I’d imagine at worst they’d cause a ruckus in one of the taverns during a resupply…”
There were no seaside towns in her own country, but Araminta figured pirates were about the same sort of problem as roaming raiders. More likely to strike at tiny villages where there isn’t enough people to strike back, or lurk in places where wealthy merchants often traveled by. Busy roads or seaways, but again with not enough people to defend against the scoundrels.
“As for the Lady of Thebe, that is most likely just silly local gossip. Making mystical the mundane!”
A slight tilt of gaze made its way to where the ocean laid out of sight. Mentally performing the loops and jumps necessary to agree swiftly with her assessment on how a coastal town such as Essurn likely had many a danger to feud. Natural and so forth. Although he was not so sure a pirate ship found much of value to loot from such a place. It was large and there was those of the guarding variety further in where the ocean didn’t reach. To protect what was necessary and didn’t need the seaside view to lure people into for daily business.
Readily agreeing with the surmising that any ship full of ruffians of the sea fairing variety likely only came in to the taverns on the bayside. To annoy patrons and owners alike.
It was unlikely for him to invest much more focus into such things. Rather tilting his attention back to the dark haired beauty where she mentioned the lady was likely just local gossip. Which funnily had him giving her an odd look. “We have seen many mystical things in the past while. Would it be so far-fetched for a woman to be more than what she seems to the point that waggling tongues have become invested in telling tales?”
Araminta led them down the road, confident in the direction she was taking even after a single day of their visit. With her late start to the morning, there were plenty of people out and about doing heir daily business. Those heading down to the open air markets or the business district to run their errands. Delivery workers driving or pushing carts down the cobbled road to drop off their cargo, be it fish fresh from the docks or goods made in one of the various and plentiful businesses in the city. It didn’t take the princess long to adapt to a new place.
“To be fair, what we encounter with the trials aren’t exactly a normal experience…” she stated first, grinning wide at him even as she was scrambling to try and think of the best way to explain the average life of people who weren’t wrapped up in dramatic quests. Even just comparing Theon to herself, he’d been through and encountered so much more than she could’ve dreamed of. The trials likely seemed normal to him.
How she tended to tackle them as if they were just things to check off her list probably also gave to that illusion that Araminta herself had oodles of experience with mystical mayhem. Which very much was NOT the case.
“People living their lives might encounter something truly unusual maybe once in their lifetime? They’re busy doing the same things every day and very little changes… so they’ll find entertainment in gossiping about each others lives, and it very often turns into urban myth and legend when they get creative and colorful with those stories. Exaggerating details to shock and awe their companions.”
“So,” she paused long enough to thread her fingers with his hand and place her other gently on his forearm. “There is surely a grain of truth to it, but not as likely to be as extraordinary as it seems? Although we could always be surprised!”
True to the very idea, he didn’t really fathom the idea that what normal was. Rather the depth of it was considerably not what he knew particularly on a daily basis but rather the means of mundane, uneventful happenstances that didn’t involve the whimsical, the mystical or the trying efforts of survival very given second. To hear that the trials weren’t typically normal, wasn’t the part that stuck out at him. He knew the trials were things that those of desperation or strange confidence tried to take on. Araminta likely in the latter group considering her original need was to avoid marrying him and of course to save her kingdom.
Things he felt were fitting but the rest, well… he wasn’t sure his mind could comprehend the very foundation of doing the same thing over and over and over again without worry. That magic and the oddities of what he knew would be considered strange.
Leaving the suggestion of the woman in the house to be that of the otherworldly.
Brows lightly pressed with due thought on this before ultimately having to accept what Araminta was saying was the truth. As he had nothing to compare too. Finding her soon looping her arm over his forearm once more while it seemed his focus pulled enough to consider the world around them. And the amount of people that were streaming through the channels of streets in their various directions.
To think this was normal, made him feel unusually more self conscious of himself than previous. Grateful to have little of such things appear on his being to be noticeable. It just made it personally more obvious that he was peculiar. “I see.” He gave her finally allowing it all to digest. “It would be best to be… not surprised then?” Theon asked her curiously, “As such things would be too unusual, yes?”
“Hmm,” she tilted her head while she thought of her reply. Settling on what at least made sense to herself. “Be skeptical enough not to believe things at face value, but open to wild wonderments?”
This time she was too focused on their current journey to do any giggling at her own alliterations. Pausing them on the street when they passed by a vender cart serving up savory smelling treats. On a stick, of course. Araminta had it in her head she’d try everything on sticks for the ease of their exploring the city.
“Hello!” she greeted the vender cheerfully. A lanky elder man with a beard so bushy and white it made such a stark contrast to the sun-stained hues of his wrinkled skin. “What are those and can you tell me where we might find the Thebe Manor tea gardens?”
At her pointed towards his sticky wares, he smiled wide – not that much could be seen behind that giant beard.
“Fish balls!” he exclaimed proudly, drawing an incredibly skeptical look from Araminta, before he exploded into a boisterous laugh. “Ah, not those kind, gull! Breadcrumbs n’ fresh fish n’ the like.”
Well that was far less worrying that what Araminta was expecting, thus was happy to nod her head and exchange her coin for one as the old man gave his directions.
“You’ll be findin’ Thebe if you wander on up that road there a ways, then take that dusty turn up the hill. It’s mighty pretty up there this time of year. Green n’ all.”
“Have you heard about the rumors?” Araminta asked curiously. “About the lady of the manor?”
He nodded, still just grinning away. “That I have! Everythin’ from hauntin’s to murders. I’m thinkin’ it’s a bit o’ smugglin’ goin’ on. No better way to scare off nighttime snoopin’ than a rumor of ghosts.”
“That’s an interesting theory! What would they be smuggling, though? Seems risky for a noble family,” she pondered.
“Aye, aye, but these days that Imperial Queen be bleedin’ even the richest men dry if they ain’t got her favor. Makes a bit o’ crime real alluring.”
After a bit of pleasant exchanges, including a few questions on the best spots for a little casual fishing, Araminta bid the man goodbye. Taking Theon’s arm gently again, along with her second breakfast treat.
“The mystery grows,” she remarked with a dramatic whisper and following it with a laugh. “They must be lovely gardens with all this intrigued around them”
“Wild… wonderments?” leave it to Araminta to provide him with a variety of new questions and all the more standing marks in his head that made absolutely not a lick of sense. Not entirely sure he knew how to both be skeptical and open to said wild wonderments. Finding that it was likely not about to be explained for his little pea brain to understand anyways. Probably the sort of expression that required the means of learning through seeing rather than telling.
Which seemed to be left to his brain to chew on as Araminta gravitated them towards that of a street vendor that was haucking wares of the food variety. The smell alone making the figurative gills turn green before he was left to do that oh so notorious now, stare. Watching as the woman interacted and regaled with the same sort of magical whimsy that he could say was showmanship similar to the minstrels the night before. Being that silent audience member behind the unseen glass to watch how both the man with the face full of bearded white and her animatedly spoke to another. Brows moving, lips fluttering. Eyes glinting and glittering with minor movements of body that weren’t nearly so theatrical that he worried one or both of them might break into some sort of musical number.
Although the mention of fish balls –genital and bread balled fish- both sounded absolutely terrible. Amusing to the elder man that happily replied to Araminta’s asking of the Lady of Thebe.
Internally making a flush of new emotions of embarrassment rise with the commentary of Imperial Queen. He wasn’t about to ever escape such things and was starting to realize he might have preferred to be more statuesque about such things than he was now. Not sure when his being was starting to shift into the means of mortification to even share blood with such a hated person across so many people, so many places.
Internally he was grateful when Araminta had her fill and sought to take them forward. Nipping teeth across the soft flesh of lip as he gave her a quiet eye when it seemed she was thrilled with this new mystery, as stated. And funnily enough, he had a response more so to the mention of gardens. “One can hope.” Little did he realize that his own preference to solitude had brought out his own enjoyment to that of botany. Plants generally of any variety made him feel some comfort and now with the thought of a garden without other eyes around that he was aware of, it sounded intriguing. Enough so, “Do… you like flowers, Araminta?”
Araminta herself had quite the expression on her face after taking a bite of one of those fish balls. As if she was trying to determined exactly what in hell she’d just put in her mouth and whether or not she actually liked it. The man hadn’t been kidding about the fish part but there was some sort of spices that she’d never encountered before and it was confusing her palette!
It wasn’t bad. Araminta wasn’t sure if it was good either. Prompting her to have a few more bites to continue this means of culinary torture.
“Flowers are wonderful,” she declared with ease. “I’ve always loved… well, the outside! Trees, bushes, plants and flowers… they’re calm and serene and lovely. I’ve never tended a garden myself before, though, so it’s going to take a bit of trial and error for our garden.”
There was no reason why they couldn’t grow flowers along side their vegetable garden. In fact, Araminta quite liked this idea. Already pondering what sort of flowers might grow well surrounding the small hut. Daffodils? Roses? Fresh cuttings in every season for their little vase would be so beautiful!
“Maybe we can find a favorite flower? If there are many types. I didn’t even think to ask what sort of gardens they keep at the Thebe Manor. They’re so personal and stylized to what the caretakers like!”
Visual cues were being noted by how Araminta was seeming enjoying that of her snack. It looked like modest confusion. Not swayed yes or no but not seemingly about to be either. Although most of his intrigue had promptly shifted away from that of the fishballs –finding them more disgusting the more he thought about it- but rather the Thebe Manor. The garden in particular.
To give strength behind his question because honestly, it was something he was curious about. Already he figured out that most women had a preference to a certain flower more than another, but when it came to Araminta? Well he thought to ask. Inviting her to answer the query with a easy declaration that they were wonderful. Liking the outdoors in which he seemed to noticeably agree with.
He had always felt far more comfortable outside than inside. And he spent many years learning about the flora of all sorts for benefits of health in good and poor degrees. Hanging on to her every word when it continued and she went to the point of even suggestion of finding a favourite flower.
Funnily enough, he found the irony in what was about to fall from his lips. “Ghost orchid.” He replied knowing the creamy white flower. Looking at her thoughtfully, “They travel in the night. And attach to trees.” He considered a moment, “They got their name because when they move, they look like they float like ghosts.” Theon cleared his throat slightly, waiting for her to remark on how it was humorous that he had been called Ghost by her.
Araminta absolutely found the humor in it immediately, giving only the softest of giggles, especially when she took a peek at that expression on his face when he cleared his throat. How perfect for a Ghost to have an affinity for a ghostly flower, or at least this specific ghostly flower. It appeared that Theon wasn’t devoid of his own interests and likes after all, he’d just never taken the time to actually think about what they were until they stumbled over it by accident.
“That sounds beautiful, maybe we’ll be lucky and see a few. I’ve never seen a flower I didn’t like.” Much like Araminta’s need to pet every fuzzy animal, she may very well also would like to smell every flower. If they didn’t want to be appreciated, then they shouldn’t have grown so beautifully!
In the meantime, the princess had found her conclusion to the fishballs. While she made sure to eat the whole stick’s worth to not waste it, she wasn’t likely to try them ever again. Unsure of what spice or flavor it was in them that was so appalling, but finding the way it still lingered on her tongue unpleasant enough to make a few awkward faces about it.
What the vendor hadn’t told them about the directions to Thebe Manor was that the road that led up to it was a winding steep incline up a hill. A gorgeous green hill for sure, but once they’d gotten a fair distance Araminta was starting to regret not bringing her staff with her. She’d done so well so far without thinking about pain or having to adjust her walking over the past few days, and it seemed her wound was now catching up to her again.
Araminta didn’t say a peep about it, though. Theon was actually invested in viewing these gardens, and she intended to be sure he had a good experience of his own during this trip while they had the chance!
There was a lack of surprise to the mention she had not found a flower she did not like. Fitting rather, as if he had to say anything about Araminta, it was the fact it didn’t seem like she hated or disliked much of anything. Save for a select few, the list appeared surprisingly very short.
In turn, he was grateful she hadn’t actually taken time out to tease him noticeably about the mention of a potential favourite of his own. Instead allowing it to remain no more than a giggle of amusement that instead let his mind tingle with thoughts that perhaps there would be a variety of colourful and green floral arrangements that he may not know of. To appreciate them for their beauties in every way. Though he would like to recognize some, he’d also find it interesting if there was a lot of flowers that came from other places. The sort of toll it would take to keep them alive in the different climate rather than its native home.
Their path of walking eventually started to go upwards. At first barely noticeable to entirely seen. Leaving him to slow his stride to keep even with her own before seemingly watching Araminta more than the path forward. Akin to when he would watch her walk all day before she started to fumble, misstep and trip because that injury was causing hell. And, in that same breath, she wasn’t saying anything about it.
“Can… I help you?” he offered then proving his focus was on her rather than anything else now.
Araminta paused, heaving that world weary sigh of hers, not bothering to hide the pitiful expression on her face that so perfectly reflected her thoughts. Wishing that he hadn’t asked, as now she’d have to tell him the truth as she’d promised she’d do. It wasn’t as if she were huffing and puffing out of breath or red in the face from the exertion. She’d grown so used to the pain it simply was a part of her now! Something she just had to grit her teeth through and deal with.
But she wasn’t about to deny Theon the opportunities to help just because she was stubborn.
“I suppose you could grab me by the good leg and drag me up the rest of the way,” she suggested first, completely tongue in cheek as if one can’t laugh at themselves, then one was bound to be miserable. Then she had to actually had to frown and think seriously for a moment. As Araminta really did want a chance to walk around the gardens without limping the entire time.
“You could carry me, but I hate to have you carrying me all the time Theon. It doesn’t seem right!”
Was it possible for someone who barely moved more than an eyebrow, to look positively horrified at the suggestion of taking her by the good leg and dragging her up the hill as if he were some sort of caveman. Merely missing a massively large club to add to the effect of him being an absolute beast!? It might be a hard feat to do but Theon did in fact look rather mortified by her teasing suggestion. Even had it been in fact, he would have denied her request. A first perhaps but one that would have proven even him as a doormat, people pleaser wouldn’t stoop so low or so far.
Instead, he waited.
Quietly eyeing her with the rings of polished gray till it seemed she finally came to a conclusion that was less barbaric.
Leaving him now the moment to think. Visual shows of gaze flitting ever so softly before he seemed to settle on the best way of doing this without making it more showy than it needed to be.
Resulting in him stooping down to press fingers in balance to the uphill climb. Assuring that the way he was facing was between both the incline and slant to avoid tumbling readily. Presenting back to her as the open ended invite of piggybacking her instead of bridal style. Peering over his shoulder at her, “You walking with a tender leg and staying silent about it, is also not right.” Giving her a bit of commentary to prove he also felt the same way about her injury that he could not heal.
“If I made a peep every time it hurt, Theon, I might become a beeping bird. A gangly goose. A wailing warbler.”
Now she was just poking a bit of fun at herself, if only to be sure she didn’t laugh at the way he almost looked horrified at her original suggestion of dragging her by the leg. Araminta didn’t understand how this gentle man had somehow been the Imperial Queen’s most effective assassin when a silly suggestion could alarm him so. He surely wasn’t meant for a violent life at all, and needed to be whisked away somewhere properly safe and beautiful where he could properly live.
There might’ve been the faintest tinge of pink when she did as bided, to put her arms around his neck and hop securely onto his back. Riding around on her brothers’ back when she was little was one thing – riding on Theon as a horse was yet another. And this felt incredibly silly, not at all lady like, and a smidge embarrassing on top of it.
“We may have to look for those pirates and see about getting me a peg leg,” she muttered softly at his ear. “I’d only need to worry about sitting too close to a fire then.”
There was a level of thought put there for a moment before his mouth opened, “I did not think you liked geese after collecting them.” Theon replied at first while making himself into a sorted shape that would do well to carry her along the incline without her being looped in his arms looking the part of blushing damsel. Settling instead to be her Sherpa up this hill and assuring he had a good grasp on her when she was perched on his back.
Standing up with certainty in feet to start once more climbing upwards towards the even ground of the plateau. Unbothered at this idea that she was a little embarrassed at what they were doing. It made perfect sense to him to be helpful to her. Never mind her commentary about being always saying something if she made a peep about it hurting.
He found that ridiculous.
Although he may quickly feel otherwise when the heat of her breath was tickling at his ear. Spurring goosebumps down his neck and a sort of displeased sensation that she would want to have a peg leg. “While you are gorgeous regardless of one or two legs, I would prefer not to have you as a fire hazard or harmed at all.” Stating this with strong sincerity, Theon kept his placid gaze forward. “This is more reason for me to work on finding someone to help you mend.” He seemed to take this as a new challenge to help the single person that had deemed him worth care.
“Hmn… I am still mad at geese,” she admitted softly. Araminta would likely be cursing geese for the next year after all the trouble they gave her. She’d certainly never want to be one of the vicious things. But that had nothing to do with her current issue of being a hobbling useless mess!
At least she felt secure in being carried, with no worries that she’d slip and go rolling down the hill. It made it that much easier to bury her face at his neck unseen with her red flushing when he’d dropped the word gorgeous as if people said things like that every day. Araminta was grateful he’d found that level of comfort with her now, but with the way he tended to say things so candidly it meant he was genuinely sincere… and she wasn’t sure what to do with sincere compliments! Especially ones that didn’t feel like they should be true!
“Luckily I don’t actually intend to lose any limbs,” she reassured him once she found her voice again. “There need not be any work for you, I’m sure we’ll stumble over someone as we travel.”
Mentally there was a smirk that formed at her admitting she still was rather upset at the feathered variety of honking animals. Unsurprised hat she found them valid of that effort while the means of gooseflesh alike began to pepper down his neck with the presence of her breath. Funnily finding himself very aware of how close she was but missing the means of being terribly horrified that she was at all.
If anything, it seemed to spur his strength in doubly assuring she both was carried safely and told verbally of his confidence that he found her pretty regardless of how many limbs she had. Doubtful anyone else would disagree with his surmising anyways as they meandered the way up that incline. Watching as the show of manor started making a peek over the cut of ground by ever step forward.
“I would feel more comfortable knowing I was looking instead of waiting. Your safety and health is important to me.” Innocence oozed from his reply. Disliking that she was suffering at all when she made it sound like it was so not worth the effort. In reality, he felt like they ought to be doing more in ways to see her healed! Alas, he wouldn’t attempt arguing with her about such things. If it came to the means of a battle of tongues, he’d concede. Only to do the looking in silence.
Once the ground became level enough for upright standing, he bent down once more to allow Araminta the chance to stand. With the arrangement of gardens truly sprawling with a bounty of colourful petals all over the dense bushes and planters of soil that made the space truly that of a garden. With a few –very few- other patrons around that made use of cobblestone pathways into the dense space while he dared a look towards that of the looming white sided manor. Noticing it was decorated with black trim that made it at least look more dimensional than one solid colour, though the windows were notably dark with drawn curtains.
Shortly adjusting focus back to her form, he raised that of arm for her to weed grasp through at her leisure. Assuming that was what she wished for.
Something about being higher up on a hillside mixed with the dense foliage of the gardens gave the briny sea air this fresh and bright sort of scent. Of salt and citrus and greenery in a pleasant mix that was almost soothing to the soul. Compared to the market square, there were so few people here that it nearly felt like another world altogether. Leaving Araminta feeling confident this was an excellent use of their time!
Steady on her feet again, Araminta accepted his arm, those verdant green eyes of hers looking him over with the faintest sense of humbled remorse. While she was perfectly fine with pretending it wasn’t there at all, her injury had become a burden for him to fret over. There was so much for Theon to worry about already, he didn’t need this looming thing creeping into his every thought! Araminta wanted this trip to give him the time to breathe and heal his soul, but if he was still so worried about her…
“…maybe we should look more actively.” she murmured softly, giving his arm a gentle squeeze. “It would make the rest of the trials easier if I could run properly.”
While she wasn’t keen on more delays, her making excuses and attempting to avoid her fears wasn’t helping them in the long run, either. If every trial was going to get increasingly harder, with more things attempting to eat her alive, then going into them already damaged wasn’t doing them any favors.
A double check seemed almost necessary to assure she was sturdy on her own two feet. Ready to snatch at her shoulder if she suddenly looked any part of unstable upon them. Although it was the way she was looking at him that drew more of a curious tilt in reply. Fitting that mould once more of dog turning to a high pitched sound. Unsure of why he was on the receiving end of such a stare but knew it likely had a reason. When she was ready to say so, she would. Otherwise there was no sense of pushing for Araminta to do so.
Merely finding that she inclined by taking her arm to his own, adding that perhaps looking more for someone that could mend the flesh upon her leg, would not only help her currently but even in that of the trials. Never mind how he looked in reply, “I will help you with whatever you need in the trials.” Even running. He was no longer the observer after all, if she needed assistance in covering ground swiftly, then they both knew he had a particular talent that could readily help with such things. “I am yours to command.” Words were stated as fact and perhaps had he been a knight, it might have been pleasant to hear such things.
Attention tilted though as he looked at the garden once more, “Should we continue?” Looking to her to be sure she was ready to do so!
Araminta motioned to open her mouth and immediately to correct him in that he wasn’t hers. Theon didn’t belong to her in any shape or form, especially not to bark commands at as if his mere existence was just to serve her! Yet just as quick she remembered that he often took such statements to mean that she didn’t want his help at all – that she didn’t find him useful, and of course that wasn’t even the slightest bit true. Without Theon, Araminta would’ve surely lost all will to keep going forward, if she even survived to attempt it.
“You are the very best of friends,” she said instead. A simple statement that really didn’t even come close to how she actually felt, but was enough in the moment to spare him the embarrassment of her admiration. Gesturing with her head for them to start their leisurely walk through this new intriguing space, and giving him nothing but the warmest of smiles.
The gardens certainly didn’t lack a variety of flowers! Though there were some she recognized, there was even more that were unique and unseen to Araminta. With everything so perfectly arranged and manicured, there must’ve been a full time gardener in charge of cultivating the space. To trim every bush and tree, to snip away any dead leaf and to water what needed to be watered. There were no signs of autumn chill here, just warm sunlight and the gentle chirping of birds in the trees.
“Well, I don’t see any spooky ladies hanging from the trees,” she announced cheerily. “That must be reserved for the moonlight hours.”
The sentiment she gave did not go unnoticed. He softly warmed across his features with a light pinking but otherwise didn’t seem willing to give much of a verbal response. Settling for modesty bashful at the few words. Unlikely no other might fathom that how such simple words could make such an impact with one of his peculiar stature.
Taking to a gentle nod after a few minutes while gaze went scurrying sideways to the arrangement of colours. Picking out few of the flowered petals that he knew and others that were foreign. Guessing they had to be managed in certain ways to keep them happy in an alien habitat. Likely on the same brain wave that people were paid to manage the grounds that common day people walked through. He noticed the geraniums and daisy’s particularly. Familiar flora that grew around the imperial palace, before he was tilting eye to the corner at the mention of the lack of hanging spooky women. Turning his focus no sooner to the shaped topiary pieces like they were strong enough to support a dangling woman. To that of trees around the proxy, before he seemed intrigued. “Paper lanterns.” Theon stated suddenly, “They would be very pretty to have out at night along the pathways to the garden. For… moonlight hours.”
Araminta had fallen into a comfortable silent for their browsing, admiring the view of colorful petals and the occasional butterfly or bug that roosted amongst leaves. Her thoughts buzzing around trying to think ahead to next steps, next places, the myriad of problems that needed to be tackled one by one. Finding that those thoughts inevitably always strayed back to Theon and the wonderment that someone like him even existed, and how very lucky she was to be strolling through beautiful gardens now and not shivering alone in a forest somewhere.
When he made his observation and suggestion of paper lanterns, Araminta’s attention was drawn back immediately to glancing around with a green eyed blink and nodding in complete agreement.
“That’d be stunning,” she declared, taking his hand to tug him along one of the stone paths. “Just enough hanging here and there so you know where the path is going, but not so much that it takes away from the moon and stars?”
Araminta led him under the shade of a willow tree that had grown so tall that it’s hanging arc of branches went right over their heads and the path to create a lovely green curtain over the trail.
“I would put a tiny little table and chairs in spots like this, so we could sit outside and have a hot drink and listen to the evening crickets.”
He’d seen paper lanterns before of various shapes. Some were round, others squared. And a few selected ones looked like they had been artistically shaped to be a fish or some strange other puckered lip creature before they were lit and hung. Though he had heard some of them could be made into floating lanterns which had equally intrigued him. Wondering how one made such a thing and where they would land after they had expended the thing that made them float at all. Seeing as it was all without magic.
The way she looked at him for a moment, he wondered if he had said something strange again. Only that she took his hand to lead him on. Suggesting that where the very things could be settled that they would offer light without being the whole centerpiece of the entire garden. Drowning the space in the artificial glow instead of the natural beams of argent beams.
Taking them under the dropping willow that offered and another view of the garden that he bet people could sit and paint. Only for him to turn his attention to the right at the mention of crickets before pointing at the solid ground. “Some… nobles of the imperial have gardens that house ponds with fish inside.” He glanced at her then as if he were worried he was revealing candid secrets, “To add ambience and show to their gardens. One… could be here.”
“Do you think there’s one here?” she asked, delighted by the idea. Threading her fingers with his to continue the leading, tempted to speed along to go searching for possible water features but not want to run through the gardens so quickly that she missed something worth looking at.
“It must take a lot of work to build a pond…” Araminta pondered out loud. Finding interest in a grouping of purple geraniums enough to stop and lean close to them to count how many petals they had. Only to find herself even more intrigued by a lady bug with it’s bright red body! Araminta held her hand out until the little bug climbed it’s tiny legs onto her fingers, then she straightened up to show Theon what she’d found.
“I’m certain it’s worth the effort even beyond just being beautiful. Highborn Nobles might use it for stature, but a well stocked freshwater pond could provide water and food for a household most of the year.”
Currently from where they stood, he couldn’t hear any particular water features that would suggest the Thebe Manor had a pond of fish stocked and ready to add to the appeal of the greenery. So it was unknown whether or not it was possible to have. Leaving him to shrug with obvious uncertainty. Being lead on by threaded fingers to where it was shortened with the appearance of the flowers catching her attention. Leaving him to mull over the question of whether or not it would take a lot of work to build a pond.
From the few he had seen, he dare say it would. Digging it out. Laying down the means of whatever arrangement of stone beneath or natural edging the person might want to have. Then came types of fish, food, the style. The cleaning, the care and so forth. “It must.” He echoed deciding that she was well on the right idea of the laborious act. Finding his gaze looking down to the spotted little bug that was said to be good luck in some cultures. One of the few little insects that were rare for people to murder because they had boons around them. Though he hadn’t actually seen many ladybugs up close.
Barely having time to do well… this. This act of leisure.
“Food?” He asked her then seeing as he had not thought of such a thing. “Is… is that what you would want to do then at the hut as well?” It seemed that he was about to make a list of things Araminta may and did want for the place that she decided would need to be expanded for her comfort. And he was sure she liked the means of fishing anyways, so having a manmade pond nearby would probably only add to her delight.
“Yes, food! Like… hmn. Watercress, pond chestnuts, frogs… Although I can’t say I enjoy eating frogs.” For all of the wonders and interesting discoveries of the world and how open she was to trying new things, the princess did indeed have things she didn’t like too. Eating frogs, even the most well cooked frogs, was high on that list of icky items. They tasted of chewy pond scum. Of course she’d eat them if she had to, but Araminta surely wouldn’t enjoy it.
Araminta lifted his hand and let her new ladybug friend crawl from her fingers onto his palm, for no particular reason other than the fact she could tell those wheels in his head were turning and he needed a distraction before he started plotting to build her a moat.
“I would like a pond,” she did admit, with a wide smile. “It’d be a nice addition to our growing garden. …but that is surely a plan for the far future with as much work as it would take. We would not even know where best to put it until we’re done working on the hut.”
Then she paused suddenly with a wrinkle of her nose.
“…and geese would visit if he had a pond. I don’t know how long I’m going to be mad at them!” she confessed with laugh.
Two of the three things listed immediately were sitting in his head with blank pictures. Having no idea personally what either were seeing as when he was gathering, items from the water that weren’t fishy variety; weren’t sought after. And frogs? Well, he didn’t think that was worth the effort of catching and cooking. Yet his nose somewhat wrinkled at the suggestion of eating the leaping amphibians. Unable to even drum up a vague lie of disbelief that she had eaten such things at all. After all, he had just bared witness to her munching on fish balls.
At this point, he would have to transcribe awe about her not liking it. A short list yet to be made.
With a new little buggy friend crawling over onto his palm, Theon had asked his question. Unknown to him that she could figure out that he might start planning on a way to break ground to create such a thing for her leisure. Turning to wander closer to that of flower pot side to dip and set free the colourful little spotted creature into the leafy greens.
Just her admitting of liking a pond did set those wheels in motion. Recalling aptly the unremarkable area that had been laid out as property to that of the shack.
Mentally arranging where said garden would go, the extensions of the little hut and the pond. Likely to need massive manicuring of the surrounding area to make it even vaguely suitable for a lady of her upper caliber. Turning to find her features shortening on that wide grin for favour of a wrinkle about if there was a pond, she might have to release her anger at the geese. Leaving him to mentally find that a bit amusing with a dull nod to express its limited animation. “I’ll do what I can to ensure you can be mad at them or not.” He made it sound like it was nothing at all though to house geese, he suspected the pond would be rather large. So it would depend on how annoyed she wanted to be for him to break that earth in creation.
Stepping a bit sideways, he considered that of some rather light blue coloured flowers with its arrangement seemingly to be that of a ball. Not sure about what these were called but found them fascinating no less, “If… you want a garden. Does this mean you would want that of a hen house as well for chickens?” He figured he’d ask seeing as it was sounding a bit like that Araminta wanted to make the pathetic home of his into a farm almost. Just would it be animal husbandry or merely vegetation style.
Watching Theon might very well be Araminta’s favorite new pastime. Realizing that where she used to think he was expressionless – a stony face without any sort of emotion – that it was actually not true at all. Of course, he wasn’t animated as most people, seeming to be a still and subdued person in terms of movement, but he had a rich and subtle means of expression in those features. When he was thinking and plotting, he had that move of his brow. And Araminta was delighted that these thoughts seemed to be about building a cozy little future… even if she was worried he was only doing it for her, and not considering his own placement in said future.
“After the trials, it might be nice to have chickens,” she agreed. Taking his hand again to resume their stroll and keeping an eye out for other interesting flowers, bugs, or spooky dead ladies.
“I’d not be able to eat the chickens, though. In fact, we couldn’t keep any animals for eating, as I would love them too much and then I’d spend every dinner crying about it.”
Araminta’s ability to make instant friends with any creature she met was not such a good skill when it came to needing to actually feed herself. She might’ve decided to survive on plants alone, if animals weren’t also so tasty. The best thing for her was to make sure she never met what she was going to eat!
“What would you like to add to our tiny house? We could make a stone oven outside for you to cook with?”
There was something to be said about the fact that Araminta would want the feathery non flying avians, but not for the means of eating. At least not them but rather having eggs perhaps, that made him feel comfortable knowing her heart was far too soft for any slaughter. Not that he was sure he could just go about slaughtering the animals that she named and cuddled and loved because he knew she would. Witnessing how she was with the cerulean snails was enough of a hint that she was an animal lover through and through. The idea of having them killed for food was entirely off the table.
“Eggs.” He suggested them for her about the fact that they wouldn’t have to harm the hens. And wouldn’t need a rooster either then unless she wanted some eggs to be chicks. Which somewhere in his skull, the answer was already likely there. “If… you could handle that.” Not about to assume she might be traumatized to have fresh eggs from the birds that she undoubtedly would consider her precious little babies. “I would prefer to keep you from being upset as much as possible.” As if he possessed the unnatural ability to assure of such things, though he could avoid her sobbing at any meal because of knowing where the meat came from.
Strolling a little further with intrigue to figure out some of more of the arranged coloured petals, her query drew him to pause. Hearing the emphasis on you but shortly thinking about a stone oven outside. Which that one seemed to take thought first. Wondering how one even built such a thing and figured it would require learning about so he could build it at her asking. It would require he supposed a stone mason’s knowledge on how to create such a thing.
“If you are there, then I require nothing added.” Theon declared effortlessly. It seemed to him that she had the idea of how to make the place suitable for her own nesting clear enough. He’d be grateful that she cared enough to allow him to stay there and help build. Anything more didn’t appear to be necessary for his comfort.
Araminta was fairly certain that Theon had absolutely no idea what such a statement could actually mean, to say all he needed was her presence to be content. Yet, even despite knowing it was all innocent intent, there was still a little fluttering of butterflies in her stomach and that annoying ill-timed flush of pink to her features that she expertly kept out of sight by suddenly finding a great deal of interest of turning away to touch the blossoms on a leafy green bush. The man was a treasure that needed to be bundled up and protected somewhere!
“Then we’re very lucky that I intend to look out for the both of us,” she finally did announce with that soft hint of humor in her voice. “We’ll have a nice outside space so we can enjoy the air and the forest, and not be trapped inside when the weather is fair and lovely.”
Especially now that she knew he might be interested in cultivating a pretty garden. They could learn together the best ways to garden food plants for the change of seasons and what sort of blossoms bloomed best in the shade or the sun. It was a beautiful dream to think about.
“Is that all then?” she finally dared to ask with a peek over her shoulder. “Only a princess to keep you company and nothing else?”
Lucky for her his ability to discern modest bashfulness was next to zero. Or what he had said might be construed as something more than what it had been meant as. Innocence on his part. By no means was he the word wizard that could speak in ways that made ones swoon or even understood really the efforts one could do with that power. Simply that he spoke the truth.
Being allowed to exist without some sort of ever lingering unspoken threat that his life was in someone’s palm, was more than enough for him. A relic of untold power that became priceless.
With her gaze looking at the blossoms, he took the same effort. Looking amongst the varieties and making little lists inside his mind that questioned how one kept such things alive. Had there been a gardener present, he might actually ask. “Hmm.” Voice gave allowance to agree that they were lucky that she had plans in place that would work well to make the little hut into a space that would thrive with herself. He took a private solace in that, to be just included.
That was enough after all.
After a few paces and a particularly long stare at a bunch of leafy fronds that he was certain was a type of pothos, silver found green. Noticing how she was peeking over shoulder at him with a turn of the same question. Likely seeking to make sure he meant what he had. “Just you.” Theon gave in easy reply. Though he didn’t express princess, because that was not what he was thinking. Araminta was Araminta. Not a princess, not an idol or icon. She was just herself which to him felt far more important than some title that bound or controlled in some way. “There is nothing else to need. The allowance already from your care has been more than what I’ve known. To have anything more would be wasted on myself.”
The imperial prince paused however, “Is there more you wish to have then, Araminta?” he seemed concerned that he may have missed a vital cue in her words. That he was meant to hook on and express readily that his ability to serve or work or do was absent. Looking to her to declare what may have been glossed over because his cup of contentment was already sufficiently full. “You stated princess in your reply. Have I missed something critical that you will need that I should be working towards?” She was a royal after all. Just because his own childhood had been deplorable, did not mean hers was. And there could be things she required to live up to the former comforts she expected and grown accustomed too.
“It’s not wasted, Theon, you are never a waste,” she answered just as quickly, almost with that world weary sigh again. But he added on to the ridiculousness so quickly she was left giving a wide-eyed blink.
Well if that didn’t give her all the more reason to make sure he had a nice home, then she didn’t what would! Araminta couldn’t stand to think of him sitting in that hut all empty and cold, nothing but a chair and a table. Eating only rabbits and raspberries, without even a bed or evening music to help him fall asleep.
“No, I won’t need anything else. A nice home and you there will be enough,” she affirmed with the full broadness of her smile.
And then – because if she didn’t she was going to end up bursting into tears on his behalf – Araminta abandoned the holding of hands to hug him with as much squeezing strength she could put into her arms around a grown man in armor. He surely deserved far more than just that, but it was the best Araminta had in the moment to give someone that had no idea what he wanted out of life.
It was swift the sound of her voice. Prompting his gaze to remain steadfast upon her as if waiting for the but at the end. While it certainly never came, he did have to pause to consider thoughtfully what had been said. Not sure he understood it fully as the idea of anything more than what had already been given to him –which fairly was already far beyond any expectations he had-, he didn’t think it was worth the effort, thought or time. Others might consider his naivety or seclusion in such things as pathetic, but to him, she’d already given so much.
To want more? Well now that was being absolutely greedy.
In turn he had to wonder if she needed more herself. Asking in such a way that maybe was intended to be a play of tone. Sounding as if he was the one that needed it when in reality she was trying not to make an asking that could be seen as tactless. Urging him to speak up about that. “If you do, please let me know. I will do whatever I can to assure whatever you need is done.” He found the way her lips pulled and the beaming grin to be her way of affirming her sincerity. Leaving a fondness in chest that was still as alien as any other positive emotion. Not unpleasant, just strange.
Only to find that the second she decided to make that embrace known once more, he couldn’t reserve the flushing of modest bashfulness any further. Warming at features again with how it left him feeling even more speechless than he could typically be. Not sure there was a way to express how strange it was to be on any sort of receiving end of physical kindness but hardly hating it.
One day, he might be able to articulate the means of what she had done for him in a way that was not so awkward.
Waiting till she slipped back before indicating they could walk a bit further to look at the other topiaries that weren’t shaped into rounded triangles but potential artistic works of animals. “This way may draw us closer to the manor, if you wish.”
Wrapping both her arms around one of his in an affectionate hug, Araminta fell into an easy step with Theon, wide smiles and all. Seeing the manor didn’t much matter to her at all – a house was a house – but she was very much enjoying their casual stroll and daydreaming about the future they could build together.
Funny, as Araminta had never daydreamed about such things before. Once upon a time in a mountain castle far away, her life pretty much had a predictable course to it. Finish her studies, meet a gentleman, get married, and go manage a village. Not a bad life by any means, and yet it never sparked any sort of interest in her to think about beyond acceptance. There were so many things, dangerous things, that Araminta had to do first… but a simple life with Theon felt like such a worthwhile dream to aspire to. Of building a house, digging a pond, planting flowers… and no reason why they couldn’t take care of a village too!
“It must take a special sort of artist to shape bushes into animals,” she remarked curiously peering at a bunny shaped topiary. All of the shapes were so well done and imaginative, she couldn’t imagine how they managed to grow up an entire tree or bush and somehow know they could carve such a shape! The entire garden and the way it was maintained and manicured was a beautiful show of skill. Making Araminta wonder what she’d like to be inspired by for her own garden… would she wanted bunny bushes and bear trees? She might rather have actual bunnies and bears!
“Do you like this sort of curated garden?” she asked Theon curiously, as he did seem to like the flowers and plants. He might just have ideas of his own! “Or do you like them better natural and wild?”
There was strong agreement there. Unsure that he could even form a thought on where to begin cultivating the right cuts and trims to make the thing turn less rogue and more reformed. Making a shape that was recognizable as something else. Sure it had to take a particular talent and skill to put it together in a way that it functioned fluidly. Without looking lopsided or misshapen.
To be asked the question, he gave it some deep thought.
“Natural.” He stated after a long moment. “While pretty to see it done so artistically, I do not think it needs to be done for anything besides show.” Theon altered his thoughts a little further, “Where the hut is, a wild feel would be suitable. Rather than curated. I do not have the hand for such details.” Admittedly by no means was he some artistic gardener, “It would feel forced to make it too proper. Simple is better.” He considered her no sooner then, “Unless you wish for otherwise.”
She shook her head with that soft smile of hers. “I think you could make beautiful art with practice and time. …but I do agree! I’d like our garden to be free and wild.”
“A wild garden has it’s advantages…” came a voice from behind them. Once they turned, there stood a woman there in a dress up to her chin so perfectly stark white it was almost blinding in the sun. With an equally white lace parasol resting on her shoulder. Golden honey hair was piled into a tidy little perfect bun atop her head, decorated with the tiniest of little hats with a long plume of a bird’s feather.
She was stunningly beautiful, so much so that even Araminta was a little taken aback when she smiled. Yet something in those ice blue eyes of hers didn’t match the warmth she portrayed. Haunting might’ve been the right word.
“You are the Imperial Prince. I recognize you from Her Majesty’s royal court…” she explained easily, looking Theon up and down with those cool eyes before her gazed turned to Araminta. A long examination that wasn’t rude by any means, but did cause Araminta to shift uncomfortably. “…and you are not of the twelve kingdoms at all. How curious.”
Lightly he may have wanted to suggest otherwise that he doubted there was any ability even to move a pencil around to create some magical pieces of rendering art, let alone manicuring trees into things. But he wasn’t sure how to phrase it in such a way that it would be worth saying at all. Grateful instead that Araminta seemed to agree that wild and free was far better anyways. With the hut in the middle of the birch like forest, he didn’t think it made sense to have styled arrangement of great foliage made to look fancy when it hardly fit the scene.
About to agree readily on the means of a wild garden with its advantages, save he realized a second too late that it wasn’t Araminta that had said it. Bidding him to turn and take in the sight of polished glimmering woman of white and gold that made herself evidently clear that she was likely the lady of the manor. Lady Thebe. Looking the part of proper noble all the way down to what he had to guess was the falses of practiced polite grins. Although he was surprised a little she wore white outside –having heard plenty of times the young women complaining about how it could be tarnished by any rogue element. However, she clearly was meant to be striking by comparison to the rich colours all around herself.
He might have gone into the cordial mode if it weren’t for the fact that in a manner of seconds, she pegged him down as Prince Theon. Pulling the rings of silver upright to incline his head with gentle acknowledgement. Always finding it awkward when anyone spoke to him in general, but doubly so when it came to the fact that someone knew him as blood of the Imperial Queen. People spoke freely when they didn’t know he was someone of lesser value –though they made it clear he and his parentage were less than fantastic- it was almost worse when someone knew of him. Because it could be sickly sweet lies of not so truthful intent, or they tried to butter him up. Granted the last one never worked, his own mother didn’t have much use for him after all.
The coolness of gaze was felt but it shifted away to make its passage over Araminta. Noting that she was not part of the twelve kingdoms of course. A boon for Araminta.
What nagged then was how she knew him from the court. It was unclear still if she was a threat or not, but he figured it might not be in their best interest to find out. “We were told of the gardens.” He started gingerly, “To see them. As we have, it would be rude of us to linger within the place when the lady herself is present. Pardon our lingering states, Madam.” He motioned lightly to Araminta that it might be their moment to squeak away.
Araminta herself was debating if this would be an issue. This was the first time someone had actually recognized Theon as the Imperial Prince, so it was a unique situation… especially when they had no idea on whether or not his mother knew that he’d abandoned his original task yet. Would she know the moment her spell failed or succeeded? Did she rely on the gossip of travelers or did she have her own informants in every town, village and city? Was the Lady Thebe one of them?
“My gardens are freely open to everyone, I wouldn’t dream of chasing you out simply because of my presence,” the lady reassured him with that honeyed smile, before during directly to Araminta. “As we have not met, I am Lady Berenise Thebe. You are?”
“Araminta,” she answered easily, giving a genuine smile of her own. “Everyone in Essurn thinks so highly of your gardens, they definitely didn’t disappoint.”
“Thank you,” came the lady’s demure, pleased reply. But now that Araminta was introduced, her attention zeroed in solely on Theon. “It’s such auspicious timing that you’ve come to pay a visit to my humble gardens, just when I’ve recently acquired an incredibly unique species. I would be remiss as a host if you were to leave without taking a look. Truly, it’s a sight that’s not to be missed.”
Nobles were nobles. Just when it came to those that interacted with the Imperial kingdom, he learnt swiftly that they were hostile beings. False to the very milk teeth in their own heads with how they grinned. They all wanted something, somehow. Someway.
Some acted as if they genuinely cared, trying to rub elbows in efforts that seemed authentic when in actuality, it was the furthest thing from the truth.
Other’s were openly hostile. Barking and snapping with shaming discord that tried to rattle the cage in hopes that if they continued, others would bend.
And the rest were just indifferent shady souls. The ones that didn’t have any morals to whom they attacked or why. If they couldn’t harm the queen, then they’d harm those around her. Servants or children.
Not that any of it mattered and currently as he watched the woman of a dazzling appearance, he felt as if she was one of these categorizes. Although now to think this was the woman that was rumoured to have been hanging by her own neck in the trees, he might feel the knowledge that they were on brittle ice. He didn’t know many associates of his mother for obvious reasons, but this woman could very well be one of them. With her own abilities that were well… more than a mortal mind could comprehend.
She spoke about the garden’s being open and he promptly dipped his head. “We would be negligent to overstay even upon the freedom of your gracious allowance, Lady Thebe.” Funny, he surely wasn’t the one that might have been believed to be a prince when he bowed to those who weren’t of royal blood.
Feeling a uncomfortable shift in his chest before Araminta was speaking up about her name in reply to the means of introduction and of course being the cheerful delight she always was. A radiant little sunbeam that might even dull the Lady’s appearance by comparison. Mentioning the radiance of the gardens while praising easily how beautiful they were.
He wasn’t sure if Araminta was playing the game that nobles liked to play or if she was actually genuine in her reply. Only that he found the coolness of the woman’s eyes upon him once more and he found himself naturally looking away. To the ground in particular. “I’m afraid we’d likely be the wrong audience to appreciate such a rarity in that case, Lady Thebe.” He debated a moment searching for the way of passive deference to avoid this situation without upsetting the woman. If there was one thing he was good at, it was being submissive to those around him. “Your charitable consideration is already more than we could afford. It would be a wasted effort to show us something that we would not consider properly. Much akin of swines before pearls.” He attempted making a glance towards Araminta, “There are many things Araminta still wishes to see and I would not be a suitable companion if I ignored what she had her heart set upon.”
He couldn’t tell if he didn’t feel comfortable about Lady Thebe, because she might be an ally to his mother. Or if it was just his own discomfort at all.
“Unacceptable. You came all of this way, there is no sense in you wasting your time with the rest of the city. To not see the full view of my garden would be an insult,” laughed the Lady Thebe, waving off his words with a wave of her hand.
Araminta was going to remain quiet and let Theon handle it. This woman knew him as the Imperial Prince, it was the right and proper thing to allow him to do the speaking, for him to decide whether or not they would stay or go. That was his right and role, and even if Araminta was a princess herself, this was his lands, his people. Yet he could not look this woman direct in the eye, and Araminta might’ve ignored that in understanding he was uncomfortable with his position…
…but he couldn’t look Araminta in the eyes. That changed everything.
“We do have a full day planned,” agreed Araminta with a straightening of her back and the gentle hooking of her arm with Theon’s. “I’ve truly never seen a garden as lovely as this, and I do wish we had the time. So thank you for allowing us the chance to visit even a portion of your gardens. I hope you have a lovely rest of your day, Lady Thebe.”
“A foreign girl should not be speaking for the Imperial Prince, or at all as far as I am concerned,” snipped back Lady Thebe. “He will speak to me directly or not at all.”
“A foreign princess will speak as she pleases, especially when you are being rude to not just his guest, but that very Imperial Prince who has graciously complimented your beautiful garden and gave you a most polite and respectful decline. We cannot stay.”
Araminta knew this game all too well and she refused to participate, speaking calmly but frankly. The woman wanted Theon’s attention, but didn’t respect him in the slightest or she wouldn’t have brushed off his words as if they meant nothing! There was no way she was about to let this Lady start bullying Theon back to silence with her court etiquette.
“From what I have heard, you are a princess without a kingdom. I did not think the rumors were true, but it seems our Prince has indeed fallen into the muck with the worms.” That veneer of warmth to her appearance and the way she smile not at all matching the ice in her tone or her piercing blue stare.
“Theon is my very dear friend while you’re apparently nothing but a disingenuous goose,” declared Araminta, giving the Lady Berenise Thebe a smirking sort of smile that suggested she meant something much worse than goose, but was too polite to say it out loud. Much to the shock and immediate insult of Lady Thebe, Araminta didn’t even bother to say goodbye or excuse them, she just gently led Theon away.
“I demand that you stay!!” shouted the other woman, having dropped her parasol and stomped a foot along with it. “I spent a fortune for that flower! You both HAVE to come see it!”
“No, thank you!” announced the princess cheerfully over her shoulder. Certainly not about to stop and change her mind now, that demand sounded so terribly suspicious!
This was all familiar. The tone. The sensation rising in his gut. The expectation that came from what he was supposed to do. Behaviours that shouldn’t have applied to the so called imperial prince and yet, it all did. Although he was trying his hardest to think of a way to decline going anywhere with this woman –safety and comfort demanding such departure- it was apparent that she had far too close of similarities to that of the queen herself. So she must have been an ally then. To shoo away his means of bidding her adieu in his best way possible.
Bundling up a greater sense of internal defeat and nearly ready to just give into the demand of likely a trap. At least the previous one had been unknown with Araminta fishing out that doll, but no less damaging. Just he wondered if there was a way he could get Araminta to escape while he suffered the brunt of whatever this was that Lady Thebe was planning. At least she ought to flee to safety! That was the least he could do for the remarkable woman.
Who knew even a beautiful garden could be so deadly in unknown ways.
In a manner of seconds the familiar sensation of light arms hooked softly about one of his. Settling close and declaring in her sweetened way that they truly had no time to linger when there was many other things in Essurn to look at. Commenting on the garden once more till it was apparently Lady Thebe was either very unfamiliar with the word no, or it was a trigger for her. Much akin to a child that needed more swats on their backside to curb their entitled behaviour.
Shortly speaking curtly while maintaining her outwards appearance in practiced decorum. Peeking shyly towards that of Araminta deciding that she had personally enough of this verbal sparring fest to point out that while Lady Thebe was being rather rude as a host, she was not about to allow it to continue. Mentally leaving him in such a new awe and respect for Araminta once more. The girl proved continually that she was much like a polished glittering diamond. Every face was new and bright but awe inspiring. She was truly magnificent in every aspect, leaving him to make that large mental question mark just why she put up with him at all.
His gaze surprisingly sharpened somewhat at the unkempt comment of him being in the muck with worms. Tilting some to glance the knife bright rings across Lady Thebe, though he wished his tongue could have found that same slicing motion to say something. Although he couldn’t even dream of being verbally sharp to anyone, really.
Even if Araminta proved she needed no assistance but cleverly stating that the lady herself was on the same level as those geese that the princess had found so frustrating prior. However, he doubted she would like to stuff Lady Thebe into a backpack to carry around.
In a manner of seconds, the woman lost her composure. Turning from outwardly beautiful woman to ill tempered brat. Dropping her parasol in such a way, he almost expected her to do the same. To drop to the ground and start thrashing. Kicking her heels. Banging her fists on the ground, screaming unceremoniously. Though she expressed that they had to see a flower, he could only guess further that it was a type of ornamental flower that may express gas like glands that would likely harm or kill them both.
They needed to get away, swiftly.
Even if Lady Thebe was simply an avid follower of his mother and was trying to lure them into a trap for another to approach, this was of no use lingering out of politeness. Or whatever you wanted to call it.
Still, to think this happened. The proving point too that he really had no power whatsoever, only became clear and a stark reminder once more. Avoiding glimpsing too much at Araminta as she called back so politely that they were declining such a thing. Sure his lips were already trying to move to express his deepest apologies towards Araminta but had not formed the strength to give her that quite yet. Instead, “You should run.” He mumbled softly, “I do not believe she would be alone.”
“It isn’t me she is interested in, Theon,” Araminta breathed out quickly, stilling holding gently to his arm to lead him back through the gardens. Verdant eyes scanning the area already as those wheels in her head were assessing their present situation, with that same quick pondering she tended to use while attempting the trials.
There were no guards or even other lingering guests anywhere within line of sight. A gardener, and a strolling couple off in the distance, but they were clearly wrapped up in their own day and were unaware of other guests in the gardens. Araminta doubted this was a planned ambush, for surely if it were, the Lady Thebe would’ve been prepared in all aspects to take on the Imperial Prince and his dangerous reputation. That meant the woman was having a stroll of her own, recognized Theon and decided to jump on an opportunity at a whim.
When the Lady Thebe came running around the bend, having taken some short cut through her garden and now with her perfectly quaffed hair slightly askew, it confirmed Araminta’s suspicions. The princess made sure to keep herself in front of Theon, in case this crazy lady had something besides a killer garden up her pristine white sleeves.
“I have not given you permission to leave!” she shouted, slightly out of breath and balling her hands into tight fists at his side.
“We’re not staying so you might make a play at being an assassin, Lady Thebe,” stated Araminta with a surprising amount of calm for the situation at hand. Not that her heart wasn’t beating a mile a minute, but she wasn’t about to let this women think she had any sort of fearful presence.
Lady Thebe nearly sputtered, going crimson red in the face. “Why you frank little savage! I’ll have you locked in a cold, damp cell and beaten within an inch of your life for speaking to me in such a manner!”
“I’ve survived demons, four of the trials, and the Imperial Prince himself so far, Lady Thebe. And I see no guards here in your gardens to aid you. Do you really wish to roll up your sleeves and tussle with me? I’ll be happy to oblige.” Araminta even started the motion of rolling up her own sleeves.
If the woman’s face got any redder Araminta thought she might explode into pieces! The princess’ bluff did seem to have the lady pausing to think, though, leading Araminta to feel confident that the Lady on her own wouldn’t be a threat for Theon. She was irrational and erratic and clearly hadn’t thought about the consequences of making a move against someone of royal blood and potentially failing. Honestly, what was she thinking she’d do! Knock him out in the garden and try to drag his body to the manor? Get him eaten alive by a plant? Theon wasn’t a stupid man, he would’ve eluded such things.
In that silent stand off the Lady Thebe might have finally worked these thoughts out herself, glaring at Araminta as if it was the princess’ fault for ruining these plans and not the fact it was her own foolish choices. The woman took a deep breath and smoothed her hands over her tightly coiled golden hair to straighten it up, before making a similar motion over the snow white skirt of her dress.
“You are lucky that I am not a violent woman,” commented the lady with an offended scoff. “Go away, then. He could have died here peacefully within the grace of my gardens, but you have cursed him to be hunted to the ends of the earth by those far nastier than I.”
“Has the Queen sent out a bounty for him?” asked Araminta, still wary enough not to accept the woman’s surrender just yet.
The Lady Thebe laughed- a cold a heartless sound that nearly made Araminta shiver.
“Her majesty has expressed nothing but admiration for the Imperial Prince. She sings his praises to everyone at court, that her beloved son has joined the trial to support the refugee from another kingdom. Has sent word to all of the twelve kingdoms exactly where her son should be and whom he shall be with.”
That… wasn’t the answer Araminta was expecting. At first she thought it might be a lie, but…. the Imperial Queen found her reputation and appearance to be more important than anything. It was likely she intended to spin Theon’s betrayal as something she supported, while letting her insidious minions read between the lines. Now there was no doubt that there would be additional dangers at every trial they reached!
The slight tilt of attention drooped to the dark haired maid hooked upon that of arm. Telling him the obviousness this time. That the lady wasn’t interested in her, but him. Something he registered already and had every intention of wanting to spare Araminta any sort of kerfuffle that was liable to go down now. Wishing that Essurn would have simply been a nice break for her to tuck away into memories, rather than having to deal with crazed rich manor owners that wanted him to be probably new fertilizer for that of the garden. Although he couldn’t say that was the way he would have liked to go, at least it was a nicer prospect than other thoughts he had over his nearly three decades of life.
Just the way she looked moments after telling him the facts here, comely features had that thoughtful analytical twist once more. Thinking over all of this to decipher a plan that was likely going to be not what one would typically expect.
His own gaze shuffled away eventually in scouting the surrounding area. Noting potential hiding spots, exits for quick retreats and the singular large building that was the manor itself. Never mind the people, that was likely the lesser of thoughts for civilians. Although he wasn’t sure what sort of plot of thought was between Araminta or within Lady Thebe’s mind, it would seem the latter wasn’t quick finished with them. Looking the part of unraveling crazed bat when she came popping out from a different path of the garden. Losing that pristine composure that made her brilliantly hard to look at and hard to look away from. Turning a sour note in his belly that grew quickly as Araminta put herself to act like a shield before him.
There was a lot to unpack in that very action that he wasn’t sure would be refused to be tackled even here and now. However, he had to pay heed to the fact that the Lady was standing before them, shrieking about how she had not given her voice to allow permission to leave. Sure, he was hardly what one would call an imperial prince, but he did know that as the title suggested, he didn’t need her permission. Company included. Sadly, as expressed many times before he was not one to invoke such things. Rather staying hushed and tepid as swiftly Araminta proved to be the one that would take nothing on the shoulder without giving back. Not impolitely mind you seeing as her voice was level and in control. It was something to truly envy in spades. Mentally playing it back to sink itself into that of skull to where the suggestion of assassination and the idea of throwing some fisticuffs here and now was just enough to spark Lady Thebe’s heated belligerence to turn frozen thought.
Apparently the lady wasn’t willing to get herself all mussed up by clearly a scrappy princess that had no issue dealing with harpies, hags, ghouls and whatever else have you. Between the two of them, the Lady of the Manor was outmatched in both verbal wits and physical strength. Deciding that she would much rather straighten her disheveled state. Adding on that she was not a violent women.
Maybe not violent but surely deranged.
It took a great bit of effort not to visually wilt at the ugly reality of both being slaughtered in a sense of peace and the fact that his presence now officially put Araminta in such dire straits. Of course, she was already in such a thing prior to his meddling when it came to the trials. Someone else would have been assigned and her head taken as a prize to the imperial queen.
Yet Araminta asked if there was a reward for his own skull. Which apparently had some cruel mockery of a chuckle to be given, leaving one’s spine feel uncomfortable within flesh. Raising his own gaze to watch the woman’s lips move as the reveal that his… the imperial queen was instead weaving it around that he had gone to aid the fallen princess. Making it sound noble to those who would not think twice about it –fluffing her own appearance before eyes of many- while the unspoken threat to those more perceptive would have known that she was bidding for his demise alongside Araminta’s.
It was devious and clever and meant so much more trouble in the future.
As if the trails wouldn’t be difficult enough, now there was this.
Teeth pulled at the thin skin of inner lip. Tilting somewhat to consider the strongwilled royal beside him and knew he was going to have to do something drastic to spare her. It was no longer a mild thought that fluttered around like a rogue bird but rather turned into a woodpecker on the side of his skull. Thundering away now to know that if he wanted to do something even half decent, then he needed to try and spare Araminta from any of this. Well… anything that was more than she had already signed up for.
Funny how it could be so vital to him now that the one singular person that gave half a damn about him, became so important that it would invite him to do anything and everything possible –perhaps everything impossible too- to ensure she was not struck down or settled with additional burdens. He’d just have to find a way to make it happen and he unfortunately, was already well on the idea of how to start it.
“Thank you Lady Thebe.” He gave no less even if the woman hardly deserved such statements. But her information at least meant Araminta wouldn’t be blindsided. Even adding on a polite bow to his head to the crazed humanoid beast before vaguely glancing at the princess. It would seem that gardens were just as terribly dangerous as bogs!
The Lady Thebe seemed a bit thrown off by Theon’s statement, perhaps expecting something in the way of sharp words and threats, or even just a simple goodbye. Confirming to Araminta that no one of the Queen’s court truly knew anything about Theon at all. She’d known he was silent and quiet, used to standing by and being the ghost. But what an awful life to lead where apparently not a single soul had ever tried to actually interact with and get to know him. As if all of the twelve kingdoms had just collectively decided that Theon wasn’t worth the attempt – that he was either too dangerous to approach or simply no one of value at all.
It made her furious. No one had to respect a cruel regime and an evil empire, but at the very least they could respect Theon as person!
“When you inevitably write the Queen, please send her my gratitude. Tell her had I the chance to meet Theon and he himself offered me a proposal, I would’ve accepted. Tell her I look forward to seeing her again when it is time for the final trial.”
There were more things Araminta wanted to say to and about the Imperial Queen, but wisely kept them to herself. This was likely twisting Theon up inside enough to know the lengths of manipulation his mother would go to, and knowing now too that their journey was going to be ever more difficult. Just when she was finally getting him to relax enough to decompress and find some peace!
Lady Thebe seemed completely perplexed by this request but nodding in that stiff, haughty way. No doubt trying to think of how she could best spin this meeting in her own favor. Araminta didn’t much care as long as she left them alone! Watching the Lady give them a final scathing stare before she stalked away like a woman on a mission.
Then Araminta finally let out a breath. …not lingering though! With a gentle motion she reclaimed her place beside Theon to grasp his hand and escort him away from these beautiful dangerous gardens as quickly as she could. Waiting until they were well away from the manner and stepping out onto the road back down the winding hill before she spoke again.
“I’m sorry, Theon. That I’ve made so much trouble for you.”
There was a strong doubt that Lady Thebe would address any response to the imperial queen as Araminta requested. Likely to make it sound far more foreboding or threatening in ways that assured that she was a victim instead of a heckler. Although he wondered what use it would be for the looming crow of a dangerous queen to know about any sort of offering of agreement anyways. She likely already knew due to her doll trick not working the way she had wanted. After all, he knew the woman that had bore him was a talented mage. Which was merely scratching the surface, there was plenty of tricks and schemes she had that he would have never been able to even vaguely guess at. Whatever she knew right now… was probably more than Lady Thebe.
He couldn’t say that his mother had any sort of strong confidant that she would rely her plans too. At least none that could speak. Or write. Or whatever other way of communicating.
What he could fathom was Araminta was issuing a sort of threatening invite that would irk the imperial queen. Which he wasn’t sure that was a good idea either. Left to be felt in his skull instead of spoken. Doubtful that the steadfast princess would even care to have such an obvious thing pointed out anyways. Instead he focused to watching from the corner of eye which way the white dressed woman went. Finding her scathing stare just familiar enough that it proved not to bother him. Although who was to say that she didn’t have a new plan coming to mind now that she knew they were both within Essurn.
That surely meant they would have to be very cautious about the inn they stayed at. Actually, it might be wise for them to leave. To avoid others being harmed around them. Although he wasn’t sure how to articulate that in which it didn’t sound like they were running away. Such things would require a dedicated thought process to try and make it as seamless as possible with as many contingency plans too.
A small portion of him was saddened that the garden experience had been tainted by the appearance and threats of the lady. Wondering slightly if the rumour they were told was meant to be enticing to those who would want to come explore. Souls like them. Luring them for the attempt to strike. He just hoped no one else was to be led to the slaughter.
With a plenty refreshed and noisy mind well on its tracks of well… a tempest of thoughts, his name was what tugged him from it. Not her unnecessary apology. As it was hardly needed. “It is not you.” That had to be stated quickly to avoid Araminta feeling like she ought to be a pack mule carrying the heft of guilt that was not hers to carry. “You do not need to apologize for what was not by your hand or your expectation.” It was folly overall to think that he was able to even momentarily escape the former life that was bound to his neck like a wrought iron collar. What he could do was appreciate the short allowance that had given a temporary breath.
“This… is normal.” He stated then. Being selective with what he said as to avoid accidentally statements that put further weight on her. While keeping his own private. “The trails should be your first focus as per original plan. The rest… will be handled in time.”
Theon nodded feeling secure in his limited reply. Instead indicating with a lift of palm that he was ready to follow after her once more. Now with a new objecting in thoughts that required people watching and perhaps an internal hope that he might be able to convince someone of what he was putting together to spare Araminta any further chaos.
“But it isn’t normal, Theon, it’s absolute madness,” she responded with and exasperated sigh. Clutching his hand to her chest even as she walked, as it was the closest she could get to hugging him while they needed to walk away. Araminta doubt the Lady Thebe would try her luck with some other attempt – the woman was a self preserving opportunist – but it wasn’t good to linger just in case.
“Such an alliance of kingdoms should be making everyone better – stronger. Instead it is a web of menacing and malice, with the boldness of not bothering with back stabbing but to actually threaten murder direct to one’s face! You would be King one day, and they talk to you like a fly that fell into their morning tea. As if the cruelty of your mother isn’t enough, she twists and bends words to undermine who you are and what you could be. Letting you be the target of all the twelve kingdoms and their pent up hatred of her rule! That isn’t fair to you, Theon, you don’t deserve any of this!”
Araminta had quite a bit more to say about the subject, as it wasn’t even the tip of the iceberg of her quiet fury. Once again finding herself in that dark frustrating place of wanting to fix it, yet knowing that there was so little she could do. Araminta held no power in the twelve kingdoms. She could wrestle in the grass with some pompous noble woman, but she couldn’t do that with every clout-chasing assassin that case their way. Even when she made it through the trials and faced the queen again, Araminta had little sway. Bloody Heirra could have her squished into nothing with a flick of her hand. Magic, or guards, or anything!
The best Araminta could do would be to protect him from whatever came their way. Then, when the trials were over, take him as far away from the twelve kingdoms as they could get. Back to her home if she were lucky, and if not, then somewhere else where no one would ever treat him like a ghost ever again.
“She is lucky I do not know where the geese of Essurn like to roost. I’d gather a gaggle of them and let them all loose in her manor.”
It was normal. At least to him. Though he could see it from an outside source or rather her perspective that it was all absolutely ludicrous. One could envy all the more the gentle home raising she had by comparison. Truly making him wonder just what her kingdom had been like from politics, to business, to people. Guessing by no hard feat that the work was hard but it all sounded far more rewarding than what this concord of twelve kingdoms was. However, he wasn’t about to go griping about any of it.
If he did, he’d likely have a complaint list a mile long about how it didn’t sit with him that she was being shown the common day cruelties that were ever so normalize. Rather he decided that while they walked –with a hand captured- he would do well to listen.
Never mind the fact that he highly doubted he would have ever been king. Somewhere in the back of his skull he already surmised his mother would have had him slain before that day could ever approach. To develop some eternal potion that kept her alive and well forever, long before he would have even had a butt cheek near the throne! Saying any of that was likely only to frustrate Araminta one way or another. Better to store that ugly reality away while she expressed her thoughts as openly as she could.
Shoulders shrugged eventually at the idea that this wasn’t fair to him. He’d given up the means of being treated fair years ago. If he hadn’t, he was sure he would have driven himself into pure primal madness. “Nor do you.” Was the decided reply to indicate that he was no fan of this treatment she had unfortunately found herself within. If there had been a better way for the young woman to help her country, he would have given her the answer. Alas, he had no idea how one fixed such a place nor even where to look. That went around the Twelve Kingdom and the imperial queen.
Didn’t mean it didn’t exist, it was just on par for finding a unicorn. Rather incredibly rare.
Of course she was soon mentioning rogue feathered fiends in way that he realized she was attempting to be humorous. “Not even the fowl deserve such.” He tried his best but found it super lackluster. “Where… do you wish to go now…” Wanting to push away this topic like a bunch of spoiled eggs, it had no reason to linger in her mind. Essurn still had much to offer and the ocean plenty present for viewing. He had damn well hope that he could turn this around for her some way or another before he exacted his own plan.
“Geese deserve it a little,” she murmured darkly, but with his question of what she wish to do now, Araminta had to force herself to lay her ire to rest. Her angry ranting wasn’t going to help him, and there was no sense wallowing in frustration over something she had no control over. The princess knew deep down in her heart things could be better than this. Things could change. As long as she kept making the steps forward, and choosing what was right in the moment, eventually they could make progress and be in a better place.
After all, they’d come this far already. And now that he was no longer averting those moonlight silver eyes away from her, she let out a slow releasing breath and found her reason to smile.
“Lets go to the sea,” she suggested with that soft sigh and sincere smile. “We’ll get a rod along the way and find a lovely place to spend the rest of the afternoon by the water?”
He was going to tuck that away in his mind forever that she officially had a loathing on for geese. Surprised that one animal that likely could be snuggled if it was given enough affection and trust had earned her ire so terribly. Granted, that pack of geese was full, loud and honestly she likely went through hell and back to shove them all in there. Which maybe was a hint to Araminta’s ability to seemingly do practically anything at this rate. Leaving him mentally bewildered when he arranged all the feats she had done thus far.
She was truly starting to make him feel like he ought to be worshiping her like an idol, for he wasn’t sure she was afraid of anything at all! No affected by much of anything either, if he was going to be blunt about it. Little tirades of irritation but hardly anything that he would have stated she was fazed by.
Even the things he might say she was bothered by, didn’t even make it into being mentioned. Case and point, how long she left her leg unspoken about.
In a manner of a few minutes, it appeared as though her frustration had been contained down into nonexistence. Proving to be a grinning uplifting ray of sunshine that he had to pause at. Finding it so impressive, if not saintly how she could do that.
In turn she had an idea of what she wanted to do further. Which was return to the ocean side, after they collected a rod for her to fish with. Which seemed to prompt him, “Parasol.” One word that needed some details, “The sun… is hot with the water reflecting back. Should… have some mobile shade for yourself. As well.”
“A parasol would be lovely too,” she agreed with a nod.
Somehow that was the thing that nearly shattered her composure. Araminta couldn’t know the thoughts that were in his head, that he thought she was a well of fathomless strength. All she knew was that he carried the weight of the entire twelve kingdoms on his shoulders and somehow still thought about such a small simple comfort for her. How could he still have that strength inside, knowing the entire known world was trying to get him. To still be so gently kind when some vicious woman had made a vain attempt to end him.
This was an incredibly inconvenient place to start crying, and trying to swallow the lump down her throat only made it take roost in her chest and made it harder to breath.
“…can you carry me back down the hill?” she asked softly, fully for selfish reasons. Araminta could walk down fine on her own, but she very much wanted to hold on to him for a little bit in a way that wasn’t going to make him feel awkward.
Grateful she seemed to open up to the idea of a parasol to avoid her from being out in the sun so long that she might feel ill –not sure he had anything in his belt of tricks that would settle whatever sort of discomfort she had in such a case-, a easy reflecting nod was given back. If they could find a rod, they easily could find a parasol. Plus it would have other uses that did well for whatever else Araminta came across in the future.
Good thing he was bad at recognizing her own emotions. Otherwise his whole belief system that was more admiring Araminta on a near pedestal might come crumbling down!
Instead she asked if she could have the assistance to go back down the hill. “Yes.” If it alleviated the pain in her leg for a while, then he was certainly not about to find fault in her request. Rather moving around to kneel down so she could hop up once more at her leisure. Assuring she was well balanced on that of his back to start the migrating down the hillside without either of them making a sudden unceremonious rolling down! Taking it slow and steady all the way down to the very bottom before making a few paces extra before indicating he could put her down. Stealing a glance to the hilltop manor as if expecting the lady to be leering over or something.
“May find the means of a rod for you along the ocean side shops.” He decided to offer as if Araminta wouldn’t have figured that out, more so looking to kill the silence. Maybe one of the few times he found it uncomfortable.
It took a great deal of willpower to keep her arms around his neck loose and not a tight, desperate squeeze. Resting her chin on his shoulder at first before spending the majority of the way down with her face buried at his neck. With her unusual silence, it might’ve seemed she’d fallen asleep like that, but she shifted immediately back to resting chin on shoulder when he spoke.
Finding herself reluctant to hop down, but unable to think of any good excuses to allow this piggyback to continue.
“And ocean bait too. I doubt sea fish are much interested in worms,” she responded softly, finally forcing herself to loosen her grip and hop down to solid ground once again.
A new empty feeling was creeping up, something strange and Araminta didn’t really understand where it was coming from. If it were simply sorrow, she’d recognize it in a second. Having more than a lifetime’s share of it already that liked to bubble up at in opportune moments. This feeling wasn’t particularly sad, which was what confused her so. As she was quite glad to be right where she was with Theon, and on their way to something she was excited to do.
At least when she took his hand again to resume their walking it eased it a little bit.
“I’d like to find some pretty seashells too. A memory to take back to our cabin in progress.”
Humming to express he agreed with her insight that it was probably very unlikely that the fish that call the salty waves their home would be remotely interested in that of a wriggly worm. Although he couldn’t say what one used to bait ocean fish. Maybe other fish? Suppose that was what the little stores were for, to ask just what it was that would bid a hungry beast to come in and scoop its mouth about a hooked end.
So long as no dolls were pulled out. Or a old boot.
Momentarily he was shortly taken by grasp once more. No longer becoming a thing of mental curiosity but rather expectation that she would reach out and hold firm. Making the digits on palm tingle with silent appreciation. Knowing damn well that anything Araminta did towards him, was highly unnecessary. Just she took the time and care to do it regardless. Lending little bits of personal kindness that would be like precious diamonds by comparison.
“Seashells?” Asking with that note of uncertainty, “For… a memory to keep?” He was mostly voicing it outloud rather than internalizing his own befuddlement with collecting something out of the wet sand to hold on too. If there was any and what purpose it really served in the long run. Granted, that may be just a him thing seeing how he wasn’t materialistic even remotely. Former case and point of living with absolute as little as possible. “If… you find one, I have a small pouch here,” Indicating at his waist, “That it can be kept safe in. Till you want it once more. If that is suitable?”
“I imagine it would be safe with you, yes,” she responded, that soft smile of hers broadening a little brighter when she finally glanced up at him. “Such things are mementos. Years from now when we look at it, we’ll remember about our first trip to Essurn. We’ll have to find one that’s extra pretty.”
Araminta herself did not care so much about material things, in at least she wasn’t the sort that wanted more, more, more of stuff to own ad surround herself with. What she did like was being comfortable and cozy, surrounded by sentimental things that she had fond memories of or reminded her something she loved very much.
Especially now that she was a princess of nothing. …or… perhaps not nothing anymore! Now seeming to have a growing collection of special items and precious things, that might even grow larger with every place they visited together. Araminta quite liked the thought of that.
Once more the odd look was there. Considering her words with due care to try and make it all make sense. Just it wasn’t entirely landing when it came to having something to look back on in the physical sort. Perhaps because he didn’t really have anything to look back on that would be considered good. Leaving most of this that sort of unspoken question mark that required practice over theory.
“I will… leave such a thing to you to find. Especially one that is as you said, extra pretty.” Surely someone who was the very word itself would recognize something in the same to be of the same value. Even if that was not entirely likely to happen seeing as the shell was inanimate and Araminta was anything but!
With a slight tip of attention so he could decide which way would be the most suitable cardinal direction to begin their walk towards the ocean side, he had to steal a look over his shoulder. Back at the upper portion of the garden with a internal bitterness. What a waste of a beautiful place from a miserable person.
“If here is the place you’ve seen the ocean, did you collect other things then to make mementos from your kingdom?” it momentarily caught when so easily she offered that grin that had such a special meaning he couldn’t even fathom its purpose. Making his chest constrict in a way that wasn’t unpleasant but hardly able to find the right word to describe it either.
“Hmm,” The soft sound wasn’t much of an answer. Twisting her mouth to the side in a thoughtful frown as she considered the question a little deeper. There were a few ways she could’ve answered. First, she never travelled much in her own kingdom. One might’ve considered her as the child that failed to ‘launch’. Araminta was long away from her studies and if she’d followed tradition, she would’ve already been married with a few children living in a little village and rarely venturing out into the greater kingdom. Now that she thought about it, she didn’t think she’d ever collected mementos from the few villages she’d seen. She’d been so busy talking or playing music that she’d never thought to bring something home with her!
The few sentimental items she did have were often just simple gifts people had given her. Even things from villagers that would come to the castle for business or for special events and festivals. Maybe she did have mementos from villages after all!
…or at least she had.
Araminta certainly didn’t leave the mountains with any of it. The clothes she’d been wearing and the items that’d been in her pocket were it. The money and jewelry and everything else of any value had been sold away just so she could make it to the Imperial City. Everything except–
“My signet ring,” she finally said, glancing back up at Theon. “The one those scoundrels tried to steal from me. That is the only thing I have now from my home. My father gave it to me when I turned fifteen, saying he’d made mine special with a little crescent moon under the family seal because I’d used to tell him that’s when the moon was smiling. It’s… it’s my most precious treasure.”
It seemed she was mulling over the various things that may have been collected; from his point of view. Walking alongside while mouth pulled into a twisted pucker with due thought. Wondering silently beside just how many things had been gathered in her years that were considered wholly memento based. Almost privately guessing she had so many that they could have filled a grand treasury room. Priceless items that held various memories and joys and things that went so far above his head it might as well been considered astrological.
Little did he know the truth of it.
Eventually she came to a decision that was the mention of the signet ring he recalled those thieves had attempted to take from her. Where the sentiment of it was two-fold important. Not only was it her father’s gift to her with a precious suggestion of love and affection –what the hell was that from a parent?- and the last thing she had currently from her homeland that hadn’t been the mere cloth on her back.
Still, he wasn’t sure what one said to the most precious treasure part. Searching his mind for something but found nothing strong enough to claim anything of strong importance. So– “It suits you.” Was all that could come from that.
Araminta could guess that Theon himself didn’t have any precious things. Especially now knowing that the empty hut was genuinely the only place he felt comfortable enough to call home – if he even considered it a home at all. The only things he seemed to own were what he carried on him. His armor, his weapons, his tools, a change of clothes. She briefly wondered if he even still had the embroidered handkerchief she’d given him to replace the one she’d ruined. Unsure if such things even mattered to him, or if it was only that he’d never had a chance before for them to matter.
Giving his hand a tight squeezed and then a hug to his arm, she pressed her forehead to his arm in that affectionate soft hug of hers. At least now Araminta could fill his life with those little things. His world could be more than an empty shack of wood and stone. Warm and full life and details and depth. Music, art, gardens and whatever else she could find to make his life richer!
She didn’t have much else to say from there, odd feelings still lingering in the back of her mind, but as always finding herself perfectly comfortable walking in silence back to the town towards the wharf district. Finding herself perking up again once they were along the boardwalk and she could hear the ocean waves, smell the fishy salted air and peep the waters between all of the docked ships.
There was a new awareness within her too – keeping an eye on the people in a way she usually never felt the need to when with Theon. Now that she knew the Imperial Queen was making it well known Theon was out and about, that meant he was at risk anywhere he went. While she doubted any nobles were going to come searching for him (being creatures of opportunity after all), that didn’t mean mercenaries couldn’t be on the hunt. Once their trip was over, Araminta would be very careful about the routes they traveled and what villages they stopped in.
It took truly little time at all to find the variety of shops that were intending to cater in ways of ocean activities. Or were meant to be for those who were the sailing sorts. Aligning the planks of wharf that made up the port section of the city. With rows of various standing vessels. People were far more abundant than they were the day prior –likely because the day itself was drooping into evening- and the people were sorted by uniform colours. Aligning them to be assigned to particular ships that may have been holding the same hues upon their currently lowered sails. With hollering voices calling at another to hasten or something else that was far less polite; he spent a good majority eyeing people in particular.
Less so in the case of checking to see whether they might be concealing something that was intended to harm that of Araminta or himself, but rather, he was looking for those who might be willing to be influenced.
Likely with some sort of monetary value. Hardly this first time making a bribe to get something in the way of completing a task he felt was necessary to accomplish a larger picture. Thus far, no one was exactly fitting his idea, leaving him to turn and eventually start acknowledging that of fishing shops. Indicating lightly to Araminta when one in question caught his eye with the standing arrangement of fishing rods in the front of the venue. Intending to be the reason why people came in, most likely.
Urging him to suggest this was where they could first stop though he was a little mentally bothered that there was no obvious parasols to be sold here. Not that they would be but one could have hoped.
At the open counter of the shop –that appeared to have no real front door but rather was more akin to a stall. Likely covered up with some sort of apparatus at night to discourage stealing, a large whale of a man was stationed behind said counter. Like to be most of the counter, with beady brown eyes and cheeks so rosy that it was unclear if he had never stopped drinking from the first taste or was red from the sun. But he looked cheery as one could be, a small little hat on his noggin that did little to cover anything for the means of protect.
” Now ‘ere we be!” he gave a hearty call seemingly smelling that they were looking about. “What’s a wee mermaid such as yerself doin’ on shore, lass? Surely luring fella’s to the depths with a wink, aye?” Evidently he was teasing, making fluttery small talk that was more or less, harmless.
By her very nature, Araminta always greeted one with open smiles when they acknowledged her with friendly greetings of their own. Offering the man the warmth of a pleasant expression as she softly laughed at his colorful nonsense.
“I may be more likened to a raccoon in an alley than a mermaid,” she responded first in that laugh. “You’ll find me rattling bins in the back alley looking for abandoned treasures rather than charming sailors.”
In this case she was looking to buy some supplies, opposed to her usual snooping around for useful items. Inwardly thinking Theon might be scandalized if he knew just how resourceful she had to be in the beginning of her journey when she had so little. He seemed to fuss so much about her comfort and rest, if he’d known she knew how to scavenge through a cities trash cans he might not think her such a delicate princess anymore!
Glancing around the small establishment she made it very clear she was an interested paying customer, admiring the different assortment of rods and tools that came along with frequent seaside fishing.
“It is my first time with ocean fishing and I need a rod and reel. Something strong and sturdy – but good for my hands? A basket or hook for anything I might catch. I’m not quite sure what bait might be good? I only mean to catch things we might cook and have for dinner, so I’d rather not attract anything ginormous! And if you have it, anything to keep the sun at bay?”
His mouth cracked apart in a warm huffy sort of laugh to the idea that Araminta was more like a raccoon than mermaid. Leaning somewhat forward. Bracing elbow to the countertop, “Between the two of us, ain’t much different from scrappy varmint and daring mermaid.” Adding a wink on the end that suggested he wasn’t willing to hear obvious discrepancies.
Leaving his focus to be that of the princess’ alone, allowing him to simply become that of the mindless statue once more. Standing guard with due attention to the outside world rather than indoors. Listening of course but not about to start interacting.
In turn, the large fellow took to rubbing his chin –potentially the second and third one as well- as the slew of questions came out. “Well if yer just fishin’ along the shoreline, nothin’ too big comes inwards. More then scavenger types.” Brows lifted and nose wrinkled. Eyeing Araminta’s hands in a stern focus that was trying to decide what would work for her grasp. “Shrimp. Makes good livin’ bait.” Unaware of the princess’ dislike for harming the living creatures of course. But easy to lose.” Whatever the hell the man was sitting on creaked loudly as he moved to point towards a smaller rack of rods stacked on the one suitable wall. “Have a looksee there, miss. Test the rods by gettin’ a good hold and feel the weight. Yah want it not too heavy but nothin’ light either. Suggest grabbin’ any that got some cork for a handle. Easy not to use then as fish pull.”
Shortly hand rotated up to scratch under the useless hat, “As for keeping some shade, merely tarps. Yah’d have to get some sort of post or stick that can go into the sand sure footed ’nuff to stay stable. Anything else, not so much.” The man eyed her, “Yah got some darker skin, it’d be yer fella there with the fair complexion that’d burn like a vampire in broad light hmm. May need to check along the way to a place called Lulu’s if yah want something fancier.”
“Maybe you have a lure or two that might mimic a shrimp?” she asked, not sure if she could toss a living one out to get swallowed up whole. Fishing so far seemed to be a great deal easier for her than hunting, but even so, Araminta wasn’t certain she could stand tossing anything beyond worms and crickets out as bait. Even those sometimes were a struggle if she thought too much about it.
Picking up one of the rods to test as instructed, she cast the man a very telling grin when he mentioned Theon being more susceptible to the sun than she. A sort of telling look that hinted she knew it well and was simply making the request to ease the worries of her companion.
Araminta found the testing of rods a fun new experience. Noting how different it felt to have something actually designed with fishing in mind compared to just tying a string line to her staff. Almost all of them were quite light, with a delicate look to them, but the rods themselves were sturdy. And with a light shake and mimic of casting they felt quite bendy and springy too. Perhaps that’s what made them so much stronger in reeling a fish to shore! Where she’d felt the tension in her staff as if the branch was likely to snap because it lacked that ability to bend.
“This one feels good!” she affirmed, finding a rod that was likely even a bit taller than herself. There was a fine varnish on the wood too, suggesting it was made to last through time and weather. “You wouldn’t happen to know of any good places for bank fishing, would you? Or an old dock that ships no longer use? We’re hoping to find somewhere quiet away from the bustle of the boardwalk.”
“Likely,” The man shuffled after giving his bit of instruction about what sort of rod she might need to look for. Making a slow rotation on the protesting vessel that one’s rump was settled upon to look at the nearby cabinets that were conveniently within reaching range. Maybe this fellow didn’t leave the shop for the way it looked like his legs –if they were existent- didn’t do a whole lot. Shortly rifling around in the space to start digging out various lures that were of wood, metal and some other materials that weren’t known to be described easily.
Eventually righting himself to dig carefully through, wishing to avoid being prickled by barbed stingers.
“A good place for danglin’?” Like he needed to repeat it in his own way to make sure he was picking up what Araminta was setting down, “If yah head to the left of here, walk a good three or so minutes and yah be comin’ to the end of the wharf. Less ships, but a long stretch of wood that dunks into the water well enough to do some land fishin’. Might even get a few crabs if yer lucky, though wouldn’t be suggestin’ snatchin’ them with bare fingers. They pinch mightily mean.” Those brown beady eyes smiled gingerly, “Ought to be plenty hushed up. Little bit of a beach at the bottom of the wharf too, ain’t sure what sort of state it be in but should work well enough. Just be on the watch out for any ill doers, they like to make that side their business place.”
Araminta brought her claimed rod to the clerk’s counter and then did a quick assessment of the fish baskets hanging along the walls. She chose one appropriately sized – not very large at all, but plenty of room to keep a few fair sized fish. Figuring the basket could come in handy in the future too for future fishing expeditions, especially since it could collapse into a flatter disk and be stashed away into one of her packs for travel.
Surreptitiously glancing over her shoulder to check on Theon to see if he was alright. This means of talking to people was so easy for her, and by now she was well secure knowing Theon was close and standing by… but now there was this little itching fear if she didn’t keep watch over him, someone might jump out of the shadows to snatch him. Or stab him! Or something else nefarious. Feeling somehow he’d be too preoccupied keeping watch over her to thinking about watching out for himself.
“I’ve been told to be wary of pirates nearby,” she responded, turning back to the clerk once she was satisfied with everything she’d brought to the counter. “They wouldn’t be likely to pester fishers in broad daylight, do you think? Seems a waste of effort to only steal a few fish and a coin or two, in my opinion. Not that I think they’d have any better luck menacing the Lady Thebe.”
That statement was a subtle attempt on Araminta’s part to see what other rumors might be afoot in the town of Essurn. Pirates or just how much the Lady Thebe had, either would be useful information to keep herself and Theon safe.
With a bit of finesse did he pluck out a few dangly shiny lures that could be arranged on the top before the little miss. Allowing her to pick which ever lure that would work best for her tastes rather than live shrimp. Having no reason to shame or suggest otherwise to what she wished to do. Instead taking a moment to consider the pricing for the rod and basket brought up. Doing mental math with subtractions and discounts that he might apply before looking at the little pretty miss at her statement of pirates.
“Ain’t matter where yah go here. Pirates are like the seagulls. Everyone knows of them but they be nothin’ more than pests. Unlikely to do much to a person. The real things they want is vessels loaded with the fabled booty. Unless yah be stashing great troves on your person, they likely would leave yah be. Maybe heckle yah cause being a pretty little thing, but I doubt that be anythin’ new to yah.” Brows rose in such a way that it seemed the clerk figured that Araminta was used to verbal harassment. The pretty girls always were.
Although he drew a pause after sorting the payment to state about five gold pieces for rod and basket and lure(s). Not expensive but not cheap either, while making his eyebrows bunt up against another. “Lady Thebe? The lady on the hill with that there fancy smancy garden? I mean if the pirates wanted to take a jaunt that way, I doubt they would get away cleanly.” He leaned with a conspirator manner, “Between you, me and the wall, miss; staying clear of that manor would be wise. Ain’t much right up there if yah be gettin’ my drift.” Swirling a finger for emphasis around his temple to suggest the lady was about two crayons short of a full box.
Araminta considered the price carefully, it wasn’t unfair nor outside how much she could afford, but the show of thinking about it was important in any exchange of coin. Especially when she and Theon would need to be careful about their future travel plans and where they stopped for rest. As well as how they made more money in the future. Things were no longer going to be as simple.
In the end she decided there were other places she could be more frugal and this gentleman more than earned the coin through his pleasant help and conversation.
While she pulled out the correct amount from her pouch, Araminta had to laugh at his gossip of Lady Thebe. He didn’t know she’d already discovered just how off kilter the woman truly was! It also felt good to laugh about it, rather than that awful feeling of doom and danger that’d come from the meeting. Lady Thebe herself was not the danger, she simply was the messenger for it.
“We’ll take that advice. Thank you so much for your suggestions! If I manage to catch something surprisingly spectacular I’ll be sure to come visit and tell you about it!”
It was the sound of laughter that pulled him to peek over shoulder into that of the stall like shop. Unsurprised any longer by the ease of interaction that the princess extruded. Where the portly fellow was already given a happy chubby wave of a hand, urging him in turn to properly pivot on feet. Indicating with the movement of palms that he intended to take the items that Araminta had purchased to carry.
Not about to bother letting her lug along the rod, bucket and shiny bauble of a prickly hook lure. Not only was it out of respect for her, but add on the means that he didn’t think she ought to be walking around as a packmule. Something about being the fairer sex that ought to be catered too even just a little.
“Don’t forget to take a meander over to Lulu’s if yah be wantin’ something to cover yer heads, miss!” The fellow called out after. Encouraging a bit of a prolonged look from that of himself to Araminta. As if expressing he was curious which way she would lead them next.
“We are going to a Lulu’s to find a parasol. It should be just a few steps away,” she told Theon in response to his querying look. Seeming now to be feeling back to her usual mirthful self after a friendly conversation. Wrinkling up her nose at Theon being Theon again in insisting on carrying all the things for her. As if a rod and fish basket were at all heavy. She’d carried more in her pack! Araminta didn’t give a word of protest however, as she was now well aware this was how he expressed his friendship in lieu of words.
In fact that very thing had her grinning all the wider, finding it impossible not to smile at the man who, from the very start, had done these little things and more. From when she was nothing but a stranger to him, to even now when there was no reason for him to deal with all the terrible positions she’d put him in.
“He was an incredibly nice man and gave me directions to a good fishing spot. I almost wish I had brought my lyre, but I think we will be plenty busy with fish, and sand, and seashells. We may get to see the sunset too!”
There was a internal sense of approval to the mention that there was going to still be an opportunity to procure that of a umbrella with the hopes to shade that of dark crown of chocolate locks from the bleaching rays of the sun overhead. Agreeing readily to the idea of it being merely a few steps away so his hands could take and arrange the newly acquired items to be suitably easy to carry.
Thus far, it seemed their largest problem had been that of the unwelcomed entry of the Lady Thebe, though he wasn’t too sure what yet might be waiting for them. With new information that the Imperial Queen had declared him to be that of the helping –abandoning- sort, there was no telling just what or who may pop up next. Especially where. At this point, would he even be surprised if a seaweed monster came from the ocean seeking their own triumph under the hope that with their heads collected, the monster would earn unspoken tokens of gratitude and fame.
Probably not.
“Music would scare the fish, sadly.” Theon pointed out to her reference of wishing she had that of the lyre. Before swiftly coming in to try and temper his tongue down from suggesting whatever she had thought was worthless, “However, you may charm the aquatic life too like that of the forest.” A talent that likely no other had successfully done or would again for some time. “I can go and retrieve it for you if that is what you would wish to do?”
“When you are finished fishing, you could play. Or beforehand. I would keep watch for your comfort.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, but I am not so sure fish would come around to enjoy music the way a forest of fae would.” Araminta giggled, reaching out to gently press the back of her hand to his arm in an affectionate press, being unable to take his hand or arm for now. “I am happy with just your company. I can play this evening when it’s time for bed.”
Unlike the fish, Araminta was confident now that she could sooth him well with a soft melody. Though with today’s unexpected revelations by the Lady Thebe, it was going to be a lot harder to convince Theon to lay down and actually make a fresh attempt at true sleeping. She was honestly surprised he hadn’t attempted to end their trip right on the spot, to abscond with her elsewhere out of the town back to somewhere they would be unseen and unknown.
Being careful was wise. But Araminta wasn’t about to live her life running scared either. Nor did she want that for Theon. They both needed this time, for resting their bodies and filling their souls with something other than strife and more strife. For Araminta was certain that part of the struggle of the trials was people losing heart as things turned grim and more impossible.
“I do not think you are giving your ability to play beautifully enough credit to charm even the fish, Araminta.” His mouth had opened long before he had a chance to stop it from saying anything. Suddenly blithering out the first thought that developed and ran with it to express that he was convinced she could besot that of the aquatic life. Had he been a poet, he might have suggested even the stars would be captivated by her ability to play so well.
Still he gave her that same unusual not so certain look when it came to her saying nice things to him. “I worry about the fact you think my company is worth being content with.” Maybe that was a bit blunt or it was the previous interaction with madam shiny and prissy pigface that was making such disturbances come forth. Whatever it was, it was said and he stood by it.
All the more reason he needed to find a similar candidate to act the part of duo to him so he might slip away wisely to eyes that were watching and keep Araminta safe. “Is… this the place?” He decided to avoid saying much more in that topic but pointed with elbow towards a shop that at least had windows in it. Looking all sorts of feminine and frou frou.
“Should I be worried that you wish to spend your time with a delusional girl?” she asked, following it with that cheeky, teasing smile. After all, if she were crazy to enjoy her time with him, the tables were just as easily turned.
But with his gesturing at the shop front Araminta paused, giving the place a quick glance and finding herself perhaps the tiniest bit curious even beyond the means of sun parasols. This shop looked of the fancy sort, catering towards the women that had a little more to spend than usual for finer things. Araminta hadn’t had a chance to look around such a place in a very, very long time. Certainly not here in the twelve kingdoms.
…she found herself a little hesitant to step inside. As if now the world of feminine and frilly things no longer belonged to her, or rather that she no longer belonged in it. A place for the Lady Thebes and genuine princesses of the world. Not for Araminta who surely was a few steps away from joining the hags in their bog.
Araminta almost opened her mouth to ask Theon if it were truly necessary to look for a parasol at all, she didn’t need one. Yet, she also didn’t want him thinking he shouldn’t make such suggestions. It was a good idea. Who knew it would take courage just to step inside a simple shop!
With only a quick up and down glance at Theon, Araminta took the chance to open up the door with it’s jangling bell and step inside.
Recognizing the split of her smile as to be one used when she was feeling cheeky, he still thought it over. Eventually, “Perhaps. It may be the only way to explain why you would.” Seemingly finding his answer to be quite suitable for its effort. It sounded like a very logical reason to why Araminta would continue to put such effort into someone that was for no lack of wording, busted. However, even if it was likely not her smartest move to have much to do with him, he did appreciate it. Likely to hold onto the fleeting sensations as long as possible, till the approaching end that was at the hands of his mother’s clever efforts.
He’d rather avoid this conversation however. Lingering upon it like some dead animal on a doorstop was of no favour to her. Instead making the motion of laden hands to that of the rather frilly looking shop. Even from their advantage point; there was a lot of very feminine articles such as gowns and frocks of all sorts. From where he stood it thankfully didn’t look like the sort of attire that those wore in the imperial city. Lighter and more condensed around the hips as to allow mobility instead of the grand petticoats that made some women look like wide bells.
It drew him to stare for a good long moment till he found Araminta looking at him once more. Almost as if she were to say something but instead turned and made the motion to step inside. Making the bell alert anyone within, apparently that of a thin as a rail looking wraith of a woman. Turning swiftly, she noticed them immediately. As if that would have been hard.
“Welcome.” She spoke though her tone sounded as if it were being strangled through a clawed grasp, likely a heavy smoker if he was to guess. “What can I do for you?”
Oh, this was lovely. A quaint little shop full of beautiful things, no doubt benefitting greatly from this spot on the wharf where sailing travelers could browse along the boardwalk before needing to return to their ship for the next destination. Araminta suspected this was an atelier for a couturier, feminine items designed for immediate sale or custom fitted ready to be sold in shop or imported to other lands.
This overwhelming sense of shyness and insecurity was not one Araminta had ever felt before… it certainly was a new experience for the princess who normally walk into any situation with a sense of natural confidence! She’d been too focused on her mission when she’d arrived to the Imperial City to even care about such frivolous things. Maybe it was good that Araminta was now in a state where she felt things other than that determined sorrow?
Still… Thank goodness Theon had purchased her fresh clothing, for if she had walked in here with her muddied tattered clothes she truly would’ve been a bog hag within a perfumed paradise.
Her fingers itched to browse and touch, to revisit this world she used to be a part of. The elegance and prettiness she surely didn’t feel anymore. Deciding it was better than she didn’t, else she might find herself having wistful desires for things that presently weren’t at all practical.
“Greetings, madam!” she responded with an almost breathless chirp. “I need a parasol for the sun. Made of fabric and not paper, with a water resistance if at all possible. I’m not particular about the color, but it would be nice if it were wide enough for a very tall man.”
Fair to say he had never been in that of a shop such as this. Not only was he clearly a male, but the sort of attire here would have been fetching for any woman of any sort. At least that was what he was thinking making his gaze browse over articles aligned on wooden postures that were to simulate a living female. Perhaps had he not been made to work in the field of blood and vengeance to keep himself alive, a shop like this may have been visited with a courted fair maiden.
However that thought itself was purely laughable as he had no predetermined belief that any would lower themselves to accept his person in more than just a sort of lingering ghost as it were.
No less, he could size up everything with silent curiosity till Araminta was making herself known in the very sweet approachable way. Wordlessly indicating to him to drift back towards the front door as not to be imposing or even too noticeable in what would be a conversation.
The clerk that stood like a stick with a long neck accented in a high colour –fringed with outrageous purple feathers- looked down the short length of her nose to the princess. Lips puckered and fingers dancing amongst another in a tip-tap sort of thought when the asking of what they had come looking for, was made. Separating her stare only once when it came to the mention of a tall man and back to the girl. “Hmm.” She rasped, turned on the sharp of her heels to almost glide across the floor towards the back portion of the shop. “I do not know if we have anything that would cover two people.” Bluntly stating this, fingernails clacking audibly to another with each tap.
“You may as well browse a moment. For I may need additional time to find something to your specifics.”
“Oh, it is quite alright if you can’t find the exact thing,” Araminta reassured the spindly woman, seeming not to mind her blunt way of speaking or that… well, she wasn’t as cheery as Araminta herself. As long as one wasn’t being rude to her, the princess could effortlessly weave her way around any social interaction.
Being left to browse at her leisure was another thing, however. Araminta stood there for a moment at a loss. Not wanting to be tempted by all of the pretty things, but finding it a lot harder than she thought to resist softly gliding over to one of the soft form mannequins to gently feel the fabric of one of the dresses. She did miss dresses!
Twisting her mouth to the side she stepped away back to a safe distance to turn the focus of her attention on Theon. A much safer thing to keep her mind on, than everything within the shop. He looked about as out of place as she felt, standing there with a fishing rod and in his armor!
“The styles here are very different than what I saw in the Imperial City,” she mentioned, clasping her hands behind her back. “I remember seeing a woman at the castle wearing a gown so wide she looked like a gilded cupcake in pink and gold. I wasn’t sure how she made it through doors.”
A light hum was offered to suggest that the clerk would take note it didn’t have to be precise but it also seemed that she was dead focused on making sure it was just that. Apparently taking her job very seriously. Suggesting the girl go about browsing with a nose for knowing that those who did, usually found something else they also wished to take off the rack. Making a sale for more than one originally bargained with. Was this an elaborate hoax of a effort to sell more or was the clerk actually that detail focused that she would seek nothing less than what was originally asked.
One could only guess.
Attention however of his own deviated to the approach of Araminta, surprised she wasn’t amongst the frilly, lacey, satiny garments with pure interest. One did not need to buy to look after all. Instead she seemed to settle on him –maybe more of that delusion coming through- to point out how the styles were very different from here to where the reigning jewel of the twelve kingdoms called home.
“Such styles I think are normal there.” He offered agreeing with the fact he wasn’t so sure how women fit through the doors with skirts so large. Nor did he really get the accenting of something so massive anyways. But it seemed to make other nobles very curious. If not alarming interested. “I assume it is a way to flaunt wealth.” Theon thought openly, before, “Did you not wear similar? Or was items here more the styling for your home?” Giving a point to the various frocks once more, as if silently suggesting she entertain her intrigue. Lord only knew they wouldn’t be doing this for much longer.
There was no flowery shop like this in the trails. “You should allow yourself to enjoy. You may not have time in the future to browse. I am sure many of the garments here would be complimentary to you.”
“It usually is a show of wealth to wear extravagant clothing,” she agreed, then laughed. “Or just as often for attracting the romance of others! The same way birds will preen and show off their feathers?”
Against her better judgement just the act of him asking he question gave her a silent permission to use the means of education as an excuse to migrate towards some of the styled items. It wasn’t window shopping or yearning for things she couldn’t have if she were simply teaching him useful things!
“These are much lighter in fabric than what we’d wear in my homeland. Even the summer months could be cool, so you would more likely see a lady in crushed velvets and furs than silks. In the spring, even villagers would wear something new and fresh and romantic to see about attracting a mate. Then come the autumn one might wear their favorite finery while we celebrated the end of the season.”
Araminta could imagine had anyone thought to import gowns that looked like tiered cakes, that a woman would have all the men in her kingdom howling in laughter! Though, she’d also seen men who thought to get creative with their own fashion choices and end up in similar hilarious garments.
“In any case, there is no sense in me looking too much. A gown is not practical nor necessary for any of the trials. Even if I make it to the final trial and return to the Queen’s court, I may just wear the most wretched of things just to scandalize all of the nobles.”
Body turned to follow her in the means of being educated on the purposes of such frocks in different lands. Different kingdoms. Although he was slightly stewing on the comment of how those in the Imperial lands that wore such elaborate petticoats of potential dessert influence was akin to birds trying to wiggle and shimmy themselves into courtship. Not too convinced he wanted to follow that line of logic any further than he already had.
Situating the knife bright eyes to where she reached out to show the fabric with the explanation of how her own land had been for such things. Preferring heavier things to keep themselves warm even when it was that of spring or summer. It only made him interested in the lands that were beset by horrors.
Nodding along somewhat while keeping a vague eye on the clerk who was literally pulling out parasols one by one to check them over before determining them close to suitable or not at all. Diligent to a fault.
Yet something in him seemed to tilt a soft bit of visual expression when she suggested that a gown was not practical and the likes. Breaking even just a little bit of his stony visage, “What about your future then? When, you are finished with this all. Will you still make excuses to deny yourself things that make you feel even momentarily happy, Araminta? Or does telling yourself otherwise feel better… because I will be the example of that very thought. It doesn’t help.”
Theon was astute… and seemingly finally becoming brave enough to call her out on nonsense that she herself had been trying to fuss in into him. All of her attempts to convince him that it was alright to have nice things simply because you liked and wanted them was now backfiring properly on her. She really couldn’t be mad about it!
Araminta crossed her arms, lightly casual though maybe a little defensive. Chewing into her bottom lip as she gave him a slow up and down look – a silent expression that he’d hit the mark and she was still debating on what to do say.
“…sometimes it’s difficult to thing about what my life used to be and what I miss.” The answer soft and honest, for what was the use in lying about it? “To think about myself and my future is… complicated? What I have now with you is precarious and precious. I’m very lucky, there is no need to ask for anything more.”
It was a good thing he was not a scoring keeping person because if this was something to put in the win column, he might have been embarrassed about it. Thankfully all of that was nonexistent for him. Instead keeping gaze light upon the princess that shockingly not coming back at him with a giggle, a wave of hand to disperse the nonsense uttered. Instead, she looked thoughtful. And a little something else that he wasn’t entirely sure what to call quite yet. Still debating that one.
Waiting with no intention to hurry her along if there was a reply or not. Nor was he about to insist there had to be one.
Eventually it came and it was so soft that he worried he might have broken her cheeriness like a priceless vase. Apparently not quite done poking at it either. “If you keep that frame of mind, you’ll end up like myself with very little hopes, beliefs or thoughts. An empty vessel that serves the only purpose of barely hanging on. It seems fruitless to have your enigmatic personality ruined because what the future may hold, is not being given even a sliver of that ray of light you insist upon others.” Head declined in a purposeful nod to her, “But it is your life, your choice. I simply do not think you need to cause yourself so much grief over even just looking at something that may have brought you that fabled joy in your past.”
Was there ever going to be a moment that Araminta was not impressed with Theon? The longer that she knew him and the more he opened up his inner world of thoughts to her, it proved her first impressions correct. A man with a heart of pure gold and whomst did not deserve the awful roles that the world had placed him in. Prompting that desire to hug him again, but having to resist as his hands were full and it wasn’t such a proper thing to do in the middle of a public shop.
“Proving I am lucky to have you here to save me from dark thoughts and bad habits,” she retorted with a smile.
Maybe he was right in that there was no harm in looking. The memories hurt, but was she not trying to bring more experiences into his life? Why then couldn’t she also find a place and time for fine gowns and elegant things? Danger was going to be around the corner no matter what they did and Araminta herself refused to be hiding scared because of it.
Because of Theon. He’d chased away that resigned defeat she’d had before in being too ready to die. Now he was chasing away those little fears about living too.
“I don’t believe you’re so empty of hope, anyway,” she murmured softly, picking up a silken slip that appeared to be a rather well made sleeping gown. Araminta didn’t have a reason to have a fine dress just yet, but maybe she could consider something for comfortable sleeping those nights they were at home. “You are a guiding star in a world of dark moments.”
If he had one purpose that was at least good, it seemed this was it. Doing well enough to prove he listened and watched and noted things that were or could be considered minor to most others. In the seconds of here and now it mattered that Araminta not be dampened by the former whats of her past. Not to reject what she wanted to simply even look at because it might suggest she was wanting it right now.
Even while he found her ability to sprinkle little speckles of sunshine even towards him practically useless. At his age, there was little to do about the reality of his person. But, he could try to affirm her that she didn’t need to find similar existence as his own.
There was a huff nearby that had the wicker stick of a woman seemingly having selected three parasols that might work whilst Araminta gave a statement of a guiding star and him not being so lack of hope. Noticing what she was looking at though for the life of him he couldn’t fathom what a thing was for. It didn’t seem daytime appropriate. Or travel appropriate but it seemed to be richly fine fabric. Not about to reply to what was an attempt of a compliment at him.
Tempering the talkative tongue at the approach of the feather dusted woman, as she held in her arms the units for inspection. “If you wish to assure which may work for your desired use, miss.”
Even with the conversation, it still took Araminta a moment of wrestling with it. Considering the practicality, the money, whether or not this was taking advantage of Theon’s generous nature or if allowing herself these little things might help him along in his own journey too. By the time the ostentatiously dressed clerk with the smokey voice returned, Araminta had sifted through the various shifts, camisoles and nightgowns to find one that felt close enough in her size and in a color of a lovely blue. No lace or fancy seam work that’d make it too expensive, but light and soft fabric she’d be comfortable in.
“I will have this too,” Araminta confirmed the sale for the woman, exchanging the gown for one of the parasols and like any discerning customer, doing an expectation of her own. Of how easy it was to open, the quality of the fabric, and how well it felt when she held up over Theon’s head. Taking a silent delight in doing so, as if the sun umbrella were for him and not for herself.
Really, it kind of was for Theon. Araminta never would’ve thought to have one for herself!
Deciding the one with the soft seafoam green was her favorite, simply because it suited a day fish by the sea, presented her choice to the clerk. Mentally thinking, regardless of what Theon said, she was going to have to do a little bit of extra work the next time they stopped in a village. Not about to let him be the one to do all the work, only for her to spend the coin away at ever whim!
Hands exchanged items – the clerk making the nightgown disappear into a neatly folded square in a manner of mere seconds- while observing Araminta checking out the goods. With an added effort of him watching her lift up the opened item over his head as if that was its purpose. Though whatever her reason was, it was left as is.
Shortly having the newest exchange of decision being that the one parasol of a greeny colour was selected. Having beaten the others out of their attempt to be purchased. “Four gold. Two silver pieces.” The clerk uttered with an expectancy that bargaining here was taboo enough to have them shooed out without a second thought.
He might need to start learning a little more what was acceptable and what wasn’t for such things. If Araminta was planning a life at his hut, and he managed not to have his belly slit open after he masterminded his departure from her; he’d have to try and see that some things of the softer homey variety of items were readily available for her. Unsure of how that would work, it seemed like a half okay plan.
Once again Araminta was in that position of debating whether or not she was willing to pay such a price. Visibly considering it even, giving the woman and her feathered dress a slow up and down look while also a second examination of her chosen items. The fabric alone would cost a fair penny, so if she also considered the time put in to both the gown and the making of the parasol – each being having a master craftsman’s level of skill – she deemed it a fair price.
Still, she almost considered a haggle just for the sport of it. Luckily for this clerk, Araminta was ready to get on with her afternoon!
“I very much like your shop, madam. I hope I can return for future patronage,” declared the princess, digging out the appropriate coin to offer up easily.
But it was Theon who received the glance over her shoulder and the pleased charming smile. Had she known what he was plotting, she certainly wouldn’t be smiling so!
While the woman’s face didn’t look like it had the ability to make even the barest of smiles without it turning into a grotesque sneer; her eyes did light up. Pleased to have payment and pleased to have been told the shop was nice enough to be a return visit whenever. Earning a slight polite tip of one’s head before he returned it himself. Not necessary but cordial no less. “Have a good day, miss. Sir.” The first acknowledgement rather while he played a bit of double taking with the way he was being peeked at by Araminta.
Taking that as a sign, “Then… all is ready? It was stated you knew or had asked the former shop owner a place to complete the task of said fishing.” The clerk already had hovered herself away from their topic. Leaving him the chance to open the door with some finagling to ensure that Araminta could step out firstly.
Where his gaze went back to the task of scouting out a decent enough candidate for his private task and entertaining attention to which direction they were to be going in the means of dangling proper hooks into salty waters.
Araminta really should’ve considered the fact they still were out and about when she purchased the gown! Luckily, the slip of fabric was folded up so small and wrapped well that Araminta could actually make use of the nice little pouches on the belt Theon bought for her. Tucking it away neatly so that it wasn’t likely to be ruined, unless she suddenly decided to dive full body clothes and all into the ocean.
Out on the boardwalk she opened up the parasol and rest it nicely on her shoulder, nodding to Theon that she did indeed know where they were headed next. ..or at least good enough directions to it.
Their route took them continuing down the boardwalk past docked ships and their working sailors. Past other curious shops and a tavern or two. Araminta did pause for a moment, distracted by a pair of men both hoisting along the biggest fish she had ever seen in her life. Watching with wide eyes as they somehow had the strength to carry it off! Only to continue on for a few minutes until they reached the end of the wharf, where wooden boardwalk bend down almost direct into the sand of the beach.
Here Araminta could actually get a full view of the ocean waves in all of their azure glory! Not quite blue, not quite green, but a color so vibrantly beautiful that just the view alone was well worth every moment of this trip. There were some small floating docks here, likely for smaller boats or even just made with shore fishing in mind. There was no hiding the way she scrunched up with pure joy, nearly bouncing on her feet from it. The water truly did go all the way out to the horizon and met the sky! As if one could sail out there and fall right off the edge of the world!
Having been to the wharf before for that of directed expectations in the means of the not so honourable Imperial Queen, there was less interesting for him. A shame really as there was still plenty to see and all the more to gawk at. Various shops, various people, various tasks. Each in their own respective way being truly worth a lengthy stare to process just what it all was. Alas, when he was certain Araminta had been properly enamoured with the idea of looking around and leading them on, he was on that search.
Finding that perhaps he may have to somehow slip away sooner than later to stop at one of the taverns. Knowing that those who would do much of anything for the right amount of coin typically made ocean side bars their place of lurking.
So long as he was able to get close to the right height, it wouldn’t be difficult to entice someone with coin at even the most questionable of request. Sadly, that he had practice at.
All of this thought was for her safety. Well… as safe as she could be. The trails would still be incredibly perilous but he had enough faith that Araminta would continue to be the living embodiment of gold star behaviour. Coming up with plans and ideas that assured her success where others had not gotten so lucky. With the information that the Imperial Queen suggested to those of the court and any other wandering ears that he would be traveling with the princess, all he had to do was ensure that when he left, he left with someone. It would be better to disappear at night to make it all the more convincing that they were attempting to run away. Inviting any would-be assassins to follow him instead of Araminta. Of course he couldn’t foreseen everything and knew that there would likely be others awaiting her at the trials. If he could just go to the fae forest to where the white wolf suggested he might need their assistance, he could ask it then, could he not.
To keep Araminta safe while he tried to avoid her being skewered alive because she made a poor choice in opening her figurative arms to someone of his lesser caliber. She had not asked for added weight to her shoulders and if he could try to stop some of it, he would.
The first person that called him a friend and the last as well, it seemed like a pretty good hill to die on.
Stepping forward once they had come down to the selected beachside, he moved to set down the basket and fishing rod to the sand. Looking to the waters that she seemed to be enthralled by but cleared his throat to beckon attention. To take the parasol from her so he might set it up in the sand and stand that means of guard once more so the young lady could enjoy her adventure a little while longer.
Araminta certainly wasted no time in handing over her parasol at his beckoning, so very excited and eager to explore the place they’d been speaking of for days. Immediately dashing off to one of the floating docks with a skipping run – halfway down landing on her ass when she discovered the floating wood moved and bobbed along with every heavy wave that hit it, and she just wasn’t prepared for having to shift or balance her weight. At least she hadn’t tumbled into the water itself, so she erupted into laughter at her own foley. She’d never even been on a boat before, how could she know that walking on such things would have a trick to it?
It didn’t take her long to adjust, taking the rest of the dock at a much slower pace until she reached the very edge. Peering down into the beautiful water below. Here at the edge it was deep enough she could no longer see the sandy ocean floor, which meant hopefully there would be some fish swimming about under the planks. Still, she took her time there soaking in the rhythmic sounds of the waves and feeling the salty breeze.
When she did finally return Araminta took to immediately removing her boots and rolling up the legs of her pants, apparently with every intentions of testing the shallow waters to see what she might find. Removing her cloak too to leave it under the shade of the parasol before dashing off into the moving tide.
“There’s fish in the shallows too!” she gave an excited shriek. More than just fish, there were all sorts of interesting things she wasn’t expecting. Immediately reaching to pluck up the first colorful shell she spotted, only to find with a squeak of surprise that it was occupied by a tiny little hermit crab. Delighted with the thing, bit mind of her fingers!
Combing over the sand to test the level of gravel to granules ratio, a look was stolen towards Araminta. Well on her bum having underestimated that of the floating dock. Giggling and sounding like a thrilled child that had come to marvel that the ocean itself was a real legit thing. Not just something talked about every once in a while by various sorts of people. Though it told him that coming here would do well to assure she had a nice memory as she wanted. Certainly making it easy enough for her to be entertained when she was gathering up and going to the edge. Allowing him the time to settle on a spot that was smooth without any rogue washed up stones.
Or any buried critters that wouldn’t be fond of their presence either standing or sitting there.
Taking the chance to stab the end of the parasol into the ground so it could hold itself steady. Offering that of its created shade once the plume of the item was opened wide enough to cast shadows. Using this opportunity to take over the bucket and lure and rod alike so it would be easily accessible for her when she was ready to try her hand at the ocean with its inhabitants.
Of course, she had sprinted close enough to toss her cloak down and left once more. Pants rolled up and boots absent so she could go into the shallows of the salty tide.
Correcting his stance to tuck hands behind his back to met the expectation of dutiful guard. Baring witness to her girlish shrieks of how there were little fish in the shallows. Earning a nod of understanding and simply following with eyes alone when she seemed to dip down and pluck out a shell. With something likely inside if he were to guess by the way she squeaked about it.
He was certain she was going to be rather tired after, if not her leg hurting from her excited running to and fro.
For what was meant to be a simple fishing expedition, Araminta spent a lot of time scavenging in the shallows. Occasionally glancing up towards Theon on the bank standing there like some sort of stoic sentry on watch. Ever so often she’d lift something particularly interesting up to proudly show him – a large conch shell, an oddly carved piece of wood, a very upset looking sea turtle, a starfish. Tempted to insist he stop standing there and actually join her, but after the incident with Lady Thebe, Araminta doubted he’d feel safe enough to take off his own boots and armor to leave himself vulnerable in a public place.
So she let him be, including him in her exploring as best she could.
The best discovered treasure was a shell – a clam? a scallop? Whatever it was, it had it’s two sides still attached and no creature inside. Which meant there was one side for Theon and one for her, and nothing else she found would as perfect as that! Araminta presented him his half without any sort of ceremony, stashing her own inside one of the little pockets on her belt.
Then she was free to fish at her leisure. This was less exciting and involved, but that was the best part of it. Having expended all her energy through her beach combing, the fishing was a nice change to a calm rhythm of casting and reeling. Learning how the reel worked and what it felt like when something tried to nibble and snap at her lure. Changing her spot from the bank to the dock and back again in her hunt for where the fish were hiding. Araminta didn’t have any luck at all in actually catching something, likely due to her lack of living bait. A disappointment to be sure, as she really wanted to have caught something to be their meal that evening. Yet she wasn’t too upset, as they could always try their hand at fishing again another day. Even if it weren’t here in Essurn.
When the sun seemed close enough to setting she gave up her fishing altogether to return to Theon and the little spot he’d settled with the parasol, setting down her reel and plopping down in the sand. Makin sure to wriggle her finger for Theon to join her, lest the ridiculous man think he needed to stand watch for a sunset too!
Practice made perfect at least. Although standing in the sand wasn’t the same as standing on stone for hours. It merely meant he had to adjust his footing every so often while Araminta was living what he supposed was the first real chance for her to unwind since being beset by demons and loosing so much. Leaving her to the galloping excitement from there to here. Back and forth. To and fro!
Even when she managed to find the shell she had wanted from the start of the day or rather a little after the start, he was careful to make sure the half offered to him was wrapped in a small bit of cloth. Protecting it with a bit of confusion to the second half going into her own. Wondering why she bothered to split it then. Well, there were just things he accepted he likely would never fathom when it came to the springy woman.
Eventually he felt uncomfortable with the beam of sunlight on his head. Making the deep red feel like it was a bit of a frying matter, shuffling some but remaining where he had put himself originally. Listening with the astute observation of how she went about trying to catch some fish in various locations. Seemingly not having much luck as the creatures were teasing her with not a chance to find something. Leaving him to feel bad in his own way for her. Unsure he could even come up with a way for her to have more success anyways. Not that it seemed like it bothered her, then again, he could only maybe list one or two times she seemed bothered by anything.
When he suggested to leave and she expressed a desire not to be alone. And maybe earlier in the shop, though he didn’t know if that counted.
He’d have to take a bit of dried food from that of the packs in the inn to have something in his stomach. Though he figured that Mary Beth would probably have something hot for Araminta to have. So they might need to return in time for her to eat. “Hmm?” Head tilted as she came to settle beneath the shade of the standing parasol. Uncertain for a good long moment till his mind seemed to realize beneath its heated stated that she indicated a want for him to sit beside. Blinking dumbly, in reply. Then audibly tapped on his armour, “This is your time to enjoy. I will wait.” Yes, he was ridiculous enough to think he needed to stand for a sunset too!
Good to know that Theon had spent the entire time in the sun baking his brain to a crisp. The expression she gave him was exasperated at best, wondering how he still could not grasp that this adventure was for them both. While Araminta didn’t expect him to suddenly realize with a flash of inspiration of what fun and relaxing was supposed to mean, sometimes he proved to be so stubborn during the most silly of moments.
He even had a bit of a flush to his skin now, the least he could’ve done was have the sense to sit in the shade himself instead of standing on the beach waiting for a trouble that never came.
“It’s our time, Theon, and it is so much better to enjoy a sunset when there is a friend sitting beside you. Please sit with me?”
Maybe one day he might have an inkling to his own self preservation that wasn’t simply avoiding someone stabbing him in the middle of the night. It could broaden eventually to include basic tasks as avoiding sunlight when he was a ginger and fair skinned, to keep skin from turning similar hues as the top of his head. Although one might have hoped half of his fae blood could have helped but that was still a nokken mystery.
In the moment of here and now, he blinked at her again. Noticing the look that was written on the comely face that was loud enough to state he was doing something she wasn’t a fan of. Missing the obviousness in this one.
It had to surely be frustrating that she was dealing with a clever at the wrong moments and dumb in equal measures of a mortal being, but he still sort of just waited. When she declared in repeat that it was their time. The word alone might as well have been a hornet out to sting because he seemed very certain to try to dodge it every time. Refusing to let it sink down –likely out of some private fear that if he did, he’d get comfortable with it. And then what trouble would he cause!
Regardless of the wild windstorm of thoughts, he came to slowly bend down. Adjusting to compensate for the armour and eventually was seated well enough that when he looked at her, he might as well have been that eager deadfaced hound. Trying to assure that this was what was wanted less he make a blunder accidentally.
Araminta waited patiently, watching the features of his face to see if anything dawned on him. It didn’t and that was alright, as at least he did bend himself down to join her on the sand. The princess scooted closer and raised a hand, pressing thumb oh-so-gently to the red of his cheek and frowning just a bit to feel the scorching heat of the sun there. If she could feel it under his skin now, it meant that later he was going to be dreadfully uncomfortable!
“You should have stayed in the shade,” she chided softly. “There’s no need to stand guard over me so diligently that you roast yourself to death!”
Really, it was a wonder he was alive at all! It was one thing defending oneself from dangers and attacks, but there were still so many other things one had to do to keep themselves alive and taken care of. He never ate, he never slept, and now he was roasted and toasted. Heavens forbid the man ever catch a cold, Araminta was certain he’d cough and sneeze and shiver himself into oblivion.
He leaned away slightly from the action of her touch. Looking at hand then to her with that stupefied sort of confusion to what she was doing at all. He didn’t think she would have sought to hurt him in any way thus far, but it still was a foreign action that warranted some caution. Getting used to Araminta’s hugging and grasping at his arm or hand was one thing, the gentle touches elsewhere were still alien.
Thankfully it wasn’t a terrible feeling. Slowly leaning back that even as he directed gaze elsewhere, he wasn’t telling her she had to remove her hands less he do it himself. “If something happened, I wish to be alert for it. You are important to keep safe.” For many reasons. So many in fact that any sort of not guarding or standing watch left him feeling too vulnerable. They had been caught off guard by Lady Thebe already, who was to say there wasn’t ten thousand other eyes on them and they were unaware.
“You were enjoying yourself, I wished to keep you safe while you were doing so.” Loyal to almost a fault seemingly, suppose this whole singular friend thing really did make her that priceless diamond up on the top of a active volcano. Worth throwing all defenses around to ensure that one little bit of good was protected enough to live without too many worries. If possible.
Araminta was almost at risk of flushing as red as his burned cheeks with such statements, but she understood where they were coming from. Having never had an actual true friend before, naturally he was a little over protective on a good day, and after their run in with the Lady he was now on high alert. She very much had that feeling of wanting to protect and shield someone precious herself.
There were limits though! One couldn’t be ridiculous about it!
“We’ve had this conversation before…” she said softly, broadening into a smile. “I have every confidence that you could spring up from the ground in a flurry of steel and fireballs if you needed to. Only if you’re well, though. So no more roasted toasted Theon?”
They were likely to have this discussion forever, Araminta feared. Not that she could be upset by it, for it was the very example of why Theon deserved so much better.
Now that they were seated, she made herself all the more comfortable with that wrapping herself around his arm and holding his hand. After a long day of wonderful ups and a little scare, it was nice to sit together with the sun slowly sinking on the horizon. Araminta had never seen anything like it before and what a blessing to do so with someone she cared about!
Boy if he could have wilted like a flower, he may have with the reminder that they had this conversation before. They had. He knew this and yet it was like a giant concrete hurdle to get himself over that bit of knowledge while accepting, internalizing and making it a functional part of his thought process. To be so unclear of how he could cram that reminder down his own gullet without choking would take a bit of extra consideration.
A plan. An elaborate plot even!
Lips parted. And sealed with a repeated attempt to try and perhaps say something that could express his thoughts but found that it was mostly excuses. Which provided much of nothing to anyone. So a light nod to accept that he would have to figure out ways not to displease her and keep a vigilant eye was important. Or well, was important for now. Till he figured out how to keep her safe without him being present.
Accepting that right now was intending to be a calm moment to where one watched the sun paint the sky in gold and pink and orange. Considering it before themselves with a sort of questioning absurdity. “Isn’t every sunset the same?” Came the question from innocence.
She laugh at the question, finding no issue with it. After all, most people didn’t care at all about sunsets in most cases! At best it was a passing of time, and who ever seemed to have the time to really sit and appreciate one. Araminta herself certainly hadn’t bothered for most of her life. Some things just didn’t seem all that important until you suddenly realized how priceless they could be.
“I think they are like people?” she answered in the moment. “Some are beautiful and serene, and then some are sad or melancholy. If you watch one alone it will be completely different from watching one with a friend. The trick is sitting still long enough to watch it.”
Poetic, beautiful and dramatic, just as it should be, in Araminta’s opinion. Maybe it was a bit of childish sentimentality and romanticism, but she never found anything wrong with that. Those sorts of thing were what made the world worth living in, rather than an endless loop of tragedy and despair.
“There won’t ever be another one like this one, you know. Perfectly unique in every way!”
Like people?
Well suppose he would have to see more sunsets to determine if he agreed to such a description. Instead listening and maybe somewhat relaxing. If such a thing was possible by the motion of shoulders lightly dipping. Easing out some motion of rigidity before she was saying there would be no other sunset like this one.
Would it at least keep her happy even after he did what he had too? One could hope. “I did not realize such a thing was so important.” Humming softly with a light motion to hand to adjust itself within her own, “Such things… were common with you prior? You’re life before all this sounds far different than I know, so it makes it interesting to learn. If… that is allowed. I know it causes you mental grief.”
Inch by inch as he seemed to decompress, so too did Araminta with that quiet relief. Giving his hand a gentle squeeze before she tilted enough to rest her head on his shoulder and consider his question. No matter how much it hurt to think about her former life, if he asked her anything she was going to share down to whatever details he wished. Bittersweet or tormenting, it didn’t matter which. His curiosity in all it’s forms was nothing but good for Theon.
“I didn’t think much about sunsets then,” she answered with a faint shrug. “Not really? It wasn’t that I was busy… I suppose I didn’t have a good reason to make the time to appreciate one.”
There were her studies, her duties, her interests and her family… all of which Araminta had been plenty involved with, yet never so much that she was over worked or stressed about it. There had never been a sense of urgency in her life, nothing that worried her or frightened her or caused her grief and strife. Every story she’d ever read about charmed little girls had been her life to the letter. Araminta had been spoiled and she never thought twice about it.
Sometimes she didn’t understand why she was the one that made it out alive. Araminta didn’t feel she deserved it. Better people could’ve escaped and actually made a proper difference. Someone else might’ve made a better appeal to the Imperial Queen. Maybe they would’ve had an even smarter idea of what to do!
“…I’m not sure I even realized how important sunsets are until I met you?” Araminta confessed. “I was so certain I’d die in the first trial or so. Then I got to know you and the thought of you going through life without getting to have even the tiniest of lovely things just made me so mad! So I am going to make sure you get to experience every good thing I have ever discovered and all of the things I haven’t. And then if something eats me, it’s fine.”
Each little tidbit helped him try and form a clearer imagine of what her life had been like prior. The things she did. The people she was around. The climate of her home land. Even down to the means of garments as he found out earlier. Each was a carefully selected piece of a puzzle that made the image come together all the more. And he could silently appreciate the stark differences of a good kingdom to one that was ruled with an iron murderous fist.
It was… inspiring in its own way. Or it was the fact that for a quiet moment in time, there was nothing biting at his skull in a panicked or worried state.
And she spoke further suggesting that this moment here was important because of him. The way his stomach twisted was certainly new. Making it hard to pinpoint exactly in her full reply that he wanted to pick at. Deciding two things, “I do not think anything would wish to eat you. Your personality is far more enjoyable living than otherwise.” Theon watched the lapping waves reflecting the lowering sun, “What… else is it that you want to experience then… and… what if I wasn… what would it be?”
“Well you need to tell that to bog hags and harpies and fishfolk cause they all seem to think Araminta is their favorite snack,” she mused with a light giggle. Chances were as the trials went on, there were going to be plenty other giant hungry things and Araminta appeared to be a bite sized meal. Simply because she was good with people and charmed a glade of fae once didn’t mean she could be so lucky with every creature she met, no matter how much Araminta would legitimately be any creature’s friend.
Her second question had her tilting her head just enough to peer curiously at him. What if he wasn’t… what? She’d caught that slip of statement, but decided it wasn’t necessary to comment on it. Likely Theon was still wrapped up in worries that his wretched mother had sent all of the twelve kingdoms after him. If Araminta could give him an inspiring speech she would, but she doubted Theon would heed such words. He’d likely had a lifetime of empty words hurled at him.
Her just being present was better.
“I’d like to see all of the twelve kingdoms… To see strange animals and beautiful places? Desert sand dunes. Giant waterfalls. Ancient ruins and quaint villages. I want to take you to a festival, any festival will be fun! And to a real ball to see what you’d be like in something than armor? I don’t even want to dance, I just want to be there with you for the music and the ambience.”
Would he consider having a chat with the various beings that so far had attempted to make Araminta into a morsel of a meal. It would go about as well as one thought which was very poorly. Yet, he was considering it. Truly. If he had more influence of his nokken biology, he could lure people along with disguises and lyrical tones. Alas he only had the use of the travel form and that proved to be just enough to label him fae halfing. “Perhaps. I could.” There was no hint if he was trying to be amusing or not. Or if he was serious about it, settling to not even bother stealing a glimpse to her then and there.
Less it reveal something that wasn’t intended.
Moseying verbally along to ask what she would want to do next before the thought had approach and left immediately mid sentence of what she’d do when he was gone. Finding he didn’t want to know. Or give her a sense that he was potentially up to something.
Especially when she so easily laid it on that her ideas of going to different places with him, with festivals and sand and more. Even suggestion a real ball without him in armor. Now that got some blinks out of him, “You’re… verbally spoiling me with these thoughts.” Theon might have been blushing but it was hard to tell with sunfried cheeks! “Would… you wear a cupcake dress then to this ball?” There was… what was that? Was there actually a bit of a teasing jest in those impassive silver eyes?!
“Eyuch, no!” Araminta protested immediately at the idea of wearing one of those ginormous cupcake dresses! Even if they were an interesting piece of art in the form of fabric and thread, they were such ridiculous unruly looking contraptions. Made for keeping people away from you and a good yard of distance.
She couldn’t even fathom how one would sit down in such a dress without showing the entire world your pantaloons!
“I would like to actually be able to sit in my gown,” There she had to laugh about it because it was just so silly. Prompting her to reach up and tug gently at his ginger beard. “If anyone made me wear a cupcake gown, they would surely also have you wearing bows to match. Bows and tight pants and stockings with silly little shoes.”
Softly did the crease along that of eyes softened to almost crinkle at the stern protest that came at the idea that she would dress up like a three tiered cake. Having to pair chunky trinkets to mimic that of sprinkles and decorations to really sell home the idea of being dressed in something that was suggested to be beautiful but in truth was gaudy. Finding the idea of Araminta even being disgusted by it almost enough to break the decades long lack of expression to features.
Though she was doing a good job to keep trying as she giggled at the idea of how she’d like to be able to sit in such a thing. Unsure if one actually could and if they did, it was a hidden art that was truly mysterious. Something he certainly had no idea about.
A softened pull to his beard was enough to cause him to pay double heed to her. Although he could feel a mental sneer at the very idea of wearing anything of the sort. “I do not think having tight pants would be appropriate for… anyone.” He wasn’t about to suggest more than that, “I would sooner turn into an actual ghost than do such things.”
Araminta giggled more still as even with Theon’s impassive face, somehow she was certain that would be the moment those features broke to reveal quite the feral fae. Thinking he may very well shift form then and there to go kicking about everyone and everything as the speedy stead to escape torture devices disguised as fashionable garments.
For a while she sat in comfortable silence, content to sit there with her head resting against his arm and mulling over the places she’d like to see and the things she’d have him try. Quietly delighted at the potential of having the entire world opened up to her in a way that honestly wasn’t possible before. Nor had she ever bothered to daydream about it! Even if they never got around to doing most of those things, it was still something lovely to think about.
When the sun had dipped down straight into the sea as a disk of burned orange fanning out a gradient of oranges, pinks, to deep purples, she finally lift her hand to point it out. The striation of clouds made the sky look like a giant water color painting.
“You don’t get to see that in the mountains. The sun is never so giant even though you’d think it should be when you’re closer to the sky.”
Watching the big flaming ball in the sky slowly settle down to disappear behind that of the horizon making the sky no more than a detailed mosaic of colours, he lingered a longer moment. He’d seen sunsets and sunrises before. Found them to be of little interest and even now he wasn’t exactly moved in ways that suddenly declared a new found awe in them either. There was appreciation however which may likely be linked to Araminta rather than the painted sky.
“Perhaps but I am sure there was many other things in the mountain that you would not see anywhere else.” He shuffled with a slight turn to her, “Should we return…. You have not eaten and Mary Beth may have a meal for you to have.”
“That is true. In the mountains, you’re so close to the sky that you can literally walk amongst the clouds.” There were many things she fondly loved and appreciated about her homeland that could easily match the beauty of anything in the twelve kingdoms. …if those things still existed. If the landscape was not scorched with fire and magma drawn up from the earth to cover everything in pools of burning lava.
…this was not the moment to think about such things.
Araminta was reluctant to move, finding she could easily sit there by the ocean waves and watch the stars slowly come into view for hours. Yet with his mention of food came a twist in her stomach hinting that she was well overdue for an actual meal. Something more substantial than fishballs on a stick. A shame they hadn’t managed to catch a fish so she and Theon could prepare a meal together, but confident they’d have other opportunities.
For now returning back to their room would do Theon some good. He finally didn’t seem so frayed around the edges.
So with a gentle nod she shifted up to her feet, reaching down to claim Theon’s hands to help him join her.
Walk amongst the clouds. That… sounded curious and enough so that something in his skull chimed that he found it intriguing enough that he may wish to see such a thing. A little tidbit of thought tucked neatly away that perhaps if he managed to escape this weight of being who he was, what he was and who he was originally serving finally shirked off his shoulders, he might try to do so. But first thing was first, indicating that it may be a grand idea to return back to the inn.
For now, he finally had an idea of what he had to do. It took all day to come up with a plan that would seem inconspicuous of course and there was still a high chance of backfiring but… it was far more completed than not.
Moving to her holding grasp to insist himself to feet, he would hum a sense of gratitude but turned to start pulling the parasol from the ground. Glancing to the fishing rod and bucket to know that it would all have to be organized in a way that it would be easy enough to carry back to the place of rest. With the sky darkening with the absence of sun, it meant more people of the sort of desperate acceptance would appear. And he would be able to do a few things himself.
Sorting the newly purchased gear into grasp, he turned to Araminta firstly. Assessing her state of being then indicated with head tilt that they were ready to walk back to the abode so she might be able to eat. “After your meal. Should wash in the bathe that of sand and salt. Enjoy the comforts while they are available.”
At the mention of a bath, she smiled and nodded in agreement. Not about to waste the opportunity for another while she had it. Truthfully, she’d would’ve fussed at him to do the same, but Araminta had plans to get him into an actual soft bed that evening and knew she could only make so many requests before he started to stubbornly refused her attempts to get him acquainted with softness. Like a feral cat wanting the means of comfort but not trusting what was offered in the slightest after being swatted with brooms for so long.
On their way back to the Inn, Araminta remained astute in watching the locals that were willing on the streets. Returning to their homes, headed to evening jobs, or out and about for whatever the nightlife scene was for entertainment. Unsure of what she would do if someone did hop out of the shadows to try and accost Theon, but thinking she could be scrappy enough if necessary to provide enough aid of distraction and being a general problem for anyone that dared to try and harm him.
Once returned to the Inn proper, Mary Beth was there cleaning up and preparing for the usual shift change from her chirping charming self to that of her brother. Greeting them both with a welcome smile and a wave.
“Evening, Araminta and Ghost! Was it a good day in Essurn?” she asked curiously, looking them over for clues.
“The gardens were beautiful and quite inspiring as now we’re certain we’d like to surround our own home with flowers of some sort. Though I can tell you Lady Thebe is very much alive and well, potentially cultivating a murderous plant somewhere in that garden of hers.”
Was declaring such a thing the right thing to do? Probably not. But it’d serve Lady Thebe right if guests were aware there might be an evil plant in those gardens, just in case she’d been feeding it with hapless townies and tourists that come visiting her gardens.
“Oh my! Well that is a new one for sure!” laughed Mary Beth, likely not entirely believing Araminta, but was surely going to spread the news to anyone who would listen. “I see you don’t have any fish, did the fishing not go well?”
Araminta glanced at Theon with his reddened cheeks, their supplies and the empty fish basket. Shaking her head and giving a small shrug.
“Fruitless fishing but a wonderful time nonetheless. I collected shells and we watched the sunset. Would it be terribly inconvenient to send up a meal for us?” she asked, hopeful.
Mary Beth nodded adding on a simple silent questioning motion of tapping the tip of her nose after a quick glance of Theon. Causing Araminta to broaden into a smile and give an nod of her own. The Innkeeper gave a little wink of understanding, clapping her hands together in the process.
“I’ll have that right up for you, won’t take but a few minutes.”
Araminta murmured her thanks, gesturing softly to Theon she was ready to head upstairs. Leading the way, slower and slower up the multiple flights as apparently she truly had used up so much energy through-out the day. Who knew relaxing could be tiring! Why did this Inn need so many stairs!
Back safely in their room Araminta helped take the items from Theon, not to put away but rather to add to her suite security. Arranging things in front of windows to be sure no one was going to come climbing in for silent midnight assassinations without making a racket loud enough to wake the dead.
Momentarily there was a swoop and collection of the items that had been carried up that of the steps. Watching Araminta carry them after to be stashed amongst her other rising collection of items that would potentially make her trials and treks that much easier. Though at the rate this was going, she may need to have a small wagon too. Perhaps one of those gypsy wagons that were pulled along and shooed any nosy gospels away while bringing about interest of those less pious.
It was an interesting little take but his mind quickly gravitated to what was next. Which was, setting things up that Araminta would be able to leave this place generally safe and him pulling attention after himself.
“When you take that of your bath, I am going to step out quickly as well. I am low on some herbs that has a shop nearby that only operates in the night. It will not take me long, half an hour at most. It would be a good place for me to visit. As it functions under the Imperial Queen’s eye, so it would pull attention for a moment and perhaps… allow some tales to venture back to the Imperial Queen. If I am alone, it may hint that I am still thinking of ways to do as she requested.” He had to find a person that could meet Araminta’s height after all. A cloak was easy to hide the imposter’s appearance and right now that was all he needed to do. The rest would come later when he came back after his excursion. But his tall-tale right now ought to work to convince Araminta that he was trying to pull some attention off their backs in ways that were a little more influenced by his mother.
“You’ve been pondering,” she remarked, giving him a soft look over to see just how deep in thought he’d been. He hadn’t decided to abscond with her in a flurry of fleeing, but was still thinking ahead how to confuse those that’d be seeking them. A wise choice, as Lady Thebe was sure to spill the beans that she’d seen them in Essurn, which meant those looking for them would know what direction they’d go to head for the next trial.
Araminta had some ideas of her own to confuse such trackers.
“It’s a good idea,” she affirmed with a nod. Moving to her pack to find some things he would safely eat and set them out on the small table, knowing whatever lovely thing Mary Beth brought up he wouldn’t be likely to partake.
Speaking of Mary Beth, the woman was true to her word of it only being a few moments. Already knocking gently at the with a sing-song call of it’s Mary Beth!. Araminta quickly shifted over to let her in, pleased to be greeted by the woman’s friendly smile and the interesting smell coming from the tray she bustled inside with.
“I felt so terrible that you didn’t catch a fish, so I have a nice fillet of fresh snapper for you! Some sugar cookies if you have a sweet tooth, your Ghost looks the sort to like a sweet.” chirped on Mary Beth, setting the tray on the table and laying the plates out neatly. Then she turned directly to Araminta, pulling a tiny little circular jar from the pocket of her dress and placed it in the girl’s hand with an affectionate pat. Tapping her nose just in case Araminta somehow forgot what it was for.
With a brief exchange of goodnights she bustled out just as quickly as she came.
“Before you go,” Araminta piped up, wiggling a finger at Theon to come closer and then pointing at the sofa. “You sit. Just for a few moments, this won’t take but a second.”
A sense of relief washed over that she had come to accept his plan for the moment. Even if it wasn’t remotely the truth, it was good to know that she couldn’t see through him like a wet sheet of parchment. Doubting he was that grand of an actor. Merely assuming that he had not given her a reason to believe that he might be trying to put together something that split them apart. Hoping that Araminta would be safer away from him since he had the target on his head. Knowing he couldn’t accept the idea that she be harmed because of his existence or folly for thinking he could ever get away from the iron hold that was the Imperial Queen.
Sadly he knew he couldn’t save her entirely. There was no telling what sort of things would come after her at the trials, but he had to try at least something. Something to give her a chance for now.
Araminta was resourceful, calculated and didn’t need help in honestly. She had managed this far on her own with that tenacious attitude, he did believe she would survive and take on the Imperial Queen. He just hoped she could defeat the woman that was blood to him.
Nodding with every intention of sliding away right now, the door had been temporary busy with Mary Beth’s one man tune and the collection of a meal. Something that apparently was to support Araminta’s want for something of a fished dinner. Not so caught by her own hands but at least prepared and already cleaned to be cooked to her suitable perfection.
Only for him to tilt his head curiously when the inn keeper said something about a sugar cookie and sweets. Which just encouraged a sense of bafflement. What was a sugar cookie? He figured it was something sweet but he’d never had something like that ever since being slipped something into his food. And sweets were not something he cooked.
Leaving him to hold onto that thought for some curious consideration even if he politely nodded to Mary Beth’s departure. Next to look at Araminta when she asked him to pause and sit. Argent rings flicking to that of her beckoning finger. Not sure what she was up too but knew well enough not to give her a reason to suspect anything that he might be up to something. Moving to the indicated point to the cushion did he sit. Folding hands upon thighs and looked expectantly for the next set of instruction. Unsure of what wouldn’t take but a second.
Araminta sat down easily next to him, twisting her little jar open and taking a sniff of it first. Fresh and bright smelling, she wasn’t sure what was in it but in scooping a little onto her fingertips she could tell immediately that Mary Beth understood the assignment.
“Look at me, please,” she bid him, waiting for the turn of his head before with the most ginger and gentle of touches took to dabbing the stuff on his cheeks and nose, even his forehead. Once there was enough, with quick swiping motions, still just the softest of touch she smoothed it all out over the redness of his skin. Hoping that it felt as cool and soothing as it was meant to.
“We might have to put a little more on in the morning, but it all to help prevent you from being a piece of jerky,” she muttered softly in between her medical administering. “Next time you ought to carry the parasol yourself, I think.”
Nose wrinkled at the invasion of sharp fresh scents when it came from that of this ointment that was shortly being administered to that of face. Shortly being accompanied by that of a tingling coolness that spread each place she pressed with tender touch. Surely spending far too much time or effort on that of his being –and yet he couldn’t find himself to pull away. To verbally complain. To even point out that her kindness was to be wasted on someone that was creating endless traps and situations that she had asked for. Yet, there was a greedy little shred of something deep within the flipflopping pit of his stomach that simply just wanted to ignore the ugly realities beyond the door of this room.
That for one quiet moment in time, this… all of this was okay.
The action of help ended swiftly. As indicated by words prior, it was only to take a moment. Keeping true to such a statement.
Blinking once or twice to adjust focus to rest upon the beauteous dark crowned woman. Feeling something spark and flutter with no actual description to what it was while mouth suggested there would be a need to put more on in the morning. Allowing the sense of guilt to rise into throat with a private threatening that he ought to say something, shouldn’t he?
No. Araminta would do what she always did. Come up with some elegant speech that would suggest that all of this was entirely small potatoes. That they could handle it when in actuality, it was far bigger than that. The idea that she might convince him to feel calm and collected with the glaring knowledge that the Imperial Queen was a woman that didn’t settle for anything less than her own demanded perfection and paradise, any hope of peace… was a six letter word.
This was for the best.
This was the best.
Dipping gaze down and away as if searching for the parasol mentioned. “Perhaps.” Tapping fingers to that of thighs, “Is this all? It would be best for you to relax or eat first. I will return in a bit. Yes?”
Araminta nodded and gave a soft hum of affirmation, blissfully unaware of what the man was plotting. Picking up one of the sugar cookies to break off the tiniest of pieces, and even that she broke in half – one to pop in her mouth and the other to offer him to sample if he thought he was feeling daring. Guessing he likely hadn’t had any cookies in his life, and rather curious herself if Theon was the sort to like sweet treats at Mary Beth suspected.
“I’ll eat and have my bath, then when you’ve returned we’ll get ready for bed.”
Conveniently leaving out the part where she had every intention of getting him in a bed. It might require her being a little bossy about it, but… she’d have to bury those guilty feelings. If she was going to have to trick Theon into getting some proper sleep, then it’d be worth it in the end.
Good, nothing was out of place. Nothing was expressing unbeknownst to him that he was setting up a separation from each other. That he was planning in that skull of his own to try and give her a small sense of freedom. Instead she seemed to approve that he was doing this slight diversion with the hopes to draw eyes away from where they were. If only it were that simple.
Scooting oneself to the edge of the cushion, the offering of something itty bitty warranted a strong look. Discerning what it was first then going through the mental leaps and bounds that promptly settled on being afraid and disgusted all at once. Adding to the twisting mettle that was his midsection. Making head shake swiftly with a strong turn of it after. Avoiding any unlikely scenario that Araminta was going to attempt to shove it down his gullet.
The smell was sweet and butter and enough.
Helping him gather up to feet as to cross over the area towards the door. Patting hands down that of waist to assure he had everything required and stopped. Turning to recover that of sword to strap to one’s hip. As if this was to finish the ensemble of his appearance, reaching to pull the hood of the cloak out so it could be preemptively pulled over features.
Yet her statement of being put to bed or rather getting ready for bed caused him a moment of thought. Running it through his mind to work into the logistics of his own plan. Seemingly fitting it in, “As you wish.” Nodding and deciding it likely wouldn’t be difficult to try this idea of cat napping a bit before he had to exact the plan of action. All he had to do was wait for Araminta to fall asleep. She slept heavier than he did and longer. So that part wasn’t about to be too difficult.
“I will return.” Adding on, he made a swift slip out the door to pull it closed. Lingering on the other side with a held stare upon the wood grain. Giving it one final thought before turning and moving to go back the way they had originally entered.
He had half an hour to pay someone to act the part of Araminta. To be his accomplice out of Essurn and of course to make a leave elsewhere. To make the illusion that they were fleeing away from the trails rather than returning. As long as there were two figures leaving in the night to whomever was looking, he was sure it would work for a little bit to keep the princess safe.
Though she may not forgive him for his decision, he could live with that. Rather than having her blood on his hands because he was growing greedy and accustomed to having even one person give a mild damn about him. Now that was true selfishness and that was to be shed immediately.
He gave a nod to the front as he moved by it, not about to stop to chat. Time was of the essence.
Araminta got the sense he was antsy again, but all she could assume was that he worried and needed to feel like he was actively doing something to prepare for unexpected dangers. It wasn’t fair that he seemed to carry the weight of protecting both of them – yet was Araminta to do? Even if she dropped the trials, they were going to be walking on thin ice no matter where they went as long as his mother was in power. This was a problem that required resources and resources took time. Truthfully, the best thing to do was continuing the trials and allowing Araminta the chance to get to know all that she could about the twelve kingdoms.
He thought she was a clever tactician, well, perhaps she could attempt to live up to his opinions of her. Still, that took time…
Her meal turned out to be wonderfully satisfying, simple in flavor and without any unpleasant surprised compared to the fishballs. Just lemon, some fresh tomatoes, and some green stuff that smelled like chives and dill. It vanished into her stomach at a record rate and was followed up with a cookie or two and a mug of the mulled wine she’d acquired from the tavern.
The bath she took her time with, even though there wasn’t a need to. Happy to have hot water and soapy bubbles while she had the chance. The wound on her leg was no looking any better, nor the rate at which it was spreading. In fact, she was a little concerned she might have to mention it to Theon, but didn’t quite have the heart to do it in the hear and now. Maybe when their trip was over, for as she promised she would make it their next priority. Both for his peace of mind and to help her be more capable during the next trials.
Once the water had cooled and she abandoned the tub it only took a moment to get toweled dry, redress her wound, and pull out that soft blue nightgown she’d purchased from the atelier. Soft and satiny, such a girlish thing was so very impractical for their travels. At least for their stay in Essurn she could go to bed feeling like a proper princess, and she could leave it at their home to wear for bed in between the trials.
Then she set to work making their little suite nice and calm and cozy. Extinguishing all the lighted lanterns until the rooms had a soft, warm ambience perfect for restful sleeping. Araminta even eyed the bed and debated the blankets. It was unlikely she could get Theon to scoot under the covers, so instead she fetched the pillows from the extra bed to make him a nice spot to prop up with her in hers. All she needed now was her lute properly tuned.
He figured there would be those who would be interested in what he was doing. More so when one started to move towards the less eloquent side of Essurn but towards what one might as well have described as the back alleys. Places that people of culture didn’t frequent but spoke in hushed whispers about. Suggesting that anyone here was the sort that did anything for money.
They did but it was usually because of untold reasons. Not all people here were debased vermin that rolled in blood for lush and love. Of course some really did and that would take a certain level of due care to avoid finding those sorts.
All he needed was someone to be wanting enough to take an offer that would lead them away from Essurn for a day, acting the part of young lady with a cloak tight and close. It was likely simple but once he had found a place that had the sorts of people that drank hard, smoked much and eyed each person coming and going with the same amount of suspicion that a bank teller might to a robber; he knew he was in the right place. And it was work that was far more familiar to him than what had been life more recently.
A quick word to the tender at the grubby looking bar was more than enough. A suggestion of few words to imply he was looking to hire someone that wanted money but not for blood. Watching man’s dark eyes flicker and widen only slightly when a coin was offered to him to ensure this was a favourable transaction. Making the gold piece disappear with a swift snatch of hand and mug of water put up. A scheme that was done by most mercs that needed to be wise for their work but didn’t want to look weak before those of grisly patrons.
The item was taken. Slinking back into a corner booth like some cliché info merchant to wait for whomever the bartender would send over that they thought would work for this unspoken mission. Only suggesting that the coin would be well worth whatever was asked for.
There were two candidates after five minutes. One was a fellow that was far too wide to play the part necessary. Shooed away without a word even if they gave him a bit of a sneer that was met back with a viper cold glint of silver. Curbing whatever cesspool of a thought they may have been having. Curling at their shoulders to shuffle away to where he met the second. A younger woman, but seemingly older than Araminta. With eyes more like dolls than anything, he quietly had a short conversation with her. Expressing what he was looking for and if she was able to leave the city for one day. She gave him a look of mild confusion. Stealing seconds for deliberation before asking what he was going to pay. Merely being told gold and that was it. Watching her stare brighten to be eager enough to agree to the idea of leaving.
Then came the rest of the details. That she was to come to the inn he would specify only once and low beneath his breath. Watching around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. While telling her that he would be expecting her to wear a cloak and keep her face hidden. After a moment or two, she nodded. Expressing that it didn’t seem that difficult. Something he merely hummed about.
With a show of expression, he handed her a silver piece. A sort of idea that if she followed through, a gold piece or a few more would be in her possession but proving he also had the coin to do so.
Only once it was confirmed that she should arrive to the inn at the back portion an hour and a half before dawn, he rose. Leaving the mug untouched and the girl slipped away into the crowd the opposite direction.
Leaving him to depart and make winding paths through the alleys and streets in case anyone decided to follow along. Unlucky for him, there was always one.
And always one that found out swiftly that while he was generally incredibly passive, when it came to this plot… there was little he wouldn’t do to try and keep Araminta safe. Much to the twiggy looking fellow missing half his teeth, clutching at the bloody stump where hand had been. Giving blade a strong flick to spurt blood across the cobbles were the leveraged palm laid in farewell. A mere tilt of cowl covered head and the foolish sop scurried back a good few paces. Panting heavily between shock and pain but wisely acted the part of proof as why not to follow any further.
Admittedly by the time he had returned to the inn, it had been longer than half an hour. And the clerk within was that of Mary Beth’s brother, earning a mere look at the man before helping himself up the stairs. Saying nothing to his arrival or the splatter of obvious red that glinted from forearm from dapples of flitted blood.
Although he would have liked to wipe it away prior, he couldn’t. At least not with something readily available as he didn’t wish to use the hankerchief that was still tucked away that had been given back to him by Araminta. Making him knock on the door a few times before checking the handle to make sure it was unlocked to allow entrance once more. Peeking in carefully in case there was something that he ought to be covering his eyes for, Theon hummed softly as door was sealed up behind him. Locked and features were given freedom once more after pulling cowl back down.
While Theon took longer than intended, luckily for him Araminta had not been counting the minutes away. Her meal and bath having taken up most of the time, along with her setting the soft ambience and trying to do some repairs to her shabby little lute. So when he did stepped through the door and close it gently behind him, she was simply sitting on one of the chairs testing the strings with gentle strumming, attempting to work out the notes of a song in her head.
She greeted him with a bright smile and a glance – then a pause and a second look, squinting those verdant green eyes of hers. In the dimness of the room she might not have caught it at all, those little specks of red. Yet maybe she was getting as keen as Theon in spotting little details about the other.
At first it was a wave of immediate panic but he appeared to be alright on the surface – no wounds or awkward movements. And it wouldn’t do if she just assumed an assassin had jumped out at him so soon! It could have been anyone or anything. Still, she rose from her chair, moving to go fetch some water and one of the rags, quickly but not in a frenzied rush.
“Are you alright?” Araminta asked first a foremost when she returned, taking him by the hand to do a closer inspection and see about cleaning away the blood. “You had trouble.”
He had hoped to simply slip away to that of the washing basin to cleanse that of body. To remove any lingering traces of the red so that Araminta wouldn’t have more to be concerned about. However, she was astute. Sitting there like…. Like what?
There was a strong loss of words for he could only settle on the idea of angelic. Feeling his face flush with new heat and a strange skip of beating vessel lodged within that of chest. Almost tempted to feel at the space less it had somehow managed to slip through bone, muscle and skin to slip out and fall to the floor. Nearly about to look down to make sure it hadn’t happened, attention grew at the slow rise that had her no sooner bringing water and rags to approach.
And did he feel it. The slow giddyup that he was struggling to find any sort of words too why the pumping organ was doing these things for. Noticingly only much too late that the lights were cast into a low glow. Mentally cursing and trying to calm the fluttering hum, “Fine.” First question answered as she took the limb up to give it a closer inspection, “Hungry thieves. Eyes after the drop of the sun tend to become focused. Looking for those who may seem like they will not fight.” Theon worked his lip through teeth a moment before pulling breath to cool further. “I am unscathed.”
Directing head to tip in suggestion to the room. “You are ready to rest then?” Retracting hand from her so he could open the other to take that of rag. “I will tend to the blood, you are clean now. You were at peace before I came. Do not hold frets any closer, this is of no issue. I will… tend to myself and dismantle that of armour while you… lyre?”
Lucky for him that he was so red from the sun that Araminta didn’t notice the sudden flushing, more concerned with being extra sure that he was indeed actually fine. Allowing him to take the rag from her to clean himself up, as her little plot was going to take some finesse as it were so the less bickering about it the better.
One couldn’t just demand a man to get into her bed, that would just… well, Araminta wasn’t so sure what she was thinking. This wasn’t a seduction and yet, now the idea was in her head she wanted to both flush from embarrassment and laugh out loud at the absurdity of it.
“Not a very smart thief, then. You don’t look at all like someone to trifle with,” she commented first instead, stepping back and away to give him the space he needed to do that washing up and remove his armor.
“About bed…” she started softly, moving back to the chair to fetch her lyre only to hug it in her arms. “It was… a nice day for certain, if not a little rattling. Will you come and lay down with me? For the peace of mind?”
So that she could play him a soft lullaby and perhaps charm him to sleep the same way she did to a glade of fae. Araminta kept that bit to herself.
“Sweet eater.” He said to her statement about him not looking like some to trifle with. “Souls that sell themselves to the means of things that had no business being consumed but bring about a delight that is addictive to a dangerous point.” Theon knew the type. They usually had teeth missing and the ones they did have were ungodly white. “They they can’t get what they need, it doesn’t matter what someone looks like. So long as they have coin.” Though he doubted the unfortunate being was about to give up his drug addled ways. Even one hand down, the man was probably going to keep trying.
Death came in some sort of arrangement. It was a ugly thought but not necessary to expand upon now.
Not when he was somewhat enthralled in ways that he hadn’t been privy too before. Taking due care to wipe away the blood and eventually started to work free the cloak and mantle piece firstly from that of frame. Stealing peeks at Araminta from corner of eye and finding that the sensation that spurred inside his chest hardly went away.
Which didn’t and thankfully couldn’t be noticed. Keeping focus after her when she began to mention about bed. And came about this all in such a way that even as he was removing the gear from himself, drew a pause. She was… uneasy. “Lay…down?” He asked her as if he hadn’t heard her correctly. “I can stand guard if you are uncomfortable.”
Why the hell did he feel like he had nearly swallowed his own tongue just saying the two words back of laying down. “It is of no issue. You ought to get your rest after the adventure of the day after all.”
Sweet eater? Even with his explanation Araminta had a hard time understanding the colloquialism for this one, especially when the phrase itself sounded so innocent and earlier Mary Beth had suggested Theon might’ve liked sweets which didn’t help her confusion at all. Thinking she was fairly certain the woman was only referencing sugar treats… But maybe it made sense that people on the street might nickname nefarious substances something similar? What sort of substances were so dire that they’d attack people in the streets!
Araminta was still trying to puzzle this out as Theon seemed to wrestle with her request. Eventually throwing these thoughts to the side so she could focus on the here and now.
“You also need rest,” she quickly tried to explain. “I’d rather if you weren’t standing and guarding after all of that sun? You could just sit in bed with me and I’ll play some music so you can nap, or no nap at all if you wish. You don’t even have to get under the covers.”
Could she drag him to bed? Araminta doubted it. He’d be as immovable as a statue while she tugged and pulled!
Was he actually sick? Was he so unwell now that his heart was doing this impressive loop de loops in his chest that it was a medical problem. Unless he was about to start grasping at his chest in a dramatic display, he had to focus on the efforts of peeling himself out of the armour. Managing to take off the chest piece even as he said he would simply stand guard over her.
Which seemed to pull that statement. “But… if it is for you. I would do so in a heartbeat.” A little on the nose right now, wasn’t it? Still, he didn’t stop too long. “I just want to make sure you feel safe. I don’t mind not resting… I don’t really do it anyways.” Settling the chestpiece to the ground, he took the cloth after a squeeze to wipe at his forearms and up.
Well that statement was a little knife twist to her guilty heart. Knowing well he’d likely do just about anything she asked him to do. Walk himself into the ocean, or jump into a pit of live snakes if she made the request. All because he was so used to being ordered around by some fire breathing witch, only to land himself with Araminta now to follow her bidding simply because she showed him kindness! She didn’t deserve that kind of loyalty at all.
“I’ve noticed,” she responded to his quip about not sleeping. Staying well out of the way to allow him the space to breath and do what he needed to do. “But I do feel safe when you’re nearby, and safer still knowing you’re well rested… so we will rest well!”
At least he wasn’t arguing about it, which meant she didn’t need to oversell it and start seemingly suspiciously like she was up to something. He might leap right out of bed if he realized it was simply a ploy to get him sleeping somewhere warm and cozy.
Well with that sort of logic, then… if she just felt soothed by his presence then he supposed he could do as she requested. Although it was weird and doing nothing for the means of internally calming the pitter pattering galloping vessel that was supposed to pump blood. Though he outwardly kept the level of coolness with moving to keep the effort of prying parts of armour away. Then washing any bared flesh presented.
It would be better to do a full wash seeing as he had been sweating in the heat of the day under the blitz of sun. Leaving him a momentary debate of whether he should as he didn’t wish to offend or upset her by any lingering scents of sweat.
And it would be best to be close to her to make sure when she fell asleep that he could move and make the plan come to fruition. So this was killing two birds with one stone, then. “I will cleanse properly then and obliged your request. If it will aid your means of unease, then there will be no complaint to be given.” Dunking the rag into the water and taking the means of little bowl into grasp. “Then this will appease you, yes?”
Carefully Araminta looked him over, almost suspecting he was up to something for how easily he was agreeing. Guessing that he likely meant to escape bed the second she fell asleep. No doubt counting on her falling asleep before he did, as well. Araminta did tend to fall fast and fall deep, whether she wanted it or not. A troubling thing, but that again was something to discuss later…
“You could take a full hot bath if you wanted,” she suggested with that sudden smile. Certain he was going to refuse that, but it didn’t hurt her making the attempt. Hot baths was something they could work on later too.
“I’ll play while I wait,” she affirmed, fully encouraged now that he’d agreed. Stepping away carrying her lyre along with her to the little room and bed she’d prepared with the extra pillows. Climbing in and tucking her legs under the covers and settling into a comfy seat.
Regardless of whether or not he’d actually risk a bath, Araminta could be patient. Softly plucking away at the strings of her instrument with a lovely soothing melody to begin that means of easing them both into a nice calm state primed for sleeping.
It was his turn to give her a bit of an eyeful when she was giving him that grin. Suggesting him climbing into the bath of hot water while she looked so mischievous and innocent all at the same time. Truly having a think of whether she was plotting something further or if she was trying to be whimsical and faeish in her own way. Settling for no reply in this matter beside the atypical nod in her direction.
While a bath may have sounded nice, it was still a luxury that he didn’t require. He wasn’t trying to be too conspicuous by obliging by every request, guessing she might figure out he was not entirely himself. Even if he didn’t feel like himself. Yet if he said something about this racing feeling to her, he’d likely have her trying to rush him over to some healer!
Instead migrating into that of the chamber to spend a bit of effort well… lack of a better term, sponging himself down to be devoid as much dirt and grime as humanly possible in such a manner. Noticing the lessening of dizzy leaps chest bound, and the gentle sounds of lyre plucking coming from diligent digits. Only confirming he’d be best to hasten when it came to making sure Araminta fell into slumber sooner than later. If this plan was to work out, it had to be as flawless and without any unlikely hitches as possible. Banking on the fact that she was a better slumber-er than him.
With such a thought, he was shortly out from the bathing area. Though moving across the room to the space that had been suggested as his own to make the switch from clothing that had been compressed beneath that of armour previously for the recently washed items. Finding a hole in the worn out gray shirt but had little else to switch it with. So it would have to do, knowing that it may be time to at least purchase one new peasant top to help with the quantity remaining at two. At least the trousers weren’t sporting any torn stitching. Otherwise he likely would be rescinding his agreement to Araminta quite quickly.
Articles that were considered dirty were now tucked away. Bag sorted properly for ease of taking when he was ready to depart. Making sure the armour was ready for a quick assembly before finally leaving and knocking lightly on that of Araminta’s side. And paused, “Are… we not staying to the couch?”
Araminta paused right in the middle of her playing at the question, quickly racing through possible answers for something that wouldn’t spook him!
“I did say well rested, didn’t I?” she decided on. “This is more comfortable and there is plenty of space for both of us.”
Araminta gently patted the blanketed spot next to her, where she’d set the extra pillows against the headboard where he could sit up and lean against if he didn’t want to risk laying down. There was a single lantern on the bedside table, flickering gently. The window properly secured with her new parasol propped up in the sill along with a vase, so if anyone thought to climb in directly they’d go clattering to the floor.
The princess herself had pulled her ebony hair over one shoulder to get it out of her way. there were no drinks or snacks readily available this time, just the lyre in her hand. Indicating she meant every word about playing a few songs and going to sleep.
“I won’t bother you at all, I promise! Well… unless I snore. But I suppose you must be used to that by now.”
Hanging in the doorway, he considered the room. It was no different than the one he had just been in besides the fact that it was Araminta’s. With her within and certainly not the same as when she slept outside and him merely cat napping to be alert at any unusual sound. This… was comfort.
Almost ready to do a few feet backwards. Instead lightly pulling teeth over the thin flesh upon inner lip, watching her more from the corner of eye now. One window. One bed, one lantern. One Araminta… a parasol and vase setup to act as burglar alarm and his mind playing the game of how this was not what he expected and pointing out this was all for her relief. To make sure she rested and he would eventually vacate her life for a hope of a better existence for her.
There it was again. That fluttering hectic rush left center in chest that made him flush all over again. Growing bashful in animations to rake fingers through the length of vermillion at the statement of her saying she expressed well rested. Shuffling from yes and no. Back and forth, here or there.
Unsure he could hold her gaze and a little worried that she was liable to hear the thunderous pounding of heart!
“You do not snore.” Mumbling low as one forced the first step forward to break that breech of boundary. Quickening heart all the more till it felt like a steady vibration to the very edge of that bed. Practically quicksand at this point. Staring at the arrangement she made as he wasn’t sure he could look her in the eye at all. Feeling heat flushing not only to cheeks but spreading down to neck. Into ears. Woodenly coming to sit on the bed. You’d think it was a pit fall with the behaviour he was extruding!
Good thing this might be the last thing she ever recalled of him, it would do her well to find him pathetic and worth a mocking laugh!
Inch by inch eventually getting to here he sat mostly with back to headboard. Crossing arms over chest and keeping gaze surely avoided out of mortification rather than avoidance. Worrying into near oblivion.
Araminta could not tell if he were horrified at the entire idea of somewhere soft to sleep for once, or if he were suddenly bashful to share a bed with her. Wondering if maybe she should have some sort of shame about it herself, as she supposed it wasn’t exactly the proper thing for a royal lady to do. Asking a grown man to climb into bed with you was surely scandalous. But they’d been together long enough now to have slept near each other plenty, and it wasn’t as if either of them were undressed. He’d gotten far more of a look at bare skin when he’d attempted to heal her wound! This was nothing to worry over.
She had to not laugh or he’d think she was laughing at him, rather than at how silly the situation was.
Best to not make a big deal about it. Thus, as he settled, Araminta too nestled to make herself comfortable. Arranging her hands again with her lyre to resume her gentle plucking.
“Don’t think about it, Theon.” she murmured in that soft soothing voice, unable to keep the humor out of her tone. “It’s no different than sitting together and watching the sunset as we listen to the ocean waves. Only softer and without risk of crabs.”
There was so much about this that felt so strange. Foreign. Not so much wrong but he knew well enough that this was not his place. The idea of luxury might as well have been the greatest evil of all time and she made it look so easy. While being there looking the part of heavenly dame with not a singular care in the world.
As if to point it out too, she spoke up after he had managed to sit down. Straying one of those bright gray eyes at her from the corner of its hold when she said he best not think about it. Suggesting it was no different than them sitting together even at the beach.
“I am not as s-steadfast and stable and…unbotehred by everything as you a…are, Araminta. It is not your heart that feels as though it’s about to g-gallop out of its chamber because… you’re sitting beside someone miraculous and good.” His mouth seemed to develop a bit of a run then and there, spluttering out something that he had suggested previously to his own brain not to say. “I am aware of my foolishness.” If he could have slunk into the floor, he damn well might have!
Araminta nearly twanged a bad note with his stammering, turning her head to blink those wide green eyes at him with every ounce of surprise in her. Is that what it was? He didn’t think he deserved a soft bed to sleep in? Painting himself as a villain, because why not, that is what everyone has told him he was for his entire life. No wonder he felt like his heart was trying to jump out of his chest.
Music might not be the trick tonight. A few fruitless strums and Araminta decided to abandon her lyre altogether, setting it aside on the nightstand and turning the lantern to just the barest of embers. Then she scooted herself close to wrap her arms around his and rest her head against his shoulder.
“I’m not always steadfast and unbothered. I’m constantly bothered and vexed and every feeling in between,” she murmured soft. “But you give me space to breath. You could lean on me and let me give it back?”
“..or you can pretend I am a pesky cerulean snail. Chirruping. Eating slime. Easy to ignore.”
To hear her putting aside the lyre after its last bit of strumming was made, drew a slight tilt of gaze. From its setting to that of nightstand. The dimming further of the lantern to the scooting bit nearer till she was close enough to claim arms about that of his. Sinking close with a sense of both awe, misery and something in-between that still impressively eluded him.
All of that paled when it came to hearing Araminta suggest otherwise that she was hardly anything he mentioned. Or it was the way she suggested he had any importance at all besides being the nagging hound that followed after her knowing no better. “I would never think of you as such. Only highly. Though I am not sure you give yourself the credit you deserve. I’ve… watched you since the start of the trials. You are resilient and more than most ever would be. Someone that makes others seem nothing and able to be so charitable, kind and beyond. A better embodiment of good than anything I’ve ever crossed before.”
Theon frowned. Deeply. A motion that felt truly unnatural as if breaking stone apart with a chisel… “And you’re laden with more troubles than others and yet—” Trialing off, head shook. “I would not seek your shoulder to lean on for I would not want to add any more problems that I already have. That… I could not do to you. In good conscious and… I know there is no way to ever amend or repay anything you’ve done. When you surely never had too.”
Breath pulled, and released. “You should rest… there is much to do in the morning I am sure.”
So that’s what he’d been pondering about all day. Fearing that he was a burden to her, a waste of her energy, trouble to her. As if it wasn’t Araminta herself who had blown up his entire life and put him in these new and scary situations that were so overwhelming for him. Silently thoughtful for a moment she rest there. Not sure what she could say to convince him that everything he seemed to think about her was actually himself and what he’d done for her.
He wasn’t going to believe it from her, it seemed. At least they had a lifetime to work on it!
“Troubles are easier to get through when they’re shared,” she deemed to say instead, tilting her head enough to glance up at him. Reaching up a hand to press the backs of her fingers against his cheek to make sure the salve was doing it’s job. “But I am here if you need me. For anything and everything. Even just little naps.”
At his bidding she did nestle herself in a cozier position, giving a soft sigh as she sank deeper into their little nest. Confident at least that he’d stay with her and actually rest, even if he’d resist sleep like it was the very reaper coming to get him.
“Goodnight, Theon.”
Quietly there was a short glance at her suggestion that things were easier when shared. The meaning practically that of a vague whisper. Not sure when or even if he had ever knew of another that would even dare allow such things. A parent had already been absent from his life even standing right before him. Using him and his former siblings as mere dolls that could be thrown at another. Knowing he had merely succeeded in survival because he became terrified. Poisoned, nearly murdered in his sleep. Dismantled and forced to shed the morality of a person to become the trained beast that knew to live, it had to serve.
And yet, Araminta was the one piece that had come from somewhere in a land of rocky towering grounds. A kingdom that sounded like heaven on earth. Forced into this ugly state that she had only wanted help reclaiming what had been lost. What had been cast into the maw of demons and flame.
That thought…
She had been made to be alone. Siblings that had stayed behind to fight, unknown if they lived. A brother that had died during the crumbling of wall, assumed. Leaving her one and only and still pushing forward.
She rolled over and bid him goodnight. Leaving his head swimming with an ghastly realization that even if he wanted to keep her safe… was he? If he took this plan in his mind to fruition then she would be one once more. Perhaps he was by no means worth a hill of salt and likely to be the weakest link in her tasks from now to whenever she grew so tired of him that he was shooed away; but… right now? Right now she was willing to tolerate him. A broken wooden doll of a Imperial Queen. Not quite human, not quite fae. Just barely something more than fears and qualms and nervous ticks that somehow worked to help him be a merciless hunter when the task called for it. Even this night, he went in search of those of unsavory sorts in the hopes to keep Araminta safe. Where he sought peace for her and…
His heart jumped and scrambled in the cavity of his chest. Thumping loudly. Spinning in place till it fluttered and tingled as he watched her settle with means of slumber. Forcing gaze to shift to look at that of parasol tucked against window. The setup of vase to alert in case of brigand stepping through into their domain.
Thoughts clustered like rats to a fresh bag of trash.
Shuffling a little, did he adjust. Letting head bob to rest against that of headboard, and a decision came.
He would still have to wake and assure that the woman that had agreed to his plot would arrive but… she would only find herself paid for task uncompleted. What a foolish man he would be to assume that Araminta deserved to be alone once more. When she was ready to be, she would tell him to go away. And he could spent the time adapting himself to that level of acceptance but for right now… would it be so terrible to be a little greedy? To accept that someone cared enough to say he could be open with them and that he was welcomed to be near. That somehow in this accursed world, he brought her comfort. As absurd as it was.
It was more than he could have ever asked for. And more than he would ever receive again. It would… be good to learn about such strength. “Goodnight, Araminta.” He’d only be running if he left now. A cowards move… especially when he was the closet person that knew his… Heirra the best. Even if she didn’t consider him as her child… and he didn’t think of her as his mother; he knew things that others didn’t. That a heinous beast in human flesh sat upon a throne made of bone and blood of innocents. And… as Araminta said, things had to change.
He sank a little further then. Not quite lying down but certainly fitting the part of attempting it a little more. One step at a time. Though the bed was too cozy to be practical, surely.
Come the morning… he had better express the truth to Araminta about what he had been plotting. And start learning.