I don't own any ToV characters and such.
This is my first fanfiction in four years. I'm excited about this and already having so much fun with it. The pace maybe a bit rushed, but I hope you like it. :)
As for the characters, the AU part of it is that Yuri stayed in the Knights even after the whole Garista being a complete butthole thing happened (watch the movie if you're confused), and so it details one of his missions after the whole incident. ( I'm am having SO much of the pleasure of writing about.) Please Favorite and review...I don't care if its 'HEY, I like it." please post something...it makes me think you're reading it don't like it and leave when you don't
Hurts my feelings. :( Anyway, I hope you like Walking Outward and would like to continue reading beyond this point. :)
Part One: Bonds
It was warm and steamy. Quiet...his lips were slightly damp his posture a bit off from leaning back on the table. I wanted to giggle as I curled up into the bed covering my breasts with my knees. He was beautiful, a sculpture. The playfulness in his eye was dizzying and the half smile quirk could make me faint. The room was filled with tension euphoria as the time slipped on by slowly. I wanted to look at him all night, imagining what it felt like for him to touch me, for me to hear him, to feel him. I wanted him, and although I had him, I wished we'd stay like this all night. My eyes staring at him as he stood there with his shirt partially unbuttoned, his pecks taut. He came to bed and kissed my forehead good night and then my lips. I felt the dense cotton of his shirt as I smelled the scents of the Lower Quarter.
It was so...bad. I was so bad. It was uncouth of a lady to be in bed with another man but-
"You okay, Amelia?" he said. He was closed to me. This man right here, he loved my thin legs and my bony feet. My meager chest and messy red hair. He wanted all of it.
"Yeah, I am. I'm just not used to being in bed with a man." I say. It was true. i felt the concern completely. The guilt. It was innocent, we were dating. An Imperial Knight and a Lady. Seemed fine, but almost like a harlequin novel. He stroked my legs and I left my head on his shoulders, my face fraught with fever. He chuckled softly.
"You that nervous, huh?" he said. "It's like you've never been outside the Nobles' Quarter."
I knew that wasn't true. I had visited many times, mostly for cooking ingredients. Nothing like homemade food with home grown ingredients. Something that he loved. I was in a nightgown one of her friends helped out with at the tailors. It was small and rufflely, perfect for any other night. But not this night. This was the night. I was 20 and now it was time. My face was now in his hands and he kissed me once more. He was delicate with his kiss and the more passionate it was the more I melted. It was sweet. Snow started to fall outside faintly. He scooped me up in his arms, holding me close by my bum and I pulled away quickly, feeling half dizzy, because I could feel everything.
"What?" he said. His voice was low and sultry now. I tried not to freak out because I was so close to him. I could smelled the sage oil I gave him in his hair. This was happening and-
"Are you sure sure you want to do this? Tonight?" I think I say but probably warbled.
"I have condoms in case you're worried." he said. He looked away. "We don't have to do this tonight, you know?"
"Yeah, I'm not ready." she said. "I'm sorry."
He smiled which made me melt. "Okay." He kissed my lips again. "I'm gonna be in the bathroom."
He chuckled as he got off the bed.
"Reminds me of our first kiss. You were so nervous."
"Yeah...because it meant I choose you over him."
Amelia was riding down a dirt road into Zaphias, tired and a bit hungry. She was the young age of 14 when she came. She stared out the window as she looked at them passing the Lower Quarter. Her hunger and thirst caught the best of her and she asked the driver to stop.
He did so, wondering why she'd ever wanted to stop here. Amelia soon left the carriage in search of food of any sort. She walked up to a merchant with bread and simply asked. "How much for two loaves?" She pulled out her small purse and took a few bills out to pay. "Thank you." She replied.
Before she could return to the carriage, she heard boys voices. She noticed a short-haired blond and a boy with long raven black hair. The blond looked nervous at the sight of her and his raven haired friend ushered him toward her. She bit into her bread ravenously and chewed. It was amazing, much better than the expensive breads she was used to having.
The blond haired boy came up to her, his face red. "Um..." he began. Amelia placed her loaves in her satchel and twiddled with her umbrella. "Hey, um. My name is Flynn. I think you're really pretty." He managed to utter. The raven haired boy came up and wrapped his arm around Flynn, giving Amelia a classic smile.
"I heard there was a princess coming through the lower quarter." He said. Flynn looked like was going to faint, which made Anelia both feel flattered and become concerned."Flynn here was wondering where you going to stay? May we could chill some time."
"If you're busy we understand." Flynn interjected. "I know you must have a busy schedule."
Amelia giggled. The raven haired boy was very confident, to say the least. And the blond was sweet and polite. "I'm living here now and actually, I wouldn't mind hanging out with you guys anytime. I just won't be wearing a stuffy dress when I do." Amelia replied.
"Cool. What's your name?" Yuri replied.
"Amelia Allgood." She said. "You two are?"
"Yuri Lowell." said the black haired one.
"Flynn Scifo, your..."
"Please. I hate it when people address me as Highness. Call me Amelia."
The carriage driver shouted for her return. She started walking back. "I'll see you later, you two." She said with a wave.
Out of earshot, Yuri said, "She's...different."
Flynn looked at him. "Back off, Yuri."
"So, the driver told me you met some boys today, dear." said a woman in her middle 40s. She smiled as she sat in her chair, fanning herself and asking for another glass of iced tea. She was delicate and small, but had fiery red locks. Her eyes were small but expressive. "Some cute fellows on the way back from your aunt's."
"Yes, ma'am," Amelia responded as one of the maids started to undress her. They were in Amelia's room as she tried not to smile. It was nice meeting boys, after all, she had been surrounded by high society girls all her life who had no clue what a guy was really like. Two years ago the conversation changed from doll clothes to the latest dresses and the cutest boys. Amelia didn't mind the talking, and she felt great knowing that a cute boy flirted with her. She'd be the talk of the club for weeks. The popular girls would call her a harlet, but the really cool girls would be asking for details.
"You know you aren't too young to start courting." her mother said.
"Mother I'm not a woman yet. The other girls have became women. I want to wait." Amelia replies as she stands in her corset. She was flat chested. "And we just moved to Zaphia."
"Well, now now...there's no reason to wait. Now who is this boy?" her mother said getting out of her chair.
"His name is Yuri." Amelia said. "He has black hair and pretty eyes. And he's taller than me."
"Oh? Well then ask him for dinner tomorrow, and bring his friend along as well. Estelle is getting near courting age." She said with a a smile, she gently touched her daughter's shoulders. She leaned into her ear. "You can even wear my pearls."
"Yuri?" I said waking up the next morning. He wasn't next to me. And I heard the clinking of metal. I looked around, knowing that I'd be seeming clingy. "Yuri?" MY night gown bounces against my thighs for I am out of bed and looking for him.
He was rushing to put on his boots and I walk over and pulled up his hair into a ponytail. I took my hair ribbon and tied it up for him. He soon rose and kissed me on the cheek. "Babe I gotta go. I wish I can stay for breakfast but-"
"It's okay. How long are you going to be gone?" I ask. I really felt like soon the night would come when we were to become one, but I had to push the idea away for now. I just didn't want him to take on a trip he couldn't handle, which as every trip but sometimes the stories of Flynn were enough to giver her gray hairs.
"About two weeks." Two weeks. Two weeks without contact maybe a couple letters but that was it. I guess my face was readable because he looked a bit saddened himself. "And that was the face I was trying to avoid."
"Well, soon I'll be taking my mother's place, and she wants me to have you there. And you know who your dancing is." I say. He smiles at me.
"Talk over a letter. In plus," he said as started gathering his bag. "I like to rip it up, and it ain't pretty." he added shaking his butt. I giggled. He kissed me on the lips once more and said, "Gotta go. "
He stopped. "I have a surprise for you, but I'll give to your at your Ball. Okay?" He looked oddly nervous. Then he left and shut the door. I put my hand on my mouth. I couldn't that he...no.
It was the next day, the little redhead was in the Lower Quarter in her navy shorts and a blousy red and white striped top. Her hair was in a topknot secured with many pins in it. Her mother even gave her a bit a lipstick much to her disdain. She just wanted to talk to them and maybe play soccer with them. She could hear the girls saying he was her boyfriend. He sure beat the other boys with their blond locks and gaudy clothes. Yuri was simple, Yuri was different. Yuri was-
"Hey, Princess!"
Right there. She turned around. He was 5'10 and had hair past his shoulders. She brushed her hair back as she paid for an apple at the cart. She brushed a lock of her hair back behind her ear and she flushed before opening her mouth.
"Hey, Yuri." Amelia said. "I kinda was coming here to get some ingredients for apple tarts."
"Really? You cook? I cook!" he said smiling. "I work part time at the inn."
` Amelia kept on gushing and tried not to look too stupid. "That's cool. Where's your friend Flynn?"
Yuri shrugged. "I wanted to challanged him to a swordfight today, but I guess he chickened out."
"You swordfight? I hope with just wood."
"It's like fencing. We're saving up for a sword though. just plain ole' metal. You want to come and watch?"
"Sure," Amelia said smiling. She bought about 6 more apples and walked with him. She soon saw Flynn and waved to him. He was clumsy and dropped his fake sword.
"Hey Amelia." Flynn stammered.
"Hi, Flynn. Yuri said you two were gonna swordfight?"
Yuri was swift and honestly could've kept his shirt on. As well as Flynn because they were going at it in the middle of the field, going against each other in a heated battle. Amelia sat far away watching them go, and hearing the clanging of metal. She bit into one of her apples as she watched them parry and finally go into a strength match. It was nice being around them for once but she was still clueless about men.
The boys were locked in battle and Flynn gritted his teeth. Yuri smiled. "You lose, Flynn." he said. Flynn begged to differ and pushed him back. They kept going even after they were both tired. There was now a girl in their wake and neither one of them wanted to seem like the weaker in front her. She was cute and thin and tall. She was royalty for goodness sake and they both wanted a piece. They both want a date with her, and a kiss.
Flynn gave a hard blow and knocked Yuri down to the ground. His rod pointed at Yuri's face.
"You lose, Yuri." he said huffing.
"Rematch. Best two out of three." he said. They were both breathing heavily.
Amelia was sitting patiently watching the tiebreaker match go. These boys had a lot of stamina but the hits were starting to look a bit sloppy. It was about time for her to head to dinner...which meant she had to ask a very important question.
"My mom's making dinner. I'm making dessert tonight...she said you guys could come over...my driver is out back at the market." she tried to yell. They heard her and Flynn looked at her. They stopped and considered her offer. What was better to two teenage boys than going to a pretty rich girls house to eat?
It was nerve wracking being in a store like this. There were so many inclinations when a young man walks into a jewelry store. If you were committed then you were really serious. There was an expectation. Not that Yuri cared for it. He had a night in between for himself and he thought after writing the letter, that it was prime time for him to get serious about him and Amelia. Last night they were going to have sex for the very first time...his first and hers. She was so beautiful and he was nervous too. He still had no idea what to do with her once she was naked. Barely even knew how to put on a condom let alone...
He want to get something that made Amelia not worry about him leaving for a while. He knew to a degree she was fretting for him, especially since he got riled up so easily. But he wanted something made and finished while he was out here. A token for his affections. After all, it was a bit out of place for him to be a froo-froo shop like this. Even in his armor.
"Can I help you, sir?" said a woman said to him. "We have a great selection here."
"Yeah, I was looking for something I could get for my girlfriend. Something that looks like her." he said. "She's a redhead, blue eyes, kinda quiet and shy."
The woman's face lit up and she walk over to this necklace. It was made of pearls and blue gems. Well one blue gem in the shape of a circle. There was a matching white gold cuff with diamonds. He hoped whatever he bought was worth skimping on everything for a year. Then there it was: A simple little sapphire and opal locket.
"How much is that?" he said, pulling out his small bag of cash.
"That's 7,000." she said. He sighed. "I'll get it then,"
"We can have it engraved, for 200 more. "
"Sure." he said. She couldn't wait to see her open her gift. "It doesn't cost anything to get a gift box for it right."
"Do you want her name on it?"
"No."
The it's 10 dollars extra then."
Yuri pulled out his cash and paid for it without another word.
"What's with the box, Yuri?" said Flynn. Yuri was pinning yet another letter to Amelia near the window later that night.
"A gift." he said to him, still scribbling with his quill. His hair was down and he was in his pajamas. "Amelia's about to become 3rd to the throne. And I want her to know that we're serious."
"You've been dating her for two years. I think it's serious enough." he said. He looked at Yuri comb his bangs with his fingers. "Are you thinking about asking for her hand?"
"No. I'm 21." he said. "Just...I don't know. I want her to stop worrying about us being so close. Last night we were about to...you know and she stopped mid-kiss and said she wasn't ready, and man she was in this little bitty dress and-argh."
"So it's a bribe?"
"No, you idiot. I'm trying to show her that okay if we're far away and she can get close."Yuri replied. "She wants me to go to her coronation ceremony when we get back, but doesn't want to get any closer when we're alone. She wanted to last night."
"Maybe she's waiting for her coronation in order to get her feelings out." Flynn said. "So, maybe the gift will make her feel more at ease."
She was waiting and twiddling her thumbs. Amelia was going through her jewelry and couldn't find a piece suited for her. She had worn everyone, and she didn't want a new one. She sighed sitting in front of her vanity. While he was out she was getting schooled in her speech, shooting arrows and finding the perfect dress. She wanted it tailored. But something else was bit at her subconscious.
The night before last. When she at her most emotionally bare...when in about ten seconds they'd be both bare. The closeness made her want to reevaluate her dating him. he was well...a loose cannon and always acted rashly, and even if it did turn to a victory, it was still stressful. Amelia had to be serious now about him. It wasn't some young spring fling anymore, it was a real relationship...which felt like a good friendship with some kissing because he still hadn't said the 'L' word, which frustrated her. She knew how she felt about him. But she was starting to worry if he'd feel the same about her.
She fretted that he didn't and curled up in her chair, her knees into her chest.
"A letter, milady." said one of the servants handing her a package of parchment to her. It was thick and there was brown butcher paper covering a box. A small note was attached to the top of it.
I couldn't wait. It said. and neither could she. She knew that handwriting. It was Yuri's scrawl all over the page. Even with a wax stamp rather than the typical string tie. Something was important to be said. She opened it, leaving a sight rip and started to read.
Hey, How are you? Hope you're not stressing out about your upcoming corronation. I'm currently in a small town about 45 miles out from the Capital and we're having a decent time, nothing to worry about, I did get into any bar fights or anything.
Hey, about the other night, it wasn't about closeness or being nervous...i get it. I don't think we're ready for sex yet. You have to make some hard choices right now, so I wanted you to have one less stress.
Now I was going to wait until I got back, but I didn't. I don't know maybe it'd be too late to give it to you the night before. But it's nothing too extravagant. It cost me a hell of a lot of money so I know it's worth it. So go ahead and open it, and see what's inside.
Yuri
Simple and to the point as always. Amelia giggled a little at Yuri's candor at the end. She looked inside. It did cost him a helluva lot of money. It was a simple opal locket with a sapphire in the middle in the shape of a heart. She clicked it open and little sheet of paper was inside. She pulled it out and looked underneath. Inscribed was: You are my aer. -Yuri-
She looked at the little paper next. It said: I hope you like it.
It was a sweet gift...but I love you. It bothered her that there wasn't an ILY to be around-
She looked at the letter.
Nothing.
The boys were amazed. The amount of extravagance in the this girls foyer was unbelieveable. Even in their best linens, they felt out of place. Which meant the stakes between their duel were much higher than they expected. There were pillars and porcelain floors and gold gilded doorknobs on every right and left. The guards were in armor, the maids in their dresses.
Amelia was walking them in. "Mother!" she yelled. "Mama!" She walked around with the two visitors that brought whispers between the servants and maids. "Mother?"
A small maid with gray hair, Matilda, came to her and said. "She has unfortunately fallen ill and cannot make it to dinner tonight, milady."
"And Estelle?" Amelia asked. Her mother lately had been getting sicker more frequently. Many thought that she was in a delicate condition, which had caused her to fall ill more frequently. She felt a bit awkward having boys in the house when her mother wasn't there. But her mother already knew who she was bringing to the dinner which meant now that they'd be sitting alone being catered to.
"She will be arriving shortly. Your mother says for you to have a good night with your friends." said Matilda. Amelia nodded.
How what she order and how'd she entertain the guests without her mother? She had to cook as well.
"You haven't said you loved her yet?!" Hisca squeaked. "You've been dating for two years?"
Yuri, Flynn, and twins Hisca and Chastel were walking to a nearby bar for dinner. It was a bit warm out and right now, Yuri didn't want to hear one of Hisca' s screech sessions. It was bad enough that he had to deal with his girlfriend who was wishing he'd be more...stable. He didn't want anyone's input. Not that Hisca didn't care much for the hint.
The redheads were murmuring as they walked the streets. Chastel giggled.
"Yuri, you love this girl, right?" she asked him. Yuri didn't say anything about the subject. He liked Amelia with all her beauty and brains and her great fighting skills that she learned from her dad, among being an archer.
"He does." Flynn replied. Yuri looked blankly up at the sky. "He just doesn't know it yet."
"I know it, just not how it feels." he said simply. "Amelia's practically perfect for anyone else. She cooks and cleans and does all that high society stuff, but she's still grounded."
"How do you not know how it feels?" Hisca asked. "When you love someone you can't wait to be around them. You know how they smell, the thought of them being happy make you happy. It feels like the world gets brighter when she's around, you know?"
"Okay, someone's been reading way too many romance books." Yuri replied. Hisca huffed.
"So in other words she would make a better girlfriend to Flynn than you?" Chastel said, brushing her red hair back. "She's completely like Lady Estellise."
"Except she knows how to fight. She play fights when we're alone sometimes. She can shoot an arrow and hit a target about 300 ft away. She's not to be messed with either."
"She's a bit impulsive. She managed to get her hands on a blastia and almost killed herself trying to use it, to prove a point that she could use artes." Flynn said. "She's exactly like Yuri in that sense."
"She sounds like a homegrown rich girl. Like new money." Chastel replied. "She seems perfect for both of you."
Flynn raised his eyebrows and there was an awkward silence. It was thick. Yuri sighed.
"How far is this place? It seems like we've walking forever. I'm starving!" he said.
"Hey mother," I say looking at her. She resting in bed and it was high time for me to respond to Yuri's letter. It was so cordial and friendly...it was for just a girl...friend. Not a girl he was dating for two years.
"Hey, darling. What'd he say?" she said in a soft whisper. .Leave it to my mother to be able to tell what I thinking.
"Do you think he loves me? He never says it. "It's like he doesn't want to commit fully. and It's frustrating. He calls me all these endearing things but I'm waiting for the day he finally says it . Those three little words. "
My mother chuckled and coughed a bit at the fact I was so stressed about this whole situation. "Amelia, Yuri isn't the type to say those things aloud. He loves you , he does...he's just..."
"Immature." I say. I didn't want to face it...but...he was. Any man that afraid to tell me that he cared about a woman was beyond immature...
"No, just waiting. He's young. So, he's still trying to sort everything out right now." Maybe you can talk about when he's back home.
Yuri scribbled down yet another letter after they left. It was awkward saying those three little words. It meant something different instead of something couples say. It meant that something profound was happening, and Yuri wasn't on for being profound. He knew what he thought it felt like after one night with her. She was in a pale green dress and she looked at the sky in the middle of winter watching the fireworks.
But that was before they were even dating. She was 17 with her hair halfway down her back and she looked perfect. But nothing said, "Yep, she's the one." Not yet. He loved different parts of her, but nothing quite clicked. She was just a girlfriend.
A knock came to the door. It was Chastel. Thank goodness.
"It's 3 in the morning, Yuri. You need to sleep." she said.
"I need to finish this first." he replied. He was still in uniform and he yawned. There were a few crumpled balls of paper next to him.
"Don't force it." Chastel said. "You'll be miserable if you talk about feelings before they become true."
Yuri gave her a look.
"You really like her and you're this close to falling in love with her. You just need that one little push and then you'll be set." she responded. "So get some sleep."
4 days later.
He woke with a start. It was 2 in the morning. No one else was in the room put a pitter-patter of feet was outside. They were small. And dainty steps. with them were larger steps.
Then the door opened.
"Morning." he grumbled. He pulled the covers over his head to keep the light from getting in. There was a mission this morning and he needed his sleep. Soon the door shut, and he kept back to sleep. Or at least tried to. He ended up being up until the sun came up. Today the team was scouting the the area near the lake for strange activity. The aer was strange there and very dense in nature.
Simply, they needed to take care of it and if it meant an excuse to fight then Yuri was all for it. He stretched and prepared for the day. He saw the stoop a small white package. It was a letter and by the look of it a long one.
"Yuri! We're going to be late! Hurry up!" yelled Flynn. Yuri sighed and took the letter and placed it in his pocket. He could tell it was from Amelia. It smelled like cinnamon rolls.
Amelia never knew cooking would be this hard. It was simple little tarts, but she had a bit of trouble with them already. The crust was hopefully decent enough, and she was still whipping up some cream while the other were chatting outside. It was quiet in the little kitchen and the redhead still kept fumbling with her hands, hoping to get it just right.
Normally, tarts were easy, very easy, and while she stuck them in the oven she would be doing other dishes like pasta or maybe even a salad. But right now, even the simplest of tasks were hard when boys were at her house.
Well, a mild crush and his friend. Amelia didn't mind Flynn. He was sweet and seemed like a country boy. He was just so...intense. Serious...he looked like a person who thought deeply. Which was great, better he'd be deep than shallow. And Estelle took to him rather quickly and they hit it off. And by that, Estelle was doing most of the talking while Flynn would put in his two cents and Yuri cracked jokes.
Amelia was mildly fascinated by the black haired boy. He wasn't mysterious at all. Just funny. And silly. He was just there, all him all the time. It was off putting to a degree that he was so comfortable with himself, but Amelia found his confidence appealing. And his jokes and rash witty humor very funny. It matched her own with the girls at any gathering. They called her mean, but honestly she was just teasing, no harm involved. And she was tomboyish to them because she enjoyed more masculine things like archery. She could now shoot arrows 100 ft without missing a bull's eye,and of course hit the apple on top of someone's head. Someday she hoped to show him. She started getting rosy cheeks as she put the pan in the oven.
"So, Estelle." Flynn said. "How old are you?"
Estelle smiled and she looked adorable. She was petite and the bottom half of her was almost swallowed by her dress. She wore gloves and had a delicate demeanor. Like she could even hurt a fly if her life depended on it.
"I just turned 12." she said.
"Whoa," Yuri replied.
"Yuri, shut up." Flynn replied. Yuri rolled his eyes and sat in his chair in an overly relaxed manner.
"Not my fault you're a cradle robber, Flynn." Yuri said with a smile.
"Do you have to be like this all the time?" Flynn asked, exasperated.
"Come on. Just trying to help you relax, you're so uptight." Yuri replied.
"Maybe I wouldn't be so uptight if-" Flynn shot back.
"Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes...the tarts in 20. Everything going okay?" Amelia asked walking out. The boys attention became fixated on her. She had a medium sized bandage on her hand.
"Another cooking accident, Ames?" Estelle asked. Amelia giggled a bit. "I promise you, you can hold a bow just fine but you fumble so much in the kitchen."
"Bow? Archery?" Yuri asked. Amelia nodded.
"It's a pasttime." she said a bit sheepishly.
"Hey there lights on in the courtyard, maybe while dinner's getting ready you could show us." he replied.
"I'm not that good and in plus...There's duck."Amelia replied. Everyone liked duck right?
"Don't be modest." Yuri said again.
"Yuri, she said-" Flynn sharply interjected.
"I know what she said. Any girl with a lot of talent never says she does."Yuri said."Unless she didn't want a challenge."
Amelia giggled. The young lady charm switched off. "A challenge?"
"Oh now you've done it." Flynn said.
"Shut up Flynn." Yuri shot back. "Yeah, a can it a target that's 200 ft away.I'll go home, right now, but if not, you gotta kiss me by the end of the week."
Flynn looked at Yuri and honestly wanted to punch man gives a wager to a woman and who-
"Sounds fair...but you know it's pretty dark at night this time of year." Amelia replied. "Marina! Fetch me Betty and my arrows."
"Yuri don't go off on your own again." said one of his commanding officers. Yuri didn't say anything further on the subject. They were walking through a swamp and finally made it to the beach. It was quiet and the waves rushed against the shore. It was high tide so with every wave was a large amount of red aer. He checked his pocket making sure the letter wasn't ruined. He looked in there touched it.
Still dry. And with a wax stamp with one of those special metal plates on top. He'd have to ask Chastel for her letter opener again.
The waves settled and it became quiet..too quiet. Flynn and the others had their weapons ready as the water about 75 feet our burst with a large dragon. A horrible pang went through Yuri's chest. The redness of it was too familiar. With the veins and living whiskers like snakes.
"Lambert.." He said standing frozen. The world fell silent and he looked at it as it approached quickly. It hit the shore in a matter of seconds. It raged and kicked up sand, trying to destroy everything in its wake. Yuri started to run toward it.
"Yuri!" yelled the Commander. The monster's red vines came out and shot at Yuri. He looked and put his sword in front blocking it. He cut them and started toward the head which made it low enough on the ground for him to jump the distance.
"Tch." Flynn said coming after him.
The raven-haired young man managed to get up in the beast's head and his sword pierced it. The thing went wild shot back up into the sky, and whipped back. Hard, flinging the 21-year old far out into the ocean.
"Yuri!" screeched Hisca.
Thok!
The arrow wedged itself in the target and it was close the bull's eye even at 200 feet. Amelia sighed feeling a bit guilty that she'd have to send Yuri home without dinner . But she really wanted him to have her tarts. She started making her way back up to the dining hall , ignoring everyone's amazement. Yuri shrugged.
"Hey, Amelia!" he said raising his voice. Amelia turned around. "Good job."
She tucked one of her locks behind her ear once more.
"How you're nice when your being kicked out?" she said coyly.
"I'll be back." he said making his way out. Flynn noticed the redhead and her gushing, even though it was becoming more hidden. There was tension there between them. And she seemed perfect for him. Impulsive...but she had a delicacy about her. A softness that he liked. She was dedicated to be a member of the Nobles' Quarter and still take to her feminine duties. She played by the rules and she was used to this life. But she used it as a tool, but a crutch. When she wanted, she could be strong, if not stronger than most of the girls in the Lower Quarter...not to mention she was a lot more attractive than most of them. Porcelain skin and slate blue eyes, like a doll, and her dark fiery locks made her alluring.
He wasn't going to let Yuri have her. He wasn't backing down without a fight.
Too bad he realized he was standing out in the corridor by himself.
Yuri put his hands behind his head as he walked in the darkness. All he thought about was how he'd get her. How he'd make sure that stick-up-his-butt Flynn didn't get to her first. He knew where her sweet spot was competition, but she was a lady. A legitimate Lady of the Royal Family. She had grace and lived all her life in the Nobles' Quarter. But he wasn't disgusted toward her. In fact, he liked her. She was feisty and hot. She could handle her own and although she was a year younger, he didn't mind. She was like a tomboy whom he had to try and win over. He chuckled to himself.
"Oh, Flynn..." he said.
Two Days Later...
Yuri awakened in his bed. He was groggy and his shoulder hurt. His head hurt, his back was killing him. It was hard to breathe. He laid there, looking around hoping someone would give some valium because he was hurting so much.
He let out a long sigh and groaned. He looked at the window and saw the letter, somehow still dry. The little patch wasn't metal.
It was a blastia metal alloy rigged to make a force field when it was about to be damaged. He should've known.
He heard a voice. And smelled eggs and biscuits. Breakfast.
"What's cooking?" he tried to yell. He heard quick steps.
"He's awake!" said Chastel. Hisca came next and looked at me with an angry look. Flynn as usual didn't even bother to see him, but then he saw red. Red-face and red-hair.
"Amelia?" he croaked. She looked a mess in her simple tunic and burlap pants with boots. Her hair was in a ponytail and she looked at him. She looked like she was about to burst. She covered her mouth, but she walked away.
But she was wearing the locket. It bounced on its chain as she walked to the bathroom.
"She came by the night before last. She said she wanted to speak with you, because she had a bad feeling." Chastel replied.
"Man, she's better at predicting him screwing up than anyone." Hisca added. Yuri looked and saw Flynn walking in the same direction as Amelia, not even noticing him laid up in twins came in and looked him over.
"You dislocated your shoulder when you skidded across the water. It wouldn't of been this mild if it wasn't for your girlfriend rigging that later. She saved your life. You would've drowned. " Chastel replied.
"See what happens when don't take orders?! Always being reckless with yourself. Constantly making up messes for everyone else to clean up." Hisca added.
"Hisca, he just woke up. He needs rest." said a soft voice. It Amelia. Her face was blotchy and she walked in the room. "Give us a moment please."
She had been crying, a lot. Her eyes were puffy underneath. She stood there not saying a thing. She placed the tips of her fingers on her mouth.
Chastel and Hisca were at the door after it was shut, listening. Flynn walked by biting into a biscuit and looked at them.
"Really?" he said to them.
"Shut up." they both harshly whispered.
Yuri could tell Amelia didn't know what to think or to say to do at this point. She sighed and sat on a chair next to him. He kept looking at her.
"How could be so...stupid..." she whispered. "You told me you were going to be safe, and...then...this."
"Amelia..." Yuri said. He never liked seeing this face.
"No. You could've died!" she yelled. "You could've been at the bottom of the lake right now, you that?" She huffed. "I know you want to be the hero...I get it. But there are ways to do it without making your girlfriend have a stroke!"
Yuri looked at her. She wanted to cry. But he hoped that the next thing that came out of her mouth wasn't that couldn't take it anymore.
"I'm glad you are okay. Just...you're an idiot sometimes."
"He was right there." he said.
"I don't care! Think about someone other than yourself." Amelia said to him. Yuri looked away and moistened his lips.
"I'm sorry." he said. The room became silent.
He heard Hisca say 'Holy crap!' from the door. Amelia folded her arms and looked away.
"Yuri, this isn't-"
"I care about you. A lot. Lately, I haven't been able to stop wondering why you've been so distant, but I hated it." he said. "I'm sorry that I worried you. I didn't expect for the thing to throw out into the water like that. I should've waited."
He heard Flynn say 'Well, I'll be."
"I can hear you guys out there, you know." Yuri said raising his voice. Amelia was still not looking at him. The light in the room got a little brighter. He knew she was mad. More upset that she almost had to have to attend her boyfriend's funeral. "Amelia..."
"I'm going to go and eat breakfast. Come if you can. If not, I'll have Hisca bring it in for you." Amelia said in a low tone. She soon walked out the door, walking past the group to the kitchen. Yuri sighed. The twins followed after Amelia and Flynn started to close the door when he said "See what happens when you don't follow orders?". He then shut it.
Yuri turned over into his pillow the best he could and yelled into it. He then sighed. The room was bright that's for sure, even with the thunderstorm coming in. The room felt different. He didn't know whether or not he should climb out of bed, or have to deal with Hisca. He let out a deep breath and combed his bangs back with his left hand, wincing at the pain it caused from his shoulder. He started to get out of bed and he hoped that Amelia didn't use the locket as a tenderizer.
Breakfast was awkward. The tension was palpable at the table as Amelia and Yuri sat across from each other. He kept looking at her, now noticing the intricacies of her face, her lips. the wavy, spiral, curls in her hair. Her eyes so crisp they seemed full of life.
It was peaceful being around her, but he desperately wanted to speak with her. Talk to her. Make her happy, because now it bothered him on the new level.
Amelia giggled and Yuri looked at her. She was getting more at ease, but still...she was bothered. She didn't want to speak with him quite yet, especially around a bunch his fellow Knights and other patrons to the Inn's cafe. He could still tell she was trying to patch herself up and try to get herself back to normal.
The tension at the table was growing with every bite. Yuri really was sorry, and it didn't help that Amelia was being passive about it. He still wished they could've talked more, Maybe fixed things up, before going to breakfast.
"So, we never really had any time to actually talk you, Amelia." Chastel said.
"Yeah, you seem really..."
"Different?" Amelia piped up. It was true. She looked a lot different from the rest of them. She very thin, with little curves and dainty. Even the bandage on her hand looked soft. She just looked soft and calm, with an emotional wall thin as glass and twice as brittle. Her lips were almost a watermelon color with lipstick and her eyes were a fierce blue. She looked like she was born in a completely different world than theirs.
"No, out of his league." Hisca replied. Amelia smiled and gave a sigh.
"I get that alot, but it doesn't bother me very much." she replied. "Most people, are actually shocked that I'm courting a person so interesting anyway."
Very much? Yuri thought at the comment. She was beautiful, very beautiful and sweet, but her bite was so much harder than her bark. She knew how to say things to get into people's head with only a few words. And what did she mean by interesting?
"How do you put up with him on a daily basis?" Chastel asked.
"We don't see much of each other so when we do normally he lets his guard down a bit." Amelia answered. "He's actually quite sweet if you let him be."
"Him?" Flynn asked., pointing his fork at the young man. "You talking about him right?"
"Hey," Yuri responded.
"Yes," Amelia replied and chuckled a little bit. "He's sweet. You talk about him like he's a demon child or something."
"Might as well be." Hisca barked.
Yuri rolled his eyes and kept on eating.
"He's not. He frustrates me so much sometimes though. He honestly means well, he's just..."
"An idiot?" Hisca replied.
"Hey!" Yuri said, insulted.
"No, he's just, as my mom puts it...spirited." she said. "Lively, full of energy, very emotional it's just sometimes he directs it in the wrong fashion."
Yuri felt a slight nudge under the table on his leg from her foot.
"Sometimes?" Flynn says. "He's like a woman when he's mad. He just gets in a rage and always looks for a fight."
"Should he be like you and watch?" Amelia said in a razor sharp undertone. It was masked by a playful overtone. "I mean after all, his impulsiveness managed to save my life. You know that."
"Whoa, what happened?" Hisca asked. Amelia ignored Flynn's embarrassed and almost infuriated expression.
"I was out a couple winters ago when the aer was disturbed near Zaphias. I was getting some sage and chamomile for a body oil I liked that too expensive. I knew some artes then but mostly defense." Amelia began.
Yuri could feel the warmth on his face. The twins were so curious to hear.
"I was walking back when wolves started coming around and soon I started fighting them. I could nail a few and some more, then one got me from behind. It sunk its teeth in and I knocked it off. Then I heard Flynn's voice. The boys had just became Knights. Flynn said, 'We need reinforcements!'. Then another one pinned me down and started snapping at my neck. Then Yuri saved me. I managed to get up and soon we had them running for the hills." She added.
Flynn looked at her.
"They soon took me back to the inn and had one of their men take care of my injury." Amelia said. She giggled a little. "It was the most fun I had in a forest. Fighting. And I was actually pretty good. My father was proud of me and he kept those good words with him, which reminds me, Yuri?"
Yuri looked up at her, in the middle of eating a small pastry.
"My father's coming in to see me. He wants to see you. Speaks of great news for you."
"Who's your dad?" Chastel asked.
"Richard Allgood. Why?" Amelia said.
"Like what does he do?" Flynn added.
"He's who Commandant Alexei answers to." Amelia replied. "I hate saying his title, but he's the leader of the military. He really has been inkling to promote Yuri, especially when I tell him about his moxie, as my dad calls it. He says Yuri reminded him of his younger days. Then he goes into this anecdote about him and the huge sea beast." She said pressing her fork into a piece of fruit. "He says that because of recent talk of political unrest in Zaphias, he'll need someone who thinks outside the box and he wants to ask you about something. He wouldn't tell me what though."
"So Yuri's getting promoted because he acts like an idiot." Flynn said with sense of anger in the timbre of his voice. He wasn't standing for this at all. He always followed the rules and more than anything, he was sure that he earned that position.
"Flynn, stop." Yuri snapped across the table.
"And idiot with conviction and direction. He has the voice for it, and the gumption." Amelia said giving another playful nudge to Yuri's leg.
"He doesn't follow the rules." Flynn shot back. "How is supposed to lead when he always goes off and does stuff whenever he feels like it?"
"Because he can make people do things they thought they could ever do." Amelia said in her sweet tone, which really meant she wasn't dealing with any of Flynn's prattle.
Flynn opened and closed his mouth, careful not to say anything to her for it was just bury him in a bigger hole.
There was an awkward silence. Then Chastel had a slight grin on her face.
"So, you two are serious?" Chastel asked.
"Mhm." Amelia said. "Why do you ask?"
The twins looked at each other. "We kinda wanted to ask you something, but right now wouldn't be the best time."
"It can't be that out-of-place." Amelia said. She brushed off Flynn's royal crunching like it was nothing. After all it was the truth. He was a tightwad that always followed the rules and almost got her killed. Amelia bit into a piece of fruit and began to chew.
They looked at each other with a worried and embarrassed look.
"How is he is bed?" they both asked, looking at her.
Yuri spat out his juice. "Okay it's time for you guys to go." he said hoarsely.
Amelia blushed. Flynn looked up at the ceiling thinking he'd rather be anyplace but here, right now.
"I wouldn't know. We haven't had sex before." Amelia said gently. She took another bite of eggs and chewed. She looked directly at Yuri. "We're saving it for a very special night."
"Wait you've been dating for two years and you two haven't slept together?" Hisca asked.
"Not even heavy petting?" asked Chastel.
"No, now let's get off the subject, Chastel." Yuri grumbled.
"Just what? We're both virgins so it's not like we've done anything with other people, right?" Amelia said. Yuri put his glasses down as Hisca and Flynn stifled a laugh. He desperately wished he was able to train just so he get off this subject. He knew Amelia was being genuinely sweet and caring about it. She thought it was great that he never slept with a girl, but to the others it was down right hilarious.
"You're a virgin?" Hisca asked. "With your impulses?"
"Hey," Yuri said.
"Dude, you're serious?" Flynn asked. "Wow, you have more self-control than I thought. I guess Amelia's dad was right about giving you a promotion."
"Shut up, Flynn." Yuri spat.
"I think it's sweet he's saving it for Amelia." Chastel said. "I never thought of Yuri as one who'd want to do anything like that. That's so...sweet."
Flynn let out a short laugh. "More like weak."
"You know you could be happy for me getting a promotion. You're just mad because your daddy couldn't get you in this time." Yuri said.
The table fell silent. "This isn't a competition."
Yuri smiled. "Heh heh...loser."
"Yuri..." Hisca said. Amelia chewed her fruit.
"Come on, it's about time I got something, you got everything when we were kids."
Amelia paused her chewing and swallowed.
"If you have a problem with it Flynn, you can take it up with my father. He's coming to this town in a day and a half." she said.
The next morning there were murmurs. Everywhere. Estelle and Amelia were the talk of the social along with the boys. They were women now doing womanly things like talking to boys. Amelia had on her mother's pearls and her favorite dress and walked around, flitting from table to table for sweets. She loved how curious everyone was about her late night dinner with the boys. They were all fascinated about Flynn the one with a Knight for a father, but not much on Yuri, the one she was really wanted.
She knew that Flynn would be more popular here. He was the typical rich girl crush. blond and blue eyed with a cute face and regality about him. To her, he was a stick in the mud and need to loosen up like his friend. She wondered why Estelle didn't make it though. Girls were talking and spitting and a bit fired up that a 12 year managed to captivate a 15 year old, never mind the fact that Amelia herself managed to captivate two 15 years at 14. It was awkward and exciting to see what would unfold next, until she heard the word.
"Harlet."
-2 days later-
I was in the room with them...and things were interesting when my father came to the Capital . He was a very busy man with a lot of things to do and accomplish. But nothing said important like when you meet him. I stood next to him as he sat in a desk in the Commander's quarters. When it came to seeing his daughter for the first time in 4 years, he had to make a pit stop here.
"Flynn Scifo and Yuri Lowell." he said. He pressed his thumbs together and gave him a look. He had brown eyes but they were dark, like daggers. "I see you've been dating my daughter for a while, Yuri."
My father had a thing for putting fear into people when he really didn't mean to. He just wanted information and well, he got it...just it scared people...a lot.
"Yes, sir." Yuri said. He looked away and bit his bottom lip.
"And your father was a Knight, was he not, Flynn?" he asked. I shivered.
"Amelia, why did you bring them in here?" he said.
"Well, it seems Flynn has an issue with you promoting Yuri."
"I see. Why do you think it's a problem, Sergeant? " my father asked him.
"Because, Yuri doesn't display the proper qualities of a leader. He'll get all of his men killed because he doesn't follow orders. He always takes on too much on his own and has a disregard for his commanding officers. " he replied.
"I saved people's lives, Flynn." Yuri shot back. "Isn't that our job?"
"And risked the whole teams. And yours. " Flynn said. "Grandmaster, Yuri is unfit to lead a squadron of men."
My father looked at him closely. "You ever read Beowulf?, son?"
"No sir." Flynn said.
"Ah, you haven't." my father replied getting out of his chair. He walked over to the front of his desk and leaned back against it. "Beowulf, was written in the 8th or 11th century, in the Unknown Era, about a man who went and killed monsters no one else could defeat on their own. He took it as burden even though it caused him problems and ultimately his life. There are many knights like you Flynn. Good, faithful, promoted, deserving. But there are few nights who know the true meaning of being a Knight. You are a tool, but, it's how well you wield yourself, that makes all the difference."
"But sir-"Flynn started and then stopped.
"Don't overthink it Flynn. Just go with it. In due time, you will see it as well." my father said. "When people see the impossible, they do the impossible. That's what separates the wolves from the sheep, son. Don't be a sheep. People hate sheep...they eat sheep."
The room became silent once more and I watched as Flynn kept silent. Yuri was a bit shocked but mostly nonchalant about the whole thing. After a while, I guess he had to have calmed down. My father sighed. "This is to all of you. There will be a time when there is no structure. No rules. All the people will be the sheep running around in panic. They need someone who is level headed but brave to lead them."
Dad?
"Yuri Lowell, as of today, you've been promoted to Captain. Act wisely and keep your head. Flynn, I'll give a word to your commanding officer about your faithfulness to the code. You are dismissed." he said.
Flynn made a quick nod and left the room. Yuri started behind him when I heard my father clear his throat.
"Yuri, stay here. Amelia, do you mind going out and getting us some of those cinnamon rolls you make so well from the kitchen." he said with a smile.
"Yes, Father." I say. I guess the talk would come a little earlier.
The silence in the room was prevalent. Yuri tried to look every where else to not look his girlfriend's dad in the face. He was in his mid-50's and he looked like he'd kill him if he even said a word.
"You've been the much talked about trouble maker, lately, Yuri Lowell." he said. Yuri didn't say anything. Mr. Allgood got out from his chair. He stood in front of his desk and leaned back on it. "And my daughter has taken quite a liking to you, but your antics lately have been too much."
Yuri didn't say anything, just smelled cinnamon and looked at the floor.
"You're job as a Knight to protect the innocent , and that includes my daughter. She's the sole heir to the military branch and you almost got yourself killed during a mission, violating direct time think before you act rashly."
The Chief looked at him quietly. Yuri looked a bit elated but mostly stressed.
"I like you, Yuri. I like what you've accomplished."
Yuri looked him in the face. It was odd. Every other officer would have had him sent back home, but the one who commanded them all didn't.
"What?" Yuri said.
"You're young. I was almost kicked out of the Knights myself when I was your age. Got into one too many bar fights with the guildsmen, other members. Always did my own thing and in the end, I'm here." he said. "Please sit down, you look like you're about to piss yourself, son."
Yuri looked at him and sat on the couch in front of his desk. Amelia's dad sat next to him and he started to relax.
"I remember having a friend like yours, Yuri. Flynn...ah. Helman, he was a good Knight. Always followed protocol and saved my ass a few times." he chuckled a bit and exhaled from his nose. "Don't let a woman end your friendship with him."
Yuri looked at him. "I'm confused."
"My daughter tells me everything, even when she was 14." he answered. He cleared his throat. "There's only three reasons why a war begins: Money, Power and Women." he said. Yuri chuckled.
"Now, I think you know why I keep bring up your relationship with my daughter. She's a good girl. A strong girl. Knows a lot of things and is continuing to learn more and more everyday. She's destined for greatness that girl."
"I get it." Yuri said. "We're not having sex."
"You catch on quick." he said to him. He looked at Yuri. "But on a serious note. I know you've been dating my daughter for 2 years."
"Yes sir."
"She's a beautiful girl. Very smart. Very capable, strong, cooks well." he said.
"That's for damn sure." Yuri said, starting to think of her potato croquettes. Amelia's father stared at him. "Sorry, sir."
"You have a promotion but..." he looked nervous. He cleared his throat. "Amelia invited you to her ceremony. I want you to be on your best behavior. She told how you are around nobles."
"Yes, sir." he said.
"On another note, my daughter has become very distressed lately due to the deterioration of her mother's health. Her mother's condition is not getting any better and any day she could go."
"Yes sir." Yuri replied. "She tells me everything."
"I won't always be around to support her if and when that happens, but you will be." The man handed him a small silver package. "This is a pass to have you taken back here if and when that happens. I haven't been there for years for her, but you've known her since you were 14."
Yuri had no idea what to say. He knew that Amelia's mother had always been sickly, but he figured that it was nearing the end. He nodded.
"What am I supposed to do?"
"Stay here. Be there for her. Cater to her every need. And let her grieve." he said.
He nodded. Maybe that was another reason why she didn't want to get close. Her mother's illness was getting worse. "You want me to stay here with her?"
"Yes. When she's upset she doesn't like very many people around her. And the servants will be grieving as well, especially Matilda. Everyone needs someone to keep the house alive."
As for now, stay here for the night. There's not a chance in hell you'll be on the field tomorrow." he said getting up. He walked toward the door and stopped. "How old are you, son?
"21 sir. " Yuri said.
"Hmm." he replied. "There's Scotch in night drawer in my bedroom. Don't let Amelia near the stuff." He started to make his way to the door and stopped. "Yuri, when the tim
He left.
Yuri sat there silently. I was had been an eventful three days. He almost lost his v-card, almost died,got promoted and injured himself in just 72 hours. He sighed. He practically lost connection with Flynn who had been all over his duties and work ethic for the past couple years. He knew something else was bothering him. Probably they were young, they never said who could go after her, so he still wondered why he was somessed up over it...if he still was.
Which led to another pang. Amelia still wasn't talking to him like she usually did. He got she was mad. She was very mad. She just hid it well. Yuri smelled cinnamon and heard the door open.
"Dad?" she called.
"He just left," he said. Amelia looked at him. "Come on, sit down we can eat them together,"
Amelia sat down next to him quiet. He had no idea what to do when a girl was quietly frustrated, but-
"Those smell nice." he said.
"So, you and my father talked about?" Amelia said, her eyes a thousand miles off.
"Just what's been going on. Gave me some advice." he said. "He talked to me about your mother. She's very ill."
"I know."
"He says I can stay here when the time comes."
Amelia took a cinnamon roll and bit into it. She stopped mid-bite and pulled it back out.
"That's gross." he said. She started moving it toward his mouth. He bit into it.
"Eww!" Amelia said giggling. "That's gross, you silly."
The following morning, Amelia was in the markets and trying to find a decent kind of cloth for her new dress. It would be amazing and cool for her court ceremony. That was the night she'd become a woman, and finally be able to start sifting through her suitors. But most of them...weren't they weren't her type. She wanted a cool guy who was fierce. Someone to protect her and stand by her, but some boy toy. After all, she wasn't dainty or a darling...or a harlot for that matter. She wanted to left alone. But-
"Hey! You should get that in navy." It was Estelle. The only one who didn't think of her as a slut for having boys over house. "It makes your hair and skin look amazing."
"Really? I think I want it to have navy lace from the boobs up to my neck and no sleeves. I want to see if I can get it made backless."Amelia said, her eyes gleaming, because it was the closest to sexy she could possibly get without her mother having a stroke and her father making an abrupt trip back to town.
"The navy would make it dramatic." Estelle said. "My mother is designing mine. She wants it to be cute and white. It washes me out."
"But it brings more attention to your face." Amelia replied. "What do think about me wearing my hair up in a topknot with it?"
"Are you trying to find a suitor or customer?"
"I never said the dress was backless, Estelle." Amelia said. "Just a thought."
"You know he's not going to be there right?" Estelle said. Amelia knew who exactly she was talking about. "Yuri. He's not going to be there, so why are you trying so hard to look pretty. You've already picked a person."
"But he's of...a different background. I don't think my father would allow it."
"Maybe...but maybe..." Estelle said clapping her hands together. "I read in a book once, that if a guy really likes you, then he'll do anything to gain your affections. Maybe you just have to drop a few hints in order to prompt him."
"I don't think I can. The boys were swordfighting yesterday. They both were overexerting themselves. They were still exhausted and kept going."
"Maybe they both like you."
"Oh, that's rash. Flynn obviously took a liking to you."
"But you're saying that Yuri might have feelings for you."
"But I don't know him...and it's a short season here. I don't need a summer love."
"Who says that he'll be just a summer love."
"Me, I'm too young to be thinking of such things."
"You can be like Queen Elizabeth in the Unknown Era and have a lover."
"Estelle!" Amelia exclaimed. Obviously, the young pink-haired girl was hearing things from the women that were practically 18 years old. They were always talking about things that he mother said that she had no reason to be hearing, but she knew. They were talking about men and sex and other awkward things. "You need to stop listening to those talk about sex."
"But a lover is a boyfriend, right?"
"Yes, but a boyfriend that you do 'it' with. I don't want to do 'it' with Yuri." Amelia said flustered. "In fact I don't want to do it until it's absolutely perfect."
Day
"Me too. It sounds so gross when the girls talk about it."
"I know. I don't get why they want to give themselves away."
They were already speaking of their future. It was awkward and exciting knowing that soon they'd be called by boys to be on dates. Estelle pulled out a lace applique in peach and Amelia made a disgusted face.
"This is what my dress will be covered with...I know." she said with a sigh.
"I'm joining the knights when I'm 16." Yuri replied. He sat on a window sill and bit into a loaf of bread. Flynn was practicing his swings and stopped looking at him.
"Why?" Flynn said. "You're nothing but trouble."
"I don't know. I guess I'm sick of looking around for a fight."Yuri replied.
"And Amelia? You want her to like you?" Flynn said.
"What? Heh heh, someone's scared I might take his girl?" Yuri said with a smile.
"No, cuz you won't have her. I will."
"You want to take a challenge to that?" he said. He felt a poke at his side from Flynn's wooden sword. Yuri smiled. "I am so gonna kick your ass."
"No, I'm gonna kick your ass." Flynn said.
Yuri got off the window sill and rushed and got his wooden sword.
"Come on, loser." Yuri said.
Amelia was damn sexy. I can't stop looking at her as she walks around the kitchen in her little shorts. I love it when she wears that red shirt with the lace at the bottom and those little shorts. The apron isn't helping, and neither is looking at her cooking. The way her mouth looks.
"I'm making soup, you wanna try some?" she says. Yuri blinked for a second coming out of his trance.
"Sure." he said walking away from the island and over to her. He tasted it and recoiled a bit.
"Wow, that's a little hot..." he said, coughing a bit.
"A barely put any hot sauce in it. You have a weak tongue." she said giggling.
"Says the person who can barely make an arte cantation. Took you 6 years but you finally did it."
"Oh hush." Amelia said. "Better late than never. I'm cool with my artes, Mr. Savage Wolf."
"You don't even have a mystic arte, yet."
"Oh contraire, Yuri. Oh contraire. Just haven't told you. I have two." Amelia said sticking her tongue out. "How you like me how?"
"A lot. Good job. What are they?"
"You'll see at my coronation." she said. "That reminds me. What are you wearing?"
"To the ceremony? My uniform I guess. Why?"
"Why do you want to wear that? There will be plenty of knights there."
"That's the point." Yuri said.
"But you're my special +1." Amelia said inching closer. "Everyone is dying to see you there."
"Heh heh...right." he said. Amelia put her spoon down on the stove and lowered the heat.
"Well, I'm dying to see you there." Amelia said in a lower tone. She put her arms around his neck. "All spiffed up and cute."
"I'll be there." he said. Amelia's face quirked a smile.
"You have any idea what my father was talking about when he said 'They'll be a time when there are no rules. Was he trying to make Flynn stop being so uptight?"
"Yep." he said. He kissed her and held her there for a moment before grabbing her butt. She squealed and moved his hands up back on her waist.
"Nice ass." he said.
"Shut up." Amelia said. She stuck her tongue out. "No soup for you."
"Aw." Yuri replied.
There are three things you never see your boyfriend doing. Ever. I saw one today. Yuri was in his room still trying to work through his shoulder injury and was insistent that he could put on his clothes himself.
He couldn't. I walked into the room and saw him trying to put on some pants and was flailing around the bed trying to get them on.
"What the hell did your maid do to my clothes?" he said. I laughed hard watching him as he laid there, pants around his thighs and shirt buttoned with one button. He was exasperated.
"Nothing...those are my pants." I say. He smiled and started laughing. "Dude, you're trying to wear my pants."
We both laughed until we sighed and I laid on him. "Like my girly pants?"
"Do they make me look fat?" he asked. We both started laughing again.
"We're going out for breakfast?" Yuri asked me. I held his hand as we walked. He was as casual as they came in his clothes. "That's different."
"We'll today's a really special day." I said to him. My face was on fire and I couldn't stop smiling. "I'm going to move on up today."
"I could've cooked breakfast for us then." He looked at me saying that.
"You have an injury, don't you know when to settle down?" I reply. I promise you, this guy is always all over the place. He'll hurt his shoulder more if he moves around too much.
"Well, I'm finally out the sling." he said. "Why are you so worried?"
"You always go out of your way, even when it's time for you to rest." I say. "Let me be a woman and take care of you."
"The injury wasn't that serious." he said. "It just needed to heal up, that's all."
"Yuri?" I say. Here it is. I swallow and the background noise around me has faded away."..."
"What?"
"Nothing."
"It's gotta be something."
"It's nothing, just...be careful. Don't push yourself too hard." I say. I rest my head on his right shoulder and he puts his arm around me. I couldn't say it. I wasn't time yet. It was there and I felt it completely...but I couldn't say it.
- 3 hours later
"He's just young. Maybe he needs for you to say it first." Estelle said to me. She was being fitted for her dress for tonight and she looked at me through the mirror. "I bet he's pondering it right now. "
"We're too young you know?"
"You're never too young to fall in love." Estelle said with a smile. "I'm meeting one of my suitors tonight. My mother says that he's great, so he probably is."
"MY father and mother like Yuri. Alot . And it bothers me. What if he gets freaked out about it?" I say. It was an honest question. The way I thought of him. and still think about him was very much...well loving I guess. We clicked and got each other's quips but I was still unsure of it being just some romance never reaching anywh-
"Yuri is just...he'll say what's on his mind and act on it too. But maybe he's scared to act on it with you. Maybe it's like when a little kid gets a puppy and he hugs it so hard he snaps its neck. Maybe he's super crazy about you and doesn't want to drive you away."
It was a hard thing to grasp. He was an outspoken, ever impulsive guy that would do anything to protect everyone, but maybe...he didn't want her to be anything else than just his girlfriend...not his love.
"You think I should break up with him?"
"Where did that come from?" Estelle said turning around with her arms out.
"Yuri...if he doesn't say it, then he doesn't believe it . And I don't want to wait around for him to start to believe it." Amelia said. "It's stressful."
"Don't jump ship yet. Give him a little time. And who knows, maybe one day when you look back at this you'll say, Estelle was right. We were meant to be."
I sigh and on the inside I'm holding my breath.
Today was a strange day. Amelia was about to become 2nd to the throne and she still couldn't say it.
I love you.
Man, it was powerful. But why not say it himself? Because it meant something he was scared to comprehend? Why was it that he could run kill anything for any other person, but when it came to one girl, he could say the one thing that had been in his head for six months. He couldn't help it. Everything about her was perfect. Her lips, her smile, the way she tries to be funny, her wit. Her strength.
That was it. She was resilient, just like him. That's why he loved her. She was the one that would get up after being injured to fight dogs, knowing she'd be losing blood quicker. She was up at three in the morning studying artes and practicing her archery for a day that maybe she needed it. She wanted everything the world had to offer and she was preparing herself for it. For the day she could finally see it.
Just like him.
Laying in his bed at her huge home he just relaxed. She was still at the tailor's with Estelle, talking to her as she got fitted for tonight's dress.
He still hadn't seen Amelia's dress. He was curious to know what she'd be stepping out in. Either way...she'd be beautiful.
And either way, he'd still love her.
"Absolutely not!" said Amelia's mother. "This is the day we've been waiting for since you were born. You are not wearing a dress like that."
"But-"
"No...what has gotten into you lately?" Amelia's mother asked her. Amelia clenched the fabric and she bit her lip. "Is that boy influencing you to dress this way?"
"No, mother. It's just. He makes me feel more confident. He's just a friend and he makes me feel like I can do anything, not in a weird illegal way...but in a sweet way. In a...just fine the way you are...kind of way."
Her mother was silent. She sighed and looked at her daughter. That boy and his friend were the fist friends she had made outside of the high society, and looking back on her husband's younger days...she understood why Amelia was so starstruck by the idea of having a different path.
"I will have a dress made with the fabric and lace, but it will be decent looking. You're still too young to be trying to look like the older girls. You just started to mense." Amelia's mother finally said.
"Mother!" Amelia said. She became quiet. "Thank you."
I was being poked and prodded in the mirror. My scalp was scratched poked ,lathered and slathered with oils and soaps as was the rest of my body. I sighed and closed my eyes...I deeply wondered if tonight would be the night that I would just say it. Just go for it.
"Good evening, Amelia."
"Mom?" I say. "Mother you should be in bed. Why are dressed?"
"I wanted to see my little girl turn into a woman tonight." she said, her eyes watery. They were sunken in and she was thinner than usual. Her face was slightly pale. But she was in her finest dress and her best pearls. "You have come so far, my darling ."
"Mother." I whisper.
"I remember when it was my time to be on that stage. I was pregnant with you and 32. But I'll never forget that night. It was beautiful and simply," she said before coughing. "Now you, my dear."
"Mother?" I say.
"Yes?"
"I think I love Yuri." I say. I moisten my lips and hear the silence.
"How come you're telling me this now?"
"Because, I wanted to hear what you had to say. Mother...I love him. And I think I'm scared to tell him."
"I figured as such." she said. I could feel towels drying my arms as woman started on my hair and another started on my makeup. "I knew from the time you were 14 that you'd be after that boy for the rest of your life."
"When I asked about the dress?"
"No, when you told me why you changed. Amelia, a man is supposed to bring you up and you're supposed to do the same with him...together you become one person. And I knew if a boy could change you into your assertive self from being mousy and shy, he was a good kid."
"Mother, are you saying that because Daddy likes him?"
"No, I'm saying this because you're about to transition into a new chapter of life." my mother said. "That boy was rambunctious and determined, just like your father. Still is, and every headstrong, but I think you are the reason that he'll end up settling down into a great man. And if he's half the man your father was you won't have to worry about children. Just say when."
"Mother!" I say. I laugh. "Thank you."
This party was...quiet. Lots of murmuring and lots of music...but no one was dancing. Just talking. And there wasn't anything non-alcoholic in the whole ballroom. Yuri looked around eating some small sandwiches and got a slice of cake. Amelia still wasn't here. And neither was her father. He knew no one at the party and he didn't really want to talk about how people had their cushy lives and cushy jobs and what not. He wanted the ceremony to come and be ove-
"Yuri?"
It was Estelle, arm in arm with...Flynn. She seemed so perky, and Flynn still seem like he had a sore wound from last night's discussion on the meaning of a true knight. Among other things.
"Hey Estelle." he said to her. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm supporting Amelia. Duh." she replied. "Flynn's my +1. How come you aren't going around talking to everyone?"
"He can't stand nobles, Estelle." Flynn said.
"He's right. I'd rather just watch the ceremony and go home." Yuri said. "In plus, I think tonight's gonna a special night. So why not support her."
"Oh." Estelle replied. "Well, best wishes to both of you." She smiled. "Oh, Rachel! Hey!" she squeaked and then started walking away. It was silent between Flynn and Yuri. Flynn took a sip of wine and sighed.
"Sorry about yesterday in general." Flynn said. "If the Grandmaster thinks of you as Captain material, who am I to complain."
"Well I'll be damned." Yuri said. "You're actually apologizing?"
"Don't expect it often, Yuri." Flynn said. "In plus, the only reason he gave that position was because you saved his daughter even though on the report it said I did."
"Hmm. I guess the man believes his own daughter over a sheet of paper."
They both laughed a bit.
"She's seems happy." Yuri said.
"Last minute date I guess." he said. "You think...?"
"Do ask just do it. I'm glad to see you're finally over Amelia."
"Well, if she's with you then I can't compete."
"Oh ho, where is that is writing?"
"Flynn!" chirped Estelle.
"Gotta go." Flynn replied.
"Enjoy the cradle-robbing." Yuri said with a smirk. He leaned against a table and started eating the cake. It was small. What was with these people and eating small food all the time?
He heard the clinking of a glass and looked toward the foyer. Like in all the plays and stories, a beautiful woman would walk down and she'd be in dress that beyond beautiful, looking like a goddess. But this wasn't a story.
It was about to happen. Yuri looked at Amelia's father and mother on the stage. They looked so proud of their daughter. She was strong and powerful now, and only the and him knew that. How long she struggled to get to where she could be able to take over. Every night, every hour, every second every minute.
"Tonight, we would like to introduce the guest of honor, our daughter, Amelia Annabelle Allgood, as the new Duchess of Zaphias!" Amelia's mother said. Yuri hoped that she didn't keel over after exerting her voice.
But the amazing part, was seeing her coming out. He saw her feet, in those black shoes and then cream. Her dress was cream, with lace covering it completely from the dress itself to the tiny sleeves. She had her hair up and this large blue thing in her head with lace that covered the top part of her face, matching the lace on her black gloves.
Wow...Yuri thought, just looking at her as she made it to the podium. She looked into the crowd and smiled.
"Good evening, everyone." she said, speaking gently. "Thank you for coming out." She laughed nervously. "Actually, I wasn't told there was a quick speech until I was about to walk down so, bear with me." She cleared her throat.
"I simply want to say, I hope that I can help usher in a new era of hope for everyone. Where everybody and be happy and be free with everyone." she said. "I'm happy that everyone made it out here tonight, especially my dad, who is very busy man. My mother who has been bed-ridden for two weeks, and my boyfriend, Yuri, who just recovered from an injury out on the field serving our country. Hey babe. Um, anyway...I hope everyone has a safe night and great time. Thank you."
And applause came from the crowd of people and she helped her mother walk off the stage and back to her room so she could rest.
The recognition was nice, and it made up for the fact that he let her put his hair in a 'ponytail', as she called it, (Pain as he called it from being tenderheaded) his hair and him wearing an old uniform of her fathers as a Commander. It was different from what the others were wearing, but it was something.
"Excuse me sir." Yuri heard a voice. He turned around and it was a man near his age standing next to a girl that looked like she wanted to be anywhere but here.
"Yes?" Yuri responded.
"You're Amelia's boyfriend?" said the girl. He barely remembered her, what he remembered her for was still clear.
"You're the girl who tried to sabotage my girlfriend's suitor party by painting slut over her portrait?" he responded. "If you're going to do something deceitful, make sure your names not on it."
The girl looked dumbfounded, wondering how he even knew if was her.
Yuri gave them a smile and replied "Have a good night, "
He started walking away, taking his second slice of cake. He felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around. The guest of honor.
"Hey," he said.
"So it fits." Amelia replied, touching his arm. "Great. Sorry about the lame speech."
"It's cool, just a speech. Congratulations, go on and enjoy your night."
"I am. I told Estelle that I had to do some diplomacy stuff so I could ditch. These shoes are killing me."
"Why?"
"They're high."
"No, why are you leaving here? This whole night was made for you."
"And this whole night I want to spend. With you." she said.
"You sure you want to get out of here? People will notice, with your giant bird and all."
"You don't want to leave?" Amelia asked.
"Trust me, I want to, but you have an obligation to stay here." Yuri replied. He looked at her, and she seemed a bit disappointed.
"But there was something I wanted to talk to you about." Amelia said. She got closer to him. "Something I just can't say here." It's not the place for it."
"Why not?" he said.
"Can we go out back?" she said taking his hand. They started walking out and she found the back door. She heard the music blare and become louder as they left.
It was the moment of truth. I looked a him and held both o his hands. "Um, I don't know how to begin. But it's been great, hanging out with you and everything. It has. It was great and fun and all that, bt now I have a huge responsibility."
Yuri looked away and looked back at me. For the first time in my life I actually saw him look hurt. Even though it didn't register much on his face. It still registered. He was think that-
"You're breaking up with me?" he said.
"No, I'm not." I say. Now I'm nervous to the core. I started looking at the ground between us. "Um, Yuri, I really want to thank you for coming out. I know you hate these kind of things but-"
"I love you." he said. He had this expression on his face I had never seen. It wasn't happy or relived or anything. It was him...actually looking anxious. Like puking anxious. "Amelia, I love you, okay? I think you're beautiful and all that other stuff on the surface, but...I'm just-I don't know. I can't stop thinking about you, and you know the way you get when you shoot arrows and just how you never want to give up on anything. You want to see everything and the whole world and make a difference even if it seems bad that you tried...but you still try. You never give up, you're incredibly stubborn and sweet and sexy and witty and I don't know what to do with you. or myself when I'm with you. You are the reason I even joined the Knights, just so I could be at the same level someday with you and I can't help the fact that I just. I love you. I want to hold you and squeeze you, Amelia. " He stopped and swallowed. "You're the one I always want to come home to. Tell me what makes you happy and I'll do it."
I stood there. It happened. I had no idea what to do really. I walked up to him and rested my head on his shoulder.
I had no idea what to say. Or to think. I just stood there with him. I looked up at him. His eyes were dark and brimming with a myriad of emotions. He was looking past me and inside of me. This person he loved...he was serious. What I was looking at was nothing anyone else had seen. He looked raw and held me . I didn't know if I wanted to kiss or just stand there and take it all in.
There was screaming. Lots of screaming. Yuri's eyes go back to their normal ways for a split second and I look. There was blood everywhere and people were running in all directions. I saw guildsmen, hundred at least inside, killing people. Then I saw it.
My father was cut down trying to save Estelle and my mother. My mother was gutted and Estelle's throat was slit open. I make a noise like I'm in pain and Yuri just takes me. He takes me and runs out down the stairs and through the courtyard. The last thing I saw was his shoes.