A/N: So, for those who might remember, I posted this story about two years ago. It was a spin-off to another story of mine called The Harpy and the Hybrid. I kind of dropped off the face of the Earth and stopped updating them both. Looking back, I decided that I was immensely dissatisfied with both of them. How anyone could've like them is a mystery to me. So here I am, starting anew. This is the revised edition of Meeting His Match, told in diary/journal format by Escariot and Alysiea, a nobleman and princess who live in a fantasy land of harpies called Corcia.
Any kinks in the story about how they live their lives/how Corcia is run will all be explained in due time. Bear with me here.
And anyway, in regards to The Harpy and the Hybrid (which wasn't liked as much as this one), I hope to revise it as well. But for now, I think I'll just focus on this one.
Now, this first chapter is kind of dull. It's just establishing who Escariot and Aly are and the fact that they can't stand each other. Now that I think on it, please wait till about the third chapter before you give up. After that, you're free to think it's rubbish. Anyway, reviews are greatly appreciated!
Dear Journal,
After three years of extensive studying in both Ascott and DuKre, I finally get to come home. Beautiful Corcia: loveliest of all countries in Relysian with its green countryside, shimmering lakes, scenic forests, and stunning cliffs, shall welcome me back. I cannot wait for the joyous celebration that my family and friends have surely planned. As I have seen nothing of them in the time that I've been away aside from the eloquent words they've written me, I ponder what everyone is like now. After all, three years is plenty of time for new developments.
I suspect that my mother is still the lovely, elegant creature she was when I left. As for my brother Angel, I wonder if he will be as tall as I. And will he have matured at all? Will our good friend Finn be any different? Less wild, perhaps. Maybe he will have improved in his taste in women. The last time I checked, he preferred a saucy tavern wench over a proper, refined lady. I wonder how the Cabryndines are faring, and if that one particular twat, Alysia – the least among them – is still as disagreeable and unworthy of that noble family as I always knew her to be.
I know how dishonorable and ungentlemanly it must be – speaking of Corcia's future ruler as I just have, but you have to understand that I have plenty of reason to, Journal. In fact, I cannot understand why the Council chose her as future queen when the other Cabryndine children are a thousand times more amiable, respectful, and capable of running our beloved country. I've spent all of my life intimately acquainted with the Cabryndines and saw Alysia an awful lot more than I ever cared to. She latched on to Angel and Finn at an early age, always tagging along on our excursions. I could never understand why those two were so fond of her, let alone how they could tolerate her. Nothing about her should make her so dear to anyone. I am convinced that her wild nature influenced both Angel and Finn negatively. She is the reason they constantly got into trouble, always getting stuck in the scrapes she led them into. She taught them to be rude and disrespectful to their elders. She showed them how to be loud and vulgar with her own, tiresomely deafening voice. And her behavior to me – the only one who saw her for what she really was – bordered always on utmost incivility. Oh, how I loathed her constant presence and the havoc it wreaked on my friend and brother!
And on top of it all, Alysia was never a nice thing to look at. The Cabryndine beauty bestowed upon her sisters was denied her in a very apparent fashion. I recall the untamed, coarse hair she always let fly about in the most unruly way. Although I recall a slender figure, she was short almost to the point of dwarvishness. Her nose was far too large. Her eyes were a shade of green favoring that of a rock lizard. In short, her outside appearance matched the ugliness of her inner person.
Ha! A fine ruler she would make us! A lovely friend she makes for Angel and Finn! If they all haven't wised up to what Alysia truly is by now, I shall take it upon myself to set them straight. If they know the snit for her true character, we shall all live happier lives.
But enough of this talk. Too much of this entry has been spent on that awful creature. I should be happy after all. My arrival in Corcia is but a few hours away! I cannot wait to see everyone and assume my responsibilities. After all, I am now eighteen years of age. Much is expected of me, especially things I have never given much thought to, such as the idea of marriage. Mum alerted me of this in a section of her last letter. Her words were thus:
My dear son, we are immensely proud of you! How wonderful it is that you are coming home so that we may tell you this to your face! No one looks forward to your arrival more than your brother and I. We are very glad that you made the choice to get further educated. Although, it came as no surprise. All of your choices are so rightfully made. I have no doubt that your choice in other important matters – like marriage – will make us just as happy in the future! Of course, you don't need to worry about that at the moment.
I know that she said not to worry right now, but I realize that marriage is something that I am at an age to be thinking seriously of. As the old saying goes: a man has no life if he has not a wife. We Corcians value love and respectability in our partners. I hope to eventually find a worthy woman with a good heart, one who will be as a best friend to me.
Oh, listen to me chatter on about random things like marriage and love. I am so scatter-brained today when I should be thinking of nothing else but my return home! So with that, I leave you Journal. I hope to write an agreeable account of my reception later.
Yours,
Escariot Spaerrows
***
Later…
Dear Journal,
It feels no less than amazing to be back in Corcia! My reception was warmer than even I expected. Surrounded by everyone I cared to see, I wondered at how I could've left them for so long. There was mum with her proud smile, wings left out for once in order to give a proper, harpy hug. There was Angel with his sly grin, quick to crack a joke and clap me on the shoulder. Finn came next, giving me a good knuckle-rubbing against my scalp. The Cabryndines, epitome of all that is good and amiable in my homeland, came with great thanks and congratulations. Former instructors and childhood companions all came with the finest welcomes, excited as I.
I noticed quickly that Alysia – the one Cabryndine I'd been dreading – was absent from the gathering. It was easy to notice, as there was no leech by Finn and Angel's side and no obnoxious screeching to be heard. For a brief moment, I thought I was right in assuming that Angel and Finn had outgrown their preference for her. If they were still friends, surely she would've born coming to my welcome banquet. I immediately inquired about her to Angel (who by the way is my height now).
"Brother," I whispered when the royal family was far enough away, "I am so happy to see that you're well. I also see that Princess Alysia is not here. Am I right in assuming that you and Finn have outgrown such an immature companion? I have hoped for so much."
Angel was taken aback at first, blue eyes flashing in confusion. He got over it soon enough though, as he always does, and laughed. "Sweet Aly? Aww 'Scariot, I thought you would have gotten over that silly vendetta with her. We're just as much best friends as ever! In fact, she would've been here tonight, but she woke up with the most horrible head pains. Of course, Mum insisted upon her staying in bed all day. She told me to send you her regrets though, and her congratulations on your successful studies." I scoffed at that. Yes, Alysia must be so happy for me.
"Oh come on, Brother! Don't be like that! You're the only one who doesn't like her you know. Just what is it about her that you dislike?"
"Everything," I replied dryly. "Come on, Angel! Open your eyes! She's too wild, too immature, too loud…and her behavior to me was always so uncivil."
"Pardon my saying so," Angel said carefully, running a hand through his mop of chestnut hair, "but you must have selective memory. Have you forgotten how uncivil you were to her as well? I know Aly like no one else, and she is never unpleasant without reason. You gave her plenty of reason, Brother. Don't forget, you weren't always the gentleman you are now. And she is still quite the hellraiser I admit, but that's why we get along. Two peas in a pod we are!" he grinned, much to my dismay.
"You must be mistaken," I shook my head. "Whatever exists between Alysia and me, she initiated it. And I still firmly believe that you and Finn are better off seeing less of her." Angel just shook his head and walked away, unwilling as ever to listen to the voice of reason.
I spent the rest of my time catching up with everyone. You know, Prince Nicoreth now has a second daughter. Cassica is a cute little thing! I learned that yes, Finn's taste in women has improved, but his heart has seemingly been captured by one who's too young to even comprehend the value of it. The young princess Lyddiara Cabryndine, barely twelve years old, is the new apple of his eye. At sixteen, he is seeking a flower not blossomed as well as he. Still, he has made progress.
Anyway, I guess I must be going to the kitchens, as I am awful hungry. You see, I was so busy catching up with everybody at my celebration, that I ate but little. Fortunately, I know that Mahorella (our castle cook) stored the many leftovers of her wonderful cooking. Off I go to satiate myself.
Yours,
Escariot
Dear Diary,
I have just proved myself to be an awful coward. You see, Angel's brother Escariot returned home but a few hours ago. He has been away for three long years to study with the masters. Now that he is back, a welcome celebration was thrown for him. As both a family friend and future heir to the throne, I really should have gone. In fact, I had every intention to at first. But then I began thinking, over-thinking as I often do, and wound up terrified at the thought of going.
You see, as I sat there, I allowed myself to recall most of my acquaintance with Sir Escariot. I am sorry to say that most of what I remember is greatly unpleasant. To say that we never got along would be a vast understatement. He loathed me for reasons I was never privy too. I could see it in the way he looked at me, spoke to me, and acted with me. I vividly remember how whenever I was with Finn and his brother, Escariot's irritation would sit barely masked on his handsome features.
Yes, I take the time out to admit that he is, indeed, handsome. He was the picture of a perfect Corcian: rich olive skin, soft dark hair, and athletically formed. And I remember that his eyes, so expressive, were the color of the richest gold. I assume that like wine, he has gotten better with a few more years.
But enough waxing poetic about him. He abhors me, and I reciprocate the feeling. In fact, I shall go so far to say that even if I didn't have this knowledge already, I would know that he was Krysta's adopted son. No blood kin to Angel could be that much of a loathsome fellow! Angel is funny and kind. Escariot is miserable and rude. How lucky I am to be best friends with the better brother!
Now, I suppose that there is a miniscule chance of Escariot having changed in the three years he's been away. Perhaps he will have forgotten his dislike of me. Perhaps he would be willing to extend an olive branch and start our friendship anew. Or maybe he's still just as judgmental, arrogant, and disagreeable as before. I suspect the latter. He would probably still regard me stiffly and look for something to criticize, since this is what he did whenever we crossed paths. He'd probably want to hear about my latest mistakes (I'm sorry to say that I make many) just so he could relish them. He always enjoyed any mess I got into, as if to prove me a failure.
So tell me Diary, why should I have gone to his party if that is how I would've been received? I will not give him the satisfaction of belittling me, so I opted not to go. It was easy enough to get out of going. One quick "Oh Krysta! I have the most awful headache in the entire world!" and I received this:
"Oh lovey, I wish you would not be up so late reading. As good as books and scrolls are for your brain, to read for so long in the dark begs for head pains! Get in bed. A long rest will do you well."
"But Krysta, your son is coming home tonight. It would be awfully impolite to not welcome him back!" I said, putting a hand on my head to emphasize my "pain."
"Don't you worry about that. Your health is much more important to my sons and me than your attending a party. I assure you that Escariot will understand, and there is plenty of time for you to welcome him back later. You just get in bed and rest up, lovey." Krysta took it upon herself to tuck me in bed, as if I were a child. Although I am fifteen, I do not mind this. It reminds me of when I was younger and my parents were alive. Mum would tuck me in and kiss me goodnight, her chocolate curls tickling my forehead in much the same way Krysta's honey ones do. Krysta was my mother's best friend. It is nice to know that she can still perform the duties that were Mum's.
Angel came in then, chewing an apple and hopping about excitedly. No doubt, he was thinking about Escariot's return. "What gives, Al? Why are you in bed?" he asked, stopping mid-jig to examine me.
"Alysia is not feeling well, and I don't want you bothering her," Krysta said sternly. "Out with you."
"Aww, is it that bad? I really wanted you to accompany me to Escariot's banquet tonight. Sure you two didn't get along well, but I'm positive-"
"She is staying in bed," Krysta cut him off firmly. "We shall not pain her with greetings that can be made later."
"I'm real sorry Angel," I sighed. "My head hurts something terrible. Do tell Escariot I'm sorry and that I congratulate him."
"Aww, okay. Hope you feel better, Aly." He patted my foot before his mother ushered him out. I just sighed, thinking about Escariot.
I suppose that I cannot hide from him forever, but what else am I to do? My fear of him almost eclipses my dislike of him. Even though I spent many years verbally sparring with him (for my sharp tongue is as quick as his), I never could stop his words or actions from stinging. I know that I will not receive everyone's approval in life, but I guess I always secretly wanted his. I just wanted him to stop hating me. And it is pointless to wish that, because I know that he probably does still hate me. This means I shall probably spend tomorrow acting sick again. Angel and Finn will want to catch up with Escariot. My sister Lyddi has lessons, and none of my other ten siblings ever seem to have the time for me. My greatest companions shall probably be a book and a bowl of soup.
God, I really don't like soup of any kind. And pretending to be sick, that was my dinner tonight. Mahorella is the best cook in all of Corcia – perhaps all of Relysian – but even she cannot get me to like it. Perhaps a quick trip to the kitchens will get me a more satisfying meal? It is late, and everyone has gone to bed. I am sure it'll be no trouble.
Goodnight, Diary.
Simply Yours,
Alysia Cabryndine
Btw, if by some miracle, one of my original readers is viewing this, you will have noticed that I've changed a few things arround. The Cassidines are now the Cabryndines. This is because I originally got "Cassidine" off of General Hospital. This might have been okay had I not created Nicoreth "Nic" Cassidine. There's a Nikolas "Nik" Cassidine on GH. Problem fixed!
Also, I deleted the "e" in "Alysiea."
Anyway, reviews are nice like I said! Positive criticism is welcome!!!
