A/N: I'm really not sure about this chapter, but here goes. Oh, and by the way, if there's anything inaccurate in here, do tell. I don't like being ignorant of things.
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When Flauvic came, Elestra was going at it hard with Andrew in the gym. Today, she needed somebody to vent all her emotions on, and that person happened to be Andrew. Luckily for him, he handled well being the object of the swift thrusts and parries of her sword.
Elestra was panting lightly and sweating a little when a page came from her brother to warn her of Flauvic's approach. The page delivered the message that Princess Elestra was to get ready to meet him.
Andrew looked at Elestra and joked, "It's going to take you a lot to get ready after the work-out you've just been through!" Sure enough, Elestra was red and sweaty and her hair was becoming frizzy.
Andrew was still laughing when Elestra poked him with her foil. "OW!" he cried. "That hurt…" He began rubbing an area on his upper arm. Elestra just smiled and said innocently, "Woops, it slipped…" She walked away, pulling on that "court mask" her brother was teaching her to hold on her face, getting ready to meet Lord Flauvic Merindar.
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Elestra waited with her father, mother and Alaraec in the throne room. She carefully studied each of their faces.
Alaraec was as blank as ever. Then he caught her gaze and grinned and winked. Elestra couldn't help but grin too. After all, this was going to be a little adventure, whatever her feelings at that moment were.
Her father just looked tired. As much as nobody liked to admit it, he was going up in years. There were little bags under his eyes. Elestra felt a little sorry for him, having to deal with the kingdom's problems and having all those responsibilities, but he never complained.
Her mother sat there playing with the tassels of her cushion. She looked determined. Elestra almost smiled as she imagined her mother giving a talking-down to Flauvic.
But only almost, because at that moment, the guest of honor himself arrived. Elestra quickly pulled on her "court mask" as he walked in…and not alone, either.
Elestra could see that Flauvic had brought a few servants (who probably double as spies she thought) but that wasn't all.
Clinging to his arm, as if he would disappear if she let go of it, was a woman who was small and sickly. She was wearing a dress of the latest fashion: long sleeves that were flared, the top of the dress with beautiful embroidery around the neck, a belt upon her waist, and more embroidery following the skirt to the ground in lines. Her feet were covered in soft moccasins.
Behind them was another couple. It seemed Flauvic had made some friends. The gentleman behind Flauvic looked friendly enough. He had dark hair that fell into his aqua eyes. On his arm was a lady who looked almost the same, but her features were a little bit more delicate and her hair was not quite as dark.
Elestra's eyes strayed back to Flauvic, who looked hardly different than when they had parted ways. The only visible differences were his clothes. And he was cleaner. He caught her eye, and she nodded her head at him ever so slightly.
He returned her salute. All of a sudden, she was aware of eyes on her and Flauvic. She didn't want to be there anymore.
Elestra leaned over to Alaraec and asked him, "Do you really want to sit through any of this? I would rather get back to the gym for more practice fencing."
Alaraec looked at her considering for a couple moments and said, "Sure, El. Let's go."
Then Elestra leaned the other way towards her father and asked him if she and Alaraec could be excused. Her father nodded and Elestra and Alaraec went to get changed and meet in the gym.
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A/N: Should it be longer? Please review!
