AN: As always, I don't own anything and please read and review!
Ch. 4 - "On the Eve of the Fire Festival ~ Bilder einer Ausste"
Over a month had passed since Ahiru had come to live in Kinkan and she was slowly learning how to live in Kinkan as she was slowly learning to love the large kingdom. Although Ahiru was still slightly homesick, at least she had Pike and Lilie with her. Ahiru and Mytho were slowly becoming good friends as Ahiru was slowly getting to know the slightly withdrawn prince and was truly beginning to really like him. Although the young prince seemed withdrawn and lonely, he was one of the most kind and noble young men she had ever known. She was really excited when Prince Mytho asked her to accompany him to the upcoming festival. She eagerly allowed Lilie to help put her into a lovely sleeveless green ball dress that sparkled when light hit it and then Ahiru happily allowed Pike to put her long red hair into a simple, but elegant bun. Ahiru was indeed learning how to truly find her little place of happiness in this kingdom.
As Mytho escorted Ahiru out into the crowded courtyard, Ahiru was baffled by all the decorations in the courtyard. As Ahiru was looking around the crowded courtyard, a person suddenly bumped into her. "Oh, I'm so sorry Your Highness," Lady Anteaterina said with a fake smile. "It's alright Lady Anteaterina," Ahiru said with a smile, "and may I say that you look very lovely this evening. I'm sure that you will have many young lads just waiting for the chance for just one dance with you." Lady Anteaterina looked a little baffled at Ahiru's words before quietly saying, "Thank you Your Highness," before leaving to join the party. "She bumped into you on purpose," a gruff voice said and Ahiru turned around to see Sir Fakir behind her, his arms crossed and leaning against the doorway she had just come out of, his long black hair was tied back with a blue ribbon that matched his blue and white tunic and his vibrant green eyes shone with a slightly bored, if not frustrated light. "I know," Ahiru said with a smile, "but as my mother always says, 'Turn acts of wrongdoing into kindness and surely happiness will find you'" Ahiru smiled happily and let Mytho lead her into a dance in the crowded courtyard.
Fakir blinked in surprise at Ahiru's answer as he watched her laugh happily as she continued to dance. Fakir had to admit that the more he got to know the "little duck," as he mentally called the Oiseauian Princess, the more he was beginning to think that his initial judgment of her was quickly being proven wrong. The young princess may act a little naïve and often daydreamed, but she was a kind, generous, and a very caring young woman and was quickly on her way to make a fantastic queen someday. So, why did he feel a slight pang of sadness at the thought of her getting married and becoming queen? 'Surely,' Fakir thought gruffly, 'I can't be developing feelings for the little duck! She's just a simple minded young girl! Besides not only is she engaged to my friend, but she's a princess and there is no way a princess would ever be with a simple knight.'
AN2: "Bilder einer Ausste" is Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition". Please review!