Hey! Here's another update for you all! Although, it is a bit long in my opinion, so be warned. Enjoy!

Snowflakes

Claudia awoke three days later to the sun shining through the single window in her cell like room. She sat up, rubbing her eyes. The room was very small, with an old bed, a tiny dresser, and a bedside table being the only furniture in the confined space. It wasn't an ideal living space, but it was all she had, and certainly better than sleeping in the slums.
She looked to her left to find a small bag with a letter under it on the table by her bed. Curious, she grabbed the letter and read it first, hoping it would shed some light on the object that had been delivered to her.
'Dear Claudia Eithos,
I felt it necessary to thank you for your help the other day, so I pray that you will accept this gift as a small token of my appreciation. I've been practicing my speech ever since I recited it with you some time ago, and while it feels odd without a living subject to project it on, I feel ever more confident with each rehearsal. The Christmas party is in seven days, and I plan to propose to my love then. I trust that you will be there, since you are obligated to serve the nobles during that time. Oh, how I wish I were in your position, though. While not serving a lord or lady, you could easily slip away for a spell, somewhere quieter where you could think. But I, a mad prince among pompous high-bloods, will be forced to make small talk about dreadfully boring things, whether I want to or not. If you see me during the celebration, please do not hesitate to say hello. It would give me a moment away from those snooty nobles, and it would be splendid to speak with you again. Until then, I shall continue rehearsing and dreading the inevitable debates of politics and gossip.
Your friend,
Prince Vincent Ferramore'
Claudia gave a short, humorless laugh. One favor, and he already considered her, a lowly servant, a friend? The prince truly was strange.
However, she took great care to fold the letter neatly and stash it behind a loose brick in the wall, a secret cache where she kept her other few prized possessions, like the pocket watch given to her by her father and a beautiful stone that Seth had given to her four birthdays ago. She could tell that Ferramore's words were sincere, and seeing as how a majority of the people in the castle didn't like her, she figured another friend couldn't hurt.
She checked the contents of the bag as well, and, after identifying it as a rather hefty sum of money, deposited it with her other treasures as well.
As she changed into her uniform for the day, she thought about the prince and the gift he had just given her. A kind letter that regarded her as a friend, an individual on the same level as him, and enough cash to buy nearly any moderately priced item and still have some money left over for necessities. She smiled to herself. He was indeed crazy, but the prince was kinder than any sane noble she had ever met.
When she was finished preparing for the day, she made her way to the main hall to aid in the preparation of the party.
'I wonder what I will use the money for.' she pondered as she turned a corner and strode down a new corridor. She didn't even spare a second glance as a paige jumped in surprise and dropped the armor he was carrying when he caught sight of her. Instead, she continued to think. 'Perhaps I could buy a present for Seth. He hasn't stopped talking about those new weapons called pistols being manufactured in the western regions and how he would love to fire one. Perhaps I could get my hands on one before Christmas.'
The Mawile's thoughts were interrupted as she noticed she had arrived at the main hall. She showed no expression, but she was marveling on the inside.
Wreaths adorned the doors and streams of red velvet clung to the walls and edges of windows, some parts tied into beautiful bows. The floor had been polished to a lustrous shine and the long red carpet that stretched from the main doors to the stairwell was laid out like the tongue of a large beast. However, the gigantic tree by the stairs had to be the most magnificent part. The evergreen stood high above her, its branches decorated with ornaments, bells, and hanging figurines, most made of expensive, fragile glass. A star had been placed on the very top of the tree, and Claudia almost felt sorry for the poor servant who must have been tasked with climbing up there to place it.
Servants buzzed around everywhere, their voices indistinguishable from one another as they shouted out orders or talked about trivial matters.
"Claudia!"
Claudia tore her eyes away from the majestic sight to see Seth approaching her.
"Oh, so you're here too, Seth?"
He smiled and said, "Yeah, I gotta help out with the decorations, you know? So, did you get a surprise this morning too?"
"Hm? Oh, you mean the gift from Prince Ferramore?"
"Yeah! What a nice guy, huh? I definitely need to thank him next time I see him."
Claudia was about to respond, but was cut off as another servant called to Seth.
He sighed, seeing the predicament they were in. "Oh Arceus, what did I tell them about that? Hang on guys, I'll help!" He then turned to Claudia and flashed her a quick grin. "I'll catch up with you later, Claudia."
He ran off and left Claudia alone. She felt slightly disappointed, but wasn't exactly sure why.
She furrowed her brow in puzzlement as she felt a strange sensation in her chest. She noticed her heart beating quickly, quite abnormal considering that she hadn't done anything to cause it to beat faster.
'What is this?' she thought, placing a hand over her racing heart. 'Why is my heart beating so quickly? Could this be what I think it is? A sign that...I've caught an illness?'
She nodded her head, confirming it. 'Yes, that must be it. I must have contracted it at some point while I was out yesterday. Walking around the slums during the bitter cold couldn't be helped, but I curse having to run that errand even more now.'
Despite this, however, she still went to help with the preparations. She rarely got sick, but even when she did, she tried her best to hide it so she could work. Missing a day of labor meant that her pay for that day would be cut, and, seeing as how she didn't make much to begin with, she couldn't afford to miss a day.
After a few hours of hanging decorations and dusting statues wrapped with tinsel, Claudia heard the ear-piercing voice of Madame Greta cutting through the din of voices in the hall, calling her name. She bit back her tongue to prevent herself from snapping back at the woman.
Instead, she turned around and bowed, politely asking, "What can I do for you, Madame Greta?"
The Raichu stopped in a huff, and Claudia noticed that she was holding another Pokemon's wrist in her vice-like grip.
She was a young Kirlia, most likely around her age. She was wearing a maid uniform like Claudia, however, unlike her, it actually suited the Psychic-type Pokemon. She had a distinct poise that complimented the servant's attire, while Claudia had a dominating appearance that made her seem taller than she really was, a pose she hadn't yet lost from her days on the streets trying to intimidate other Pokemon so she could keep them away.
"This is Erika." Madame Greta sneered, as if she were showing a mutt a prized show dog, showing it a status that it could never reach. "She is new here and I'm instructing you to train her on her basic duties. Arceus knows I don't have time to do it. I know you're worthless and can't even handle your own duties properly, but perhaps you can inspire this young lass to strive to be better, so she doesn't end up like you."
She thrust Erika towards her and then stamped off, shrieking at another servant who had done something slightly wrong.
Claudia sighed. Madame Greta hadn't really given her any instructions, and she had never trained anyone before. Hopefully, this would be over with soon.
Erika curtsied and looked her in the eye, surprising Claudia. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance. I am Erika Gift. My family has been serving the royal Colvoy family for generations, and now I wish to follow in my ancestors' footsteps. I am eager to learn from an experienced servant such as yourself, and it is an honor to be training under you. And what, may I ask, is your name?"
Claudia almost remarked about how she didn't ask for her life story or the exaggerated compliments, but restrained herself. She also couldn't see why this girl needed training. She had the necessary politeness and attitude of a maid already.
"I'm Claudia." she said, not bothering to act too formal. This girl wasn't a noble or higher up, so she didn't have to put up a polite facade. "I suppose we should get started right away. Follow me."
Claudia cursed silently as she led Erika through the halls. She hated the way she couldn't sound genuinely polite, and the way she had to force herself to bow because she would always mess up her curtsy. Why couldn't she be proper like Erika?
She shook her head, emptying those thoughts. Obviously it was because they were brought up under different circumstances. Erika had a family. Claudia didn't. Erika had most likely had schooling. Claudia could only count in order to prevent being cheated out of money. Erika had three meals a day. Claudia had been lucky to even have one.
"Is something wrong, Miss Claudia?" Claudia cursed silently again. She had forgotten that Kirlia's could sense emotions, and if she didn't keep her's in check, there would be a good chance that Erika could learn some information that she'd rather keep secret.
Claudia took a deep breath and tried her best to clear away her emotions. "No, not at all. Now, your main duties here at the castle will be to clean, deliver things, and basically do whatever your masters tell you to do. First, I'll start off by showing you where you'll be staying."
Claudia led her to the servant's chambers, where all of the servants who stayed at the castle resided. It was split into two areas, one side housing the males, and the other side reserved for the females. Claudia led her to the left, the section for females.
"The Princess graciously allows her servants to pick their own rooms here, so you may choose a room that is not occupied."
Erika tapped her chin thoughtfully and slowly looked around at all of the doors, trying to decide where she would like to stay the best. Claudia thought it was rather silly. She didn't particularly care where she stayed, as long as it was comfortable enough for her. Although, she had specifically chosen the room at the far end of the hall. It was a win/win for her and the other maids. They didn't have to fear being close to her as much, and she wouldn't have to put up with their fearful whimpers. Although, a few did accuse her of hexing them with nightmares or stealing their belongings every now and again, either to make trouble for her, or to get attention. Luckily, Madame Greta always ignored these complaints, either due to the fact that she didn't believe in witchcraft, or because she just didn't feel like dealing with the problem.
"Which room are you in?" Erika finally asked, unable to make a choice.
"Me? I'm at the very end of the hall." She pointed to the door.
Erika smiled and began walking towards the room closest to it, saying, "Then I'll stay here, as long as it's not taken. I'd prefer to stay as close to you as possible since I'm not too familiar with this place yet, and also since you're my first friend here."
Claudia felt slightly annoyed, but didn't show it. How could this girl already consider her a friend? Why did she have to ruin her plans of solitude by choosing to stay near her?
She sighed inwardly and nodded. "I believe that room is vacant, so you may stay there. Now, if you have any possessions that you'd like to drop off there, we may do so now and then continue."
Erika nodded and smiled at the Mawile, which only aggravated her more.
The two walked to Madame Greta's office to pick up the bag that Erika had left there when she first arrived, and then walked back to her new room.
On the way back, Claudia heard a familiar voice call her name.
"Claudia? Where have you been? I thought you were still back in the main hall helping with the decorations."
Claudia turned around to find Seth approaching her.
"I was, but then I was tasked with training this new servant here."
She gestured to Erika, and the girl stepped forward rather shyly.
Seth smiled kindly to her and extended his hand, which she took slowly. "Hello! My name is Seth Katrias! And you are?"
She muttered at first, but when Seth asked her again, she said a bit louder, "E-Erika Gift..."
Seth nodded and looked back at Claudia. "I gotta get going, too, but I'll see you later tonight, okay?" He ran off and called back, "It was nice meeting you, Erika!"
Claudia felt her heart racing again after he left, and she thought it odd that she had only been feeling an irregular heart beat and not any other symptoms of a cold.
She looked back at Erika to find her smiling at the ground, her face slightly red.
"What's wrong?" Claudia asked bluntly, and Erika faced her, trying to hide her grin.
"N-nothing, it's just that...that person seemed very nice. What...if I may ask, wh-what is your relationship with him...?"
Claudia felt a sour emotion building inside her, and her eyes became stonier. She didn't exactly mean to, but she replied hostilely, "He's my friend. Now, we should be returning to your training, correct?"
Erika nodded, and the two continued on their way.

7Z7Z7Z7

When Claudia returned to her room hours later, she collapsed onto her bed. Training Erika had been harder than she originally had thought. The Kirlia was a complete klutz, not able to walk straight while carrying a tray and ending up knocking over valuables when she was cleaning. She would often forget things, and Claudia had found herself repeating herself over and over throughout the day.
She always apologized and spoke to Claudia as if they were friends, even though the Mawile would respond to her coldly all the time.
She glanced out the window and saw that the sun was already setting outside. She got up and changed out of her uniform. Her duties were over for today, and she wanted to go out and buy Seth's present so it would be here in time for the holiday. Even though she was sick and would have to go back out into the cold, it would be worth it for her friend.
She wrapped a thick scarf around her neck and walked out the door with the bag of coins in her hand, knowing just where to go to receive the goods she wanted.

So, what do you guys think so far? Personally, I never knew this story was going to start unraveling this way, what with a bunch of characters and such. I wanted to keep it mainly focused on Seth and Claudia, but so far I'm not sure if I've really achieved that. Anyways, thanks for reading, and I should have the next chapter out soon!