*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Author's Note:
Hello. In the last installment of L.F.A., Rosamunde Fierra made her debut. She was invited to attend a royal dance, hosted by Her Majesty Queen Grace and His Highness Prince Burke, where she met her long-time companions, Rochelle and Hannah. There was a significant amount of flirting at the ball and a few dances. This is the day after the dance—there will be many references as to what happened in the ball in this chapter—
*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The First ChapterThe sun's gentle, yet sometimes harmful beams shone on Rosie's head, creating a sort of aura, or halo. She basked in the warm weather with a straw hat mounted on her head. Today was a day of recollection, of remembrance of the night last; and what a night it was!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Prince, who had grown rather flustered at the mere sight of his new acquaintance dancing with Mr. Skyler, decided to change the rules a tad. Instead of waiting towards the end of the night in order to have a spotlight dance, he figured that in the middle of Rosie's dance was the most agreeable time. Therefore, he waltzed up to the couple and promptly, yet carefully stole Rosamunde away from the gent. This left Skyler very bewildered and a blush of resentment burned in his cheek.
"Oh fair Rosamunde," he said in that suave tone of his, which he knew would melt anyone's heart. It was the tone that he used when flirting and when entreating to his mother, Queen Louisa, who had abdicated the throne to her daughter, and to his sister, when he fancied another ball. "I could not have waited much longer for your sweet hand. It was such a slow, dreadful piece of music that time seemed to slow down to twice its normal rate."
"Indeed you are a smooth talker, Prince Burke. I am sure that you always get what you want," said Rosie. She was getting at something. She was trying to decipher his character. First impressions are lasting and sometimes, the person receiving the impression will not dare give the other person a chance.
"I do try, Miss Fierra, however, one can never get what they want, for as soon as they do, one wants something else: complete satisfaction is nearly impossible to achieve."
All chances of finding him to be a snotty brat were diminished. He was much too smooth. Rosie was compelled to let down her guard, for once. When one is a pokemon trainer, he/she has to be constantly aloof, for there is always someone who is trying trick him/her. She was open; prepared for what ever might come her way.
"Yes, of course Prince Burke. Nevertheless, you've treated Mr. Skyler so ill; I feel compassion for him and I regret losing his hand. He was a splendid dancer: he is light on his feet, like myself."
"I do not know how to reply to your comment, however, I will say that I deserve a chance."
"As does any other gentlemen in this glorious hall Prince Burke. I am certain that you feel more worthy because you're royalty; and we all know that the Prince must be satisfied regardless of the feelings of others."
This stunned the Prince, yet he smirked. "She is a feisty young woman indeed; I like it."
"You're sharp-tongued Miss Fierra. You hold your tongue for not one decent soul."
"Not entirely correct, sir, for I do endeavor to stay civil but with some people, it is highly inconceivable."
"Am I one of those people, mademoiselle?"
"You're beginning to become one, monsieur," Rosie said as she broke away from him in the middle of the dance and returned to her seat, where Ellie and Dew were waiting patiently, along with her ladies.
"Rosie, the Prince appears to be quite crestfallen! How could this be?" Hannah asked this.
"It was my doing Hannah. It was my duty to set him in his place; nonetheless, I sense that the effect will not last for much longer. He's so determined to woo me."
"Will you be had by anyone, my friend?" asked Rochelle.
"Only time will tell—"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Rosamunde, you have a visitor. I believe that his name is Mr. Frederic Skyler," said her mother from the door, which led to the deck where Rosie lay. Rosie propped herself up and smoothed the front of her thin, printed-cotton frock.
She had not heard of the man since she was taken away from him. She was ready to make amends for the Prince's wrongdoings. Hopefully he would accept the appeals and they could strengthen their acquaintance.
Seconds later, the tall man walked onto the deck, where Rosie appropriately stood and curtseyed as custom urged, before she greeted him.
"Hello Skyler, what brings you to Rosewood on this fine day?"
He blushed.
Rosie knew not how to take this; perhaps it was the heat for it was quite tepid outside. However, this would make a bad inference because Skyler already had a healthy, bronze tone about his skin. Rosie dismissed it.
"I am come in order to invite you to come dine with my family and I tomorrow night Miss Fierra," he said as evenly as he could; he was careful not to show his distress: he was rather timid.
Rosie was surprised. Why would Mr. Skyler invite her to dinner after such a limited acquaintance last night? Maybe it was out of the decency of his heart and the kindness of his character.
"I'm obliged," she accepted. What harm could there be in accepting his generous offer. If his family was anything like himself then they were sure to be good-natured people.
"All is well."
"Have you any siblings?"
"I have a sister, her name is Charlene. She is a remarkable young lady I assure you."
"If she obtains the least bit of your civility then she is already high in my opinion."
Reader, I am sure that you can figure out what ensued after this compliment.
Rosie stared at him with a sideways look, however, she checked herself rather quickly. She decided to ask him about his profession: his livelihood.
"You walk with an admirable stiffness yet you also walk with a commendable flexibility. Be you in the army or perhaps in the navy, or a pokemon trainer?"
He smiled as he said, "I train pokemon; in addition to that I do participate in the Florien Navy."
"I should have noticed that you were in the Navy by that handsome cobalt blue and green jacket that you're wearing right now. It fits you nicely."
"Thank you Miss Fierra—" he began but was cut off by Rosie's ejaculation, "do call me Rosie!"
"I will."
"Well," she said, "what pokemon do you have. Are they fine specimens?"
"In my opinion they are. I have an Umbreon named Midnight and a couple of Nidoran as well as some others. I noticed an Aipom sitting in your lap along with an Azumarril."
"Oh, you're referring to Lady Eleanor and Sir Dew." Then, Rosie, suddenly filled with a competitive urge said, "I challenge you to a duel Skyler."
He was surprised. "Are there any circumstances that must be met upon winning the match?"
"That would be wonderful. What will they be?"
"If I win, then you will have to call on my family every day for a week," said Skyler.
"And if I lose then you will have to call on me every day for two weeks," said Rosie, slyly.
"That's not fair."
"You seem afraid of losing, my friend."
"I am not."
"Prove it then."
"I will."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rosie pulled delicately touched the spheres that were strung unto her pokemon necklace. The balls were much smaller back then, however, this caused no discomfort for the pokemon themselves. It was much more convenient for the trainers.
"How many pokemon shall we use?"
"Three-on-three will do me quite fine," said Rosie. She took off her straw hat and shook her head; her long hair waved in the wind, falling down to her backside. Skyler stood there mesmerized by her beauty but he quickly reprimanded himself so that he would not show his feelings.
"I'll choose first then. I choose you Midnight." Mr. Skyler threw the sphere, which opened, thus allowing a scarlet beam of energy to pervade; therefore permitting the beam to take shape into a living, breathing animal of incredible strength. Midnight was a large pokemon, with bright yellow bands that illuminated his obsidian fur; his fiery eyes scanned the area, taking in his surroundings, analyzing how he could use it to his advantage.
"He's a handsome creature."
"Thank you Rosie."
"Eleanor," Rosie called, "I need your assistance." Seconds later, a bluish blur was seen and the small ape-pokemon stood ready, waiting for her orders.
"Use a quick attack," said Skyler.
Midnight snarled and used his legs as a springboard in order to pounce on Ellie, however, he came to no avail, for Ellie was extremely fast. The inertia that was produce made him skid across the ground. He hopped up as soon as he could.
"Use a mega punch!"
Ellie leapt from place to place, hoping to psyche out her opponent with her fancy footwork. Midnight stood there; his eyes darted to-and-fro. Nevertheless, he was caught off-guard and was knocked down by Eleanor's tight fist. He was hurled into the air by the force of the blow.
"Now stomp him."
Ellie leapt into the air and with a glowing foot did she stomp him to the ground while he himself was still airborne. He groaned in pain.
"Use a slash attack."
With glowing claws did he swing at the ape but he missed his target. Ellie evaded the attack and countered it with a tail whip, which made him flip onto his side in defeat. Eleanor cheered with her trainer, who proudly scooped her into her arms.
"You tried your best Midnight," Skyler said with a placid smile, "now take a good rest."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Which pokemon shall you choose now Skyler?" asked Rosamunde as she patted her friend's head proudly. Eleanor never let her trainer down before and one could be certain that she never will: she has an unchanging loyalty for her trainer that will never change, regardless of what time era that they find themselves in.
"You will see Miss Rosamunde, you will see. I choose you Samuel," he shouts as he throws a small sphere in the air. It opens and dispels a large Nidoking with burgundy armor and green ears and large, shiny black eyes, that were full of one emotion: eagerness. He roared and pounded his chest in order to make himself prepared.
Rosie could obviously see that this pokemon had a lot of experience; therefore, she would need someone who was powerful, yet agile also. She had just the right pokemon.
"I choose you Sir Crimson," she said as the small fox appeared on the battlefield. His fawn hide shined in health and his sapphire eyes sparkled in joy and he rested on his haunches: he was ready.
"Do not you think that this is a severe handicap Rosie? I am afraid for your pokemon," asked Skyler with a caring countenance. Safety for the pokemon was also his first priority.
"You can handle it, am I correct in my assumptions Crimson?"
Crimson looked up at his trainer and his eyes smiled, I am certain that I can Rosie. You can count on me to get the job done.
"That is what I thought," said Rosie, "Crimson is very reliable in the battlefield. I know what his limitations are."
"You talk to him as if you can comprehend his language," said Skyler with an amazed expression. She could not really communicate with her pokemon vocally, could she?
"I can."
"Let us start things off with an agility attack, Crimson," Rosie said.
Like a diving board did Crimson leap to his feet, running here and there looking as he teleported at some points, but it was really caused the intensity of his speed; Nidoking staid calm though. His eye glinted and with a swing of his massive tail, Crimson found himself skidding across the ground but he firmly pressed down his paw in order to refrain from doing so.
"Good work Crimson, use your flamethrower!"
The inferno within, in his internal fire sacs, was released in a massive line of fire. Nidoking held his arms in front of his face to ward off the flames, the blazing flames that could cause to destruction to any forest.
"Use a tackle attack."
With lightning speed did the beast ram himself into the small pokemon, causing him get flung into the air once more. He winced in pain.
"Can you take anymore pain my love?"
I can.
"You've had enough Crimson," she concluded, much to Crimson's dismay, "take a good rest," said Rosie as she recalled him back to his ball. She took pride in knowing her pokemon's limitations. It was a good feeling that she knew that she had an edge over some of the other trainers, however, she was not arrogant with it. That is highly unfeminine in her society; on the contrary, it is highly improper for anyone to show arrogance, however, with men and people of high social standing, it was usually excused.
"You know your pokemon well. I can see why you were able to win the
--League. Do you wish to continue?" asked Frederic as he patted his friend on the head. Frederic was about four inches taller than his first pokemon, who was about five feet and eleven inches; he had long, chestnut brown hair that was at his shoulders, it curled at the ends, and his irises were gray, like slate or the most varied granite, a tinge of amber was inconspicuous unless you were gazing deeply into his eyes: they were enchanting.
Then, Rosie went through a small revelation. She realized that this pokemon battle was rather pointless. She said, "let us forget about this battle Skyler. It is pointless. I would love to visit you anytime. You don't have to beat me in order to make me do so."
"Really?"
"Yes."
The two young adults smiled. One smiled out of civility and courtesy and kindness while the other smiled in ecstasy and in pure delight. One can be sure of what ensued—
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Mr. Skyler is an incredible trainer Mommy; do not you think so? I sure do. I would have taken pleasure in fighting one of his pokemon, said Dew.
Rosamunde looked at the blue aqua-rabbit with a cheerful smile on her face. "He is talented indeed. Dew," she said in that maternal tone of hers that she often acquired when giving advice to her pokemon, "fighting and having a pokemon battle are two different things. When one is in a pokemon battle, one uses a strategy and is trying to win without inflicting too much pain. When one if fighting, it is spontaneous and sloppy and one tries to inflict superior pain in a short time; keep that in mind dear."
"I will Momma," he said in a mock British tone, which caused her to laugh contentedly.
A knock was heard and shortly after, with an approval of entrance by Rosie, did Mrs. Fierra make an entrance with a smile implanted on her slender, gracefully curved face. She was in her early forties indeed, however, beauty persevered for a long time on her side of the family. Her eye was like the ocean near the shore: teal and it shimmered. Her rosy hair was in a long braid, the way she wore it after dinner, and it shined too. One could clearly see that the two were related.
"Hello Mother, what brings you to my chamber?"
"I am come to inquire about your engagement tomorrow night. Do you still wish to go?" asked her mother as she made a seat for herself in an armchair with oriental designs.
"Indeed."
"That is well," she said. Then in a deep tone did she say, "I could not help but overhear the fact that you would feel obliged to call on him every day."
"You're correct Mother," said her daughter, not catching on to the fact that a series of exchanges were sure to follow. She continued to brush her hair.
"Am I right in assuming that you intend to form an attachment with Mr. Skyler."
"Oh yes! I heartily want to meet his family."
"My friends have told me that he is not really a member of their family."
"Oh really? Tell me more," said Rosie, who was quite interested as of then.
"Yes. They told me that they adopted him when his parents died in a boating accident. I believe it was on the ocean liner called the Sainte-Genevieve-des-Fleurs when he and his sister were just a year old: they're twins."
"How sad that is Mother. I am sorry for him," said Rosie with a downcast expression. "Do you think that his aunt and uncle had ever told him?"
"No. They do bear a striking resemblance though," said Mrs. Fierra. "He's such a handsome young man; I am certain that he would make an agreeable husband."
"Me too."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The evening next Rosamunde decided to wear a soft, teal dress that was made of a crepe-material that showed her elegant shoulders and a small amount of cleavage, much to her father's dismay. Part of her hair was pulled back into a long braid that was rolled into a coil at the back of her head and two silver butterfly combs were in the front; the remainder of her hair fell down to her back.
Eleanor and her other pokemon were to remain at home until she came returned. Rosamunde decided that it was a completely human affair and that her pokemon might feel left out. The pokemon were sad and angry and pleaded until she eventually gave in after the pokemon convinced her that Skyler does have pokemon and they could speak amongst themselves.
The chaise arrived minutes after her Nidoqueen, Lady Elizabeth, placed it on her. She was coming too, after learning that there were other pokemon of her species. Her father helped Rosie into the chaise and then she was off; down the cobblestone roads did she go until she arrived at Sandalwood, the name of his parents' estate. It has gently sloping land with neatly carved terraces, the hedges were nicely trimmed and there was a small fountain in front of the house that spewed out the water through a pretty Seadra.
A servant met her at the door and she was escorted into the drawing room where everyone sat. They stood politely upon her arrival; the women curtseyed and the men bowed.
"Hello Miss Fierra," said Mrs. Skyler, "good evening!" Then she walked over and curtseyed once more while Rosie did the same. "Hello, Mrs. Skyler," Rosie replied as she curtseyed.
"Good evening Miss Fierra," said Mr. Skyler in a baritone voice, much like that of Skyler, as he kissed her hand. She smiled graciously.
Then, Miss Skyler sauntered up. Her beauty enthralled Rosie: she had long, auburn hair, more brown than red, which was pulled into a queue that fell down her back. Her cheekbones were high and tinged with mauve and her eyes were stony like her brother's.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Fierra," she said with a sweet smile, "I have heard much about you. My name is Charlene." They curtseyed to one another. She seems to be a sweet girl, thought Rosie.
Finally, Skyler shyly walked over to her and greeted her and nervously kissed her hand. He indulged in the kiss, but Rosie was left unaware of his intensity, while the others noticed that it was longer than what was proper. He was handsome that night, with his hair slicked back and instead of being attired in his Navy coat; he wore a crisp, white shirt with a black vest and bowtie.
"I hope that you are hungry Miss Fierra, for I prepared a three-course meal. We will have stuffed mushrooms as appetizers, then a chicken and spinach casserole as a main dish, and ice cream sundaes for breakfast," said Mrs. Skyler.
"I am not sure how I keep up my figure when Mom cooks so much food. She makes enough for the entire Navy," said Charlene.
"I agree."
"So Rosie," said Mr. Skyler, "what do you do to keep up your figure?"
"I am a pokemon trainer like your son," said Rosie uneasily, she hesitated when she mentioned Skyler as his son. The married couple exchanged glances.
"Oh really?" he asked. "What a joy to hear a female pokemon trainer at such a time as this. Surely you had male companions."
"Only an eight year old and my girlfriends," Rosie admitted, "men are nice to have around, indeed, but they're not a necessity."
Charlene giggled in agreement and said, "They can be a nuisance also."
"You're independent; that is such an affable quality for a young woman to have: it's so progressive. Women should be recognized as human beings that do not need to be safeguarded," said Mrs. Skyler. "I am proud to say that our Queen Grace is a wonderful activist/feminist."
The doorman walked into the room and announced, "Mr. Chadwick Jones is here."
All eyes turned upon him as he entered the room. Charlene practically melted in her seat because she blushed so rapidly. Wow, it is the pianist. He's such a beau—
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The entrance of the illustrious Chadwick Jones marks the conclusion of this chapter. What will happen in the next chapter? The next chapter will end the night. Does Miss Skyler have feelings for the pronounced "beau"? You will see in the next chapter of Love in the Flower Archipelago: Rosie's Love Life! Please review!