Prolog - Part Two
Garnet quickly stood and bowed to the stranger. Where had he snuck up from?
"There is no need for formalities, miss. I'm the one sorry for startling you. May I sit down?" he asked in a gentle tone.
"Certainly," she replied, sliding over to give him room. He was fairly tall and lanky, his head topped with firey red-blonde hair that shot out in every direction. His pale gray eyes reminded Garnet of a cloudy day, irises wide in adjustion to the darkness. He had a pair of large, triangular ears poking out from his red mop, covered in fur of the same color. His tail was the same color. It swished lazily, giving him a feline appearance. It was unique for a human to have anthropomorphic features, as crossbreeding was often frowned upon. Still, Garnet had once met a servant who was the result of a Burmecian soldier marrying a woman on a campaign to Dali, and one of the actors in tonight's play had had an primate's tail.
"I couldn't help hear you singing," he said after a moment of silence, meeting her eyes. Garnet smiled softly. "You're talented."
"You have my gratitude, sir," she replied with accustomed politeness.
"Relax, no need to be so formal. I'm sure you despise formalities as much as I do, taking into account we are both outside enjoying the night's sensations rather than wallowing in the benefits of upper class."
Garnet grinned, genuinely this time, revealing her rarely seen dimples. "You are very perspective. Your name, sir?"
"I'm Tempest Fyrehart of Treno. I'm here because my father likes to drag his youngest son around to these things, hoping I'll continue the family business. Since I'm not a bad shot with my bow and am learning martial arts, I like to consider myself an aspiring adventurer. And yourself, miss?"
Garnet chuckled with good nature. What was there to tell about a Princess locked away in her castle? "It is my pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Mr. Fyrehart. It is a relief to know that I am not the only one who finds social events rather dull." Tempest offered a big, paw-like hand. Garnet returned the handshake.
"Please, call me Tempest. This is my first time to Alexandria. Do you know the city well?" he asked.
"Certainly, I have resided here my entire life. Would you enjoy a personal tour?" Garnet asked, seeing an opportunity for some fun. It had been months since she last snuck out of this wretched castle!
Tempest's face lit up. "I'd love one."
Garnet jumped to her feet. "May I borrow your cloak? We must be secretive." Tempest removed his wooly brown cloak (that did not match the formal slacks and dress shirt he was wearing) and placed it over Garnet's shoulders. She pulled the hood over her head and linked arms with Tempest, leading him down a path towards the boat dock. Small rowboats ran between the castle and the town, taking patrons to and from into the late hours of the night.
A pair of Pluto Knights was posted at the dock, looking bored and tired. They snapped to attention as Garnet and Tempest approached.
"If we are questioned, you are my brother returning his ill elder sister to your hotel room," the princess whispered. Garnet hunched over, giving the appearance of a little old lady buried in the warmth of her cloak.
"Good evening, sir. The night is young. You and your lady are leaving so soon?" asked one of the knights.
"Unfortunately," Tempest replied with mature courtesy, "my wife is not feeling well." The redheaded man felt an elbow jab him hard in the rib.
The knight who spoke eyed the cloaked princess skeptically. "Very well. Blutzen, take this nice couple into town."
"Why do I have to?" the other knight, Blutzen, whined. "It's your turn to turn the boat, Kohel." The knights bickered, quite unprofessionally, Garnet noted. In the end, Blutzen shuttled them across the moat. The boat ride was brief.
Tempest and Garnet stepped off the dock and were swept away by a mass of bodies. Normally the peasants would be long asleep by this time of night, but the town was lit up and bursting with celebration. The streets were lined with stands selling food and drinks, while the square was crammed with dancers. Among the crowds, Garnet recognized members of Tantalus, her favorite theatrical troupe, and people from all over Mist Continent.
"What an improvement over the Queen's party!" Tempest shouted above the noise. "By the way, you never told me your name!"
Garnet didn't hear his question because a line of dancers had formed a train as the band played an upbeat tune with a bongo drum. Garnet grabbed his hand and pulled him to the end of the train. Tempest chuckled and placed his hands on Garnet's tiny waste, feeling somewhat awkward, but enjoying himself still.
As the song ended, Garnet and Tempest continued to dance at the square through several fast songs. The music eventually slowed and quieted as the band began a slow song. Garnet fell into an embraceful slow dance with Tempest. She placed her arms around his neck and rested her head against his chest—he was a full head taller than her—with her eyes shut. Tempest rested his hands on the small of her back, swaying slowly.
"Hmmm…" he purred from deep within his chest. "I don't suppose you'd tell me your name?"
"Garnet, silly," she replied without batting an eye.
"A suiting name for such a beauty," he said honestly and blushed and his own boldness. Perhaps he was being too forward?
Garnet blushed in return. "Th—thank you," she squeaked. Shyly, Tempest raised a hand to lower Garnet's hood and gaze into her eyes.
"Let's get something to eat," he said after a long moment. "My treat."
Garnet nodded and took her hand as he led her away from the dancing.