It's... ALIIIIIIIIIIVE! Um *ahem* I'm a bit too hyper right now.
Whoo hooooo!!!! I finally got off my lazy bum and wrote another chapter! Sorry to everyone who waited, and thanks for all those encouraging e-mails from you guys! I love them! As I said, this chapter is dedicated to every one of you. I'm very sorry for the crappy chapter though haha...
This story was like on and off, I only write when I am inspired to. I wrote like more than half of the story in one day cuz I felt inspired. By SONGS! I find it easier to write with songs playing. Thanks again everyone! Please read and review!
Disclaimer: SD3 sadly does not belong to me, but the fictional characters that I made up does belong to me so don't steal them! Like if anyone would...
Happy readings!
~*~
The flower festival
Deep within the murky depths of a concealed chamber that was cleverly hidden beneath the grounds of the Artonian castle; indistinct voices murmured deceitfully of scheme and betrayal.
Two silhouettes sat fronting the other engulfed by the shadows of the dim chamber of unknown. Weapons hung and placed orderly in rows of hazardous artillery, while aged books and scrolls lay scattered in chaotic heaps and shreds of torn paper.
The stiff stone surroundings made an eerie ambiance that gave out from the cold atmosphere in the hidden room; where no light entered from the captivating radiance of the glowing moon that hung luminously above the dusky night sky.
A liquefying candle sizzled under the burning passion of the fire that ate at it mercilessly calming it's hunger and need to live throughout the hours of darkness. The little illumination of the flames lit only partial parts of the two figures, one clearly in view, the other obscured in the mysterious shadows.
A hand came up to brush strands of crimson hair that masked the person's facial features, and brushed it back to place it in line with the burgundy tresses. Blood eyes burned of mischief and murder, but untold to the world was the sorrow and anguish of hurt and desire that lit vaguely beneath the powerful scarlet orbs.
"The wind...?" A feminine voice escaped from the lips of the figure in front of a smirking prince that grinned sinisterly.
An irritated sigh hushed the nervous woman from stating the obvious back to what he had informed her. He sat nonchalantly back on a treasured antique chair and nodded, ignoring the bewildered expression that her young face made.
Lance's eyes penetrated through hers' and he grinned, not wiping the menacing smile from his unpleasant looking façade at the moment. The woman shifted nervously in her spot and waited for his voice to come up again out of the darkness; for she couldn't see into the shadowy corner of the lengthy table, and can only use her sense of hearing to detect his presence.
"I only ask for your assistance, but if you decline I can understand." The smooth voice said in a clear fluid sentence, yet it held this uneasy gut reaction to it. It felt like it said, 'help me or you die.'
"Only the strong and protected survive in this world."
"And how may I ask, you be able to control the wind?"
"Ah, that's the joy of it all, I am not the one who is going to."
The woman gave him a questionable look, but Lance brushed it off in the slight frustration adding to his temper and impatience.
"But aside from all these questions, what is your decision?"
The woman gathered all her courage that seemed to of fled from her conscious. She could only hope to contradict the young man's opinion of raid and mass power with one simple element that held together the legendary Amazon kingdom.
She found it quite impossible to do so.
But doubt; the wretched feeling was the sensation bubbling in her perplexed view of the whole situation.
If she sided with the Artonian warriors, she was sure to of have her name on her ally's top wanted, dead or alive. But if she refused his proposal of attacking, the maniacal young man would probably ruthlessly slay her if he were in his 'mood'.
Hesitantly, the woman cleared her throat and tried to think of something to say back to the awaiting prince.
Lance saw the fear in her tense eyes, which had wandered throughout the room, refusing to make eye contact with his malevolent ones. The trails of cold sweat visibly sliding down the side of her pale neck. Her trembling lips hiding the vacillating voice it held prisoner; it was all a dead sign of her unease of him.
He smiled to himself; he already knew the answer and couldn't blame her for such stubbornness.
"I'm sorry." Came her fearful answer, and its last syllable still lingered in the corner of the echoing chamber.
Sitting in silence for one full unspoken minute, an abrupt shiver traveled up her spine causing her to body shudder at the uninviting cold that touched her body.
"I see." said Lance.
The woman knew he stood up by the screech of the wooden legs of the chair. "Well please, participate in the annual flower festival." his voice turning from the smooth low tenor to a kind and warm tone. The woman gave a faint smile and nodded at his offer and turned for the entrance of the door in which she hurriedly went for.
Noises of cold steel and metal threateningly hissed quietly from behind her, followed by another sound of the air being violently ripped apart by the rapid velocity of a soaring object thrust violently in the direction of her defenseless back.
She jerked forward dead in her tracks when a sharp pain pierced her from her from her back to her pounding heart. She grabbed onto her chest and started to gasp at the sudden sting struck against her bleeding organ. Immediately falling to her knees, she cried out while suffering the excruciating feeling of death. She choked out dark red liquid trickling down her mouth and bloodily stained the icy earth ground. Coughing uncontrollably, she inhaled breaths but found the throbbing more agonizing.
She held her breath when she heard advancing footsteps walking up to her.
"It's supposed to be a fun festival. I'm going with my golden haired goddess." He paused, "she will be the key to my victory." Lance stared impassively down at the woman's body wavering with pain and the burning wound where the knife was impaled through her back.
"You bastard."
"Enjoy."
The candle flickered off as a strange breeze gave the darkness control of the tainted chamber.
~*~
Riesz fidgeted with her exquisite light green, satin skirt that fell down to about a few inches above her knee. Trails of pattern like leaves were sewn down the margin of her dress, almost like as if they were gracefully falling down the side in an exotic way.
The mild nighttime breeze blew soothingly against her skin and her hair, which was tied up in stylish curls rolling out of a bun, and the rest trendily tumbling down her back in golden showers of locks.
The amazoness stood by the overpowering double doors at the castle front gates accompanied by Jessica; awaiting Lance and.. Hawkeye.
She bit her lower lip trying to restrain any outburst from her subtle emotions to release from her quivering lips. Closing her distressing eyes, she inhaled the scent of the castle aroma; it smelled like Lance. She snapped back to her senses at the mention of his name flashing through her mind; his name would just not leave her mixed conscious along with Hawkeye's. Somehow they seemed similar to her, except her heart would always ache to the reference of the former thief.
He was truly a thief, a thief of hearts. Her heart.
She still couldn't bring herself to believe how she ended up getting ready to attend the festival. She really didn't want to go, although she wouldn't confront up to the facts to call herself a coward though. To face up to Hawkeye would only make her blurt the entire suppressed emotions that are bottled up inside of her, ready to shatter at any futile moment.
She wanted so much to tell him, to tell her what had been beating in her thriving yet pained heart ever since the first kiss they shared.
What would her father think of her now?
She slightly chuckled, "Don't laugh at me father. I've grown very weak, but I do indeed love him. I'm vulnerable to his words, his actions," She sighed, "if only I knew what were his feelings for me are like."
Riesz shook her head, trying to shake the pink blush off her embarrassed face feeling a sudden hot rush up her neck. She turned to look at the young woman standing a few feet away from her. She was staring blankly out into the castle lobby with her azure eyes and her vacant look placed gorgeously on her face. She was patiently waiting for her knight in shining armor, her beloved.
How Riesz envied her.
She wanted to feel what Jessica experienced, to love and to be loved back by the person she wanted to spend the rest of her days with.
Diverting her thoughts from her troubles, noises of forthcoming footsteps were coming down the hallway and she saw Jessica move in anticipation in hopes that Hawkeye had come, but immerging from the shadows was only the figure of the Artonian prince.
Both Jessica and Riesz were surprised by the expression on his stern face. It gave him a bitter exterior impression. His harsh stare was noticeably directed towards the blonde woman who stood there in a bit of a shocked state.
She had an uncomfortable feeling at the way he locked his fiery gaze at her, it made her feel like she did something immorally wrong or completely naked. The loud heels of his boots hit the ground in a pattern-like rhythm beating along with their heartbeats.
As his steps came nearer, it made the girls want to step back and shield themselves from the unexpected.
What was that word? Apprehension.
Reaching the two women, he swiftly strides onwards past them as if they were nonexistent, but a disturbing scent caught Riesz's attention. She turned around instantly and gaped at the retreating form of the prince as her senses screamed out in panic and alarm.
The scent, it was gruesome. An odor that she smelt over the wars, in the sanguineous places of slaughter, in dead battlefields; it was blood; the liquid of life.
He stopped in mid step and turned his head back at the two women. "Hawkeye's not in the castle." His mysterious voice informed the two women and had answered the question they both had been wondering about. They both stayed quiet, quite unsure of replying to him.
"Where did he go?" Jessica asked in a concerned tone.
Lance smirked and shrugged in an insensible way, he most likely didn't care either if the thief existed or not.
Placing the smell at the back of her confused mind, thinking it was her imagination, Riesz gently grabbed Jessica's slender wrist and lead her out the elevated doors and down the sturdy stone steps to where Lance stood. The prince placed a hand on his hip and transferred his weight to his left foot while studying the approaching young women with his ruby eyes.
They stopped in front of him and Riesz spoke. "Well? Are you going to escort us to the festival or not?"
Lance grinned and bowed in a courteous way, which he did quite rarely. Strangely, Lance's expression changed to a bright face. "Undoubtedly." He replied. Jessica slightly giggled at the accent he used when he answered, making him beam and offer his outstretched arms to the women in front of him.
"I'm probably the luckiest man alive." Lance commented as they left the castle grounds and entered the moonlit pathway to the prosperous town's core. "Sounds like something Hawkeye would say." Jessica mentioned, and Riesz just laughed, agreeing with the blue haired woman.
"But I'm more handsome right?" Lance asked jokingly as they reached the lantern lit festival.
Both women withdrew their arms from his grip and laughed harmoniously and rolled their eyes walking away from the grinning prince who was in the middle of a subconscious daydream.
He sighed and closed his eyes, inhaling the tranquil air that floated along the night sky merging with the fragrances of the flowers. "This is so dreamy isn't it Riesz?" He asked, but came no answer. He opened his eyes and scanned his surroundings, yet he couldn't detect his goddess anywhere near him.
"Riesz?"
~*~
Once the two girls found that the Artonian prince was nowhere near where they stood, Jessica excused herself and told Riesz that she will depart and go and search for Hawkeye. Riesz smiled halfheartedly and nodded, waving to the Navarre princess as she disappeared within the energetic crowd.
Now that she was alone, she felt a tad more relaxed and lenient.
Observing the thriving citizens of Artonia chatting and enjoying themselves with this special occasion, the amazoness couldn't help but break out a scenic smile that graced strikingly upon her kindhearted face.
Vibrant colors of the lanterns with magnificent artwork portrayed upon the thin sheets of paper. They were cleverly folded and stretched out and formed a sphere sized lamp with a small fire ablaze at the center. (A/N: Chinese lanterns! Hehe...)
The flowers were set on stands of different varieties and species, all flourishing with beauty and brilliant colors that marvelously lit up the enlivening streets besides the paper lanterns.
A small miniature blossom caught Riesz's eyes and she was directly enticed by the little flower that stood out from the rest, how the vivid colors of green and blue clashed together with a slight hint of purple hue; gave it a calm and serene appearance. No later than she spotted the insignificant flower, she found herself in front of the stand that had the blossom placed aside from the superb giant ones.
She felt it was discriminated from its own kind, nothing, or any one should be singled out because they were born different. They are the ones that are truly special.
She caressed the silken petals of the plant; she found it very smooth and soft. It was so delicate. She tenderly placed it back down and viewed it from its place on the counter. The stand owner saw the young maiden and was immediately fascinated in the young girl's choice of the flower she gazed at. The plump elderly lady slowly strolled up to Riesz and halted in front of the blonde woman, but Riesz didn't seem to notice, her mind was only and directed to the tiny little flower that bloomed ever so stunningly.
"Why young miss! Why are you looking at this little one when you can feast your eyes on the big and beautiful ones?" The woman exclaimed, but she said it quietly hoping not to draw any attention drawn towards the two.
"Because this one is unique." Riesz simply replied and that made the old woman's peaceful grin widen.
"Then take it. You young lady, deserve a special flower like that. It's very rare, yet people don't even notice it at all. But I'm glad you have." The aged woman gently seized the flower and raised her old hands to Riesz's hair and positioned of some of the loose tendrils of hair back with the petite blossom.
"The young man picked the perfect one for you." She said out of the blue.
Riesz smiled but then snapped out of her momentarily reverie, and stared at the dazed old woman in dumbfounded expression.
"What young man?"
The woman chuckled softly to herself and sighed.
"Ah young love. I believe the handsome young lad is very taken with you miss. His gold eyes were staring lovingly at the flower. And it really looks lovely on you." The old woman kindly complimented.
She took a small step back and stared compassionately into Riesz's eyes and saw her soul burning with joy and serenity and bewilderment.
Riesz's heart beat twice as fast as it was normally meant to. Was it Hawkeye? She wanted it to be him, yet she didn't want it to be him. She wanted to shout out in aggravation, but she kept herself composed. She knew that if she did decide to scream, it would probably scare the kind old woman.
Deciding to calm her curious mind, she slightly curtsied and thanked the woman and left the humble stand.
"May the goddess bless you child." The faint voice of the woman rang in Riesz's ear as she walked away.
Walking in the heaving streets of the celebrating kingdom, Riesz had to look over people's shoulders whom was blocking her view of the streets and where she was heading for. She had to admit; jumping up and down did make her look truly ridiculous. There was pushing and shoving to go here and there and everywhere. (A/N: It rhymes! Hehe couldn't help myself.)
She found a spot no significant group or gathering of Artonian populace were standing so she tried to make her way towards it, towards the freedom from the heavy traffic, but then the sea of bodies ended up drowning her and carry her off in another unfamiliar place of the festival.
She was completely lost now.
When she was about to sit down, she noticed a flutter of a dark navy cloak belonging to figure with violet hair walking in the direction out of the exhilarating festival and to an unidentified pathway. Quickly following the person, she crept up quietly but with an instant flash, the person was gone.
Riesz looked around the isolated area out in the middle nowhere. The pale moon was the only source of light provided to light up the dark heavens. The trees hushed and whispered of secrecy and suspicion as the wind gently carried the leaves of the foliage scenery before her in a flowing way.
"Hawkeye?"
"It looks beautiful on you." A voice spoke from behind her and had made her jump up startled at the unexpected voice.
She turned to face a grinning violet haired man standing a few feet away from her.
"Don't scare me like that."
"What did you expect? I'm a ninja."
"Thief."
"FORMER thief."
Riesz playfully walked up to him and punched him.
He withdrew his arm and rubbed it, bearing a childish pout on his face. "Ow, that hurt. Seriously now, ever since the trip started you keep on hurting me." He playfully scolded her, "but I don't mind." He laughed which made Riesz grin widely and laugh. She had to admit, that charming yet child- like grin of his was perilously contagious.
"Come with me."
He grabbed her soft hands and guided her through a peaceful and secluded meadow that was hidden behind the thickets of trees and bushes. Riesz laughed whilst running along side of Hawkeye who was acting like a little kid running through the grassy plains with an excited expression on his face. For a minute she can almost mistaken him for Elliot. Personality- wise.
Once they reached his destination in the middle of the meadow, Riesz analyzed the deserted place and found it very fairytale like and it held a dream like air around it.
"So? Why did you bring me out here for?" She turned to him and cheerfully asked.
"Watch."
Hawkeye put his thumb and forefinger towards his mouth and blew out a loud earsplitting whistle, and at that moment, millions of tiny lights floated from the grass and lit up the dim skies of the outspread of grass.
Swirling around the two and rising towards the sky, the little bits of light covered parts of the skies with its radiance and glow. Everything blended wonderfully together in a phenomenal painting of nature.
"Fireflies..." Riesz gasped in amazement.
Hawkeye gazed out at the discriminating landscape and surroundings with a satisfied look. "I found this place when I went out to look around Artonia earlier." He turned to look at his companion and saw her lying on the lush green grass with her eyes peacefully closed as if in a deep sleep. She was like sleeping beauty, but she surpassed the beauty of the princess in that folktale. He'd be her prince any day.
"Come join me." She said while opening her left eye and patted the space beside her, gesturing for him to lie down as well.
Hawkeye complied lowering himself he laid beside the amazoness after letting a sigh of contentment. His golden eyes transfixed by the clear orbs of light that hung timelessly above the earth. People often marvel at the stars, like if you die, do you go up there somewhere?
"Jessica was looking for you." Riesz said so softly that he almost didn't catch it in his ear.
"Was she?"
"Yeah, how come you didn't share this with her?" Riesz curiously asked, with all her heart she was hoping for an affectionate answer, and one that won't deepen the twinge deep within. But that would be betraying Jessica wouldn't it? She turned around and supported herself with her elbow and faced the man she secretly loved
"Because you're special. I can't find any other way to describe you other than all the all the words in the world, and even more." Hawkeye replied, as his gaze from the sky wandered to the blushing princess. She sadly knew she could never have him now. Sitting up, she brought her knees to her chest and tightly wrapped her arms around them.
"You're getting married." Said Riesz, her voice was as emotionless as it could get, but it still had a tint of coldness added to the dead tone.
Hawkeye stayed silent, his expression not changing. Then he inhaled. "Jessica told you right?" He asked, exhaling and sitting up with her.
Riesz nodded, her eyes welling up with unshed tears that overwhelmed her eyes. She blinked and a trail of salty tears slid down her rosy cheek.
"Riesz..." He reached out to wipe her tears but Riesz brushed him off and stood up, wiping them with the back of her hand as if they were just a mistake.
"I'm okay." She breathed, and then sniffed looking pained at the man she held so closely to her heart. "It would be embarrassing if Elliot saw his older sister crying. Amazonesses don't cry." Then she turned to leave but Hawkeye decisively grabbed her from behind and forced her to face him.
"Why are you crying?" He asked, staring deeply into her eyes, searching into those sapphire orbs but she turned her head to the side. She won't let him see through her soul. No one now, and no one ever would ever have her permission to just stare into them. She learned it was everybody's vulnerability.
"Isn't it obvious? I loved you." She said quietly, almost turning the confession into a whisper.
"Loved? When did you 'love' me?" He asked in a confused and hoarse tone of voice. His emotions now entirely mixed with strong feelings for the young woman standing before him. He wanted an answer, but Riesz refused to give him one for she stayed quiet and kept staring at the silent and stagnant grass.
The currents of night air fondled with their hair and clothes that flew freely in the breeze. It tickled Riesz's skin and she stiffened at the contact that she wished go away. The wind died, silencing the meadow once again.
"Hawkeye let me go." Her soft voice demanded after the time-consuming stillness but he declined her command. She struggled to get loose from his steady grip but his arms that were now embracing her evidently overpowered her.
"Why are you telling me this now?"
"Because I couldn't just hold it in anymore." And she finally broke from his firm hold on her.
She angrily grabbed the flower out of her hair that made her hair a bit unruly. Holding it in her palm and presenting the gift he so called gave her to him. He was about to reach out to get it but stopped among seeing new tears stream down her cheeks and her heartbroken face made him want to hold her until she calms down and never shed a tear again.
"Love, it dies." She started; she could hardly contain herself and say a word from weeping.
"Just like this flower." She throatily whispered.
And she enclosed her fingers on the helpless small flower and crumpled it relentlessly with her hand, crying out loudly to the world.
He wanted to go and embrace her securely in his hold, but his conscious held him back telling him it's best if he should stay still and let her go and find herself.
She dropped the remains of the lifeless flower and ran off back to the festival grounds.
Hawkeye stood there, a stunned and longing expression emblazoned on his handsome features.
Slowly, his heart closed up.
He let her go.
~*~
I don't know why I wrote that. It's my mind I tell you, it's so messed up.
Yes, haha I told everyone I know to proofread it and they said that I started off being descriptive and then I went lazy... I guess I did but I became really lazy. Now that I'm done this chapter I'm gonna scurry off and write other chapters for my other stories, or this one, it depends what 'mood' I'm in hehe.
I'm going to sleep now, sorry if you're reading my ramblings. Please read and review!
By for now,
Much love,
Bittersweet ^_~
Whoo hooooo!!!! I finally got off my lazy bum and wrote another chapter! Sorry to everyone who waited, and thanks for all those encouraging e-mails from you guys! I love them! As I said, this chapter is dedicated to every one of you. I'm very sorry for the crappy chapter though haha...
This story was like on and off, I only write when I am inspired to. I wrote like more than half of the story in one day cuz I felt inspired. By SONGS! I find it easier to write with songs playing. Thanks again everyone! Please read and review!
Disclaimer: SD3 sadly does not belong to me, but the fictional characters that I made up does belong to me so don't steal them! Like if anyone would...
Happy readings!
~*~
The flower festival
Deep within the murky depths of a concealed chamber that was cleverly hidden beneath the grounds of the Artonian castle; indistinct voices murmured deceitfully of scheme and betrayal.
Two silhouettes sat fronting the other engulfed by the shadows of the dim chamber of unknown. Weapons hung and placed orderly in rows of hazardous artillery, while aged books and scrolls lay scattered in chaotic heaps and shreds of torn paper.
The stiff stone surroundings made an eerie ambiance that gave out from the cold atmosphere in the hidden room; where no light entered from the captivating radiance of the glowing moon that hung luminously above the dusky night sky.
A liquefying candle sizzled under the burning passion of the fire that ate at it mercilessly calming it's hunger and need to live throughout the hours of darkness. The little illumination of the flames lit only partial parts of the two figures, one clearly in view, the other obscured in the mysterious shadows.
A hand came up to brush strands of crimson hair that masked the person's facial features, and brushed it back to place it in line with the burgundy tresses. Blood eyes burned of mischief and murder, but untold to the world was the sorrow and anguish of hurt and desire that lit vaguely beneath the powerful scarlet orbs.
"The wind...?" A feminine voice escaped from the lips of the figure in front of a smirking prince that grinned sinisterly.
An irritated sigh hushed the nervous woman from stating the obvious back to what he had informed her. He sat nonchalantly back on a treasured antique chair and nodded, ignoring the bewildered expression that her young face made.
Lance's eyes penetrated through hers' and he grinned, not wiping the menacing smile from his unpleasant looking façade at the moment. The woman shifted nervously in her spot and waited for his voice to come up again out of the darkness; for she couldn't see into the shadowy corner of the lengthy table, and can only use her sense of hearing to detect his presence.
"I only ask for your assistance, but if you decline I can understand." The smooth voice said in a clear fluid sentence, yet it held this uneasy gut reaction to it. It felt like it said, 'help me or you die.'
"Only the strong and protected survive in this world."
"And how may I ask, you be able to control the wind?"
"Ah, that's the joy of it all, I am not the one who is going to."
The woman gave him a questionable look, but Lance brushed it off in the slight frustration adding to his temper and impatience.
"But aside from all these questions, what is your decision?"
The woman gathered all her courage that seemed to of fled from her conscious. She could only hope to contradict the young man's opinion of raid and mass power with one simple element that held together the legendary Amazon kingdom.
She found it quite impossible to do so.
But doubt; the wretched feeling was the sensation bubbling in her perplexed view of the whole situation.
If she sided with the Artonian warriors, she was sure to of have her name on her ally's top wanted, dead or alive. But if she refused his proposal of attacking, the maniacal young man would probably ruthlessly slay her if he were in his 'mood'.
Hesitantly, the woman cleared her throat and tried to think of something to say back to the awaiting prince.
Lance saw the fear in her tense eyes, which had wandered throughout the room, refusing to make eye contact with his malevolent ones. The trails of cold sweat visibly sliding down the side of her pale neck. Her trembling lips hiding the vacillating voice it held prisoner; it was all a dead sign of her unease of him.
He smiled to himself; he already knew the answer and couldn't blame her for such stubbornness.
"I'm sorry." Came her fearful answer, and its last syllable still lingered in the corner of the echoing chamber.
Sitting in silence for one full unspoken minute, an abrupt shiver traveled up her spine causing her to body shudder at the uninviting cold that touched her body.
"I see." said Lance.
The woman knew he stood up by the screech of the wooden legs of the chair. "Well please, participate in the annual flower festival." his voice turning from the smooth low tenor to a kind and warm tone. The woman gave a faint smile and nodded at his offer and turned for the entrance of the door in which she hurriedly went for.
Noises of cold steel and metal threateningly hissed quietly from behind her, followed by another sound of the air being violently ripped apart by the rapid velocity of a soaring object thrust violently in the direction of her defenseless back.
She jerked forward dead in her tracks when a sharp pain pierced her from her from her back to her pounding heart. She grabbed onto her chest and started to gasp at the sudden sting struck against her bleeding organ. Immediately falling to her knees, she cried out while suffering the excruciating feeling of death. She choked out dark red liquid trickling down her mouth and bloodily stained the icy earth ground. Coughing uncontrollably, she inhaled breaths but found the throbbing more agonizing.
She held her breath when she heard advancing footsteps walking up to her.
"It's supposed to be a fun festival. I'm going with my golden haired goddess." He paused, "she will be the key to my victory." Lance stared impassively down at the woman's body wavering with pain and the burning wound where the knife was impaled through her back.
"You bastard."
"Enjoy."
The candle flickered off as a strange breeze gave the darkness control of the tainted chamber.
~*~
Riesz fidgeted with her exquisite light green, satin skirt that fell down to about a few inches above her knee. Trails of pattern like leaves were sewn down the margin of her dress, almost like as if they were gracefully falling down the side in an exotic way.
The mild nighttime breeze blew soothingly against her skin and her hair, which was tied up in stylish curls rolling out of a bun, and the rest trendily tumbling down her back in golden showers of locks.
The amazoness stood by the overpowering double doors at the castle front gates accompanied by Jessica; awaiting Lance and.. Hawkeye.
She bit her lower lip trying to restrain any outburst from her subtle emotions to release from her quivering lips. Closing her distressing eyes, she inhaled the scent of the castle aroma; it smelled like Lance. She snapped back to her senses at the mention of his name flashing through her mind; his name would just not leave her mixed conscious along with Hawkeye's. Somehow they seemed similar to her, except her heart would always ache to the reference of the former thief.
He was truly a thief, a thief of hearts. Her heart.
She still couldn't bring herself to believe how she ended up getting ready to attend the festival. She really didn't want to go, although she wouldn't confront up to the facts to call herself a coward though. To face up to Hawkeye would only make her blurt the entire suppressed emotions that are bottled up inside of her, ready to shatter at any futile moment.
She wanted so much to tell him, to tell her what had been beating in her thriving yet pained heart ever since the first kiss they shared.
What would her father think of her now?
She slightly chuckled, "Don't laugh at me father. I've grown very weak, but I do indeed love him. I'm vulnerable to his words, his actions," She sighed, "if only I knew what were his feelings for me are like."
Riesz shook her head, trying to shake the pink blush off her embarrassed face feeling a sudden hot rush up her neck. She turned to look at the young woman standing a few feet away from her. She was staring blankly out into the castle lobby with her azure eyes and her vacant look placed gorgeously on her face. She was patiently waiting for her knight in shining armor, her beloved.
How Riesz envied her.
She wanted to feel what Jessica experienced, to love and to be loved back by the person she wanted to spend the rest of her days with.
Diverting her thoughts from her troubles, noises of forthcoming footsteps were coming down the hallway and she saw Jessica move in anticipation in hopes that Hawkeye had come, but immerging from the shadows was only the figure of the Artonian prince.
Both Jessica and Riesz were surprised by the expression on his stern face. It gave him a bitter exterior impression. His harsh stare was noticeably directed towards the blonde woman who stood there in a bit of a shocked state.
She had an uncomfortable feeling at the way he locked his fiery gaze at her, it made her feel like she did something immorally wrong or completely naked. The loud heels of his boots hit the ground in a pattern-like rhythm beating along with their heartbeats.
As his steps came nearer, it made the girls want to step back and shield themselves from the unexpected.
What was that word? Apprehension.
Reaching the two women, he swiftly strides onwards past them as if they were nonexistent, but a disturbing scent caught Riesz's attention. She turned around instantly and gaped at the retreating form of the prince as her senses screamed out in panic and alarm.
The scent, it was gruesome. An odor that she smelt over the wars, in the sanguineous places of slaughter, in dead battlefields; it was blood; the liquid of life.
He stopped in mid step and turned his head back at the two women. "Hawkeye's not in the castle." His mysterious voice informed the two women and had answered the question they both had been wondering about. They both stayed quiet, quite unsure of replying to him.
"Where did he go?" Jessica asked in a concerned tone.
Lance smirked and shrugged in an insensible way, he most likely didn't care either if the thief existed or not.
Placing the smell at the back of her confused mind, thinking it was her imagination, Riesz gently grabbed Jessica's slender wrist and lead her out the elevated doors and down the sturdy stone steps to where Lance stood. The prince placed a hand on his hip and transferred his weight to his left foot while studying the approaching young women with his ruby eyes.
They stopped in front of him and Riesz spoke. "Well? Are you going to escort us to the festival or not?"
Lance grinned and bowed in a courteous way, which he did quite rarely. Strangely, Lance's expression changed to a bright face. "Undoubtedly." He replied. Jessica slightly giggled at the accent he used when he answered, making him beam and offer his outstretched arms to the women in front of him.
"I'm probably the luckiest man alive." Lance commented as they left the castle grounds and entered the moonlit pathway to the prosperous town's core. "Sounds like something Hawkeye would say." Jessica mentioned, and Riesz just laughed, agreeing with the blue haired woman.
"But I'm more handsome right?" Lance asked jokingly as they reached the lantern lit festival.
Both women withdrew their arms from his grip and laughed harmoniously and rolled their eyes walking away from the grinning prince who was in the middle of a subconscious daydream.
He sighed and closed his eyes, inhaling the tranquil air that floated along the night sky merging with the fragrances of the flowers. "This is so dreamy isn't it Riesz?" He asked, but came no answer. He opened his eyes and scanned his surroundings, yet he couldn't detect his goddess anywhere near him.
"Riesz?"
~*~
Once the two girls found that the Artonian prince was nowhere near where they stood, Jessica excused herself and told Riesz that she will depart and go and search for Hawkeye. Riesz smiled halfheartedly and nodded, waving to the Navarre princess as she disappeared within the energetic crowd.
Now that she was alone, she felt a tad more relaxed and lenient.
Observing the thriving citizens of Artonia chatting and enjoying themselves with this special occasion, the amazoness couldn't help but break out a scenic smile that graced strikingly upon her kindhearted face.
Vibrant colors of the lanterns with magnificent artwork portrayed upon the thin sheets of paper. They were cleverly folded and stretched out and formed a sphere sized lamp with a small fire ablaze at the center. (A/N: Chinese lanterns! Hehe...)
The flowers were set on stands of different varieties and species, all flourishing with beauty and brilliant colors that marvelously lit up the enlivening streets besides the paper lanterns.
A small miniature blossom caught Riesz's eyes and she was directly enticed by the little flower that stood out from the rest, how the vivid colors of green and blue clashed together with a slight hint of purple hue; gave it a calm and serene appearance. No later than she spotted the insignificant flower, she found herself in front of the stand that had the blossom placed aside from the superb giant ones.
She felt it was discriminated from its own kind, nothing, or any one should be singled out because they were born different. They are the ones that are truly special.
She caressed the silken petals of the plant; she found it very smooth and soft. It was so delicate. She tenderly placed it back down and viewed it from its place on the counter. The stand owner saw the young maiden and was immediately fascinated in the young girl's choice of the flower she gazed at. The plump elderly lady slowly strolled up to Riesz and halted in front of the blonde woman, but Riesz didn't seem to notice, her mind was only and directed to the tiny little flower that bloomed ever so stunningly.
"Why young miss! Why are you looking at this little one when you can feast your eyes on the big and beautiful ones?" The woman exclaimed, but she said it quietly hoping not to draw any attention drawn towards the two.
"Because this one is unique." Riesz simply replied and that made the old woman's peaceful grin widen.
"Then take it. You young lady, deserve a special flower like that. It's very rare, yet people don't even notice it at all. But I'm glad you have." The aged woman gently seized the flower and raised her old hands to Riesz's hair and positioned of some of the loose tendrils of hair back with the petite blossom.
"The young man picked the perfect one for you." She said out of the blue.
Riesz smiled but then snapped out of her momentarily reverie, and stared at the dazed old woman in dumbfounded expression.
"What young man?"
The woman chuckled softly to herself and sighed.
"Ah young love. I believe the handsome young lad is very taken with you miss. His gold eyes were staring lovingly at the flower. And it really looks lovely on you." The old woman kindly complimented.
She took a small step back and stared compassionately into Riesz's eyes and saw her soul burning with joy and serenity and bewilderment.
Riesz's heart beat twice as fast as it was normally meant to. Was it Hawkeye? She wanted it to be him, yet she didn't want it to be him. She wanted to shout out in aggravation, but she kept herself composed. She knew that if she did decide to scream, it would probably scare the kind old woman.
Deciding to calm her curious mind, she slightly curtsied and thanked the woman and left the humble stand.
"May the goddess bless you child." The faint voice of the woman rang in Riesz's ear as she walked away.
Walking in the heaving streets of the celebrating kingdom, Riesz had to look over people's shoulders whom was blocking her view of the streets and where she was heading for. She had to admit; jumping up and down did make her look truly ridiculous. There was pushing and shoving to go here and there and everywhere. (A/N: It rhymes! Hehe couldn't help myself.)
She found a spot no significant group or gathering of Artonian populace were standing so she tried to make her way towards it, towards the freedom from the heavy traffic, but then the sea of bodies ended up drowning her and carry her off in another unfamiliar place of the festival.
She was completely lost now.
When she was about to sit down, she noticed a flutter of a dark navy cloak belonging to figure with violet hair walking in the direction out of the exhilarating festival and to an unidentified pathway. Quickly following the person, she crept up quietly but with an instant flash, the person was gone.
Riesz looked around the isolated area out in the middle nowhere. The pale moon was the only source of light provided to light up the dark heavens. The trees hushed and whispered of secrecy and suspicion as the wind gently carried the leaves of the foliage scenery before her in a flowing way.
"Hawkeye?"
"It looks beautiful on you." A voice spoke from behind her and had made her jump up startled at the unexpected voice.
She turned to face a grinning violet haired man standing a few feet away from her.
"Don't scare me like that."
"What did you expect? I'm a ninja."
"Thief."
"FORMER thief."
Riesz playfully walked up to him and punched him.
He withdrew his arm and rubbed it, bearing a childish pout on his face. "Ow, that hurt. Seriously now, ever since the trip started you keep on hurting me." He playfully scolded her, "but I don't mind." He laughed which made Riesz grin widely and laugh. She had to admit, that charming yet child- like grin of his was perilously contagious.
"Come with me."
He grabbed her soft hands and guided her through a peaceful and secluded meadow that was hidden behind the thickets of trees and bushes. Riesz laughed whilst running along side of Hawkeye who was acting like a little kid running through the grassy plains with an excited expression on his face. For a minute she can almost mistaken him for Elliot. Personality- wise.
Once they reached his destination in the middle of the meadow, Riesz analyzed the deserted place and found it very fairytale like and it held a dream like air around it.
"So? Why did you bring me out here for?" She turned to him and cheerfully asked.
"Watch."
Hawkeye put his thumb and forefinger towards his mouth and blew out a loud earsplitting whistle, and at that moment, millions of tiny lights floated from the grass and lit up the dim skies of the outspread of grass.
Swirling around the two and rising towards the sky, the little bits of light covered parts of the skies with its radiance and glow. Everything blended wonderfully together in a phenomenal painting of nature.
"Fireflies..." Riesz gasped in amazement.
Hawkeye gazed out at the discriminating landscape and surroundings with a satisfied look. "I found this place when I went out to look around Artonia earlier." He turned to look at his companion and saw her lying on the lush green grass with her eyes peacefully closed as if in a deep sleep. She was like sleeping beauty, but she surpassed the beauty of the princess in that folktale. He'd be her prince any day.
"Come join me." She said while opening her left eye and patted the space beside her, gesturing for him to lie down as well.
Hawkeye complied lowering himself he laid beside the amazoness after letting a sigh of contentment. His golden eyes transfixed by the clear orbs of light that hung timelessly above the earth. People often marvel at the stars, like if you die, do you go up there somewhere?
"Jessica was looking for you." Riesz said so softly that he almost didn't catch it in his ear.
"Was she?"
"Yeah, how come you didn't share this with her?" Riesz curiously asked, with all her heart she was hoping for an affectionate answer, and one that won't deepen the twinge deep within. But that would be betraying Jessica wouldn't it? She turned around and supported herself with her elbow and faced the man she secretly loved
"Because you're special. I can't find any other way to describe you other than all the all the words in the world, and even more." Hawkeye replied, as his gaze from the sky wandered to the blushing princess. She sadly knew she could never have him now. Sitting up, she brought her knees to her chest and tightly wrapped her arms around them.
"You're getting married." Said Riesz, her voice was as emotionless as it could get, but it still had a tint of coldness added to the dead tone.
Hawkeye stayed silent, his expression not changing. Then he inhaled. "Jessica told you right?" He asked, exhaling and sitting up with her.
Riesz nodded, her eyes welling up with unshed tears that overwhelmed her eyes. She blinked and a trail of salty tears slid down her rosy cheek.
"Riesz..." He reached out to wipe her tears but Riesz brushed him off and stood up, wiping them with the back of her hand as if they were just a mistake.
"I'm okay." She breathed, and then sniffed looking pained at the man she held so closely to her heart. "It would be embarrassing if Elliot saw his older sister crying. Amazonesses don't cry." Then she turned to leave but Hawkeye decisively grabbed her from behind and forced her to face him.
"Why are you crying?" He asked, staring deeply into her eyes, searching into those sapphire orbs but she turned her head to the side. She won't let him see through her soul. No one now, and no one ever would ever have her permission to just stare into them. She learned it was everybody's vulnerability.
"Isn't it obvious? I loved you." She said quietly, almost turning the confession into a whisper.
"Loved? When did you 'love' me?" He asked in a confused and hoarse tone of voice. His emotions now entirely mixed with strong feelings for the young woman standing before him. He wanted an answer, but Riesz refused to give him one for she stayed quiet and kept staring at the silent and stagnant grass.
The currents of night air fondled with their hair and clothes that flew freely in the breeze. It tickled Riesz's skin and she stiffened at the contact that she wished go away. The wind died, silencing the meadow once again.
"Hawkeye let me go." Her soft voice demanded after the time-consuming stillness but he declined her command. She struggled to get loose from his steady grip but his arms that were now embracing her evidently overpowered her.
"Why are you telling me this now?"
"Because I couldn't just hold it in anymore." And she finally broke from his firm hold on her.
She angrily grabbed the flower out of her hair that made her hair a bit unruly. Holding it in her palm and presenting the gift he so called gave her to him. He was about to reach out to get it but stopped among seeing new tears stream down her cheeks and her heartbroken face made him want to hold her until she calms down and never shed a tear again.
"Love, it dies." She started; she could hardly contain herself and say a word from weeping.
"Just like this flower." She throatily whispered.
And she enclosed her fingers on the helpless small flower and crumpled it relentlessly with her hand, crying out loudly to the world.
He wanted to go and embrace her securely in his hold, but his conscious held him back telling him it's best if he should stay still and let her go and find herself.
She dropped the remains of the lifeless flower and ran off back to the festival grounds.
Hawkeye stood there, a stunned and longing expression emblazoned on his handsome features.
Slowly, his heart closed up.
He let her go.
~*~
I don't know why I wrote that. It's my mind I tell you, it's so messed up.
Yes, haha I told everyone I know to proofread it and they said that I started off being descriptive and then I went lazy... I guess I did but I became really lazy. Now that I'm done this chapter I'm gonna scurry off and write other chapters for my other stories, or this one, it depends what 'mood' I'm in hehe.
I'm going to sleep now, sorry if you're reading my ramblings. Please read and review!
By for now,
Much love,
Bittersweet ^_~
