A/N: OK, I know that the reason people aren't reviewing is because They are so astounded by my brilliance that they don't even have the strength to move the mouse to the little purple button. At least that's what I'm going to say!
I thank you O most wonderful princess of the paragraph, savior of the sentence, peerless perfection of the period….Kassi of Pirate's Swoop! ^_^
Disclaimer: I'm such an idiot and I forgot this last time….I hope no one sues me… Anyway, I don't own The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Does any one own it?
Chapter Two
City Life…
It wasn't long before I reached the capital. I stood for a moment, collecting my thoughts, squaring my shoulders and generally preparing myself for the chaos of city life.
I paid my fee to get in, stepped inside, and was immediately assaulted by vendors trying to sell their wares.
"Lovely ribbons for your lovely girl. Only tuppence each!"
"Nice, hot, chestnuts, right out o' the oven!"
"Get your sweet, juicy app-ples! Come and get 'em!"
I grinned. Oh, city life.
****
After contemplating a while I decided to go straight to the castle instead of trying to find somewhere to stay for the night. My reasoning was that if I told the King I had no place to go he might let me stay at the castle or, better yet, he might feel so sorry for a disillusioned soldier that he'll add some money to go along with that land.
I allowed a smile to cross my face. Yup, that's definitely the way to go.
****
I arrived at the castle just before dusk and gazed up at the towering building.
It was made of some white stone that I couldn't quite recall the name of although it reminded me of the inside of an oyster shell. The last rays of sun shone on the imposing spun sugar castle making it shimmer with color. I can think of no other way to describe it than as the spot where a rainbow meets the earth. And I was going to enter it.
I gulped.
Suddenly a voice behind me growled "Did ya' come to gawk, country boy, or is there a reason your warmin' the steps?"
I turned, intending to make a rude comment on the mans sexual prowess. Then froze and took a double take.
"Aeron, you old bastard!"
"Good ta' see ya', Jamil!"
I clasped hands with the tough scruffy-looking man. I'd met Aeron in my second year of battle. He had saved my life and I in turn had saved his.
"You haven't changed much." I remarked, eyeing the long black hair pulled back to reveal a pair of sharp ebony eyes above a decidedly aquiline nose and the same gargantuan handlebar mustache.
"When are you going to shave that dirty rat off?" I joked pointing at his mustache.
He laughed. "About as soon as you dress up like a duchess and marry a duke!"
We exchanged a few more friendly jibes then I got down to business.
"The King still givin' away that land in the north?"
Aeron gaped at me smoothing his mustache with one nervous hand.
"Are you a fool?! Has war addled your brain?!?! Do you know what kinda things live up north!?!"
"Is he still giving it away?" I repeated stubbornly.
"Aye. For all its worth." He snorted. "You'd have better luck trying to save the princesses then make a livin' on that land!"
"What do you mean 'saving the princesses'?"
I was curious now. The old woman could have been crazy but Aeron too? No. It wasn't likely.
"Where have you been, my wandering friend?" He cocked his to the side. "Haven't you heard anything walking around in this pothole?!"
I mutely shook my head.
"Well!" He opened his mouth to say something then looked thoughtful and closed it again. "This isn't a good place to talk. Come On."
****
A/N: *gets down on knees, thinks for a second then throws herself to the floor* PPPLLLEEEEAAAASSSSEEEEE, REVIEW!!!!!!!!!! I'm absolutely shameless so if you review me I review you…
Jo-Jo/southern belle: I'm glad you agree with me because that's what I originally intended!
Robyn: I'll probably describe them separately but because there is, so many I may just describe the more important ones.
And Emylen: Hmmm…I've decided which princess and I'm not sure if she's quite but she's very self possessed (I hope).
...You're all wonderful.