Moody Tensions:
Disclaimer: It's amazing how my name isn't Tamora Pierce and yet I like to play with her characters. Too bad that I only own Eriko and her family but what are you going to do when all you have is an overactive imagination and proudly make no money from this.
A/N: Yep, I finally updated so hope you like it!
Never before had I been so humiliated in my life. It burned me when I heard him say it and yet all I could do was slap him. I should've just walked away instead of listening to him mouth off. It hurt even worse when I felt the tears trailing down my cheeks that I wanted them to stop. I haven't cried in front of a boy since I was five and that was because I knew how weak it made me look. If there were anything that I hated more than Merric right now, it would be to cry openly.
Bringing the covers around myself, I craned my neck to look out the window to watch the red and gold leaves falling off of the trees. After crying myself to sleep that night, I've been feeling slow and tired. It took more effect to dress myself than previously and so much more just to eat something every day. I saw nothing but worried glances come my way as autumn started to set in and the nights grew longer.
"Eri! Open up!"
Vaguely hearing the voices, I threw the covers over my head and curled up into a fetal position. Maybe if I stay quiet whoever it was would go away.
"Eriko open up right now!"
"No! Go away!" I mumbled into my pillow, curling up even tighter.
I had begun to fall asleep again when I felt the covers yanked away leaving me shivering in the cold morning.
"I said go away!" I hissed as a cold draft hit my back.
"And we said to get up," Kel scolded.
"Come on, it's time to get up anyways and the boys are waiting outside for us," Yuki said gently tugging me out of my fetal position.
After a minute or so of tugging and pulling I was dressed and ready to go. Walking out into the hallway, I saw Neal, Dom, Seaver, Eric, Roald, and Owen waiting for us.
"Alright which one of you nimrods used the Gift?" I inquired bitterly between Roald, Neal, and Eric.
"He did," they answered at the same time pointing to the other.
"I don't care if you're my brother or the duke and king's sons but if any of you break through my wards again, I'll hunt you down like the dogs you are, dismember you and feed it to the Stormwings. Do I make myself clear?" I told them darkly through a snarl.
Neal and Roald paled at my remark but gave a meek nod before looking towards Eric who looked unaffected by the whole thing but gave a meek nod as well. Leaving them, Yuki, Shinko, and Kel behind in the hallway, I made my way towards the kitchen to get something to eat rather than go to the Mess Hall.
"What's wrong with her?" Dom questioned.
"Hey Eric do you think that she'll really kill us?" Neal asked still pale from the threat.
"No but I haven't seen her this mad when the twins dunked her into the pond with dye," Eric mused.
"I wonder why she's angry," Yuki asked.
"I don't think we did anything to offend her did we?" Owen inquired.
"She still can't be mad about the dress can she?" Kel thought aloud.
"What dress?" Dom asked.
"A dress for Shinko and Roald's wedding," Yuki answered.
"What's wrong with the dress?" Neal asked.
"It's one of the newer dresses that Lalasa made for Ladies in Waiting to wear at the wedding," Kel explained.
"Please don't tell me it's pink," Eric said.
"It's pink," Kel replied, "Very bright pink."
"What's wrong with pink? It's a nice color," Dom said.
"Then would you like to wear it," Owen joked.
Dom slowly turned red from the comment and grumbled about 'someone being stupid'.
"I don't think it's the dress," Shinko spoke carefully.
"Why not?" Eric asked.
"Because she's been crying and I don't think she would cry over a dress," Shinko explained.
"Come to think of it, I think I heard her crying last night when I walked by," Yuki said.
"Who was crying?" someone asked.
The group jumped at the voice and was relieved when it was only the guard Kai but he didn't look too happy either.
"Eri's been crying and we're trying to figure out why," Owen told him.
If possible, Kai's expression darkened even more before turning away from the group to look for the culprit.
"Hey wait for me," Eric called.
vvvvvvvv
Kai was furious and since he was off duty, he might as well as kick the slimey dolt's ass. He didn't know how he thought it was Merric's fault but it was a gut instinct and he had to trust it. He could hear the others following him but he wasn't concerned about them, only Eri. The last time Kai saw Eri cry was when she was five and had been left outside of the fief's wall for the better part of the night before they could find her. The twins had teased her mercilessly about it but deep down Kai knew it was Matt and Mako's way of not yelling at her causing even more distress. Kai and Eric were the only ones who did yell at her and the twins were right in just teasing her.
Knocking on the brat's door, Kai waited a few seconds before pounding on it. When he didn't get an answer, Kai headed straight for the horses' stall before heading towards the practice fields. Finding the brat with his cousin, Kai picked up a staff and made his way towards them. Swinging the staff under the brat's knees, Kai knocked him down onto the ground and pointed the staff into his face. He could see the kid's face pale several shades, which he took satisfaction in.
"Hey what's your problem!" the kid's cousin, Fal-something, protested.
"Butt out if you know what's good for you," Kai told the other knight.
Kai had half a mind to beat the kid senseless but only his self-control held him back.
"How dare you make her cry," Kai said darkly.
"Wh-what?" the kid squeaked.
"You're lucky I'm a knight otherwise I would've bashed your face in right now."
"Wh-wha-"
"Eri! She's been crying I know that it's your fault."
The idiot only made a small 'o' before trying to explain.
"I didn't mean to! Honest. I was mad and I-"
"What did you say to her?"
"It was mistake! I wasn't thinking-"
"Merric what did you say to her?" Kel asked dangerously low.
Out of the corner of his eye, Kai could see Shinko, Yuki, and Kel all narrow their eyes at him while the others looked confused. Eric was the only one who looked on in disbelief.
Serves him right for thinking this kid was good enough for our little sister, Kai mused to himself.
"I...I said she was fickle and wondered why that knight hadn't run from her yet," Merric started.
"What other knight?" Kai asked lowering the staff a bit but Merric ignored him and went on.
"An-and I said she was a...a tart," Merric finished, flinching when the others started to ask if it was true and Kel lost her mask to yell at him.
Kai was a bit preoccupied at the moment at the news of another knight romancing his sister and he didn't like it one bit. Compared to the other guy, he probably would've chosen Merric over the other one for Eri since he's already scared Merric witless. Kai was thinking about the other knight so much that he didn't realize that someone had knocked him onto the brat below him. Looking at the redhead, Kai saw the wind get knocked out of him so much that he passed out.
"How stupid can you get Kai!" he heard Eri say.
All noises stopped around them to focus on the subject they have been wondering about.
"You could lose your post over this! Did you even think about that?"
"Is it a crime to find out why this little horse shit made you cry?"
Eri only snorted in disdain, "Is that so? Well the next time you feel the need to play big brother come to me first and that applies to all of you."
Dropping the staff she had used, Eri walked away from the scene towards the stables. Kai and Eric only stared at her in disbelief as she retreated. She had told them off and it was bad when she told them off, especially if it included Kai since it usually meant she was angry pass the forgiving point. Grumbling, Kai got off of Merric who was still unconscious. Mumbling an apology to the non-responsive kid, Kai made his way back towards the Palace to find out who was courting his little sister behind their backs. Yes, Merric seems like the better choice right about now.
"Of all the brothers I could've had, Kai had to go and be a little..."
"Talking to yourself, Eri?"
Stopping in my tracks, my face colored brightly at being caught like this. Turning around, I found Anthony look at me amusingly with a grin. I looked down onto the ground gathering my emotions under control before looking up at him but this time he had a little frown.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Do you always dress like that?" he asked, pointing to my peasant skirt and blouse.
"Most of the time, why?" I asked with a frown of my own.
"Nothing, it's just that shouldn't you dress like a lady?"
"Not when I want to get out of the Palace."
"Why would you want to get out of the Palace? This is a wonderful place to be and you should dress more appropriately."
"It's not going to hurt anyone if I dress like this," I said brushing him off.
For some reason, the more he spoke the more he started to remind me of someone.
"My parents will be here in three weeks time and I would like to present a respectable lady to them."
As soon as he said that, the name clicked in my mind and I almost snarled at the memory but controlled myself in time.
Sighing as ladylike as I can, "I'm sorry then Anthony. If this doesn't suit you then we should just be friends, I hope you understand that how I act, live, and dress will not change," I finished sweetly.
I curtsied a bit before turning around and walking away. Walking out of the Palace, I made my way into the town square. Going into a small shop, I heaved a big sigh at another failed suitor. Anthony would've been perfect if he would just keep his fashion sense to himself. That same look once graced the face of Hirito, an irritable suitor, back on the Island and I was hoping to avoid that mistake again. Mithros the soldier was a pain in the ass and in more ways than one. Not only did Kai and Father thought he was a good match but they even played matchmakers, which was sickenly annoying. It wasn't until I fought him hand to hand that he was able to back off and find another girl to pursue, although I can't help but feel sorry for the girl he courted. Honestly, his eye for the latest fashion was beyond the norm of a lady and the criticism was enough to make me want to throttle him. The pranks Matt and Mako played on him were hilarious and priceless. I mean who knew how easy it was to push him off the edge just by saying his colors didn't coordinate. Sure, his Yamani mask didn't show it but it was fun just to watch him sneak out of the current party or gathering to go change into something else.
Turning away from the shop, I headed towards Lalasa's dress shop. I suppose it did hurt that Anthony didn't like how I dressed because I liked him. He was so sweet when I found myself tired from all of that crying. Then again, deep inside I sort knew he would be one of those holier-than-thou nobles who had to bring home the perfect lady for their parents for their perfect future. I felt a small tear prickle at the corner of my eyes and wiped them as quickly as I could. Standing outside of the dress shop, I composed myself and walked into the shop.
"Oh! Good afternoon miss, what can I do for you?" a girl asked me.
"I'm here to see Lalasa, is she in right now?" I asked.
"Let me check and I'll be right back."
Looking around the shop, I saw a few of Lalasa's creations on display. The fabric and designs were made to keep up with the latest fashions seen around Court. I was fingering a dark blue dress when the clerk came back with Lalasa.
"Lady Eri, good afternoon," Lalasa greeted cheerfully.
"Afternoon Lalasa," I greeted in return.
"Do you like it?" she asked.
Realizing that I was still holding onto the dress, I let go and glanced at it a bit before turning back to her.
"No, I was just looking around but the color is beautiful. Any chance I can get my dress this color?"
"I'm afraid not. The Princess specifically asked for pink," Lalasa said with a quirk of her mouth remembering how I had complained about the color.
"I suppose you're right but do you think I can have it altered somehow?"
"Of course, if you'll just follow me."
Turning around, Lalasa led me into the back room where some of her unfinished dresses are. Taking me to a corner table, I winced when I saw the dress I would be wearing. It was soft rose pink that went darker as it traveled down the dress. The neckline showed a bit too much cleavage while the back plunged down with just an inch above where the corset could not be seen. The waistline was tiny and would require a lot of pulling on the corset to make it fit with nut-sized jewels adorning the waist, the bottom hem, and the neckline. It was very opulent and the jewels seemed to make the dress heavier than it seemed. The only parts I like about the dress were the sleeves and the skirt part. The sleeves fitted the arm nicely before becoming a bell sleeve the rest of the way with delicate embroidery of cherry blossoms that was just a shade darker than the sleeves. The bottom was a full skirt with four layers of fabric. The innermost layer was made of a soft silk material while the next two layers were made of tulle fabric and finally a satin top layer. The bottom hem of the skirt was also embroidered with cherry blossoms but it was a shade lighter than the skirt.
"I'm sure I can change the dress for you but Lady Kel and the Princess might object to it," Lalasa said a bit nervously.
"Let me handle them but if you can finish my dress first then there shouldn't be a problem and I'll pay extra as well so don't worry about it."
"Oh, you don't have to pay since it's already paid fo-"
"Nonsense Lalasa. I'm the one asking for changes so I'll pay for it and besides, I'll need you to keep this quiet."
"But I'm suppose to-"
"I know you're suppose to report back to Shinko and the Queen but if this is the dress I need to wear, can you keep this a secret? At least until you finish with it and then I'll break the news to them," I pleaded.
"Oh-ah...well. I suppose I can," Lalasa said hesitantly.
"Thank you so much!" I said with joy hugging her.
"Now what do you want changed?"
vvvvvvvv
Feeling happy with my changes, I walked back towards the Palace happier than I had been in days. I made a small stop at Dust's stall to brush and feed him before wandering around the Palace grounds. I haven't seen any of them since this morning and I was glad that it turned out that way because I need this time to myself. Thinking to myself, I didn't see where I was going and ran into someone. Falling onto my back I sat up and rubbed it before getting up fully.
"Sorry about that."
"It's fine I-" I started but stopped myself when I saw Merric right in front of me.
Finally realizing who I was, Merric was rooted to his spot staring at me like I was a ghost. The air around us was dense and thickening quickly as he stared at me not knowing what to do. It wasn't until he mumbled an apology that my logic kicked in.
"Wait!" I said before reaching out.
Merric stopped again feeling her hand on his arm. He turned red at the notion but slowly turned around, afraid of what she might do to him. Closing his eyes, he was expecting some sort of blow but opened them when nothing came. He was confused at first before facing her again with more confidence.
Whatever I get, I deserve it, Merric thought but he almost fainted when she spoke.
"Wh-what?" Merric stuttered.
"I said, I'm sorry," Eri said calmly.
"So-sorry? For what?" Merric asked confused by her apology.
"I'm sorry that Kai made you faint but you got to admit it was funny," she said with a faint smile.
Merric's mouth hung open and he couldn't believe it. Eri had just apologized but not only that she had try to crack a joke with him. A joke! He still didn't know what to say but just to hear her talking to him on her own made Merric want to kiss her-
Whoa! What? Kiss her? Merric thought to himself.
"Merric? Are you alright?"
"What? Yeah, it's just..."
"You thought I would kill you the next time I saw you?"
"Uh...well...that sounds about right," Merric replied sheepishly and then he heard her laugh. It wasn't meant to be cruel but was joyous for some reason.
"Ah. Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh at you," Eri apologized.
Okay so they were laughter of joy but still she laughed...even if it was at me, Merric thought.
"It's okay, no harm done except to my ego I suppose."
Then she did another thing that amazed him, Eri smiled. It wasn't a big smile but it was still a smile.
"Thanks. I needed that," Eri told him.
They were silent for a few minutes before he spoke again.
"So how are you and that knight...Anthony."
The minute he saw her frown, Merric mentally kicked himself for saying it. Watching her face, Merric was relieved when she stopped scowling and sighed.
"He was too good to be true so I told him we could still be friends," Eri explained.
"You did what?" Merric exclaimed.
"He wanted a 'real' court lady so I let him go find one."
Inside, Merric was blissfully jumping with joy but on the outside he wore the face of a concerned friend.
I think things are beginning to look good, Merric thought.
