I deeply apologize for the lateness and shortness of this chapter. Due to this being quite description-heavy, I didn't write as much in this one. But I hope you get immersed!
The arrow was lightning fast, the Guardians just as much. They hadn't been in any sort of battle-ready position, but they all quickly jumped to attention when the arrow came into view.
All except for North. The jolly man waved the others aside, much to their confusion. He smiled as the arrow came hurtling through the air. The moment it came within touching distance, he nudged the projectile up with the tips of his fingers. It diverted from its path with that touch, and flipped above the group. It exploded into a shower of harmless glitter and confetti, sprinkling everyone with gold dust and little heart shapes.
"I can't believe you're not rusty at that!"
Everyone turned to see where the voice had come from. It echoed throughout the gorgeous entryway, but the source was a few yards down from where they were standing. Jack turned to see someone jogging toward them, and he grinned. North was smiling, proud of himself, as he called back to the arrow's owner.
"A few missed sessions are not enough to erase my wits, Cupid!"
"Aww, and here I thought I had you."
She was wearing a training outfit, stretching around her bust and hips. Her belly and sides poked over the waistline. The soft curls of her long blonde hair were nearly sweat out, and they were tied back in a messy ponytail. The warmth in her chocolate brown eyes matched the rosiness of her chubby cheeks, nearly as pink as her clothes. When Cupid finally stopped in front of them and caught her breath, she smiled broadly.
"So many visitors! Hello!" she said. She gently played with her bow in both hands. Her eyes traveled over the group, losing their recognition over some of them. "I only know some of you - but that's okay, you're all welcome!" she gave North, Clover, and Tenshi an extra-affectionate smile. North couldn't wipe the grin from his face, while Clover looked pleased and Tenshi looked down at his feet.
"Is that how you normally greet visitors?" Bunny asked, brushing away the glitter in his fur with an annoyed frown. He didn't seem too impressed with the saccharine young woman, but even his sass was toned down by the atmosphere of the chateau. "With an arrow to th' chest?"
"Pah!" North scoffed, not bothering to shake out his now-sparkling beard. "It was glitter arrow, completely harmless! A reminder of our training together."
"That's right, especially since you haven't been coming by as frequently," Cupid said. She turned around and waved for everyone to follow her. "Please, come this way! It's just about teatime~"
"This whole place feels like a dream…" Tooth sighed. Her wings were fluttering slowly, but she walked alongside the others. Sandy looked like he was sleep-floating...though he most likely was.
They were walking through the courtyard towards an ornate double door. The perfume of the flowers was just a bit heavier; roses and gardenias weighed on them like a blanket of early springtime. Cupid reached the doors first and pushed them open.
It occurred to Jack that he hadn't been inside Cupid's home in a very long time, for he was not prepared for the overwhelming fluff of the place. Just about everything was pink, and everything not pink was pastel or white. The cream walls had intricate relief carvings in the baseboards and chair rails.
They had come through the side of the foyer, which was grand and maybe even the most decorated part of the chateau. To their left was another set of doors, and then a gorgeous curved double staircase. Jack could see tapestries hanging between the stairs, and as they moved around to the center of the room (beneath a crystal chandelier) he could see that they were of cherubs.
"Y'ever wanna throw up, but...in a good way?" Jack whispered to Julius.
"Every time we hang out…" Julius whispered back. He snorted at Jack's scowling face. "Kidding. It's like gorgin' yourself on candy strawberries without opening your mouth."
It did, in fact, smell of strawberries in the chateau. The flower's perfume hadn't dissipated completely, since many of the accent tables of the foyer had potted roses on them, but strawberries and chocolate were in the air more prominently now. Jack couldn't remember where the kitchen was.
"I someone playing the harp…?" Bunny asked. Everyone else perked up to listen. There was harp music coming from somewhere further into the house.
"Ah, that'd be Chaïma." Cupid giggled. "She loves to entertain herself in the parlor."
"Who's Chaïma?" Tooth asked. Cupid winked at her.
"You'll see her soon! I'll have you escorted there, and if you'll just excuse me to go freshen up, I'll meet you for tea."
My girl, Cupid! She's big with all that love. Basically historical Aphrodite. Dough-ball of delight. Plus-size princess of my hEART
Though her place would flare up my allergies so bad. Those of sensitive nose would probably get a headache.
See you again soon!