Chapter 6: Summer Ball
Nino now knew the perfect moment to show Erk the book. With Castle Reglais' summer ball coming up soon, she figured it would be the perfect gift for the end of the night. She planned to ask Erk to the ball, then show him the book when he (hopefully) walked her to her room. She put the book, which was fairly small, into a handbag that she was going to take to the ball. It matched the dress that Louise had bought for her. Pent had bought a suit for Erk, too. Nino couldn't wait to see it, as both Pent and Louise had said he looked very handsome in it. She imagined various suits on him, each of which made him look amazing. Her impatience to see the suit, and go to the ball, showed in her every day activities, as she failed to concentrate in her lessons, and her mind always wandered during meals.
--
Erk, on the other hand, wasn't bothered in the least by the ball. His lessons continued normally, as did his usual daily routine. He only occasionally wondered how Nino would look, if she went. He planned on going, of course. Erk never missed an opportunity to talk with great magic-users. The only down-side was having to wear a suit. Erk preferred to wear his usual gear. In last years' ball, Erk had enjoyed a rather lengthy conversation with a Shaman from Caledonia, who had very interesting opinions on who should be taught magic, and in what way. Erk hoped to speak with him again, as he had a few ideas to suggest. Neatening the pile of parchment on his desk, Erk wondered who else would be at the ball. Lord Pent and Lady Louise went without saying, as they were the hosts. Erk was going, mainly because he wanted to, but he also had to go, as he was Pents' honour student. This made him a host, too. Glancing out the window, Erk then realised the time.
"No way!" He gasped, leaping to his feet. He was late. Turning quickly on the spot, Erk tripped over his chair, stumbled sideways into his desk, then fell to the door. He opened it, pulled himself up, and dashed to the Grand Hall. He threw open the huge doors, and ran to the centre of the hall. Lord Pent and Lady Louise were waiting, and looked impatient.
"You're late." Pent pointed out.
"Sorry, Sir." Erk gasped, trying to catch his breath. "I didn't realise the time."
"And you're normally so punctual. Especially for our Summer Ball."
"Now, now, Pent." Louise told her husband. "Don't be too hard on him. He's probably been trying to imagine what Nino will be wearing."
"She's going?" Erk asked. A moment later, he realised that he should've said something different, like 'No, I haven't'. Louise giggled.
"See?" She asked Pent.
"I do indeed." Pent grinned. "No worries, Erk. I forgive your lateness." Erk didn't reply. He knew that he had just confirmed Pent and Louises' suspicions; that he liked Nino. Even though he didn't think of her in that way, he had foolishly shown Pent and Louise that he did. "Let's start preparing for it, shall we? Erk, go into storage and fetch the candles. We'll use the second set this year." Those candles had a specific scent, and their flames glowed in a rather romantic fashion.
"The second?" Louise asked. "Pent, what about the first? That would suit this occasion better." Those candles flickered hotly, and seemed to stir passion in others.
"I want to use the fourth set." Erk spoke up. He could tell that Pent and Louise were trying to set an appropriate mood for him and Nino. Again, he had made an error. The fourth set, with their fragrance and deep glow, symbolised growing and strengthening relationships. Pent and Louise stared at him, smiling.
"How perfect." Pent murmured.
"Erk knows how to be romantic." Louise sighed. "I didn't think he had that in him."
"What?" Erk gasped, realising his mistake. "No, I-" He paused. There was no getting out of this.
"Very good, Erk." Pent congratulated him. "Go and get those candles, then. Louise and I will decide on the decor." Erk sighed, and walked out of the Grand Hall. He caught sight of Nino, a ways down the corridor, humming happily to herself. She seemed to be off in a fantasy world again. Not wanting to bother her, or raise another situation that would suggest he harboured feelings for her, Erk quickly slipped out of the castle, and to the storage building. He looked around.
"Candles, candles..." He muttered, looking for them. He saw the six sets of candles for the Summer Ball. All of them had some variety of romantic feel to them, so there was no escaping that. However, Erk realised, the fourth set was indeed perfect for him and Nino getting together. He cursed himself for that. He picked up the box that contained the 'fourth set'. None of the candles sets had a specific name, so they were simply numbered.
-
Upon his return, he saw Pent and Louise looking at drapes to hang around the hall.
"Ah, Erk!" Louise called to him. "Come help us." Erk trotted over, placing the box of candles on the floor. "We were wondering what drapes we should use. You obviously know which ones will help the mood best, considering your sudden knowledge of romance."
"I don't have..." Erk stopped, losing the desire to deny it. He knew it wouldn't help.
"I wanted to go for the drapes by Ilian artist Perina. Pent wants to use the Sacae Bloom set. What d'you think?" The pair held up the appropriate drapes.
Such mood-setters. Erk thought, looking at them. I can't let them go further with this match-making thing. I'm not ready to be with someone yet. "Neither." He said aloud. Pent frowned, and Louise pouted. Erk cast his eyes around, looking for the box with the drapes in. He pulled a random one out. "Use these." He told them. Pent and Louise gasped. Erk prayed to Elimine that he had chosen an unsuitable type of drape for match-making.
"Erk, you're a genius!" Louise cried. Erk's face fell. He looked at the drapes he had chosen. He didn't know about decorating, so he didn't know what these drapes implied.
"Those are same drapes that were at the ball where Louise and I first got together." Pent told Erk. "They represent the forming of bonds and relationships." Erk groaned. Again, he had inadvertently chosen the most perfect thing for pairing him off with Nino. "Excellent work, Erk." Pent smiled widely, while Louise pulled the drapes from the box. "Now, next we must choose the flowers." Erk sighed. "Bring them in!" Pent called to a door to the far left of the hall. Two people walked in, carrying a table. On top of the table were several flowers. There was only one of each variety of flower, and there were about ten different types.
"These are all the flowers that we've used before." Louise told Erk, after handing the drapes to a servant. "Ooh, the Ilian Rose." She picked it up, sniffing it. "A symbol of companionship." It looked heavily similar to a normal rose, except the outside of the petals were a mild blue, while the inside of the petals were a striking purple.
"Or perhaps," Pent said, picking up another. "The Nabata Crysanthemum. A symbol of caring and tenderness." It was a delicate shade of pink, with a twisting pattern to the petals.
"This." Erk grunted, picking up a flower. It was green, almost matching Nino's hair. Its petals were shaped like teardrops, which fell outwards and toward the ground.
"Erk, next time I have a romantic meal with Louise, you can sort everything out." Pent declared. "You're quite the mood-setter."
"Isn't he, though?" Louise giggled. "Erk, do you know what kind of flower that is?" Erk didn't dare reply. "It's the Tendi Tulip, found only the Bern Mountains."
Tell me what it means. Erk thought tiredly.
"It means long-lasting devotion." Erk groaned inwardly. He had accidentally selected the most perfect things to bring people together. Namely, him and Nino. Not what he wanted. "Well done, Erk." She patted him on the head. "We'll use these this year." She said to the people carrying the table. She, Erk and Pent set their flowers down, and the people picked up the table and left.
"Next, we need the music." Pent announced to them. "I was thinking Lycia's latest singers. They specialise in serene music."
"What about that group from Araphen?" Louise asked. "I hear they're good at romantic symphonies." The two looked at Erk. "Obviously, you'll pick the best band. So, who'll it be?"
"Roren Fess, from Ositia." Erk said, plucking a random name he had heard someone mention. "I have no doubt that he'd be perfect."
"Indeed he would, Erk." Pent grinned. "His love ballads are really quite stirring."
Just my luck to pick someone who sings love songs. Erk grumbled.
"I've got one more thing to ask about." Erk said cautiously. "One more thing before I run away."
"What's that, dear?" Louise asked.
"The three of us are to welcome the guests, right? As hosts?" Pent and Louise nodded. "You two always greet guests together. How about if Nino and I greeted guests together, too?" Erk had a perfectly logical reason for this. As Pents' honour student, he had to play host. Nino was also technically one of Pents' honour students, so she should do the same thing. Of course, Pent and Louise saw it very different. Louise went into transports of delight at Erk's idea, and Pents' smile widened to previously unknown widths.
Crap, how'd they see that? Erk wondered, panicking.
"Of course you should, Erk!" Louise cried, clasping his hands. "Oh, you are amazing! It must have been hard, welcoming guests by yourself every year! Of course you'd want someone with you this time. The guests would be pleased to see you with someone, too. Isn't it brilliant, Pent?"
"Extremely." Pent agreed. "Erk and Nino, hosts. The perfect symbol of their partnership." He sighed dreamily. "Erk, how do you do it?"
"No idea." Erk sighed. "Guess it's just luck." All of it bad. He added to himself. "Well, I'm going to flee now." He said, and did so. Very quickly. Where's a deep hole when you need one? Erk asked himself, wishing he could crawl into one and hide.
--
And so, the big day arrived. Erk waited for Nino outside the castle entrance. Every year, he welcomed the guests to the castle. Pent and Louise then greeted them when they entered the Grand Hall, and told them what food and music there would be, and so forth. He smoothed down the front of his suit. It was mild-looking suit, that seemed to fit him perfectly. It was an almost creamy white colour, with a crisp white shirt and matching shoes. His golden cufflinks were the symbol of Saint Elimine, and he had a Tendi Tulip in the pocket of the jacket.. He had his hair tied back, which he only did for this one occasion. The castle doors opened, drawing Erks' attention. From those doors, a stunning beauty walked toward him. Her brilliant green hair had been tied up, in two tiny little pigtails. Her shimmering emerald dress, which matched her handbag, drew out the shine in her sapphire eyes, and highlighted the elegant features of her face. She wore pretty diamond earrings, an exquisite gold necklace, and serene crimson lipstick. Erk quickly brought himself to his senses, remembering he was supposed to be waiting for Nino. He looked beyond the beauty, but saw no sign of her. It wasn't until the girl stood next to him and smiled, that Erk realised.
"Oh... my... " Erk gaped at the girl.
"Good evening, Erk." She said gently. "You look very handsome."
"I... I..." Erk was speechless. Here stood this radiant and confident-looking beauty, who at any other time was the cute and meek Nino. Somewhere, Pent and Louise were patting each other on the back. "G-good evening." He managed to squawk. Nino giggled, a musical chime that sent shivers down Erks' back.
"How do I look?" She asked him.
Of all the... Erk began to himself, before taking in her breathtaking loveliness again.
"Incredible." He breathed. Nino grinned, blushing slightly.
"Thanks." She said quietly. "But be honest. You don't have to flatter me like that."
"Anything less than 'amazing' is an understatement, Nino." He told her. "I didn't even recognise you at first."
"Is that why you looked behind me?"
"Yeah. I thought you were someone else." He grinned at her. "I didn't realise you could look so... so... beautiful!"
"Thank you, Erk." Nino blushed brighter. "I didn't recognise you at first, either. I've never seen you in a suit. Or with your hair back. It looks really nice."
"Huh." Erk ran a hand over his hair. "Thanks." He looked out to the road. "Here's the first guest. Oh, Gods..." He sighed.
"Who is it?" Nino asked, looking at the horse-drawn carriage approaching.
"Lady Lyndis and Lord Hector." Erk groaned. "Y'know, for all she's a hardened warrior, Lyn's so girly at times. She'll be delighted to see us like this. And Hectors' gonna tease me about it, too."
"It won't be that bad." Nino assured him, as the carriage came to a halt. The driver hopped down from his seat, and opened the carriage door. Lord Hector stepped out, wearing a smart blue outfit that was smart-casual. Just like him. He held a hand up to the door, and a tiny hand took hold of it. Lady Lyndis then stepped from the carriage, in a dazzling white dress. The two approached.
"Good evening Lady Lyndis, Lord Hector." Erk greeted them politely, bowing to them. Nino curtseyed.
"Erk and Nino." Lyndis said softly. "It's wonderful to see you together." She smiled. "I always knew it would happen. I must say you make a gorgeous couple."
"Thank you." Nino smiled.
"And so young, too." Hector added. "Such a shame you've tied yourself down so early, Erk."
"Nino's hardly tying me down, Lord Hector." Erk replied, not liking what Hector had suggested. Hector chuckled.
"You'll see." He grinned.
"Lord Pent and Lady Louise are waiting in the Grand Hall." Erk said, with an odd tone of finality. Lyndis tugged on Hectors' sleeve, pulling him into the castle. A moment later, another carriage appeared.
"Who's this?" Nino asked.
"Lord Eliwood and Lady Ninian." Erk told her. "Ninian will be much like Lyn was. At least Eliwood'll be polite about it." He turned to face the two in question as they approached. Eliwood wore red dress-robes, and Ninian wore a light blue dress. "Lord Eliwood and Lady Ninian, an honour to have you here." He said, bowing. Nino curtseyed to them.
"An honour to be here, Erk." Eliwood told him.
"Are you and Nino together?" Ninian asked.
"Now, Ninian, let's not pry into their affairs." Eliwood cautioned them.
"I'm only curious, my Lord." Ninian defended herself.
"Leave them be for now, Ninian. Even if they are, it's up to them to tell us when they're ready." Eliwood looked back at Erk. "My apologies."
"No apologies necessary, my Lord." Erk assured him. "Lord Pent and Lady Louise are waiting in the Grand Hall."
"Thank you. I hope the ball will be as good as last year."
"I believe it will."
"Erk chose everything." Nino piped up. Ninian looked worried for a moment, before correcting it. Eliwood simply looked at Erk neutrally.
"I am sure Erk chose well." He said, then walked into the castle.
--
A few hours later, Erk and Nino walked back into the castle. After greeting everyone who had come, including Jaffar, to Erks' horror, Erk was ready for a good drink and some food.
"I haven't even seen the Grand Hall yet." Nino admitted. "Lady Louise insisted it be a surprise. I can't wait to see how it looks!" She was obviously excited.
"Perfect, according to Lord Pent and Louise." Erk told her. "I chose everything; flowers, drapes, music, candles. They loved it all."
"Then I'm sure I will, too." Nino said. Erk opened the door to the Grand Hall, and Nino gasped. "Oh, wow!" She cried, her eyes sparkling. "Erk, it looks wonderful!" She clutched his arm. "I can't believe it! You really did all this?"
"I selected the decorations, yes."
"Amazing! It feels so romantic!"
Maybe he's planning to ask me out? She thought to herself. Why else would he make it so romantic?
"Shall we?" Erk asked her.
"Yes!" Nino gasped, walking with him into the Summer Ball. They had barely taken three steps inside, when Pent and Louise descended upon them.
"Oh, you two look so wonderful together!" Louise cried, tears forming in her eyes.
"Yes, you make a good couple." Pent said, smiling. He wore a smart lavender robe, while Louise wore a short purple dress and a tiara. "The music will start in an hour or so. I'd love to see you two dance."
"Lord Pent, please." Erk sighed. "I would like to get some food and drink."
"Well, don't let us stop you." Pent stood to one side. "Just make sure you take Nino with you." Erk frowned, but said nothing. He and Nino walked to the buffet table.
"I've never been to a ball before." Nino told Erk as they walked. "What do I do here?"
"Just talk to people. Eat, drink, talk. Maybe dance." Erk replied.
"Oh. Uhm... do you mind if I go talk to Jaffar and Canas?"
"No, go ahead."
"Thank you." Nino smiled, and kissed him lightly on the cheek, before walking over to Jaffar. Erk sighed in relief, glad to be alone. He picked up a plate, chose some food, then looked for the Caledonian shaman he had met last year. Spotting him, Erk quickly walked over to him.
-
"Jaffar." Nino called to him as she approached. Jaffar, dressed in a neat black suit, turned to her, a small smile spreading across his face.
"Nino." He greeted her. "It's good to see you again."
"You, too. How have you been?"
"Good. You?"
"Oh, Jaffar. Can't you say more than that?"
"I'm more concerned about you. Are you happy here? Has Lord Pent been treating you well? Has Erk? Are you learning well?"
"Jaffar, please. Everyone has been wonderful, especially Erk. He's a really good teacher. He's treated me wonderfully."
"Too wonderfully, it seems. Are you sure he's right for you?"
"Jaffar!" Nino gasped. "Yes, I'm sure! How could you ask such a personal question?"
"Sorry, Nino. I just worry. You left with such a short goodbye, and I haven't seen you since."
"Aww... thank you for worrying. I'm fine, really."
"Erk really knows how to set a mood." Jaffar changed the subject, looking around the hall. "I'm surprised. I always thought he was a... well, a stiff." Nino giggled at that.
"He is, sometimes, but he has his moments. He's been nothing but kind and considerate to me."
"Well, I hope he makes you happy. I mean, I still remember so vividly you crying after he upset you."
"That was my fault, too. I was in his face too much, invading his personal space."
"All the same, he had no right to upset you so."
"Please, Jaffar. I got more upset than I should have. He did apologise, and give me a picture book."
"Yes, I know. You like the book?"
"Yes. I still look at it sometimes."
"Let's get something to eat." Jaffar announced, steering her to the buffet table.
-
"I hadn't thought of it that way." The Caledonian shaman murmured. "Very interesting, Erk."
"Thank you." Erk said graciously. "I thought on it alot, and realised that it was a good way of teaching."
"I agree completely. If only more would think the same."
"Yes, if only. It would improve things greatly."
"Erk, why are you not with your lady? Surely such an occasion is best spent with a partner?"
"She is not my partner. Lord Pent and Lady Louise have been trying to pair us off ever since we returned to the castle. However, it is too soon for me."
"You still grieve for Ella? Erk, please.You should move on. Surely Ella would not want you to mourn your entire life."
"I am aware of that. Still, I cannot let her go so easily."
"It has been many years, Erk. I believe it is time."
"I cannot recover that easily." Erk told him, sounding almost angry. "She was all I had for so long."
"You should allow Miss Nino to fill the gap. You will feel happier once you do."
"I shall consider it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I would speak with other guests."
"Of course. Good health, Erk."
"Good health, Takarin." Erk walked away.
-
"Nino, how are you?" Canas asked.
"Well, Uncle. Everyone here has been wonderful to me."
"Good to hear. So, you and Erk."
"I hope." Nino sighed.
"Hope? You mean you are not an item yet?"
"I'm working on it." Nino told him. Canas chuckled.
"How is it going?"
"Well, I think. He's been alot more open than when we first met. You know, he chose the decor for the ball."
"He did? Such a romantic theme. Perhaps he harbours feelings for you?"
"That's what I'm hoping." Nino sighed. "I got a book for him a few days ago."
"Oh? He enjoys reading, as I recall."
"I know. This is the sequel to one of his favourites. 'Finding Sanctuary Two: Our World'. I hope he likes it."
"Finding Sanctuary. An excellent book." Canas noted. "I hadn't realised the second was on sale."
"D'you think Erk'll be glad when I give him it?"
"Of course. If it's a sequel to his favourite, of course he will be." He patted her on the shoulder. "I wish you the best of luck, Nino."
"Thank you, Uncle."
"I mean no discouragement by this, but..." He took a deep breath. "If your plans fail, and you find you can't stand being here any more, you are welcome to stay with me."
"Uncle, I won't fail." Nino said, determination exploding in her voice. "Even if I do, I'll just try again. I will win Erk over." Canas laughed heartily.
"You've changed so much, Nino. I'm proud of you."
-
"Erk?" A voice caused Erk to spin round.
"Priscilla." He said happily. "How are you?"
"Things are well. But, I wanted to talk about you."
"Me? What of me?"
"Well, you and... Nino."
"Not happening."
"Eh?"
"I don't have those sorts of feelings for her. I have said many things that imply I do, but I said them accidentally."
"Oh. Then... you are available for another relationship?"
"I am... not available, as such. I am not in a relationship, nor am I ready to be in one."
"Oh." Priscilla sighed. "Sorry."
"For what?"
"Um... I just hoped... that maybe... you might want to be... with..." She blushed, and looked down at the floor. Her last word came as a whisper. "Me." Erk didn't reply. When Priscilla looked up, Erk was far away, sat on a chair by the wall. She sighed miserably.
-
Roren Fess started singing, and people quickly moved to the dancefloor. Nino immediately looked around for Erk. She saw him, sat by the wall on his own. She trotted across the hall, and over to him. When she was in front of him, Erk looked up glumly.
"Are you okay?" Nino asked.
"Priscilla just asked me out." Erk mumbled. Nino mentally panicked for a moment. Had Erk said yes?
"A-and?"
"I just... walked away. Didn't even reply. I don't know why. I like her, but not that much. And... Ella..."
"Oh, Erk." Nino said next to him, and leant against his arm. She could think of nothing to say.
"I'm just... I'm still not over her death. She was the only person I had for so long. Once I lost her, I became empty."
"Can no-one fill the gap?"
"I don't know." He put an arm around her. "I don't know."
"Erk..." Nino began, then paused, wondering what to say. She placed a hand gently on his knee.
"Yes?"
"I'm not sure what to say." He confessed. Erk held her hand in one of his own. "I want you to be happy, but I'm not sure how to make that happen. I was hoping that I might be able to fill the gap."
"You?" Erk asked. He then realised. Why Pent and Louise had been so adamant about pairing them off, why they had chosen such a theme for the ball. Why Nino spent as much time with him as possible. Why she tried so hard, why she was so eager for his approval. He gripped her hand tightly.
"Yeah..." Nino whispered. "I've been thinking for a long time. Thinking about how to... win you over." She sighed. "I don't know. I was just... so desperate to have you."
"I see." Erk said, his tone unreadable. "Takarin was right."
"Huh?"
"I've spent so long trying to close the gap left by Ella's death. I didn't know it would be so hard." He pulled his arm from around Nino, and stood up. Nino looked apprehensively at him. Erk stood in silence for a few moments, watching Roren Fess. A minute or so later, he finished his song. He watched as Louise trotted over to Roren, and whispered in his ear. He nodded, and started singing a slow, tender love song. One of Erk's favourite songs. Erk sighed, and turned to face Nino. He held his hand to her, and smiled gently. "May I have this dance?" Nino's face lit up.
"Yes!" She gasped, taking his hand. She and Erk walked to the dance floor. Louise and Pent smiled, watching the pair as they started a slow dance. Then, the two danced themselves.
--
"Erk..." Nino said when they stopped outside her bedroom door.
"Yes?" Erk asked, still holding her hand.
"I have... a gift for you." She opened her handbag, and reached inside. For a moment, she almost didn't dare pull out the book. How would Erk react? Was this a bad time to give him the book? Swallowing her fear, Nino removed Finding Sanctuary Two from her bag, and held it to Erk. "Here."
"What's this?" Erk asked, taking the book. His eyes widened when he saw the title.
"You told me to find you a book you hadn't read yet." Nino told him. "I found one."
"I... I..." Erk stared at the book, shock evident on his face. "How did you know?"
"I cheated." Nino said, grinning a little. Erk sighed, and gave her a sidelong look.
"All's fair in love and war." He said, smiling. "Thank you, Nino. I've been waiting for this."
"I know." Nino replied, shaking. How would Erk thank her?
"Here." Erk pulled a bracelet from his suit pocket. It was the bracelet needed to get into the Aura Room. "Don't forget that you have to read it to me." He slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.
"Oh. I won't."
"You should take this, too." He held the book to her.
"But! That's for you! It's your present!"
"Remember what I said? If I've read it, I won't be able to tell how your reading's improved. So, keep it for now, to make sure I don't read it." He pressed the book into her hands. "See you tomorrow, Nino." He kissed her lightly on the forehead. "Goodnight." He walked away toward his room. Nino touched her forehead where Erk had kissed her, and blushed. She walked into her bedroom, changed into her nightgown, and laid down on her bed.
"He kissed me!" She said happily to herself. "On the forehead, sure, but still! And he looked so happy!" She giggled, remembering the look on his face. Nino smiled widely, glad that she was getting closer to winning Erk over. He had asked for her to dance with him. Nino could still feel his body, holding her against him as they danced slowly. Then, of course, he had walked her to her room, and told her how happy he had been tonight. She was almost there. Erk had kissed her, so he must be beginning to like her! She was getting there. She was starting to win Erks' heart. Tonight had brought the two of them closer.
One step closer. She told herself.