Castle on the Cloud
Introducing the first three Selected:
Aylee Lillian Winters submitted by: More. Than. Just. A. Story
Fae Valentine submitted by: Wolfofstark
And, Johona Ajei Begay submitted by: Thedaffodilqueen
Aylee Lillian Winters
"For the last time Christie, I said I'm going to do it!"
Aylee exclaimed, exasperated at her cousin's nagging. She was fed up of her constant warnings about how she's effectively making the stupidest mistake of her life.
"But Una, think about it, it's like...a recipe for a disaster; I mean what if someone found out who you really are? What if word gets out and Aileen takes it as a chance to dethrone your entire family or something?"
Aylee closed her eyes in frustration and ran her hands through her hair. "Christie, she's isn't going to "dethrone" us. She's 16 years old for god's sake. And if mother happens to find out, which is highly unlikely; trust me, she's going to keep things under wraps. Heaven knows, the woman wants to marry me off, and if it's with the prince of Illea, I doubt she'll ruin the chances. And for the last time Christie, stop calling me Una. It's Aylee, been so for the past 5 weeks ever since we decided to leave and settle down here for a couple of months. Now please, get in the act, and help me finish this application!"
Christie sighed but didn't say anything. She already knew of her Cousin's stubborn streak and whatever she says won't change her mind. She might as well view the whole thing as a challenge in the end, and this won't work out well for any of them. Christie knows, she's been on the receiving end of one of Una's or "Aylee's" on-the-whim challenges. It's what made them pack up as little belongings they could carry, convince the rest of the family that they're going to Italy for a scholarship, and settling down here, using fake identities. All because Aileen told Aylee quiet bluntly that she shouldn't be expected to run a country when she didn't have any experience in the real world.
She may deny it now, but 'Aylee' is in fact Una Lillias Acheson, the crown princess of Scotland; daughter of Queen Aileas Beckenridge-Acheson and King Eudard Acheson. A stupid proclamation done at a weird timing is what brought them to Illea in the first place. Christie or Matilda Winters if we're talking assumed names; thought that moving here would appease Una for a while, but no. Una has to come up with yet another crazy idea that could really put them into so much trouble if they were outed.
"Could you at least think about it for a while? I mean consider all the possibilities…the consequences…all that"
Christie may not be royal, but she's been around plenty of royals growing up that she already knows that Una thought the whole thing through, and even if she found a small problem with the whole equation, she'd still do it. That's how much of a strong-headed person she is.
Aylee or Una sighed and dropped the pen she was holding and turned to face Christie who was still looking every bit of worried.
"look Christie…I know you're worried, heaven knows, I am too, but this could be my last shot at proving to everyone that I have what it takes to run the country. It's also my last chance in finding, well…in finding love. I have thought this through, and even though it may seem on the whim to you, I have done my research. I went to the library and I read about the Selections, the previous ones, I think it's suitable, harder than I think they made it seem but nothing I can't handle. Sure, it was a little inconvenient seeing that I would be vying for his attention between 34 other girls, but I think I really do have a shot. And besides who ever said that I'll be chosen anyway? Around here, I'm not Una Acheson, crown princess of Scotland. I'm just a lonely orphan who owns a Jewelry store across the street whose caste is 4."
Christie nodded but waved away her last point. "Una, you and I Know you have a real shot of getting in. You speak five languages, and you already look the part. Get real. I can already see a "Future Queen of Illea" banner hanging around your head"
Una looked thoughtful but then smirked at Christie, "I do, don't I?"
Christie was getting really frustrated. "I'm serious Una, so what if you were chosen, what would you do?"
Una thought about it for a second then shrugged. "I don't know, fall in love I guess."
Christie knew that Una wasn't exactly thinking clearly when she said that. She could give her that though; she knew she had to tread lightly when it came to talking with Una about love. Heaven knows she almost married the Spanish bastard who turned out to be toying with her feelings.
"What if the prince turned out to be a bigger asshole like the one before?"
A small smile slowly made its way to Una's face and she shook her head. "From what I remember, Kendrick is anything but an asshole; in fact he was the biggest dork there is. But that was about 8 years ago; although I'm pretty sure nothing could ever change him to be a horrible person."
Christie remembered Una telling her that she did meet the prince before. About 8 years ago when her parents were invited to some banquet done in the honor of the marriage of the king's brother.
"You think you'll fall in love with him though? With 34 other girls vying for his attention?"
Una shook her head and shrugged. "I don't know Christie; All I know is that entering this Selection seems right. For me, it would seem like a big break, and maybe, it would be a dream come true. I want one someone to love me Christie, I really do."
Christie sighed but nodded. She knows that falling and being loved by a person is what Una wishes for, ever since they were little kids.
"Alright, I'll help you, what does this Application say?"
Una's eyes lit up and she hugged her cousin tightly. "You're the best cousin ever, and I don't know, let's do it together."
Full Name: Aylee Lillian Winters
Age: 17 1/2
Province: Dakota
Caste: 4
Occupation: Jeweler
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 123 Lbs
Eyes: Light Ember
Hair: Dark Chocolate brown
At that Christie looked at Una raising her eyebrows. Una looked back with a leveled stare,
"What, you think I'm going to risk going in with the same hair color?"
Una then extracted a package from her bag and showed her cousin the hair dye she got earlier today.
"If I'm going to play the part of a commoner then I need some craziness in my life."
Christie rolled her eyes and raised her hands in mock surrender at the lengths her cousin is taking.
Ethnicity: Scottish
Skin Tone: Pale
Languages Spoken: Scottish, English, Italian, French, and A Little Spanish.
After finishing the application, she dropped the pen and stood up and grabbed the bottle from the table. She then made her way to the bathroom.
"What are you going to do?" Christie said, a little confused. "Aren't we supposed to go mail this somehow and take your photo?"
A light laugh came from the bathroom as Una replied. "We well my dear cousin but in time. It's time to add a little crazy to my life."
Christie sighed. These are going to be a long 6 months in Illea.
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Fae Valentine
"After yet another successful show from our very own Fae Valentine to an enormous crowd of 10,000, We've invited the Fairy herself to our very own Show; please give her a hand folks, Fae Valentine!"
Clapping ensued from every corner as the petite young doll-faced girl went up to the stage in modesty, waving at people and smiling genuinely.
So, Fae valentine, how does it feel to be famous all around Illea and to sing to a crowd of 10,000? To someone as exceptionally young as you are, that must have been a tough ride to get to but rewarding nonetheless, isn't that right?"
Fae smiled shyly. Even though it's been a couple of years since she first started getting invitations from talk shows, she still found the experience really embarrassing.
"Well, Bryan, I'm not sure about the feeling but one thing I feel is the rush I get whenever I'm on stage. I love singing, and singing to a full house has always felt exhilarating."
People all around her clapped again and Fae gave them a full smile, beaming at all the crowd.
Bryan smiled at the teenager and nodded at the crowd, who settled after a few seconds. "You must feel proud to have such a strong fan base though; people as far as Honduragua who live on the other side of the country came to watch you perform. How does that make you feel?"
Fae smiled her beautiful smile at everyone surrounding the stage before turning to Bryan and speaking softly.
"My fan base is the most important thing to me. I would do anything for them. They're what keep me going Bryan, and without their constant support I would cease to be anyone. I feel proud to have such a strong fanbase, and even more proud to be saying this right now."
The crowd began clapping again enthusiastically and some even rose to their feet. Bryan Fieldman smiled at the girl and nodded at the crowd to settle down, they did after a few second and Bryan was able to continue.
"It would seem stupid of me to point this out because everyone has heard of it, but I wanted to know, and I'm pretty sure all young boys are tripping over their feet to know. Are you applying for the selection?"
Fae stopped for a moment before smiling another dazzling smile at Bryan. "Till now Bryan I haven't really made up my mind. I don't know If I'm entering or not. But I'll be sure to keep you posted."
The crowd clapped again before Bryan raised his hand. "One last question, When will be expecting to see another show from our very own Favorite Fairy?"
Fae smiled at the crowd, "As I always say Bryan, Whatever the crowd wants, the crowd gets." At that Fae blew a kiss to the enthusiastic public and stood and left her seat waving all the way to the exit.
At the exit she found a horde of fans waiting for her at the door, she smiled as she reached them and went over to a crowd of them, spotting a small girl in pigtails.
"Miss Fae, Miss Fae, can I have your autograph?"
Fae smiled and nodded at the young girl. "Why off course, what's your name?"
After asking the question, Fae heard the unmistakable horn of her mother's Range rover. She ignored it.
"Cynthia! And could you also do another for my sister Georgie?"
Fae smiled at the two girls and nodded, taking the pen and the paper and writing her name in the papers.
"Are you twins?" Fae said, smiling at both girls.
Cynthia shook her head and smiled enthusiastically. "Nope, I'm older by two year!"
Fae finished writing her autograph and looked up at them. "You know, I also have a younger sister, her name is Alysa."
Fae hard the horn again and looked at the gates to find her mother looking at her and frowning. She bent down again and gave both papers to the girls and smiled at them.
"It was very nice to meet you both. I hope I see you in another show soon"
Both girls jumped up and down and nodded. Fae gave them one last wave and left through the entrance waving at all her fans on the way out. As soon as she reached the car, her mother opened the door and she climbed in quickly away from the stinging cold.
"Whatever took you so long? I told you a thousand times Fae, you needn't to waste time greeting people. A celebrity should be a little bit Arrogant. Arrogance is key in celebrities' popularity. Take Cece Maxwell as a role model for once."
Fae didn't answer. Off course her mother is going to praise Cece Maxwell's arrogance. Cece was only the most famous Model in Panem. Known for her beauty, and quiet ironically her scandals with the press.
"I heard what you said today, when Bryan asked you about the Selection."
Fae looked at her mother and shrugged. Her mother did ask her three times till now and told her to think about applying ever since the application got sent to them two days ago.
"I just don't know, I'm not sure yet if I want to.
Her mother didn't say anything until Fea felt something on her legs. She looked down to find a small letter from the Service office.
"I pulled a few strings and managed to convince them to take an old picture of yours. I told them that the paparazzi are going to be all around the place if you go there by yourself."
"You applied for me?" Fae said, still not believing it. What made her mom think that she needed her to take an important decision like this for her?
"I thought you're taking too much time deciding. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and I wouldn't let you miss it."
Fae was furious. For the first time in her life, she didn't care that this is her mother.
"Hasn't it occurred to you that this is my life? How would you feel if you were in place? How would you feel if your mother applied to you in something that would shape your entire life without taking your thoughts into consideration?
Her mother looked away from the road at her daughter with a cold look in her eyes. She spoke calmly. Too calmly, in Fae's opinion and that meant nothing good.
"If I was in your position, I would thank my lucky stars that I have a mother like that whose only goal is to make her daughter the most famous person in the country. I wouldn't be complaining."
Fae knew she was playing with fire, but she was so angry that nothing would've stopped the next couple of words that came out of her mouth.
"All the while you're ignoring your other 6 year old daughter in the process. Where is Alysa today mom? Pray tell, is she at another neighbor's house because you don't think she's worth it? Because off course, a family of perfection would not accept a six year-old because she happens to have no singing talent. Yes, you're right; you're the greatest mother anyone could ask for. You could easily win the Best mother of the year award, I'm just too blind."
Fae threw the door open and rushed out, leaving her mother staring at the road and gripping the stirring wheel tightly.
Fae went over to their neighbors, the Dawsons and hastily wiped away the tears that were flowing down her eyes. She knocked three knocks and a moment passed and Tyler, the eldest son, opened the door.
"Oh, hey Fae. Your sister is upstairs with Mae I'll tell her you're here."
Fae nodded in thanks and in the process spilled a few tears. Tyler noticed and raised his eyebrows; his eyes softening. He turned away for a second before looking at Fae again.
"Fae are you okay? Is something wrong?"
Fae shook her head and looked away.
"Fae, you do know that you're welcome anytime, right? If that witch is really having a go at you, you do know you'll always be welcome here."
Fae smiled at him in thanks but shook her head. "Thanks Tyler, I'll keep that in mind."
Fae knew though that nothing in the world could possibly make her mother stay away from her, even if she desperately wanted that to happen. Hell wouldn't keep her mother away from her, Fae knew her mother too well.
"Fefe!"
Fae hastily wiped her tears away from her eyes as she heard the voice of her little sister. She bent down and took the six-year old in a hug. She thanked Rachel Dawson, Tyler's mother for keeping her before carrying Alysa back to their mansion.
She used the back door and slipped upstairs to their room. Even though Fae has her own room, she avoids it and stays at her sister's almost every night. Mostly, her sister is the one who needs comforting, today though; it's Fae who needs the comforting.
"What's wrong Fefe?" Fae smiled at the six-year old and stretched herself on the bed. Alysa knelt beside her and Fae looked up at the innocent eyes of her sister.
"Can you sing to me, Aly?
Alysa's lips quivered slightly, "but mama said not to sing. She said my voice isn't good enough to sing and that it causes her a headache."
Fae closed her eyes and tried to swallow down the anger she felt towards her mother before smiling at the girl.
"Your voice is beautiful Aly, I want you to sing whenever you please. Don't care what mother thinks. It's you own free will. Now sing to me."
Alysa smiled softly and hugged her sister before settling down next to her, placing her head on Fae's chest.
"There is a castle on a cloud,
I like to go there in my sleep…"
Fae smiled softly at 'Their song' before singing with Alysa.
"Aren't any floors for me to sweep,
Not in my castle on a cloud.
There is a room that's full of toys,
There are a hundred girls and boys,
Nobody shouts or talks too loud,
Not in my castle on a cloud…"
Fae slowly drifted off to sleep, thoughts about the impending selection and her harsh mother out of her head. All she thought of the moment she drifted off is her tiny beautiful sister she had in her arms.
"Goodnight Aly"
"Goodnight Fefe"
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Johona Ajei Begai
"Jo, come on! We're going to be late!"
"Coming! I'm almost done!" Johona hollered back then shrugged at the passersby who gave her a look for her loud voice. Johona was used to the looks people give her, now if people start to ignore her presence completely, that's when she would start to be worried.
She looked down at the plant she was potting and started digging through the soil carefully, trying her hardest not to reach the sensitive parts of the plant. She then got some fertilizer and stuffed the pot with it. She watered it, careful not to spill a lot of unnecessary water and flooding the plant, before getting up and stretching. She took off her gloves and placed them in her bag and trotted up the door and ringing the doorbell.
"All done Signor Garcia, Enjoy your new garden."
Signor Garcia looked around him and smiled widely upon seeing the potted flowers.
"Oh lo Bonito! Que chica intelligante! You clever girl, how can I pay you?" Johona smiled at him, happy to find that the 'little surprise' made him happy. Even though her job wasn't exactly an ideal one, she tried to make herself the best in that field. So, knowing her next client is Spanish, she took it upon herself to search for the national Flower of Spain before coming and planting it for him in surprise. Sure, the Red Carnation isn't exactly easy to find, but it was worth it after seeing his reaction. She brought over all potted plants with her today as a surprise. Seeing his reaction, she thinks she's done a good job too.
"Here you go, A extenso payment for a perfecto job. I must say you really did a fantástico job"
Johona smiled at him and looked down to find five hundred dollars. She blinked back the tears and swallowed the lump in her throat and looked up at the beaming man and beamed at him. Normal gardening Jobs gave you 150 dollars at most.
"Thank you signor, if you want any other help, please don't hesitate to call me."
"Si, Si, off course. I won't hesitate."
She nodded at him and left hooking her hand with Trick, her best friend and they both took off running from the rich neighborhood to their place on the other side of the province.
"So have you heard the news?"
Johona looked at her and shook her head. "Which ones exactly, you know the news; they tend to change every day"
Trick shook her head, pretty much used to her nature already. "The ones about the Selection butt head. They've mailed all applications yesterday."
Johona shrugged at her. Her application did come yesterday, but she hadn't bothered to open it.
"So…you think about entering?"
Johona shook her head; the thought truly hasn't crossed her mind. She certainly wouldn't want to get her hopes up. Being a seven and all. Seven don't have a chance at all at getting in. Sixes don't have much hope, Sevens pretty much don't exist, and they're a step away from being Eights; the non-existence itself.
"You should try at least, nothing is going come out of it if you're not chosen, and if you are, well you'd provide much better than those gardening jobs that you get."
She did have a point. Johona looked at her and shrugged again, not knowing really whether to take the chance or not.
"Come on Jo, at least, do it with me. I mean, who knows, we might have a real shot at becoming princesses."
Johona rolled her eyes at this, and then suddenly she really thought about it. Why not? Basically she won't be losing anything.
"Alright then, to hell with normal, let's be spontaneous." Trick smiled at her best friend and yelled "Woohoo".
"Alright then, race ya, go get your application and meet me at our place. In five."
She smiled at her and nodded, taking off to her house at the end of the lane. As she ran, she smiled at her neighbor, Mrs. Herzberg and she waved at her.
"Good afternoon Johona!"
"Good day to you, Mrs. Herzberg!"
Johona ran through the front door and pushed it open. "Asdzáá! Hastiin! Look what I got you today!"
Johona's enthusiastic nature wasn't exactly something new around the house, so they know that the girl isn't exactly harboring huge news.
"Asdzáá! Hastiin! I'm serious You should see this!"
Her grandfather or Hastiin, as they call it in Navajo, came into view and smiled at her.
Whatever is the matter Jo? I know you don't need a reason to be too loud but still what's the matter?"
Johona smiled at him and waited till Asdzáá also came into view before bringing out the five hundred dollars from her pocket.
"Look, the potted plants payed off, I got five hundred dollars!"
They were silent for a moment before Hastiin took her in a hug. "Oh sweetheart, you work too hard. At least it payed off this time." She looked at Asdzáá who was beaming at her.
"Now that's my Ajai, good girl. That would cover us for at least a month in food."
Johona beamed at them before remembering what she and Trick agreed about.
"Hey, I was wondering about something…"
The both looked at her and she shrugged. "Well…I was thinking, remember the Selection application that got mailed to me yesterday? What do you feel about me entering?"
Both of her grandparents looked at each other before her Asdzáá answered. "Well to be honest with you Johona, I thought it was a great idea, but I didn't want to push you into doing something you would want to do. Or well, your Hastiin didn't want me to push you into doing it. He told me to wait until you brought it up yourself."
Johona looked at them and smiled. "So you don't mind then, I mean I'll just have a go, you never know I might never even be picked…"
"Oh yes, off course Jo, we were just trying to make you take the decision."
Johona smiled at them widely and grabbed them in a hug before sprinting off to her room and grabbing the application on her night stand and running out of the house."
"Later Hastiin, Asdzáá! I have an application to fill!"
She then ran till she reached the forest and went in, careful not bump into sharp branches. She walked a little until she found herself at the clearing she and Trick deemed their own.
"What took you so long?"
Johona shrugged, "I gave Hastiin and Asdzáá the money, I guess that might've taken me a few minutes." Johona smiled slowly at the joy she found in her grandparents' eyes when she gave them the money, proud of herself that she's doing them good. Ever since both of her parents died, her grandparents have been devoted to her, providing for her and loving her. She always felt like she owes them something and she felt better knowing that they're proud of her for providing for the family.
"What's on your mind?" Trick asked her and she shrugged.
"Well come on, let's get on with it!"
Trick smiled at Johona and nodded looking down at the Application.
Full Name: Johona Ajei Begay
Age: 19
Province: Midston
Caste: 7
Occupation: Gardner
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 113 Lbs
Eyes: Chocolate Brown Eyes
Hair: Golden honey brown
Ethnicity: Navajo/Native American
Skin Tone: Dark Brown
Languages Spoken: English, Navajo
Johona looked up after finishing the application and Trick looked up as well, already finished.
"Okay, you ready to mail this?"
Johona looked at her clothes and shrugged. She wasn't dressed for the occasion having just come back from work, but her hair looked decent. It's that one thing that actually always looked decent.
"Yeah, come on, it's now or never."
Trick smiled and stood up and hooked her hands with Johona and they both took off running to the Province service office. Needless to say, they found it packed and they hastily stood in line after all the girls. They got plenty of stares, ones that were easily leveled up by Johona, which made Trick laugh silently. Johona's ability to make light at any given situation is a blessing. Like right now, when everyone around them is giving them quiet the stares because their looks practically scream that they're from a lower caste.
"Everyone's staring…" Trick said slowly. As a circus performer, Trick could get really nervous when people stare. She has no problem with people looking at her when she's performing, because she knows they're looking at her talent, not at her.
"Well, let's give them something to stare at then…"
At that, Johona gave her application to Trick and bent down and easily made a flip in the air. The people staring looked at her for a few seconds, before either looking away or smiling.
One of the girls around looked at her and smirked.
"You a circus performer then?"
Johona smirked and shook her head. "Nope, ironically she's the circus performer, I'm just a show-off"
The girl rolled her eyes and turned away.
"You should do a trick or something; you're the circus performer for god's sake."
"If I give them a show now, why would I do it later for money?"
Johona didn't say anything; she just stared at the line willing it to move. After waiting for another half an hour, Johona and Trick finally advanced inside the office. Trick went in first, smiling timidly at the camera. It was then Johona's turn, who decided to remember something funny to help her smile genuinely at the camera. She recalled two summers ago when her uncles came for a visit and she accidently had a crush on her cousin Leo, not knowing who he is. That thought alone caused Johona to have a full-fledged smile on her face as the camera snapped.
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Well, chapter 1 of the girls being introduced is done. I think I'll do a couple of more chapters (Like three or four others) to introduce you to some of the girls. I still need about 5 characters left, so please submit!
Oh and yeah, I guess you've noticed that I'm sort of long chapter lover (This is about 16 pages long) so yeah, updates, while ideas are easy to get, it's a going to take a bit longer to write. Please Review and tell me whose your favorite among the three girls, and submit!