Gray Fullbuster stood in a quiet hallway, gazing out into a torchlit courtyard with his arms crossed, only the dull roar of the feast in the dining hall accompanying him. He'd hardly spoken a word all night, save for the argument with Natsu Dragneel, and a brief meet and greet with Princess Heartfilia. His eyes were those of a man who'd lost more than he could ever hope to gain, iced over with a cold, bitter reality. His entrancement with the flickering flames in the courtyard lowered his guard enough for an unfamiliar attendee to approach him without grabbing his attention.
"Juvia believes that Ser Fullbuster's coat may be from the same tailor has her own," the strange woman said with a smile, "You've ventured North, have you not? They say that Ser Fullbuster has traveled far and wide, and has a reputation as cool as his gaze! Juvia wanted to see it for herself...if that's okay with Ser Fullbuster."
Ripped back to consciousness by the peculiar woman standing at his side, Gray rubbed the back of his head, not sure how to react to talk of a reputation, or Juvia's unique speech pattern. "Eh, my coat?" There were some similarities in the make, quality, and fabric. "I did purchase this during my time in the North, so that is entirely possible. I'm not sure it's as fashionable as yours, though." After giving her a one-over and making a clear mental note of who she was, he continued, "Juvia, is it?"
"Juvia Lockser, yes!" She was thrilled he was entertaining the thought of a conversation with her. "Gajeel insists on bestowing Juvia with a fancy title, but the truth is, he just hates traveling alone, and Juvia keeps him company! But, don't tell anyone Juvia told you that.
For a brief moment, Gray cracked a smile. "Is that right? I'd like to hear more. Care to join me for a walk?"
Meanwhile in the dining hall, an irate Gajeel Redfox sat at his seat, tapping the brim of his goblet while scanning the room. The scent of freshly cooked meats and fine wine typically set him at ease, but not tonight. Through all the minstrels singing, nobles bickering, and maidens sighing, there was neither sight nor sound of one knight whom Gajeel so eagerly awaited. One short sigh and gulp of wine later, he stood from his seat, causing his chair to skid backwards and screech.
"Alright, alright, I've played nice long enough! Can someone tell me where that blonde bastard is!?" Gajeel pounded his fists to the thick wood table before him, glancing around as he awaited an answer. Momentary silence was followed by murmurs and gasps.
Lucy glanced over at Levy, startled and confused. "D-does he mean..?" The princess whispered.
"Yes, your cousin, Laxus. I was worried this might happen. There were rumors some time ago that during your cousin's travels he crossed paths with Lord Redfox and there was a fight. However, no one can seem to tell who won." Levy whispered, quill fast at work now as she kept her gaze fixated on the wild eyed king in their midst. "It would seem that our friend has come seeking more than one prize in this festival..."
Lucy stood from her seat prepared to play the role of royal negotiator in hopes of calming down Gajeel, but a certain fired up knight cut her off. Natsu Dragneel lunged across his own table and stood in front of Gajeel's. "What kind of guy goes and causes this kind of scene at a Princess' birthday party? Just who the hell do you think you are, jerk!?" Natsu shouted, oblivious to the irony of the situation he now put himself in. "I know your type, you think just because you've got a cool cloak and a few scars, you're some kind of big shot! You and Laxus got a lot in common, huh?" It wasn't but moments later that guards began pouring into the room, and the ever watchful Loke, Captain of the Guard, was at Princess Heartfilia's side.
"You little shit, c'mere and say that to my face!" Gajeel threw his robes aside, a worn leather tunic left beneath. Just as Natsu had before him, Gajeel lunged over his table so that he was face to face with the pink haired knight. As the guards closed in around them to break up the scuffle, Gajeel grabbed Natsu's collar while Natsu landed a solid right hand to Gajeel's mouth, splitting his lip. Before Gajeel could retaliate, as he fully intended to do, a booming voice echoed from the back of the room.
"Enough! This is a disgrace! You call yourselves a knight, a king? You are in the presence of Princess Lucy Heartfilia on the eve of her birthday, and you dare to act in such a foul, despicable manner!?" The shimmering armor, the unshakable presence, and striking red hair left little doubt who had stepped in to quell the storm developing in the midst of the dining hall; Erza Scarlet, former General of Fiore, the Countess of Blades, yet another participant in the upcoming tournament, and most importantly, the voice of reason. "Stay your blades and hold your tongues. These are the ones who intend on impressing our Princess? Do not make me laugh."
With sparkling eyes filled with sheer admiration, Lucy clapped her hands and nodded in agreement. "Alright, alright, I do believe our feast has gone on for a bit too long. Miss Alberona's wine has more than lived up to its reputation, and the hour is late. You have all been designated rooms here in the castle for the evening, please do try to be mindful of the other guests. Good night, everyone. I look forward to tomorrow's festivities, and am especially excited to see our guests of honor in the tournament tomorrow. Perhaps Lord Redfox will get the fight he is looking for then."
Gajeel was far too busy seething and wiping the blood from his mouth to mind the chorus of laughter that filled the room. He tore himself away from the guards who held him back, retrieved his cloak, and took his leave.
"You handled that well, Princess." Loke said, a rather smug grin on his face.
"Thank you, Captain. I'd prefer it if there had been no issue at all, though." Lucy gave a warm smile to Loke before turning to Levy, who had placed her quill and parchment aside with a satisfied look on her face. She took pride in her work, that much was obvious. "And thank you for sitting with me this evening, Levy. With Mira overseeing the feast, I wouldn't have had anyone else to keep me company."
Levy stood from her seat at Lucy's side and smiled broadly at the thanks. "It was no matter at all, Princess, it was an honor to sit with you this evening. I wish I hadn't been so absorbed with my work, so that I might have been more effective at keeping you company."
As the crowd dispersed, knights, nobles, and other guests being ushered to their quarters for the evening, a chill ran up Lucy's spine. It was an unsettling feeling, the sort she'd felt in her younger years, the years when certain properties of hers were repressed and locked away. In this world, a world afraid of magic and those who wielded it, a Princess could never embrace magic if she wished to remain in power, to continue to be loved and respected by her people. Yet, she could feel it. This room, now being cleared of emptied plates and chairs, was resonating with magic. As if a mystical residue had been left behind that only someone who understood and accepted magic could sense.
Loke watched as Lucy stood quietly, scanning the room. After a few moments, he broke the silence. "Princess, shall I escort you to your chambers? With such a crowd in the castle this evening, I must insist."
"Oh, right...of course. Thank you." Lucy bowed her head in thanks before taking her leave with the Captain of the Guard, leaving Levy with her writings and notes. The petite scribe exhaled a sight and gathered her things. Despite having spent hours chronicling the events of the evening, her work was only just beginning.