Another update? Geez, I need to slow down. I'm going ahead and positing this because I'll be busy for the next week, but rest assured, I have plans to continue this story!
It was official: she was going to drive him crazy.
Her face ran through Keith's mind every second, constantly interrupting his focus on any task. Which could be frustrating at times, because he knew that now was not the time to be distracted. He told himself that right at this very second— he was currently helping train Lance with his new sword, but Keith knew that his parries were getting sloppy.
Romelle, Romelle, Romelle. A mystery wrapped inside an alien enigma. A puzzle that he would think he had solved one minute, then realize that he'd gotten it completely wrong the next.
A strike to his side broke the black paladin out of his trance, and Keith raised an eyebrow. "Huh, nice one, Lance."
"Don't act so surprised," Lance gloated, then huffed, "I know you were going easy on me, anyways."
Keith shook his head. "Sorry, my thoughts are all over the place today," he admitted. "You're doing well, though— keep at it."
Lance smiled. "Thanks, Keith. Anything you need to get off your chest?" he offered. "I'm a pretty good listener, if I do say so myself."
After shifting his bayard back to normal, Keith chuckled, "I think I'm good, unless you happen to have a textbook on Altean culture."
To his surprise, the red paladin snapped his fingers. "Actually, I do! Well, Coran does, but he gave me a copy— it's translated and everything. Want me to go get it?"
"Yeah, that'd…actually be great," Keith replied, blinking. "Thank you, Lance."
"Not a problem!" Lance said with a wave of his hand. "What do you need it for?"
Keith felt a blush rising. "I, ah, I just thought it'd be a good idea to understand their culture more, you know? Romelle, um, well, I learned a few things from her already on accident, and I realized how much I don't know."
Lance nodded. "I had the same thing when I first started to get to know Allura— did you know they have a ritual before they go to bed? Thing's like an hour long, and they have to go through this list of blessings. I heard her and Coran talking about it one time, because some of the blessings had to be left out since they were the only ones left."
"Huh," Keith mused, "I had no idea."
"Yeah, it's all pretty cool once you figure it out," Lance shrugged. "Anyways, I'll go get that book for you— be right back!" he called as he left the training space.
Blissful silence overcame the room, and Keith took a moment to think about all the questions he had. He wanted to know more about the kiss on the left cheek— what she meant by "longing of the heart." He wanted to know what the Altean ways of showing affection were, and if there were any that he was familiar with. He wanted to know how to show his ever growing interest, but be respectful, because he didn't want to cross any unknown lines.
Keith slid down against the wall and sighed. He really had no idea what to think of all the emotions stirring in his heart. The mere thought of Romelle made his body fill with warmth, and yet he didn't even know her that well. Even so…he couldn't deny the strange tug that seemed to pull him toward her at all times.
He wondered if she felt it, too. He wondered if it had something to do with quintessence. He wondered a lot of things, but had answers for none of it.
Thankfully, Lance returned swiftly as promised, and Keith thanked him before he took the book and headed to his quarters. For the next several hours, he scoured over its contents, trying to absorb every bit of knowledge he could.
When his eyes finally came to the courting section, his heart skipped a beat.
The rules of traditional Altean courtship are to be honored at all times, particularly in upper class families. Should one disobey a rule and fall out of favor, it is up to the offended party to decide whether the courtship continues or not.
1. Acquaintanceship. During this time, one party shall express their interest in another by initiating a period of getting to know one another. This period of time can last up to forty-eight quintents, and if at the end of the acquaintanceship the parties decide to forgo further courtship, they may do so without dishonor.
2. Proof of Value. The male party must give proof of their value, whether it be through ritual combat, show of wealth, or display of desirable character traits. This period of time can last up to sixty-two quintents, and if at the end of the acquaintanceship the parties decide to forgo further courtship, reasonable statements must be given as for why before the court.
3. Appreciation. Each courted must pronounce to the other what traits they admire (this is often done in private for lower class, public for higher class). If possible, this must immediately follow Proof of Value. Departing from courtship is no longer allowed without a suspension from such activities for a minimum of eighty quintents.
4. Permission of Touch. The female party must give their consent to the male party through nonverbal actions. Only then may the courtship begin to proceed into intimacy. Departing from courtship is no longer allowed without a suspension from such activities for a minimum of eighty quintents and a statement of farewells.
5. Gifting. Each party shall give a gift of significance to the other. This must signify sacrificial giving, and also must contain a lock of hair from each party—
Keith felt a headache coming on. And here he'd hoped it'd be something easy like bringing a flower or reciting a declaration of interest. But no, he realized as he scanned the page, apparently there were at least twenty steps of courtship, each with an ever increasing punishment should something go wrong.
But, if this was the way it had to be, then he would do it. And if they realized it wouldn't work out after the first step, then they could walk away without any repercussions.
Firm in his decision, Keith all but marched out of his room and set off in the direction of Romelle's door. When he arrived, he practically banged his hand on the door, and then the second after, he felt panic start to rise in him.
No, no, no, this was a terrible idea— what was he thinking? He couldn't just go up to her and start some courtship he'd only just read about! Plus, he was the leader of the team! He couldn't afford distractions, and what if she got pulled into it? What if she got hurt? What if things didn't work out, and she didn't speak to him again?
Keith's eyes widened, and he turned to dash off, but the door had already begun to open.
"Keith!" Romelle greeted brightly. "It is lovely to see you. Is there something you need?"
"I-I, uh," he stammered. "You— we— I—"
She cast him a confused look, but a moment later, her eyes had flickered down. "Oh! Is that an Altean etiquette book?" she asked, taking it out of his hands without a second thought. Keith hadn't even realized he was still carrying it.
"Yes, it is," he managed to get out. "I was reading it to, um…well, Romelle, I wanted to…ah…"
She peered up at him. "Yes?"
"Page two hundred and seventy-three," Keith blurted out.
Romelle blinked, but turned to the page he stated. He felt himself going red as she looked it over.
"Oh, traditional courtship rules!" she gasped. "They truly are fascinating, don't you think?"
He couldn't help but nod in agreement. "Romelle, I— well, I was wondering if," he swallowed nervously. Why did his under armor suddenly feel tight around his neck? "I was wondering if you'd wanna begin the process of Acquaintanceship with me."
Her head snapped up from the book. "I'm sorry?"
"T-The Acquaintanceship," he stuttered. "It's the, the first step in— in the courtship rules, and I, well, I would like to get to know you better, and I thought it'd be good to go about it the right way—"
Keith stopped his rambling when he realized he heard stifled laughter. He looked up from where he'd been staring at the ground to see Romelle with a hand over her mouth.
"We haven't used those rules in decapheebs," she giggled. "The class system was done away with on the colony, and most of these rules with it."
If his face wasn't red before, it certainly was now. "Oh," he said lamely.
She was smiling at him with amused eyes. "In the colony, it was best to state your intentions clearly. The old ways were quite vague and confusing at times. So…Keith, what are your intentions?"
His mind screeched to a stop. "My intentions?" he repeated, and she nodded. "W-Well, they are just like I said, I guess. I want to get to know you better."
A sudden wave of shyness seemed to come over her. "For what purpose?" she questioned.
Keith felt his mouth go dry. "T-To pursue a romantic relationship with you," he replied softly. "I can't explain why other than I want to, and…I feel…drawn to you."
Romelle flushed, but responded, "Then that is my intention, as well."
Keith smiled, relieved, but then a thought occurred to him. Slowly, so as to not startle her, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her left cheek. His heart was pounding when he pulled away, and by the look on her face, she felt just the same.