I walked down the white hallway, fidgiting with my thumbs. I decided this morning that I would grace everyone with my appearance. It had been a few days since I reopened my wounds. And within that time frame I was told I was't allowed to fight until I was healed.
With that being said, the King commented avout my general appearence and told me he would bring me clothes more suitable for a beautiful woman. I protested of course, but you can't fight the king and win. So now I was dressed respectably in a white dress that spilled around my feet. It was unlike any silk material I had ever felt before. Soft and warm. As much as I hate dresses, I could get use to this material.
I hesitated at the archway of the dinning room. They would be mad at first, but they will get over it. I inhaled deeply and walked through. Drake, Jameson, Dallas, Celeste, Terra, and Sebastion sat at the long oak table. The chattering had stopped. Dallas's eyes went wide as he took me in. Sebastion burst out laughing, holding his sides. Celeste smack him in the chest and he couldn't stop.
"I feel bad for the poor person who had to fight you to put that on." Sebastion wiped away tears as he calmed down. I rolled my eyes and sat beside Jameson.
"I wanted to apologize for my behavior these past few days. There is no excuse, but just no I will do better by you." They where quiet, letting it sink in.
"Is it true you can play the Piano?" I bit my lip and cast a sideways glare at Jameson. He casually ate his food, trying to hide his smile while drinking.
"I can play a little." A plate was set before me and I hungrilly dug in. It wasn't as good as Terra's but it beat eating deer three times a day.
"Oh honey you must play something." Terra beamed. It was not something I had done in so long. Would I even rememeber?
"Oh come on! You have too!" Dallas was practically in my lap. I groaned and smiled.
"Conviently enough there is a Piano right over there." Jameson replied casually as he pointed across the room. It was a nice black grand piano, placed carefully on a lifted stand. I glared at Jameson once more before standing.
"Jerk." I muttered into his ear. That earned a laugh from him. I gracefully walked over and sat down on the bench. It was almost too nostalgic. My mother appeared in my heada again. Her smile bathing me as she sat at the piano. Her fingers fast and light as they danced across the board. I smiled sadly as I placed my own fingers against the keys.
I inhaled, and as I exhaled I graced my fingers across the board. Playing my mother's favorite song by heart. At first it was light and bouncy, reminding me of my childhood. Then it grew somber, and mournful. The song was about two warriors, a male and a female, he met on the battlefield. They where from opposite sides of the war, but they had fallen in love more and more everytime they met. It wasn't until one fateful day the woman was struck down by the man's solider, that he truely understood his feelings for her. So he spent the rest of his life mourning her.
I closed my eyes, letting the notes bounce around the room. When I had finished, it was quiet. A pin could be dropped. I opened my eyes and exhaled a long breath.
"That was pretty." Sebastion commented.
"Where did you learn to play? You never dis before." Celeste commented. I didn't move, captivated by the way the piano felt under my fingers. So I casually played a soft one.
"My mother was always playing when she wasn't at the temple of Xiena. She use to sit me on her lap every afternoon amd teach me. My father was always away so that was how we bonded. One of the better qualities she passed down before her passing." I let my fingers take over, no longer in control.
"That's probably the most personal thing you have ever mention." Sebastion had walked over and sat beside me now. I smiled sadly.
"For too long I have bottled up my feelings. In the end it wasn't good for anyone. I unintentionally hurt to many people I hold dear." I hesitated mid song, tears pricking my eyes. "I hold to much resentment towards myself and it causes problems. If we are going to win this war it needs to be with a clear head. I know bw, that is what my mother and father would want of me." I smiled at Sebastion and resumed where I left off. When I finished I rose to my feet.
"If you will excuse me." I murmured. I wiped away the tears as I exited the room. A hand grabbed my arm, turning me around. Drake had stopped me, his eyes roamed over my face. .
"Come with me." He dropped my arm and walked down the hall. I did as he asked. Our footsteps sounded off the wall as he led me down mutiple hallways. It wasn't until we reached a large archway that he stopped. My eyes widened at the garden laid before me. A giant glass dome was built in a circle around it. Bushes of many varying flowers lined the dome. A large wooden gazebo sat at it center, roses growing around the wooden posts.
"It's beautiful." I whispered. Like I was being pulled by magic, my feet moved into the garden. Smells of all sorts wafted into my nose. The smell was intoxicating. It was surprisingly warm for winter too. The sun cast it's rays into the dome, making it warm. I couldn't help a small smile.
"Why did you bring me here?" I asked turning to Drake. He was leaned against the archway, watching.
"I figured you needed a change of scenery. Besides, you match it's beauty." I blushed. Getting compliments was something I was never use to.
"Are you flirting general?" I asked casually caressing a rose in my hand. It's petals where soft, like velvet. I put my nose and inhaled deeply.
"What if I am?" I chuckled softly.
"I don't know, i've never been flirted with before. A suitor never really crossed my mind." The grass crunched under his feet as he approached me.
"You've never been with a man?" I rose to meet his gaze.
"No. I was always too invested in becoming a huntress I never made the time. Even after, I was seen as family than anything else. I'm ok with that." A smile graced his lips, makimg him look more boyish than intimidating.
"There is a Gala next week. I of course am obligated to attend, but I was wondering if you would be my guest?" It was the first time I had recieved an offer, let alone by someone as handsome. I hesitated before nodding my head.
"I would love to attend. Don't worry, I dance as well as I play piano." His laughter filled the dome, making my stomach flutter. He grabbed my hand and held it to his lips.
"I unfortunately must leave you, but please feel free to visit anytime. Have a good day." With that he let my hand go. I watched him as he went. What was that all about? This was the first time anyone had found any interest in me.
This man had smiled at me too. He normally makes himself appear intimidating and scary. I wanted to know more about this general. Why was he being so nice?