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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Oct 6, 2018 12:25:04 GMT -8
"Thank you!" Despite her excitement, Rose took the sketchbook with both hands, handling it like a treasure as she placed it on her lap and opened the cover. She took her time, drinking in each image in awe before turning the page to the next drawing.
"They are so life like. I feel as if they'll jump right off the page." Rose grinned down at the drawing, running fingers beside the picture, careful not to disturb the etching. She flipped to the next page and giggled at the adorably expressive face of the next creature, hanging upside down by its tale from a tree. The mischievous grin so childlike, almost human childlike, as it clutched a hat that looked exactly like Jane's fathers'. "I've never seen such a creature. This is..." it was on the tip of her tongue. She'd read a description of something like this in one of her books. "This is a monkey?" she asked, looking up from the drawing to Jane.
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Ariel
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Post by Ariel on Oct 6, 2018 23:40:51 GMT -8
"They are so life like. I feel as if they'll jump right off the page."
Jane placed a hand over her heart in humble gratitude, "Why, thank you so much! I am honoured than another human being appreciates these magnificent creatures just as much as I! I try my best to sketch out every emotion, every detail - so that others can experience the same wonder and joy as we do in getting to know the wonders of this world!" Jane showed her pearly whites as her smile widened greatly. As she pondered upon the sketches with Rose, Jane's mind traveled back in time to when and where she had met these animals and how joyous it had been to work with each and every one. Truly, this was their life's calling!
"I've never seen such a creature. This is..." "This is a monkey?"
"This one right here, my dear Rose, is a Spider Monkey. These mischievous littles can be found in the tropics of this world...though, they are some of the most intelligent creatures I've ever met!" Jane marveled at the sketch on the page, "I've definitely witnessed the sighting of a few other different species, though our dream is to study the Gorillas," Jane exclaimed excitedly, bouncing onto her knees in front of Rose from her cross legged position, "My father says he heard of an Island not too far off of this coast with a whole pack of them! Isn't that right daddy?.....daddy?" Jane peered left and right, yet Mr. Porter was nowhere to be seen. Jane rapidly stood to her feet in sudden panic as she began to search for her father high and low, "Goodness, I do apologize. I don't know where he's gone! He usually takes these missions seriously...unless he's seen something?" Jane's eyes widened as she gasped slightly. Could Mr. Porter have found their beloved unicorns nearby?
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Oct 14, 2018 6:00:28 GMT -8
Meanwhile...
***
A man was on his way to get a job done. No, not a job. His calling. His long ago given promise to search out someone hidden among the common riff-raff.
According to an old bibber's word, once having been a guard of King Stefan's kingdom himself, that missing someone nowadays went by the name Rose. Oh, but Francis was not to fool. A blond beauty with a voice like an angel... that could be only her. King Stefan's first and only daughter - Princess Aurora. Francis had sent the whistleblower away with only a ridiculous part of the reward that would be waiting for him for bringing back the missing princess. That man anyway would spend the money for just some more drinking bouts, in the end, leading to yet another pitiful end of one from the common riff-raff. Also, Francis was in the belief that he deserved to win the princess' hand as a reward and also for being the most loyal men in the king's staff.
Despite his deepmost loyalty for the kingdom though, Francis was known for taking matters into his own hands and above all with his own methods; probably an attitude that was only tolerated because he had been the best of Stefan's men since the year one. With a satisfied smile on his lips, Francis put his hat on and left for the tavern the old man wanted to have seen the king's daughter only yesterday. Before he would try to chase her down in the vicinity around that place, he would just start right at that place. An old man's word was an old man's word, but if there really had happened a solo concert in this tavern only yesterday, Francis would be able to collect some more men's words. ***Francis, one of King Stefan's most loyal guards, enters the Old Mill Tavern***"Good morning, gentleman!", Francis made himself noticeable by walking in as self-confident and as idiosyncratic as he was, ready to press some answers out of the early morning guests. Mostly pirates, as he noticed. A bribable social stratum. Almost too easy, wasn't it? Meticulously hanging his hat and coat up at the makeshift coat stand right next to the door, Francis neared the counter with a big friendly smile on his face. The royal henchman would have to learn soon enough though that the power of having shared a song just as having shared the joy this song was standing for could be much more precious to people, to even pirates at that, than all the money in the world.... ***
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Oct 17, 2018 22:31:47 GMT -8
"This one right here, my dear Rose, is a Spider Monkey. These mischievous littles can be found in the tropics of this world...though, they are some of the most intelligent creatures I've ever met!"
'The tropics,' Rose thought, looking down at the image again. And here she'd thought herself rather worldly in her travels. Rose felt as if she'd seen so much of the world over the last few years but she'd barely scratched the surface. An easy misconception on the part of anyone who'd only ventured out into it a handful of years ago. She'd never ventured so far as to find herself in a completely different type of climate.
Rose smiled again at the mischievous look in the little creature's intelligent eyes. "I would love to see one in person some day."
"I've definitely witnessed the sighting of a few other different species, though our dream is to study the Gorillas," "My father says he heard of an Island not too far off of this coast with a whole pack of them! Isn't that right daddy?.....daddy?"
Rose almost found herself asking if she could go with them to see the Gorillas but quickly remembered why she was here. Jane's pictures and stories were definitely helping to distract Rose from her previous worries over why Phillip hadn't shown. 'Yet,' she reminded herself optimistically.
"Goodness, I do apologize. I don't know where he's gone! He usually takes these missions seriously...unless he's seen something?"
Finally pulling her gaze from the sketchbook, Rose closed it and placed it aside while she joined Jane in peering around for her father, leaning this way and that, until something caught her eye and she did a double take. Rose chuckled at the sight of him crouched and half buried in tall foliage. "I think that's him over there," she said, pointing to the Pith Helmet he favored that stood just above the height of the foliage. Rose looked at Jane and beamed excitedly. "Something definitely has his attention."
Rose got to her feet and retrieved the large tin of unicorn favored treats she'd prepared and packed in the basket, removing the lid there so as to avoid making unnecessary noise once they got closer. "Quietly, now. Slow and easy." With her giddy excitement, the reminder was just as much for herself as it was for Jane.
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Ariel
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Post by Ariel on Nov 10, 2018 8:49:45 GMT -8
"I think that's him over there," "Something definitely has his attention."
Jane exhaled with relief as the sight of her father peering over the collective vegetation of green, before perking up with more excitement than she had experienced in her whole trip. Could it be that her father's eyes had caught ahold of what they had been looking for? "Quietly, now. Slow and easy."
Jane nodded in obedience to Rose's instructions as she quietly climbed to her feet, watching Rose uncover a tin that looked like it held food of some sorts. Jane assumed it was for the unicorns and did not ask further questions as the two girls discreetly crouched their way over to the shrubbery Mr. Porter's eyes had been peeping over.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Nov 17, 2018 20:25:12 GMT -8
From Mr. Porter's perch behind the shrubbery, Rose was able to see a beautiful pure white creature drinking from the water. When it lifted its head and turned it toward them, she was able to see the horn. "It's a unicorn," she beamed at Jane. Rose watched the beautiful creature sniff at the air, knowing that she had sensed their presence. If Rose didn't act quickly, yet carefully, she would disappear back into the forest. "Could you hold this, please?" she asked in a whisper, handing the container to Mr. Porter. "I know her. I recognize her from last year," she informed. Rose took a couple slices of the brown sugared apple slices, remembering them to be her favorite. "Wait here. I'll wave you over when she's calmed."
Carefully, Rose stepped into the clearing and stood still, letting the unicorn adapt and waiting for the same recognition that Rose had had toward her. "Hello, beautiful lady," she said with a curtsy in a soothing voice. "I remember you, my friend. Do you remember me?" Humming a soothing tune, Rose took a couple steps and paused when the unicorn tossed her head. She continued, starting to sing an old, soothing song that she'd sung to her a year ago and when she calmed again, Rose continued her slow, cautious steps. She saw recognition in the unicorn's eyes and noticed the occasional head tosses seemed to be more of a prideful, pouting nature for not having bestowed her company and treats for a year.
When she was near enough, she lifted her hand with the brown sugared apple slices and the unicorn gave up the last bit of prideful head tossing to nip greedily at the sweet apple slices. Rose grinned happily, cooing and lavishing compliments, petting her neck while she chewed. "Sorry I've been away so long." Rose said, switching to petting her from forehead to nose. The unicorn gently nudged her with her head. "I missed you, too, Lady," Rose said on a happy chuckle. The unicorn started sniffing around her person, looking for more treats. "I do have more treats for you, Lady. My friends have them just right over there." Rose gestured toward the shrubbery. "Could I invite them over to introduce you?" The unicorn let out a snort and Rose took that as a grudging acceptance.
Rose turned toward the shrubbery. "Step on out but stay still," she called out gently. Once they did, Rose gauged the unicorn's reaction. She tossed her head half heartedly and hoofed the ground but it seemed to mostly be for show. "It's alright, Lady. They're my friends." Rose calmed her with more soothing pets, then waved them forward. "Slowly," she said. Rose took slow steps toward the Porters, reaching out a hand to each to show that they were friends of hers and that she trusted them. She led them over slowly and once they were near enough, she let go of Mr. Porter's hand and took another brown sugared apple from the container, turning Jane's hand over and placing the apple in her palm. "Ladies first," she said with a grin to Mr. Porter. "Come on, it's alright," she said to both the unicorn and Jane. "Give her a curtsy. They like that. Prideful creatures and rightly so," she grinned. "Now hold out your hand, fingers together, the same way you feed a horse. Talk to her and pet her neck while she eats."
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Ariel
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Post by Ariel on Dec 3, 2018 9:58:48 GMT -8
"It's a unicorn,"
Jane's expression radiated with pure joy as she turned her gaze from Rose to the beautiful creature before them in the distance, unknowingly gracing them with her presence. From afar, Jane took in the view of the magnificent scenery that was a mere accent the alluring beauty of this unicorn, replenishing her thirst by the running stream of water. A once in a lifetime moment in which Jane could only long to capture in her sketchbook.
"Could you hold this, please?" "Wait here. I'll wave you over when she's calmed."
Jane and Mr. Porter nodded in understanding, as they knew from their books of how timid these magnificent creatures could be to man. So they remained afar amongst the shrubbery as Rose carefully stepped forward and soon after proceeded to the unicorn. Jane wasted no time in flipping open her sketchbook and allowing the tip of the pencil to work it's magic on the page, capturing the beautiful moment of friendship between Rose and the unicorn. This was truly a dream come true for the Porters, Jane especially, and to even just see a pure and wondrous creature such as this one from a distance would have been fully satisfying for the humble explorers.
"Step on out but stay still,"
Jane drew in a breath of surprise before looking at her father who bore the same reaction, both smiling in agreement after a few seconds had past as they would never let an opportunity such as this one pass by. Not only did they see the unicorn, they were about to meet one. And in sync did Jane and Mr. Porter slowly but surely step from behind the shrubbery and into the clearing.
"Slowly,"
Rose came forward in their direction as Jane and Mr. Porter proceeded to move slowly with caution. Rose led them all the way up to the unicorn, retrieving a sugared apple from the container that Mr. Porter had been still holding. From the moment they stepped into the clearing up until this point Jane hadn't moved her gaze a single glace from the unicorn. And now that they were up close and personal, Jane couldn't help but fall completely under the unicorn's spell as her eyes studied it's other worldly features.
"Ladies first,"
Jane finally broke her gaze from the unicorn and looked over to Rose. Jane was normally confident when she was immersed into her life's passion, for she and Mr. Porter had been exploring and studying creatures for as long as she could remember. However, Jane fell rather star struck by the prideful beast of grace and cracked a nervous smile.
"Come on, it's alright," "Give her a curtsy. They like that. Prideful creatures and rightly so,"
Jane nodded at Rose and resumed contact with the unicorn as she slowly curtsied, her gaze still lifted and on the unicorn before her.
"Now hold out your hand, fingers together, the same way you feed a horse. Talk to her and pet her neck while she eats."
Jane looked down at the sugared apple that sat in the palm of her opened hand as she moved slowly towards the unicorn. She marveled at the unicorn as it's nose cautiously approached the apple sitting in her hands to give it a couple of sniffs before proceeding to nibble. "Hello pretty lady," Jane felt a bit more ease at the unicorn's approval. Lifting her hand, Jane allowed her fingertips to gently stroke the unicorn's neck as she continuously nibbled on the delicious fruit, "My name's Jane. My father and I have traveled from far and wide to meet you, and might I say it's been the best day of my life." Jane peered from her petting hand on the unicorn's neck back to the snout that tickled her now empty hand. Grinning from ear to ear, Jane had spoken the honest truth. It truly had been the best day of her life, all thanks to Rose.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Dec 22, 2018 11:13:23 GMT -8
"Hello pretty lady," "My name's Jane. My father and I have traveled from far and wide to meet you, and might I say it's been the best day of my life."
Rose watched the gentle, loving way Jane treated the animal and how the animal took to her new friend. She smiled fondly at the picture, a feeling of warmth in her heart at the sight of someone fully appreciating this bonding with a magnificent creature the same way she did. This unicorn had been a part of Rose's best day of her life as well. A year ago, here in the forest with Phillip. It was a bittersweet moment to see the lovely creature again while awaiting Phillip's delayed return.
"She's magnificent, isn't she?" Rose said to Jane and Mr. Porter, still in awe despite the fact she'd had the pleasure of living with a unicorn for quite some time. Rose stepped away, relinquishing her spot on the other side of the unicorn so that Mr. Porter could step in. She took the canister of treats from his hand. "Go ahead and offer her the treats," Rose encouraged. "They like the types of foods as their distant relatives; the horse. Only they prefer things a bit sweeter, just as they are," she grinned. Rose pointed out the treats, explaining what they are. "Sugared apples and caramelized carrots."
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Ariel
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Post by Ariel on Dec 23, 2018 12:36:03 GMT -8
"She's magnificent, isn't she?"
"My, she's is more astonishing that I could have ever imagined!" Jane exclaimed with excitement, yet remained collective and graceful around the unicorn as to not spook her with sudden tones and movements. Jane still kept her adoring attention upon the unicorn as she slowly lowered her now empty hand before turning to her father as Rose spoke.
"Go ahead and offer her the treats," "They like the types of foods as their distant relatives; the horse. Only they prefer things a bit sweeter, just as they are," "Sugared apples and caramelized carrots."
Jane also took a step back as to not crowd the wonderous creature, allowing her father to indulge in the same magical experience as she just had. As Mr. Porter had the time of his life conversing with the creature that ate out of the palm of his hand, Jane immediately went to her sketchbook and began to map out the intricate details of the beautiful beast that would only be noticeable up close to the naked eye. "These sketches will allow others from all kingdoms near and far to enjoy her magnificent beauty, just as we have done today." Jane showed Rose as she flipped through the few sketches she was able to conjure up within their short visit, her fingers coming to the sketch of Rose and the unicorn together.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jan 25, 2019 22:42:25 GMT -8
Rose stood beside Jane, watching Mr. Porter fawn over the unicorn. She felt giddy joy rise to a rare height that was only ever felt when in the company of others who shared a level of passion for something that matched your own. If not for the skittish unicorn, she may very well have grabbed onto Jane's hands and twirled the both of them in a circle of giggles.
"These sketches will allow others from all kingdoms near and far to enjoy her magnificent beauty, just as we have done today."
"Oh, that would be lovely," she said, eyes on the sketches as Jane flipped the page. "You have truly captured her magnificence. So lifelike," Rose said in quiet awe. "If people saw these, I'm sure it would help ground the reality of what is being sacrificed for selfish gain." That was the problem, Rose was convinced. Most hadn't seen a unicorn. It was easy to ignore the sacrifice of something you've never seen or known to get your hands on such a small amount of magic. If the market for it came to a stop, the poachers would leave them be.
When next Jane turned the page, a quiet "Ohhh," escaped Rose. Touched, her fingertips went to her lips as she sidled up shoulder to shoulder with Jane to get a better look at the portrait of herself and the unicorn. She lowered her hand, reverently placing it on the page, careful not to disturb the image. "Might I have a reproduction of this one for my own?"
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Ariel
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Post by Ariel on Feb 3, 2019 12:25:25 GMT -8
"Ohhh," "Might I have a reproduction of this one for my own?"
Jane beamed with excitement as Rose marveled in awe over the moment captured between a girl and a beautiful friend. "Oh, Rose! This one is for you!" Jane expressed in a surprised yet gleeful tone as her fingers moved to gently remove the portrait from the book, "Please accept it, as a gift of thanks for what you've done here today. Because of you, all who see these sketches and hear our stories will hopefully be more kind to these sacred beauties." Jane held the sketch out for Rose to receive it, for no memory as great as this one could ever be duplicated in any way.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Feb 10, 2019 1:25:23 GMT -8
"Oh, Rose! This one is for you!" "Please accept it, as a gift of thanks for what you've done here today.
"Truly?" she said with quiet joy. Rose admired the sketch once again then carefully hugged it to herself as if it were a priceless treasure.
Because of you, all who see these sketches and hear our stories will hopefully be more kind to these sacred beauties."
The sketch and now this campaign for the unicorns that held more promise than she'd ever imagined, Rose couldn't imagine a better gift. "Oh, Jane," she said, overcome with joy. She took her new friend into an embrace then pulled away, a hand still on her friends arm while the other carefully held the sketch. "I know we've only just met, but when it comes time for us to part company, it will indeed be a very sad time for me. I will think of you every time I look upon this portrait or am in the company of a unicorn. Know that you'll always be in my heart."
Jane, her father, and Rose spent at much time with the unicorn as she allowed them. As the sun began its decent and with the treats all gone, the unicorn tossed her head and began to step away. "Goodnight, lady," she said, dipping into a curtsey with Jane and her father following suit. Once the unicorn disappeared from view, the three of them headed back to their respective places of rest, Jane and her father to their boat and Rose to the Tavern.
The brilliant colors of the setting sun played off the Tavern ahead, reflecting in its windows and increasing Rose's good mood all the more. She was nearly vibrating with joy as she reached for the handle. The one thing that could turn this day into what she thought would be the best day in documented history would be if Phillip awaited her inside.
Rose pulled the door open, the light and colors of the setting sun providing a brilliant backdrop to her silhouette entering the doorway. Her face was still alight with the smile that hadn't left her for nigh on an hour now. She didn't readily see Phillip but spotted Ida wiping down the tables, the place much less rowdy and crowded than when she'd left it. The pirates must have departed sometime during her outing.
"Ida," she said, hurrying to the older woman's side, the sketch clutched protectively to her chest with one arm. Finding Ida out here was unusual but with the mess left behind by the rowdy pirates and Rose not having been there to take care of it, she didn't think overly much about it. "I had the most wonderful day. Tell me, has he arrived?"
Ida didn't pause in her wiping nor did she look away from it, trying her best to remain calm and inconspicuous. "You need to go," she said quietly.
Rose was taken aback by this sudden, unexpected turn in Ida's demeanor. Her expression turned crestfallen. "I--I'm sorry. I know I was away longer than expected, but I promise to work twice as hard tomorrow from sun up to sun down."
Ida's head fell forward and she shook it in despair. The girl was too sweet and innocent to grasp the hidden attempt to warn her that she needed to quietly and inconspicuously continue moving to anywhere that took her out of sight of the main room. In the short time it took Ida to stand up from her task, she looked beyond Rose's shoulder to see that it was too late. Most likely the only warning she'd been able to give had been too late even if Rose had grasped it as such. The way she drew the eye, she'd probably been spotted the moment she'd stepped through the door.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Mar 9, 2019 5:36:53 GMT -8
Francis was a man of patience, always had been, and so he didn't allow the ticking time to discourage him. Instead, he used the time to examine the surroundings and especially the staff. The fact that the waitress was sending a nervous glance his way every now and then was just adding to his confidence of success. Princess Aurora had been here. And she would come back. As long as it might take, he had all the time in the world. The satisfied smile didn't vanish from his face, not even for a second of his stay. Whenever his cup of tea was empty, he was ordering another. Something he would be able to do for a week if he had to.
And eventually, the time came that a girl; no, not a girl... a beautiful young woman; was entering the tavern. Francis didn't allow his inner joy to widen his smile, but he couldn't help reminiscing in sweet memories of a woman that looked exactly like her. Queen Leah. The last time Francis had seen her daughter, she was just a baby. And now she was the spitting image of her mother who had died way too young and of a broken heart.
And yet again wasn't the waitress' nervousness, while talking to the new arrival, slipping Francis' attention. By then, it wouldn't have made any difference anyway. He would have recognized the beauty's face amongst thousands.
"A wonderful day indeed, isn't it?", Francis suddenly spoke directly to the blonde girl, after he had made his way towards them in an almost cat-like volume. And by now, the smile on his face had grown to joy and false friendliness. [/div]
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Mar 23, 2019 13:13:46 GMT -8
It was not in Ida's character to be so cold and dismissive. Too late, Rose was beginning to realize something was amiss and when she saw the wide-eyed look overcome Ida's face as she looked past her, Rose knew there was trouble.
"A wonderful day indeed, isn't it?"
With a startled jolt, Rose schooled her features from the wide-eyed one that had matched Ida's to a warm, friendly smile as she turned to face trouble. She took in the older, well dressed gentleman, noting the knight's crest, of Stefan's kingdom, a symbol of high standing, tastefully embroidered on his tunic. "My apologize, Sir. You startled me," she said with a nervous laugh to excuse her jolt. "It is, indeed, a wonderful day. I fear I'd lost track of time taking advantage of it. If you'll pardon me, I've fallen quite behind on my chores." With a quickly executed curtsy, Rose stepped to the side to walk around him.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Mar 29, 2019 14:55:52 GMT -8
"My apologize, Sir. You startled me,"
Francis' composure and confidence didn't vanish from his features nor did his smile; if anything, then it was widening even. And as friendly and charming as it looked, as dangerous was it. A fact that people who had heard of the reputation of King Stefan's right-hand knight must have been pretty much aware of.
"It is, indeed, a wonderful day. I fear I'd lost track of time taking advantage of it. If you'll pardon me, I've fallen quite behind on my chores."
"No, pardon me, mademoiselle.", Francis suddenly withheld her from walking around him by getting a grip on her arm; not ungently but dispositive for sure. "It was not my intention to startle you. If you allow me, I'd like to invite you to a cup of tea or to what else it is that is more appealing to you. Just adequate compensation from my side."
It was only then that Francis' eyes were slowly wandering towards Ida, still a friendly smile on his lips and still a dangerous warning inherent. "I mean, only if this lady here can make you available for a little while longer of course."
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Mar 31, 2019 1:23:37 GMT -8
It had been too much to expect to simply walk out of this situation. She hadn't expected to so she wasn't surprised to be stopped. However, she was surprised at his forward action of physically placing a hand on her whilst delivering his verbal request for her to stay. His request may have given the conotation that he was giving her a choice but the physical action dashed any notion that turning him down was an option.
Ida worked up a smile, trying to play off her odd behavior as fluster over having someone of high rank gracing her tavern. A rank that stopped her from weilding a rolling pin and chasing him out of the tavern for daring to place a hand on the dear girl. "But of course, Sir. We can spare our Rose from her duties awhile longer." Ida was baffled over what the sweet girl could have possibly done to garner the interest of a knight from King Stefan's kingdom. It wasn't her beauty or sweet nature that had gained the man's attention, for the man had been inquiring about a person of her description before she'd returned.
Rose turned toward Ida, flashing a calm gaze to put the woman at ease, conveying that she now understood exactly what was going on and that she would be okay, despite the fact Rose was panicking on the inside, holding back her desire to run. She knew she wouldn't get far. The only potential way out was to play it smart and that meant remaining calm and playing the long game.
"Who am I to turn down the honor of tea with a knight?" she asked, giving the man a warm, sweet smile. "Just tea would be fine, Ida. Thank you," she said with a quick look over her shoulder again. Ida nodded and bustled to the kitchen. "Shall we have a seat?" she asked, gently and casually stepping out of his grasp to settle herself at the table beside them. Rose waited for him to settle into a seat. "What may I call you, Sir Knight?" she asked politely.
Rose had a pretty good guess as to who it was she was speaking to. She'd heard of her father's right-hand man, a man who had so pleased her father with his service in the guard that he'd earned himself a knighthood. The fact that this man had come on his own when all other attempts to find her had been made up of a group of guards spoke volumes of his ability to get a job done. They'd gotten close on her heals on a couple of occasions but none of the hunting parties had ever managed to come face to face with her, let alone physically gotten their clutches on her.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Apr 21, 2019 15:17:46 GMT -8
"But of course, Sir. We can spare our Rose from her duties awhile longer."
"Magnifique!", Francis stated with a wide smile in Ida's direction. "Or how you say it here in these parts: just fabulous!" With his smile widening, the danger inherent seemed to increase as well. One had to be a really fatuous person to not sense that.
"Who am I to turn down the honor of tea with a knight?" For a moment the dangerous smile mixed up with one of actual sincerity. It just was like looking into her mother's face, with exactly the same smile on it. "Just tea would be fine, Ida. Thank you," Once the girl turned back to him, it was the false smile only that remained on his own features. He couldn't afford to wax sentimental now.
"Shall we have a seat?", Aurora suddenly asked as she stepped out of his grasp that immediately softened into a gentle invitation to help her taking a seat which rather came off as a needless gesture for she already had settled herself in. And so Francis sat down in the chair right opposite her. "What may I call you, Sir Knight?"
"Oh, no formalities, please.", he replied with a wave of his hand, still a smile on his face. "Francis is just fine. Oh, and do you mind if I light up my pipe here?" This question was directed at actually both, Aurora and Ida who just came back with the tea. Francis was pretty sure that neither of them would deny but asking anyway was part of his natural etiquette. Also, he was quite a fan of prolonging affairs like this for the mere reason of enjoying every part of it to the fullest. And for this affair he had been waiting long enough so that it almost would be a crime to rush it.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on May 4, 2019 11:48:42 GMT -8
"By all means, please feel free to," Ida said, keeping her tone friendly and businesslike as she placed the tray of tea items on the table between them, then quietly bowed out of the scene, knowing that the best course of action was to remain calm and proceed as normal as she bustled about duties on the tavern floor.
"Thank you, Ida," Rose said to Ida's retreating form. The only thing Rose saw as unusual was that usually Ida remained in the kitchens but their guest didn't necessarily know that. Even if he somehow did, with their guest insisting on Rose's company, someone had to do Rose's job of maintaining the guest area.
"Well then, it is good to meet you, Francis." Rose placed a teacup in front of each of them then began to pour tea, first for the guest. "I always enjoy making new friends," she said sincerely, looking up to smile kindly before setting her eyes to her own cup as she filled it. "My name is Rose. Cream? Sugar?" she asked, gesturing to the items while looking at him expectantly.
Rose concentrated on imagining this was just another simple scenario of someone passing through the tavern and tried to ignore what she knew of his background and the reason for his being here. It kept her eased to normalcy and made it much easier for her to ignore what she'd learned of her own background and pretend to be only a humble peasant girl, which she truly was at heart. She knew nothing of what it was like to be royalty and there had never been anything to suggest that she knew the truth of her birth. Well, there had been the posters, which she could claim to never have seen, and a couple circumstances of being chased, which she could also readily explain away. Maleficent hadn't agreed to let Rose set out on her own again until she'd made sure Rose could at least tell white lies without her innocent features completely giving her away.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on May 4, 2019 12:45:33 GMT -8
"By all means, please feel free to,""Thank you, madam. You are too generous.", Francis said as he lit up the pipe that had been in his hand already by the time he had asked for approval. Francis took the time to take at least two whiffs before he would draw his full attention back to the young lady opposite him; enough to keep his conversational partner on tenterhooks but not too much to appear discourteous. "Well then, it is good to meet you, Francis." Francis' features grew into a false smile once again; not exactly false though as the nature of his smile might be self-serving but sincere as for the joy this meant indeed. "I always enjoy making new friends,""So do I", he replied with his smile even growing to an almost childish joy for a moment. Oh, he loved his job; maybe a little too much, but then again, who could blame a man being passionate about his inner calling? Shouldn't it be like this just naturally? "My name is Rose. Cream? Sugar?""Oh yes, both please.", Francis replied to her question about his preferences first, just as he was waiting for her to add these ingredients to his cup of tea, before reacting to the publication of her name. A false name at that, but he hadn't expected otherwise of course.
"Rose.", he finally spoke up again, starting with a slowly spoken repetition of the name she had given to him. "Well, that is the most beautiful name I've ever heard. Given by a loving mother, if I had to guess." The pipe in his hand was lifting up to his lips for a third time while he watched her reaction with intense.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on May 5, 2019 14:24:40 GMT -8
As she added cream and sugar to his tea, he repeated her name in a way that sent a shiver down her spine. Rose maintained her smile despite the uncomfortable feeling and while he referred to a 'loving mother'. He was fishing for information because she knew in her bones that he knew who she was. Still, she maintained the façade that she had no idea she was anything but Rose, the humble peasant girl.
"Yes, very lovely, indeed," Rose confirmed in the present tense. She added cream and sugar to her own tea as she continued. "I've been missing my parents terribly during my travels." It was an easy white lie to tell because, in truth, the three women who she'd grown up to believe were her aunts had served as parents. And as the sting of deceit had faded with time which allowed understanding to take its place, she'd also found herself missing them. After learning the whole truth from Maleficent, she'd come to realize that they'd been protecting her. She saw now that they'd raised her as their own and realized that despite the strict boundaries, she'd grown up in a home full of love and affection. With all this on her mind, the wistful expression of affection on her features was very real. "I'm very much looking forward to returning home for a visit with them."
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Jun 4, 2019 11:26:42 GMT -8
"Yes, very lovely, indeed,""I've been missing my parents terribly during my travels."
Francis noticed the little pause before she continued speaking. She was lying. Well, of course she was, for he knew exactly who this young woman really was; but even if he hadn't, he probably would have been able to tell that she was lying. Francis was like a human polygraph, one of many abilities that he had brought to perfection in all his years of tracking and hunting people down in the King's name. And also from an earlier life elsewhere...
"I'm very much looking forward to returning home for a visit with them."
"Oh, so do they! I assume.", Francis chimed in with a charming smile, tactfully blowing the smoke of his cigar to the side before he continued speaking. "They must have been worried sick. Maybe even so much that they sent someone to look after their dear child. Well, who could blame them for it if they did, right?" The smile on his face grew once again wider, almost ended in a toneless chuckle, as he leaned back into his seat, crossing his legs with ostentation.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jun 8, 2019 20:15:36 GMT -8
The knight seemed to have quite made up his mind that she knew the truth of her identity. He didn't seem to even be considering the fact she might not know. Still, Rose held fast, ready to continue her own version that she held steadfast.
She was saved from attempting another round of playing the role of naïve peasant girl when the doors swung open, letting in a boisterous crew. A ship must have just made dock, its crew looking for reprieve from endless views of water and meager varieties of meals and drink.
"Oh goodness. A new crew fresh from an ocean voyage. Ida will be needing me," she said, eyes still on the door watching the wave of pirates fill the room. It would be a good excuse to try to leave his company to sneak out the kitchen door, but Rose had a feeling it wouldn't work.
However, it appeared fortune was on her side. "Miss Rose! Miss Rose! That's her, the one I told ye about," she heard as one of the men broke through the crowd to rush to their table. "Miss Rose," the man said, hastily removing his hat and giving her a slight bow. He bowed in kind for her company. "Sir," he added politely, respecting Rose's company out of respect for Rose. "A year passed and yer still here. I'm glad for it. Archie," he said, patting his chest.
Rose chuckled both in delight of his enthusiasm and at the nerves that still coursed through her due to the man sitting across from her. Her pirate acquaintance had just revealed that she'd been here a year ago but Rose didn't dare look to Francis to see his reaction. She was trying to use this time to distract herself from her nerves and so she concentrated on the pirate. "I remember you, Archie," she said with a bright smile. "You've found yourself a new crew to sail with?" she asked, all the other faces unfamiliar.
The older pirate beamed a smile at her recognition. "Aye, miss," he said, nodding vigorously. "I've been singin' yer praises--if you'll pardon the pun--tellin' me new mates 'bout an angel with the voice of a siren. Would ye honor us with a song?"
Rose blushed prettily at the compliment. "I would love to, if my present company does not mind?" she asked, finally turning to look at Francis.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Jul 3, 2019 5:32:54 GMT -8
Still casually leaned against the back of his chair, Francis kept watching her with intense. In silence, he wondered when she would take off her mask, for it was out of question to him that she was playing a role.
For some more moments, silence was laying between them, feeling awkward for one while feeling kind of pleasant for the other, when suddenly the doors of the tavern swung open, letting in a whole crew of riff-raff. Francis' head might not even have turned into their direction if he wasn't following each of Princess Aurora's actions.
"Oh goodness. A new crew fresh from an ocean voyage. Ida will be needing me,"
No. That was not going to happen. Francis wouldn't just release her back to work so easily; to a work that didn't fit for a princess, at that. That look of triumph was vanishing from his features at once while the princess' eyes were still on the door.
"Miss Rose! Miss Rose! That's her, the one I told ye about," And then one of them even dared to break into their conversation. Francis could have beheaded the man for this if he wanted. Yet he didn't. Instead, he remained quiet, watching him with an intensity that was not to interpret, as another wave of exhaled smoke left his lips. "Miss Rose,""Sir," Francis answered the man's bow with no more than an almost unnoticeable nod. "A year passed and yer still here. I'm glad for it. Archie,"
For a little moment, his eyes were wandering back at Princess Aurora, still saying nothing.
"I remember you, Archie,""You've found yourself a new crew to sail with?"
"Aye, miss,""I've been singin' yer praises--if you'll pardon the pun--tellin' me new mates 'bout an angel with the voice of a siren. Would ye honor us with a song?" Francis couldn't help but inwardly sniff at the man's language; at the company that didn't quite fit for a princess same as this whole place.
"I would love to, if my present company does not mind?"
The moment princess Aurora's eyes turned back at him, the friendly smile came back to his features all of a sudden. "Oh, please do. I would love to hear that.", he said as he stubbed out the butt of his cigar in the ashtray next to them.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jul 7, 2019 17:55:48 GMT -8
Rose felt relief wash over her at Francis' blessing. Not only would she get a reprieve from the discomfort of the anxiety ridden one-on-one exchange, but perhaps an opportunity to try for an escape. "Thank you, Sir--Francis," she corrected. With an appreciative smile, she got to her feet and walked with Archie to her usual spot toward the front of the tavern.
She concentrated on the joy that singing brought her and soon, her tension eased and she relaxed, looking forward to letting out the emotional whirlwind of the day through song. "Do you have any requests?" she asked Archie as they neared the spot.
"Do ye know the ballad of Davy Jones and Calypso?" Archie asked.
Rose smiled. "I do. It's a beautiful, haunting melody and I haven't sung it in far too long. I've heard rumors that the two both possess a locket that plays the tune."
"Aye, that is the rumor, though I wouldn't wish to learn if it were true or not." Rose understood what he meant. The only way to learn if it was true was to find yourself on the Flying Dutchman and that wasn't a ship anyone wished to come across.
"Do you or one of your crew play?" Rose asked, gesturing to the old piano that was slightly off key. "It's not an organ as is rumored to be played by Davy Jones, but it would add so much more to the song."
Archie nodded vigorously. "I do, Miss."
He took a seat at piano, looking rather proud to be a part of the show. Rose chuckled, momentarily forgetting her troubles whilst finding herself in her element. The crew were rowdy as they crowded the bar to get their rums or ales, many with pint already in hand. Rose lifted the hem of her skirts to step onto the bench seat, one of Archie's crew quick to step in and offer his hand to help her to the tabletop. Seeing her reach her post, Archie turned and began to play. Archie cycled through the opening cords a couple times while attentions were drawn and the crowds quieted. They gathered around the table and looked up, unable to stop from grinning over the sweet nature that poured from the beautiful lady casting a friendly smile down at the group.
Crowd watching in quiet expectation, Rose closed her eyes and absorbed the tune, imaging the feelings and emotions of the subjects of the song while she waited for Archie's tune to come back around to the first cord. Her eyes opened as the moment arrived and in she began to sing. Quiet and haunting, full of emotion.
Cruel and cold like winds on the sea will you ever return to me hear my voice sing with tide my love will never die
over waves and deep in the blue I will give up my heart for you ten long years I'll wait to go by My love never die
Her voice faded off with the last word. It was a break in the melody where the music sped up from slow and haunting to loud and intense. Archie appeared to have found the same deep connection to the song as he played it with the proper amount of emotion flowing through his fingers and into the keys. The old piano put out the tune loud and strong with the strength Archie put into the pressure on the keys to convey that emotional intensity.
Rose did intervals of double claps along with double stomps, stopping when the men picked it up and began double pounding their mugs on tables to the beat, adding the proper bass to the intensity. After Archie's solo cords, it was time for her to come in again, this time, her voice powerful and just as emotionally intense as the piano.
Come my love be one with the sea rule with me for eternity drown all dreams so mercilessly and leave their souls to me
play the song you sang long ago and wherever the storm may blow you will find the key to my heart we'll never be apart
wild and strong you can't be contained never bound nor ever chained wounds you caused will never mend and you will never end
Another couple cords of a solo for Archie and the intensity tapered off again. The pounding of the mugs came to a stop, the piano tune flowing back to slow and haunting. Rose's voice returned to the quiet, slow haunting tone.
Cruel and cold like winds on the sea will you ever return to me hear my voice sing with tide our love will never die
Rose's voice carried the last note to the end of the cord and faded out with the piano. The crowd cheered and raised their mugs. Rose held out her skirts and curtsied, beaming and blushing at the praise. She gestured toward Archie at the piano and clapped, the crowd also applauding his magnificent work on the old instrument. Some began shouting for another song. Rose smiled and scanned the crowd, catching a glimpse of Sir Francis who'd placed himself at the end of the table between herself and the tavern door. That worked perfectly for it put a whole crowd between him and the other exit she knew of.
"Alright, alright," she said, laughing at their enthusiasm. "One more, and I'll need your help on this one." Rose picked a song that always roused boisterous participation. Only a few words into A Pirates Life For Me' and the crowd was singing along with gusto. Rose walked up the table toward Francis and the door, swaying her arms as if conducting the crowd, then turned and worked her way down the other side of the table.
As soon as she reached the opposite end, with her back to Francis, she discreetly gestured down and a couple of the men reached up and helped her to the ground. She took a few normal steps, still clapping and singing as the men parted to let her pass then closed back together. When she felt she had enough of the crowd to block her from clear view, she rushed for the kitchen.
Men moved aside, not taking much note in their enthusiasm. As soon as she cleared the last of the crowd, she went at a dead run and disappeared through the kitchen door.
Ida whipped around in wide-eyed surprise. "Goodness, Rose, what's wrong?"
Rose only slowed enough to throw a quick excuse over her shoulder, sounding panicked. "I can't explain. I have to go. Tell Phillip that I am sorry," she said, her voice choking on the tears that threatened over knowing she'd never see him again.
Rose was out the back door and at a run through the trees that led to the docks.
This is the song Rose is singing. Listen along and imagine it with her singing voice that matches more to the animated version.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Jul 26, 2019 13:55:35 GMT -8
Of course, Francis had heard a lot about the angel-like voice of Princess Aurora, yet all stories were nothing compared to what he was hearing in this very moment. The feelings and emotions with which she sang the song, sent his rigid features into rapture at once, just as the song itself sent the old knight back into a time where he had been just a boy, full of hopes and dreams.
The boy, entranced with yet another story told by his mother, was listening in awe. He imbibed every word, every tune that breathed life into stories from far away lands nobody had seen, yet for him once had been beyond dispute to exist. The story of Davy Jones and Calypso had always been one of his favorites. That was until all hopes and dreams had left the boy and instead occurrences had formed a man who did trust in nothing but his own hard work.
And yet, with this really old ballad ringing out in this tavern around him, this almost forgotten part, or rather painstakingly suppressed part of his past, caught up on him for the while of listening. With the song taking on a more powerful intensity though, Francis got shaken awake and sent back into his place. An obnoxious place that didn't quite fit for both of them, just the princess didn't know yet what fit for her. He would bring her home. He had made a promise. And he was no man of breaking promises, especially not one that he had given to Leah. Francis' first and only love.
A slight smile lay on his lips as the princess' voice returned to the quiet, slow haunting tone, this time without sending him anywhere but to the here and now, where he had to do a job. Once she had carried the last note to the end of the cord, Francis joined in the applause, although in his own subtle way. When the crowd began to shout for another song, the knight's task came to the fore again though. They had asked for one song and one song it shall be.
His features hardened as he realized that his voice couldn't make it through all the cheering around, just as he had to realize that meanwhile, a whole crowd had gotten between the princess and him, about to completely block her from his view, as if calculated. Francis grew with sudden anger. Of course, it was calculated. This had been a trick, and he had fallen for it.
Francis was quick on his feet, almost pulling over the chair behind him, as he uncompromisingly tried to fight his way through the crowd to follow the princess' path of escape. He couldn't spot her anywhere around yet was sure that this Ida person would do anything to help her for he was in the belief that the tavern's owner had been providing a hideout for the princess with knowing the truth. And so he headed for the kitchen door, silently swearing to have seen the tail of her dress disappearing through.
"Where has she gone?", Francis pressed for information, no longer playing the charming knight, when suddenly Ida cut him off.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Aug 4, 2019 10:11:47 GMT -8
On shaky legs, Ida had boldly stepped into the knight's path. She couldn't fathom Rose having done anything remotely illegal, let alone something that would send King Stefan's knight to hunt her down.
There was no hostility in Ida's composure or voice. Only pleading. "Whatever that sweet girl is accused of, it must be a mistake."
What the knight said next had her mouth falling open in complete stunned silence. She quickly stepped aside to clear his path, pointing a shaky finger toward the kitchen door that led to the outside. Standing between a commoner and a knight outside of his jurisdiction was foolish enough with the thought she'd have her own king and his say over events occurring on his lands to back up her reasoning and actions, but what was just revealed completely made her own king's involvement moot. The knight was out of his jurisdiction because the girl she was trying to protect was out of hers. Rose, that sweet, young girl, so happy and carefree living as a commoner was the long lost daughter of King Stefan. Ida paled. Dear God. She'd put a princess to work at their tavern. King Stefan may have had her and her husband's heads had they been on his lands. She thanked the gods they weren't and prayed for the poor daughter of the mad king.
*~*~*~*
Rose ran as fast as her legs would take her, cursing the skirts of her dress that hindered her speed. She had opted to stay out of sight by sticking to the denser forest near the main path, unable to hold her skirts out of the way because she needed her arms to swipe branches and foliage that came into her path. One such obstacle snapped back and scraped her cheek, causing her to flinch but she ignored the sting and kept pushing forward.
The faint sound of the ocean nearing up ahead flooded her with relief but a second later it was squashed with the sound of someone closing in. Rose didn't dare risk a precious second by glancing behind her, not that it would have mattered. She'd taken a big risk coming back here and this time, she would pay the price.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Aug 24, 2019 14:31:01 GMT -8
***
Francis ran as fast as his legs carried him, never before having been so close to getting the princess. He finally had to honor this long-lasting promise he once had given to Queen Leah. As a matter of fact, that was almost more important to him than this one purpose with which everything had been starting out decades ago. His plan to ascend the throne as the legal heir.
And then, eventually, the tail of a dress was coming nearer into his view as Aurora had to find herself deadlocked by the port, ending in the surrounding stretch of water.
"I knew that you're aware of who you are, right when I saw you, princess Aurora.", Francis called out to her in a gasp, still some meters away from where she stood.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Aug 24, 2019 15:31:49 GMT -8
Rose approached the docks and was disheartened to find it abandoned but for the pirate ship whose entire crew was back at the tavern. Jane and her father was no longer docked. Rose frantically looked out to shore and saw a small boat a distance away. She squinted and saw its name, Voyager, painted on its side. That was them!
"Jane! Mr. Porter!" she called out, waving her arms in the air, but they were just far enough that she wasn't sure they'd heard her. She eyed the pirate ship for any signs of life but there were none. Every one of them had gone to fill their cups at the tavern.
"I knew that you're aware of who you are, right when I saw you, princess Aurora."
Fresh panic hit her when his voice reached her ears. So close. She was trapped. She turned, glaring. "That is not my name," she said defiantly, not denying that she was the missing princess, but denying the name and title that came with it. "I am Rose, a common girl with a common life. It's the only name and life that I recognize as my own. I want nothing to do with the name nor the title that I've only recently learned of."
Rose faintly heard her name. She whipped back around to see Jane waving and calling from her boat in the distance. It looked as if the boat was turning back toward shore. "Jane!" she shouted back. The wheels in her mind started to turn with an idea. She glanced back, which was a mistake for she was sure the idea brewing showed on her face, then gathered her skirts and started to run for the pier, planning to make a swim for it.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Sept 14, 2019 20:41:41 GMT -8
Usually, Francis was almost enraptured by the moment of having caught someone. Well, he would be lying if he said he wasn't at least a little bit, but with Leah's daughter, it was something different. There was a lot more about this than just triumphant feelings. Not only would the fact that he will be the one bringing her back home getting greatly rewarded in the form of maybe whatever he wanted, but also was the mere look into the princess' eyes bringing back memories that were worth every effort he had put into this.
"That is not my name,"
"You're still denying it?", Francis called out to her in a tone that mixed up annoyance with amusement.
"I am Rose, a common girl with a common life. It's the only name and life that I recognize as my own. I want nothing to do with the name nor the title that I've only recently learned of."
His features hardened once again when he saw her glancing back at him like she was once again checking her chances for an escape plan. "Oh no, princess Aurora. Not this time. I'm no man to be fooled twice.", Francis whispered rather to himself as he followed the princess' line of gaze with narrowed eyes. He certainly won't allow her to reach that boat.
It was in the last nick of time before the princess would have reached the end of the pier that Francis got a grip on her arm. Well, even if she had jumped into the water, the boat wouldn't have made it back fast enough.
"My princess... It is certainly not my intention to cause any suffering to you.", he said to her in a calmer way, yet with his grip not unloosing. "But I made a promise to bring you home. And I'm a man who keeps his promises."
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Sept 28, 2019 18:42:49 GMT -8
The sound of her racing heart roared in her ears as she ran, drowning out the sound of the pursuing footsteps. Rose was taken by surprise when her momentum came to a complete stop just as one foot hovered over the water. The sudden jolting stop had her stumble but she quickly found her footing. Her eyes went to the vice around her arm.
"My princess... It is certainly not my intention to cause any suffering to you." "But I made a promise to bring you home. And I'm a man who keeps his promises."
'My princess.' She did not think she'd ever get used to the life she'd been born into. At least he hadn't called her by that other name. Rose could faintly hear the name she recognized as hers still being shouted by the Porters still far from reaching her but she did not call back to them. Her attention fixated on the man still gripping her arm.
As her arm began to tingle from the hinderance of proper blood flow, an emotion rarely experienced by Rose overtook her. With anger, she raised her glare from her arm to his face. "Home?" she shot back. "Home is a small cottage in a quiet village far from here where I spent my whole life protectively tucked away. Despite it being a caring and loving environment, I still felt as if I were locked up." Some of the hurt and bitterness showed through the anger. "I did not get away only to be put into another prison."
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