there is an integrity in polite kingliness ( summertime kindness) every gesture of respect returned with subtle & intricate retorts; from her smile which abandoned polite for lackadaisical to a faint coloring of supple cheeks ( as fluidly as the rose bloomed red in spring, docile ) & so did the south effectively concede to the NORTH; as quietly as western hills cradled the diminishing sun & lambs fell prey to lions. grasping hands obedient in their return to a gilded lap where they would simply latch upon the other. pale palms finding comfort in the sake of skin& warmth.
❝ not even a troll, much to my dismay. ❞
the unslaked teeth of the adventurous baited him with wanderlust & jest. ( her appetite that of the chained bird; the tethered WOLF) for while she abhorred the thought of men wounded at her behest or otherwise —— she could not deny that she longed to sate gaped wounds which plaguing curiosity & burdensome fairytales had cursed upon her.
Ah, to be young and so full of life. Bard returned her grin with great ease, offering her his arm; he had come out into the courtyard to greet the princess and her entourage, eager to welcome her into Dale and his home. She reminded him of his two roses of daughters, in many ways. Sweet and seemingly innocent, but with an underlying sharpness and lust for adventure that would put grown men to shame.
“I trust your parents are well?” he inquired politely as they entered the palace. The hallways and many rooms had been decorated with wildflowers distinct to the region to celebrate the occasion of the princess’ visit. Spring had only recently begun to bring the promise of early summer, and Bard had promised the High King - Eirien’s honorable father, if not father to them all – that he would look after his daughter as though she were his own.
“We are honored and filled with joy that you have chosen to spend your summer with us this year, Princess,” he continued quietly. “The people of Dale have been speaking of nothing else for weeks. There will be festival in your honor by week’s end, and a feast to celebrate your safe arrival tomorrow eve. If it suits you?”
