From Present to Past

@ katahdin
As the words left the historians lips, Aelia couldn't quite wrap her mind around them. Her, seeing a goddess? A goddess of resurrection no less, but, why her? What was so important about Aelia, that she had to be resurrected? In the past as well! It didn't quite make sense to the young girl. She was completely confused.

"There, there has to be a mistake or something," Aelia said quietly, her blue gaze looked towards the Prince and the doctor. "No, Princess. There is no mistake." The doctor said, offering a small smile. "That mark is proof enough, it is no burn, it is your royal inheritance. It's proof of your noble blood." The doctor said as he motioned towards Lia's wrist.

"It's just a mark. skin irregularities." Lia tried to counter, but the doctor shook his head. "No, the mark will not pass on unless you are close to the royal bloodline." Then, the doctor looked towards the Prince. "Your Highness, I will dismiss myself, for I feel like your father. The King will like my proof." The old man said, then turned towards Lia and offered her a small bow before he walked from the room, leaving the two alone. "Uhh, this has to be a dream. Right?" Aelia asked, her gaze looking towards Theo. she hoped that he wasn't falling for this.

--

A small groan escaped from Orion as his headache seemed to just continue to get worst and worst with this little situation. Whatever was going on, he was not fond of it, nor was he interested in this girl actually being a Princess from one of the Kingdoms most disliked foes. "Helena," Orion spoke after a while, his tone coming out softer then he attended for it too.

His dark eyes looked towards the girl who ended up laying on the floor and stood up. He walked over towards her and kneeled down. A small frown appearing upon his lips as he gazed down at her. "Whatever you have known before, isn't true." He said as he looked at the tears that were running down her face. "You're here now "

Slowly, with a tentative hand. Orion reached out and wiped a few stray tears from her eyes. "You have seen the goddess of resurrection. That's a big deal, Helena." Orion said as he stood up once more. "You might not know it, nor feel it, but you must have been brought back for a reason. We just don't know it yet." Orion offered the girl a hand to hold her stand back up. Then, he'd try and help her sit back on the bed if he allowed him to. "Once the doctors free again, I'll see if he can get you something for the pain in your feet."

@ FallenHope95

Theodore looked just about as overwhelmed as she did, knowing that the return of one of the ancient princesses was very significant, especially now when tensions between Vidour and Crearia were so high. He'd also need to speak to his father, but for now he figured it best to attempt to calm the young woman and make her comfortable.

"I'm not sure what life you were living before now, but the goddess has brought you back for some reason, and that cant be ignored. You're a welcome guest here, Princess, and once I speak to my father we'll decide whether to send you back to Crearia or not." He explained, offering her a sympathetic smile.

"I'll have some food brought in, please, make yourself at home."

---

Helena sniffled, looking up at him in surprise when he knelt beside her, surprised he wouldnt just step over her on his way out and tell her to deal with it. She couldn't help the tears leaking down her cheeks, but she was grateful to him for at least pretending to be caring. "It was true.. My life before was true, just as me being here now is true." She frowned.

Helena took his hand after sitting up, grateful for the help, but as soon as she tried to put any weight on her feet she only winced, moving back to her seated position on the floor, although this only made her crying worse. "I'm cold and wet and covered in mud, and I can't even stand up, and I'm tired and hungry and scared... N-None of this makes sense.."

@ katahdin
A heavy sigh escaped past Aelia's lips as she raised her hands as she ran her fingers through her blonde hair. "I haven't even been to Crearia before and you're going to send me there?" She asked, her voice quiet as she mostly spoke to herself and not the young Prince that was also in the room with her.

"Thank you, Prince Theodore," Aelia said quietly, finally looking towards the tall man after dealing with her thoughts silently. Then looked towards the picture on the all once more. If Aelia remembered right, the King would fall on his sons twenty-fifth birthday. Then, shortly after that, the Prince would be stabbed through the heart by a loved one who turned against him.

Another sigh escaped from Aelia as she stood up and slowly made her way towards the window to the right of the room. Her right hand gently touched the cool glass as she took in the beautiful sight before her. So many trees and the sky looked so clear. This place was not her home.

--

Orion sighed as he watched Helena fall back to the floor and start to cry once more. His heart ached for the girl, it really did, but there just wasn't really something that he could do for her. He was born in this world, and she seemed to not have been. She was separated from all that she knew, and he wasn't.
The young Prince groaned quietly after a moment of listening to the girl and turned around. He may have looked like he was going to walk away, but he wasn't. Instead, he kneeled down and looked at the redhead over his shoulder. "Get on my back. I'll help you to the bed." He told her, hoping she'd take his offer and not make a fool of him.

"I can't really help you with a lot of that, but I can have the servants make you a warm bath and some stew." He glanced towards Helena over his shoulder. "After that, I feel like you should rest. You've been through a lot today it seems. A nap might do you good." He also wanted to get away to speak with his father, but he wouldn't say that in front of her.

@ FallenHope95

Theodore nodded a little, looking like he wanted to say something more, but he thought the best of it and left the room quietly, ordering the guards to not let her out, and only allow those who were bringing her food and clean clothes inside of the room. The last thing he needed was her running away, or someone taking her.

He hurried through the castle to his father's study, assuming that the doctor and historian had already informed him of their discovery, hoping his father would know what to do. After all, Vidour and Crearia were practically on the eve of war, and with the sudden appearance of a princess thought long dead, it definitely meant something.

---

Helena sniffled, wiping her eyes as she looked over at him as he knelt, smiling faintly when he met her eyes. "Wh-What happened to Mr. Constipated, who called me a witch and dragged me out of a house?" She teased softly as she scooted over toward him.

Sitting up on her knees, she wrapped her arms around his neck, holding onto him securely as he stood. "I suppose I should thank you, though.. For helping me instead of just throwing me back in the river." She offered a faint smile as she spoke, studying the features of the Prince carefully. Of course, during her research she had come across many paintings of Prince Orion of Crearia, most of him when he was younger, just a boy, or after his hunting accident, when he just looked sad, no painting showing the very handsome and strong man that was carrying her around on his back.

@ katahdin
As soon as Prince Theodor left the room, Aelia felt her shoulders just drop. A tired sigh escaped past her lips as she turned towards the bed and just dropped onto it. She barely got even a little bit comfortable before she allowed her mind to just shut off. All of the turn of events that have happened, reeling in her mind, just going black as night. The quiet sound of no honking cars allowing for the young girl to just sleep peacefully.

Aelia didn't know how long she had napped for, but she was sure it must have been a while as her stomach decided to make its self-known. As if on cue, the door to her room opened and Aelia watched as a few handmaids walked into the room. They set up a tray on the small table in the room with a few things to eat. Ranging from fresh fruits, to what smelled like beef stew and fresh bread.

Although, she didn't get a chance yet as the maids then pulled the young girl to her feet and started to fret about her. Giggling to themselves about what would look good on the young girl. Then, they finally settled on a dress that was quite pretty, yet simple. It was mostly black, with long sleeves. Then, to add a little color to it, it had beautiful gold patterns on some parts of it. Although, the tiara that they put on Aelia really brought the whole thing together.

"Wow." She breathed out quietly as she held the ends of the dress and turned to the sides. Watching in amazement as the dress swished beautifully. "You look gorgeous my lady, just gorgeous." One of the maids said while others agreed. "Thanks," Aelia said quietly, not able to tear her eyes off of herself.

--

"He got the brat out of a possibly sticky situation without killing someone, so he's content." Orion murmured as he listened to Helena's little teasing. Although, his tone was dry as he did momentarily think about just dropping her back onto the floor once he stood up. No one was making him be this nice to her. They weren't in public or anything, nor were they engaged for that matter.

"Yeah well," Orion mumbled as he moved his hands to hook under her legs to hold her securely as he stood up. "There is still plenty of time for me to be able to do that." He glanced towards Helena over his shoulder one last time before he looked away from her gaze. Turning around, Orion walked towards the bed and slowly loosened his grip on her legs so that she could fall onto the soft bed.

"Why don't you relax?" Orion suggested although he knew he already said that. He just felt like it sounded better in a situation like this. "I'll head to my father's study to see if he had figured out what to do. Alright?" He didn't really mean for it to sound like he was asking her for her permission, because he wasn't. He was just trying to get her to calm down a little bit and not throw a hissy fit over something he couldn't control.

"The servants will be in shortly with a hot meal and help you bathe." He informed her as he headed towards the door. "I will come back later to check in on you." Orion didn't wait for any sort of reply from Helena as he left the room. Leaving two guards to watch over her in case something were to happen. His footsteps echoed slightly as he walked towards the King's study. Wanting to know what his father thought of this little situation that he had gotten them all into.

@ FallenHope95

Theodore sat in his father's study for what felt like hours, listening to his father's counselors bicker and argue over what to do with the Crearian princess who shouldn't exist. Some wanted to simply send her back, others thought that Vidour should keep her here as a sort of hostage for use as leverage. None of their ideas were particularly good.

The king finally asked Theodore his advice, and that was what was decided to be done. Aelia would remain in Vidour for the time being, as she was safest within the palace walls. However, a messenger would be sent to Crearia at once informing them of the appearance of a member of their royal family, as the same thing may have very well happened in Crearia but with a Vidourian. The upcoming meeting between the two feuding kings, the outcome of which had been looking like war, would now hopefully be a peace negotiation.

Once everything was decided Theodore returned to Aelia's room, knocking on the door softly, hearing the sound of giggling from the inside. "Aelia? May I come in?"

---

Helena laughed a little as she released her arms from around his neck and fell back onto the mattress, about to make some joking comment when he cut her off by saying she should relax before leaving the room, watching him leave with a small frown. He wasn't as much of a jerk as she'd initially thought, but he definitely wasn't friendly either.

She sighed and laid back on the mattress, just about ready to fall asleep when a few maids came in with a warm bowl of stew and some bread, as well as clean clothes and supplies for a bath, which was prepared while she ate. The maids kindly helped her into the tub and helped to clean the mud off of her, the girl from another time managing to relax a little as she bathed, enjoying speaking to the maids and asking them questions about the palace and Prince Orion. After all, she was a historian, and this was a researcher's dream come true.

Once clean and dried off the maids helped her with her hair and gown, the young girl staring at herself in the mirror with wide eyes. "Oh... Wow.." she murmured, taking in her reflection before protesting a little, feeling that she shouldn't be wearing something so fancy.

@ katahdin
The maids giggled and complimented Aelia a little bit more. They really made the young girl feel more relaxed, more welcomed. Especially since the girls seemed like they were around her age. If they had been quite a bit older then her, then Aelia was sure she'd be quite nervous and not really sure how to speak to them. Seeing as the girls may be servants, but where Aelia was from there weren't really servants anymore. Much less royalty.

At the sound of the knock, followed by Prince Theo's voice, the girls all squealed. The sound causing Aelia to flinch a little as the girls gushed. "Ah, he's here, he's here." "Ah, he's going to think you're so pretty my lady." "Princess, don't forget to smile!" The maids all hurried to stand behind Aelia in a respectful fashion as the head maid walked towards the door and slowly opened it.

As soon as her eyes landed on Prince Theodore, Aelia could feel a light tint of pink across her cheeks. "Well? What do you think?" Aelia asked quietly. Her hands still held onto the sides of her dress as she did a small twirl. "Do I look like I fit in?" She asked in her soft voice, wondering what was going on in his mind.

--

The words that fell from the King's lips went through one ear and out the other as the Prince spoke with his father. None of the other needed diplomates were around for this talk as they were just informed about the Princess. It would be another day or two before everyone would be gathered, as the weather was just becoming safe for travel once more.

"Father, surely we must protect this girl. If she dies and word gets out, do you know how badly that will reflect on us?" The Prince brought up as he looked at his father, frowning. "Yes, I see your point, but we also don't know if she was placed here to spy on us." The King pointed out, not a fan of Crearia possibly being spied on. It seemed that suspicion ran in the family as they were both nervous about the girl.

They talked for a while more, deciding to wait on word from Vidour after they sent them a messenger. As well as the other nobles arrival in a few days. Taking the free time that he now had, Orion headed back to the Princesses room. "Helena?" He called, waiting for word from her before he'd just walk into a lady's room.

@ FallenHope95

Theodore couldn't help but smile a little as he heard the girls squeal on the other side of the door, chuckling a little to himself before regaining his composure as the door opened, smiling politely at the head maid before looking at Aelia.

He would be lying if he said that she wasn't beautiful, but he still wasn't entirely sure he trusted her, and so he smiled politely and nodded at her question. "Yes, compared to before, you look like you fit in." He said, waving a hand to dismiss the maids, needing to inform Aelia of what had been decided.

---

The maids began to giggle once they heard Orion at the door, straightening her dress and putting the finishing touches on her hair, chattering away about advice on how to flirt with the Prince and catch his eye, much to Helena's embarrassment.

Her cheeks were already tinged pink when he was let into the room, but once his eyes settled on her her cheeks flushed a deeper red, the young girl looking down at her dress as her fingers fiddled with the fabric. "They all said I look beautiful.." she started once the maids had left, frowning a little as she looked at her reflection in the mirror. "But I just feel silly.." she sighed, carefully moving to take a seat at the edge of the bed where he had left her earlier, the maids having brought some medicine to help with the pain in her feet, allowing her to walk again without much pain.

@ katahdin
At his words, Aelia couldn't help but flash the Prince a small smile. Glad he didn't go too overboard with a compliment or just outright insult her. "Yeah, I did look like a mess when I got here." She said in a monotone voice, giving him a small annoyed look which turned into a small grin. She hoped he got her small tease, but if not then she'd have to hold back her futuristic teases.
Then, a small frown appeared on Aelia's lips as Orion ushered the girls out. The action making her feel a little bit nervous. "Is everything alright?" Aelia asked quietly as she walked towards the table where a spread of food was and grabbed a strawberry. Her eyes glanced towards Theo nervously as she bit into the fruit. Her nerves causing her to want to munch on things since she couldn't draw.

--

"Well," Orion said as he just stared at Helena. His dark eyes focusing in on the young girl as he decided on how he should approach how she looked and what they had decided to do with the young girl in front of him. "At least you don't look like a drowned rat anymore." He blurted out, then quickly covered his mouth with the side of a fist as he looked away. Coughing nervously.

"What I meant was, you look nice." He said, then walked to the small dining area in the room. He grabbed a chair and moved it so that it was facing Helena when he sat down. "So, I have news for you. Now, don't take things seriously, alright?" Orion waited for a moment to allow Helena to let her calm herself. "You will be a hostage, of Crearia, but in name only." Orion licked his lips. "You're not going to be treated badly, nor will you be forced to live in a cell. It's just what we are referring to you as. Alright?" He paused to take in a breath. "We are only referring to you as a hostage, while around other nobles and Kingdoms, while around this castle, you will just be out guest and treated with the respect you deserve."

@ FallenHope95

Theodore gave a small smile at her joke, but due to the severity of the situation he couldn't come up with a joke himself. He stood awkwardly near the door, glancing around the room before his eyes came to rest on her, clearing his throat before speaking.

"We have sent a messenger to Crearia, notifying them of your arrival... However it may be some time until we get word from them, and until then you will remain here, in the castle, as it's the safest place in Vidour for you." He explained, moving to take a seat in the same chair he had been in earlier. "You're free to explore some if you'd like, but there will be guards accompanying you everywhere, as my father is not convinced that you're not a security threat."

---

Helena frowned up at him after his comment, cracking a small smile, although it looked force. "Yeah.. Now I'm just a pig in lipstick." She joke, looking back down at her lap as she listened to him speak. She wasn't surprised by the news, Crearians were suspicious by nature, and the appearance of a supposed long dead princess on the eve of war was certainly suspicious.

She nodded a little, looking up at him after a moment, eyes reflecting her fear over her situation. "What... What happens when you all realize I'm not who you think I am? I know you think I'm some dead princess, but I'm not, a-and when I can't keep predicting what's going to happen, you'll all realize it and have me killed.." she frowned, sniffling a little as she took a deep breath, trying to keep from crying, especially after all the hard work the maids had gone to to try to make her look nice.

@ katahdin
The mixture of sweet and sour from the strawberry mixed in Aelia's mouth as she chewed. The flavors mimicking her feelings like clockwork. She had no idea what she should be thinking or doing right now. "Okay." She said, blandly as she blinked at Theo, her gaze unmoving. Then, slowly, she sank into the chair nearest her.

Her tongue slowly slipped out of her mouth as she licked the sweet and sour juice off of her lips. "So, what's going to happen if Crearia doesn't acknowledge me as this Princess that you believe I am?" Aelia asked quietly. Her gaze looking down at the fruit stem in her hand as she twisted it slightly. "Are you, going to kill me for being useless?"

--

A small sigh escaped from Orion as he looked at Helena with a tired expression. He really had no idea what else he should be saying to the young girl in front of him. He wasn't used to things like this. He was used to women chasing him, flirting with him. Not, falling from the sky and crying about things. This was all so new to him.

"I honestly do not know." Orion outright said he released a sigh as he ran a hand through his slightly long hair. "We will cross that bridge when we come to it, but. You can trust that we will not kill you. Alright? No matter what." That was a lie, if she ended up being a traitor, then she'd become a symbol for other traders, but she didn't need to know that.

@ FallenHope95

Theodore frowned at her question, sighing as he sat back in his chair, trying to figure out the best way to answer her. "If you end up being a traitor, there's a high chance you'll be executed. If you're just some random girl, and this is all a misunderstanding, you'll most likely be free to go." Theodore explained, running his fingers through his hair.

"Try not to worry, Aelia.. I know that sounds impossible, but at least try. As long as you're honest and cooperative, you should be fine."

---

"Lying doesn't suit you, your highness.. It only makes you look more constipated." She huffed in irritation as she flopped back onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. "Crearians are ruthless when it comes go traitors, especially people from Vidour.. You've killed dozens of traitors yourself, might as well just add my name to the list." She closed her eyes as she spoke, trying to picture her home, but the memory was fuzzy, like she couldn't quite remember it.

"...I'm sorry I only ever whine.. You dont have to keep talking to me, though.. You should be enjoying yourself, especially now that you probably won't lose your leg... Have you met Maria yet?" Maria was some kitchen maid who, after his hunting accident, he had had an intimate relationship with, even producing an illegitimate child with her. However, when Crearia fell at the hands of the Rhalleans, who'd arguably fed the flames between Creadia and Vidour to force them into war, both royal families had been wiped out, the illegitimate child ripped from his mother's arms and thrown into a fire, and poor Orion paraded through the streets before his execution. However, Helena thought it best to spare him those details.

@ katahdin
It was slow, but Aelia did nod her head in understanding. She didn't want to cause any trouble for herself while she was here. Nor does she want to cause trouble for someone who has only shown her kindness. "I'm no traitor." She said quietly, followed by a sigh as she placed the strawberry stem on a spare plate.

"I don't really know what you'd want from me, Prince Theo." Aelia looked up towards the Prince's eyes. "I'm, I'm not a traitor, nor am I a Princess. I don't understand what a resurrection goddess is. I just, I just don't know what I'm supposed to do." She couldn't help it, her words just flew out of her lips. Her mind and heart were going crazy and she just wanted to scream.

"Please, please just tell me this is a dream." Aelia could feel her eyes starting to brim with tears as the stress of everything started to build up and overflow. She rested her head in her hands as she tried to stop her anxiety from taking over.

--

Alright, this talk was getting on his nerves. Orion didn't mind talking to this girl, but if all she said was that he looked constipated, then he was done. He will not stand for the disrespect, he was a Prince, not some commoner who found this girl and was desperate for her attention. He had women flocking for him, they lined up to be able to share a bed with him.

"You know what." He said as he stood, wanting some change in scenery. "Let's go for a walk, a nice change and some fresh air will do us.." He stopped and looked at Helena with an arched eyebrow. "Maria?" He asked, totally feeling like he was thrown through a loop. First, she was talking about him looking constipated, then she was talking about how he'd not hesitate to kill her and now, she was asking about the new maid?

"No?" He started, looking at Helena confused. "At least, not personally." He looked at her confused for a moment before he shook his head. "Just, come on. Let's go outside." He said, motioning for her to follow him.

@ FallenHope95

Theodore frowned as he watched her eyes well with tears, quickly standing to walk over to her, grabbing his jacket, which had been carefully laid over the back of one of the chairs, and wrapping it around her shoulders as he knelt in front of her, trying to meet her eyes.

"Hey, dont cry, Aelia... Everything is going to be fine." He reassured her, recognizing the signs of a panic attack easily, wanting to calm her down before she became too stressed. He smoothed his hands down her arms reassuringly, offering her a faint smile. "No, this isn't a dream, even if it kind of seems like it. Everything will be fine, I promise."

---

Helena sat up as he stood, frowning a little as she watched him, although she stood quickly when he mentioned he knew who Marie was, growing excited. Maybe if she'd changed history earlier when Orion hadn't gone hunting, there wouldnt be a war, and he and Maria and their child would be able to live long, happy lives.

"No, no no. You need to go find Maria. And I can't tell you why or you'll call me a witch again, or just get mad and throw me in a cell for real." She said, hurrying him to the door, hands on his back as she pushed him along. She'd always felt terrible for how he met his end, but if she could give him a chance at a long, happy life, she felt like it was her job to do so.

@ katahdin
Aelia's body stiffened at the contact from his jacket. Her natural reaction to the feeling was to push the fabric away from her, but she held back. God, it took everything in her to not be a weirdo and push him away. Theo would most likely hate her for pushing him away instead of accepting his comfort.

She took in a few deep breaths through her nose and kept exhaling through her mouth. Her gaze wouldn't settle on Theo as he tried to look her in the eyes, but her breathing was helping a little bit.

"This is my life you're talking about Theo, you can't promise me anything because you're not in my shoes." Her eyes finally met the young Princes. Redness from her tears rimmed her eyes and her breathing started to become a little more rapid. "I'm so scared. Like, you have no idea." She let out another breath before she bowed her head, allowing for the tears to finally fall.

--

Okay, the sudden change was so fast that Orian wasn't expecting it. Not that he wasn't glad that she wasn't all moody, but, this was a very big change. Her excitement was not something he expected, much less for him to talk to some maid that his father had hired after he had begged for him to hire her.

"I-I can't!" Orian said as he looked over his shoulder at Helena as he walked towards the door because of her. "She's, she's a maid!" He finally stopped walking when she pushed him into the hall and turned around. His hands moving to grab onto her wrists as he looked down into her eyes. "She's a knight's younger sister. You know what kind of rumors that would cause?" He asked through clenched teeth.

"So, let's go somewhere else." He paused as he looked into her dark eyes. A pull of sort tugged on his heart, but he ignored the feeling. "Do you want to go outside or explore the castle?"

@ FallenHope95

Theodore frowned a little as he watched her, taking her hands in his and giving them a gentle squeeze. "You're right. I'm not in your shoes. But I'm Prince Theodore of Vidour, and as far as I'm concerned, you're Princess Aleia of Crearia. You may be a long way from home, but you'll be safe here until we can figure out what's going on, and how to get you home."

He did his best to reassure her, standing slowly when he thought she'd calmed down some. "Would you like to go get some fresh air?"

---

Helena frowned as he turned to her and grabbed her wrists, looking up at him as he spoke. She shook her head a little as he mentioned rumors, shifting her hands in his to give his hands a little squeeze, offering him a kind smile.

"Orion, I've read the letters that you wrote to her... Or will write to her.. You love her, you don't care about rumors, and you talk about getting married. And.. And if I can prevent you from losing a leg by being here, maybe I can prevent that stupid war and keep you and your child from dying, and allow you to live the happy life with her that you deserve." She spoke the last part quickly, giving his hands another squeeze before she let go, a faint blush on her cheeks as she looked up at him. "But... If you really insist on going for a walk, I'd rather go outside."

@ katahdin
Theo's words weighed heavy on Aelia's heart and mind. She wanted nothing more than to trust him, to be able to get home safely. Hopefully, he was right. She desperately wanted for him to be right. The squeeze that Theo gave her hands radiated through Aelia's being, making her feel comforted. Her heart slowly settled as she focused on his eyes and the squeeze of his hands. Her head nodding slightly as she took his words to heart.

As he stood, Aelia worried that he was going to leave her because he felt like his job was done. She didn't want to be left alone now, she was scared she'd go into another panic and end up doing something stupid or say something.

"Yes." Was Lia's immediate response when Theo asked if she'd like some fresh air. Anything that'll get her mind away from the possibility of dying.
Slowly, Aelia stood and wiped the underneath of her eyes. A small nervous laugh escaping from her. "I feel like I look like a mess again. You must feel lucky seeing the ugly side to a girl twice in one day."

--

Orion sighed for what felt like the millionth time for the day as he looked down into the eyes of the girl he had brought back. Her hands in his fit like a glove and he couldn't help it as he gazes them a squeeze back as he listened to her, not sure what to say to argue back or to just say in general.

"Let's just, go outside." He said, not commenting on anything that she was saying. He was not interested right now in settling down. They were on the verge of a war with Vidour. Starting a romantic fling of any kind would be a terrible idea and he didn't want to think about it.

Slowly, much to his displeasure, Orion let her hands go as he took a few steps away and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Come on, this way." He said as he motioned with his head for her to follow him as he walked down the hall. The guards that were on her door following after them as they walked down the stone hallway.
"So, what is your home like?" He asked after a moment of silence as they walked through the castle. Then, opened the door to the outside once they reached it, allowing for her to walk through first.

@ FallenHope95

Theodore shook his head, offering her a little smile. "I dont think you're ugly... Scared, maybe, but not ugly." He stated with a shrug of his shoulders, carefully linking her arm in his as he led her out of her room and through the palace halls toward the garden, the guards stationed at her door following behind them, but not too close.

"Because of the canopy cover, it's hard to grow things in gardens throughout the city. But, because the castle is the only building that breaks the cover of the trees, our gardens flourish." He explained, trying to get her mind off of what had obviously been a terrifying day.

---

Helena frowned a little as he stepped away from her and released his hands, absently brushing her fingers over her palms, where his touch still lingered. She followed a few steps behind him, walking closer to the guards that him, worried she had upset him. She just wanted to help him, and there had to be some way to do it..

She was pulled away from her thoughts when he asked about her home, frowning a little. "It wasn't as beautiful as this place.. It was a city, with huge skyscrapers and millions of people and cars and smog.. It smelled disgusting. I lived in a little apartment above a pizza place, only about a 10 minute walk from the library where I worked and the university I attended... But I guess all of that is gone now." She sighed.

@ katahdin
Theo's words really made Lia feel better. He was so kind to her, he really was too good to be around her. No one in her life had been as nice to her as he was being right now. Aelia took his arm when offered and gently squeezed it as she walked with him. Her bright blue gaze looking all around as he led the way.

"Really? What do you grow them?" Aelia asked as she looked up towards the Prince's face. "Here, and in the city I mean." Her tone showed her curiosity as she waited for him to reply. Lia was never really good at history, most of it bored her, but plants interested her for some reason. She could bring a plant that was on the brink of wilting back to life.

"Do you have to use any special fertilizer to make the plants grow better in the city?" Her cheeks tinted slightly as she realized she was just blurting out questions and not letting the Prince speak. Quickly, to hide the time, Aelia looked forward as she tried to not act so shy.

--

The things that came out of Helena's mouth blew Orion away as he listened. Not really sure what a lot of the things she was talking about were, but waited for her to finish before he was to interrupt her speech. "Wait, hold on a minute." He said as he looked down at her, a look of confusion obvious on his face. "What is all of this stuff? Skyscrapers? Smog? What are they?" He asked as he tilted his head.

Orion led Helena towards a trail that took them towards the stables that were a small distance from the castle. He didn't really care about horses but figured she might like them or find them interesting at least. "You live in such an odd place." He murmured as he'd listen to her explain things to him.

Then, looking forward, Orion would look forward as the dirt path opened on one side for them. Allowing them to see the mountains in the distance. "You see that mountain over there?" He asked, glancing at her as he pointed to a still snow-covered mountaintop. "That's mount Guinevere, it's the tallest mountain surrounding us."

@ FallenHope95

Theodore smiled and laughed a little at her enthusiasm, not to be mean, but because he found it endearing. "I'm not sure, but I'm sure you can speak to the royal gardener sometime. I'm sure he'd be happy to talk to you." He explained.

He led them outside into a beautiful garden, which was located on a large terrace overlooking the forest and the city. Upon closer look of some of the buildings, it was obvious that some buildings were actually built into the trees, the castle itself built around a giant tree, like out of a fairytale.

---

Helena explained what skyscrapers and smog was, promising to make him pizza one day so that he would get to try it. It was crazy to think that she was more familiar with his world than he was with hers.

She was busy explaining cars to him when he stopped to point out the mountain to her, causing her to walk into him from behind as she hadn't noticed he had stopped. "Oof.. Hey, why did you-" she started but stopped as she followed where he pointed, eyes widening a bit in awe at the beautiful sight. "Its beautiful.. Have you ever been there?"