From Present to Past

@ katahdin
A small sigh escaped from Aelia as she gave up. Her worries not going away, but they didn't really seem to reach Theo. They weren't things she could just wish away. "I suppose..." She murmured, rolling her eyes as she looked away from them as they walked down the path. Her bright blue eyes taking in the beautiful path and the foliage.

"How do you think my... relatives are going to react?" Lia asked quietly, looking back towards Theo. "How do I greet them? I've only ever greeted your father and a few of the nobles who work for your family." Lia glanced away, getting a little giddy with excitement as she noticed they were approaching a small pond that she could see in the distance.

--

A small nod was all that Orion could give Helena at that moment. His eyes glancing towards his father to see if he approved at how well Helena spoke. He had been giving her lessons of formal speaking in return for telling him about the possibility of a coming war that he hoped to keep from happening.

"And your wrist?" Orion asked, glancing towards the small wrapped wrist before looking to the girls face. He was worried that she had really hurt herself when she fell. Scared that she had broken a bone, or lost consciousness or something. If that were to happen, he surely wouldn't be able to live with himself.

@ FallenHope95

Theodore knew that she wasn't satisfied with his answer, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her cheek and giving her hand another reassuring squeeze. "As long as you be yourself, I'm sure they'll love you." He smiled, tucking a stray stand of hair behind her ear before looking up as they approached the pond.

His eyes brightening as he heard the birds singing and saw some fish jumping in the pond. It was beautiful here, not that the city wasn't, but it was a different kind of beautiful.

---

Helena looked up at Orion when he asked about her wrist, looking back down at it as she lifted her arm to show him the bandage. Her wrist was still swollen and a bit bruised, and while she was a bit sure that she might have broken something, she didn't dare tell Orion, not wanting him to worry about her.

"It's fine, Orion. I'm sure in another few days it'll be back to normal." She reassured him, patting his hand gently with her good one.

@ katahdin
The sudden feel of his lips caused Aelia to jump. She was not expecting that from him. Not here out in the open anyways. Her cheeks turn a slight shade of pink as she squeezes his hand back. "I'm sorry for being difficult sometimes." Lia murmured as she glanced up at the taller boy.

Then, she looked down toward the pond as they neared it. Slowly, Lia bent down and looked into the pond. Grinning as she watched the fist. "Wow, the koi are so pretty." She murmured, looking up at Theo and grinning. "What do you think?" She asked, looking back at the fish that were gathering around the top, thinking they were going to get fed.

--

The words that left Helena's lips really didn't make Orion feel any better. He wanted to press her more, ask her if she's in any pain. If she's been able to move her fingers at all, but he didn't. As his father cleared his throat, catching the young male's attention instead of the young girl.

"You are to reply, Your Highness, or Prince Orion, girl." The King said, giving Helena a small glare before looking out the window as the carriage slowed. They had arrived sooner then they had expected and Orion couldn't be gladder. Any time with his father was surely a bore fest and all about the old ways. "Looks like we arrived." Orion mused, sighing in relief under his breath.

@ FallenHope95

Theodore grinned sheepishly as she looked up at him, shaking his head slightly. "You're not difficult. I'm sorry that I'm not better with my words." He murmured, looking over her shoulder at the fish. "Huh, they're cool looking. We don't have fish like this in the capital." He hummed, moving away from the pond to take a seat in the nearby grass, looking up at the trees as he listened to the birds.

"It's peaceful here. We should be able to stay out here for a while longer before we have to head back to the house to meet the delegation from Crearia." He explained, holding his hand out to help her to sit down next to him.

---

Helena's face blanched when his father spoke, biting her lip as she nodded quickly, looking away from Orion. "I apologize, Your Majesty, Your Highness, I'll be more careful." She murmured, looking out the window as they arrived, feeling stupid for forgetting what Orion had so carefully taught her in front of the King, knowing he'd never like her now. He hadn't even called her Princess.

Once the carriage was parked in front of the home that they would be staying in while here, she waited patiently while the King departed the carriage first, feeling so bad that she considered just sitting in the carriage and not coming out until it was time to leave.

@ katahdin
Today was seeming like a beautiful day, they really did luck out. "There are no ponds at all back at the capitol, is there?" Lia murmured, looking up at Theo as she accepted his help. "I hope so, I don't want to be alone while you talk business with the King and the delegation."
A small sigh escaped from Aelia as she relaxed against the bench with Theo. Her head resting against his shoulder as her eyes closed. Taking in the sweet sounds of the birds and the warm sunlight. "I should be careful, I feel like I could fall asleep." Lia murmured, opening her eyes slightly and glancing up at Theo.

--

Orion couldn't help it as he looked away. Hiding his amusement behind a hand as he acted like he was in deep thought about something. Although his eyes gave him away if one looked at him close enough. Poor Helena, Orion knew he'd have to make it up to her somehow.

"Come, Princess. Let's go look around the grounds." Orion said as he exited the carriage. Stopping by the door so that he could take her hand and help her down. "Don't worry about him. He's just tired from the long journey." Orion tried to reassure her. "After a nap, he'll be kinder."

@ FallenHope95

Theodore shook his head, leaning back to look up at the sky, happy to bask in the warm sunlight with her. "A few, but they're artificial and decorative, nothing like this." He explained, smiling as she rested her head against his shoulder. "You'll be invited in for part of the meeting, but there are some parts where you wont be allowed, I'm afraid. But don't worry, it'll be quick." He tried to reassure her, although he wasn't sure if he had done a good job.

He nodded in agreement when she mentioned falling asleep, feeling like he could doze off himself. "It was a long journey to get here, and with all the preparations, it's nice to have the opportunity to relax.. Maybe a quick nap wouldn't hurt." He suggested.

---

Helena glanced up at him when he stopped in the doorway to help her out, looking as if she might cry, although she was keeping her composure rather well, knowing that if she cried she would just earn more scorn and teasing from Orion and his father. "He hates me, Orion. He hasn't been kind to me once. I.. I dont understand what I've done wrong." She whispered softly before reluctantly moving to step out of the carriage, thanking him softly as she took his hand as she stepped out, releasing it once she was on the ground.

She looked around the small town curiously, her mood improving a little as she took in the beautiful scenery. "Shouldnt you be preparing for the conference? I don't want to keep you from more important things." She murmured, picking slightly at the bandage on her wrist, wincing occasionally when she pressed too hard.

@ katahdin
A small tired sigh escaped from Aelia as she closed her eyes. The slight sound of Theo's heartbeat echoing into Lia's ear. "I get to sit in on the part about me, that's the part. Right?" Lia asked, her voice quiet as she felt sleep wanting to grab her and drag her under into the sweet bliss of dreams and fantasy.

Lia couldn't help but groan quietly as she forced her eyes open slightly. "We can't though, not like this. If someone were to see us now." Lia let her words dragged on, but didn't move. The warmth from Theo and the sum making her to comfortable to move away from him. If anything, she wanted to snuggle closer to him as she dozed off.

--

"It's just because of your ancestry," Orion said quietly, offering her a small smile as she accepted his help getting out of the carriage. Then, looked at the scenery that was around them. The area sure was beautiful. Although he still liked the busier feel of the capital, more people meant more things for them to do after all.

"Well, I figured finding a tavern for a quick mean would be alright," Orion said as he looked towards Helena, offering her one of his many smiles. "Or, just for a nice cup of tea to help our nerves. What do you say?" Orion asked, hoping she'd like to get away for a moment before they had to go and act all proper for the sake of appearances.

@ FallenHope95

"Yes. You'll be there with the other princess as well, when they decide what to do about the both of you." Theodore explained before letting out a yawn, laying back fully in the grass as he stretched lazily, looking rather peaceful with his eyes closed and face basking in sunlight.

He let out a small sigh as she mentioned what other people would think if they saw the two of them, giving a little shrug. "I dont think anyone is going to wander out here, and the guards will wake us up when it's time for the conference to start." He said, wanting the chance to just truly rest, having not gotten the opportunity to do so in weeks.

---

Helena frowned, giving a little shrug. "He could still be kind, at least.. You hated me at first, but even then you were mostly polite. And now you tolerate me just fine." She mumbled, wincing at a particularly bad poke to her injured wrist, sighing as she tucked her good hand behind her back, knowing she needed to control her nerves and stop picking at the bandage as it would only make things worse.

"A meal sounds nice.. I was too nervous to eat this morning." She murmured softly, looking up at him. "Your father won't be mad if I eat, will he he?" She asked half teasingly, cracking a small smile before looking away, knowing she shouldnt joke with so many people around.

@ katahdin
The thought that her future was going to be decided in a few short hours scared Lia. She didn't know what to expect. Sure, Theo was telling her that things were going to be fine, but. Still, she was only eighteen and in a time where she wasn't from. This was terrifying. "I hope you all don't decide to cast me out."

As soon as Theo laid back fully, Lia took that chance and moved her head to rest against his chest. Curing up against him as the warmth from his body lulled her to a peaceful state. "If you say so." Lia murmured as she breathed in deeply through her nose and then slowly exhaled through her lips. Sleep was calling her, and just knowing that Theo was next to her was enough to make the young girl fully relax.

--

Orion couldn't help but shake his head as he listened to Helena, not quite sure what he was going to do with the little spitfire. "I'm sure he'll become nicer to you in time." He said as he poked her teasingly in the forehead. Then, took a step back to offer her his arm. "Come, let's go eat."

The young Prince would wait for Helena to hold onto his arm before he'd start to walk them down the dirt path. "So, when are you going to stop lying to me about your wrist?" He asked, out of the blue as he glanced down at her through the corner of his eye. A visible frown taking over the small smile he once had. "Are you taking any pain meds for it?" He asked, worry, laced in his words.

@ FallenHope95

Theodore smiled contently as the princess laid next to him, wrapping a secure arm around her shoulders. He could never admit it, but laying next to her was something he could get used to. He soon dozed off with her, and by the time he woke, the sun had dipped lower in the sky, and their once sun soaked spot on the lawn was now cast in shade. He stretched slightly, but was careful not to wake Aelia, wanting her to be able to relax as long as possible.

---

Helena linked her arm with his, tensing a bit when he mentioned her lying. She frowned as she glanced up at him, shaking her head a little. "I didn't want you to worry.. And no, I'm not taking any medicine. The doctor said he'd have to check with you or the king for approval, and I didn't want you to worry about me." She sighed, looking up at him with a frown. "It hurts, but I'll be fine, I promise, Orion." She tried to reassure him, giving his hand a little squeeze.

@ katahdin
That had to of been one of the best naps that Aelia had managed to have in a while. The feel of Theo's heart beating against her ear. The smell of his natural order, sending a relaxing feeling through her body. A content sigh escaped from Lia as she took it all in. She felt like she was home, laying on Theo.

A tiny bit of movement from her human pillow slowly stirred Aelia and she groaned. Her arm that had managed to wrap around his waist in their sleep, holding him to her a little tighter as she buried her face into his chest. "I don't wanna wake up." Lia murmured as she slowly shifted her gaze to look up at Theo tiredly. "Hey." She mumbled tiredly, offering him a goofy grin.

--

A small sigh escaped from Orion as he closed his eyes and shook his head. Not very happy with Helena keeping something like this from him. Sure, it was kind of her to not make him worry, but, still. She should have told him if she was in pain. They needed to take the correct measures if something worst then a sprain was to happen to her. "I'll talk to the doctor once we get back to the house," Orion told her, turning his face to fully look down at her.

Then, as she squeezed his hand, he raised it to his lips and gently kissed her knuckles. "You can promise all you want Helena, but if a bone heals wrong, you might lose movement." He warned her, as he lowered her hand so that it was by their sides. "What do you think of that place?" He asked pointing to a tavern that looked like a cute little corner place.

@ FallenHope95

Theodore groaned softly as he stretched, blinking his eyes open as he looked around slightly, wanting to make sure they hadn't overslept. He smiled a little as he looked down at her, gently running a hand over hair. "Hey.." He murmured softly, smiling tiredly at her. "Did you have a good nap?" He asked softly, looking up at the sky for a while, relaxing happily with Aelia.

---

Helena frowned up at him, about to protest when he kissed her hand, blushing brightly. She looked up at him, her heart beating wildly as he spoke, unable to help but feel like a little school girl as he looked at her and said such caring things to her. She cleared her throat a little and looked at the tavern when he pointed it out, nodding a little. "Yes, it looks nice.. I don't know how many other taverns are around out here."

@ katahdin
"I did." Aelia said quietly as she just looked at the prince. Taking in his relaxed features as he gazed up at the sky. "How about you?" Lia asked quietly, as she rolled so that she was laying on her stomach. Her upper body resting on top of his slightly. "Did you sleep well?" She slowly reached out and started to trace small patterns on Theo's chest.

--

"Probably just one more if we're lucky to be honest." Orion said truthfully as he started to lead Helena towards the tavern. "I just hope there aren't any drunks already. Small towns have little to do after all." He murmured quietly so that only Helena could hear. As they got to the building, Orion held the door open for Helena. "Food smells good."

@ FallenHope95

Theodore looked back over at her as she rolled to lay on his chest, smiling at her as he nodded, fingers gently smoothing over her hair. "Yes, I did.. It was nice to finally get a chance to relax for once. Thank you for accompanying me." He said, sighing as he looked up at the sky once more. "Although, I'm afraid we should probably get up soon, and head back to the house. The Crearians will probably be here soon."

---

Helena giggled faintly, thanking him softly as she headed into the tavern, looking around curiously, waiting for him inside so that he could choose the table he wanted to sit at. "It does smell good.. What do you think they'll have?" She asked, linking her arm with his even though they weren't going far, preferring to keep close to him.

@ katahdin
"All work and no play, make for a boring man." Aelia teased as she reached up and poked the tip of Theo's nose. Then, rested her hand on his chest as she looked at him. Her head nodding a little bit in understanding. "Yeah, don't want them seeing us covered in grass." Lia murmured, rolling her eyes for a moment before giggling.

Aelia stayed in her spot on top of Theo for a moment more before she slowly sat up. "Why don't we head back and have some tea?" Lia asked as she moved to be on her knees. "It'll help us wake up and relax."

--

A small hum escaped from Orion as he walked in, taking a look around the mostly empty building. "I don't know, we'll have to ask." He said, leading Helena into the building and towards a seat near a window. "Now, do you want to share something or have our own meals?" He asked, pulling out Helena's chair for her.

"I'm not quite sure if we're going to be eating with the other delegates after the conference or not." He told her, glancing out the window as he noticed a few men walking around outside. They seemed like locals, but being out of the capital, Orion didn't want anyone to be overlooked.

@ FallenHope95

Theodore sat up with a small groan, brushing some grass away from her back with a little smile. "Yes, you have a good point. Tea sounds lovely." He explained, standing up and brushing off his pants before offering her his hand to help her up. He pressed a small kiss to her knuckles as she stood before offering her his arm to lead her back to the house.

"We can come back some other time while we're here. I bet it's beautiful here at night." He hummed a little in thought as they walked back along the path to the house.

---

Helena smiled up at him, thanking him as she sat down at the table, looking out the window curiously at the passing people. "If there's a chance of eating later maybe we should share. Worst case scenario, we sneak back here later tonight to have another meal if we aren't fed." She smiled across the table at him as he sat down, looking over the slip of paper that acted as the menu. "What do you think looks good?" She asked.

This was the big moment, the moment where she'll get to meet some relatives. As well as another Princess that was resurrected just like her. Slowly, Lia brought her lower lip in and gently bit down on it. Her back straightened as she stood behind the King and Theo like she was instructed. Her blue eyes glancing around slightly as she wondered why things in this age had to be so formal.

Hearing the sound of carriage wheels, Lia's eyes moved forward. Her lips suddenly feeling parched as saw the extragagent carriage stopping in front of the house they were staying at.

--

The location of the conference wasn't very far away. In fact, Orion was pretty sure they'd make it to the meeting in five minutes if they had just walked to the building, but, no. They were royalty and nobles, and god forbid that they walked anywhere they didn't need to. The whole thing was silly in Orion's mind, but he didn't dare say anything in case he was to make his father man once again.

Once the carriage came to a halt in front of the building, Orion watched as his father got out first. The guards announcing him before announcing the Prince, followed by the Princess. Who Orion once again helped out of the carriage.
@ katahdin

@ FallenHope95

Theodore stood next to his father, standing straight with his shoulders back like his father had taught him, watching as the carriage carrying the Crearian royalty drew closer, unable to help but feel a bit nervous. A lot was riding on this meeting, and if it went badly, then there could be war. He glanced back at Aelia momentarily as the King and Prince were announced, offering her a small reassuring smile before he turned his attention back to the royalty and nobility from the foreign land as they arrived, tensing a little as he watched the Princess exit the carriage after them all.

---

Helena was terribly nervous, and had held onto one of Orion's hands tightly for the entirety of the short carriage ride, although she'd managed to keep it hidden from his disapproving father. It was nerve wracking enough being around Orion and his family and nobility, but being introduce to an entirely new group of them, no matter how familiar she was with them on paper was terrifying. She waited patiently for the King and Orion to be announced before it was her turn, murmuring a soft thank you to Orion as she stepped out of the carriage with his assistance, looking out at the crowd of unfamiliar faces of the royals and nobles of Vidour nervously.

@ katahdin
They all looked intimidating to look at. The King, the Prince, they screamed authority, so much more so then what she had learned from Theo. He was very uptight, but he didn't seem to hold a mean bone in his body. That kinda worried Lia for when he takes over the Kingdom if he'd ever been able to rule properly and not be overrun.
Back to the people in front of them, Aelia stayed quiet as all of the introduction for the nobles from Croaria were introduced. Followed by Theo's father being introduced, then Theo. Lastly, Aelia. "It's an honor to meet you all." She spoke softly, but clearly as she curtsied to them. As she slowly rose, Lia flinched as she saw the shocked looks on their faces and frowned. Glancing at Theo in worry.

--

These formal things were so damn boring and stiff, but, Orion got why they needed to be. He was born into a high ranking family and needed to make sure others knew that as well as respected that. Which was why they didn't so carelessly greet each other with a simple hey or What up? No, they had people introduce them because they were too good for that sort of thing.
Orion's dark eyes roamed over the Royals as they were introduced. Making a mental note so that he remembered them. Only, he froze as soon as he saw the Princess Aelia. It was shocking how close to the original Princess she resembled. He couldn't help but stare, pulling from his thoughts only when his father cleared his throat and offered to have the conference started.

@ FallenHope95

Theodore bowed politely and greeted the delegates from Crearia formally, nodding along as his father and the other King spoke, waiting as the two monarchs headed into the house first before following. It was amazing how different they were from Vidourians, and it fascinated him. However, he was even more shocked and amazed at the appearance of Princess Helena, surprised that she too looked to be the real thing.

---

Helena listened attentively as each person of importance was introduced, curtseying politely on her turn, although she remained silent, worried that she would say something wrong. She kept glancing at Orion, wishing that they had the chance to whisper and talk to each other like usual so that she would know what was happening, but understood why that wouldnt be appropriate in this situation. As both delegations began to make their way inside she walked along with them silently, keeping to herself.