[ P ] Knightly Night

A

ra gingerly reached up a paw, motley eyes narrowing in concentration as she pushed a magpie feather into place. "There," she mused then, albeit more to herself than to Monarch. "Barkeep, I announce that you look positively dashing." The albino took a step back to admire her work. The closet nobleman (or so she speculated given that he had happened upon two tickets to the ball) now cut a striking figure. His mask now reflect the black and white colors of his fur, an echo she found to be most fitting. And when one stared too long at the simple yet stern mask, they found themselves staring into striking blue eyes.

Handsome, no?

"Shall we go?" Pale ears flicked and she smiled, a tad bashful from all of the nerves. Ara had heard about the ball but hadn't expected to ever go. Monarch's arrival with the tickets, and her book, had shocked her. After he walked her home and helped her at her miserable rally, she began to realize that she had found a friend if not a faerie that night. It warmed her heart and her paws danced up and down with nervous energy.

Her own mask was plain and simple, cut white silk that shimmered in the moonlight and matched her fur. The tie at the back of her head slipped down her shoulders and dangled at the curve of her neck.

...

Ara let go of a shaky breath she hadn't known she had been holding when she passed her ticket to the guards and entered the massive ballroom. Musicians were singing and tapping out rhythms and the perfume of food was tantalizing. Her eyes widened and a breathless smile spread across her lips.

"Monarch, pinch me," she gasped, unable to believe this was all real.

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

@Monarch

What had started as a disaster had ended somewhat cordially. Their initial meeting hadn't gone smoothly, but ended on a good note as Monarch walked her home and Ara told him more about the Fae, even going so far as to lend a book. He had been surprised by that, knowing books were precious, but also, things that he did not interact with much himself. He wanted to learn more about the Fae, but didn’t realize he’d needed to read to do it. He’d taken it graciously however, as Ara had been so excited, and he was willing to give it a try. But then he’d seen her again before he’d even had the chance, and that meeting hadn’t really gone very well either, considering.

To make up for it, he decided to bring Ara to the ball. Not particularly his scene, especially since he'd taken up bartending at the tavern. When he’d gotten the tickets from mother, he’d kind of just stared at them a long moment. There was no plan to attend. He didn’t like dancing and all the other grandiose things about it, especially how fake and superficial the royals could be. But then… Ara had almost been attacked at that protest, and she’d been kind enough to lend him her book. He felt like he owed her and placed the tickets there, without really directly asking, for her to find and decide for herself. However during the waiting he realized that maybe he actually wanted to go with her, not even just as a favor. She was in his thoughts enough now to be more than just a passing acquaintance… maybe they were friends? Monarch did not have many friends... and wasn't entirely sure how to proceed. He hoped that this time, things went well.

Ara had accepted, and now they were here and he was wearing a mask? Somehow he kept forgetting about the all the customs those nobles liked to practice. But he could tell Ara was excited, and so he did not feel nearly as grumbly as he normally would have. Her personality was infectious. She adjusted a magpie feather in his mask, black and white, just like him, and stood back to peer at him. Ara mentioned he looked dashing, and Monarch had to raise a brow, invisible behind the mask. ”Dashing? That’s quite an adjective,” he said, teasing, as his lips curled into a small smile. He bowed then, feeling a little playful. ”Thank you, my lady” he said, his voice quiet and neutral, though his smile betrayed the seriousness.

He nodded as she suggested they leave, following her gaze as she took in the castle, the other patrons. Her mask matched her too, pale and silken, and he had to admit they made quite a pair, simple as they might be next to the other extravagance around them. Ara seemed somewhat nervous as they passed the gate, her breath leaving her with a shake, but it melted away as she looked over everything, eyes and smile wide. Monarch glanced over it as well, but it was mostly as he had seen before, if on a bigger scale. He was usually somewhat indifferent to festivities, but everything felt a bit more exciting through someone else’s eyes. Ara stopped suddenly and asked Monarch to pinch her. A bark of surprised laughter left his maw. ”I’m not going to pinch you,” he said near her ear, voice a low rumble. It was getting louder now that they were inside. ”Is this your first time at a ball?” he asked, somewhat surprised. He did not know her past, or even much of her present, but it seemed strange to him that no one had asked her to one before.

Monarch Vanadium

@Ara

M

onarch's smiles were like faerie circles. The were uncommon, rare even, but an experienced eye knew how to find them. Similarly, Ara had not only began to notice them, but she had come to cherish them too. They were often wane or wry or wary, but occasionally hints of mischief or genuine amusement would brighten even his eyes. These smiles were the most rare, and she was pleased to have earned one when the magpie feather was added to his mask. The bow caused her to giggle, amused by the bartender—turned—gentleman. But she was not surprised. For all the rough edges and scowls, he had appeared when she had most needed him.

Ah, it was still hard for her to think about her failed rally without feeling an immense amount of shame. Still they had not spoken about it at length, and Ara preferred that. Cheers to the future, no? Perhaps this would be the first event that she attended with Monarch where all hell would not break loose. Otherwise, she would begin to question if her presence was a blight of bad luck on his life.

...

Her ear twitched as his warm breath chased away the cold from outside. "How else will I know it's all real?" She asked then, brow furrowing despite the playful glint in blue-red eyes.

At his question, she nodded. "Oh yes—the Abbey where I was raised could not afford such things." Her gaze was tugged once more to the many colors that seemed to bathe the hall. "It's almost faerie like, don't you think? It's hard to imagine anything more spectacular." For perhaps the first time in her life, she was left in wonder from what wolves could do.

... Suddenly, a lightbulb seemed to go off in her head. Turning, she studied Monarch's face intently for a moment. "Do you know how to dance?" She motioned with her muzzle to a group dance that was happening in the middle of the hall. She had never seen such coordinated moves before, but there was plenty of spinning.

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

@Monarch

It was strange for him, but Monarch found he enjoyed bringing little bits of joy to Ara’s face, liking the way it seemed to change her entire demeanor for a moment. Like the sun raising over the horizon and washing everything in light. Though she was generally kind and bright, their first few meetings hadn’t had many of those moments. However now he seemed to find ways to bring them out, like right now with his silly bow, and was rewarded with a giggle for his efforts. The sound made his smile wider for a brief moment, before he tamped it down and let seriousness take over his face again with the suggestion to head out. Monarch was a man of surly quiet and he felt somewhat unnerved by this desire for her smiles and glee… like it might be dangerous. And yet… he couldn’t stop from wanting to be around her. He hadn’t ever really had a friend before, and it was addicting.

Ara spoke faux-serious about needing to tell that it was real, and Monarch let another soft smile appear for the teasing in her eyes. Instead of pinching he buffeted her gently on the shoulder before moving a small step away. ”It’s real,” he said, his voice a little louder, a little stronger.

She spoke then of how the abbey couldn’t afford tickets to such things, and his brow twitched a little in a frown. His life had not been easy before coming here, but his mother had made sure that difficulty was no longer an issue as soon as they landed. He was a fish out of water all the time in this strange new place but still… their lives were different in ways he hadn’t realized. He was glad he brought her, even if this was not normally a thing Monarch would attend willingly. Ara continued in wonder, speaking to the beauty of the halls, all the colors and the lights. Seeing through her fresh eyes, he had to admit it was quiet spectacular. ”I suppose so,” he murmurs in agreement, his own blue eyes casting about the room.

Ara seemed suddenly taken by an idea as she turned around to stare at him as if considering something. He frowned back at her, shifting slightly, uncomfortable and wondering what, exactly she was thinking. She asked then, if he knew how to dance. Surprise lit his face, and then he relaxed slightly, looking away from her to the wovles in the center, twirling and moving in coordinated motion. His frown didn’t lessen but he returned his gaze to Ara. ”A little. Mother wanted us to learn but… I am not very practiced,” he said, his tone was not sheepish but just honest. ”I did not grow up with it, as they did,” he said, his head nodding at the others, who had a flow and ease that showed their practice. He looked back at Ara, his eyes curious. ”Is dancing something they teach at the Abbey?,”

Monarch Vanadium

@Ara

H

is gentle rebuff of her shoulder caused her eyes to narrow somewhat, though there was no frustration glittering in her gaze. Rather, there were hints of playfulness and mischief—and relief. Although Ara moved through the world with loud individuality, her paws moving to the beat of her own drum, that did not make her impervious to the stares of others. Be they envious, judgmental, or wary, attention seemed to subtly cling to her fur. It took constant effort to ignore it, except when Monarch was around. She had a couple theories. His sour expression and piercing blue eyes had a habit of causing onlookers to flinch away. Few would dare stare when one so surly lurked beside her. But, in all honesty, the comfort came from having a companion. A "partner in crime" if she was to be cliche. At least if someone were to oggle her here, they would know that someone had accepted her. And that tiny bit of validation made all the difference.

Mother. Silvery ears flicked and she glanced at him, quietly taking note. Although they had become fast friends, the boundaries of their relationship had not been established. Was he an only child? One of many? Did he have both parents in his life? Only one? Were they close? Estranged? Ara had many questions but, when it came to matters of the heart, she was cautious. For the Fae, she would bulldoze any boundary and stick her neck out. With mortals... she was less certain. Less confidant.

"We learned dances," she said, turning her head. "But they are... different. For the Moon Goddess, for the Fae. They're more like rituals." With hums and chants and all manner of things Monarch would no doubt dislike.

"Do you remember enough?" Ara asked, eyes round with the silent plea. Take me over there? Help? Help me join in? Please?

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

@Monarch

Ara narrowed her eyes at him, their pale glistening toying with a kind of mischievous admonishing in his direction. There was nothing of annoyance in their gaze, and he kept his small secret smile in return. As more and more time passed with them together she seemed calmer and more relaxed into herself, as if she was no longer afraid of something. He couldn’t place exactly of what and why, but it was kind of like some kind of haunting had left her. He liked that he had been able to help her with this, even if he didn’t realize exactly what he was doing. Monarch’s presence in most cases brought about annoyance, fear, hatred, etc. He’d never made friends, and it was nice that it seemed like perhaps he had a friend now… and one that he could help.

He unintentionally revealed a bit about himself, and realized it after the fact. Typically, anything personal was kept close to his chest… however the ease at which she felt with him seemd to be mirrored in his own manner, as the words flowed freely. But he glanced at her after, noting her own brief gaze, and noting especially how she said nothing about it. Something like relief eased across his shoulders in turn. He didn’t want to talk about his family… not here, not tonight, at least. And whether she had sensed that or not, Ara hadn’t pushed.

The topic changed to dancing and Monarch asked her if she had learned any. He was curious about the rituals… they sounded like nothing he’d ever been witness too before. The blue eyes gaze was open about that curiosity. ”I haven’t seen any rituals before,” he admitted, not really knowing what they might be like. But it was obvious enough that they did not contain the dancing and customs present here tonight.

Ara asked him then, if he remembered enough. Monarch looked at her again, their eyes meeting and he looked a tad confused for a moment. The confusion cleared soon enough though, recognizing the pleading, the want in her gaze. He thought of a moment or two, before nodding. ”I think so,” he said, his voice warm. ”But we might not be very good,” he said as a warning, smile returning soft and small, before turning and leading her over to the dance. He paused for a moment as he listened to the music, finding the right time. ”Just mirror and follow me, this one isn’t too complicated,” he said, a whisper in her ear, before he moved away to face her. He counted the beats, and started moving, curving to the left, and then to the right, and then a bow, before repeating, moving into some twirls, brushing past her to be on the opposite side. A few almost-stumbles, but his smile remained, and the steps were slow and steady, watching for her to follow, and ready to help if needed.

Monarch Vanadium

@Ara

A

ra's smile slanted as he commented on the aforementioned rituals. Although he looked curious, she had grown to gain a minimal understanding of his likes and dislikes. What he seemed to like was that which did not fuss or bother him—herself being perhaps the only exception. Fae fell into the peaceful realm of fanciful nothings, never once sliding a sharp stone onto his path or jabbing him in the side with a sharp twig. Unlike mortals, which he dealt with and had to serve in the evenings at the drunken seagull, fae were a welcome respite from the day's doldrums. The rituals, however, all had their own fanfare. The level of dramaticism was as varied as the practicioner, and the Abbey had been more theatric than most.

"I can show you small ones," she said with a twitch of her ears, smile softening somewhat. "Little ones that are good for a wolf or two wolves on their own." Perhaps three, if her sweet little changeling wished to join. Though she had never heard of Fae using rituals to, well, call the Fae.

At his idle response, acknowledging that he might remember enough, Ara's eyes widened. It was difficult to conceal her surprise and so she did not even bother to try. In all honesty, she had expected him to grunt and wave it off before seeking refuge at the refreshments table.

Him? Dancing? Even as she had asked and as he acquiesced, voice warm and almost interested in the thought, Ara began to wonder if she really knew anything about him at all. Nonetheless, this was a sweet surprise.

She bobbed her head and followed him to the dance floor, her brow furrowing as she tried to study the wolves as they were getting started. Anxiety began to well in her stomach as butterflies fluttered there. On second thought—but just then his breath warmed her ear and her cheeks flushed at the sudden closeness and her own impending social doom. But she had asked him, and he was going to guide her.

She'd have to trust in that.

At first, she looked like a newborn deer. Left, right... right? No-Left...? It felt like she was lost in the tide and shame caused her cheeks to burn even more. Still, when she looked at Monarch's face, he was encouraging. By the second pass, she could get a couple of the steps right but her twirls were too wide. Her shoulder accidentally bumped into another woman she shuffled closer to Monarch, accidentally bumping into him too.

"Maybe," She gasped as the steps repeated again. "It's safe to say that I'm bad at this," she murmured whenever they came close enough. Ara laughed, too, if only to help hide some of her own embarassment.

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

@Monarch

Ara offered to show him some of the rituals she spoke of, small ones, just for a few wolves, and Monarch’s lips moved to mirror her soft smile at the invitation. He was surprised by the excitement that suggestion had for him. It was two-fold because while yes, he was curious about this unknown world of hers and wanted to learn more about it, there was another reason too. She was inviting him to see her again, to spend more time together. And he was realizing he wanted more of that as well. He ducked his head a little, but nodded. ”I’d like that,”

They stared at the dancers for a bit, and when he said he could probably do it, he hadn’t expected silence. He frowned a little and looked down at her, noting the surprise on her face. His lips quirked in amusement. It seemed like Ara hadn’t expected that of him, and well… fair enough. Monarch knew he appeared like the surly, no-fun kind of guy, and it didn’t really bother him because it was true. He wasn’t into many of the things others thought were fun. But he’d seen how she was curious, how she wanted to, and since he knew a little… he could do this for her. If there was one thing, it was how little Monarch cared what other thought. He figured this might be embarrassing for both of them, but they could try.

He could tell, as they walked out, by her frown and her breathing, that she was uncertain and nervous. It was hard of course, when you’d never done before, with all these other bodies around. But Monarch kept his blue eyes steady on her face as she concentrated on their feet, on moving in the right way, in the right direction. Whenever they were close, he tried to give her support, murmurs, smiles, a touch on her shoulder, anything to make her feel okay. He didn’t care, even as he stumbled a few steps himself, but he could tell that she did, in some way, as her cheeks heated.

Ara bumped into him then, but he was solid and caught her before they could both move into someone else. She whispered out of breath then, that she was bad at this, a bit of a laugh covering up her words though he couldn’t tell if the laugh was truly all from delight. He smiled, shaking his head, hoping to make her feel better. ”No one is good at first,” he reassured her, raising his brows as they stepped away again for moment, before coming closer again. ”But you’re picking it up!,” he said, a small guff of a laugh leaving his lips as he stumbled again himself, another twirl, before he came to her again, this time leading her off to the side. ”Take a break?,” he asked, his chest puffing from the exertion of the dancing. He looked from her to the dancing group and back at Ara again. ”What did you think?”

Monarch Vanadium

@Ara

I

t was both comforting and maddening to be pressed—however breifly—into his shoulder. He was sturdy, supporting her dove-like weight without so much of a quirk of the brow. Through him, the wobble of the billiard balls stopped. No more could bump into each other and offset the other dancers. She, most of all, was righted. And yet being close to him in this atmosphere, with the torchlight that ignored the night sky and the scent of wine and mutton, did not set her at ease. If anything, her heart hammered harder within its boney cage. The heat upon her cheeks did not abate and she blamed it on her misstep causing him (once more and not for the last time) more burden. Why could she not be half as elegant or composed? Then perhaps he would not have to be there to catch her when she fell.

His reassurance gave her a kind distraction and she shook her head slightly. "I somehow doubt that, I can't imagine you bumbling along like I have been." And it was the truth. From the moment she had met him, he had been... sturdy. Unmoving. Like a mountain that did not notice the weather as it tried to erode him. He seemed certain even when he tried to convince her that he was not.

It made her hopelessly jealous of his cool demeanor, for she often felt frazzled like a bird dazed from flying into a window.

"Picking it up but at what cost?" Ara gasped after nodding to take a break. "What of your toes?" She'd stepped on him once or twice so it could not be said that her dance had taken no casualties.

As they moved out of the throng, she patted his paw with her own. "I think... I'm lucky you brought me." Again she adopted a self-patronizing smile. "I'm too clumsy for this audience but you help disguise it somewhat."

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

@Monarch