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#Post#: 386355--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: guest1266
Date: June 26, 2015, 5:56 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
"I'm well and yourself?" asked Es.
Her eyes brushed over his torso before stopping at his face.
"I wanted to apologize for putting you in the spot the other
day," she said. "It wasn't fair for me to ask you things about
your friend."
A tender smile caressed her lips as she ran her hands down the
skirt of her dress idly, forcing out the wrinkles. Honestly, she
hadn't had the opportunity to speak to anyone other than Jasper.
It was nice to see a familiar face even if they hardly spoke
anymore.
"Are you engaged to be married yet? I thought I had heard the
maids mentioning something. Of course, they are good at
gossiping and tend to blemish the truth often," she said,
laughing at the end.
She shook her head in amusement, thinking of how bothersome the
servants were and how at times they made up the most
unbelievable stories. Realizing that he may feel more obligated
to stay and listen to her banter due to her status as queen
rather than out of friendship, she silenced herself before she
could get carried away.
"I am sorry for interrupting you, Walter," she apologized,
mirroring his formality. "You may go if you want."
She watched him with blue, almond-shaped eyes, waiting to see if
he would accept the invitation to leave or stay and keep her
company.
#Post#: 386357--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: Renegade
Date: June 27, 2015, 4:38 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
His eyes closed in response to the fingers massaging behind his
ears; An obvious weakness. A hint of happiness peeked through,
upon hearing Winter say that he did well, but it wasn’t an
overpowering happiness. Senrei was confident in his abilities.
He wasn’t one of those guys who needed constant reassurance.
Still, it was nice to hear.
He listened silently as she continued to speak, waves of empathy
rolling off of him as she spoke of her feelings about Jake and
his injuries. He understood how she felt. The way he had treated
her was inexcusable, and he didn’t understand it. Senrei didn’t
tend to draw emotional attachments to people, and Jake was no
exception. But Jake was a good partner. He was strong, and their
teamwork was impeccable. If for no other reason, he couldn’t
allow Jake to continue acting in a way that would get him
removed from the Academy. But that was a matter that would have
to be addressed later.
When Winter went on to say she hadn’t understood what Senrei was
trying to teach her, he whimpered a bit. A bit of disappointment
sat on the tips of his fur, but in his current condition, he
couldn’t return to his human form to explain it. He needed to
absorb light in his fox form in order to increase his rate of
recovery. The little fox released a yawn as she talked about the
girls on the hill. It was a sign of exhaustion, not boredom,
though he honestly never cared about things like that.
It was at that moment that Senrei noticed the energy being
emitted from Winter’s hand, and while his logical mind would
know she wouldn’t try to hurt him, the instincts of the
surprised fox told him to run, which would only bear the fruit
of a very pained leg, which gave birth to a loud yelp. Her
ability soothed the pain greatly, however, and he soon calmed
down, allowing her to do her thing without objection. When she
was finished, he lefted each of his paws, testing their movement
and discovering that, while still extremely sore, they were
working again! He hopped out of her lap, and his legs buckled
underneath him. It was still difficult to walk, but he was able
to stand, and that was a grand improvement! He slowly made his
way next to her, and began the transformation back to his human
form. It wouldn’t be wise to stay in it for long, but at the
very least, he should say thank you. Upon his transformation,
his first observation was that he had only formed one tail. Not
surprising, considering all he had been through. With a wince,
he stretched his arms, and examined them, rotating his palms up
and down. “Thank you.” He said. “For both my escape, and
accerlated healing. I’m sure I’ll be back to full condition in
two days because of you.”
#Post#: 386360--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: Renegade
Date: June 27, 2015, 6:26 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
I’ve been alright.” Walter said, standing a respectable distance
away from both Essie, and the throne. When he heard her apology,
he understood why she had called him. It had been a bit of an
awkward situation, yes, but it was nothing to hold a grudge over
though. “It’s alright. I understand things have been strange
around here lately.” He said. “In your position, I probably
would have done the same thing. Hell, I’d probably still be
doing it!” It was at that moment that he realized he was picking
up some of Jasper’s speech patterns.
Walter assumed that was all she wanted to say to him, and
expected her to send him on his way, but she instead asked if he
himself had gotten engaged yet! “I’ve left the Kingdom twice
this month, to be considered as a suitor for Princesses seeking
a husband. Both times another was chosen over me. As if I wasn’t
practically raised by a King myself.” He said with a laugh. He
appeared to be taking it very lightly. Walter couldn’t ignore
the fact that, if Jasper –did- end up marrying Ayla, then Essie
would be seeking out a suitor as well… But he didn’t let the
thought reach his lips, or his facial expression. They really
WERE too young to be ruling Kingdoms…
Essie then gave Walter the –option- to leave if he wished. It
was unusual. Royals typically told you to stay, or to go. Walter
wasn’t really sure what to make of this. “Well I was just about
to go get some food in the Kingdom, if you’d like to come
along.” He said. He loved eating in the palace, but he imagined
doing it every day must get old. He awaited Essie’s answer
before turning for the door.
#Post#: 386363--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: guest1266
Date: June 27, 2015, 10:15 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
As intuitive as she was, Essie did not miss the similarity
between how he and Jasper spoke. It was probably since they had
spent so much time together lately, but she tried not to read
too much into it as it was not important, merely humorous. At
any rate, she was thankful that he didn't take offense to her
behavior, rather he was quite understanding. She relaxed
visibly, knowing that they were still on good terms. It did
surprise her to hear that he hadn't been chosen for a suitor
yet, but she knew it wouldn't be long until he was scooped up by
some damsel with a crown or other significant title.
"Ah, well their loss," she assessed, nodding her head as if
agreeing with herself.
Her eyes lit up at the thought of escaping the palace for a bite
to eat, but they quickly darkened and became downcast. She
wanted to go and sort of needed the break from everything, but
she couldn't.
"Thank you for the invitation, but I think it's wise to stay
just in case Jasper were to need me," she replied, unable to
meet his gaze.
By the time she finished her sentence, the guard had returned
carrying two drinks on a tray. He fumbled with it almost with
every step. Perhaps, it had been foolish of her to expect armor
and drink carrying to go and in hand.
Essie thanked the guard and took one drink then wandered over to
a stained glass window closest to throne. She leaned against it
and watched Walt curiously. After a moment of thought, she sat
her drink down on the windowsill and stood straight.
"On second thought, I will go with you, thank you," she said,
beaming.
In her excitement, she made it out of the door before anyone
hardly had time to respond to her curious nature.
#Post#: 386402--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: guest1220
Date: June 30, 2015, 9:14 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
The doctor had come and gone, leaving Ayla alone tucked beneath
a blanket on her bed. She had no idea what was happening, but
the doctor had assured her all was fine. Nothing felt fine.
What made it worse was that the elder was still in the room and
watching her like a hawk. When she had asked him to find Jasper,
he had told her to rest and not to bother the king while he was
busy working.
Ayla was frustrated, but she didn't know what else to do other
than simply lay there and drink the blasted tea the elder
continued to supply her with.
As minutes had rolled into hours, she became impatient and began
to fidget.
"Is Jasper still in town?" she asked the elder. About an hour
earlier he had said the king had ventured out to speak with
villagers about repairs.
He simply nodded and yawned, seated in a chair across the room
with the scroll he had been reviewing in his hand.
Ayla couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Normally, she was a
good judge of character, but she couldn't help but wonder if the
elder was keeping her here for a different reason other than her
safety...
No, that was nonsense. She was being paranoid.
She winced as another waved of pain went through her. From the
chair, the elder watched her.
"Drink some more tea, Ayla, it will soothe you," he insisted.
She sighed and nodded before obeying him. Leaning her head back
in the pillow, she stared up at the ceiling wishing that Jasper
was with her.
"Why did you say he had to go to the bakery again?" she asked,
unable to shake the paranoia.
The elder hesitated. "To discuss next week's event."
But, Ayla knew the elder hadn't spoken once about the bakery.
"Oh, yes. Then you said when he returned he has a meeting?"
Looking even now puzzled, the elder nodded. "Yes... He does."
Ayla closed her eyes. She knew he was lying. If someone lied,
they at least needed to keep track of their lies to avoid
getting caught. Opening her eyes, she looked at him, ready to
confront him when her vision dimmed and her mind spiraled into
confusing circles.
-
The doctor knocked on Jasper's study a couple hours after
checking on Ayla. She had had so many other patients needing to
be checked, she had almost forgotten to speak to her king. The
maids had assured her that he was in his study, so when she
knocked, she didn't wait for a response before entering.
Latching the door behind her, the doctor quickly bowed, knowing
how displeased his majesty would be, but also placed her finger
on her lips, calling him not to speak.
If her fears were true, they would have to be careful about any
eavesdropping from the maids. Without giving him much time to
object, she went to his desk and used his pen and paper to
scribble something down.
When she handed it to him, she met his eyes evenly before
dropping them as she bowed at the waist and waited to see what
he did.
The note read: majesty poisoned. Babe dead. Enemies, who?
Due to her broken English, the words were misspelled and jumbled
up, but still clear enough to decipher.
#Post#: 386405--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: Renegade
Date: July 1, 2015, 3:45 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Essie was just the way Walter remembered her; Sweet, and just a
little bit too proper. It was fine though. He liked that about
her, even though it was the very reason he never attempted to
become close friends with her, as he had with Jasper. He saw the
excitement in her eyes when he welcomed her to come out with
him, but in classic Essie fashion, she declined, in order to
stay behind and take care of her duties. In response, he
shrugged. “Alright then…” He turned back toward the door, and
began on his way. He had just reached the archway, when he heard
Essie change her mind. He didn’t know why, but his heart pounded
in his chest, just once, when he heard that she was coming
along. Walter loved his best friend, but it would be nice to
have some company other than Jasper for once. He waited at the
door for her to catch up, and then turned out the door.
When they arrived at his carriage, he allowed the lady to enter
first. When he was younger, he forgot chivalrous acts such as
that, but time (and Jasper) had taught him better manners. “I’m
glad you decided to come along.” He said, the carriage taking
off into town. “You’ll drive yourself crazy cooping yourself up
like that.” He would have said the same to Jasper, had he been
present. It seemed like he was always in that office, trapped
under the weight of ten ton papers that threatened to suffocate
him.
The sound of the horses hooves trotting against the paved road
was rhythmic. It was that sound that instructed Walter on where
to go. When to turn was dictated by the amount of time he had
heard that rhythm; a habit he picked up before he even learned
to drive the carriage himself. The sun was high in the sky,
bringing with it the kind of searing heat that made the air
above the pavement ahead appear distorted When had Summer
arrived? Walter couldn’t recall. But it was the motivation for
his next move. “What do you say to a trip to the creamery?” He
asked. Should Essie agree, Walter would take the next right,
and head down the hill to the Southhouse Creamery, where Martha
made the best Frozen treats in all of the Kingdom! No one knew
how she did it, but she could make THREE different flavors! It
was perfect for a hot day like this. Once they got their treats,
they could take a seat, where concerned eyes would settle on the
Princess, paired with a very simple, and yet extremely
complicated question. “Are you alright?”
Jasper had been working in silence for hours. It was almost as
if he was in a trance, until his door was opened. Solid brown
eyes looked up to see the Doctor there, which immediately
brought worry to his face. He started to speak up, but was
quickly silenced by the woman, who was acting a bit strange. She
started to write what she had to say on paper, and he waited to
read what it said. He expected it to involve Ayla, however, when
he read the note, his eyes grew cloudy and black. For a moment,
he couldn’t respond. He couldn’t move. One might have expected
he would feel relief, the burden of a child out of wedlock
potentially locking him to Ayla being removed. But that was his
offspring! And Ayla was… Well, he didn’t know what she was. But
he did know that he cared about her!
He snapped out of his mind and looked at the doctor before
taking the pen. The note asked if Ayla had any enemies. The most
obvious one was Essie. But Jasper wasn’t fool enough to suspect
her. The way they avoided each other, Essie would never have the
opportunity to poison Ayla, let alone the gall! He had
considered the possibility that she had murdered his father
before. He wouldn’t give her that lack of faith again… Instead,
he wrote his own question. “How is Ayla?”
The returned note was a relief: Mild poison. Harmless to Majesty
He breathed a sigh of relief before asking one final question.
Who’s with her?
Simon.
One black eye turned to red, and Jasper rose from his seat. He
tossed the paper in the fireplace on the way out the door, and
headed to the Infirmary, where he could hear their voices.
“You said when he returned, he had a meeting?”
“Yes… He does.”
“Actually, I’ve cancelled the rest of my meetings for today.”
Jasper said as he walked around the corner. One black, and one
red eye settled on a tray with two tea cups, and everything
added up in moments. “As well as all of yours, Simon.”
#Post#: 386408--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: guest1220
Date: July 1, 2015, 6:40 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
All too often, Essie took small things like getting the door
opened for her for granted. When Walt did it, it reminded her of
how spoiled she truly was. Yet, him doing it didn't make her
feel like a princess; not in the least.
Essie thanked Walt before climbing up into the carriage. His
next few comments were answered by a guilty look that she tried
to cover up with a fraction of a smile. Although she knew that
he was right, she couldn't shake the shame she felt for leaving
the castle. Hadn't she been the one to get upset with Jasper for
staying out all night? Well, she wasn't staying out all night at
least, just for an hour or so to regain some of her sanity.
"I am happy as well," she said a moment after coming to the
conclusion that it would not hurt to get out for a bit. "Thank
you for the invitation."
Essie looked over the village as well as the countryside with a
smile that was growing with every passing second.
"Wherever is fine," she said, turning to look at him. "I trust
you."
His next question erased her smile instantly and an invisible
weight it carried with it pressed her shoulders down.
"No," she replied, her voice distant as she looked at the horses
in their front. It made her uncomfortable to give him the honest
response, but it was true. "But," she sighed. "It will work
out."
She hoped it would sooner than later though...
-
Ayla looked up in surprise as Jasper entered and quickly cut the
elder off. Simon looked just as shocked. He quickly stood up and
looked at Ayla then back at Jasper.
"Your majesty," he stammered. "I was j-just... Well, we were
just..."
The elder stopped and swallowed as fear turned into anger. With
nothing holding him back anymore, he pointed a finger at the
king.
"You are blind! You are throwing this kingdom away for a whore!"
the elder bellowed, his pale face turning an unpleasant shade of
dark red. "If I hadn't rid us of the spawn, think of what could
have become of us all! I have invested too much into this
kingdom to have you take it from me!"
Ayla shook her head. "Your attempt was unsuccessful though. The
doctor said all was fine."
However, if the doctor had been truthful, why would Jasper be so
angry? Ayla looked down and tried to grasp what it all added up
to.
She couldn't believe that she had lost the baby, not after just
losing her first born. Her eyes then fixated on the other man in
the room knowing full well that she could take his life at the
snap of her fingers, but she didn't care to have blood on her
hands. Instead, she allowed Jasper to do as he wished with the
man, no longer caring what transpired from there.
Without another word, she left the room and sought solitude.
#Post#: 386410--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: Renegade
Date: July 4, 2015, 2:24 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Walter sighed, as he leaned back in his chair, eating a scoop of
his strawberry Ice Cream. He shook his head as he looked over at
the counter, and then back to his companion. She was a real
beauty. But in many ways, like Jasper, and like himself, still a
child. "No Essie. It won't 'work out.'" He leaned forward, and
rested his forearms on the table. "Things don't just work out.
You have to put time, effort and energy into making them work
out. What are you doing to make things better for yourself?"
It was a rhetorical question, intended to make her really
consider her part in all of this. Was it a part she chose, and
actively acted on, or was it a part she allowed herself to be
placed in? Or did she want a part in all of it at all?
He didn't press the matter any longer, returning to his ice
cream, and looking out at the brilliant blue sky. It'll be two
months before I get another opportunity to be considered as a
suitor. But honestly, I'm starting to wonder if I'm suited to be
a King. Or a husband for that matter. I've been turned away six
times now, just for the trial period. Being chosen doesn't even
guarantee you'll marry the Princess. It only gives you the
chance to live in the palace under observation, to see if you
would be a worthy partner for the future Queen of the Kingdom in
question. I can't even make it that far..."
Walter didn't talk to Jasper about these things. It wasn't
because he didn't feel he would laugh at him. Honestly, he
didn't know why. He just never felt that it was something he
should bring up. He didn't know why he spoke of it to Essie, but
it was in the air now. No taking it back....
------------------------------------------------------
Jasper stood in cold anger as Simon stammered. He was silently
deciding what he would do to the man when he suddenly regained
his barrings, and spoke with the Gall of a royal! "You are
blind! You are throwing this kingdom away for a who-" Jasper's
open palm Had already grabbed the man by the face, and slammed
his head in to the wall before he could finish getting the words
out. He leaned downward, and whispered in the shorter man's ear.
"I promise, you'll never finish speaking those words..." He
began a foreign incantation, that caused his own skin to turn
pale, as his body was robbed of valuable nutrients. At the same
time, however, Simon was robbed of his voice. He tried to
object, but no sound came from his voice box. Eyes widened, he
attempted to scream, but the room was once again greeted with
silence.
Two guards came to the door after hearing the loud sound. "Is
everything alright, your highness?" Jasper released the Elder.
"Take him to the dungeon. His sentence will be declared soon."
the guards obeyed, and Jasper turned to comfort a pained Ayla,
only to find that she had already left. He released a heavy
sigh. it was no surprise she didn't want to speak to him. After
all, he had now caused her to suffer the pain of losing Robin
all over again. Why couldn't he ever get anything right?"
#Post#: 386411--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: guest1220
Date: July 4, 2015, 5:56 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
The attempt to dodge the invasive inquiry of how she was fairing
had been futile. It backfired even, making her sigh and look
down at the pastry in her hand. She sensed that he didn't expect
her to reply, but she insisted on doing so anyways.
"I am fulfilling my duties as a queen while giving Jasper his
space. I love him," she said bluntly, looking up to catch
Walter's expression. "But I understand that he is torn and the
events that have taken place have altered us. We are both being
pulled two different ways and although it hurts, I cannot deny
myself. I want to be desired more than just because I am a
valuable asset to a throne."
She shook her head and tucked her hair behind her ear. "No, it
won't all work out by itself. No, it may not turn out that I'm
the one he really wants; that can truly satisfy him. But, I need
to find myself before I choose to marry anyone. Otherwise, I'm
afraid I'll just mold myself to their perfect idea of who they
believe I should be, rather than knowing who I am and finding
someone who would accept it. My withdrawal is not surrender.
When I'm sure I can be better for Jasper than Ayla," she glanced
down. "When I know I can give him more than a queen, I will try.
But, I deserve to be pursued too."
Realizing how rashly she had spoken, she glanced up to weigh his
expression. Jasper was his friend afterall and she hated to drag
him into their personal matters since it placed him an awkward
position. It wasn't that she didn't desire Jasper or believe he
was the only one who could ever truly make her happy, but she
had gone her entire life trying to win over the approval of
others and she never pictured herself doing that for the man she
was to marry. Although she didn't expect it to be easy, she
didn't expect it to take away from who she wanted to be. With
Jasper lately, she found who she wanted to be slowly shrinking
inside.
When the subject turned to Walter's thoughts, she tilted her
head in thought.
"It isn't a question of whether or not you are suited to be a
king or husband. You are. You have all of the capability in the
world. So does everyone. That doesn't mean they would be good
for the job, but you will be," she said with a gentle smile
spreading warmth to her hazel eyes. "Is that really what you
want to do?"
The question wasn't to tear him down, but she wanted to know if
he really wanted that or he was trying to secure a dowry. There
was no shame in it, many people did it, but he hardly seemed
like he was excited at the idea of a title and marriage. Taking
another, and rather large bite, of her pastry, Essie placed her
elbows on the countertop as she ate. The ability to disregard
table manners stirred up emotions of excitement as well as
mischief. It felt so good, she had to fight to contain a giggle
from surfacing.
-
Ayla was drunk. She could tell by the presence of three little
dancing piggies at the edge of the treeline. They made her
giggle with their silly dance routine that was perhaps the best
she had ever seen. She almost didn't hear Harry come up.
Harry placed a hand on her shoulder. "Lass, I'm sorry to hear
about the babe."
Ayla hiccupped. "Yes, well, you-..." she pointed at him and
accidentally jabbed him in the eye with her index finger; or was
it her thumb? "- are interrupting the p-pigs."
He frowned and looked around. "Ayla, I think you have had enough
to drink."
The pigs stopped dancing to her dismay and shook their heads at
his question. Yes, the dancing pigs were right, he was
definitely wrong.
"Go away, Harry. I don't n-need you to tell me..." Blasted! She
forgot what he was going to tell her! Oh well, she ignored him
as the pigs started up their dancing again. The middle did flips
which she encouraged with a yell of excitement. Harry didn't
appear to be as pleased with their performance. He looked almost
scared. Poor Harry, didn't he know that they needed love too?
"Did you leave Jasper?" he asked, probing her like a child.
She groaned and slammed the cup of whiskey on the table in front
of her, splashing liquor onto her dress sleeves as she did.
"He's fine, Harry!"
"Is he? You are his lover, you need to go console him."
She rolled her eyes, or so she thought, but everything was
already spinning. "J-jasper-er is not my lover. He wanted the
babe. Not me. He even asked m-me to stay after he found out I
was pregnant."
Harry nodded his head. "Sounds like a good man. I wouldn't
choose a child who doesn't know what she wants either."
Ayla glared up at his three heads. Three heads? That didn't seem
right. Did he know he had three heads? Someone should tell him.
"Go away."
"You're angry because you fell in love with him."
The piggies stopped dancing again and stared at her, jaws ajar.
"That's silly-..."
" -exactly," he interrupted. "You can't even let someone love
you because you're afraid they will be taken from you."
Ayla stood, well tried to but the wooden slabs at her feet
seemed to have conspired to do whatever it took to throw her of
her feet. She steadied herself by placing a hand against the
table as she faced him.
"If he loved me-..."
"How can he when you haven't given him the chance?"
Damn that old man! The piggies were no where to be seen and he
saw right through her.
"Go away," she ordered, her voice sharp as a blade's tip.
Harry frowned. "You claim to be strong, but you can't even face
death sober."
She wanted to object and even planned to, but the world suddenly
faded into utter darkness.
#Post#: 386467--------------------------------------------------
Re: Tale of Two Kingdoms
DIR By: Renegade
Date: July 14, 2015, 8:22 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Since Walter hadn't expected Essie to respond to his lecture, he
was quite surprised by her sudden rant. He understood how she
felt, to an extent, but he couldn't say he agreed with
everything she had to say. She was right. She needed to be
certain of who she was, before she could be ideal to someone.
But something told Walter that Essie had no idea how ideal she
already was for Jasper. If anything it would be her who needed
to mold him! He could also understand her desire to be pursued,
but if she let that get in the way of what she wanted... No
matter. It was her life to live and he shouldn't interject any
more than he already had. He smiled and nodded his head. "Don't
let all of this get you discouraged. Jasper needs you. This
Kingdom needs you..."
His eyes widened slightly when Essie asked what -he- wanted to
do. No one had ever asked him that. His parents told him from a
young age that he would be a King one day and that was just the
way it had always been. but in an ideal situation, he would
remain as Jasper's chief advisor, or something like that! He
honestly didn't want the responsibilities of ruling a Kingdom!
He couldn't say that out loud though. If the words made it out
into the world, he could never take them back. "I don't know."
He responded. "I think I'm well suited to be a King..." He let
the subject drop, looking down at the remains of his ice cream.
It was nearly melted at this point. He looked up to find that
Essie seemed to really be enjoying herself. He hated to take her
back to stressing herself out in the palace, but she would
surely request to be returned soon. For now though, he would let
her enjoy her time out.
------------------------------------------------
Jasper stood his face against the wall long after the guard took
Simon away. Tears streamed down his face as he realized he was
quickly driving both Essie and Ayla to hate him. With his
parents gone, they were all he had left. Maybe with him as a
common enemy, they could learn to get along with each other!
Then at least something good would come of it! After a quick
trip to the dungeon, he went to the dining hall. His body was
robbed of nutrients needed to maintain his strength, but no
matter how long he sat in front of his plate, he couldn't eat a
bite! Eventually, he gave up, and headed out to the courtyard,
where he saw Ayla conversing with Harry. He couldn't make out
what they were saying, but it was clear that Ayla was
drunk...She was wobbling, clearly about to topple... He made it
just in time to prevent her head from hitting the table, and
barely managed to move her body to a nearby long chair (picture
a stone beach chair with pillows.) and lay her on it before cold
eyes turned to Harry.
Every interaction they had ever had told Jasper that Harry hated
him. Despite that, he didn't hate Harry in return. He simply
hated how the man seemed to have known everything before it
happened! He hated how he read him! IT was all so frustrating!
But now, even those feelings were numb. "Gonna lecture me too?"
Jasper asked, his tone more distant than apprehensive. He took a
seat in the chair that Ayla was previously seated in, and
gestured to the next chair. "Let's have it..."
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