NationStates Jolt Archive

Raphael noticed what was going on between Aurora and Eric and commented, "Since it doesn't appear as if you'll need my services any time soon, I shall leave you two alone."

"Well it looks like you are all right Ms. Aurora, will you need any services from our healers?"

Aurora had never been kissed before and found herself both blushing furiously and wanting more kisses from Eric.

"Since it doesn't appear as if you'll need my services any time soon, I shall leave you two alone." Raphael sstated.

Aurora jumped back from Eric, the blush deepening .

"Thank you for being here Raphael, in case you had been needed?" She tried to curtsey but found her knees too shakey.

"Well it looks like you are all right Ms. Aurora, will you need any services from our healers?" Miss Yikiko asked.

"Thank you Miss Yikiko for asking him to come" She gave the Empress's aide a smile and a gracious nod to the Healer as she addressed him,

"Lord Healer would you have a restorative draught? I find myself unusually exhausted." She asked

"Yes ma'am." He hannded her a draugt.

Eric was stunned as Aurora leapt away, a wide grin gracing his face as his wings flapped rapidly, slowly lifting himself off his feet.

To prevent himself from getting higher, he calmed himself by breathing heavier.

Turning his attention to the others, he blushed again

"Of cours! Many thanks to all of you!" he said slowy, slightly red in the cheeks .

Then, he walked closer to Aurora he whispered, "Miss Du- Aurora, that was truly...Magical."

Aurora couldn't bring herself to look Eric in the eyes at first, as a great wave of shyness washed over her. She took the Healers rsponse as a way out.

"Oh thank you Lord Healer." She accepted it, but couldn't resist a tentative smile back at Eric. She knew she was probably glowing but some how that was beginning not to matter so very much.

The restorative draugh was excellent. "Oh this is far tastier than I am used to." She exclaimed as she again thanked the Healer effusively.

When Eric approached her and whispered to her how magical that it had been she knew she was indeed glowing.

"It was for me too " She whispered back to him. She wondered if it would be proper to ask him if he would like to sit and talk, to get to know one another better. Though she knew already that he was kind, and witty, and gentle. And she liked his laugh.

Eric smiled at Aurora, before attempting to sit down on the bed. As he lowered himself, he sat back up again, unsure how to sit down with his wings. He blushed slightly as he figured this probably made him look like a fool.

"Aurora, I love your glow," he chuckled quietly as he smiled kindly at the fairy, watching her glow intensify for a bit.

"Aurora, could you...erm...teach me how to sit?" he mumbled quietly, still blushing. "Please?"

"Aurora, could you...erm...teach me how to sit?" he mumbled quietly, still blushing. "Please?"

She blushed as he said how he felt about her glow. However Eric's request had her hurrying to his side.

"It does take some learning." Carefully she laid her hands on his back, lightly stroking over the skin that covered the muscles that controlled his wings.

"Feel those muscles there? Just let them relax. Our wings..I mean Fae wings when whole are far more flexible than a butterflies wings, even though they look like them. Just let the flight muscles relax and see how the wing lets itself fold and flex."

She turned around so he could see her back, the dip of her gown showing her wing bases and how they attached to her shoulder area. Slowly, thinking about something that had become automatic a long time ago, she relaxed her wings. They drooped slightly and began to flex, in a curl about her body in a way that didn't seem possible, but tucked the wings about her sides.

"Thats a tight curl, for such as chairs with back and arms. Most of the winged Fae prefer perches, or piles of pillows, or we like curling up on our sides." She stretched out on her side, her wings had uncurled and now stretched out behind her, as she propped herself up on one elbow, looking for all the world like the popular conception of a ancient Roman stretched out on a divan

As Aurora stroked the muscles that controlled flight, Eric stiffened slightly, only to visibly relax under her gentle touch, however his wings hadn't relaxed all the way quite yet.

Eric smiled as he watched her relax her muscles before laying herself down on her side. "Looks comfortable," he said quietly with a chuckle as he continued to try and relax his wings.

He thought of something calm, but that only caused them to flutter slowly. Then, out of ideas, Eric let himself lose his straight posture and watched with glee as his wings began to curl over him. He let out a small chuckle as he gently felt along the side of his wing. "Marvelous..." he muttered.

With a great smile, he slowly lowered himself to Aurora and copied her posture, amazed at how his wings moved. When he was finally eye level with her, he laughed.

"Thank you so very much, Aurora, for such an experience. It'll be hard to get someone back home to believe me," he chuckled quietly as he looked deeply into Aurora's eyes.

"How does your wing feel?"

"How does your wing feel?" Eric enquired.

"Oh as if it had never been damaged " Aurora's smile brought out her dimples as she met his eyes and lost herself in them for a long moment.

"and as to any one believeing you..I know I will cherish the memories." Indeed she would hold tight to then, knowing that the moment was only fleeting.

She sat up and stretched then stood, holding out her hand to Eric. "Now that you know how to sit, would you like to practise flying? If at first we fly around over the bed, if you run into a problem, the matress is soft and only a short distance away."

It had been said by many that the one thing man chased most, from the days lost in the mists of history to the most current of times, was the power of true flight. Maybe she could help him have some truly magnificent memories. She'd like to give him that gift, the memories, but part of her also worried that he might regret them later. If only ... She didn't let herself think further. He would be human again soon enough, and his personality was not that of a shallow, self absorbed, self serving person.

"I too will cherish these memories, Aurora. They are like anyone's fantasies come true," Eric said quietly. He loved being with Aurora, not only to learn of her culture, but she was truly a magnificent person.

"Practice flying? I would love to!" Eric replied cheerfully as he took hold of Aurora's soft, delicate hand. As he was helped up, Eric didn't realise how close he was to her now that he was standing. He smiled calmly at her, once again debating whether he should kiss her again. Flying first, Eric. It may be appropriate to kiss her, he scolded himself.

"Practice flying? I would love to!" Eric replied.

Facing him completely and standing very close Aurora took both of his hands in hers, noting how strong his hands were despite the utter gentlness of his grasp upon hers.

"Now don't think on it, just let it happen. You see there are those who say that long long ago humans were as much a part of the majic as the Fae were, and they used it almost as easily as most. You see majic sustains the Fae, we need it even more than we need human style food...but they say that the 'almost' made such a huge difference to humans that it drove them in directions none of the Fae could go. And so Humans began to work with the Death Metals, and that slowly over time the Death Metals 'poisoned' humans to the point that they had to choose. And humans took a different path than the Fae."

She used the story to put his concentration on her words rather than her slow lifting of both of them off of the bed. Keeping him from noticing that his wings picked up the rythm and his subconscious was flying him easily. As if he were born to it! She thought as she released his hands and slowly moved away so that he was flying on his own.

"I'm sorry everyone." Ms. Arabijan said, "but I must leave. It appears the Emperor has just died and the new Empress has just taken rule and I must speak with her and attend the ceremony."

"Death metal's? Would that be technology?" Eric asked as he was oblivious to the flapping of his wings.

Suddenly, Aurora began to move away. Eric's eyes widened as he realized he was in air. "I'm...I'm flying!" he laughed before he suddenly came to realize that he was indeed flying. "I'm...flying?"

With a panicked look on his face, he reached for Aurora desperately, before noticing that he could fly on his own. His face relaxed as he looked around him, slowly rising higher. "Aurora, this is incredible!" he laughed as he put his weight forward, slowly moving towards the Fairy. He giggled like a child as he clumsily made his way back to Aurora.

"I must look funny, swinging myself forward," he laughed.

"Not technology perse, but iron and it's offspring steel. and the cheange in lifestyle and thiking. Mos thumans deny that majic even exists, is a natural part of the universe. And that disbeliefe is so strong in most people it cuts them off frome even being able to see majic at work, much less harness or have it be a part of the fabric of ones being...and Oh! yes your are flying!''

She saw him start to panick, then contain himslef and begin directing his flight on his own. And joined him in his laughter.

Oh you don't look funny at all. You look wonderful, you are very natural at it. See not thinking about it, just doing it is the secret." She took his hand and led him in a large circle above the bed, then in an upward spiral almost to the ceiling and back down again.

Eric smiled widely as he made his way to Aurora. "You're just saying that to make me feel better," he chuckled as she cmmented on his flying.

As she reached for his hand, he held on to her delicate hand, unsure of what was to come. Soon, they were traversing the bed, spiraling up and down. Eric was laughing in joy the entire way as they flew side by side. As they completed the downward spiral, Eric calmed himself down from all the excitement and smiled at Aurora, putting his hands gently on her waist. "That was magnificent, Aurora. You are magnificent. I would not have enjoyed that experience with anyone else," he said quietly, as he put his hands around her waist and kissed her, with passion, on her lips.

Raphael had given the two thier privacy as he said he would, retiring to the music room to play the piano some more.

Inexperiencedly at first, but trusting Eric completely, she returned the kiss. The kiss made her feel oddly boneless and she found herself pressing against himd for support. Aurora was breathless but unwilling to breath, to move, to even think for fear of shattering the moment. Erics hands holding her made her feel as if she were the rarest, most precious of beings, fragile as crystal goblet, but she knew that he never drop her.

How long did the kiss last? Time doesn't exist during kisses, every one knows that, so how long it took was not a moot point, but what is moot is that eventually, like all such perfection, it ended, leaving joy and sadness both behind.

"Eric..." Her voice, once she could speak once more, was a silken whisper "Do all the men of your Empire kiss as wonderfully as you?"

Eric closed his eyes as Aurora pressed her warm body against him, holding her slightly tighter, his arms wrapping around her, below her wings, careful to not interfere with their flapping.

It was all over too soon, though. The moment was perfect as it lasted, and soon Aurora and Eric broke their kiss gently. Eric laughed quietly as he held Aurora tightly.

"Only when we find someone magnificent, in mind and body," he replied quietly. He looked into Aurora's eyes and smiled warmly. "Aurora, you are one of the most perfect, if not the most perfect person I have met..."

He held onto her tightly before thoughts of the spell wearing off came to his mind. He cast away such sad thoughts as he enjoyed the moments with Aurora while he could.

Mia came in rubbing her eyes sleeply. "What's all the ruckus?" She asked with a yawn

"Aurora, you are one of the most perfect, if not the most perfect person I have met..." Eris soft words made her head spin.

"Oh Eric, I am certainly not perfect." She laid her head against his chest,entranced by the sound of his heart beat. "Ummm it is so strong..." She murmurred as her arms slid around his waist, with the same care his had.

The air currents drifted them around the room for a long moment, and the time they had together was most precious to her. She would make them the happiest memories she could.

Eventually she slipped out of his arms, and drew his attention to the fact that they had drifted far away from the shelter and safety of the bed. "See you are a natural...so...catch me if you can!" Wigh a teasing laugh she darted away from him, going at her best speed. She knew that her wing shape was made for high speed sprints, but his would give him greater endurance.

Soon she was laughing gaily as she tried to elude him...

What's all the ruckus?" Princess Mia entered the suite, rubbing her eyes.

"Oh, Hello again Princess Mia. I'm sorry if we disturbed your sleep. I was just teaching Eric here how to fly."

Aurora alit on a chair's back, looking slightly sheepish. Eric's exuberance and joy in flying had been very infectious and both of them had been laughing loudly as they raced each other about the room

Eric only smiled as he noticed them away from the bed. "You are only a great teacher," he replied quietly.

Eric started himself at a slow pace as he chased after Aurora, slowly growing used to it when he finally began to go faster. He laughed as he attempted to catch the speedy Aurora.

As Princess Mia came in, he stopped in midair, almost in front of her and chuckled loudly. "We're sorry, Princess Mia," Eric said as he floated in front of her. "Surprised to see me?" With a laugh, he spun himself in midair, before fluttering to Aurora.

"Caught you," he chuckled quietly to her.

Mia was a little suprised by it, but she thought nothing more.

"Oh okay. You two have a nice night, and uh-enjoy flying."

She shut the door quitely behind them.

She knew that Princess Mia had said something and quietly departed, and that she should have known what she said and wished her kind sleep as she left..but at the moment she couldn't seem to breathe, or think...

because Eric said "Caught you" as he landed next to her and she turned to look at him...at the moment all she could see was him, and there was a roaring in her hears, and her heart semed to be beating wildly out of control , tripping over itself.

And she wondered if she had touched his heart as he had touched hers...teaching her the meaning of the word cherish, for she knew that she would hold tight to what she felt now, to wrap around her in dreams, a love she 'knew' she shouldn't have, but also knew that she wouldn't give up. Nor would she burden him with it. He deserved the most wonderful woman in the world, a human woman who he could share a life with

Eric smiled as he looked into Aurora's sweet face, before embracing her again. "Aurora...I don't know how to put this...but I think I have fallen in love with you," he whispered in her ear. "You have rekindled the magic inside me, the wings, the flight. You have graced me with your kindness, your tenderness, your patience, and your beauty."

Eric pulled back in her arms just a little, so he can take in her beautiful face, her sweet dimples, her delicate features. He brushed a loose strand of hair out of her face as he wished he could spend his life with her. He felt as though she was the only one for him. He loved her with all his heart, just by this day, this evening they met each other, her shyness, his curiousity...

Silent tears ran down her cheeks as she listened with all her heart to the words she wanted to hear but knew she shouldn't. His heart so open and true, his willingness to dare the unknown, his cheerfull, fun loving, yet rock steady nature called to her so strongly


"Oh Eric! I know I have fallen in love with you" She spoke her hearts truth but then reality took over, and she was too honest, loved him too much to let him be entangled in something that could not be. " but no you shouldn't ...we shouldn't...I shouldn't let this happen. It's just the flying, and the effects of the majic..and dinner, yes dinner ..something we ate " She exclaimed wildly as she slipped free of his arms and fluttered erratically, dazedly over to the bed.

"It's not just the flying or dinner. The only magic here, is the magic of you," he called out to her as he flew to her. "The magic of love..."

"Aurora...why are you crying? What's wrong?" As soon as Eric reached her, he wiped away her tears. He was worried that the two couldn't be together. He would come home, a usual day in his job, heartbroken and sad. Yet he would atleast have his memories...

"Aurora...why are you crying? What's wrong?" Eric asked...

"I am so sorry, I didn't mean to...I just wanted you to have the best memories...I would never want you hurt...my majic is strong but not I think strong enough to..."Her voice trailed off as an idea grew in her head.

Her voice was very low the faintest of whispers as she looked up at Eric. "Eric, would you still be in love with me, want me to be a part of your life, even if after tonight we didn't see each other, didn't communicate with each other, for a year and a day?"

"Would you still love me if I wasn't a Fae?"

"You didn't mean to what? What is your majic not strong enough for?" Eric fluttered slowly, a nervous expression on his face, yet he slowly wrapped his arms around Aurora, looking into her face for some answers.

"A year and a day? Of course Aurora...It will only make me love you more...but why? What aren't you telling me?" Eric asked, his face growing worried. He didn't like where this was going...

"If you weren't a Fae?" Eric thought about this for a few uncomfortable seconds, before he brought her closer, kissing her lightly on the cheek. "Of course, Aurora...you've been so kind to me...I'll love you, not matter what happens..."

If you weren't a Fae?"

"Yes it's a very old and unused ritual." Aurora said solemnly looking up at Eric. "I only know about it because of my historical studies. But it would mean that we could be together. It would make me human. It's very slow, thats why I asked about a year and a day."

She moved away from him and sat down on far side of the bed, picking up the half mask she normally wore. "Eric, I am one of the canidates to be chosen as the new queen. I don't think I'll be chosen, but it doesn't matter anyway, for I'll gladly leave it behind to be with you."

Aurora had moved away for a reason, for the majic should be fading, Eric returning to human.

"Aurora! You would do such for me?" Eric smiled widely, before losing it so soon. "But what about you? Do you not want to remain a Fae?"

"Why wouldn't you be chosen? You are wise, capable, beautiful, and all other qualities for a good ruler," Eric smiled.

He watched as Aurora moved away, unsure if it was something Eric did or said, but decided to watch things play out...it could just be the spell supposed to wear out.

"Why wouldn't you be chosen? You are wise, capable, beautiful, and all other qualities for a good ruler" Eric smiled at her.

Aurora suddenly realized that her grand mother was dead, that the rules she had decred no longer bound her unless she chose to let them. However she looked carefully at the door, then back at Eric laying her finger across her lips in a "hush" gesture. She flew up from the bed, and there was a brief shimmer.

When the shimmer faded she stood there, now five foot tall. "I know I'm not very tall, but you see I wasn't raised at Court. My parents ran away and hid. I was a hundred years old before the Winter Queen, my grandmother, found us and made them send me to Court. I didn't know I was a Fae until then." She explained further, her voice a whisper as she knelt on the floor so her face was close to Erics.

"Those of us of the Royal Blood line all have two forms. But when we are big our wings are gone, and some of our majic is very limited. However the Winter Queen decreed that I was never to be in my larger size, or even tell any one our secret."

"But she's dead now, and so her decrees have no force, so I'm telling you. If I were queen already my majic would have made you a Fae forever, but since I'm not and my majic hasn't been enhanced, shortly...any minute now you will be human again."

With another shimmer she was her Fae size and fluttered away from Eric, giving him room for the transformation to come. "And I'm not considered powerful enough to be queen by many, and too unwilling to maintain the Court as my grandmother did. They know I would change, even end certain traditions. And most do not like change at all. I don't want the power that so many seem to crave, I'd rather have love."

Raphael had finished his playing of the piano and decided to head to bed, but not before stopping at Aurora's room where he knocked on the door.

ooc: So TFF, has the Grand Council thread died out?

"Now I know how it feels to be a Fae in a human world," Eric laughed as he walked to the much larger Aurora, gently fluttering his wings as he lightly bounced on the bed. "Wow...one hundred years old...I bet you were very surprised as you got older, that you still kept such a beautiful body!"

"Maybe you do not have to go through the ancient ritual, Aurora. Couldn't you just keep that form in public and we change into Fae in private? Kind of a compromise," Eric said as he sat down, watching his wings fold around him.

"Any minute now, I'll be human?" He repeated as he slowly got up. He fluttered to Aurora quickly, stopping in front of her as he carefully wrapped his arms around her. " Would these changes in tradition be good changes? If they are, who else will be able to do them?"

"Aurora, I'd like to thank you...for such a wonderful experience...you are definately the most perfect creature I have ever known...and before I change back to human form, I would like to give you a token of my appreciation," he whispered as he brought his lips to hers again, kissing her romantically, before gently parting with her.

The door knocked and Eric looked towards it.

"I'll answer when I am transformed," he smiled as he floated away from Aurora, waiting the transformation.

Aurora returned the gentle romantic kiss whole heartedly, though hers was close to breaking. How could she tell him that her majic couldn't sustain her for an unlimited time away from the Hidden Realm. That before long she would not be able to change herself, much less him. And until the Queen is found there is no one who can give me a portion of the Hidden Realm to call my own and take with me into the Realm of Humans and Death Metal She thought as she watched him fly away towards the door.

No she would endure the ritual, with unquestioning belief in their love. Aurora would never entertain even the slightest doubt of Erics love for her, and hers for him. It was not in her nature. She had seen much at the Court, a education in the fact that love could be as epihermeral as the most delicate flower - or as enduring as her parents undying devotion to one another.

Eric twirled slowly in the air, ready and waiting for the moment to be back in his normal size. "Aurora, how will I know when it's about to happen?" he asked out loud as he glanced at the door.

He still had questions about the ritual Aurora would go through. He would definately miss her for that whole year, but he was worried she would be hurt. All her family, her friends, would she still be able to see them? Or would she be stuck back in the human world, devoid of magic and Fae, trolls and flight. A world of "death metal".

Eric waited and continued to scan his body for any signs of changing back.

"Aurora, how will I know when it's about to happen?" Eric wondered.

Aurora frowned slightly. It had been well over four hours- they had been having so much fun chasing each other about the room she had quiet forgotten about times passing.

"You should be feeling it by now, you should have changed back - it would feel just like it did when you first changed, nothing painful or wrong." Worry crept into her voice.

"Um..." he said quietly as worry showed clearly on his face. "Aurora? Um...What's wrong? Why do you sound worried?"

Eric began to grow incredibly nervous. His wings fluttered faster as he fluttered around. No worries...her magic is just better than she expected...Either that or we were wrong about the timing...yeah...

"You really should have changed back by now." She said trying to keep her growing concern out of her voice. Her majic was usually very stable. For some one who'd been spelled without a full ritual, four hours was the maximum.

She waved the door open with a tiny tug of majic. "Oh Raphael, we weren't too loud were we? Could you please touch Eric. Perhaps the majic just needs a spark of contact to reverse." She explained to the two men as she stood on the bed.

"Alright." He commented as he held his hand out to Eric, "I actually came to see if either of you needed something before I headed to bed, it appears by fortunate coincidence I was needed."

"Do so gently, please," Eric replied with a weak smile. As Raphael held out his hand, Eric fluttered close by and put his now tiny hand on Raphael's. "Is there something that should be said or thought?"

"Aurora, do you think you underestimated your magic? Maybe you're much more powerful than you think?" he asked in a hopeful manner. What if...what if I'm stuck like this? he thought worridly. He looked at himself again. He had to admit, it was fun...

I suppose it wouldn't be so bad...I wouldn't have to wait a full year to be with Aurora...and she will be kind and caring in showing me the proper way of being a Fae...no, it wouldn't be so bad... Eric thought as he brushed a strand of hair from his face.

"Is there something that should be said or thought?" Eric asked.

"Yes you should think how you really are in your heart of hearts" Aurora nodded.

"Maybe you're much more powerful than you think?" Erics voice was hopeful.

Aurora shook her head. "Please don't think that I am trying to boast, but to be one of the prospective choices to be Queen. " She held up her feathered and bejeweld mask . "Not only did I have to be of the royal blood line, but also one of the ten most powerful of the bloodline. I wasn't popular at the Court, but I am very powerful..." Her voice trailed off as she thought furiously...

"The Queen is chosen by the ...if my power has increased it is by the doing of the Cerridoncewynn" The word she used ws in an language neither of the two men knew. However she was growing, changing ever so subtlely before their eyes. A little taller, nearly as tall as Eric currently was, and with a greater assurance and solidity about her. Her voice was richer and warmer, golden bells instead of the silvery crystal tones it had been earlier.

She looked at the mask as it morphed, melted, changed in her hands into a delicate silver and pearl crown

"Oh my..."

Raphael was very quick on the uptake and bowed his head as he also went down to one knee. "Your Majesty."

He hoped he wouldn't embarress Aurora, but it was appropriate.

What's in my heart of hearts? he thought to himself. He furrowed his brow as his mind pondered the question. I want to be a human...do I? He stared at Aurora's kind face, her delicate features. Would I want her to become human again? Lose her place amongst the nobles? She said she does not wish to be queen, didn't she?

Erics eyes lit up suddenly as realization came to him. Aurora...Aurora is in my heart!

As she spoke of her powers, Eric felt he had to lighten the mood, even through all the confusion.

"Bragging already, are you?" he chuckled with a wink. "Just joking with you, Aurora," he added in case his joke was taken the wrong way. He didn't want to give a bad impression, now that he loved her deeply, and she was willing to go through a ritual...and he was confused and worried about his own transformation.

He was about to tell her what was in his heart...

Yet, he was distracted from his own worrying when he noticed Aurora change slightly. "Aurora...are-are you alright?" he asked, getting worried, not for him, but for her.

After all this worry, Eric managed to smile at her. "Is this what I'm thinking? Are you now a queen?" he asked as he watched her.

Aurora didn't answer at first, or respond to Raphaels kneeling. She was looking off into thin air, listening to something only she could hear at first, then Eric could hear - a warm, wise voice speaking softly in his heart. At first he could not understand it, then slowly he could as it directed it's attention at him, swirling through his soul, offering him what he wanted.

"Aurora was, is willing to give up all for thee, and thee are willing to give up all for her. But my way is not one of loss where loss can be avoided. My way is for all, for joy, for love and sorrow, to encompass everything. I give the two of thee the best of both realms, and may your love last as long as you wish it to. All our powers I bestow upon thee, and thou retain all that is human as well."

The voice became audible to all "Aurora will be the May Queen, a title that has not been bestowed in many an age, long, long before the Fae withdrew from the outer realms. She will be our ambasador to the world beyond the Realm of the Fae. The May Queen is Regent for the Fae, untill the Summer Queen is chosen."

Aurora felt the majic of the Fae settle around her as a comforting, warm, but insubstancial weight, and knew she didn't have to fear being without it ever again. She flew from the bed to Eric's side, then transformed into human size, now about five and a half foot tall. She swooped down and lifted Raphael from where he knelt.

"Please don't, my friend."

She released him and turned back to Eric, her eyes alight with joy. "Beloved?" She spoke softly.

He listened to the phantasmal voice before being told to rise by Aurora in human full-sizedness. "It shall be as you command your majesty." He replied with a teasing smile. "And if you have no further need of your dutiful servant, I shall retire."

ooc: I'm assuming Eric was transformed as well, but if he wasn't please tell me and I'll change it;)

Eric could hear a strange murmur in him. He looked around, unsure if it was someone speaking or if some machine or magic was the source of the noise...yet soon he could hear the voice clearly and understand it... It told him the best news he's heard...now he could be with Aurora forever, with no waiting.

He could feel a strange warmth in him surge through his body. He closed his eyes and smiled as he could feel the warmth grow slightly hotter, before cooling down again.

Eric opened his eyes and smiled as he noticed Aurora, standing at five and a half feet tall, by his side.

"Beloved?" she spoke softly.

Eric smiled and threw a hug around her. "For all time, my love," he replied as he brought his lips to hers in a kiss of joy and love everlasting.

OOC: He can be either just by 'making it so'

"For all time, my love," Eric cried and Aurora didn't have time to answer as she was swept up in to a loving embrace. Her arms slid about his waist returning the hug and her eyes flutterd closed as she lost herself in the kiss. The crwon him her hand slid down almost falling free save at the last minute it lodged in the curl of her finger tips.

"Oh Eric, we have so much to talk about." She said at last once she caught her breath.

Raphael stood and with a sardonic salute exited the room, closing the door behind him. Had he had one on him, he would have hung a do not disturb sign, with For a hundred years scribbled on it, on the doorknob, but as it was he simply headed for the room he'd been given to get a good night's rest, something the 'newlyweds' most certainly wouldn't, not if he was any judge of character.

Eric smiled and slowly pulled away so he could look into her beautiful face. "This is marvelous, Aurora! I...I can't believe this!" he laughed. "Who...who did this for us? Who was that voice?"

"Aurora, I am ready and waiting," he chuckled in response to having so much to talk about. They definately did! So much needed to be planned and made. And the best part was that they didn't need to sacrifice anything...truly something fit for a fairy tale.

He gave her another squeeze, before carefully taking her crown and gently placing it back on her head with a smile. He then guided her to the bed and sat down next to her, keeping her hand in his as he gave her a loving look.

"So much to do, so much to talk about!" Eric laughed.

"Who...who did this for us? Who was that voice?" Eric questioned.

"That was the voice of ...oh it's so hard to explain in this language...I guess you'd have to call her the Goddess who created us all. The Divine manifesting itself?" Aurora tried to explain as she let Eric lead her over to the bed and they sat down side by side.

'Eric, I have to warn you that now all the races of the Fae are beautiful as humans see such, and many of the racial cultures aren't 'pretty' by human notions either. The Fae have those that do evil, by both our standards and most human ones, and the opposite is true as well there are those that wish only weal. We may be of majic, but are certainly not 'majical' as many humans use the term to mean 'perfect'. That we are not and I am not. I can lose my temper, get bored with embroidery and gossip, I'm only an average cook, and while I love music and dancing I am, as you now know, clumsey!"

Eric only smiled as he gently pulled Aurora closer to him so she was leaning on his shoulder. "Do not worry, Aurora," he smiled.

"It is not so different from everyday human life. We have our crooks and rarely a good guy." He squeezed her slightly and kissed her on the cheek.

"You are not clumsy!" Eric assured her with a smile. "Although, not to brag, I am a good chef..."

"But like you, I have my own faults. I too am clumsy at times, I don't have a...green thumb, and like you, I can get angry and bored," he continued.

"And the most terrible of all, I can tell bad jokes," he chuckled. "See Aurora, we both have our faults...that's just how mortals are..."

I don't believe this...I have already met the love of my life, and already we are planning out living our lives together...this is truly a magical evening.

"I am sure that your jokes aren't bad." Aurora smiled at Eric, glad that he accepted that she was not perfect. "I have to also admit that as to what we do now Eric I am completely at a loss."

She tried to explain "My grandmother was the Winder Queen, not cruel or evil, but cold and remote the way winter is. Harsh and often more than a little dangerous and deadly. I couldn't tell you if it wsa her innate nature or the intrinsic aspects of her queenship. Mother and Father never talked about it to me, and by the time I came to court she just...was the Winter Queen. So I don't know about any courtship traditions. I just know I want to get to know every thing about you."

"My parents have a very good relationship, they are very loving but they" She hunted for the words she wanted "don't smother one another, they don't march in lock step or diminishe each other. They're partners, and they don't take each other for granted. I want to take you to meet them once the meetings here are done, and I'd love to meet your family."

"You're just saying that, Aurora," Eric laughed in response to her comment about his jokes. "What to do now? You mean, as in right now, or in the long run?"

"Wow...do you know if your grandmother got harsh once she became queen, or was she always that way?"

"Well, I can tell you everything you want to know about me then, but...it is pretty boring, especially when compared to your's," he smiled. "My grandfather was a famed general, and well liked by the ruler of my land. He recieved his title as well as a large estate and a large sum of money for his service. My grandfather passed both to my father, who will, in turn, pass it to me."

"I enjoy reading books, occasionally writing one, camping, hiking, many sports...hmm...theres so many things I'm forgetting about...I just know it," Eric chuckled.

"Well...my parents are strict on certain things, but are certainly kind and open. They love each other deeply, but definately not in the 'smother each other' kind of way. They are usually seen with each other everywhere."
"I'd love to see you're parents, and I know for a fact my parents would enjoy seeing you. My mom's been bugging me for so long to find a wife," he laughed.

Sakura came out of her room. She was wondering about what was going on, but she was quickly intercepted by Yukiko

"Your highness everything is all right."

"Are you sure it sounds like there is some trouble."

"No no, everything is fine. You should go back to sleep, we don't want you getting ill again."

"I'm fine Ms. Yukiko, I'm really fine, my illness has long passed. Oh I know it's late but did you make to get the Kimonos for our guests?"

"Done madam. They will recive them in the morning, with a note telling it's custom to wear one before and during the festival."

"Thank you. Good night Yukiko."

Raphael awoke after only some six hours of sleep, less than most, but slightly more than he usually did. Putting on a light shirt and pair of pants, he made his way down to the music room.

Taking a seat at the piano, he began with Dies Iræ followed by a piano-only take on Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries.

"What do you mean he's not in his room?"

"Just as I said, Ms. Yukiko he's not there."

"Well I'm sure he's arround here somewhere Touya. Why don't you deliver thoes to the other rooms, I'll go find our guest."

"Yes ma'am."

Yukiko took the Kimono still wrapped in the cleaning plastic sheet. She was attracted to the sound of the piano. Raphale was playing. She gave applause. "Very impressive."

"Thank you." Raphael replied before turning round and noticing who'd spoken. Quickly standing, he apologised, "I apologise if I woke you, your Majesty."

Aurora and Eric had talked through the night, telling each other every thing they could think of about themselves - but both knew that they could talk for a life time or two and still find new and wonderful things out about the other.

Aurora had fallen asleep, weariness overtaking her without fair warning, her head on Eric's broad shoulder, her arm across his chest. Though they had started out sitting side by side on the edge of the bed they had ended up laying back along the comfortable length of the matress. They had been so engrossed in each other, neither realised how many hours had passed.

Eric awoke subtly as he heard some talking in the halls and smiled as he felt Aurora's warm head laying on his shoulder. She was so sweet and he didn't even remember falling asleep over night. All he could remember was that it was a wonderful night, and they now knew a great more deal about one another.

"Aurora, wakey wakey," Eric whispered sleepily as he gently shook her. "I heard someone speaking in the hall outside."

"Thank you." Raphael replied before turning round and noticing who'd spoken. Quickly standing, he apologised, "I apologise if I woke you, your Majesty."

"No no, do not worry, her highness is been awake for a while now. Any way, I'm here to give you your cerimonial Kimono. On festival days it's custom to wear one."

"Ah." He replied, "If you'll forgive me for asking, how does one go about wearing a Kimono? I'm afraid the closest my wardrobe comes to a Kimono is a bathrobe."

"I heard someone speaking in the hall outside." Eric spoke softly.

Aurora smilled mistily up at him, overjoyed to find that it had not all been a dream. "Oh Eric, I'm sorry I fell asleep as we talked." She snuggled in close to him for a long moment then with a tiny sigh sat up and stretched.

"If I remember aright there is a festival today. Perhaps I should wear something a little more casual."

Before she could say more there was a light tap on her door. Without thinking about it she returned to her Fae size and flew to the door. When she opened it she found a young maid with a Fae sized Kimono in her hands, and others draped in their protective wrap over her arm.

"Yes?" Aurora asked as she looked at the lovely kimono being held forth.

She gave a light chuckle, "I figured, come with me, I'll show you how."


_________________________________________________________


Ms. Dufae opend the door.

"Good morning madam. With the festival going on today, it's customary to wear a Kimono. Here is yours ma'am. And here is the one for the good sir over there. If you need any assitance I would be happy to help."

Mia awoke, she had a good sleep even though she was woken up late. It was bright and sunny as she opend the drapes. There was a light knock on the door. She opend it to see a young maid with a Kimono. She explaind what it was for. it looked beautiful it was a minty green color with pink highlights.

"Thank you very much. Uh I know this is silly, but do you think you could show me how to put this on?"

"No trouble at all ma'am."

"As you wish." He replied with a smile as he got up and followed her.

She helped him dress in the kimono in a private room.

"And there you go. Fits you pefectly. Take a look." She gesterd him to the mirror.

He did as she bade. "Looks good but wierd." He commented as he turned around and asked, "How do I look?"

"I know it must seem strange to you, but trust me you'll fit right in. Heck I bet some would never guess your a visitor."

"Alright, so what happens now?" He asked as he shifted his shoulders as he got use to wearing the kimono.

Mia was helped into her Kimono. She looked in the mirior, "Ah it's so cute."

"I knew you would like it Miss."

"Do I have to wear that white stuff on my face?"

"Oh no no no."

"Okay."

"If you will just wait for a shot while, once all the guests have dressed, and assembled, then we will give further insturctions."

She gave a bow to him and left the room.

"Alright." He replied with a smile as he returned her bow and took a seat on a chair before taking a book of a nightstand and began to read it.

Mia still was taking time getting used to the wood platform shoes.

She stumbled often, but she was loving the diffrence in culture. She loved the Kimono and the big blue ribbon in her hair.

Eric continued to smile at Aurora. She was so sweet and kind.

"Do not worry about it, Aurora," he replied as she apologized for falling asleep. "I did too," he laughed.

"Oh, I am always in the mood for a good festival!" Eric laughed as he stretched himself out on the bed, smiling at Yukiko, who held out several kimonos for them. He got up, trying to rub out the wrinkles on his shirt, before walking over behind Aurora and slowly taking his kimono.

"They're beautiful!" he smiled as he held it to his body, checking the deminsions and making sure they looked like they'd fit.

"Miss Yukiko, would you be nearby to help, if we don't get it right when we dress?" he asked as he began to figure out how to put the beautiful gear on.

[OOC:First RP post, please go easy :) ]

The Free Land of KCToker will take you up on this generous offer, we are sending our most esteemed diplomat, Headley Luciano, to Oka immediately.

We our also extending our hand to Magic Sorcery to send a diplomat to our nation so that you may see our country as well, they shall be treated as well as our's is treated in your nation.

It is the hopes of The Free Land of KCToker to open trade with Magic Sorcery in an effort to further both our economies.

(KC-Welcome to the thread, please RP your diplomats arrivals)

"Oh yes sir. If you need any assitance I'll be glad to help you."

"They're beautiful

"Why yes they are. And I shall have to be full sized, as it's not tailored for wings." She looked half frightened half delighted, still having trouble remembering that the old edicts didn't apply to her any longer.

But delight won out, and as she spun in a dizzingly fast circle in mid air majic flared and she was standing fully five foot six before Eric with the kimono properly tied and draped about her. Her hair tumbled down past her shoulders to her waist and she remembered the elaborate hairdo's that she remembered seeing worn with such garmets. Her hands moved in small gestures and invisible hands swept her hair into a proper 'do.

"Are there any of the usual hair ornaments available?" She asked hopefully.

"Hair ornaments? Oh yes yes there are. Here."

She pulled out a box full.

"Her highness ensited these be reserved you guests if you so desired. Please take your pick."

Eric noticed the confused and frightened look on his betrothed but was overjoyed to notice her face turn to delight.

Eric smiled at the now taller Aurora. "You look wonderful in that! How did you know how to put the suit on?" he chuckled as he studied his kimono.

When Yukiko brought out the box of hair ornaments, Eric felt along his hair.

"I don't think my hair is long enough for many ornaments," he laughed. As he continued to study Aurora's hair, he couldn't help but think of how beautiful she was, in any form.

"You look wonderful in that! How did you know how to put the suit on?"

Aurora beamed at the compliment, and replied "It is easy. Did you see any in their traditional garb on the way here or have you in the past? If so, simply concentrate of wanting it to be on you in the proper fashion. Use the memory to focus your majic, and it will flow forth enveloping you and the kimono so that it fits you perfectly and properly."

She thanked the young maid for bringing a selection as she watched Eric search his memory. Her bell like laughter rang out as he commented about his not being able to wear hair ornaments. "Oh but you Eric, my love are handsome enough without them. I am the luckiest woman in the world to be by your side and in your heart as you are in mine."

"Well if you will not be requring my assitance then I will be leaving. Please come down to the foreyer when you are ready." She gave a bow and exited. Mia was stumbling in the hall.

"Please be careful Ms. Mia. And you know you do not have to wear the shoes."