Camilla's Garden

    That explained even more--Camilla had thought Prince Harvold, the nightmare of her past, was long gone. And yet there was proof of his unchallenged existence up until the night of her true wedding, a story that promised to be much more hopeful than that Prince Harvold stood for.
    "You did what was normal for anyone in that position...you survived, and in doing so you helped facilitate the rescue of the survivors." Despite Camilla's upset state, the prince gave a warm, true smile. "You did what was right, Camilla... it is in your instinct as a person."

    "Heh.." Her comment of trust made him smile warmly. "I do want to go through with this wedding." So sudden; his mind had to think quick how to react. How to be truthful, yet tactfully reserved? "I feel very at peace around you, Camilla. You are beautiful, intelligent, strong-willed...that I should meet and combine fates with such a perfect flower.. I don't feel deserving of all this." His face went red, as his words seemed to move faster than his mind.. or did his mind move too fast for his words?

    ...As she went to kiss his cheek, Evrand's left arm wrapped around the small of her back. Should she offer no resistence, he'd gently pull her into him. He felt his limbs acting on their own, his palms feeling somewhat clammy and his heart pounding as his body temperature warmed tangibly. Never had he been this close to her, literally or figuratively, he caught himself thinking as he reacted to her tender advance, instead bringing his own lips to meet hers with a bold, but equally tender kiss, his eyes meeting hers at a closeness they'd yet to experience, feelings of warmth buzzing down his body, an awakening force of haunting comfort...
...Oh no, he could almost hear himself thinking in anticipating of any rejection. What am I doing??

    "Now..." he said just above a whisper, confidence welling in his being as he caressed her gently with both arms. "You can put the troubles of your past to rest... behind us... we have a new life, a new adventure, ahead of us." Such a notion broke free the slightest of genuine smiles from his soft, loving gaze. The wedding was to be very soon, and then, all was official... throughout the entire kingdom, their togetherness would be recognized and celebrated.

Camilla lead Jun into her garden, which was plenty open and rather inviting. For it the castle still being new, the garden was a bit more in bloom than one would think it should be, and the lawns were lush and green. There was the feeling of peace and tranquility in the air that seemed to come with the pretty scent of the blooms. The princess walked up to gently touch a closed rosebud, and whispered something for a few moments, after which the petals began to open and the plant leaned toward her as if eager. It wasn't done out of show, but rather in a casual manner.

“You may show me here, Jun.” She turned toward her and gestured toward what looked to be like a stone platform with pillars, but no roof to call it a gazebo.

“Ahhh... It comes natural for me. I don't actually cast a spell, so much as talk to the flower.... I spent a lot of time among the trees for many years after I ran from Verri... It is good to know that I alone don't hold this gift. Very well done.” She smiled and canted her head, “So you know earth magics, then?” Her eyes were actually filled with interest, and a friendship between the two women seemed to be looming without assumption. Or at least in Camilla's mind. Then again, she did not have any ladies in waiting or female companions as of yet. Hopefully that part would change soon. “And is there other things you can do? Defense and offense? My own knowledge is limited in the magics... I excel in archery”

“Impressive!” She wasn't jesting, either. She really was in awe of seeing that kind of magic in action without it being thrust toward her in an offensive manner. In fact, she really liked Jun. If it had been any other day but her wedding day, she would probably spend hours simply trying to gain knowledge of the things that the mage had to offer. But the hours were dwindling away rather quickly.

“Well... I should really go and get prepared for the ceremony. I should have started awhile ago. But I would love to see more... Show me one more for now, and then we, if you wish to help me that is, can adjourn to prepare for the wedding.” Funny, this also helped her to not feel so nervous.

Indeed, watching the fireball whistling into the sky had been a nice diversion from that nervous pacing she had been doing when she and Jun first started to talk. Plans were formulating in the princess' mind at that moment in time. She already felt like the young lady would be a valuable asset, not only to Medan and the Guild, but possibly in her household as a Lady in Waiting. It would be a high honor, and it would not normally be bestowed on one who was not of noble blood... Though she did not know from whence Jun had come or her bloodline, not that it mattered to her at all. It was rather nice to know there were kindred spirits about.

Camilla also had no intentions of filling the spots of her ladies with useless creatures who did nothing but embroider. She wanted strong and independent women in her company because she was a strong and independent woman. She wanted female friends who would teach as well as learn, and she had so many ideas about how to best serve the Kingdom of Medan. So far, Jun and Feruzia were the only two whom had shown her any merit as someone who would be of good stock for her Ladies in Waiting.

“I mean it... This is amazing... And I have a thought as to what you can do, not only for me, but for this kingdom. I need ladies... But I find them boring and useless if all they do is gossip and ply a needle to tapestries. I don't think they would be much of an asset to our cause at all. What would you say to becoming one of my attendants... A companion, if you will. You would not be confined to the solar like those in many other kingdoms.., Oh no... I need strong ladies who can defend themselves and their kingdom. I also need those who can travel with me. And lastly, and a very important part, is friendship, because I need to know that I can trust you.”

“You fascinate me... And don't worry, I would never ask you to do something I would not do, myself... And I am very stingy about whom I offer this opportunity to... As soon as Feruzia, an old friend of mine, returns from her travels, she will be asked as well. I only want those with honorable fire in their hearts.” Camilla gave a smile, something she had been doing a lot more of since her warming up to Evrand.... Could it be that it was coming to her easier now? “The first place... Is... my chambers... Or I will be late for my own wedding! I must get ready now. I will have a quest for you later, not to worry!” She chuckled and lifted her skirts, “Oh my, we've been talking for longer than I thought!” And with that, she hurried to where she needed to be to get ready for her nuptials, and hopefully Jun followed.