[closed]

[coronis]

Who: Rue and Prince Siegfried
When: February 6th
Where: Starting off at the Plaza
What: Rue has arrived and is found by her prince
Status: Closed

[ Her first thought is that she must have fallen off the swan carriage. That's the only logical explanation to why she's now on solid ground--and soaked to the bone. What had been a large princess dress full of volume is now thin and watered down, plastered to her skin as she steps out of the fountain with her crown crooked upon her head. Holding the skirts of her dress, Rue's eyes scan the sky. Surely her prince would notice her absence and come back for her. 

... But she doesn't see any sign of the carriage flying through the sky. Instead she's met with a much more peculiar sight--water. And lots of it. 

Rue's expression falls as her mouth opens. It only takes a few moments of mindless gaping before she catches herself, and hardens her face into something more stern and determined. And she sets off, uncaring of how ridiculous she must have appeared. To where? She doesn't know. But she won't idly sit by.

If her prince is unable to find her, then she will be the one to return to him instead. ]

Comments

[coronis]

[ Even with the security of her prince by her side, Rue had wanted to make sure she kept up a dignified air, one that was strong and could conceal any vulnerability to others who may spot them.

But with those words and the chaste kiss to her cheek, the guard just effortlessly melts.

Countless times she told him to say sweet words that carried no life and kiss her with lips that didn't feel. The transition to now is prominent, leaving her a bit pink.

This pure, delicate love... she is really allowed to receive it?

It leaves her still for a moment, unable to come up with a proper response. ]

Y... yes...

[ Of course, her prince did gain something he did not have before, which was the blood she had tainted his heart with. But it was a correction she does not wish to make, not right now. This moment can do without such a reminder.

Once they find the dresses, Rue looks over them, lightly touching the fabric. What color should she choose?

... Nothing black. ]

[who_loved_everyone]

[It draws a still brighter smile to his face when he sees her show such an expression; perhaps one of wonder, he thinks, and certainly one of love. He knows how skilled she is at maintaining her airs, so much so that he has rarely seen her without them, and less often in happiness.

It might be selfish, but he loves knowing how much he means to her in his own way. He wishes so much to make her happy, and knowing that he can, even now, brings him joy in turn.

He stands back patiently as she searches, but a dress further down the rack catches his eye.]

Oh, Rue, what about this?

[He points out a dark blue sleeve, pulling the dress slightly forward for her to see.]

[coronis]

[ Rue takes the dark blue dress in consideration, her fingers lightly touching along the fabric. Were it any other day she might have been more comfortable gathering an assortment of dresses to choose several out of, but today was different.

Another one has caught her eye, and she turns to pull it out from the rest of the rack. She smiles softly. ]

I believe this one would be more suitable, for today.

[ Easy enough to move in, but also refined.

It's only then when a problem occurs to her, and the smile falters as she glances to Siegfried. ]

... But I don't have -- [ Her brows furrow. ] Will we be able to pay?

[who_loved_everyone]

[He drops the one he had selected and bows with a flourish, though this time, it's mostly a playful exaggeration.]

Very good. I look forward to seeing you in it.

[He blinks, startled by her question, then smiles apologetically.]

You needn't worry about that... We will not be charged for things that are deemed necessities here.

[He closes his eyes, sighing.]

In truth, we have already paid more than their price, have we not?

[But they've had more than enough of such talk. He nods to her.]

Anyhow, try it on, if you wish.

[coronis]

[ Rue's eyes scan over the dress--and her prince appears to be right. There's no price from what she can see at all. ]

... I never would have thought a captor would be so accommodating. But if they mean to appeal to us, it won't work.

[ But she nods, and finds one of the dressing rooms to change.

Just as he's explained to her, Rue does find the marking on her skin as she disrobes. It fills her with an indignation--how dare someone try to mark her--like livestock! It serves to remind her that she should be arriving at the kingdom with her prince right now. Not... here.

But she dresses herself, immediately favoring the warmth and dryness. Carrying her princess dress draped over her arm, Rue steps out from behind the curtain and catches Siegfried's eye. She still has the crown on her head, her hair now only a bit damp. ]

Yes, I suppose this will do for now.