[center][hr][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/170824/b046a2e5a99bf45b3a70826b9977295c.png[/img][hr]
[img]https://media.giphy.com/media/MPwTJmCOHK31S/giphy.gif[/img][img]https://media.giphy.com/media/SMRKj3cDP14pq/giphy.gif[/img]
[color=9e0b0f][b]Location;[/b][/color] Abhainn Ballroom
[color=9e0b0f][b]Interacting With;[/b][/color] Prince Lucian Auclair [sub][@Wolflover][/sub][/center][hr][hr]
The ball had been growing in volume, both audibly and in size, but the most important individual had yet to make his appearance. King Maddox's tardiness wasn't anything new to Alice, but she always did have the same level of concern regardless of how many times he would be late to an event. Her eyes scanned through room, passing by every noble in search of a familiar face, preferably King Maddox. Her discomfort from his absence wasn't primarily apparent because of her hidden love that she had for him, nor his charming looks to enjoy gawking at, but moreover, the reassurance of his safety. Being a former battle-maiden within the military, she would never let go of the duty of making sure those around her are protected, especially her King. 

Alice's thoughts were interrupted by a familiar, youthful voice of none-other-than Prince Lucian. She stood, giving him a quick, faint smile before curtseying out of respect, [color=9e0b0f]"You're highness, it is a pleasure to see you."[/color] 

Alice's lady-like mannerisms were unordinary since many of her companions had never seen Alice as her noble-self. For years, she bore her signature armor and spent most of her days training or within the war room. Prince Lucian would not be used to a curtsey gestured by Alice, given their history of training together, Alice being the instructor, and Prince Lucian being the student. Nonetheless, it had been awhile of living as a noble bearing expensive garments of silk and jewelry, but her presence lacked her well-known might and vigor in which was generally brought upon by her equipment. Slapping on make up and throwing on a delicately made gown truly showed a side of Alice that nobody expected, regardless of the minor discomfort that could be seen through her mannerisms from time to time.

It was clear that many of the other nobles were starting to become aware of the absence of King Maddox, judging from Prince Lucian's concern. Alice gave the smallest of chuckles at his verbal mistake, finding the humor more within the reaction of the surrounding nobles, but also within the innocence that Prince Lucian still had by referring to him as 'brother'. [color=9e0b0f]"I have not seen his majesty either, but I'm sure he should be here soon,"[/color] she replied, reaching over to fix a bit of his collar that had folding in before continuing, [color=9e0b0f]"Try not to worry too much, his tardiness is nothing to be stressed over, even if this celebration is said to be the 'biggest of the century'."[/color] 

Alice took a moment to analyze Prince Lucian's appearance, finding a bit of changes within his stature from growing. Without expressing it, a level of sadness formed within the pit of her stomach from not being the favored mentor that she used to be. Although she was forcibly retired from all things related to military and combat, she wished to still train Prince Lucian to help him become as great of a warrior as can be -- and to successfully fill the slot in which Alice was ripped from. Except, this type of mentorship was nonexistent, even if the two still saw each other as trainer and student, but Alice still held that same respect for him, regardless. Being a former mentor, these were all the usual thoughts one would have when faced with a student that grows, yet still has so much room for improvement. 

Alice's mood was shifted from this quick rush of nostalgia, feeling discomfort within the setting of crowded nobles and booming chatter. [color=9e0b0f]"I'm going to step outside, all this celebrating has me feeling uneasy. Care to join?"[/color] With that she would proceed out to the balcony that overlooked the beautiful land of Abhainn. The cool, crisp air combined with the faint sounds of rushing water from a nearby waterfall caused almost immediate ease for Alice, walking over towards the edge to rest her hands along the banister. 

Alice looked over to the only pair of nobles that secluded themselves from the celebration. She recognized their appearance, it was none other than the King of Sliabh and a nobleman of Sliabh. Alice turned and couldn't help but roll her eyes, still holding lingering animosity for their country and it's people, but she was trying to get past that.