[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/c1nRV2r.png[/img][/center]
[center][color=silver][hr]𝓝𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓶𝓫𝓮𝓻 𝟕𝓽𝓱, 𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟕   / /   𝓐𝓾𝓼𝓯𝓮𝓵𝓭   / /   𝓒𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓲𝓭𝓪𝓷'𝓼 𝓔𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓽𝓮   / /  𝓜𝓸𝓻𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰[hr][/color]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/iDKDTFD.png[/img][/center]

[hider=Word limit? Restraint? Never heard of them.]
Wren was downright restless inside the carriage, pacing from one window to the next and stopping only every so often to try and scratch at her newly acquired mark. With each step, the trinkets around her neck clacked together like little wooden chimes. She missed the birds. She missed the trees. She missed the air. Was it stuffy in here, or was it just her? It was stuffy. Super stuffy. Why did they have to wait inside this thing? Why were there so many people outside?

Defeated and overwhelmed, Wren finally threw herself back onto the seat, propping her elbows up on the ridiculously huge bag of belongings she'd insisted on bringing. She stared out the window and felt a tiny sense of calm at the sight of the sky, but she still didn't like it. She didn't like any of this. But she liked Amelie and apparently that had been enough. Gee, when did she ever get to be so stupid? 

Wren scrunched up her nose and sniffled in annoyance, briefly running her pinky along the inside of one nostril and disposing of the offending booger before burying her face in her bag. A barely audible sound of disapproval vibrated from Wren's throat. 

Stifling a chuckle, Amelie fetched her handkerchief and reached over to properly dispose of her partner's booger. She'd noticed the Sixths' expressions when they caught sight of the forest-dweller. There was one in particular whose nose kept flaring and whose mouth had turned into a perfectly horizontal line as soon as Wren entered. The line seemed to thin with every passing second.

[color 00a99d]"It [i]is[/i] rather cramped in here, huh?"[/color] Amelie whispered to Wren placatingly, folding away the handkerchief.

Wren lifted her head and glanced at Amelie, just long enough to roll her eyes and nod before resting her cheek against the bag. She still didn't get it. Amelie was so excited to come here. An emperor, a war, a bond, a ritual. Just a few of the words she'd heard repeated over the last several days and still she had no idea what any of it had to do with Balwyn Forest. A forest was a forest no matter who thought they owned it. Amelie could have just lived with her. 

But nooo. 

"[color 5a7c86]I can't breathe,[/color]" was all that Wren muttered, feeling it was the best way to describe her current predicament.

Amelie looked out the window, trying to observe the quality of the paving as the horses trotted towards their destination. The sound of their steps had definitely been changing as they got closer to their destination.

[color 00a99d]"We're definitely almost there. If it's the stuffiness you're worried about..."[/color]

The brunette reached for the window knob, only to find that it was jammed. Wren perked up, hat seeming to look a bit less droopy at the idea of an open window. She eagerly watched her friend fiddle with the contraption. A few further rattles provided no result.

[color 00a99d]"Oh. Well, maybe I can..."[/color]

Her roaming hand turned the carriage door open, trying to crack it open slightly. The breeze might have been relaxing, had it not wrenched the handle out of her hand and sent the entire door slamming open with a loud thud. Wind rushed through, sending strands of hair into her face and any loose petals on Wren's arrangement flying around in a whirl. Amelie winced when the accompanying Sixth shouted from behind them.

Wren cringed at the loud bang, but scurried over the moment she noticed the open doorway. Completely unphased by the displeased shouting, Wren promptly snuck around Amelie (close, but never touching), stuck her nose out into the open air, and inhaled gratefully. She gripped the doorframe tightly and stayed there, simply breathing with her eyes closed for a moment before she opened them to see the large estate. A massive gate, which to Wren seemed obnoxiously unnecessary, loomed at the entrance up ahead.

[color 00a99d]"Woah. We're...we're actually here!"[/color]

Amelie, too, leaned out the doorway, admiring the sheer size and splendor of the estate as the horses slowed at the gate. As the driver conversed with the gatekeepers, the Sixth hurried over to the empowered bond. He implored them to stay put through half-breaths, somehow having gotten himself winded by his panic and the rush over.

[color 00a99d]"Uhhhh,"[/color] Amelie looked to Wren, [color 00a99d]"He wants us to close the door."[/color]

Wren wrinkled her nose, quickly turning to look down at the man who was making the request. The carriage granted her some height, serving as something of a reminder. She and Amelie were important, weren't they? Isn't that why THEY needed THEM to save the kingdom? 

Wren glared down her nose at the man before positioning herself more squarely in the doorway, evidently preparing to exit.

[color 00a99d]"Any chance we can walk the rest of the way, sir?"[/color] Amelie shrugged in response to the man's exasperated expression. She knew full well what Wren's intentions were.

The only response was a dumbfounded stare.

'Any chance'? Wren looked between Amelie and the man for a moment. The reasoning seemed sound and she was happy to prove it. She promptly hopped down from the carriage, feeling the refreshing texture of solid ground through the thinly worn sections of leather beneath her boots. Wren took a few steps and then immediately turned to ensure Amelie survived the small jump from the carriage. 

Survive, she did. The Celestial Knight wasn't just going to let her partner wander around a strange new location all by herself. As she hopped down, the lion-headed gates began to open, revealing more of the most beautiful garden she'd ever laid eyes on. The guards seemed occupied with the drivers ahead.

[color fff200]"Please,"[/color] the Sixth panted, [color fff200]"I implore you. Just return to your carriage."[/color]

[color 00a99d]"I..."[/color] Amelie glanced at the garden, having a very good feeling about what her partner was about to do.

Wren turned to face the gate as soon as Amelie safely touched the ground. Her mouth fell open and she stared, stepping forward like a moth drawn to light. One hand pressed over her heart, Wren looked from one flower to the next. There were so many! And such variety! Flowers she'd never seen more than once! Flowers she'd only seen in Amelie's books! Flowers flowers flowers! And the smell was amazing. 

She stopped just short of the gate, regarding the large metal contraption with an irritated snort. 

[color 00a99d]"Wren, don't stand too close to the horses,"[/color] Amelie called out, her gaze following the short girl. With dismay, she spotted the guards beginning to open the gate, with Wren standing right before them. [color 00a99d]"Oh, sirs, that might not--"[/color]

[color fff200]"Yes, she should get away from the barn animals,"[/color] the churchman sniffed, [color fff200]"Even if she fits in right among them."[/color]

Immediately, Amelie's mouth shut. Her expression froze into a hurt glare. It didn't seem like their escort appreciated them very much.

The gates finally opened.

Wren staggered back, narrowly avoiding the horses and left with a scarce chance to respond to the churchman's insult. Back at Amelie's side, she managed a hateful scowl before evidently deciding he wasn't worth the time. Her attention returned to what lied beyond the gate, eagerly waiting for a chance to rummage through the garden. 

She looked to Amelie, coal black eyes shimmering with excitement. This having been the first truly great thing to happen so far, she fully expected her friend to appreciate it properly.

Amelie maintained her glare. Her father had warned her about city folk, that her disposition would have them walk all over her if she wasn't careful. Add 'that walking bird's nest' to the mix and it would make things harder on herself. It had only been a warning, not an instruction, thankfully. Amelie squirmed, unsure of what to do with this sudden frustration. Part of her wanted to grab Wren's wrist and run through those open gates just to spite the man who'd insulted her friend without even trying to understand. But those guards had weapons. Very sharp ones. But even if they were weaponless, Amelie doubted she'd be able to summon the will to rush past them. After all, why hadn't she said anything to the Sixth?

The brunette's fist curled as she glanced at Wren, her eagerness, and all at once the dark feelings fell away. Right. They were here for a reason. Forcing a smile back on her face, she began climbing back onto the carriage.

[color 00a99d]"W-we're keeping the door open,"[/color] she declared, failing to produce a defiant tone, [color 00a99d]"C'mon up, Wren. Just a bit longer."[/color]

"[color 5a7c86]Tch,[/color]" crestfallen, but more so shocked, Wren looked at the garden longingly for a moment before grumpily following after Amelie. At least the door was open. Wren took her seat on the floor of the carriage, dangling one foot out the door as she continued to admire the flowers from afar. It wasn't like her current arrangement was close to death or anything, but.... She'd have to be downright nuts to pass up an opportunity like this one. 

Evidently Wren's perception of how long they'd be staying there was severely warped. "[color 5a7c86]The blue ones,[/color]" Wren said suddenly, peeking at Amelie out of the corner of her eye. Wren recognized them from Amelie's book, but couldn't procure a name. 

[color 00a99d]"Delphiniums,"[/color] Amelie recited the name, momentarily snapped out of her funk. Of course, Wren was still fixated on the flowers. She always knew what she wanted. Amelie glanced back at her partner, then out the door.

To hell with it.

She murmured so the churchman wouldn't notice, [color 00a99d]"You can always wait until we're past the gate."[/color]

"[color 5a7c86]Delphiniums,[/color]" Wren repeated to herself, even though she knew she'd never remember. There wasn't any need to anyway. Amelie would always be there to tell her again. 

Wren leaned back on her arms, perking up once more at Amelie's suggestion. She turned to her partner with a mischevious smirk and a short nod, though impatience continued to fester inside. 

[hr]

Well, it was pretty clear that the servants were not their biggest fans.

Amelie flopped onto the bed with a sigh, watching idly as Wren meticulously adjusted the flowers on her hat. Her own bed, of course. Wren's was on the other side of the room they shared. Her request, since Wren didn't seem to mind. The faces the servants had worn when they could finally leave the empowered duo to their lodgings wasn't something she'd forget anytime soon. Rather rude, for sure, but she couldn't exactly blame them. The garden tour had barely fallen short of a disaster that would have gotten the two of them evicted by Carridan himself. And Amelie didn't even want to recall what had transpired in the kitchen.

These weren't complaints, mind you. Amelie knew what she had signed up for when the two of them performed the ceremony. Rocky beginnings were to be expected. And maybe most of this was her fault, dragging them so far from the fields of Balwyn. Taking Wren along on something that was based solely on her own whims and dropping the both of them so far out of their comfort zones.

No. No, they hadn't even finished their first day. She just needed to stay positive and work harder. Two things she excelled at, especially when Wren was by her side.

With new invigoration, she sat up.

[color 00a99d]"How are you feeling about this place? Like, the whole place."[/color]

Wren methodically returned her hat to her head before looking up at Amelie. She pursed her lips and cocked her head to one side-- a tell-tale sign that she was thinking a little harder than usual. 

"[color 5a7c86]Smells nice, I guess... Don't like the people... and there are too many--[/color]" [i]Walls. Doors. Rooms.[/i]

The mansion was like a maze. If not for their bedroom window and Amelie, Wren was certain she wouldn't be able to sleep here. As it were, Wren couldn't help but feel anxious in such a new environment. Even a little trapped. But the last thing she wanted to do was look weak-- even in front of Amelie. So instead she waved her hand above her head, vaguely motioning to all the decor for which she couldn't find the word.

"[color 5a7c86]Fancy...[/color]" she finally settled on. 

[color 00a99d]"Yes, the people are rather...uh..."[/color] Amelie probably shouldn't have put so much effort into finding one word, [color 00a99d]"perplexing."[/color]

Her gaze moved to the window, the tree next to it. Would Wren be able to get to it safely at night?

[color 00a99d]"Is it a good or bad fancy?"[/color]

Wren shrugged, eyeing all the different things inside their room that constituted as fancy. "[color 5a7c86]They're pretty, I guess but... kinda... stuffy....[/color]" She was referring, of course, to the mansion as a whole, but decided to leave it at that.

[color 00a99d]"Mmyeah,"[/color] Amelie moved to open the window. The tree was a bit of a jump from the ledge but otherwise nothing her partner couldn't handle. [color 00a99d]"Nothing really compares to home, huh?"[/color]

"[color 5a7c86]Yeah,[/color]" Wren agreed, standing up to follow Amelie to the window. She stared outside curiously.

A knock on the door and a soft voice informed them that dinner was to be served soon. And with that, the first gathering of the Celestial Bonds.

[color 00a99d]"Oh, the others..."[/color]

She began rooting through the dresser, sorting through the provided garments. Meanwhile, Wren moved closer to the freshly opened window, sticking her head out so far her toes didn't touch the floor. She dangled there for a moment, contentedly kicking her feet before the sudden growling of her stomach sent her back inside. She looked expectedly at Amelie, who still seemed fixated on the clothes in the dresser. 

[color 00a99d]"We'll be having dinner soon,"[/color] Amelie smiled back and held aloft two expensive looking dresses. [color 00a99d]"I think they want us to dress up for the occasion."[/color]

Wren immediately frowned, stepping forward to inspect them. She leaned over and pinched the fabric gingerly, rolling it between her fingers.

"[color 5a7c86]Looks itchy,[/color]" she surmised. "[color 5a7c86]Is this a... [i]requirement?[/i][/color]"

Wren frowned again. She had heard that word tossed around a lot lately. And had decided quite quickly that it wasn't one she liked. Just barely visible from beneath the brim of her had, Wren's dark eyes met with Amelie's. 

There was no pleading in them, but Amelie knew by now that when Wren asked if something was a requirement, she didn't want to do it. But she would. She would do it for Amelie. 

Wren subconsciously itched at her mark.

Amelie had to think it over.

She wasn't ashamed of her relationship with Wren, nor of Wren herself. But she'd heard the servant's whispers. Seen the other groups that were touring the estate at the same time as them. There was going to be a fair amount of nobility present. They, even moreso Amelie, had duties to fulfill where the upper classes were concerned. This first impression had to count.

[color 00a99d]"I'm afraid it is,"[/color] the brunette sighed, knowing how much they both disliked that word.

Wren sighed through her nose, dipping her head towards the ground just enough so that her eyes were no longer visible. She held both arms out for the dress in question.

Amelie handed the dress over with a rueful smile, sniffing the air while she did. Oh dear. There definitely wasn't enough time for a bath. None that would entirely erase Wren's, uh, [i]distinctive[/i] scent anyway. They'd need a whole week for such a daring endeavor.

Amelie took another quick breath. Hm. On second thought, this was one of her better days. Hopefully the other guests wouldn't mind it too much.

[color 00a99d]"Tell you what,"[/color] Amelie said as she began hurriedly undressing, knowing that there would be quite the figurative storm ahead, [color 00a99d]"as soon as we're done with everything around dinner, we'll go straight to one of the gardens. Get some of those delphiniums for you."[/color]

Wren walked towards her allotted bed, holding the dress out in front of her like a live snake. Tossing it on the comfortor, she carefully removed her cloak and vest. Small crumbs of dirt and leaves fell to the floor. Her clothing was clearly unaccostumed to being removed. Stopping at her tunic, Wren set aside her hat and began searching the dress for the opening through which she was meant to put it on. 

By the time Amelie had voiced her suggestion, Wren was throroughly tangled. One of the feather braids in her hair had crossed a lace somewhere, and one arm was sticking out of its proper sleeve while the other seemed bent and pinned to the side of her face. She wriggled and squirmed in stubborn silence. 

Half-done with tying her dress, Amelie stifled a giggle.

[color 00a99d]"There's no shame in asking for help,"[/color] she remarked. Using her thumb and forefinger to minimise contact, she tugged at alternating sections of the dress until Wren finally fit comfortably.

Wren didn't comment; her opinion on asking for help was quite sound. She would have untangled herself eventually. Her mouth thinned into a small line as she immediately looked down at the dress, turning her arms every which way and straining to see over her shoulder. It didn't fit right with her tunic and feathers underneath, but at least she was wearing it. That was enough, right? She gave Amelie a curt nod of thanks before putting both her hat and cloak back on and waiting at the door. 

Putting the finishing touches on her braid, Amelie looked the forest dweller up and down. It...wasn't great, admittedly, but it was the best they would probably be able to do on short notice. There was still plenty of concern about the other guests but...

Amelie squared her shoulders.

They could do this. They could do anything together. It wasn't like they were completely unpresentable. Her sister always said it was what's on the inside that mattered. As long as the guests had open minds and down-to-earth dispositions, it shouldn't be too awkward.

[hr]

Amelie stared into her food, eating nothing. Her jaw remained slightly open from the sheer dismay she felt, an inadequacy she felt was getting hammered into her being with every passing introduction.

Wren, on the other hand, wasted no time in helping herself. She certainly [i]tried[/i] to listen, but such titles and phrases meant little more than nothing to someone like her. As did the concept of using utensils. Fortunately, Amelie had taught her a thing or two about proper fork, spoon, and knife usage... but old habits died hard. Especially hard in Wren's case.

She gripped the spoon like a toddler, trying to fit as much as much onto her fork as possible before attempting a bite-- sometimes resorting to the use of her hands. When it came to the steak, Wren didn't even remember her knife until after doing her best to quietly tear at it with her teeth. 

When the last word was spoken, she turned to Amelie. 'Romance'. She thought she'd heard it before, but... she didn't care to remember where. Whatever it was, the lady seemed awful pleased with herself. In an irritable sort of way. Mouth full, she waited, as if for a translation. Before she could recieve one, however, one of the 'bonds' began their introduction. Each person more fancy than the next, it seemed. Her eyes especially lingered on the man with strawberry blonde hair, whose features and attire seemed, to her, the most perfectly suited, though she couldn't explain why. 

When it came time for Amelie and Wren to introduce themselves, she was blissfully unaware, having stopped eating long enough to curiously observe the assortment of new faces at the table.

Amelie stood. Suddenly, her dress felt very loose. Suddenly, the nobles seemed to be so far beyond where she was supposed to be.

She was nothing more than a girl playing dress-up.

[color 00a99d]"Wren and Amelie..."[/color] she trailed off where her surname was meant to be said, noting the Rochean noble at the table. Almost immediately, she amended her accent to something more commonly found in their rural home region. [color 00a99d]"We hail from Balwyn and..."[/color]

Was this the part where they talked about their powers? But only the Arden fellow had prepared anything. He hadn't even looked at any notes. Amelie considered it for a second before realising that she'd left her sentence unfinished.

[color 00a99d]"...a-and it is an honor to serve with you all in the future. We hope to be of service...too. Thank you."[/color]

With a hasty curtsy, she sat back into her seat, clearly embarrassed.

Wren stood with Amelie after what seemed like a moment's consideration. When she finished so suddenly, Wren remained out of her seat, looking around the table like she might have something to add. A few seconds passed and she promptly sat down again.

[/hider]