[color=lightgray][h1][center][color=CE4A4E]Alden[/color] & [color=E77298]Anastasia[/color][/center][/h1]

[sub][right][color=CE4A4E]Mentions:[/color][@Lava Alckon] Farim [@FunnyGuy] Lorenzo [@Inertia] Auguste[/right][/sub] 
[hr]

In the dimly lit road, only being illuminated by the firework show that was being held a distance away, Alden was making his way towards the guest house. His mind was focused on one thing: to gather information, and to “stir the pot”, leading into his plans of destruction of the kingdom. There was nothing that could distract him from this moment. 

[color=E77298] “Alden!”[/color] 

When Alden had turned around, he’d see the blonde princess running toward him down the cobblestone path. She looked as she usually did, clad in a pink dress. However, there was one unusual detail that would have stuck out to him: the random falcon perched on her arm.  She came to a halt in front of him, beaming. [color=E77298] “I can’t believe you’re back after all these years! I thought you’d never come back!”[/color] The falcon on her shoulder echoed her sentiment with a caw. 

[color=CE4A4E][i] What in the world?! [/i][/color] Alden looked at the falcon with bewilderment, confusing him in the moment and making him lose his train of thought. He was glad to see the princess doing well, but was confused as to why such a bird was perched on her arm. With a confused and concerned look, Alden addressed the princess.

[color=CE4A4E] “Ana! It has been so long!” [/color] Alden had said with a puzzled look on his face. Normally, he is in control of his emotions, but this had thrown him off, a feeling he hasn’t expressed in a long time. It was as if reality somewhat broke inside him for a moment. He took a deep breath. [color=CE4A4E] “Umm, yes, it has been quite a while since we have seen each other. You have grown so much. And I see you became, umm, a tamer as well…?”[/color]

[color=E77298] “Yes I know I can’t believe it. I thought I’d grow more but looks like I’m stuck with this height. “[/color] Anastasia enthusiastically replied with a smile. [color=E77298] “You look great though. You haven’t aged a day! Amazing! … As for the bird, this is my friend’s pet, Thara. He’s from the Alidasht and they all just carry around animals for some reason.  I reckon it’s because they live in a dangerous desert filled with all kinds of fiends. “[/color]

[color=CE4A4E] “Even though you may be stuck with this height, you still stand tall as a princess of the kingdom.” [/color] His reply was as genuine as they come. He remembered always having a soft spot for the princess, and one of the few he actually cared for. He gripped his hand behind his back, feeling the ring underneath his glove. He’s glad he kept his memories now, but would things change in the future? He had wondered this at this moment. But then he recalled a word the princess had said. [color=CE4A4E][i] This… bird belongs to the Alidasht. Interesting… [/i][/color]

[color=CE4A4E] “That truly is a remarkable bird, and shows your prowess as a figure of power by being entrusted with such a creature. You never cease to surprise me, even now.” [/color]. Alden gave a warm smile, with a sinister grin appearing in his subconscious. He had thought this could be more useful than it being weird. 

She paused thoughtfully, considering his words. Finally, after a pause, she nodded with a smile, putting her hands on her hips with a show of confidence. [color=E77298] “You know what. I am pretty great, aren’t I? Thanks for all that.  I had a really bad day and I was not feeling so great about myself. “[/color] Anastasia then added earnestly, [color=E77298] “But I got very excited when I saw it was you out here. I was worried something had happened to you and you’d cross my mind often.”[/color]

[color=CE4A4E] “Well princess, my apologies that you had a bad day. Things such as this do happen from time to time. What is important to remember though is that what has happened is now in the past, and what you do tomorrow is what will matter. But best live in the moment, that's why they call in the present'' [/color]. Alden expressed his words as fruitfully as possible. He figured life with “your majesty” hadn’t been easy these past several years. But he was glad to see she is doing well, and still the same happy-go-lucky girl he had remembered. [color=CE4A4E] “So tell me Ana, what brings you out here on this wondrous night? I figured you would be enjoying the fireworks right now.” [/color]

[color=E77298] “That’s some wise words you got there, but you listen here and you listen close.”[/color] Anastasia moved up to him and gave him a gentle punch in the arm. [color=E77298] “If you disappear like that again, I’m gonna come drag you home myself.”[/color] She raised her brows as if it would intensify her “threat.” 

A slight chuckle escaped through his smile. [color=CE4A4E] “I would be counting on that.” [/color]

After she felt her point was made, she regarded his question, [color=E77298] “I am going to the guesthouse to bring Thara home and check out how the infamous dinner with Duke Lorenzo is going. Should be fun. Where are you off to? … Wait.”[/color] Anastasia paused to listen as a firework crackled above their heads. She turned on her heels and stared with awe as bright colors lit up the sky to their east. [color=E77298] “I didn’t know this was happening!”[/color]


[color=CE4A4E] “Ha haha well yes, fireworks were on display tonight. Gorgeous sight, isn’t it?” [/color]. Anastasia and Alden viewed the fireworks going off together, lighting up the sky upon the rising moon. [color=CE4A4E] “You know, it’s actually quite a coincidence, I was off a dinner with the Alidasht right now…” [/color] Alden’s face turned a bit concerned for a second, realizing he might come face to face again with that idiot, someone he wanted to leave alone because he was trouble anywhere he was. [color=CE4A4E]  “Wait, don’t tell me that's the one Lorenzo is at??” [/color] 

[color=E77298] “ Oh yeah he’s definitely there. That was Sultan’s mercy deal after he made everyone fall or whatever… I’m excited to see Duke Lorenzo. I haven’t spoken to him in like, more than a year! … I think he’s a dreamboat. “[/color] Anastasia explained to Alden. [color=E77298] “Nothing more attractive than a man with a sense of humor and a great mustache.”[/color] 

Alden began to grow concerned about the princess at this moment. [color=CE4A4E][i] Surely she’s being sarcastic, right?”[/i][/color]

She saw his expression and quickly clarified, [color=E77298]” Yeah, I know he’s too old for me, but I can adore from afar, right? I just like to look.”[/color]

Alden gave a smile, but had gritted his teeth hidden from her. [color=CE4A4E][i] Dear God…”[/i][/color] Even though he did not expect these words to come out, they were still destined to go to this dinner now. Alden couldn’t help but to think how Lorenzo would single-handedly bring the downfall of Caesonia. In fact, Alden was a bit jealous of this fact. At the very least he would be treated to dinner and a show. And he would make sure Anastasia would stay as far as possible from this man as well. Her words definitely caused concern in his mind. But he still needed to watch and talk to Auguste; hopefully he will get the chance. 

[color=CE4A4E] “Well then, my dear, shall we walk together?” [/color]. Alden held out his arm so that she may grab it, while being cautious of the falcon on her other arm. 

Anastasia smiled and looped her arm in his, [color=E77298] “Heck yes!”[/color]

Anastasia, Alden, and Thara then made their way together to the dinner, while observing the fireworks overhead. Alden smirked at the thought of what they were going to encounter, and what kind of trouble would come to the kingdom after. [/color]