[hider=Sola 22; time skip collab Ari & Cal part 2]
[center][h2][color=slateblue] Ariella[/color] & [color=00F8FE]Callum[/color][/h2][/center]
[right][sub][url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5465281]Part 1[/url][/sub][/right]
[hr]

Ariella shook her head softly [color=slateblue] “ No she hasn’t said anything, Actually I haven’t seen her since she left. I think she was at the Dinner the other night but I can’t remember, It was such a mess of an event that I kind of zoned out and didn’t really pay attention.” [/color] She shrugged [color=slateblue]”I only wanted to check in, make sure you were doing alright. I’ve heard alot of little whispers that you were seen around drinking alot…I was [i]worried.[/i]” [/color] she admitted. She didn’t want to make him uncomfortable with her questions, but she also wouldn’t feel like a good friend if she didn’t atleast try to get him to open up. 

[color=00F8FE]“Whispers? About me? Sorian must be having a gossip drought. Drinking is just my version of not wearing shoes.”[/color] Cal brushed over the topic, tried to make sound like a harmless escape, and simply move her attention elsewhere. What good magician didn’t know a bit of misdirection? And all he’d have to do is just shift the conversation back a bit without her noticing.  

Ariella turned her attention back to the telescope with a coy smile on her face.[color=slateblue]” You’re lucky we don't have telescopes watching our all moves…”[/color] she said[color=slateblue] [i]“ Because someone may see through the lies.” [/i][/color] She said softly as she pulled back and looked at him, hoping he sensed she knew what he was trying to do. 

[color=00F8FE]“Lies? Only when I have to. Mostly I just stretch the truth.”[/color] He admitted. 

However, even with his evasion of her concern she wasn’t going to push him. They both were constantly being scrutinized for everything and she wasn’t going to add to the list of names he likely already had doing that. Instead she offered him a friendly smile.[color=slateblue] “ You are the [i]prince[/i] afterall… I doubt much of what you do isn’t whispered about. “ [/color]

[color=00F8FE]“Do you think I was wrong about Ana? I mean I don’t think anyone else could’ve told, but I also don’t know for sure it was her. And she accused me first, like I would, and I think I’m mad about that too. I don’t know what to do, just been avoiding her, but I can’t do that indefinitely. How did she seem at the dinner?”[/color] This was a less messy problem than how much, and why, Callum drank so much, and he needed to figure this one out anyway. He wondered if Ana was mad at him too. 

[color=slateblue]“Hmm..” [/color] she said outloud while adjusting herself to lean over a railing. She peeked down over the edge to see just how high up they were. [color=slateblue]“ Well, Just as I have the pleasure of not wearing shoes, you have your own version and  I assure you she has her own as well.”[/color] she spoke softly.[color=slateblue] “ Ana’s cheerful demeanor seems to be a mask uncertain of its cause but its strange she seems to get really down. She disappears for a moment and returns as if nothing happened. As someone who has become the master of faces I can assure you its not that easy to switch it off and on. “[/color] she paused as she flicked a pebble off the side of the building watching it drop to the trees below.[color=slateblue] “I always felt it strange, like something bigger was going on.”[/color] she took a pause.

[color=slateblue] “ I think you were hard on her…Few people may actually understand your situation and she is one of them. I think you two are very similar in alot of ways and because of that butt heads. If I were to place a bet, Just as the whispers that spread for gossip it can come from any corner we never really know where it starts…who’s to say this situation is any different.” [/color] She said leaning into the ledge more. 

It wasn’t the first time Callum had wondered about Ana’s coping mechanism; was spending all day acting any worse than spending all day intoxicated? He didn’t have an answer for that. Was it impossible that someone else had whispered Marek’s name to Wulfric? [color=00F8FE][i]Probably could’ve been a lot of people.[/i][/color] He nodded to himself first, and then back at Ari. Did he have to apologize to Ana? He already knew the answer to that, he didn’t want Ana to feel as bad as he always felt. 

[color=00F8FE]“Are you saying I remind you, of my sister? I don’t know if that’s an insult to me or her.”[/color] He tried to lighten the mood. [color=00F8FE]“But you’re right, I guess I was probably a jerk, again.”[/color] 

[color=00F8FE]“So what’s your new outlet, now that your feet are imprisoned?”[/color] He asked, needing to change the subject again.

Ariella let out a short laugh and a smile as she shook her head[color=slateblue] “ Don’t misunderstand Callum, your reaction was understandable. I dont think your a jerk, just human. “ [/color] She shrugged her shoulders [color=slateblue]“ I dont really have one, nothing has really been holding my interest except for the book club. I’ve been reading alot more since … What sort of outlets do you enjoy? I could use some inspiration.”[/color] she smiled. 

[color=00F8FE]“You do not want my outlets, that’s just a long list of vices. Eating onions, carving up the walls, being in places I shouldn’t, I think I just like trouble.”[/color] He’d rather admit to that than list off all the vices he’d collected. 

Ariella looked out towards the view [color=slateblue]” well I would love the opportunity to see just what kind of trouble, if you ever feel like having company” [/color] She once again didn’t push him for more. He certainly had a knack for knowing how to change the subject but she certainly didn’t mind. 

[color=00F8FE]“You know, once there was a time when all this was very much illegal.”[/color] Callum abruptly changed the subject, as he looked around the observation tower and its contents. [color=00F8FE]“When trying to understand the heavens was unnatural, punished even, as if it were an act of treason. Maybe they thought it dangerous to imply that not everything revolved around kings, that all these stars, and moons, and other planets, moved freely without direction from a king. Now it is a celebrated science, and that gives me hope that it can happen for other things, things like book clubs.”[/color] He said, finally reaching the point of both his tangent and why he’d wanted to come here in the first place. Callum found just enough hope in knowing that minds and laws could be changed. 

[color=slateblue]“You’re right, it very well could.”[/color] she looked back towards him with a smile. [color=slateblue]“ Thankfully for you, you have the position to be that change if you wanted. Obviously there are a few hurdles but it’s not an impossible task.”[/color] She then changed the subject lightly herself. Something had been weighing on her mind and she really could use the advice. [color=slateblue]“ You obviously have much more experience with reading and being in the book club. I was wondering…well maybe hoping…”[/color] she beat around the bush slightly trying to find out how to explain her idea [color=slateblue]“ That maybe I could read a book about losing memories, I always find those types of tales interesting”[/color] She hoped he understood. 

A brief look of concern crossed Cal’s face only to be overtaken by a grin. Memory spells were dangerous, and there was a soft voice in the back of his head that whispered [color=00F8FE][i]some lines shouldn’t be crossed.[/i][/color] That wasn’t the voice he ever listened to because a louder voice wondered about the possibilities, and his brain itched for ways it could be done. 

[color=00F8FE]“I’ve got a book I could lend you.”[/color] He offered, and while he could infer Ari’s request was because of her parents, he didn’t bother to ask her plan; an opportunity to use magic, or at least help another do so, against nobles, against parents, was not something he would turn down. 

[color=00F8FE]“It has to be, [i]read carefully[/i].”[/color] Callum wasn’t going to tell people what they could and couldn’t do, but he knew he had to at least offer some warning. A memory spell was delicate work, it required the magical equivalent of a surgeon’s hands. Cutting out a memory while ensuring it wasn’t deeply linked to something vital. One misstep and the mind unravels, or a core memory is destroyed. Too many easy ways to slip up and destroy a person. 

[color=00F8FE]“I’d be happy to help, if you’d like, might even know a guy who’s studied that subject.”[/color] Cal added, thinking about how he was pretty sure Marek had used magic to make everyone forget those parties.

Ari felt a huge sense of relief. She felt her shoulders relax as she greeted Cal with her own grin [color=slateblue] “That would be so great if you could” [/color] she stuttered on her words slightly as she could feel her body quivering with excitement as she tried to hide it. 

Perhaps she could use this spell to wipe her mothers memories about information that she had received. Her father was easy enough to convince but her mother on the other hand was a whole other story.

 Ariella knew that she wasn’t going to stop until any sign of magic or things she deemed unlady like was removed from her possession.  On top of that to threaten the one thing that brought her any type of joy was going simply too far. In truth her mothers antics and rude behavior not only towards Ariella but the staff and guests always caused a certain distaste for Ari. 

Sometimes she thought that there was no way she was even related to the women. How could Ari be born of something so cruel. [color=slateblue] “ I would be more then happy to accept your help anyday. It gives me an excuse to see you more often.” [/color] She smiled at her friend. Callum had quickly become a bit of an antidote to her day to day concerns and she was quite grateful to him for that. 

[color=slateblue]” Well with that settled, it seems that the sun is about to break across the horizon. Should we find a good spot for star gazing?” [/color] She looked around the large building as it seemed most of the people had cleared out accept for a few random people who didn’t seem to pay much attention to them. She saw the stairs that led up to the very large telescope on the upper floor. [color=slateblue] “ Should we go up there? Are we even allowed to use it or is it normally offlimits to the public?” [/color] She wouldn’t be surprised if it was held for astrologers only. 

Callum looked to the upper parts of the tower and shrugged. [color=00F8FE]“Hmm, don’t know, but do you really think anyone here wants to tell a prince where he’s allowed to be?” Even least important, third princes have some perks. And I’d bet daughters of dukes get some leeway as well.”[/color] He nodded toward the staircase, and not a single person in the tower felt emboldened enough to order around the children of two of Sorian’s most important families. 

[color=00F8FE]“And if you’re looking for excuses to see me, I always make time to cause trouble.”[/color] Cal said it with mock sincerity, but it didn’t make it any less true. He waited for Ari before heading up the staircase. 

Ariella smiled [color=slateblue] “ I suppose your right … and either way , as you said, can always make time to cause trouble.” [/color] She headed towards the large stairs that appeared to loop around in a spiral as it ascended to the large telescope at the top of the tower. 

As Ariella began her ascent up the stairs, she quickly became aware of the discomfort caused by the ill-advised decision to wear those excruciating heels. Each step was accompanied by a wince of pain, prompting her to realize that these heels were more trouble than they were worth. However, amidst this discomfort, a mischievous thought crossed her mind, like an invitation to rebel against her mothers wishes. As Cal had said [i] Make time to cause trouble.[/i]

With a soft smile curling on her lips, Ariella finally decided to free her feet from the torturous heels. The instant she slipped them off, a sense of relief washed over her as her bare feet made contact with the cool, refreshing touch of the steel staircase. Her newfound sense of liberation fueled her, and she wasted no time, nearly sprinting up the stairs with her shoes now clutched in her hands.

Upon reaching the top, a sight awaited her that would forever leave an indelible impression on her. The room was a marvel, constructed almost entirely of glass, stretching upward to dizzying heights. Ariella had to tilt her head back, the glass walls extending so high that it almost strained her neck to look straight up. The dome, a seamless 360-degree enclosure, offered a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city of Sorian.

Overwhelmed by the awe-inspiring sight, Ariella couldn't resist running towards one of the walls and pressing herself against the transparent surface. Her nose almost squished against the glass as she firmly pressed her hands beside her, trying to immerse herself in the magnificence outside. 

The sky was a canvas of vibrant reds and oranges as the sun gracefully descended toward the horizon. It was a mesmerizing display of nature's beauty, with the night sky gradually creeping in, weaving a dark tapestry of stars as it claimed the day.

A hushed, awe-struck whisper escaped her lips, [color=slateblue]"Wow."[/color] Truly, it was one of the most magnificent things she had ever witnessed. The splendor of the view left her feeling small and insignificant, yet at the same time, it filled her with an overwhelming sense of wonder and gratitude for being able to witness such a breathtaking spectacle and being in the company of a friend made it all the more amazing. 

Callum followed Ari up the stairs, matching her pace which began sluggish but the second she removed her shoes both Ari and her pacing seemed renewed with not just energy but enthusiasm. It only made him wonder why it was that parents enforced so many rules that existed to simply make their children unhappy for the sake of appearances. His parents, Ari’s parents, most nobles really, just didn’t seem to care whether even their own children were happy. 

He was out of breath by the time he reached the top of the staircase shortly after Ari, finding her already pressed against the glass staring at a sky that struggled to match the hues of her hair. 

[color=00F8FE]“It’s like being on the top of the world, or at least the top of Sorian.”[/color] Cal said once his breathing settled. [color=00F8FE]“The closest we can get to seeing perfection and I wonder if the sky looks down on us and all our twisted imperfections and just waits for us to match its reflection.”[/color] He spoke softly, half lost in thought, half stunned by the sky. Cal wasn’t sure if he believed the gods lived up in the sky or if the sky just reflected back a glimpse of where the gods really did live, but he knew that when he gazed up at the sky for long enough it became a quiet, humbling experience. 

Ari stepped away from the window and looked at Callum with a smile. [color=slateblue]  “ I hope this isn’t the top of the world. [/color] she said with a shrug [color=slateblue] “But I certainly would love to travel to find out. [/color] She fell quiet for a moment as she admired the stars that slowly appeared one after the other. [color=slateblue] “Have you ever thought about what it would be like if you weren’t a prince” [/color] she asked him curiously. [color=slateblue] “ What you would want to do with your life? Where you’d want to see?” [/color] 

Callum only looked up at the stars as he thought about Ari’s question. [color=00F8FE]“Only all the time, spent my whole wishing it were a different one.”[/color] The obvious answer came out first; there wasn’t a time he could remember when the prefix of prince ever felt comfortable. It loomed in front of his name like a dark shadow, a reminder that he lacked the worth to ever feel like it belonged to him. After a pause, he expanded on his answer.

[color=00F8FE]“And I wonder if ‘prince’ is something I know I can never live up to, or if it’s something I was born to rid myself of. But I don’t want it. One way or another, I’ve decided I’m going to get rid of it. That’s what I want to do. Get rid of all these stupid titles if I can, and if I fail I’ll at least be rid of hearing mine. Beyond that, I have no idea. I used to think it would be enough to just get away from my family. Be a scholar or a monk or someone who doesn’t worry much about what goes on in the palace. To just have other things to focus on and forget. But that would feel like letting my family win, and I think I hate that thought more than I want to be free of them, or even happy.”[/color] Cal looked over at Ari, and smiled before whispering, [color=00F8FE]“And what I want to see is a Caesonia without a Danrose king, maybe without any king, but someplace we’re all free from all these things that smother us. How ‘bout you? I’m sure you’ve got grander ambitions than a marriage your parents would be proud of.”[/color] He asked. 

Ari listened to Callum, surprised at his how much he revealed too her. Taking in his words she realized that he really wasn’t much different than herself. At the end of the day they were both just two people trying their best to be happy and find their way out of a world they never chose. 

She let out a soft breath as she turned to look away, her brows raise as she blinked a few times.  [color=slateblue] “ It’s kind of silly...”[/color] Ari’s eyes settled on the stars as they became brighter against the night sky. She paused for a moment a bit reluctant to admit it outloud. [color=slateblue] “ I do want to be married, maybe even have my own kids but … I could never marry for titles or money “[/color] she looked over at Cal [color=slateblue]  “ I would love to find someone, fall in love and experience all the things I read in books.“ [/color] She turned her attention back to the stars [color=slateblue]  “I would love a small house out in the woods. A place away from everything else with my own garden and maybe close to a ravine. Sitting on a porch with a blanket at night watching the stars.” [/color] Taking a deep breath she shrugged lightly [color=slateblue]“I would atleast get away from here thats for certain.”[/color] 

[color=00F8FE]“I don’t think it’s silly, to just want a normal, peaceful, life.”[/color] Cal spoke up. [color=00F8FE]“I think the ravine’s a must, I’m sure there’s plenty far away from Sorian that have no formal dress code.”[/color]

Turning back to look at Callum  [color=slateblue] “For what its worth… if you wanted to be a prince, I think you could make a good one. I think whatever you set your mind too you’ll be great at…but…”[/color] she paused as she tried to hide back a smile  [color=slateblue] “ A monk? “ [/color] she titled her head as she continued to hold back her giggles [color=slateblue] “ I think you would hate that more than being a prince. All the rules, structure, expectations… [/color] suddenly her eyes lit up as she sat back with a look on her face as if an idea just popped into her head.  [color=slateblue]”I promise that if you ever need a place to escape too, you can stay at my imaginary house. I’ll make sure in my fantasy house that there is an extra room for whenever you need.”[/color] she grinned  [color=slateblue] “So when you visit I can remind you how bad of an idea being a monk would be. [/color] she teased. 

[color=00F8FE]“Alright well, I didn’t laugh at your imaginary life.”[/color] He said it jokingly but still felt like he had to defend his choice. Maybe it was too much structure and too many rules. He probably wouldn’t make a very good monk at all but it still sounded better than a prince in a world where none of the rules and structure made any sense.

[color=00F8FE]“Monks just always seem content. Like wherever they are, whatever they’ve got, that’s enough. I think they could teach me how to be like that, at peace. And we would talk about bigger things than petty gossip and maybe even be witch-monks. Study magic, teach it to others, bring it back, and use it to help reshape the world into something better. Something like that, something good. Royals never do anything good for people, they just make life harder for everyone else.”[/color] Callum explained it, and it all boiled down to the same wish; being a peace, being away from here, and not being what they were now. 

[color=00F8FE]“I’ll visit your fantasy house if you find time to visit my pretend mystical monk community.”[/color]

[Color=slateblue]"Deal." [/color]Ariella smiled at Callum widely before turning back to the night sky. She leaned against him resting her head on his shoulder. [/hider]