[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/ZUQaIQJ.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/QZSL9Tj.gif[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/WdC7gae.png[/img] [color=#EEC86A][b]TIME:[/b][/color] [i]Evening[/i] [color=#EEC86A][b]LOCATION:[/b][/color] [i]The Pasta Oasis[/i] [color=#EEC86A][b]MENTIONS:[/b][/color] [i][@HylianRose] Lucian | [@Princess] Marina[/i] [img]https://i.imgur.com/WdC7gae.png[/img] [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk1WtIjF9Jw[/youtube] [img]https://i.imgur.com/WdC7gae.png[/img] [/center] As the gentle notes of the piano drifted through the air, the Pasta Oasis came alive. Lanterns cast a golden glow over tables draped in elegant navy blue or cream cloths. The scent of rich sauce mingled with fresh basil and roasted garlic, wrapping the occupants in a tantalizing warmth. Laughter and clinking cutlery rose and fell with the music, creating a lively cacophony beneath the chandelier’s shimmering lights. As the two Camilia offspring and their loyal knight stepped inside, the brilliant blue of the pool came into view, along with towering tropical plants. Though Ambrose walked at their side as the obvious shield, he was not the royals’ only protection tonight. Two Varian Protectors in dark, tailored coats lingered near the main doors, posing as ordinary gentlemen waiting on a table, eyes tracking the events of the room. Another guard occupied a small table on the upper balcony, his untouched glass of wine giving him an excuse enough to sit and watch the pool floor below. Outside, a final man kept to the lamplit street by the carriages as he monitored anyone who loitered too long near the entrance. To most patrons, they were just part of the crowd; to Ambrose, they were a well-placed net ready to draw tight at the first sign of trouble. As for the trio themselves, their status ensured they were almost immediately ushered to a table. A well-dressed waiter approached at once, offering a polite bow before he began to take their drink orders. In the meantime, he poured water into crystal glasses and provided them with a basket of fresh-baked bread. Askel gave the waiter a polite nod of silent appreciation and then looked at his two dinner companions. [color=#C84808]"I must say, it is nice to share a meal with you two once again. Shame that Marnie and Lucian could not attend, but I cannot complain; the company of you both is enough to fill my heart,"[/color] he said with a warm smile to his sister and their solemn companion and protector. His gaze trailed the restaurant, a scene of plenty that not many were privileged to witness; an excess of food and fineries as far as the eyes could see. A soft chuckled puffed past his lips. [color=#C84808]"Though I have to admit, I find myself feeling rather out of place. Such decadence was not afforded to me during my journey nor were such protections. Why, you'd think I was a prince after all!"[/color] He certainly looked the part, handsomely dressed in a black dinner wear, a stiffly starched white dress shirt, and for a splash of color a deep blue ascot around his neck that contrasted with that fiery head of hair. Syvlia could not contain her excitement leading up to the restaurant, it was her choice after all. The novelty of having a pool in the middle of the establishment had shoved aside all other options. She bounced on the front of her feet even as they walked, often tapping Askel’s arms when something fun or interesting captured her attention while bombarding Ambrose with a myriad of her often obvious observations. She clung onto Askel’s arm as they entered Pasta Oasis, her bouncing a near constant and only her grip on his firm arm holding her from speeding off. A bright smile matched her wide, open eyes as they finally moved and were struck with the mix of fantastic sights and delicious smell. Her gaze then quickly shifted to the pool with a few people already swimming in it. The bright smile on her lips twisted deviously as her bouncing ominously stopped. Sylvia dropped her hold on Askel’s arm and kicked off her jeweled sandals in a quick motion as she made a quick surge to move forward. The firm hand on her shoulder was almost enough to cause her feet to slip out from under her, luckily the grip was strong and she was rather light. Sylvia turned her head slowly with her best charming smile at Ambrose yet the brief squeeze on her shoulder and scowl on his face told her his answer. [color=#F09A99]”Fine~”[/color] She pouted for just a moment and let her body relax. It was worth a shot. She picked up her discarded sandals after Ambrose let go of her and followed the waiter to their table. Sylvia stood next to her chair and glanced at Ambrose once again with a sweeter, less plotting smile than earlier. It turned into a pleased, somewhat proud smirk as he pulled out the chair for her and then pushed her back in after she sat down, her hands landing on her lap as she adopted a properly dignified posture. The giggle that followed shortly after didn’t let the image last for long. [color=#F09A99]”I agree, Askie!~ I feel like a proper princess with my two valiant knights!”[/color] She exclaimed cheerfully, the unique extravagance of the venue not even within the orbit of her thoughts. [color=#F09A99]This place is amazing! We [b]have[/b] to bring Marnie and Lulu next time! That would be so fun.”[/color] Syvlia let out what was more a snicker than a giggle at the last part. [color=#F09A99]”I don’t know, brother.~ I think I saw quite a few pretty girls looking your way when we entered. Maybe a few of them would want to go swimming with you. I can point them out if you’d like.”[/color] Sylvia offered in the same tone that often led to grease spread around the castle halls. She let the words hang for a moment before giggling again, her whole body turning towards Ambrose [color=#F09A99]”And you, my dashing knight, shall have whatever you want on the menu! It is a treat from your favorite princess!”[/color] She titled her head up a little with a confident grin. Ambrose was quiet, as he had been for some time on the way to this [i]strange[/i] restaurant. This was a new city, a new Kingdom, but the same task. All that mattered was keeping the Camilia heirs safe. But how, he wondered, was he meant to keep those who refused to comply safe? This question came often, haunting him as an unending source of frustration. That very sentiment was obvious on his face; the expression he wore made his irritation quite clear. The man was rather grumpy, after all… Grumpy but vigilant. Always vigilant. Always ready to fulfill the orders of his king. As such, Ambrose wore his formal attire. It was comprised of tailored dark layers beneath a polished cuirass of deep blackened steel with warm bronze detailing. His arming sword hung plainly visible at his hip; it was not his full Briarknight armor, nor the iconic greatsword that he was most known for, but there was enough protection to do his duty without drawing unnecessary attention. The kit was practical, stylish, and most importantly… fit for the occasion. Once Sylvia was back in her seat and settled, Ambrose listened to her conversation with Askel, to whom he gave a gracious nod before turning his bronze gaze back to the girl. [color=#9E664C]“It is true, Your Grace…”[/color] Ambrose exclaimed, his voice laced with dry sarcasm. [color=#9E664C]“You are my favorite Princess, because you are here, where you are meant to be. Unlike your sister.”[/color] The sigh that followed was nothing but the release of pure, never-ending exasperation. [color=#9E664C]“Speaking of Princess Marina… Where is she, and why is she not here to meet us as I was led to believe?”[/color] [color=#C84808]"My apologies Ambrose, it slipped my mind. Marnie decided to retire to her guest quarters for the night as she found the journey quite tiring."[/color] Askel explained, his smile apologetic for he knew the worry that always went through his fellow knight's head. Ambrose scowled as Askel’s smile then turned wry and the younger knight said, [color=#C84808]"The only trouble that you're dealing with tonight is the one sitting in front of us."[/color] He shot his dear little sister with a look of annoyance that only an older brother could give to their ever-precocious younger sibling. [color=#C84808]"Seriously, what is with you Sylvie? Ever since I returned home you have done nothing but parade me around to every able-bodied woman that you know; your friends, your friends of friends, and Gods know who else. Those poor ladies must be sick to death of the sight of me by now!"[/color] Askel exclaimed with an exasperated chuckle of someone that he had been pulled around by his sister's well-intentioned schemes. Sylvia’s grin turned a bit more smug at Ambrose’s admission and nodded along with such a natural conclusion. The expression fell some as he mentioned Marnie, a mix of longing and annoyance at the absence of her closest sister. She took the moment Ambrose and Askel talked to take a sip of her water, dipping the edge of the crystal glass against her lips in a show of refined elegance that showcased the royal demeanor she could express if she only chose to. Displays like it were just another way she teases others. Strangers would think her to be refined as her lineage suggested, while those close would know she was just making a point. She set her glass down with that faux noble smile as Askel’s attention shifted to her. [color=#F09A99]”It is quite simple, my dear Askel…”[/color] Sylvia had begun with the same tone of voice she adopted for public appearance that dropped quickly as she continued, her dainty hands making a tap rather than a thud as she [i]slammed[/i] them on the table with no real force behind them. [color=#F09A99]”...It is a royal crime that my daring and charming brother does not have a beloved! Every Knight needs a fair maiden! These are the rules!”[/color] Passion erupted in her eyes that bore a fierceness rarely seen in the free-spirited princess. [color=#F09A99]”Besides, there is now a fresh…”[/color] She raised a hand to her mouth to hide her wide smirk and giggle, glancing over at the center of the restaurant and back at Askel. [color=#F09A99]”...pool of lovely women who would love a princely knight to take them away.”[/color] The way her hand trembled a little showed how much she was struggling to hold back her laughter. Her eyes glanced over at Ambrose, ever seeking the faintest sign of amusement from the broody knight. [color=#F09A99]”You have to agree, right Ambrose? A dashing knight whisking his princess away on a ride through the meadow….”[/color] What had started as a strong question faded into wistful mumbling as her gaze shifted to the window. [color=#9E664C]“Whatever you say, Princess.”[/color] Ambrose answered dryly, posture unchanged as Sylvie’s thoughts wandered off into the familiar depths of her imagination. He did not follow her there. His thoughts shifted instead, unhurried, settling back on the other princess he was sworn to protect…and then, inevitably, to the man across from him. As his gaze returned to Askel, measured and unreadable, Ambrose considered his words. Perhaps the young knight believed his sister when she claimed she would retire early. Perhaps he didn’t. Ambrose, of course, did not. It was never that simple with this family. A quiet sigh left him, more habit than frustration at this point… and with it, he set Marina aside for later reckoning. His voice returned to Sylvie, calm and even, though his eyes never left his former squire. [color=#9E664C]“Though I’d argue what your brother really needs is less galivanting,”[/color] he added, the faintest curve of a smirk touching his mouth, [color=#9E664C]“and more training.”[/color] Following his sister's line of sight, his eyes fell upon the pool that sat smacked in the middle of the restaurant. He squinted at her, seeing that she could barely hold herself together from her own amusement and could only roll his eyes at Sylvia's antics. [color=#C84808]"Nothing screams romance more than the smell of chlorine, cheese, and beef."[/color] Sarcasm dripped from his lips before the prince reached out and grabbed one of the slices of freshly baked bread and ripped a piece off, carefully dipping it in some of the provided olive oil that sat in a pristine dipping bowl. He silenced himself with the piece of well dredged bread as Ambrose made his stance quite clear on what Askel should be doing with his time instead. Finally seeing some signs of life from the man, Askel returned Ambrose's smirk. [color=#C84808]"Ambrose, don't threaten me with a good time. I'm not one to boast, but I think I could give you some trouble."[/color] There it was, his love for competition that lit up his eyes. The prince knew that Ambrose was likely still the better warrior, but it had been years since they last crossed blades; anything was possible. A chuckled rumbled from his throat and he said, [color=#C84808]"Besides, who would be so crass to pick up women during a family outing?"[/color] His gaze fell upon his sister who wistfully looked out the window for her future knight to come and whisk her away. If Askel had a gold piece every time that she had that look, he would've had enough to fund his very own kingdom. A playful grin played upon his lips. [color=#C84808]"Woe to the man that pursues you and has to compete with the ideal in your head."[/color] Syvlia adopted a cute pout as she crossed her arms at Ambrose’s rigid dismissal and Askel’s sarcasm, letting a soft huff of annoyance at them both. She really had her work cut out for her between the two regimented knights. The princess disguised her brief discontentment by following Askel’s lead and angrily stuffed her cheeks with some buttered bread. His eagerness to accept Ambrose’s offer was nearly enough to make her cry out in exasperation. [color=#F09A99]”You know, Askie, you won’t have room for dessert if you fill up with excuses!”[/color] Syvlia waved the butter knife she had used toward him, a playful scowl on her face that quickly faded. She set it down and made a point of correcting her posture in her seat. [color=#F09A99]”And Ambrose, Askie has been far more successful in his training than his gallivanting so I must disagree.”[/color] Her voice holding the poise that she so often discarded, a mock look of offense on her face. The mock look directed at Ambrose shifted into an honest one as her gaze and head snapped towards Askel, her mouth slightly agape and a light blush on her cheeks. [color=#F09A99]”W-what is that supposed to mean? I think my requirements are perfectly reasonable!”[/color] She protested as she crossed her arms, turning her head slightly in a true pout this time. Ambrose simply rolled his eyes at the duo, but could not hide the slight growth of the faint little smirk he wore so handsomely. He had not taken a seat between the two, instead he stood vigil by the table, as was his role as protector. The royal knight was not here for bread, pasta, nor the pool. He was here to keep the others safe. Yet, despite his best efforts, that had never stopped him from being pulled into their conversations before. For now, however, he remained silent so that the brother could answer the sister’s query. Askel could only chuckle at his little sister's indignation. She could tease him all she wanted, but all it took to get a rise out of her was a well-placed jab. Somehow, he got the feeling that he was going to be paying for this later in the form of cake. [color=#C84808]"Standards are good to have, healthy even."[/color] Askel explained. [color=#C84808]"I have them, Ambrose has them, and I am sure anyone with any self-respect would have them. The problem arises when suitors climb the tallest mountain only to find that they need to reach sky."[/color] His smile softened with brotherly affection for Sylvia. At the end of the day, he was just a concerned older brother worried for his little sister. [color=#C84808]"I'm not saying you should accept any man that shows the tiniest passing interest in you; they'd have to answer to me then. What I am saying is that good men are flawed and if you focus only on them then you'll never see the greater picture. In fact, if you find someone that seems perfect then I would be wary of them the most."[/color] He motioned towards their knight towering over them. [color=#C84808]"I mean, take Ambrose for example. He's grumpy on the best of days, so stoic that his face cracks whenever he smiles the slightest, and he refuses to sit with us even when standing draws more attention. Save for his handsome face, you'd write him off, no?"[/color] Ambrose glared daggers at him, and Askel stifled a laugh with a quickly disguised clearing of his throat, he quickly followed up, [color=#C84808]"But if you saw the parts that made up the whole, well, you'd find that he's probably the most eligible bachelor in Varian."[/color] The prince gave their ever statuesque guardian an apologetic grin for making him the butt of a joke for the moment. It was times like these he was glad that he was no longer Ambrose's squire for he knew what kind of punishment would have awaited him. Sylvia had begun to open her mouth to passionately object, but the smile Askel had offered disarmed her instinctual reaction. She had a tendency to go a little…overboard and she hadn’t spared the image of her ideal partner that treatment. Her gaze looked towards Ambrose as Askel spoke of him, lightly nodding along with each of her brother’s assessments. There was a light that sparked in her eyes as she glanced between the two. Sylvia’s nodding turned fervent, a knowing smile washing away the thoughtful mood she had been in listening to Askel. [color=#F09A99]”I understand you, brother. I understand completely.”[/color] There was a wicked glint in the corners of her eyes as they flicked between her older brother and their protector. [color=#F09A99]”I should just send any men who come bother me to you or Ambrose! Those who don’t die can be put on a list!”[/color] Sylvia tiled her head up slightly with a prideful smile, planting her hands on her hips confident of her decision. Her siblings were simply the best. That much was certain to the young princess. Therefore, if potential suitors could defeat either Askel or Ambrose, who had trained Askel, then they would be fit to pursue her! A smug smirk replaced her previous smile as her eyes had closed, picturing the sight of a mountain of defeated suitors beaten under the two knights next to her. [color=#9E664C]“Well first off, it’s good to know that you think I’m handsome… [i]Askie[/i]”[/color]. Ambrose announced in jest, using Askel’s pet name in a way he knew the young knight would hate. That same slight curl of a grin that formed with his joke shifted into pure stoicism as he addressed Sylvie’s plan. [color=#9E664C]“I guess that means you’ll never find a proper suitor.”[/color] He said plainly, with no emotion behind the words. Simple facts from a man confident in his, and his trainee’s competence. The sureness of his words, along with the pure neutrality of his expression when speaking them could have turned a man’s blood cold. Askel maintained a blank smile while he slowly blinked after hearing his sister's grand idea on how to decide her suitors. This had taken a turn that he had not expected. The prince was ready to open his mouth, but Ambrose had beat him to the punch. He shot his senior knight a glare back at him though before he could protest, the stoic confidently stated that they would just kill all of her suitors with that unreadable expression on his face. Askel looked at devilish duo and with a bemused laugh said, [color=#C84808]"Were you two always this terrifying or did this come about while I was gone?"[/color] He really did not want to know the answer to that. [color=#C84808]"Anyway, I have to agree with Ambrose; you'd just end up as an old spinstress. Mother and father would be most displeased if the reason you never married was because of us."[/color] Askel grinned mischievously and playfully threw his hands up. [color=#C84808]"Who knows, maybe we’ll lose on purpose to a man with a valiant heart, but the head of an ass. Now that would make for an interesting family portrait."[/color] She had simply clasped her hands together, tilted her head, and gave the most innocent smile she could give at his question. [color=#F09A99]”It would seem that my dreams of a valiant hero coming to save me from two horrible demons just won’t be realized….”[/color] She said dreamily back to the two knights, or demons, as she pictured strong heroes fighting one after the other for her hand. Her brows furrowed, breaking her pure expression to glare at Askel. [color=#F09A99]”You do that and I’ll send a certain [i]someone[/i] a very passionate and romantic letter. I still know your handwriting, dear Askie.”[/color] She let out an annoyed [i]hmpf[/i] that lasted an entire second as she glanced over her shoulder. [color=#F09A99]”Oh, perfect. Our food is about to arrive! All this [b]love[/b] talk has really given me an appetite.”[/color] Sylvia said cheerfully with an eager look as if the entire previous conversation had been entirely scrubbed from her current mood. The truffle butter pasta ribbons with black truffle shavings were placed in front of her. It had been at the top of the menu and looked very good so that had been enough for her. [color=#F09A99]”Oh, what did you two get? Hold on, let me guess, you [b]BOTH[/b] got the pasta with short rib?”[/color]