[center][h1][color=F09A99]Sylvia[/color] [color=lightgray]&[/color] [color=#C84808]Askel[/color][/h1][/center]
[i]Ignis 6th[/i]
[hr]

The lovely early afternoon sun hung above the great city of Sorian, its streets abuzz with life of its upper crust in the noble dining district. Specifically, Sweet Serenity Creperie and Café was abuzz with life; partners bringing their significant others, parents bringing their children, and in this case a particular royal pair of siblings sitting together by a window seat. 

They certainly had no trouble finding a table when they had informed the staff who they were though one could hardly call it a private luncheon. At the insistence of Ambrose a few personal guards were sent with them, some sitting inside at different tables to get a clean view and some that waited outside in shifts. Askel paid little attention to them though that was because he was a tad distracted by something else.

[color=#C84808]"Sylvie, I understand that you're excited. It's been a while since the two of us could go out like this, but I must ask... Why in the world am I dressed like this?"[/color] He motioned to his entire being. His typically fluffy messy mop of hair was combed to a painful level of neatness and his clothes fit for a valiant Varian knight and prince all handpicked by his sister of course, completely unaware of his dear sister's intentions. Askel felt a bit overdressed for the occasion, but as her older brother he felt obliged to spoil her every so often, especially given the amount of time that he had spent apart from her and everyone else. 

[color=F09A99]”This only happens to be the newest and most popular cafe in all of Sorian! I couldn’t have you looking anything LESS than your best if we were to take advantage of…[i]certain[/i] opportunities!”[/color] The bright smile on her lips might have seemed innocent to all that didn’t know her. Her vibrant blue eyes glancing towards each table as she made mental notes of unattached partners meeting specific qualifications only she knew. It was only then that her hands picked up the menu laid on the table before them. [color=#F09A99]”Oooh they have a triple chocolate cake, Askie! That’s THREE times the chocolate!”[/color] Sylvia barely kept her voice contained as she excitedly bounced in her seat.

Truth be told she hadn’t [b]ACTUALLY[/b] gone in herself just yet. She had merely overheard some of the castle maids talking about a new cafe that was just opened and receiving great attention from a certain demographic she had been keeping a very careful eye on. Sylvia was just killing a few birds with one big stone. 
A soft laugh parsed his way through his lips. Askel could never see through his sister's schemes, so when he saw her excitement, he only saw an excited girl that wanted to try the trendiest and newest places with great enthusiasm. Sylvia was so fortunate that he was so gullible when it came to family. [color=#C84808]"Only you would come to a creperie and look for cake."[/color] The prince said with a light chuckle. 

A waiter was quick to approach them to take their order. [color=#C84808]"Buy whatever you want, it's on me today."[/color] Askel offered with a smile full of brotherly love for this precocious little creature that he called a sister. Once they were done giving their orders they were once again left alone. 

Askel felt strangely awkward around her to no fault of her own. It really had been a long time since he had spent any time with her alone. It was easier when they were all together; they could all bounce off each other and talk normally, but now it was just them. Did the years he spent apart from her put a rift between them? Were they more like strangers than brother and sister? Those were the kinds of thoughts that ran through his head.
He cleared his throat and tentatively asked, [color=#C84808]"So, how have you been enjoying yourself? With the trip, I mean. It's not every day you get to leave Varian for such an extensive amount of time. Have you been making friends?"[/color] 

[color=#F09A99]”Thanks, you’re the best Askie!”[/color] Unlike some, she didn’t even pretend to resist the generous offer and took it in stride. Her eyes darted quickly through the menu, mostly as a show, before she placed her order. Slices of strawberry, velvet, and of course that triple chocolate cake were ordered. Sylvia, in a show of petty spite, ordered a single mixed berry crepe along with some herbal green tea with some honey. 
The prince had been more conservative with his order; an order of mushroom crepes and a latte that stood in stark contrast to his sister's order. While he appreciated his sweets, Askel could never understand how she could tolerate eating so much cake.  

Sylvia’s expression had yet to dim once since they had met up, only offering varying degrees of smiles. Her gaze had been flicking between the other customers, looking at their order as she considered what to get next time. Aske’s question managed to bring her attention back to him. [color=#F09A99]”Hmm, I would say it’s been pretty fun so far…”[/color] She adopted a thoughtful expression as she held a finger on her cheek. [color=#F09A99]”There’s been so much to see! As for friends…”[/color] Syvlia shrugged at this. [color=#F09A99]”I have gotten to know some of the maids, they told me about this place, remember?”[/color]

Askel blinked as he processed what she just said. Had she not met anyone yet? [color=#C84808]"Oh, right,"[/color] he said to cover up his faux pas. Now he was worried for another reason. 

Her smile brightened once more as her tea was set in front of her. She didn’t waste time and brought the steaming mug to her lips and instantly flinched at its scalding heat. Sylvia gingerly set the cup back down as she looked back at Askel. [color=#F09A99]”How about you Askie? This hasn’t been too much on you, right?”[/color]

Askel had a grin that radiated ease and shook his head in response to her question. [color=#C84808]"Oh no, on the contrary I've gained some acquaintances."[/color] He lifted the dainty cup of espresso and took of a sip of the scalding liquid though it appeared that his tongue was as calloused as his hands; the heat failed to faze him in the slightest. Delicately placing the cup down without so much as a clink, her brother continued.   
With each finger he listed his limited number of encounters off. [color=#C84808]There's Knight Captain Stratya Durmand who I had an excellent spar with and then kindly treated me to lunch. She's also quite the baker, you'd like her. Then I met Olivia, that fiery lass fighting some nobles that were bullying some poor girl. I had to step in and scare them off, but long story short I'm training Olivia to use a sword so she doesn't die in an alley when she decides to become a vigilante again."[/color]

His face lit up as he remembered something very important and, well, indeed it was. [color=#C84808]"Oh, Mina dropped by my room to have tea and play cards the other day! It was so nice to catch up with her after all these years. Gods, I missed her, just as much as I missed all of you."[/color] The cogs in his head began to turn and that warm in his eyes faded away as he squinted at his sister; he knew what kind of machinations she had in store. Pointing an accusatory finger at her, Askel said, [color=#C84808]"Don't you dare even get any ideas with her, or any of them for that matter. They are off limits for your matchmaking schemes, okay?"[/color] 

Sylvia’s smile and eyes grew wider with every mention of his new group of [i]friends[/i]. She was barely holding back bouncing in her seat as she was so excited at the news. [color=#F09A99]”That is unacceptable, AS-KIE!”[/color] Her hand had slammed into the table before her as she stood up, only hard enough to make the table slightly shake without spilling anything. [color=#F09A99]”Three! Three wonderful, beautiful encounters with lovely maidens and you want to tell me they are off limits!”[/color] There were no restraints in her volume use as she expressed the closest thing to righteous fury.

She began to make a very short loop as she paced back and forth by her chair. [color=#F09A99]”A lady knight sparred with you and then took you to lunch? That’s basically courting for you! And you’re going to train some girl after you have saved her?!?”[/color] The frustration only escalated despite her somehow managing to keep from outright yelling. [color=#F09A99]”Best of all, you had a woman in your room! It’s…it’s….well scandalous!”[/color] The nerve of her brother for trying to stop her when there were three prime opportunities for him to find his wife was unbelievable.

Sylvia let out a small huff of her annoyance at him out as she sat back down, smoothing her dress out. [color=#F09A99]”Although…maybe it is best that I let the situations progress naturally. Something you’re doing is working to pull three women into your orbit like this….”[/color] The temper that had been swirling in her head cooled down as she thought it through. She smacked a balled fist into her open hand.  [color=#F09A99]”Alright, very well Askie. I shall not construct any schemes to pull them….I shall just support you as a younger sister should!”[/color]

People were staring at the two siblings though Askel really could not blame them: his dear sister had made quite a scene and now his love life or lack thereof was now on public display. The only reason he suspected that they were not being asked to leave was because they were Varian royalty. A tired laugh passed by his lips at his sister's proclamation. [color=#C84808]"I do appreciate the fact that you care about my wellbeing, but you do realize that we have very different views on love, don't you?"[/color] His eyes cast down to his plate as he finally began to tuck into his crepe.

[color=#C84808]"They're all wonderful women, but my brain and heart are not in alignment."[/color] The prince admitted before he took a bite, his mouth filled with an herbaceous mushroom cream sauce. Taking his time to chew and swallow while he gathered his thoughts, he continued. [color=#C84808]"Romance between soldiers is frowned upon for good reason and Stratya is a Caesonian knight and I am a Varian knight. It wouldn't work even if we had feelings for each other; the compromises would be too much for both of us. I could never ask that of anyone."[/color] Askel dissected whatever fanciful ideas of romance that were in his sister's head.

However, he was not done just yet. [color=#C84808]"Olivia for all intents and purposes is a student. While she may not be my squire, she is someone who is trusting me and I am in a position of power and authority. I would not want to abuse either."[/color] He stated matter of factly. [color=#C84808]"And Mina is my best friend. The sort of love you're thinking is not what I want from her, and I know that's not what she wants from me either."[/color] Besides, he knew what kind of trouble Mina was going through and the last thing she needed was him to suddenly develop feelings for her. 

[color=#C84808]"It would be easy to be infatuated with someone and call it love, but that would only lead to pain and I'm against hurting people."[/color] For a second, for just the briefest moments there was a faraway look in his eyes with something indiscernible, but it was just a flash in the pan. A grin spread along his face and he pointed his fork at her. [color=#C84808]"Besides, I am not so arrogant to assume that they would see me as a future husband. There are other more qualified bachelors than I."[/color]

Sylvia shook her head as she wagged a finger at her brother, tsking at his wonderful counter argument only to flop on his face at the finish line. [color=#F09A99]”You nearly produced a perfect counter, my dear brother, but I must vehemently dismiss your final statement. Thus I will disregard everything else as well.”[/color] While her voice still carried plenty of energy, Sylvia had reduced her volume to a proper level. The imperious look held only for a brief moment before her eyes softened and her smile relaxed.

[color=#F09A99]”I merely jest. I hear what you are saying brother and I will not press them if this is how you truly feel.’[/color] Sylvia let out a sigh as she leaned her chin on her hand. [color=#F09A99]”I actually do admire your thoughtfulness, stubborn as it can be at times.”[/color] There was a brief melancholic look as her thought drifted somewhere else for just a moment before a small shrug returned her typical, bright smile back to her lips.

[color=#F09A99]”You are the brother of the most beautiful, talented, charming, and of course humble little sister. It is only a matter of time until the right one wises up.”[/color] She stated with complete confidence placing a hand on her upper chest, then dropped it shortly with a content sigh. [color=#F09A99]”I am glad we have gotten this chance to talk before the ball.”[/color] Sylviva uttered the simple statement with pure honesty. In truth, she felt out of all their siblings she was the most nervous to attend.

[color=#C84808]"I'm glad we were able to too."[/color] Askel gave Sylvia an appreciative smile and fought back the urge to reach over the table to lay a large hand on her head and ruffle her hair. It was always tough to be in a new place; people and customs that you don't know abound and there was very little familiar to find relief in. That was something he experienced with every new place he found himself in constantly adjusting and learning while making sure to not step on eggshells, so he of all people understood what it was like. 

[color=#C84808]"Speaking of my 'beautiful, talented, charming, and humble little sister,' I hope that you are able to pull your focus away from my life and onto yours. I am willing to bet that you'll be catching the eye of many suitors."[/color] He chuckled and with a teasing grin for he knew how she was going to react with what he was about to say. For all of her talk of love and romance for others, whenever it was brought up for herself, she deflected it better than any well-placed strike. [color=#C84808]"And before you say it, Ambrose and I will not duel them. You'll never marry then."[/color]

His eyes narrowed as he focused on her face for a moment. [color=#C84808]"Hold on you've got some cake on..."[/color] He pointed to a bit of cake on the corner of her mouth. [color=#C84808]"Ah, let me get it."[/color] Disregarding propriety and her own protests, Askel reached over the table napkin in hand and began to wipe her face with the delicacy of someone trying to polish a sword to pristine condition. In other words, he was not very gentle.

Askel’s words seemed to perk Syvila up further and she used the brief pause in the conversation to eat more of her cake. Her expression shifted to varying degrees of delight from each bite. She became lost in the rich sweetness that when Askel spoke again she was in the middle of savoring another bite. The moment he mentioned suitors she swallowed quickly and not all went down the correct pipe. Sylvia coughed a few times slapping her upper chest as a rosy blush colored her cheeks. [color=#F09A99]”That is…I will not….”[/color]

Syliva found herself unable to find the right words when she furrowed her brows with a pout at his sudden change in subject. [color=#F09A99]”What cake? Askie what are you…”[/color] Her words shifted as she felt like her face was being molded like clay instead. Sylvia lightly slapped his hand away as she pulled her head backwards. [color=#F09A99]”Askie, stop! I am not a child. I can get it myself.”[/color] She took hold of the napkin next to her in a quick, pointed grab and dabbed the corners of her lips and cheeks. 

[color=#F09A99]”I do hope you intend to sleep with one eye open dear brother. I shall not forgive this offense.”[/color] Sylvia huffed and crossed her arms, her tone leaving whether or not she would follow through a mystery. A frown appeared on her face at the sparse holdovers of treats on the table. It seemed they, or she, had really gone through them fast. She did eat faster when she was nervous. 

Seeing the discontent on her face, Askel realized that he perhaps went a step too far. He smiled at her apologetically though there was a strange tint of regret. [color=#C84808]"Sorry, sorry. I sometimes forget that you're not my little rambunctious sister with crumbs on her face, clinging to my side anymore. You're a grown woman and you have become a wonderful lady. I do hope you know that."[/color] There was so much that he had missed when he went off to see the world, so much time with her and their sister, their brother, their parents, and their friends. Seeing her like this, this girl that had grown into this graceful and beautiful woman, did make his heart ache and yet, he remained smiling because he was there with her now.

[color=#C84808]"But even as we get older, I will always be your brother, and I will always be there to lend an unjudgmental ear when there is something worrying you."[/color] He leaned forward with his elbow on the table and rest his head on his hand in a matter that was least regal. A smirk played upon his lips. [color=#C84808]"Such as your aversion to your own love life though I will not push on the matter further. Just know that if you ever feel ready to talk about it, I'm here for you now."[/color] 

He leaned back into a proper position, knowing that his manners were relatively poor. [color=#C84808]"Or you could tell me what sort of ideas you had getting me gussied up like this."[/color] His hand gestured towards the outfit she picked out once again.

Sylvia let her arms fall back onto her lap at Askel’s heartfelt apology and couldn’t help the light blush that colored her cheeks. She was incredibly proud of all her siblings, but one fact she could never admit was that her image of a princely knight coming to her rescue largely came from Askel. Her hands were clasped in her lap as he continued and tilted her head as he leaned on the table. She fidgeted a little as he brought up her shyness around the topic again.

[color=#F09A99]”That should be obvious, brother. I was certain you’d be approached by all kinds of wonderful, pretty girls by now…”[/color] She hummed tapping a finger to her lips though the mischievous tint to her words were lacking as she looked at him with fondness. [color=#F09A99]”I am really grateful to have you as a brother, Askie.”[/color] Sylvia paused and her lips opened and shut a few times as she tried to come up with what to say next. [color=#F09A99]”One day, I will. I just….it is…”[/color] There was a brief darkness, a weight in her eyes for a moment. [color=#F09A99]”We should really have another outing like this, but I promise it will just be for fun and no [i]other] reasons.”[/color] Syvlia quickly received with a giggle, a smile once again adorning her lips. 

[color=#C84808]"Oh give yourself some credit; I am having fun,"[/color] Askel reassured with a smile. [color=#C84808]"But I would appreciate it if I chose my attire next time."[/color] He half-joked; the outfit was actually a lot warmer than he anticipated and he was drinking hot coffee. 
One day, he hoped that Sylvia could tell him what was on her mind, but the heart is such a fickle thing. It can carry an unbearable weight, but should a helping hand come to share the load then it may never take it. Askel could only hope that one day she could.