TBATE: A Hero's Return

Wouldn't Love You

Arthur had gotten to the sight of the party early after Caera and Tessia shooed him away when he came to escort Tessia to the event as her bodyguard. He was standing among a large group of dignitaries from Alacrya and Dicathen both sharing stories about the war. Throughout it, Arthur did his best to smile even as he felt the spurt of grief, remembering the people he'd lost. He sighed, wishing the ache would ease, but it always lingered.

Tessia and Caera arrived together at the event after some time. Tessia's eyes found him just as he was struggling to stay positive. She smiled at him and he suddenly felt lighter.

As the two girls entered the discussion, the topics shifted from talks of war to the structural problems that never seem to leave the world they live in. Nonetheless, as people from both continents move to settle in new lands they never had access to, there was hope that the mingling of cultures was bringing people closer together.

As the crowd grew some more, the group talks had disbanded, and Caera went to the stage to officially declare the party underway. "I would like to thank Princess Tessia Eralith of Elenoir for gracing us tonight. She represents Dicathen and is my honored guest for the event where we celebrate Dicathen and Alacrya coming together. I hope that our alliance continues to endure the test of time." A round of polite applause came from the crowd.

Then Caera found Arthur's eyes through the crowd and announced, "And of course, Arthur Leywin, who needs no introduction, is here as an honored guest, too."

All eyes swiveled to him, a thundering applause rising soon after. Arthur wanted to sink into the ground, hating the attention, but he only smiled at everyone, hoping he didn't look as sick as he was feeling inside.

Luckily the moment passed quickly, as the sounds of music filled the air, much to Arthur's relief. Drinks started flowing more rapidly as everyone's attention moved away from Caera, who stood talking to Tessia. They were then joined by other guests who looked dignified and important.

Arthur, meanwhile, was irritated. He didn't know how to get rid of this woman, who'd come up to him when Caera had pointed him out. She was going on and on about her plans for the rest of the night. His mouth was tired from trying to keep the smile on his face.

"My place is close by," she was saying as she touched the opening on his lance uniform. "If you wanted to get more comfortable, you can swing by my place. It is not too far from here. You look a little warm in this jacket."

"I'm fine," he said, trying to keep his annoyance from showing as she kept up her chatter.

He wanted to watch Tessia in peace as she worked. His quick glances at her indicated she was fine, though. She smiled and listened to everyone, giving the people around her due attention. They were beaming at her as she nodded and talked, her eyes latching on to the speaker's in that earnest expression she always had. She looked composed as she spoke with all these high-ranking officials from a culture she had no experience with.

Arthur was extremely impressed with his childhood friend. Proper decorum, phrases, and the like had been a struggle to get acclimated to when he first arrived in Alacrya. Yet here Tessia was, absorbing the phrases and getting the understanding of subtleties like a sponge absorbing water. He would have been content just watching Tessia the whole night excelling in her element.

Instead, Arthur had to spend his time with a stranger who wouldn't stop touching him. He sighed inwardly, but he didn't have the heart to be rude. He was on duty, representing Dicathen and Elenoir. He didn't want to leave an impression with the attendants at the party that the people of his homeland were ill-mannered.

On the other side, Tessia took a sip from the drink one of the dignitaries handed her. Her eyes widened, appreciating how good it tasted. It was different from the champagne she'd had before. It had a taste of berries and went down quite easily. She took another swallow from her flute.