dnd collection

Parties (pt1)

  "I don't know if I like these parties all too much," mumbled the young girl. The carriage on the dirt road jostled her and the two elder boys in its velvety compartment gently. Three blondes of varying, but close enough, ages sat close. The girl and one boy together, another boy across from them.

  The girl, and youngest, was Lady Etoile Blanc who had recently turned twelve and was finally granted permission to attend the annual party in the Logic Kingdom. Her elder brothers before her, William and Montague, had been going since they were ten, respectively. Of course, being the youngest and only female, both her parents kept her inside, hidden from the royal affairs and parties. If her father, Lord Ignace, had it his way, she would not be making any appearances publicly until her coming of age party at the age of eighteen.

  "Etty," Montague sighed, patting his little sister's knee. "We aren't even out of the Fate Kingdom yet."

  The brother across from the two, smiled softly. "We'll be right be your side, Etty. You have nothing to worry about. It will be fun."

  The tween knit together her brows and glared at the carriage floor. "William's coming of age party was much too loud."

  William, the eldest, the one across from the other two could only give a short chuckle. It was rather loud that evening. That had been, let's see now, two years ago. Etoile had been ten, and rather cranky that entire week leading up. Etoile wasn't invited and was stuck in her room with maids on duty to ensure she stay put. Still, despite being a floor up from the grand ballroom, Etoile could hear the chatter and orchestra well enough that it caused her to have a frustrating night of on and off sleep.

  When thinking about this party, she could only grimace at the thought of how loud it'd be. This time she would be in the room. She subconsciously raised her hands over ears and shut her eyes, hiding the violet irises from all light that seeped into the carriage.

  "Etty.."

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  The evening of dread approached quickly as the trio's carriage finally arrived at the Logic Kingdom after two day of travel. They all had a room to themselves that they were allowed to use for their stay in the castle. Etoile, left alone in her own room, let out a sigh finally. She dropped the sweet and soft smile that graced her lips as the maids explained the itinerary for the evening. Guests would be arriving shortly and the Blanc children were advised to get themselves ready within the hour and come to the event hall.

  Etoile opened up her luggage that was kindly set on the bed by a maid. She pulled out the white dress and frowned. White. It was always white. White until she became of age. That was the tradition of the Fate Kingdom. Other colors could be incorporated but typically most outfits the girls in the Fate Kingdom wore were primarily white until eighteen when it came to events and parties. That's what she was always told. Having never left the palace, she wondered if other girls in the kingdom truly followed the custom.

  Slipping on the flowy dress with ease, she walked over to the mirror in the room. The candles that were lit gave her a lovely gleam in the rose called room. Despite her age, her beauty was apparent even in low lighting. The way the candlelight flickered and casted shadows and lights differently on her bodice, sent Etoile into a short trance. She didn't even realize her empty stare until she heard a knock on the door.

  "Etoile. Open up."

  She jumped and immediately hurried to the door. Cracking it open, she say the charming grin of her brother Montague. Unlike Etoile, he was clad in a dark purple military uniform, blonde hair pulled half up in a bun. William would be wearing the same thing seeing as the military suit was secularly uniform for the boys of royal background at parties and events.

  With a sly grin, Montague sneaked past Etoile and ruffled her hair. "Figured you may want something more than a plain white dress. Knowing you, at least."

  Etoile shut the door gently and turned to the sixteen year old with an eyebrow cocked. "What do you have?"

  The elder slipped his hand in his pocket, pulling out a few purple geranium he had picked and cut the stems off of.

  "Did you get those from Mother's garden?"

  "Well..." Montague rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled. "Just sit down."

  Someone was in big trouble when they got home. At least if he couldn't keep Etoile quiet he was.

  Sitting down in front of the vanity, she reached for the brush that was laid out. Handing it back to Montague, she swapped him for the flowers.

  "Just don't go yanking out my hair, pretty boy."

  "So you think I'm pretty," he snickered, brushing through the long blonde hair.

  "Of course you are. We are related to Mother after all. She made all of us and passed on her good looks, obviously."

  "Alright, smartass. Very funny."

  Etoile felt a tug as her brother took a section of hair, beginning to braid part of the front of her hair, leading to the back of her head. She grimaced a bit but beared with it without a sound.

  "It's the truth. All three of us are very pretty. I'm surprised William hasn't taken someone's hand yet, you know. And, I know ladies are lining the block for you. But you're rather right there with them, compared to William."

  "You know, one day you will understand just how wonderful it feels to be in love, Etty. And when you do, you will understand why I am 'eager' to introduce myself."

  "Why not leave it to fate? You received the same schooling as William and I. You know."

  With a gentle yank, Montague finished the braid, tying it into a small ponytail at the back of her head. He always did quick work with braiding, no matter the intricacy. It was impressive to say the least. Etoile never asked for the maids anymore, in fact. She would request that Montague do her hair when she wanted to do some sort of braid, granted he was free. Heavens forbid you give him a hot iron or scissors though. His hands and braiding skill are unrivaled. The rest...needs significant work, to say the least.

  "Sometimes," he began softly. Montague plucked the flowers from Etoile's palms, delicately placing and securing them into the braid. "Fate needs to be taken into your own hands, Etty. Your destiny is not set in stone."

  Making eye contact in the mirror, Etoile gave her brother a perplexed look. "So, even though...I'm the youngest...I could become the Lord after Mother if I wanted to?"

  "If you really wanted to be, I'm sure you could. You've got a strong will in you, ya know?"

  Montague then helped Etoile slip on the white heels, completing her outfit. "All good, princess."

  "Ew, stop that."

  "Haha, what?"

  "Don't call me that. What are you, a maid?"

  "Yeesh, it's almost as if you are a princess."

  "'It'S aLmOsT aS iF yOu ArE a PrInCesS."

  "Stop that!"

  "'StOp ThAt!'"