Late into the evening, Al trudges his way up the stairs to his quarters. His building is bustling despite the time, teenage boys enjoying their newfound freedom. The two across the hall are still bickering with each other as he passes by. |
Must've been an incredible swim his roommate sounds as he shuffles through the door I can't recall the last time you were grinning like that! |
Safely tucked away inside their room, Prince Aldric removes his ring and stashes it away, rolling his eyes as he feels his body loosen. |
Had something really odd happen, actually... Aldric states as he begins unlacing his boots |
Did it involve a girl? Florio teases, wiggling his eyebrows. He is surprised when Aldric sighs, lacking the immediate denial which Florio had become so accustomed to when making his frivolous assertions. |
Yes, I met a girl Aldric admits in a mocking tone, quick to stop Florio before he can interject But it's not some grand romantic bullshit like you're going to suggest! |
Go on then Florio huffs, crossing his hands behind his head and leaning against the wall on his bed Tell me your boring story! |
Aldric glances into the hallway first, kicking the door to close it but it remains cracked. Florio watches, eyebrow raised. |
It's supposed to be a secret... Aldric speaks softly, almost whispering But I met someone else with Ithisda's Body! She just popped up out of the water and we talked for a while. |
You… talked for a while? Florio answers flatly And why is this a secret? |
Well, Aldric answers haltingly She didn't recognize me without the ring and I definitely didn't recognize her. And that was actually kind of nice so… |
So…? Florio rolls the word out, growing impatient as Aldric dances around any details he might misconstrue |
She... suggested we keep meeting up Aldric is hesitant to finish But also keep who we are a secret? |
Aldric braces himself for Florio's reaction |
So let me get this straight Florio questions dramatically, a hint of laughter in his voice as he leans forward You met a mystery woman in an underground river in the middle of the night and she wants to keep meeting up for these clandestine rendezvous… but its not some grand romantic bullshit?? |
Aldric buries his face in his hands, groaning at Florio's predictable rosy lens, sniffing out romance anywhere and everywhere. |
She wants to be friends, Flor Aldric emphasizes, gesturing with chopping hands Secret. Friends! |
Secret friends? Florio's laughs, gesturing wide Oh come on, Al! |
Aldric chucks his boot at Florio's head in response |
Okay, okay! Florio concedes as Aldric hoists the other boot But, you've at least got to tell me one thing! Florio requests and pops a finger up, Aldric dropping the boot with a sigh Was she hot? |
Tia's diaphanous emergence from the water, literally gleaming and splattered by twinkling stars like a mythic nymph, flashes into Aldric's mind and his face flushes furiously at the memory--he had tried to pretend it never happened. Florio heaves, practically gulping air as he gasps. |
Dear Luxis! Florio exclaims, rising to his feet with a growing sense of awe He is human after all!!! |
No Aldric instists with a stern tone despite his wide-eyed expression but his friend is practically floating Don't even start! |
Ohoho, mi hermano
(my brother)! Florio cackles, mirthful as he poses atop his bed and gestures wildly I've seen the most beautiful, exquisite women throw themselves at your feet and you don't bat an eye. She must be a goddess to make you blush! |
That's not- Aldric tries to interject, his words choppy She was just- |
She was just what? Florio invites Aldric to finish |
She was... um... Aldric mumbles and motions for Florio to come closer. Florio hops down from his bed and approaches Aldric, listening intently with a smirk to Aldric's breathy, rushed explanation She was nude when she arrived, okay? She was probably trying to keep her clothes dry and I don't think she was expecting- |
Oh, no. No! Florio cuts him off. He sucks in a deep breath and holds it in as if to compose himself A beautiful naked woman springs out of the water before you Florio announces boisterously in exasperation In a secret place no one else can get to, she wants to be your "secret friend" and you still come in here telling me it wasn't romantic?! |
Did ye say "beautiful naked woman"? Euan chimes in suddenly, popping open the door with Danut close behind him |
Ah! Danut sighs melodramatically Our princeling has finally become a man…! |
Why...? Aldric gripes, hiding his reddened face in his hands and regretting breathing a word Why are all of you like this…! |
Euan squints at Aldric while the other two snicker |
Did he get... fatter? Euan questions, jutting a thumb at Aldric |
Florio grimaces, watching as Aldric's fists clench and a groan escapes the frustrated boy. |
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