novachrysalia | 2019 CMO

2019 CMO

✿ Other characters available here. Inactive are special request for long time RP partners only.
✿ Canon/CRAU options are available for Roxas (Forest Covered, The Far Shore, Route 29, Recolle, Awash, Deerington, Asgard), Pidge Gunderson (The Far Shore, Deerington), Cloud (Aefenglom)
✿ Gen threads are A-Okay in here, it's not just for shipping!
✿ Smut can be posted here, BUT MUST BE ACCORDINGLY MARKED IN SUBJECT LINE
✿ Crit is welcome since some of these characters are being voice tested.
✿ Specific prompt you want to do? Hit me up at chromatus, discord chromatus#1363, pm this journal, or choose below!
✿ ACTION BRACKETS PREFERRED. Prose will take longer to reply to.

Fave Prompts
☀ Soulmates ☀ Modern AU ☀ Canon ☀ Canon AU
☀ Monster/Cryptids ☀ High Fantasy ☀ Pokemon ☀ Fairy Tale
☀ Other Series AU ☀ Other Ideas here!

Fave Prompts
☀ Soulmates	☀ Modern AU	☀ Canon	☀ Canon AU
☀ Monster/Cryptids	☀ High Fantasy	☀ Pokemon	☀ Fairy Tale
☀ Other Series AU	☀ Other Ideas here!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Secretly Zelda hopes she's not forced into marriage before she ascends the throne. There might be a plan in the back of her mind already that if she is unwed when that happens... though she harbors some deep down doubts if Maria would stand at her side. All this talk and secrecy behind their relationship, and Zelda still doesn't know what the other woman wants for their joined future. She hopes it's a joined future.]

Turn heads? I am not as gallant nor as beautiful as most of the women in this kingdom. I doubt anyone but you will have their eyes on me.

[The kiss makes Zelda part her lips slightly. Can you be jealous of your own hand? She chides herself as Maria rests her head.]

Do you suppose... we could be even a little more open around Lady Isabella's company? Or must we keep our affections behind closed doors even there?

[If Zelda would speak on them, Maria would be more than happy to allay her fears about not wanting to stay by her.

But she doesn't know that, so all she can react to is what is spoken. What is spoken, though... she frowns a little.] You don't need to be the most beautiful woman in the kingdom to turn heads, you've more than enough beauty of your own for that, but... I would yet argue that you cannot compete with others, Zelda.

[She noticed that look, and while Maria can very often not be called playful, she does find herself warmed by the reaction to her kissing Zelda's hand, so she tilts her head again, and brushes her lips again.] I would advise against being too open, but... perhaps we could relax a bit. Besides, the guest list is rather exclusive... and her manor is quite large.

[Maybe she will at the ball. Here? Zelda still holds the fear that someone might be listening. Even being this open about her feelings felt like a risk, though she hopes whoever might be listening wouldn't just go blab to her father about this.

That brings redness to her cheeks, causing her to look down with a shy smile.] You flatter me. I do find comfort that you see some beauty in my appearance.

[There's a shiver in reaction to that. Zelda finds her breath stopping for a few seconds, her reply coming out somewhat breathy.]

Relaxation... even a little, does make this event sound far more promising. [She has a bit of a mischievous smile as she looks at Maria.] My, that sounds like a proposition for a bit of exploration.

[Maria is not a scoundrel, so this is as far as she'll actually push it, and even this is a bit much for what she usually does, but hey.

It's tough courting a princess when the whole world seems to be working against you. She'll take what she can get when she can get it.]

I think so, too. With the servants busy with the ball, perhaps we'll get a chance to speak, as well. Somewhere we don't have to hold our words back. [Which might sound like she's angling for a fight, but she is, of course, not.]

[Even if this is all Maria will push for, Zelda is fine with it. She enjoys whatever attention is lavished upon her, even if it leaves her with a reddened face. Maybe in the future she won't blush like a silly girl each time Maria does something.

She knows that this wasn't a fight proposition.]

I would like that very much. Having to hold my tongue does get wearisome.

Yes. [She glances back toward the door, then toward the little secret passage she'd used to gain access to the room, and dips her head.] I may not see you much between now and then. [There's a bite of regret to her words, and she smooths her thumb over Zelda's hand again.] ... So I am hesitant to bid you farewell but... I think time grows short for us here.

[Zelda watches her for a moment before she grabs something from a vanity. She presses a neatly folded handkerchief into Maria's hand with a soft smile. There is very delicate embroidering along the edges, and Zelda's name in a corner.]

Then take this with you. If we will not see each other, I would like it if you at least had something to remind you of me while the time passes.

Hm? [Oh, a parting gift. She's not really expecting that, and she blinks down at it, briefly, before... a very slow smile spreads on her lips. It's just a little upturn of the edge of her mouth, but it's a smile nonetheless.

She folds it into her hand, and then neatly tucks it into her coat, near the breast.] I will keep it close to my heart, until I can see you again.

[Then, Maria bows as a means of farewell, before eyeing the way back out, and carefully starting toward it.

Soon. Soon they'll be able to have some time together. They just have to survive the coming weeks, and... well, the travel. It's going to take a while to get that far out, but... she'll be ready. She has a lot of preparations to make. It must be perfect.]

We will see each other again, I assure you of that.

[With Maria leaving, Zelda already feels that the room has become colder. The next few weeks would be rough. Having to attend to her duties, be polite while dismissive of other suitors... As least she was able to convince her father that attending the ball. He saw it in the end as somewhat of a good strategy to "befriend" those further away from their home. Or he did after Zelda carefully suggested to him that it would be.

She herself wanted everything to be perfect. Keeping that Maria was attending the function from her father, she had more freedom to choose a gown and who would accompany her. She was remiss that was forced to bring at least one lady in waiting, though the girl could easily be bribed to be as quiet as a mouse.

Now all she has to do was make it to the ball. And hope her nerves would not make her do something foolish or hysterical. It wouldn't be too much longer till she saw her beloved Maria again.]

[Naria is... a lot better about her emotions and anxieties. Oh, she felt the anticipation, the waiting for things to come to fruition, the chance for them to go awry, but she remained as icily calm as she could make herself be - turned out, when she was not immediately in the vicinity of her beloved princess, it was easier to compartmentalize her emotions.

She had sent a message with a private courier immediately after their meeting to the Marchioness with a personal request, and from there, it was planning. Maria always did like planning - putting her mind to work at piecing together circumstances that she would ideally like to happen, what she would settle for, and what she would avoid. And what she would do if something did go wrong.

She spent her entire trip back to Cainhurst writing out lists of what she thought she would need, paring them down by availability and, in all honesty, actual need. Eventually, the time came for her to pack her traveling trunk, and make the trek out from Cainhurst to Riverglen. She arrived a few days early; she had other diplomatic things to attend to, so her first day was mostly spent talking with the Marchioness, doing a little catching up, ensuring her letter had arrived, and thanking the woman profusely for her consideration. The Marchioness was more than willing to talk about how great of spirits she was in, partially because of her role in the hush-hush courting between Maria and Zelda, and how she was more than happy to allow something that irritated the king to conspire within her keep's very walls.

The next day was spent making sure her clothes were clean, pressed, and presentable; or rather, ensuring the servants were put to the task, as well as making the rest of the arrangements while Maria was out rubbing elbows with other nobles. By the day of the party, she bathed, dressed, and ready. Very early. She did what she could - writing missives, reading part of a book that she didn't absorb whatsoever, checking and rechecking everything. This would be a much more public occasion than usual for the two of them to be close, and she'd, quite publicly, ask for at least one dance. Let alone whatever happened when the party started to wind down and she stole the princess away.

Finally, however, it was time.]

"Presenting: Lady Maria, Viscount of Cainhurst." [The crier called as she stepped through the door, bedecked in the usual flair of Cainhurst Finery - of course, in a very masculine style. That was how Maria had operated for years.

And she made her way into the crowd. She would not seem over-eager to meet up with Zelda, so she said her hellos to the nobles along the way, no matter how long it took to close the gap. But, once there... she held out a silk gloved hand.] Good evening. Is your first dance this evening free?

[The trip to Riverglen had been thankfully without much fanfare or trouble. Despite being the princess, Zelda wanted to be more discreet, refusing one of the fancy royal carriages. The one she opted for blended in well with the others on the roads. Her father always boasted military strength when traveling while she preferred to be incognito.

Which bode well for her when she arrived in Riverglen. There was no big drama or anything as she arrived. After her few belongings she took with her, as well as a gift to the Marchioness, were accounted for, Zelda mostly stayed in the guest room till the night of the ball.

After being presented, her own gown decorated in her most worn colors, she waited along the wall for Maria. As time went by, her heart started aching. Maria should be here... which turned out to be true, Zelda's heart leaping when she heard Lady Maria be presented.

She stayed where she was to not look too eager when Maria finally came up to her, taking the other woman's hand readily.]

Of course.

[She must really be in a good mood, because the corner of her lips twitches up into a half-smile - a private one, mostly just for her princess' eyes only, but a few onlookers may see it.

Onlookers she doesn't mind spotting her.

She holds out a gloved hand, and bows her head a little - it doesn't come anywhere near making them close to the same height, but it's a bow nonetheless, and once Zelda's hand is firmly in her own, she leads them both toward the dance floor to begin their dance. No one really gets out of the way for the princess and the viscount, but that's probably all the better. It means it's not a spectacle to the goers.]

[The smile fills her chest with a warmth that Zelda is glad only Maria has been able to bring out in her. She can't imagine anyone else affecting her that way.

She doesn't mind the others not parting for them. It makes her feel at ease that no one would treat her differently than they treat the others here. For once, she feels like she fits in.]

There are more people here than I see at the balls my father hosts.

Your father isn't as popular as he likes to pretend. [It is possible to hold fealty for a king, but not particularly like him, and perhaps that is the sentiment here. They like the princess well enough, from what Maria can tell, but the king is far less popular. But, he is their king, and they are beholden to defending the kingdom, and so they do.

As soon as they're on the dance floor, Maria curls her fingers around Zelda's hand, settles the other on her waist, and waits for the start of a bar of music to launch into the dance. Well, "launch", it's not a particularly dramatic thing - the dance is a bit more subdued, but it'll give them the chance to talk.] And more of the nobles than he realizes like to keep him out of the loop of... unimportant things.

I have come to realize this as I grow older. [No one seemed genuine when around him. Zelda hopes that she is more likable than her sire.

Placing her free hand on Maria's shoulder, she lets the other woman lead. Even if it is a much slower son than expected.] Then they should be glad to know he is not one to nose himself into a situation that is not beneficial to him in any way.

And it does not embitter you? [Regardless of the tumultuous relationship between Zelda and her father, Maria does know the bonds of family can be very strong. As it should be, ultimately, but that does not mean that family members can be above reproach. Maria never did get along much with her aunt.

The music hits a new bar, and Maria turns their dance a half-turn with the rest of the crowd, and they continue to go.]

One would think it would. Yet I cannot say it has. As harsh as my father seems, he is still my father. There is some kindness, even if it is shown rarely, and only to myself. [As long as he doesn't do something radically bad, such as declare war, Zelda doesn't really have a reason to hate him.

She lets out a soft laugh as she keeps letting Maria lead them around the floor. And feel a little envious that Maria was a much better dancer than she was.]

Good. Then perhaps this all can be salvaged yet. [If the king had a soft spot for his daughter. If the other nobles not being particularly supportive of him could be used to bargain - there's a lot of things Maria could use to her advantage, but she wanted to do it without it being... transparent to Zelda. Else it may seem she was trying to manipulate her instead, and Maria would not stand for that.

She just continues to lead them through the paces, even as the music starts to wind down. Maybe it'll be about time to adjourn for some snacks and drinks. They'd have to stay here for a little while longer before they could secret off to be together, so she could make the most of it.] The food tables, after this song ends? I could use a drink.

[Zelda would very much appreciate not being manipulated.] Yes. I agree.

[Snacks and drinks would be a wonderful idea. She didn't find much time to indulge in either before the ball, on account of being rather nervous. Though she would hardly complain about the gnawing in her stomach.] I would very much like that. Though I do wonder if they have something besides alcohol. I'm afraid my stomach would not take kindly to that at the moment.

Hm, I'm not sure. The punch may not have any added, but even if it does... a bit of food should help settle it, surely. [Or... maybe. Though Maria isn't sure if it's because Zelda doesn't have tolerance, or because she's got butterflies in her stomach.

Maria just thinks it would help calm her own nerves, though, so that's what she focuses on as she heads toward the refreshments. Zelda is enough an adult to figure out what she wants and what will be best for her, Maria will just help out however she can.

Once there, though, Maria loads up on a few snacks, and a flute of champagne. It's bitter and bubbly as champagne always is. When she's helped Zelda find something for herself, she raises the glass in a toast.] May this night go well.

Then food might be a better idea before I partake in anything to drink. [Zelda will follow Maria over to the refreshments, letting her eyes go over the choices. It's belatedly she realizes that her father would have a fit knowing she was taking food without a poison tester around.

She can't help but smile as she takes a few things she recognizes and a few things she doesn't. This little bit of independence is exhilarating.] Yes. And may it provide us with memorable events

Then I think that will be a good start. [She trusts the Marchioness' people, as well; a poison tester is more useful in the King's castle rather than out here. Less people vying for power in this remote location - it's almost like they're more friendly the further out you get.] I can certainly hope so.

[A couple snacks and a couple drinks later, and Maria feels better, more in the mood for a party; she's not often the most sociable person, though she can put on a good face, but now it feels... more genuine. Partially because she's here with someone she cares so deeply for.] Another dance, then? I think the party mood is finally starting to settle in.

[Unless those crime reports Zelda has read are true and some women poison husbands for money and lovers. No thank you. She does not want that to ever have to be an option.

For once Zelda doesn't feel like she needs to take tiny bites of everything to look proper. No one is really paying attention as she does, though she does let out a soft noise almost like a giggle when something drops. Oops... But now that she's sated, she nods at Maria.] I would very much like another dance.

[Well yes, that, too, but why in the world would they want to poison Zelda? Maria doesn't exactly make friends easily.

Either way, she's feeling better after some food and drink, and a little more open and relaxed. This will do nicely. She offers her hand to Zelda once again, but this time, once they get to the dance floor, her hand sits a little bit... lower than it had before, in a slightly more intimate touch than it had been before. And her expression is far more relaxed.

The gears are turning, once this dance is over. Perhaps then she'll ask to steal away for a bit. They can get lost in the crowd, and then simply slip out. It didn't escape her notice that Zelda seems to be much more relaxed, either.] I think this party has been good for both of us.

[A king without an heir would leave room for another family to take their place. Just monarchy things.

Feeling that hand lower this time brings a soft blush to Zelda's cheeks. She glances around to make sure no one was paying too much attention. Even if it gave her some thrill to think that someone was.]

It has. I am very gladdened that I said yes, and that I was allowed to come. I have not felt this at ease in some time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

2019 CMO

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