"Carem and Arate" (progress) - August 20, 2016

On the Midsummer eve of Nimpa, Carem Balcruff, Duchess of Aule, took leave of her quarters in the upper east wing of her father's manor, and made her way to her most favoured alcove. This particular place - a small bridge of sorts, overlooked one of the rear courtyards of Balcruff Manor. It too, was small in stature. But the yard was nonetheless immaculately colored in season and the floral fragrances which arose were pungent and bold. Still, this wasn't the sole reason for Carem's interest. She visited this garden because it was the only yard easily accessed by her "friend", an outsider who would otherwise find it hard to chat with her on a regular basis.

Arate was intrepid, cautious, taciturn - qualities befitting a gentlemanly intruder such as himself. In stealth he arrived, as always, out of sight within a thatch of bushes. There suddenly, a single pine cone was sent rolling into the open lane, just a foot or so from the shadows, appearing as if to have dropped casually from one of the branches. Carem noticed it, of course as soon as it appeared, and dismissed her maidservant in kind. In her heart, she felt that she was behaving most desperately, but time was short. It wouldn't be long before her coronation and marriage into the royal family. The risk was all the same to Arate, though and so she didn't mind being a bit more reckless than usual.

She sounded in the tune of a lark, her whistle carrying easily across the small expanse and there appeared Arate, a large, husky breed caniform. His pelt was a warm white and cobalt shade, tinted by the hot summer sky. He stood about one and seven-eighth meters from the ground (6'7"), though hunched slightly forward in the manner of most canifs. And his teeth were grit in an unseasonably sharp smirk, for one supposedly seeing his friend off in obstinacy. At this, Carem would have been upset were it not for his eyes, which as always shone keenly, with care and the brightness of humanity. She folded her arms and leaned heavily on the banister before her.

"What's so funny?" She pouted, staring him down with a glare.

"Nothing. It's just that I've never seen you so thoroughly affected by something in all your life."

"Quaint," she snapped. "And I suppose losing me to the monarchy system just fills you with hope for our future."

Arate softened his gaze, rubbing the back of his neck, his smile just as deep and satisfied, "Well, I never really had much hope for us, milady - I'm simply enjoying the moment as I might. Surely Prince Albrecht deserves something of a brighter countenance from his future bride, though. At least try to smile."

"I won't" she furrowed. "Perhaps I might instead call the guards to save me from an unsightly monstrosity squatting at the foot of my porch."

"Name calling, after all we've been through? I'm hurt," he lied, producing a single lily from behind his back. He looked down at it, stroking the petals in his massive paw. "There's still time, you know." Arate challenged, his gaze returning to Carem. "One little bite and you could become just like me. My offer stands as always."

"And as much as the idea of abandoning all manner of society absolutely turns me in intrigue, you of course must realize that I have my kingdom to think about, Arate". She sighed outwardly, surprised at the sound it made when it escaped.

"So, you are looking ahead after all. Yes, Your Kingdom is an important matter to consider," Arate mused.

Carem stiffened in another pout, "Oh, Arate, why couldn't things be simpler? Why couldn't you just-- become a man and kidnap me like any other reasonable ruffian?"

"Because that, M'ilady would remove the mystique from the moment," he mused, climbing the ledge. He let the lily fall into Carem's waiting hands. "It's an age-old quandary, really. 'Shall she give up all station and pleasure for uncertainty in passion?' It's a conceit most fairy tales employ to en rapt their readers. It's the question of true love and purity of heart... But then again, this is reality. The move is of no consequence to me. In fact, if you willed it I'm sure I could follow you to the next estate and darken another courtyard of your choosing."

Carem laughed beneath her hand. "Yes, yes you most certainly could. But we can't keep this up forever. This actually could be for the best-"

(Interruption)