Snippet #1745360

Kurenai swept gracefully through the darkened corridors, her black hair flowing behind her, glimmering in the little light that there was. She lingered every now and then to glance out of one of the many windows and at a larger one, she halted to stare over the land. The sky was still inky black, but now streaks of pale pink and gentle blue could be seen on the horizon. Noises of waking animals and the people could be heard. Movement across the land. Dawn was coming. This was her favourite time of the day, it always had been. The breathtaking colours and the bustling of the villages, but also the peace that was within the castle. The young Princess wrapped her silky dressing gown around herself more tightly, the topaz blue contrasting with the ruby red that nestled against the pale, soft skin of her neck. Her fingers stroked it absent-mindedly. Often she did this when she was deep in thought. Now, her thoughts wandered to the Kingdom and what would happen with the two different worlds that she believe should be united as one. Not that her father would ever listen to her thoughts. She was female after all and not in-line for his throne.

Turning, Kurenai continued on her way. She let her feet carry her, without putting much thought into it. These corridors were well known by the young woman who had walked them since she was a child and it was often that she had walked them. Before she realised even when where she was heading, she stood on one of the many balconies. These were perfect to overlook the land and this one in particular allowed you to see the passage to the portal. Consumed in her own thoughts, Kurenai did not realise there was another on the balcony. The young Princess barely noticed the pulsating light blue aura that belonged to her mother. And it wasn't until she pushed her mind outwards, looking for anyone who might be close to the portal that she noticed the unbearably close presence of another. Physically, she flinched away from the feeling of her mind touching another's so rapidly. Whipping around, her hand reached for the dagger that she always kept on her intricately beautiful belt. But as soon as her eyes fell upon the figure that was her mother, she instantly relaxed, her face turning from a dangerous scowl to a pretty and easy-going smile.

"Mother!" She exclaimed, clutching at her chest slightly. "You frightened me. I did not expect anyone to be out here at this time." Brushing the hair from her eyes, she watched her mother carefully. There was still a smudge of blue across her cheek. Kurenai could sense her mother's aura better than other people. It was blue now, which indicated that she was relaxed and neutral, but there was a hint of yellow. Worry. What could possibly be worrying her so? Her body or face showed no signs of it and only her aura showed it the tiniest amount. Kurenai did not dare probe her thoughts. Although her gem gave her the power to, she did not like to do so. It was rude to invade one's thoughts. Slowly, she joined her mother on the edge of the balcony. The view from here was hauntingly beautiful and still to this day it took her breath away. Sure, it was dark and dangerous, but there was a neglected beauty about the Underworld.

"What brings you out here at this late hour?" Her voice was soft, like velvet. Kurenai had always preferred her mother to her father and she enjoyed her company. They shared similar views about the Upperworld, unlike her father. If she was to show her work to anyone, then it would be her mother, or Jeremy. But for now, it remained a secret, residing in her room where no-one was likely to find it...