The Other Side

Daina looked up after having wrestled with Conn to see Adrien and Tom. Conn's eyes widened in horror.

"Are those humans?" he asked. Daina set him down quickly whispering to him to go home and not to worry about her, he nodded and scampered off. When he was out of site Daina nodded, not wanting to be overheard. She looked around quickly and beckoned them to follow her, she lead to a small cave like space in some brush.

"Yes, I'm Daina, I met with you yesterday. What do you need?" she whispered.

Kleo grew more and more fidgety, she hated being coped up for any length of time as she was doing it to herself. She sighed walking along the banks of the river, he pulled her hood up over her head singing to herself as she went she stopped along her normal trail and saw the bushes shake just slightly enough to draw her eyes. Her lips curled into a slight smile as she bounced over to the area "Having a tea party and you didn't even invite me she assumed she was just crashing a wood nymphs getaway, sure they might get testy about it but she was rather bored. She ran right into Adrien, she pulled back looking up at him "I..sorry I just thought..and.. " She stumbled over herself fully thankful her hood hid her cheeks as she felt a flash of heat across them. "Nice to see you again Adrien." She said after composing herself looking over at Daina rolling her eyes just slightly more so at her seeing her stumbled even if it was just for a moment.

Adrien smiled.
"I guess we were just coming over to say Hi, and we might be going to that party thing. Did you hear anything about it? Maybe it's a trap or something. Are you going?"
Adrien crossed his arms and then someone ran into him and he was about to start having a fit but he got a good idea who it was when she started appologising.
"Hey Kleo don't worry about it, I was actually thinking about going to visit you, but it seems you found me instead."
He chuckled a bit.
"Are you going to this big party Kleo? We are debated if it would be a good idea to go or not."

Kleo hooked her arm around his " I'll go but it means you have to escort me good sir." She gave him a mock bow pulling her hood off knocking her brown curls down her back, "I don't think the queen would honestly harm you at the party if anything she might try to sway you to like her or something." She looked up at him with a grin "I'll protect you if you want."

Adrien laughed.
"You protect me? That's sweet. I don't think I have ever had a woman say that she would protect me. It's different."
He looked to the rest of them.
"Well we haven't decided if we are going yet, but if we do go, I could escort you. And I don't put anything past the queen, If we do go, I am going under the suspicion that she will lock us up first chance she gets. I'm not about to trust her, trusting people gets you killed."
He nodded some and folded his arms giving Kleo a smile. Maybe he would look more harmless with one of her own people on his arm. This could be a good thing.

Calcifer entered the room slowly, stepping across the threshold and bowing low.
"Excuse the interruption my lady. I hope I have not disturbed anything important," he said, raising with a smile. "I trust the room is to your liking."
Behind him, though still outside of it, the servant hovered nervously.
"Forgive me," he said, side stepping so that she could see the female beyond. "The Queen has begged your indulgence in helping her with preparations with the upcoming party. She wants your help making....." he paused, as he turned the new word over his his head. "Pizza? She says it's some kind of food, and would like you to come to the Great Hall and assist the chefs, if that would not inconvenience you. I will gladly escort you. I am rather curious myself."


Sanestra flushed with pleasure as Asura's reaction was far beyond what she could have hoped for.
"You can be one of the people, for a little time," she said happily, watching Asura as she pawed over the clothing, like it were precious silks, rather than boring old servants clothes, but to Asura they would be.
Sanestra gestured for Asura to turn, then began to undo the dress she had so carefully laced up earlier. This process was far quicker, and soon Asura stood wearing her under garments. Sanestra hadn't waited to be asked. That would be silly and she had seen Asura wearing less after all. She'd once read to her in the bath.
"You can be any name, my treasure," said Sanestra, touching Asura's name for a moment, then helping her into the dress. "But I cannot come with you. I must be seen tp be around, to make excuses for your absence and to ensure that preparations are ready for this evening's offering. This is a chance for you to go beyound the castle and be one of the people. I am too recognisable."
It was true. Sanestra wasn't often seen outside of the castle, but when she was, she was always striking. Those who had seen the Queen close up, wouldn't recognise her without her formal attire.
"You shall make friends, and play in the river and dance and play and whatever else you wish. You shall go out through the kitchens and return the same way. No one will stop you. If you get into trouble, get to a reflection and call me. I shall hear you. Water, a mirror, anything."
She kissed Asura's head.
"I hate to let you go. Being parted from you will worry me greatly and I shall not be happy until you return, but you must go. You must see your vision through the people's eyes."

Daina just stared at Kleo when answering Adrien's question, "I'm thinking about going, but probably just for the free food," she said looking back towards Adrien, "I'm not much of a dancer, I know how to, but I'm not all that graceful," she shrugged her shoulders like it was no big deal.

"So what information do you need?" Daina asked.

Adrien chuckled.
"I bet your a graceful dancer! Your being modest. We would love it if you would come with us Daina. And as for information, I don't really know. That girl Eva went back to the castle and now she is like all buddy buddy with the queen or something. I don't know, It's kinda scary."
Adrien nudged at Kleo playfully, he was still a young man after all and he had not had any fun since being here.
"What type of food do you guys eat here anyway? I know it cant be exactly like human food."

Asura smiled and touched Sanestra's face softly.
"Thank you, though I am sad you will not be joining me. I will be back shortly I promise, no need to worry love."
Asura slipped out of the door placing the hat on her head and tucking her hair up into it so no one would recognize her. There were not many with her color hair so it was a dead giveaway. She followed Sanestra's directions and went out the kitchen. She easily found her way into the bustle of town. It was more then she could have dreamed of, merchants bartering for goods, children playing in the streets, dancing, music, and the word on everyone's lips was the big party for the humans. She was so excited. Asura didn't exactly know where she was going but she didn't care, it was just nice to see the people, to interact with them. She tried her best to mimic them, making idol small talk and laughing frequently. So this is what it was like to be common. It was wonderful, everything seemed so simple. Asura found her way to the river and ran into the water splashing around like a child. The water felt so cool and clean on her skin, so refreshing. She looked up from her game and noticed the collection of people. Some of them were humans. She made sure her bonnet wasn't showing any of her hair and she made sure to keep her distance. She didn't know if they were dangerous. She took note of the two from this world that were with them. She turned her attention when some of the children had followed her down to the river and started splashing her. She laughed and it became a war of water. The children squealed and she laughed chasing them around. This was such an amazing feeling to be free.

Evania nodded to the servant in the doorway, and then laughed at the Queens request. "Pizza?! Well, I suppose it is the end-all be-all of human foods. I would gladly come to assist. In fact, my Father... my Father is a chef, so I'll help out with whatever food preparations are needed." She swallowed the intrusive lump in her throut, suddenly remembering her prediciment. She wondered if she would ever see her Father again, and contemplated telling Calcifer of the night's events. No, it would wait, and she would seek help after the party. Relaxing, she looked to Calcifer. "Well, I suppose you should show me the way. Um... I'm just curious, will you be attending tonight?"

[OOC: Sorry! I'm currently on a trip with horridly rare computer access. Hopefully I'll be able to post more...]

Sanestra watched as the Queen left her alone. It was easy to foll those in the palace though, cancelling court and asking everyone to leave the Queen undisturbed. Sanestra had even locked the Queen's quarters, to prevent some well meaning servant from finding out their deception. Let her enjoy a day in the sun.
Besides, Sanestra could run the palace well enough in her absence. Everyone respected her position and the queen's decision to put her there. No one ever questioned her.

Calcifer gave a bow and guestured for her to follow him, leading her into the palace.
It could be confusing at times, the palace. Calcifer understood that. He himself didn't get lost, but there were always so many people bustling around, it was easy to get turned around.
"Tonight?" he said, looking puzzled. "But I always attend...."
Then he realised it was of the party she spoke.
"Oh, the party will not be until the eve after tomorrow," he said gently, giving her a small smile, then turned, a slight pinkness coming to his cheeks, which had everything to do with the party. "I shall be in attendance, indeed. I would not miss such an occassion. It will be an honour to be invited to such an event and I am curious about this.... peet-sa?"
His brow furrowed. He had never heard of such a thing.
He found himself tongue tied for a moment. How was he to ask her to come with him to the ball? He felt foolish saying nothing, yet did you just blurt such a thing out? Sanestra had instructed him to do so. Not to do would be like going against the Queen herself.
"I will not be working that eve," he said slowly, trying to keep his voice level. "If you would not...."
"There you are!" boomed a figure down the hall, and the face of someone very happy and over excitable was waving at them.
Calcifer said nothing more, but side stepped slightly so that the figure could see Evania better.
"Lady Evania," he said, nodding to her, "this is Piagano, one of our chefs."
Piagano bent low, with great enthusiasm and kissed her hand.
"We are so very excited to have you joining us," said Piagano, ushering her past Calcifer and into a room where around 15 people were bustling. They paused and bowed when she entered. "Her Majesty has asked us to listen very carefully so that we can repeat this recipe in 2 days. We are so thrilled to have you."
He glanced at Calcifer.
"You, of course, can remain, Calcifer," he said, guesturing to two servants to close the doors behind them. "Well, my dear. Let's make some magic."

((Sorry, I accidentally posted... >.> <.< You didn't see a thing....))

"Our food, well it's mainly the innards of some of the more dangerous monster with an herb sauce, umm...we eat lots of fish, sometimes the bigger bug, bread, and water," Daina said, she looked over at Kleo, "Anything I might have missed?" She felt kind of awkward around Kleo, she didn't like her all too much, but she knew that you couldn't avoid people all the time and that she would have to be civilized.

It wasn't really her personality, well it kind of was. Daina was used to being alone, but she did want some attention every now and then and whenever Kleo was mentioned or came to the group she was in, suddenly it was like she had just disappeared and no one cared. Daina disliked her more out jealousy than anything else, and it seemed that nothing had changed, even the humans preferred Kleo.

Adrien grimaced a bit. "That sounds terrible... We have way better food, like turkey, chicken, beef. Beef is where it's at, cow is my favorite. It's a type of animal that is black and white. So cool. I will bring you some pictures of our food when i come back next. So I was thinking, since I have two beautiful ladies here, can I maybe escort both of you to the dance?" He nudged Daina playfully. "Come on, I'm not that bad looking, and it will be fun. I will even try some of your foods here."

Adrien looked over at some commotion, kids chasing around a girl. They looked like they were playing a game, it looked like tag. Well they wouldn't know what tag was but it looked the same. Adrien pointed over towards the woman. "Who is that? Does she live around here?" She was very beautiful and the fact that she was laughing and playing around in the water was even more hot. He pried his eyes away from the girl to look back at Daina and he smiled. She was very beautiful as well. He felt very lucky in this moment to be surrounded by beautiful women, well beautiful women and Tom. But Tom was a cool dude, and he liked him a lot.

Daina looked over at the girl and cocked her head, "I'm not sure. She looks somewhat familiar, that hair especially, but...I don't know. And don't worry about the food, it tastes a lot better than it sounds". She looked back at the girl, she did in some ways at least, resemble the queen, but that wouldn't make sense that the queen would be out playing, with kids especially. Fearing that this girl, or the kids to because they could be extreme tattle tales, would turn her in for being seen with humans, Daina decided that it was past time for her to go.

"Well it was nice seeing you again, but should get going before I go to jail...again," Daina said backing out of the the bush area. She found a small stream running down the hill back to her now even more dirtied clothes, a pretty good sized mud path around it. She decided it would be faster just to slide down it, so she jumped on a good down hill spot and slid down the stream, mud splattering her face. Down at the bottom again, she collected her clothes and took off towards her house again.

"Oh, the party will not be until the eve after tomorrow. I shall be in attendance, indeed. I would not miss such an occassion. It will be an honour to be invited to such an event and I am curious about this.... peet-sa?" Evania laughed lightly at his curiosity, his brow furrowing as he blushed. 'Too bad he's so cute.' "Well, I don't want to spoil it for you, but it's usually a large circular shaped food which is cut in to smaller pieces. Uh... you know what? How about you come by and see the creation?"

"I will not be working that eve. If you would not...." That odd feeling of hope dispursed suddenly as a booming voice called down the hall. She turned to the chef and smiled, curtsying lightly as he kissed her hand. "Oh!" She was pulled into a crowded room, all of whom froze at her presence."Her Majesty has asked us to listen very carefully so that we can repeat this recipe in 2 days. We are so thrilled to have you." "I'll do my best. I hope you have the correct ingredients, because I don't know how to use substitutes." 'Who are you kidding?! You suck at cooking.' Turning to Calcifer, she cocked her head and smiled. "I'd love that. You should stay, if that is at all possible. Now, let's get cooking."

Of course, somehow or another they had the required ingredients, and Evania set to work. After making a simple cheese pizza, she educated the chef about different ways to prepare it. "Now, make it however you want. It's my turn to observe." Taking her pizza back to Calcifer, she seated herself, pulling him down with her and laughing. "You." She stared at him menacingly, like she expected him to drop dead. "You, my dear, will eat this pizza with me. Good luck to you." She smiled, gently holding a piece up to her lips and taking a small bite.

Calcifer watched with fascination, not getting too close, but never too far from her, as the Pizza went from a few unusual ingredients to a strange dish you ate with your hands. It was interesting to behold.
All the servants rushed around, looking excited as they listened to Piagano and began work. She'd spoken about different toppings, so now everyone was trying different ideas.
when she approached him, he almost backed away, as if she would be irritated by him hovering so, but she seemed pleased and even brought him some of the dish to try. He felt honoured and the pink tinge crept back to his cheeks.
He wanted to ask if she was sure she would not rather take it for the other humans, or even the Queen, but he felt this might be rude. Besides, his curiosity was more peaked now that it stood before him and it smelled wonderful
He lifted it carefully, looking how the cheese came down in strings.
"Humans eat this at special occassions," he said, smelling it. "And you eat it with your hands. We have so much to learn, I see."
Carefully, after watching her to make sure he was doing it correctly, he took and bite. It was delious. Different entirely to what they ate here, but very tasty. He swallowed and looked at it again, as if assessing it.
"This is wonderful," he said with a smile, brighter than the usual one he gave. "It's so many flavours and so rich..."
He blushed realising he was babbling and ate a little more, to silence himself. When his next smile came, it was the same, small smile he usually gave.
"This is very good," he said. "Thank you for allowing me to enjoy it. I am sure the Queen will be delighted."
He looked around, hoping for something to say to make him feel less uncomfortable.
"Your friends, do they not mind you being here, with us?" he said his eyes meeting hers.

"Why does she always run off like that?"
He looked over to Tom and shrugged. He turned around and watched the woman playing. He was very fascinated by her, and he was enjoying watching her run around and playing. It wasn't just that she was beautiful, it looked like she was just glowing with happiness, like she had never done this in her entire life. It was stunning to see it, as if he was allowed to witness something sacred.
"So... I'm going to talk to that girl. You should come to."
Adrien didn't exactly wait for a response from Tom before making his way over to the group. He really couldn't help it, he was practically being dragged there by an unseen force.
"Hello there, I'm Adrien. Whats your names?"

Asura blinked when Adrien came over to her, humans really were so trusting to just approach a stranger like that.
"I'm Nymeria, nice to meet you" She didn't hesitate so that he wouldn't know that she was lying.
The children scattered and she frowned, she was having fun with them. Asura looked Adrien over and smiled slightly, he was the enemy but she could not alert him to who she really was.
"I have to go, my family will be looking for me."
With that she walked off and made sure to take multiple back routes to the castle entering through the same corridors that she left from. No one stopped her or gave her any trouble and she was happy about that. She snuck back into her room to find Sanestra.
"Hello love, I had the most amazing time. Could I perhaps keep these clothing? Just to remember my little day trip out in the public. It was wonderful thank you so much."
She stripped off the clothing and slipped on a dressing gown that normally went under her gown.
"How is the food coming along? Did the human consent to help with the food preparations?"

ooc: and here was me thinking Asura and Adrian would fall for each other and then have a serious problem! lol.

Sanestra looked surprised to see her back so soon, but was relieved all the same.
"You shall have to tell me all about it," she said, looking pleased, but her smile fade slightly when Asura mentioned the food. She had been watching through Calcifer's armour plate and had to admit she hadn't tried anything. Yet.
"I believe that the kitchen staff have the banquet all in hand, my treasure," she said. "Calcifer took the human to her to see the chef and they are whipping up some pizza as we speak."
Sanestra went to the wardrobe, opening it to show different dresses.
"The theif is back," she continued. "He awaits us in the Red Chamber. I had food sent to him and he is taking care of the child. I was about to go and see him, but as you are back we can go together, once you are dressed."

ooc: Perhaps they will when Asura sneaks out again. Who knows...

Asura grabbed a simple dress that didn't require being laced up out of her wardrobe and slipped it on quickly, she wanted to try the food but she also wanted to go and see the thief, business before pleasure. Asura let her hair down and placed her simple crown on top of her head. She adjusted her gown trying to look somewhat presentable.
"Alright, I'm ready!"
She opened the door and walked out into the hall, Sanestra obviously joining her.
"I would love to tell you all about it now, but you know how the castle is, the walls have ears and all. How about you come to my chambers tonight and we can discuss it?"
Both of them made their way to the red chamber and the doors promptly opened for her and her adviser. They entered and she looked over her thief and the child. He always did such a good job at picking the perfect little candidate.
"We should begin as soon as possible, we still have a lot of party planning and things to do today."

Sanestra smiled as the Queen invited her back to her room against that evening. Of course, Sanestra didn't need an invitation, but it was always nice to know how special you truly were in the eyes of your Queen.
"I have had a couple of ideas for the party," said Sanestra, walking just a step behind, but becoming still in the presence of the theif. After all, this was not for his ears.
"Ladies," he said, bowing, cradling the bundle to him like it were his own child.
"May I?" said Sanestra, stepping forward, holding her arms out.
There wasn't a moment's reluctance, the baby passing into her arms and she held it, looking at the face for a moment, but then at the theif.
"You have done well," she said, smiling to the Queen.
"This one came from a bathroom," he told them, "left screaming without any food or love. But the child became quiet the moment I came."
Sanestra nodded. How human. She had read of their young abandoning such babies, but also of those who were old enough to care, doing the same.
And yet the little baby, with no beauty that normal eyes could see, was quiet, looking up at a world it would soon know as it's own.
"Shall I have it taken to the nurse to feed it?" she said to the Queen.
"He," said the theif, without anger or even annoyance that she didn't know. Why would she? "He's a boy."
"Thank you," said Sanestra, humming gently and touching the softly little hands. How delicate and fragile, and to her beautiful. She never got over that. Soon this child would have a better life than the humans gave it.

Tom laughed as the second girl ran away.

"Apparently rumors about us being dangerous spread fast. That or you really do scare girls off," he said smiling at his own joke, "But did you hear Daina? Wonder what she went to jail for the first time?" This question was more rhetorical and to himself, but it was partly for Adrien too, Tom wanted to hear what Adrien had to say about it.

Asura looked down at the sweet thing that Sanestra was holding. She looked to the thief smiling.
"You have done well. Thank you."
How could those humans do this to one of their own? How could they leave their young, their helpless young alone in the world. How could they have left her alone... She was giving these children a shot to be members of a loving and healthy family. Asura reached down and stroked the child's hair gently.
"Yes, he should get some food and love before his journey."
She smiled down to the small prince.
"You will have a happy, full life here. You will be well cared for and loved. You never need to fear small one."
She looked up to Sanestra smiling.
"You would be such a wonderful mother, why have you never adopted one of the children?"
The child had cuddled warm and safe against Sanestra and had fallen asleep. Sanestra's voice always had that effect on her, it sounded so sweet and loving. Asura could have never thought about having a better adviser.

"You know. I think i just scare women... Maybe it's like I have this terrible curse about me or something, I don't exactly understand. I was polite and everything, I don't smell funny... Ugh..."
Adrien shrugged his shoulders and walked back to where Tom was.
"I don't exactly know what Daina did to be thrown in jail. Perhaps she mouthed off to the queen. Or perhaps was protesting in public? I don't know. When we see her again i think we should ask her whats up with that. I also want to know What's up with that food they got here. If I'm ever stuck here for a long time I think i would starve to death. I think I'm going back soon, it's been like 12 hours or so. I am kinda concerned that I keep staying later and later like the world is going to swallow me up or something like that. Does it make you nervous to?"