Avi went upstairs to collect her laundry and get the roses out of her room when she found the note… when she read who it was from she was to say the least surprised, she hadn’t expected him to reply to her yet… as she sat on her cot reading his note to her she found her heart swelling with joy and pride that he’d enjoyed her cooking it was something she prided herself on and seeing feedback like this made her even prouder of herself and all the more grateful for her father’s teachings. As soon as she got up off her cot she collected the last of her laundry and went to write him a note back, and that’s just what she did, she didn’t have the same skills he did as far as letter writing but she’d really enjoyed reading what he wrote, and part of her was curious to see if he’d write back to her once again so… she wrote back to him.

“Dear Leon,

I enjoyed receiving your letter, and I admit was surprised that you wrote back but… I’m glad that you did and it makes me overflow with joy knowing you enjoyed your meal and your gift, but I think you should know that a distraction wasn’t the only thing I was seeking last night… these duties aren’t as hard for me as yours are for you as I’m used to doing a lot of these things… in fact duties here are much easier than they are back home despite the bigger space. You have a beautiful home here and despite the circumstances I was brought here by… I’m finding it enjoyable to be here, and… by the way, you didn’t force any actions from me the night before… it’s not about actions not being desired… it’s…”

She broke off from the letter a little stuck as far as what to say here… it wasn’t about not wanting the attention he’d given her last night… and she didn’t honestly entirely think it was all about a distraction for him either but she couldn’t say… not entirely, he hadn’t pushed her away last night, she’d pulled herself away because he didn’t see her as an equal… sure they could respect each other but thinking back to what had happened in the hallway yesterday… she knew he didn’t see her as an equal, she was a servant… a cook… nothing more when it came right down to it, despite how she felt toward him and how he may feel toward her, she feared she’d never be more than a servant in his eyes, not someone fit to be seen with him in public… not like a princess or a queen surely would be. She shook her head and gave a small sigh before she continued her letter.

“… It’s… It’s about not being ready as I said before you asked me for my patience I ask you for yours, but now that we have a bit better understanding of one another… I find that you do bring me joy. A similar… but bigger joy then what I feel when I cook.

I will gladly make meals for you each day, but you must tell me if you can’t eat them, I don’t want to make you ill because you force yourself to eat my food… As far as getting to know me and me getting to know you I realize there are things you don’t want to express about yourself… and that’s okay… but whatever you do want to share with me… I’d be happy to hear. I will be patient with you as long as you give me the same respect… whatever state of life you’re in… it’s never too late to cherish it. I realize I’m young and healthy and I have a great deal of time left… but you don’t… and I’d like to try to make whatever time you have left something you’ll enjoy and cherish because it is possible to cherish it… even so late in life… so whatever I can do to bring you joy, I will do my best… If this is your last chapter, let’s try to make it enjoyable… and memorable for the both of us.”

I’m here whenever you’d like to talk,

-Avianna

Ps, No need for the “Lady” I’m just Avianna.”

Once she was satisfied with that she nodded and rolled up the paper tying it with a loose string from one of the dresses in her basket before tucking it in her corset and picking the laundry basket up and resting it on her hip before she left her room and made her rounds through the castle collecting whatever laundry had been left behind, when she finally found her way to Leons room checking to see if he was there before she went in and collected his laundry leaving the note beside his bed and turned to leave, she spotted the dragon on his desk and smiled before she left the room and began to head off to the courtyard to wash the clothes in the stream that ran through it when she bumped right into Amon causing the laundry to go flying everywhere as she’d been lost in her thoughts and not paying attention.

“Oops…” she said giving a flustered sigh and dropping the basket before she knelt down to collect the clothes “Sorry Amon…” she said the man shaking his head with a small chuckle “Its fine Avianna…” he said kneeling and helping her collect the clothes putting them back into the basket “No harm done, though had I been Leon you may have had a different tale to tell.” He told her as they put the last bit of the clothes back into the basket Avianna giving a dry chuckle “Uh thanks…” she said picking up the basket again “I should be on my way…” she said pushing past him, she was trying to give him a clear signal that she wasn’t at all interested in him… but of course Amon caught up in his own pursuits missed that completely… so he followed her “How has your day been so far?” he asked “Fine.” She replied “Amon I’ve really got to get these clothes washed and hanging to dry…” she told him “We’ll speak later hm?” she said Amon’s cheeks reddening “O-of course!” he said before leaving her be to go and take care of the laundry.

(I finally got a post up!! I appreciate your patience! Apologies ahead of time if my writing sounds off!)

As a few months passed, with every day, Leon started to grow better. He didn’t realize this, but it was all thanks to Avianna and her beautifully written letters. They both had secretly delivered letters to each other, giving tiny glances when they passed in the hallways afterward. He had fewer mood swings, was more content, and even tried to persistently be up and moving rather than sleeping and running fevers. He still held his stubborn ways, and was nervously sensitive, but tried to be more lenient on things. Though he did have a bad habit of forcing down food that his body couldn’t physically handle. He had ordered something different every day for her to make…and every day he would enjoy her meals and grow sickly afterward. All of which Avianna didn’t know of. Lana was always concerned but after a while gave up on his stubbornness. Every time she would raise her twitchy fingers to help him, he would always say, not even meeting eyes with her, “Her food is delicious. She truly has a gift.” Though she would often see, behind the nervous smile and a pale red blush, his eyes growing glossy when the sickness burdened him immediately after.

--

Leon’s amber eyes and glossy white hair shimmered beneath the gray light leaking through the window. The skies quaked in cloudiness, soon expressing with minor sprays of rain. The fluttering of rain in his quiet chamber was relaxing. Watching it bead down the window seemed therapeutic. He wished he could find peace within himself like the weather he was gazing upon. But this curse was everlasting and showed no guarantee of lifting. It stirred every moment it got, flashing a hasty gold-hue in Leon’s eyes. It weakened his soul, body, and mind, making him weaker every day – and all he could do was let himself rot away. Avianna…well...she was a good distraction for him.

His figure drew away from the shuttering window, easing his steps towards the rigid door that always remained closed. Leon’s fingers slipped around the doorknob, pulling the large door open. With a drastic swoosh of a hand through his hair, he proceeded on. His steps faltered as he unnaturally held the descending stair’s railing, his hand gripping tighter with every step. Leon was usually this unsteady and had to frequently use nearby objects to redirect his balance. He refused a cane as it would only make his ‘persona’ older, and he absolutely despised the thought.

When he abruptly locked a swift gaze with Amon he froze, his tall figure beaming with confidence as if he planned to challenge him. Amon had this look in his eyes. It was a look Leon had never seen before. His warm-hued eyes were soft and nurturing, a blush evident on his cheeks for what seemed to last forever, and even his clothes seemed to be consistently fancy. He looked rather foolish. “Amon, enough with the silly, baffled look on your face.” Unknowing to Leon, Amon had been portraying such odd behavior because of Avianna. He had always tried to intervene in her life every chance he got, always helping her, and bringing her gifts. He was always the one to rush a potential relationship. If Leon knew of such actions, he would have immediately ended it. “Apologies,” Amon reluctantly explained, lowering his eyes in submission. It concerned Leon when Amon didn’t instigate a fight. He was more respectful and genuine, almost like an attempt to change for someone. As he turned to walk away, Leon hesitantly beckoned him back. “I have a task for you, Amon. I ask that you export any extra palace supplies into town to be sold,” Leon’s voice was sure but hushed. “I can do that for you, Prince Villa. Though I must say we are already at a limitation of supplies,” His voice was softer than usual. Leon didn’t look into it. “I am not speaking of needed items. Go through the armory and old closets and find things to get rid of. I won’t be using those things anyway,” He waved an agile hand to shoo Amon away.

As Amon complied, Leon found himself peeking at his work now and then, passing by the armory just to make sure he was doing his job correctly. The armory was a glorious place. There were many hand-made swords, embroidered in gold and silver, hung perfectly on the walls. Bows were made out of the finest ancient woods, carved with symbols and stories. Their complementary arrows were held in the necessary leather arrow bags. Chiseled polished armors were placed evenly on the stands, specifically made so all of the guards matched with the presence of the kingdom. But at the end of the armory was glass boxed shelving, holding the shiny armor of the prince. It had more curvature and exotic appeal than the other armor pieces. It even had gems laced in the armor plates. It truly resembled the heir to the throne. Propped up next to it was the most extraordinary sword and shield, all of which were made of durable and heavy materials.

Instead of a neat armory, like it once was, it was soon taken apart, piles of weapons and armor soon developed inside of the room. It was all unneeded. There was no need for war or any noble representation in a forgotten kingdom so what was the need for weapons and armor. They could potentially sell most of the products for a pretty penny so they could provide more needed items for the kingdom. With all the racket Amon was making, it was sure to catch the attention of the palace workers. Leon didn’t care what anyone said about it, as long as it got done. In the meantime, he kept himself busy, only watching Amon occasionally.

Yay! :D I'm so excited to get this rp going again! ^-^ and no problem you were fine! I could reply to it i'm good! xDD)

As the months passed of note passing and a few secret meetings when the castle was quiet Aviannas care and love for Leon grew, every letter she received was tucked away under her mattress where nobody could ever seek it out for only her eyes to view Leons sweet words and return with sweet words of her own though they wouldn't outright say anything in front of the staff but they liked their secret note passing and meetings just fine for now. Avianna was a lot more relaxed working in the kitchen and had settled in quite nicely among the staff though her cooking indeed made her popular and of course she was quite happy with that but Leon praising her for her cooking made her the happiest she'd been in quite a while she enjoyed cooking for him and love the feedback she received though she didn't see him so sick after forcing one of her meals down she was always quite pleased when she returned to an empty plate. Sure he still had his moments where he could be stubborn as a mule... But things had gotten a lot better lately and she was glad to see him taking it easier on his staff, the whole atmosphere of the castle had shifted (in a good way) and Avianna allowed herself to grow closer to him... In fact she had been surprised to find that even while simply thinking of him she found herself smiling though part of her still was apprehensive... Because despite all that he still couldn't seem to bring himself to be seen with her unless the whole castle was asleep... She didn't mind that... But she wished she didn't have to bury her emotions so much whilst she worked and as time went on it only grew more and more difficult the more her emotions grew. She hated feeling like such a... Such a... Such a girl about this... While she couldn't deny she was one she never thought she'd be like this hating to have to hide her emotions... Though... She never imagined her lover would be a prince either a dock worker... A blacksmith... Maybe even a baker but certainly not a prince.

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The pitter patter of the rain on the roof of the castle reminded Avianna of her childhood... She smiled when her memories flashed back to her father. She no more then 5 or 6 and was sitting with him in his wooden rocking chair whilst he read her a story, when it started raining she interrupted him.

"Why is the sky crying papa?"

"For the same reason the sun comes out... Something joyous has happened." He replied closing the book and looking at his daughter a warm smile crossing his face as he looked at her little tilted head "But... Don't people cry when they're sad...?" She asked "Yes... But they also cry when they're happy too... Boy when I first met you my little bug I cried too because I was so so happy to meet you." He replied happily "See theres a difference between a sad cry and a happy cry..." He explained. Avi nodded "Ohh..." She cooed looking out the window "So how can we tell the difference?" She asked "Well its easier with the sky..." He explained picking her up and taking her to the seat by the window "Listen... Do you hear anything?" He asked "Just the rain..." Avianna replied "Well thats good..." He said with a smile "A simple rain means all is well... And that there's reason for joy and happiness. When thunder and lightning happen that means something terrible has happened... Or is about to happen." He replied gently with a smile "I get it!" Avi chirped happily nodding to her father before she turned and laid in his lap letting the rain soothe her to sleep.

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Avianna smiled at the memory... Her first real memory that she could recall so clearly. Now whenever it rained or stormed she often wondered what joyous or sad occasion was going on. "Today is going to be a good day." She told herself as she continued on with her day to day chores. As she was passing by with the laundry however she paused hearing the clattering and noticed the door slightly ajar... So she poked her head in to see Leon and... Amon sorting through old swords and armor. Amon... She sighed shaking her head even after all this time he still didn't understand that she didn't like flowers or jewels... Or fancy dresses... But still he offered them to her in an effort to win her affections... And now it was as if he refused to leave her be... Hardly a moment went by when he wasn't at her side which had made it even more difficult to give Leon her notes... But she did find her ways. Sure she appreciated the gestures... But he wasn't listening to her... And that infuriated her to no end... One day she'd finally shouted at him to leave her be and to stop giving her gifts and he had backed off a little... But he still seemed to refuse to listen to her... Every once in a while he would just so happen to be in the kitchen or there just so happened to be a new gift on her desk or bedside table... And eventually she just reluctantly accepted it... But the gifts remained unopened in a trunk in her room.

She entered the armory just in time to move out of Amons way as he passed with his arms full of old shields and armor Avianna was glad she and Leon had a moment to themselves. She smiled and went over to him "Good afternoon Leon." She cooed pecking his cheek with a loving kiss before she went and browsed around "You're getting rid of all these?" She asked "Why? If you take them to a good blacksmith he can mend them... Or forge them into something new." She commented picking up an old broken sword and a dented old shield "For instance... This sword and shield could become one." She replied "Smelt the iron shield and you've got a perfect new blade..." She commented "Smelt the armor and you've got new shields... The same goes for armor... You could smelt the shield and make brand new armor." She explained setting the stuff aside and going to the bow and quivers removing an arrow and nodding as she poked the tip of it into her finger, not enough to make her bleed but enough to feel the sharpness of the tip "Nice and sharp..." She commented looking at him with a slight blush "One of our best customers at the bakery was a blacksmith..." She explained "I saw him forging weapons all the time." She told him with a chuckle "He even let me use a sword he'd forged once... Er well he let me attempt to use it... It was quite honestly too heavy for my 8 year old body to hold." She chuckled sliding the arrow back into the leather quiver and walking around eyeing the swords and daggers with much interest before she went back to Leon putting her gentle hands on his shoulders "Still feeling better...?" She asked finally "You seem as if you have even more strength and vigor then yesterday." She nodded studying him for a moment before she glanced around leaning in and giving him a much better and much more passionate kiss before pulling away "I thought perhaps we could meet in your chambers tonight?" She offered with a smile "Unless you want to be out in the courtyard in the rain..." She teased with a laugh.