[AELLA.]

swan of pale, of porcelain white

her halo, a bloody sun, framing a botticelli face

Nightfall. Dusk. The witching hour. The night had many names, but the elven queen preferred to call it a silent friend. Many times had the darkness obscured her from the eyes of her enemies. Though, that was only one reason why she found it wondrous. It was long ago that she had fallen in love with the night. The way the moon floated on paths of starlight satisfied her love for beauty, while the danger that lurked within the eventide veil satisfied her desire for adventure. Instead of exploring in the encompassing night, however, Amaranthae had decided to stay home. For what reason, she wasn't so sure herself.

The petrichor still floated on the gentle breeze, creeping slowly into the cracked window of the Elf Queen's forest home. Illuminated by candlelight, she sat in front of a mirror, running a brush through the luscious black hair that fell down her back and to the floor. At her feet, her tiger companion slumbered atop a bed of pillows. Though, the beast began to stir slightly but Amaranthae paid it no mind.

A low growl shattered the serene silence that once veiled the room. Zoastria rose from her bed, walking with great purpose toward the door. Her claws scraped at the door, leaving deep imprints in the heavy oak it was crafted from. Despite the cat's weariness, she didn't so much as glance over. "What troubles you, Zo?" she sighed. She wanted to ignore the tiger's abrupt interest in what was beyond her door. However, curiosity would not allow her to simply dismiss it. Driven by a highly inquisitive nature, she made her way to the door, slowly opening it only by a few inches. The hinges creaked in dissent with a sound that resonated in her ears. Her mind coursed with dreadful thoughts of what it could be.

With great caution, she peered out before sheer curiosity forced her to open the door wider. The only thing that greeted her was the distant sound of willow drapery being swayed by the eastern winds. A dainty giggle chimed into the night, chasing away the heavy feeling of dread. "You see, no cause for concern, my friend," she spoke sweetly to the overly protective beast. Though, before she went back inside, something caught her eye. The full moon's light glinted off of something nearby. Her gaze found the source of the odd little twinkle, which was a silver ring and a delicate ivory rose laying on top of a note.

Stepping out of her house, she was embraced by the chilled claws of night. It was almost with a sense of urgency that she took the objects of her interest. If she didn't know better, she would almost say her heart turned into a set of hummingbird wings with the way it fluttered as she read the note. Her eyes were aglow with delight as she admired the beautiful silver ring before placing it easily on her finger. Any piece of jewelry, no matter what it was, she couldn't resist putting on. This was no different. Though, she couldn't refrain from reading the note over and over again, her cheeks reddening slightly.

Her mind wandered, coming up with fantastical ideas and possibilities. Anyone that would give her jewelry, flowers, and poetically written notes was someone that she didn't want to be "secret".

She leaned against the wall just outside her house, resting the white flower against her lips, pondering who her secret admirer could be.

words: there's enough of 'em. let's leave it at that. • notes: ugh. sorry, my post is kind of 'meh'.

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[AELLA.]

swan of pale, of porcelain white

her halo, a bloody sun, framing a botticelli face

Though it had been a few days since she'd first found the stranger's note, the effect it had was still fresh in her mind. Still, the words were often repeated in her thoughts, provoking a girlish smile to present its self on her face. She still wore the ring and found herself idly gazing at it.

Despite her air of fearsome nobility, she had always been a lover of ornate beauty. She had always been known for adorning her body with a plethora of extravagant jewels and fabrics. It was because of this that she almost always grew tired of looking at a particular piece of jewelry and took it off, likely to never been seen for a very long time. This usually happened within a day or less. Though, oddly enough, she did not grow bored of the ring gifted to her by her secret admirer. Perhaps it was the simple, yet elegant beauty which was a welcomed change compared to her normally lavish tastes. Or it might have been simply because she couldn't seem to get her mind off of this secret admirer.

Would all women allow a mysterious, but flattering note to haunt their thoughts? Perhaps not. It was a little different with Amaranthae, though. Romance had only been something she'd read about. When even the slightest hint of it was directed toward her, it was something that thrilled her beyond words.

The day had slowly trudged on for the youthful queen. It was uneventful and boring. Though, she was grateful that her homeland had - for now - remained unscathed by the hands of those who'd wish eradication upon her race. But the lack of impending doom and catastrophe gave her the opportunity to speculate about her admirer.

Trying to figure out who it was had nearly become an obsession for the last few days. Often, she would sit in the gardens, enthroned in vibrant flora. With her chin resting in her palm, her mind would be immersed in deep thought. A sigh of either longing or frustration would at times find its way from between her lips as ruminations coursed through her subconscious.

She had recently arrived back home from her evening excursion through the wilderness of Daika. The first thing she did upon her arrival home was open the windows by a few inches, as the light forest breeze served as comfort.

As she opened the final window, she noticed the familiar sight of a white rose and a note, but the gift was different this time; beautiful silver dagger. It seemed incandescent beneath the moon's glow when she took it. After marveling at it for a moment, she gently placed it on a nearby mantle above the stone fireplace with the rose alongside it. It was then that she eagerly read the words on the parchment.

As she reached the final few sentences, she was almost surprised to learn that she'd been requested to write back. Well, gladly. How could she possibly resist the opportunity to do that?

Haphazardly, she delved into the disorganized clutter on her table to find something to write with. Several fallen objects later, she was able to find what she needed buried amongst the seemingly infinite amount of oddities and things she'd found in her adventures. As her pen hovered precariously over the paper, she tried to think of something to write but everything that came to mind seemed stupid. It all seemed like a blubbering mess. Though, with a bit of forethought, she was able to think of something.

Like everything she did, the words were written with style and flourish.

Forgive me, kind stranger, for I have naught to give you in return but a sincere thank you. I'd place a kiss on your cheek if only I knew who you were. Though, I suppose this note will have to suffice for now.

It is not often that someone can make me blush, nor is it often someone who remains unseen can make me smile. Many have tried, but I must admit they have not been as successful as you have thus far. Though, I know not what to say as no one has ever professed any kind of feelings for me before. That being said, your letters and gifts certainly do not go unappreciated. In fact, I look forward to the next one.

Though the allure of secrecy is welcomed, may I inquire as to what is the name of my charming admirer?

- Amaranthae

With that, she placed the piece of parchment just outside the window where she'd found the stranger's note.

words: 773 • notes: that was utter crap. ohmygod.

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[AELLA.]

swan of pale, of porcelain white

her halo, a bloody sun, framing a botticelli face

It had now become a force of habit that she checked for the notes and the beautiful white roses every so often. If she didn't, it felt like some intangible force was pushing her toward the door to check on the little ledge outside. It became customary for her to glance over at the window to see if her gaze could catch the sight of immaculate white against the tapestry of night. Some may call it obsessive, but she'd never been romanced before. It was quite exciting, actually. The thought of someone taking any interest at all in her...

Too long had it been since she'd immersed herself in the darkness of the woodlands. Under night's veil, she embarked on a nocturnal escapade in the wilderness of Daika. It was from hours of exploring that she'd come across an interesting find in some old stone ruins. It was a sword crafted from an odd, likely very rare metal and engraved with cryptic symbols along the blade. She had found it in the skeletal grip of a bejeweled corpse and it was in surprisingly good condition, despite being there for goddess-knows how long.

Returning home from her nightly adventure, she held the sword at her side. The abnormally large tiger leapt up the steps to her house, sitting down near the ledge where the much-expected note and rose sat. The curious folklore-obsessed little girl in her stirred with excitement as she saw the small statuette of the unnamed deity. In her other hand, she held the note which her silverite eyes read with charming ardor. The girlish grin on her lips refused to disppear when she looked at the stone goddess statue that had been named after her.

It was then that she rushed into her house and scrawled down the words that were written with almost ornate beauty.

It is an honor that you think me worthy of the potentially burdensome task of writing the letters. Never had I thought myself alluring enough to capture the attention of someone who'd take the time to present me with beautiful gifts and letters.

Though my curiosity says otherwise, I can respect your secrecy. And I'd very much like the opportunity to meet you as well.

I thought it was high time I repaid you for your kindness. Though, considering I know so little of you, it was difficult to think of something adequate. I found this clenched in the hand of a particularly well-dressed skeleton, which suggests it may have belonged to someone of illustrious status. I hope it will suffice until I can give you that kiss I mentioned.

- Amaranthae

The note was placed on the ledge just outside her door, with the sword leaning against one of the wooden pillars.

words: 435 • notes: i swear on all that is sacred, my replies will never take that long again. i am soooo sorry

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[AELLA.]

swan of pale, of porcelain white

her halo, a bloody sun, framing a botticelli face

After receiving the most recent note, the elven monarch could hardly contain her excitement. The last couple of days seemed to trudge on sluggishly, leaving the young forest queen restless. It was with great anticipation that she awaited the day when she would get to meet the mysterious Tristan. Three days would normally be naught but a blip in time, but the time seemed to linger, one second seeming like an hour. The moments seemed to tick by a little faster when she was able to set her mind on something else, so she did. She spent those three days among her people, trying not to seem preoccupied or distant. Though, she always seemed to go back to the sweetness of speculation.

Like the stone-cold perfectionist she tended to be, her mind rehearsed the note she'd written in reply, running it through a sort of mental flaw filter. She had read over it so many times to make sure everything was proper that she'd almost memorized every word of what she had scrawled down onto the paper. Though the note was short and more to-the-point than the previous ones, she still wanted to keep everything proper.

'It's quite alright. You needn't worry about providing gifts each time for these letters are gifts in themselves. And I too would like nothing more than to get to know you better.

Yes, the next full moon would be perfect. There you shall receive your kiss and probably a couple of questions if it would not burden you to answer them.

- Amaranthae

Though, she no longer thought about the note. It was now close to sunset on the third day and her heart danced with excitement.

As the horizon began to devour the sun, the garden became painted in the dusky hues cast by the distant sunset. The sprawling garden was her pride and joy, a museum of beauty that she had cared for ever since she was just a little doe-eyed princess. Flower-dotted vines trailed down the surrounding walls and clusters of blossoms were scattered throughout the entire area. The only part of the ground that did not have flowers was where the stone path was, and even then a few daisies began to sprout up between the stones.

Just as agreed upon, Queen Amaranthae sat on the ledge of the fountain. Her long black hair was bestrewn with multi-colored petals from the spring breezes sweeping them between her locks. The luscious inky waves laid in a wild cascading pattern down her shoulders, all the way to the ground. She wore a modest crown made of twigs and cherry blossoms and a flowing white gown with a soft pink floral pattern decorating its hem. Her fingertip touched the surface of the water in the fountain, idly pushing around stray petals in the crystal clear water as she waited.

words: 476 • notes: hope this is okay. <3 started falling asleep about halfway through. urgh.

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