Liwanag - Captial of Lucenoc

Dawn brought herself upon an unsuspecting people who dwelled in the realm of slumber. The sun peaked through the drawn shades in homes in the attempt to rise the sleeping citizens of Lucenoc. Females answered the call due to their nature to thrive in the sunshine while the males brought the covers over their heads and tried to escape the blinding light.

If the light did not wake the men, the birds must have for they were happily chirping along as they searched for their morning meal. They soared across the sky calling out as the travelled. While many of them flew in a pack, one bird got off track and found itself perched on a windowsill. This resting location was not just any window, rather, it was the window that separated Princess Evelyn Karayan from the outside world.

The combination of sun and the sound of birds caused me to stir from my slumber. While I wished to sleep soundly though the night, it did not happen. Rather, my mind was preoccupied with thoughts about an arranged marriage. In Lucenoc tradition, the Royal family choose a person from a Noble family to wed the heir of the throne. This was set since the beginning of time when Lucenoc was first created. I didn't understand why this tradition ad to stick around but alas I had to obey it. Today was the day in which I was to meet my future husband. Slowly, I pulled myself out of bed, and walked over to my window and opened the shades. At this, the bird sitting there flew away. I watched it leave for I did not want to go down to meet the man chosen for me.

It was time... Colton sighed as he looked out his window for the last time... He turned to see his bags packed with all his belongings, and released another sigh as his attendant arrived to let him know it was time to go. He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, summoning the shadows of his bags to lift them into the air, and carry them out to the carriage. You see, this was the day that Colton was to move into the Palace in Liwanag with the Royal Family. He scoffed as he thought of the idea of being forced to marry a woman he didn't know. Who knew what this woman would be like. She could be a total bitch! Or worse: she could have hairy legs! "I assure you, you have nothing to worry about, Sir Colton. I'm sure you'll be pleased when you meet the Princess..." The attendant said. "Have you met her?" Colton rebuked, and the attendant fell silent. Not a word was spoken until they arrived at the Palace, and Colton happened to look up and notice a woman in the window. A beautiful woman... "Hmm..." he said to himself, saying nothing of his observation.

Those walking the streets saw quite the unusual occurance for Liwanag, a carriage rattling its way down the streets. Typically, this transpire if the Royal family was making a trip to other parts of Lucenoc. This could not be the case for the Karayan's usually announced when they were going out of the city. Curious eyes followed the carriage as it made its way toward the palace. They wondered what would be transpiring behind palace walls this very day.

From my window, I saw my citizens become paralyzed by curiosity as they saw something coming down the street. Althought I could not see from my position I had a feeling I knew what was headed toward the castle. I stayed there a moment longer to make sure it was the groom-to-be. Sure enough it was. "Aureila, fetch me my yellow dress, with the corcet, I am going to get cleaned up before your next King arrives." Without a moments hesitation, my maid servent hurried on her way to get my dress while I went into my bathroom.

I turned on the warm water, grabbed a watch cloth and ran it under the water. Soon, I was stripped of my clothes by Aureila and she bathed me with the finest of soaps our land could afford. She grabbed the dress and put it on me, adorning my head with a silver tiara and my feet with silver slippers. Overall, I was pleased with the apperance she gave me today. "That is all Aureila. Leave my room now, I do not want to see you until I call for you, understood." She nodded and left me alone. I made my way down to the main hallway and stopped at the top of the stairs, awaiting the servant to bring him in to my home.

Colton didn't know what to expect, only that he was now beyond the point of turning back. A guard led him down a corridor, and his bags followed, carried by their own shadows. "The Princess awaits you..." The guard said, pointing toward the steps. Colton showed no signs of excitement about this, in fact, he had an almost nonchalant air about him. He made his way to the stairs, and his eyes scanned ahead, up the stairs, and settled on... "An angel..." His bags hit the ground as he lay eyes on Evelyn, his mouth all but on the ground. He suddenly felt underdressed, clad in a black, sleeveless shirt that showed his muscles, but was far from "formal" He shook his head, and made his way up the stairs making his way toward the princess. The signs of surprise now erased from his face, he finally stood before his bride-to-be. "You must be Evelyn." He said, offering her a smile. "I'm Colton. Nice to meet you." While he was friendly, he showed no signs of romantic advance. It seemed unnatural. But he had to admit, she was gorgeous...

From my position, I looked at the man as he walked inside the castle. My baby blue eyes travelled over the man. I had to admit he did have good looks about him. Though, I didn't quite understand why exactly he would wear a sleeveless shirt when he knew he was meeting me. My family frowned upon such actions. I was pretty sure if they knew that this is what I would be dealing with, they would have changed their mind.

I took a couple steps toward the stairs in order to meet him at the bottom. However, he decided that he would walk up the stairs to meet me. I frowned upon this knowning that, even though he would eventually be betrothed to me, it was improper for a guest to walk up stairs without being escorted by a member of the Royal Family. Two strikes against him, I thought to myself. It's a pleasure, Sir Colton I bowed my head and extended my hand out to him. I thought it rather inappropiate to show him the rest of the palace at this moment. Instead, I gestured back down the stairs to where the guard was waiting. "This man will bring your bags to the room which you will be staying in. For now, I invite you to join me walking in the woods. Do you accept?" I began to make my way down the stairs, assuming he would take the lead.

This was an odd turn of events. Colton had introduced himself and such, but what now? He wasn't prepared for this... He had been dragged into this without any prepping. He knew basic courtesies, but he knew nothing of living among Royals, much less living AS one... The Princess made her intentions known, however, and it was easy enough to oblige to. "Very well, your highness..." He said, offering her a bow before making his way down the stairs before her. He knew enough of common courtesy to know that a man walks up the stairs after a woman, and down stairs before. The guard took it upon himself to gather Coltons things, and make his way to his room. Meanwhile, the young Noble allowed the Princess to lead the way, unsure of where they were going.

Admittedly, I thought this entire situation was rather awkward but I felt that this would be a chance for us to break the ice. After all, we were about to spend the rest of our lives together, it had to get better, right? So he does have one thing going for him. He knows the most common courtesy. . I followed after him until we reached the bottom of the stairs. Here, I turned left and walked down a darkened corridor. Being a man of the shadows, I knew Colton would probably not appreciate what I was about to do. I reached out m hand and a light emitted from it so we could see where we walked. We eventually reached the side entrance to the castle where we directly entered the forest. I placed my hand by my side given the natural light filtering down from the sun. “I figured it would be fitting to go to a place where there was a balance of light and dark. . .”

Colton followed the woman silently, unsure of what to say or do. When they arrived in the darkened corridor, he felt comforted, but that was quickly replaced when she proceeded to light the way. It was only natural though. He could see in the dark. In fact, the darkness was like an extension of his own body, while it was probably quite awkward for her. When they arrived at the forest, he walked alongside her, counting the steps that he took in the light, and the steps he took in the shadows of the trees. It was a little habit of his. "This is just fine." He said. He was fold of the balance of light and dark. The awkward silence in the air was thick as slime, but it was ok. He couldn't blame her. She was pushed into this just like her. "Tell me something..." He said, as they got to a small lake. "What do you think of this whole 'arranged marriage' thing? I mean, it wasn't a part of your plan, right?" He looked at her, offering a curious look, silence.

We happened upon a lake within the forest that provided the perfect amount of sun for my liking and what I could only assume to be the darkness Colton enjoyed. I bent down to pick up and stone and began twirling it in my hands. I wanted to be completely honest and blunt about the situation we were stuck in. However, I did not because of my upbringing. I needed to be proper and not throw my words out there without any thought. "No, this wasn't part of my plan. I am not thrilled about it but I must accept this fate as it is our culture.' I spoke in a moderately soft voice. From a young age, I was taught not to show emotion in my voice when I had negative feelings about something. It caused the citizens to frown upon you as a leader. To be proper, I decided it best to ask Colton what he believed about this scenario. "What about you? I can't imagine that it was part of your plan either.'

Colton shook his head and laughed slightly. "If you are going to be my wife, then at least try not to be so formal. Our culture is one thing, but I want to know what YOU think." He skipped a rock as well, before continuing his statement. "I mean, take you clothes for example." He quickly stopped himself, rephrasing his statement. "I mean, don't get me wrong, you look absolutely gorgeous. But you also don't look too comfortable. For what? Some guy you don't know anything about? What makes me worthy of all this?" He took a breath, and stopped himself from going on a tangent, before bringing himself to answer her. "No. Honestly, I never thought about becoming King, much less an arranged marriage. The entire things a bit of a bother to me. But if this is the fate that's chosen for us, I think we should at least try to make the best of it." He offered her a sincere smile. The first one that had touched his face since he was told of his future in the Palace.

A sigh surpassed my lips as Colton told me to be less formal with him. I understood where he came from it was just hard for me. Being formal was in my nature. To just let loose even with how I spoke would be stepping out of my comfort zone. How could I possibly do that when I didn't know Colton in the least bit. "I told you what I think about this situation. I'm not happy about it but I deal with it because of our culture. This is always how I always dress no matter who I am with or where I am going. You are worthy of this for you were chosen to be my future husband." Speaking those words made me shudder a little bit. It made the entire situation seem that much more realistic. My eyes scanned over the lake hoping this situation would be come less awkward and fast.

Evelyn short tone and seemingly unwillingness to level with Colton were frustrating at first. But considering their situation, he couldn't exactly expect her to just open up. He caught the slight blush on her cheeks when he complimented her, and this brought a smile to his face. She was gorgeous indeed. However, he felt through her words, that she hadn't had much time to evaluate her own opinions and values living as a Royal. The fact that he was chosen made him worthy? Anyone could have been chosen. That didn't make him special... "You rarely get true freedom around here, right?" he asked. He decided then, that whether they turned out to be compatible, or not, he was going to free her of her families values, and introduce her to her own. And that they would have some fun in the process. "Let's go for a swim..." He said. That would be the starting place.

I stepped away from my spot next to a tree and closer to the edge of the lake. To show I was paying attention to Colton, I turned my back on the lake and looked at him. For a second, my eyes made connection with his, allowing him to perhaps catch a glimpse of the woman who I was inside; the woman who alwas had to keep up apperances and act proper no matter the costs. I was shocked when I heard him suggest going for a swim. I did not have the proper attire to go in the water. If water even touched this dress it would completely ruined. "Go for a swim, are you crazy?" I pulled the strap of my dress away to see what exactly was underneath, only a bra. A bra and panties would have been inappropiate to swim in with a man I just met. A sigh escaped my lips as I turned back to the castle. "Yes, alright then, let me just go get my suit." With those words, I was headed home.

All citizens awaited the movement of the carriage from the front of the palace. They expected a person to come back in to it. Alas, no one came out and the carriage left anyway. Was this the day that Princess Evelyn met her future husband. Residents remained curious and awaited news.

For a moment, Colton found himself lost in the woman's eyes, as she positioned herself closer to him. He saw something in them. Something he expected she wouldn't allow him to see. Someone hidden on the inside, wishing to free herself from her own self-created cage. A virtual illusion composed of dresses and formal behavior. Forcing himself out of his trance, Colton offered her a smile in return for the vision she had given him. His smile didn't fade as she began her tirade about her attire. She even prepared to turn around and head all the way back to her room for a swimsuit. He softly grabbed her hand, stopping her before she could get two far. "You mean we have two MASTERS of the elements of illusion, and you're going to go all the way back to the castle for a swimsuit?" he asked. He then released her hands, and removed his shirt, revealing his heavily inked chest.

The tattoos were Atra Markings. Special markings that enhanced Dark Energies. Most could handle little more than small marks, like a cross on the back of the palm, however, Colton had endured the full surgury. Such a thing as that would kill most men. with a simple flick of his wrist, his lower body was encompassed in Atra, which bent, and twisted the light around him, making it appear as if he were wearing swim trunks. He offered Evelyn a wink, and took a step toward the water. "Come on!"

I was just about to take a step foward to make my return back to the castle when he grabbed my hand. My heart gave a little jump at this for I was not expecting the contact of his hand. I took note of the rather firm yet gentle grip. Turning my head, I cast my eyes downward, locked on his hand upon mine in order to convince myself that I was not simply imaging thing touch. The second he release me, I was brought out of my trance like state and back into reality. He did have a point, surely I could create something that would allow me to appear as if I was wearing a swim suit. I momentarily covered myself in a light which acted as a veil. Behind this cover, my dress was removed and the light appeared as if I was wearing a bikini. Looking down at myself, I was impressed with my handiwork; it appeared as if this was not an illusion at all

Intrigued, my eyes watched Colton as he removed his shirt to remove the tattoo markings. I've only seen a full body surgery accomplished once before, on my father. I remembed being little, dancing into his room and accidently happened upon him changing. It was then when I saw the intricate markings. Seeing them on Colton gave me another reason to see why exactly he was chosen. Having his Atra upon his whole body meant he was not just any common yielder of shadows. I took comfort in this fact for maybe those who chose him for me didn't do such a bad job after all. Once his trunks were upon his body, I stepped forward, ready to envelop myself in the cooling waters of the lake.

Glad that he had convinced Evelyn of the lack of need to go back to the castle, he stretched, and removed his pants, Now appearing to wear only black shorts. He was prepared to turn toward the water, but was then taken aback by the image of his fiancee's "bathing suit." "Looks great!" He told her. He refused to stare, however, forcing himself to turn his back to her and face the water. He didn't jump in alone, however. Instead, reaching back to take Evelyn's hand before jumping in simultaneously. It may have been a simple act, but it was important to him. He wanted to share his future with a real woman, not one hiding within a shell. So he would find the real Evelyn. Even if she only presented herself to him. He splashed water at the woman, before floating off on his back. "This is the life..." He said, relaxing for the first time since he had been told of his fate.

I couldn't help but to blush again as Colton admired my illusion. Bending the light to my will had always been my speciality. I took pride in being able to control my gift with such grace and ease. Although I was lost in those two words for what seemed like an eternity, I was immeadiately pulled in to the water with Colton. The second my whole body was completely immersed in the azure waves, I couldn't help but to let go of all the formalities of the situation. It was as if the water washed my proper ettiquite asside if even for a moment. I swam up to the surface the exact moment Colton splashed water in my direct. It soared over my head and, with light radiating from my body a rainbow was formed midair. A sincere smile was etched on to my face as I looked in Colton's direction simply kicking my feet to keep my afloat. I did not necessarily agree that this was the life, for my vision of a perfect life was different. "This is most certainly relaxing." I said prior to diving back under the water, swimming beneath Colton and appearing again by his side.

Colton was still unsure about this whole marriage situation, but if nothing else, at least he knew his wife would be pleasant to look at... Especially if he could get her into the water on the regular. She was a view in her bathing suit... This was nothing like what Colton had expected. He figured it would be all pleasantries and formalities for the next several days, months even. Instead, he was relaxing in a lake, with who could possibly be the cutest girl he had ever seen! He hadn't even seen his room! For some reason, that thought reminded him that the two would have to return eventually. That kind of put a damper on everything. When the princess appeared at his side, Colton turned his head to her. "Sorry to ruin a relaxing moment with business, but do you know what the plan is? Like, What's the itenerary?" He didn't know what was planned for him. How long he would be in the castle before the wedding, or anything. He had truly been left in the dark.

I figured this question would come up sooner or later though I secretly wished it would have been later. I kicked my feet up so I was laying in the water just as Colton. Many thoughts ran through my mind about how exactly to describe this courtship to him. "It's a lot less scary than it sounds. Yes, we are arranged to be married but its not as if that will happen tomorrow morning and we get the next few hours to learn all that we can about each other. In fact, we have plenty of time. You see, I'm 19 years of age. Every Prince or Princess must be married by the eve of their 21st birthday. That leaves us two years should we need it." I swam back to the shore line and stepped out of the lake for the temperature was a bit too cold for me. I stood in the radient sunlight in order to begin to dry myself off. Turning back toward Colton, I continued to explain the scenario. "During that time period, it will be as if this was a normal relationship. Guy asks girl out, they go out, and if everything goes well they go out again. The only difference is that instead of trying to get my attention, you were chosen for me." I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to help keep in the warmth the sun brought to my body.

Colton hated to have ruined the moment, but it was an important topic, after all... "So basically they assign you a boyfriend..." He said, trying to grasp the concept. "And then they just hope you hit it off..." He almost sank beneath the surface of the water when she got out of the lake. MAN she was something to look at... After recovering his composure, he too left the lake, and stretched out. He noticed that Evelyn seemed to be trying to gather heat, and instinctively reached for his bag for a blanket, only to realize that he had left it with the attendant. This left him with only one other option. He quickly materialized a blanket from dark energy, but hesitated to put it over her shoulders. "This wouldn't make you uncomfortable, would it?" He knew that light bearers were often unable to handle darkness. He respected the balance between light and dark, and Had no problem with being in the light, so long as it didn't shine brightly in his eyes, but he realized everyone wasn't the same as him, and didn't want to make her uncomfortable.

"Essentially, yes. I mean, its not anything we couldn't have done ourselves." Looking up, I watched the darkness begin to envelop me. Because of my Royal blood, I grew up, being exposed to the darkness on the rare occasion. This new blanket didn't bother me as it sat upon my shoulder. "No, it doesn't bother in the least bit. I've grown accustomed to it. Thanks." I said with a smile. My blue eyes locked upon him as I began to think of my future. Was my future meant to be with Colton? Were things going to work out as planned? These answers I did not know but I wondered about. "Any more questions you have?"

Colton smiled upon hearing Evelyn's explanation. It made everything feel much less overbearing. It was almost more like a blind date, than a forced marriage. However, there was much more at stake this time. He nodded when she took the blanket, pleasantly surprised at her toughness. "It's no problem. I'm sorry I didn't have a proper blanket here for you." He said. He smiled once more as she wrapped herself in the blanket, considering the prospect of marrying this woman from his initial impression of her. She was certainly beautiful. And she at least hadn't COMPLETELY lost her sense of fun. Some of her formal habits were a bit annoying, even when she thought she wasn't being formal, but overall, he had to say she was quite attractive, both physically, and as a person. "No, I think I've got it." He said. Of course, he had plenty more questions, but they would be of little consequence. "You ready to go?" he asked. He was in no particular rush, but it seemed she was ready to get back.

We must have been outside for longer than I had expected for the sun began to sink beneath the horizon. My second favorite part of the day began to creep in upon us, dusk. I knew it would be a time where we would both be comfortable for there was a balance of light and dark. Because the darkness began to creep in around us, I understood why I was becoming slightly colder. After all, while I had the ability to tolerate small amounts of it, anything more could cripple me. I nodded toward Colton. "Yes, I think that would be a spectacular idea." I began walking to the castle at a rather slow pace. I wanted to spend time with Colton yet I did not want it to be as if I was forcing myself upon him. When we reached the door. The stars began to come out and the full moon replaced the sun. "So....um....do you have any plans for this evening?". I'm certain that sounded horrendous but I wasn't sure exactly how to invite him to a private dinner.

Quite a surprise it was, when Colton realized that the sun was escaping them. Of course, dusk was his favorite time of day, followed by midnight. Dawn, which was most likely Evelyn's favorite time of day, was the time when he felt the weakest. But that was to be expected. She was a creature of Light, and he Dark after all. It didn't bother him much for that reason. It would be the same if he married anyone else, after all... When she took off toward the castle, he came up behind her, looking at her hand as he caught up to her. Assigned boyfriend, eh? He thought to himself. His first instinct would have been to take her hand, but he didn't want to present her with an awkward moment, or make her uncomfortable. So he came up with another plan. Coming alongside the woman, he offered her his arm. "Care for an escort?" It was perfect. Flirty and suave, yet just formal enough. Or at least, that's the way he saw it.

He laughed at her question silently. It seemed she was dealing with the same issues as he was. What was too much? How do I go about doing this, or that? It was probably obvious that he had no plans. He didn't know where he was. He didn't even know where he would lay his head that evening! But that didn't bother him. Good company was really all he needed. And he had that. "Actually, I do not." He said with a short playful laugh. "If you have some, I'd love to hear about them. Perhaps I could even serve you as an escort again." His voice was teasing, however, it was also obvious that he wasn't mocking her lifestyle. Just having a bit of fun. He could tell she needed more of that in her life.

Though we only spent a few hours together, I could feel myself getting more comfortable being around Colton. My intitial reaction to him could easily be described as a cat with its hair standing on ends. I was tense, displaying to him my most proper side. Our time at the lake showed me that I could let my hair down a little and not be so serious when I was around him. Of course, that would change when official business arose but that wasn't now, that would be down the road. Because I grew more at ease, my mind decided that it wouldn't be such a bad idea to invite him to a private dinner. However it wasn't the one I originally had in mind. He inspired me to have a bit more 'fun' in order to break the ice. To make it slightly more 'fun' I decided to surprise him.

"Of course, you can be my escort, though, what I did have planned wasn't tremendously formal." A smile slid upon my lips as I broke what was most likely to be shocking news. "Why don't I show you to your room so you can get acclimated with its surroundings and change it to fit your needs. Then, lets say about an hour or so you could come to my room and I'll show you where dinner will be held this evening. Now, I smirked, hinting that there was something more to this dinner than what I divulged to him. I hoped he didn't mind surprises.