Thread: Of Blood and Stone; Caressed by Fire - [DA and Haru] NSFW links

Alexandria stared into her mirror as the maid fretted and fussed over her. More than anything she wanted to bat the woman's hand away before she tugged on another one of her dark curls. Just once she'd love to wear her hair fully down and free! But, her aunt and uncle would never allow it. It wasn't proper for a girl of her stature or station to display herself in such a way. In some ways, she supposed they were right. Even her own parents, before they'd unexpectedly died in the accident, had their own code in which they'd adhered tothough it hardly resembled the strict levels of her aunt and uncle. But to live a moment where you didn't have to worry about protocol or anything at all...oh, it beckoned her terribly. Another curl was pinned up. Oh, Alex couldn't take anymore. Her brown eyes pleaded with her maid through the mirror. The older woman sighed and just patted her shoulder. Half up, she said with a smile. Though if I'm given any trouble for it, you'd best vouch for me, she added with a huff. Alex nodded and reached for the woman's hand. Oh thank you! she exclaimed, her face lighting up. She could now face the day much lighter knowing she was defying the outlandish whimsy of societywhich didn't make any sense to her at alland especially her aunt and uncle. She could imagine their faces already! No trouble will come to you, Nissa. The maid just sniffed, clearly not believing the girl, and continued to adjust Alex's hair. Alex smiled, her cheeks flushing a pretty shade of pink against her porcelain pale skin. There now, said Nissa, finished with the hair and straightening out the lace of the blue and black dress she'd put on the young girl. Alex hated the dress. It was too confining the way it covered her arms, her chest, even her neck. She longed to rip the collar off just so she could breathe. The corset underneath only further accentuated her figure and did nothing to help the breathing she felt was already stifled by the wretched collar. If only should could pop open a button or five! Part of her wondered why she needed to bother with such things, but protocol was protocol and she wasn't allowed to question. Thank you, Alex said almost solemnly. Nissa curtsied. You're to meet with your aunt and uncle. No doubt they'll be waiting for you. As it is you're already late. A mischievous sparkle glinted in Alex's eyes causing the maid to tsk. The girl was always looking for small ways to defy her guardians. But Alex gave Nissa a nod as she smoothed out her skirts and headed for the door. Her heeled shoes clacked against the hardwood of the floor as she made her way to her aunt and uncleMagisters of Waterdeep. If only they hadn't held such high authority. Maybe then life would be more interesting... Turning a corner, she opened the door to the room she was certain her guardians would be waiting in. After all, it was where they tended to meet with guests and notables. Slowly, she entered, trying to be quiet. She cast her glance downward, but couldn't help but overhear a voice inquiring about joining the dragonhunters. Immediately, she looked up, her dark eyes fixing upon a stranger she'd never seen meandering Waterdeep. Tilting her head, she decided that perhaps the day did indeed become interesting. Alex's aunt turned the moment she heard her niece and let out an exasperated sigh. Ah, Alexandria. Late as always. Her later words were mumbled under her breath. The woman's face reddened, her cheeks almost purple as she inspected her charge. Alex had to restrain the giggle, though she managed. When Alex approached her aunt and uncle, she gave them both a quick curtsy. Turning to the stranger, she curtsied lower, her eyes peering up at him as she slowly stood back up to full height. Her aunt huffed and thumbed one of Alex's curls in mild disgust. Shaking it off, she turned her attention away from her niece and back to the man. Dragonhunter? Yes, we have been in need these past few months, the woman said. She then looked at Alex. And possibly a chaperone, she mused. Alex's mouth dropped open and a blush swept over her face. How could her aunt embarrass her like that!? And in front of such a handsome stranger!? But it was done. Lowering her lashes, she averted her gaze, wishing she could somehow hide.