Thread: Bastion (Safehold and darkangel76)

Charlotte meandered the courtyard for it was a pleasant enough day and she wished to enjoy it to its fullest. The air was cool but not cold and it smelled sweet like fruit. Drinking in the smells that wafted about her, she found herself grateful for the slight distractions. She needed to be comforted at that moment since her heart and mind were so full of worry. Her father, Charles Harris, one of the more renowned scholars of the planet Bastion, had fallen ill yet again. Only this time it was far worse than any other bout she'd ever seen and it had her worried. It had her frightened. Arms wrapped about her middle, clutching her sides, Charlotte tried her best to let her mind forget the troubles of her father's failing health for at least a little while. She knew it was only temporary, that after her small jaunt through the courtyards, she'd have to return to the realities that were, but she needed this break, this time away. It was becoming harder and harder each year to watch the man who'd all but raised her fall deeper and deeper into a state that left her feeling more and more hopeless, not to mention useless. All her life, Charlotte had been in awe of her father, a man so wise and so intelligent that she almost feared him. But it wasn't his wish for her or anyone else to have fear. No. He wanted them to have knowledge, to understand and know the things he did. But, with that knowledge came great risk. Every day for as long as she could remember, he'd told her that knowledge brought risk along with it and that with that risk brought consequences, some so dire that one's life could indeed be at stake. She didn't quite know what that meant, but she figured that one day she would. She just hoped that when that day finally came, she'd be ready for whatever might come her way, for whatever might try to extinguish the flame that was her soul. Suddenly, a shiver ran along Charlotte's spine. Something in the air was off, different. Looking up into the sky, she rubbed at her arms and decided it was finally time to return to her father's side. She'd been out long enough anyway and the members of court would begin to wonder why she'd left him alone for so long as his only daughter and companion. Though, already they'd begun to whisper as to why she hadn't found herself a suitor, a mate. She'd been eligible for marriage for a few years now and not once had she had herself properly presented and outted in court. Her father had warned her that she must do so, and the sooner the better. But she wouldn't hear of it, not until she was satisfied he'd get better. Only he was getting worse. Charlotte hurried inside and quickly proceeded down the castle corridor to where her father was being kept while ill. When she reached his room, she pushed open the heavy door, her long blue gown swishing as she moved through the doorway. Within a few strides, she was by his side and kneeling beside the ailing man. How are you feeling, father? Charlotte asked, her voice soft and sweet as she spoke. She placed a gentle and delicate hand against the man's gruff face to check his temperature. Pulling it back, she tucked a dark strand of hair behind an ear and let out a tiny sigh of worry. Her father was sleeping. She'd have to wait for his answer. Standing up, Charlotte took her leave once more to let her father rest. She gave a low curtsy to the guards keeping watch over her father's room and headed back towards the courtyards once more, her curiosity over why the air felt so strange more than piqued and needing to be satisfied.