27 February 2012
Once upon a time, in a land known but not seen, there was a beautiful girl named Azuria, with the deepest blue eyes and the brightest hazel hair. She lived in this land of invisibility as a princess, loved by all of her people. She always helped with the poor, she helped pay for food and shelter for those who couldn't, and she ruled by herself since her parents died. None had asked for her hand in marriage, because most were already married. Azuria was shy, especially around men of her age. The reason was because her parents never really taught her how to be when she was around potential husbands. So she did her best to stay away from such men. Though it may change.
One night, Azuria was visited by a griffon, with fur as white as snow. The beast told her that in four months, if she didn't find a husband that she truly loved, she would die without a word. The griffon ruffled his feathers and flew away, leaving Azuria to cry softly at her bedside. Then a sudden burst of determination flowed through her, and she said to herself, "I must find him...or I will die trying." So she set out looking for a husband, sending all of her carrier hawks to every home of every man and woman that was her age. She invited them to a ball that was at first her mother's idea. A hundred people showed, the amount of them staggering Azuria. She greeted all of them, shaking their hand and asking for their name. They all looked at her uninterestedly and then headed for the ballroom floor or the food table, as most people do. But after the fortieth person she'd greeted, her hope lessened. "I'll never find him..." she sighed as the next man stood up to her throne. "I'm going to die." She looked up and noticed the man next to her, heat rising to her cheeks. He had golden brown eyes and likewise hair, which was cropped to stand at the front. He flashed an adorable smile, and Azuria's heart melted. "I'm Alistair." he said, holding out his hand. Azuria was without a word as she timidly grasped his hand and shook it. "I'm Azuria..." she breathed. Alistair smiled again and bowed slightly. He continued to hold her hand and helped her up, so they could get a better look of each other. He was tall, at least an inch or two taller than Azuria was. He was well-built, with muscles that were vaguely hidden beneath his white shirt. Azuria was barely able to hold a swoon. "A wonderful gathering you have here, Princess Azuria." he commented, looking over the crowd of people dancing and having a good time. "Thank you." she replied, blushing. She'd never met a man so perfectly created, with good looks and adorable charm. "What was the reason for it, if I may ask?" he asked her, and she snapped back to attention. "Just a ball...you know, because there hasn't been one in so long." she smiled meekly. It was a lie, yes, but luckily it was one that Alistair seemed to not detect. He nodded and continued to look in her eyes. Why did he stare like that? Was there something on her face? In her teeth? She hoped not. She liked Alistair, and she wanted him to like her. For her sake, as it seemed, as she remembered the griffon's words. "Would you...like to dance?" he suggested cautiously. She could only nod. With newfound consent, he took her hand and led her to the dance floor, where he smiled and placed his hands in appropriate waltz positions, as did she. She followed his steps, at perfect timing. He kept his eyes on hers, leading the dance as she clumsily followed. He found it cute, her not being able to know how to correctly dance. Azuria was grateful for his assistance, as she never had a dance teacher. "You dance well," she noted, looking up at him. He flashed another smile, this time confident. "I had a lot of time for practice." he said. She looked down, hiding a blush. "What's wrong?" he asked her. She shook her head. "Nothing, I was just thinking." she sighed. Azuria wasn't used to being open to someone she had only recently met. "About?" he asked, cocking his hazel eyebrows. Adorable. "Would you really like to know?" she asked as the music ceased to play and the other people walked off of the dance floor. Alistair reluctantly let go of her. Azuria led him to the castle balcony, where the griffon visited her the previous night. He looked around, admiring the details, and then back at her, with a serious look on his face. Azuria sat on the rail of the balcony, looking at him. "Last night," she murmured, barely audible. "I was visited by a griffon. It told me that I would die in four months, if I didn't do what was required to prevent it." Alistair paused. "What was required?" he asked her, sitting beside her. Azuria didn't look him in the eyes this time when she said, "I had to marry the man that I truly loved." Alistair said nothing. He kneeled beside her, softly putting his hand on her chin and lifting her head to face him. "Like who?" he asked again. "I don't know yet." she sighed, blushing. He was struck with an idea. "Do you believe in love at first sight?" he blushed. Azuria was startled for being asked such a question. "Do you?" she returned. "I do." he said. "Then I do as well." she smiled, looking up into his eyes. He grinned. That grin was so intimate that Azuria couldn't help but want to kiss him. He read her mind. Alistair continued to hold Azuria's chin as he softly pulled her to him, and he gingerly connected his lips to hers. Azuria was only experiencing bliss. This was her first kiss, as it seemed, and she never knew how amazing it could feel. Alistair pulled her close and deepened the kiss, and as he did, he slipped. They were on the floor now, and Azuria pulled back as she realized this. "Wow.." Alistair breathed, lifting his eyebrows in an impressed manner. "I can honestly say I've never done that before...and yet that was the greatest thing..." Azuria blushed, laying on his chest. "I have never had practice, either." she said. Her breathing hitched as Alistair kissed her again, under her jaw. "Perhaps I should help with that." he suggested. Azuria smiled and nodded, and she knew then, that this was the man the griffon had spoken of. The End
Time And Love • Opuss № I