Image Challenge #06: Solitary Walk

Dec 22, 2009 19:17

Title: Solitary Walk
Author: uh_oh_shuffle
Characters/Pairings: DG, Ambrose.
Rating: PG
Summary: DG goes for a walk to think.
Disclaimer: I do not own Tin Man or any of its characters or settings.
Word count: 908 words




The scent of the flowers flew through the air as she removed her hat, a mix of shade under the hot Sun and secrecy from the many eyes that wandered the dirt paths among the many outdoor merchants that made their mark on the outskirts of the palace walls. Samples of fruits and meats she had yet to identify or even wish to know were offered to her as she declined them all. their generic greetings and attitudes that were given both to her and to others was a remarkable change from the many compliments and bos she received inside the walls she walked past, as the small talk and simple chatter eased her heart much more than the guards and the maids.

The running children in their boots and trousers were familiar, unlike the expensive and elegant silk threads that she was starting to see more and more of. Aprons and dirt and handmade crafts meant more to her than the lack of self-exertion and the marble floors or the lobsters and red wines.

Strolling along the mostly deserted section to the Eastern walls, DG placed her hat into her white laced bag. A gift from a self-assumed friend. A royal associate who saw the dinners and drinks as get-togethers instead of business meetings. But she liked it, so she kept it. It was better than Az’s silver scarf, which the oldest sister hid underneath of her stockings. DG smiled at this, and slowed her pace, admiring the many carvings in the red wall beside her, a connection to her old yet still new home. She was amazed at how different every part of the palace could be, yet how it still all fit together so perfectly. Intricate carvings lined the wall under an open roof. A handful of sellers awaited the crowds as they rearranged their products.

She stopped he solitary walk when she approached one of the many carved out seats she always adored. They were perfectly little nooks not quite hidden and not quite all there. Her mother had at one point insisted padding be made for any dwellers comfort, an old and near broken light dangling threateningly from the top of the one she studied before her. Sitting down she stretched her feet out.

DG lay flat within moments, her bag dangling from her hand before it hit the floor. She no longer cared if guards came looking for her, or if “commoners” as those around her persisited on calling them took notice of her. She no longer had the energy or the nerve.

Besides, she thought as she kicked her dark heels off and stroked one leg against the other, the regukar people of the Outer Zone were really quite nice and kind to her. Sometimes much more nice nad kind then she cared for, but they at times showed her the same respect they showed to another young girl who pass by. The smile and great her, a young beauty in the shining day. Not sexual like in central or crude like back home…but just…decent. Caring. Normal.

She thought about the many stories her father told them all late at night, when their real friends and family were all there. She smooth out her black skirt - another gift, or as she saw it. She let out an open smile as she let her hands rest above her head, thoughts of a young viewer picking it out when he offered to help her find new clothing for her new home. It was sweet of him, and she enjoyed the time with him and her father, a man who took a great interested in the young boy when he showed great skills in art himself.

DG saw friendship in his smile, just like her father had described seeing in the many people of the OZ after her mother accepted a small and cheap ring that she still wore to this day.

The lamp that was lit every night for those stalking about in the dark under the stars swayed in the cool breeze that came from the lake far off. It rattled as she heard approaching footsteps, all too familiar.

She turned her head and gave a great big smile to the lengthy man clearing his throat, royal colors and pendants surrounding his body.

“Well, you seem more bored than usually.” He chuckled, offering a faint smile. The youngest princess laughed herself, then let her feet climb the red, curving wall across from her.

“Not my fault the Duchess and Duke of this or that can’t keep my attention.” She said, finally sitting up, then standing up, and then spinning around. “Sp I dressed to impress and escorted myself out and about. Impressed, Ambrose?” She asked. The former headcase stroked his hair, through instinct before noticing and blushing.

“Of course. But now I must insist that I escort you to the picnic area by the lake, were Raw and Cain are setting up our lunches.” He said, offering up a bent arm. “…unless you’ve already spoiled your appetite with all the free food.” He remarked with a grin. DG grabbed her bag and stuck her tongue out.

“Yuck. All those strange things they’re selling? I think not.” Without hesitation she locked her arm with his and off the walked, hat forgotten as she walked with her friend. All those friendly smiles greeted them as they ignored the rattling lamp, lake breeze enticing them

.round 06

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