The Beach | Birthday Blues {BYOA}

[healsforjustice]

With the will of the hotel to create just about any scenario it wished, it was often hard to keep track of the seasons going by. However, if one was to find themselves wandering along a long stretch of sand as the sun slowly began to dip below the horizon, it would truly feel like summer. It was obviously fated that Amelia found herself wandering

Comments

[foolishcleric]

Funny how often Aldray found himself crossing paths so often with Amelia. Not something he complained about, just observed.

This situation was an odd one, to say the least, with her out here alone, dressed like that. He wasn't sure what to think of it, but it was rather obvious that something had her troubled.

Aiming to see if he can turn her mood around, Aldray steps up near her, and places a hand on her shoulder. "While what you're wearing is quite lovely on you, Miss Amelia, I'm afraid it doesn't seem suited to swimming."

[foolishcleric]

"You're quite welcome," he answered with a smile, then nodded at her suggestion. He moved his arm from her shoulder, but left it out so that they might link arms. "Sounds like a plan, then. Shall we?"

[healsforjustice]

After watching a moment, she beamed up at Aldray, moving to link her arm with his. "Okay, let's go." she smiled as they walked, the house not too far away thankfully, leaving more footprints in the sand as they went.

[foolishcleric]

Well, if it had been too far, Aldray would've done the gentlemanly thing and carried Amelia the rest of the way!

Once they reach the door, he opens it for her, then follows her in, pulling his pack and sword off, laying them by the door.

[healsforjustice]

If that had been the case, she would have flew there, and probably been the one to carry Aldray. Still, she would have appreciated the sweetness of the gesture at any rate.

After going inside, she stood and waited for the cleric. For the moment she didn't want to consider the likelihood of the sleeping arrangements. Instead, the princess glanced out at the view from the nearby window. "Do you want to do anything before turning in Mr Aldray."

[foolishcleric]

Clearly, if that happened, they would probably spend ten minutes bickering over who was going to help who.

After stretching for a moment, the cleric shakes his head, but notes the diverted gaze. "I'm fine as-is, Miss Amelia - how about yourself?"

[healsforjustice]

Possibly, though no doubt it would have been the most polite disagreement ever seen.

Looking back over at him, she shook her head lightly. "Nothing comes to mind. I certainly didn't have any plans today." she replied, still looking a little lost in her thoughts.

[foolishcleric]

Aldray steps over, once again putting a hand on Amelia's shoulder. He might not be too bright, but he could tell something was still eating at her. "...anything you wish to discuss, Miss Amelia?"

[healsforjustice]

Glancing up at him, she shook her head gently, eyes slipping shut. "I'll be fine Mr Aldray. I suppose it just feels wrong, knowing I'm not home to do the things I should be today, even if I'm not really missing anything." she replied. Still, she realized she was starting to mope again, her next words trying to sound more upbeat to dismiss that feeling. "That probably just sounds silly though, doesn't it?" she shook her head, hoping to disperse the lingering ache in her chest.

[foolishcleric]

The cleric shook his head, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Doesn't sound silly at all, Amelia. Not a day goes by that it feels wrong that I'm just stuck here, playing the hotel's little games when I need to be back home..."

[healsforjustice]

At the comforting touch, she found herself leaning back against him a little, sighing softly. At least Aldray was thinking of important things he needed to do. In comparison, she felt a little selfish for having such childish reasons for being upset. "I'm sure everyone feels the same, just makes my complaining sound petty though."

[foolishcleric]

That answer gets him to move around her, keeping one hand on her shoulder, and poking at her collarbone with the other. His face is serious. "If it's important to you, then it's not petty."

[healsforjustice]

She watched as he moved aroun, a little surprised by his serious face and tone. After glancing down a moment, she gently laid one hand over his again, softly clasping it as she managing to offer a grateful smile. "That's kind of you to say Mr Aldray."

[foolishcleric]

"Well, it's the truth," he answered, giving her hand a light squeeze. His face was still serious, though tinged just slightly red. "It's as valid a desire as anyone else's, and don't you forget it."

[healsforjustice]

"I won't." she replied softly, tilting her head up to look at him a moment, before pushing herself onto her toes, using him as leverage to balance and gently kissing his cheek. "I appreciate that Aldray, really."

[foolishcleric]

That kiss triggers the faintest of shivers, but he smiles. His free hand moves around the small of her back to give her support - and pull her a bit a closer in the process. "You're quite welcome," he answers quietly, closing his eyes.