Aelina & Pupnutie

[Pupnutie]

(I feel bad now...Now I do not. That's how Z is anyway.)
((That's alright. As I stated, I was on a roll~))

Penni looked up when Zharron entered with Lady Bellyre. She sent a wondering glance at her elder. "The little lady was worried for her brother, how is the trouble maker anyway?" He sent a glance at where Len was resting.

"Better now, he woke up earlier and I gave him some water. I think resting would be best right now. He says thank you by the way. He also said that you would need to find another excuse to castrate him," she smiled as Zharron gave a hearty laugh.

"Darn. I got my hopes up for nothing," he gave an exaggerated sigh and tilted his head down as though he was miserable.

"Would you like me to make anything for you Lady Bellyre?" asked Penni while Zharron moved to sit near the lake's edge. "Lord Leanthos will most likely wake up when I finish dinner. I'm not as good as Aron is, but I could make you something special."

[Aelina]

Bellyre nodded politely at the other girl, her eyes following Zharron's when the two spoke. She was slightly alarmed and confused when the other spoke of doing such a thing.....only to catch on that it was a sort of joke between them and relaxed. Her eyes went back to where Zharron had looked and sighed quietly knowing Penni was right. Her brother needed rest no matter how much she wanted to see him right away.

Looking to the girl when she was brought into the conversation she was thoughtful before shrugging slightly. "If it's not too much trouble I'll just have whatever you're having." She gave a small smile. "And there's no reason to call me Lady you know....Just Bellyre is fine."

[Pupnutie]

"If you wish Bellyre," Zharron bowed his head while Penni blushed scarlet.

"I couldn't do that. We're of different classes and I really don't want to get chewed out by Valerie. I swear, She must have a sixth sense for it," Penni sighed in frustration at the thought of the bee before going in the kitchen to work off her anger.

"That bee really is an annoyance," Zharron added after Penni had gone. "Prissy little fly, she is. That little Lily of the Vally was a sweetheart though. I think her name was Maria or Mary. She's shy, but very nice."

Zharron nodded to himself while taking note of how Bellyre seemed to be restless with worry. "If it would make you feel better, you can sit by your brother's bedside. We'll bring you the food when it's done."

[Aelina]

The Orchid smiled gently and nodded her head in a small bow in return before turning to Penni and giggling quietly. “While I’m sorry that she gives you grief….you call my brother his name don’t you? So I can’t see the harm it would do.” She murmured watching the girl leave. Looking to Zharron when he spoke, she silently listened to his grievance of Valerie and then praise to Mary.
Smiling softly she gave a small nod, “Mary is a sweet girl. She-“ The male cut her off, which is not surprising if he even heard her at all……she was known to speak rather quietly. A relieved smile broke out across her face as she nodded and bowed slightly. “Thank you. I take my leave then.” Looking to where Zharron had directed she made her way up the stairs to the room where her brother lay.

((Nvm. Gohead. I'll have their lil speal in the next post.))

[Pupnutie]

Zharron went to Penni who was chopping up vegetables. "Now what did those poor things do to you?" He asked as he laid his head on her shoulder.

"I needed to take my anger out on something. Val caught me calling Len by his nickname twice and once as 'brother.' I just don't want any more rumors to start..." the pansy trailed off.

"Rumors? What rumors?" This got his attention. If anyone was speaking ill of his friend, may the goddess save their soul.

"She's speaking of me as though I'm someone trying to gain in class by manipulating Len's family. She's gone so far as to make assumptions on my history, saying I was a thief among other things..." Penni had to turn around and hug Zharron close as she began to cry. "I left home to get away from all the talk and rumors. I don't want to remember all the bad things that happened. I want to focus on the good, like the times with you and big brother. I just want my happiness, Aron. That's all. I am much happier now that I do not have royal responsibilities. I have more freedom. I just want the talk to stop."

Zharron hushed his friend and returned the hug. "Don't worry Penni. Hang in there, all will right themselves in time. I'll deal with that fly myself if it comes down to it. Shh, don't cry. Here. I'll make those bread cookies with the filling you like. Hush now, stop your tears. It'll be alright," The rose wiped away Penni's tears as the girl slowly began to stop crying. The two shared the embrace a little while longer before going back to the cooking.

((Hey. I didn't make Z emo this time ))

[Aelina]

((PENNI! TELL LEN! TELL HIMZ! I won't say what he'll do but I tell you this. Joo will never be harassed by her again. owo))

Climbing the cool stone steps, Bellyre made her way to the bedroom before pausing in the doorway. Like the pansy had said, her brother was resting and hopefully would be for awhile longer. Looking him over as she slowly moved forward the female Orchid felt relief fill her from the improved coloring and appearance. Sitting down on the bed she reached out and smoothed a bang back into place, tracing one of his markings in a soothing manner.

Removing her hand she sighed going to look him over again when his hand caught her eye, or rather what was on it. Gingerly taking the hand into hers she gently turned it over and her stomach clenched. Well...at least it was still only mild. Staring at the thick coating of blood on his palm and fingers she finally tore her gaze away to find a rag or cloth. Finally spotting one near the bedside she stared at it before leaving it alone and using her own handkerchief instead. It would be rude to use it without asking and it might not even be a rag.

Hand now clean, Bell relaxed running her own hand through her brother's loose white hair. Brushing his markings a few more times the elder of the two began to stir. Cracking open bleary eyes emerald met mint making the male look confused. "....Bell?" Pressing a finger to his lips Bellyre gave a small smile. "Your not suppose to be awake yet..." Len chuckled reaching up to move his sister's hand. "Mm...probably; but being touched does normally bring one from sleep."

Grateful his voice didn't sound so hoarse, simply quiet and tired, Bell looked a bit sheepish when her mind came down off the relief high. "Sorry....its just-" Len reached up tapping her cheek, "A habit. I know, you do it every time I have an attack for Goddess sake." Pouting at her brother who chuckled, Bell removed her hand and turned away, "I see your better in any case. Perhaps I should return ho-!" Cutting herself short as she saw Leanthos begin to sit up she turned to stop him only to be waved off. "I've already done so, stop fussing."

After a brief back and forth for him to at least lean against the pillows, Bellyre won and curled up next to her brother who put an arm around her shoulders as she hugged him. ".....When Sir Zharron said you had an attack....I...I thought the worse..." Leanthos hugged her in return.
"It takes more than a small figh-"
"You were yelling at the top of your lungs and could be heard a whole corridor away."
"...Fine a shouting match."
"Len!"
"Hush and let me finish already."
"....Fine."
Contented with her silence Leanthos sighed with a small smile and began again, "Like I was saying, it takes more than that to send me into a severe fit. You know that." A small murmur of agreement left the female. Len smiled before a leftover round of coughs escaped leaving himself slightly hunched and Bellyre looking worried and lost. Catching her eye Len offered a shaky smile after it ended. "M'fine...water?" Nodding Bell refilled the glass and handed it to him. "I don't like it when that happens." Leanthos gave a short laugh, "You think I do?"

The younger of the two sighed and settled back against him. "It's a good thing your on vacation." Confused Len looked down at his sister, "...What on earth are you talking about?" Lyre met his gaze and rose a brow. "Sir Zharron refuses to let you leave until your fully yourself again. So four days at the most I think." "Wha-?! I can't leave that long! I have a meeting with the Middle court Vizier tomorrow, one with Count Melaou the day after and then a audience with the council two days after that! Not to mention the daily meetings, the proposals I have to read, I have to get started on resear-"

A dainty hand covered his mouth and two determined mint eyes collided with his own. "Leanthos! Listen to yourself! You've just woken up after an attack of stress and anger and all your talking about is going back to work!" The hands were removed in favor for climbing on top of the male and putting her hands on her hips. "You need this, besides father said he'd deal with it." Len looked slightly exasperated. "I don't want father to have to deal wit-" Bellyre rose a brow. "You know mother would if he didn't. Not to mention Sir Zharron, the nice pansy, sister and Delan...after he gets his head out of his-" "Bellyre!"

Putting his face in his hand Len sighed heavily his shoulders sagging. "...Alright. Alright. Fine. But couldn't you bring me my-" "No. No scrolls. No proposals. No work of any kind. You are on vacation and the only reading you'll be doing is....none." The male hung his head chuckling weakly. "Delan's rubbing off on you."

[Pupnutie]

"Aron? Could you see if Lady Bellyre is ready for dinner? Also, please gently wake up Len," She emphasized on the word 'gently' so that her friend wouldn't get any ideas.

"Take away all my fun why don't cha?" the other joked (accompanied with a moment's worth of pouting) before going behind the waterfall to his sleeping chamber. There he saw the two siblings getting cozy on his bed.

"Well, I guess this means I don't have to wake up sleeping beauty here," He said as he leaned against his door's frame. "Penni is done with dinner. She just wanted me to play messenger."

Zharron walked over to the male in his bed. "You feeling better? You can have dinner here if you aren't feeling well; just don't leave crumbs."

He felt Len's forehead, "You're fever has gone down. You're still my prisoner though."

[Aelina]

Len had finally gotten Bellyre to calm and curl back up against him when a very familiar and droll voice broke through the peace. Bell shot off the bed standing to the side looking very embarrassed and uncomfortable while he just chuckled. He truly didn't understand his sister's shyness when it came to relaxing around other people, after all it was only Zharron.

Speaking of said rose, he gave a tired smile when the male suggested he could eat in the room if he was still under the weather. Opening his mouth to reply, he shut an eye as the other placed a hand on his forehead, as if to make sure he wouldn't try to lie. Hearing the news he had to give a quiet laugh, "No, I think I'm well enough to join you. As for being your prisoner I suppose I can live with that." He responded dryly moving away and swinging his legs off the bed and going to stand.

Glancing up at Bell who immediately started hovering he gave a sigh, "Bell....really, I'm fine..." She looked like she wanted to argue but in the end simply helped him to his feet. Leaning on her slightly as he slowly got his legs back he gave a small smile to Zharron and rose a brow. "Lead the way Warden."

[Pupnutie]

"As if you have a choice to be alright with it. That isn't what being a prisoner means," Zharron playfully retorted.

Nodding, Zharron led the two out of the room and down the stairs that rounded around the waterfall and the lake. He slowed his step slightly to speak more to Len than to Bell. "One sign, however slight it is, of you being ill and I will have you tied to the bed and knocked out faster than you can glare at me."

Nodding again, Zharron picked up his pace and continued to lead the way to where Penni was finishing dinner. She had just set the plates out, all signs of her crying episode earlier were gone, and she smiled warmly at the three as they came down. She moved to help Bell with helping Len to his seat.

"Stop trying to fight help, Len. You may not be as sick as you were earlier but we can't risk you having a fallout," she paused before smiling. "Unless you have some weird thing for Aron's weird pain-care."

Zharron watched the exchange between them in silence. Maybe he'll let slip to Len about what has been going on with Penni. Or some variation anyway. Or he could meet that insignificant fly in an alleyway, he was fine either way.

[Aelina]

Len couldn't help but chuckle quietly as Zharron teased and threatened him about being in his care, in truth he was a bit....ah what was the word...touched, that the rose cared so much. Not that he'd ever say; that was a one way ticket to pain. So, simply smiling he gave a small eyeroll. "Yes sir, knocked out and tied up, completely understood." Bellyre giggled quietly next to him at the small exchange. Continuing onto the kitchen he found it futile to even try and regain any male pride he had. Both his sister and Penni were insisting on helping him to his seat and Bell even tried to help him SIT down. "Bellyre, truly I'm fine." Glancing up to the other female when she chastised his maleish behavior however, Len finally sighed and relented.

When seated, he found a rater amusing comment being directed at him; Grinning back at Penni he gave a chuckle. "Penni, it wouldn't be Zharron if his care wasn't slightly painful every now and then. I'm also quite lucky he's even putting up with this." Looking to the Rose he offered a small smile. "Then again I shouldn't be so surprised...you have been known to do the unexpected Zharron."

(nvm. I'll just leave it.)

[Pupnutie]

"I'm not unexpected, you all are just so blind that you don't see me coming," he shrugged as he took a bite out of his food. "That, and very few have the honor to say that they know me. Only four know everything about me, two of which have died."

"General Azriel died?" Penni asked shocked to her core. "When? How?"

Zharron shrugged again. "During the Summer about two years ago. Nothing 'sinister' about his death though, so don't panic. He'd been poisoned since the wars we fought in, from some flower trap hybrid, and that was slowly killing him even with so much antibiotics he took. Take that, his age, his illnesses from the past, and all those old wounds, one being a rather nasty burn, I am surprised he lived to be as old as he was."

Penni nodded, albeit sadly. "How sad, I knew he was old...but I thought he be around for a longer time. I'm happy he's at peace, but still..."

Zharron reached over and patted the girl's head. "He's not gone, just not mortal anymore. He's commanding the forces above and kicking everyone up there off their butts and into training. I bet your brother is even slimmer up above than he was in mortal life, and that is saying a lot. You're brother was skinnier than twine," Penni smiled at the rose as he sat back, laughing a little at her brother's body shape.

"You're right Aron, General Azriel is up there making everyone wish they had left him down with us to torture instead," She giggled, not as saddened by the news.

[Aelina]

The siblings laughed quietly at the rose's comeback before silently moving on to their meals while the two other flowers talked. Bell feeling sympathetic for their loss but not knowing what to say while Len just looked around his temporary abode figuring it to be a private conversation. However...Glancing back at his 'fiance' he couldn't help but feel a small tug of....something for the male. He couldn't say sympathy as he didn't pity him, but it was a sad emotion of those lines.

Zharron had lost so many people dear to him, by either assassination, illness or old age. It explained his closed off nature and his hesitance to let people close, they always left him in the worst possible way. A small furrow in his brow formed as Len stared out over the water as he remembered that day so long ago...where Zharron had woken crying and speaking of painful visions. I won't let him lose anyone else. Nobody should have to go through that, much less go through it over and over. The furrow started to deepen as he continued to ponder just how close they had gotten, and then his thoughts began to wonder over to a certain red head....

Bellyre glanced over to her brother as the other two joked about the lost friend tormenting those in heaven, and paused in her meal catching his expression. His gaze was distant yet focused in an almost fierce manner to whatever his thought was upon. Deeply in thought and concentration with a furrowed brow that was turning more prominent by the minute. The only thing that kept her from fearing a relapse was the lack of anger in his posture and expression....it was more a....determined frustration if she tried to explain it.

Watching him clench a fist and raise it to his mouth while his eyes narrowed at nothing, she looked at his still mostly full plate and realized if she let him he'd probably only feed himself off thought and forget actual nourishment. Sighing quietly she gently reached out and touched his arm breaking his concentration. "Brother, you've forgotten your meal..." Surprised and looking slightly out of it still Leanthos blinked a few times looking at her before down at his plate while his hand left his face to rest on the table. "Ah....so I have. My apologies, I was thinking of something."

"A dangerous pastime, especially for you." Leanthos chuckled quietly at his sisters quiet comment as he began to resume eating offering no retort. However after a few bites he found his stomach unable to take anymore leaving him simply staring at the plate, utensil in hand. The soft hand made contact with his arm once more and he looked at Bell who was regarding him almost with a concerned face. "I'm fine...just, haven't gotten my appetite back yet." The concern grew and he shook his head reaching out and rubbing at the furrow. "You'll get wrinkles before their due, I'm fine Lyre.....I..."

Emerald eyes seemed to zone out a bit as he looked forward, "....I just need to walk a bit." Shaking his head he rose, his hand now captive by his sister's hands. "Leanthos...." He kissed her forehead. "I'm fine Bell. It was only a light attack." "Mild. You coughed blood." "Barely." "Leanthos...." "Fine, mild. But still. A walk isn't going to hurt, if anything it'll help me sleep later." He looked to Zharron a wry smirk on his face. "Without physical harm as an initiative." His gaze turned to Penni and he bowed his head slightly an apologetic look crossing his face. "Thank you for the meal, I will be back to finish it...promise."

Without waiting for permission or argument he gently slid his hand out of his sibling's and turned before walking away. Moving over to the lake's edge Len stood there for a moment before he started walking around it as far as he could before turning back and repeating the process over. Thoughts from earlier did not chose to come back, leaving an complicated knotted feeling behind for him to try and sort out. Emotions he didn't even know existed were welling up and churning together causing him to finally sit as his body felt the toll.

Staring out at the calming scene the male orchid breathed deeply, exhaling slowly and heavily. Reaching a hand up to his forehead he rubbed his brow to make his face relax and avoid the upcoming headache. Leaving his hand there he let his head fall into the supportive hold and he closed his eyes trying to bring back his usual mellow feeling.

[Pupnutie]

After the mention of the old general that had been a father to him, Zharron fell silent. It had hurt almost as bad as when Evelyn died, but he had been able to go to the funeral and add in some words. Azriel had left him with almost all of his possessions and estate, having never married, no kids, and his closest living relative being a lord across the sea who had no interest in his distant relative's affairs. Zharron had left the estate as is, choosing to leave it as it was, he didn't feel right moving into the general's home. Not yet.

'That was where I plan on going when this year's up.' Zharron thought to himself, sighing ever so lightly, as to not draw attention. Bellyre's soft voice caught his attention, but he looked towards Len as a habit. or maybe it was because he was ill? Whatever the reason, he looked to the lord first.

At the mention of needing an excuse to sleep, he was prepared to add in a comment, but the lord beat him to it. He gave the slightest of pouts at being denied his fun, but remained quiet. Penni smiled at Leanthos as he promised to come back from a walk and finish his food.

"It is fine Leanthos, it'll be here when you get back. I'll make sure Aron doesn't mess with it," she grinned as Zharron crossed his arms and exaggerated a frown, but remained quiet. Penni said nothing as Len walked out without waiting for her reply, just saying it mostly for Bell and Zharron.

While Penni dragged Bellyre into a conversation he wasn't interested in, Zharron's thoughts went to the lord at his lake. His thoughts then traveled to the insufferable bee that attacked his friend. Zharron knew Penni wouldn't say a word, and he couldn't do anything since he would cause trouble for the both of them. However, there was a lord in his home who was the fly's employer. Len could do what he and Penni couldn't.

Zharron stood up, his meal having been finished, and said that he was going to make sure Leanthos didn't kill himself. He walked out and easily found the Orchid. Without saying a word, the rose sat down next to Len and waited for the other to notice him, or to speak first.

[Aelina]

Lowering his hand after a moment the Orchid chose to keep his eyes shut as he laid back in the soft grass, one hand resting on his middle while the other acted as his pillow. The furrow was back again, small and almost unnoticeable as he continued to separate the tangled emotions. The first few were rather easy now that he could concentrate; slight irritation with Delan, frustration over the poor circumstances, exasperation with himself for not realizing how far he'd pushed himself, and so on and so forth. But the last feeling refused to be sorted, the feeling he'd felt when thinking of Zharron and how he had immediately taken the defensive for him.

It wasn't that he really minded it, he was more confused. Sure they were....an odd form of almost friends, but that level of protection from himself normally was reserved for family and close friends like Delan. So why had he reacted like that for Zharron? He wouldn't act in such a way for an "ally". Unless....he didn't see Zharron as an only an ally anymore. That's nonsense....I would know if my view of him had changed....wouldn't I? He thought back on all their time together, the laughs, the debates, the confiding, their banter in which he'd participated in not even fifteen minutes ago....

He opened his eyes and gazed at the ceiling for a moment ....Well apparently not. Closing his eyes once more as the surprise wore off Len decided to leave it at that and not try to sort the other confusing emotions tied to the Blood Rose. He wasn't about to tell him of his realization either. The rose had experienced enough pain in losing people without having to worry about one more. Not to mention he didn't want Zharron to feel uncomfortable and shut him out completely. No need to ruin what we have over some silly epiphany.

He'd barely started to try and actually relax when quiet rustling of the grass caught his ears. Too hard of a stride to be one of the girls... Keeping his eyes closed he listened as the former object of his thoughts sat down next to him before silence enveloped them. They stayed like that a while, just sitting in the quiet, until Len finally broke it. "So did the girls chatter finally drive you up the wall? Or did you miss making fun of me?" Emerald eyes opened and regarded Zharron from his horizontal position. Despite the calm humor in his tone, Leanthos's face was practically expressionless as he awaited an answer.

[Pupnutie]

Zharron said nothing for a few moments before answering. "No. I wanted to talk to you, without Penni being near. Your sister provided the needed distraction I needed."

The vine-like rose fell silent as he tried to word what he needed to say without injuring Len's health. "Penni will more than likely act as your family's messenger while your here, so there may not be another time for me to talk about this with you. But promise me that you'll not think too much on it until you're at full health."


"When I went to your home earlier to report your state of health, I was harassed by a bee, named 'Valkerie' or something similar. A young lily named Mary helped me out, but it it was still a stressful encounter. I have recently found out that she has been the ringleader in spreading rumors and harassing Penni. I won't go into detail now, but it would be best if you knew and do as you felt was needed when you were better. Penni wouldn't say anything to you and I doubt it would be helpful to anyone if she were to be found dead in an alley way mysteriously with her person horribly sliced up one day. Penni wants me to stay for my full year so that she could find a way out of this predicament we're in if not a way around it," Zharron grew quiet as he said the last bit. Any mention of the arrangement a court made dealing with his unmarried hand always hurt him. Evalyn would always pop up in his mind at those times.