The Ribbon Lord: Chapter 1.

The breeze was warm and smelled of spring. Damp wet grass and foliage, a bit of floral pollen and warmth. The time was early April and what a prime April it was! 'Twas the month of rebirth from the slush of March into the month of pure spring May. April always brought to me the anticipation of the flower festival, honoring women in our society. What I didn't fully realize that if that was a ritual holiday I looked forward to, then perhaps there was something missing in my life. Until that thought was realized, I was very happy and young in those days.
After taking a whiff of the fresh air I stepped from the balcony railing. Despite the strength and height of the stone keeping me from falling several stories below, I still did not trust it concerning height. The view of the land my parents ruled is always breathtaking, even from a safer distance. A balcony still had it's uses!
"Look! A boat!" My sister happily squealed out as she ran past me. I had no warning despite the usual pitter-patter of her soft shoes that she would rush into my room to the balcony, leaning over and pointing to the sea. Leaning over quite precarious to me…
"En, don't lean too far! I will not have you be splattered down in the courtyard!" I laughed, but still nervous. Enrea, 9 years old as she was, was quite a bubbling jumping little girl, much like I was at my age. Unlike many of the other noble children of the court I was glad I was close enough to care about her safety and not bicker all the time. Thankfully she pulled away from the edge to point more to get my attention. I moved closer to look.
"It could be a pirate Aria! I hope it is…" She giggled. I shook my head as unfortunately it was not a pirate. It was in fact a very opulent vessel with blue banners. My eyes widened as I realized it was not from our country, but from the neighboring empire. The Labarverions always brought such gifts and trade items, as we gave and traded with them. Perhaps tonight would be exciting instead of boring needlepoint by candlelight.
Right on schedule there was the familiar knock on the door from the captain of the guards. I always knew it was him, with his rapt 3 knocks always restrained to appear pleasant. Fabian is quite trained in warfare and strictness, however at least he only has the decency to be gentler with his actions around me including knocking upon my door.
"The guests are arriving in an hour my lady." His deep voice penetrated the door in its clear, dark tone. I sighed, realizing by 'guests' he meant 'possible suitors'.
"I'm supposing as my noble duty that I shall attend and grace their presence with my dainty steps, etc.?" I called out to him as I went into the interior, my sister 'zoom!'-ing past to the door, opening it to rush out to perhaps greet the 'pirates'.
Fabian stood in his black and blue-gold, his battle worn face framed by the expanse of curly black locks gracing his shoulders. In his hands was a large box, no doubt with a new dress my mother got me. His face beamed as I approached and took the box, bidding him ado as he left. His face more and more to me was puzzling, the intent confusing. I always shrugged it off though, as I did just now, finding a beautiful dress in yellow to wear.
"I see Enrea is quite excited." He quipped in a bid to start conversation. I left him there to set the box down, pulling out the garment. It truly was beautiful!
"Oh my dear Enrea, always thinking about pirates instead of princes. Oh, and let me think, why would an envoy come here so gaily as the ship?" I smiled at him knowing what was to be at the ball.
The tall captain sighed, though I would have expected him to just ignore my sarcasm like any other government official. I felt even gladder knowing I trusted him enough that he was perhaps feeling a similar way I was.
"It tis true my lady." Fabian kept his hands behind his back at attention. "It is another group of noble sons wishing for your hand in marriage."
The news was always grim whenever I heard it. I was getting older and older with my parents, and they thought it was high time I find a husband! Bah, all the young lads were so silly, ridiculous, snotty, unattractive, boring, etc. things I didn't like. I can't find someone if they are impressed upon me through lavish balls.
Besides, I thought, how can I think of love when the fear grows, week by week?
"My lady?"
"Sorry, Fabian." I shook my head, realizing I was staring out the window listless in thoughts. "I'm fine. I was just thinking, you know…of what is happening…so many worries all at once…"
"Fear not." He moved inside towards me. I felt reassured as he stood close and loosely, comforted. He was after all the chief bodyguard. He would and has always made sure our family is protect from the demon. "I have protected you thus far, and we work tirelessly to ensure others are protected also."
A warm hand took hold of mine, passing comfort through my body. We both knew what we were thinking. It was what everyone has been thinking these days, a thought darker and creepier than my own little worries about a ballroom full of boys.
My gaze affixed upon his own, lost in the worry he also possessed. If he was my father I certainly would have leaned more to him, but I remained under reserve, content with his hand holding mine.
"Well…" he coughed, letting go of my hand rather suddenly. "You best be preparing yourself. Perhaps this time will be different. Try…try to distract yourself with socializing."
I nodded to his sound advice. Distraction is what I tried to pile on to my daily routine. Anything to keep from thinking about the fear that came at night, to instead focus on learning and running and simple busy things. He left the void besides me, moving briskly out the door, shutting it behind him as I prepared to dress. If possible I would have wished him or someone with more trust to be here while I dressed, so I would not be by myself. Being alone I thought was healthy…times change however in a land gripped by the claws from some almost unspeakable entity.
Being alone, I have learned, has a time and a place. All the space around you become a mirror to reflect your thoughts, bouncing them back and forth as you look into yourself. As I dressed in bright yellow the mirror at my cabinet was a perfect example of this. I lost concentration on the lacing of my bodice to pause and notice myself. My face, my thoughts, all from me…appeared in the mirror.
The sunset cast its dark orange light to provide a fake rouge to my cheeks. I knew they were pale. The loss of the sun that would happen, as it does every end of day, caused the tension to grow instead of settling to sleep.
I entrusted my elegant sunny dress with the ability to provide me, at least, the semblance of daylight. It is never daylight when the sorcerer attacks my people. Not even the comfort of the captain could provide me with the knowledge of true safety. He kidnaps the youth of all classes.
Luckily I would not head to the ballroom alone. Decent relief has been found, for the maids have come to help with my hair.
Their tireless faces would accompany my own in the mirror to break the spell of loneliness. Tonight, perhaps I should enjoy myself. Perhaps I should try to find someone to always be there to stop the loneliness. Perhaps.