Arc 1 ( A Side ) - Fill Up These Empty Spaces.

1 - A. Slow Dance.

“I’m telling you as a friend, Aura - please be careful what you ask.” The person speaking is a young woman, her blue eyes wavering as she ducks forward. “Please don’t ask things that are going to get you labeled as a heretic...” Aura watches this woman’s lips pout cutely, then places her hand softly atop her head. Gwyn’s pout deepens as her cheeks warm. The third princess of this country, Gwyndolin Shuren, with features like the first snowfall melting on the hills, slides back out of Aura’s reach.

“Aren’t you worried?” Aura merely smiles, tucking a few strands of her silvery hair behind an ear. The corners of her eyes crinkle as she glances to the side, taking in the warmth of the setting sun. Though a red moon hangs above her, it in no way detracts from the splendor of twilight. Leaning forward and resting her chin on her hand, she simply watches for a while.

“Don’t ignore me, Aura.” Her head rocks back as she stifles a small laugh. Ignore this little chick? Never. Turning her seat around completely, she scoots a little closer and gives Gwyn her full attention. The bemused look on her face does not waver in the slightest as she leans in, lending the princess her ear.

“You…” Such a strange woman, Gwyn thinks to herself, then lets out a small sigh. It had been a shock when the silvery woman in front of her had appeared in the castle gardens, looking completely bewildered. She bites the inside of her cheek and stares up at the hero in front of her. Her brows crease further as her fingers slide to catch Aura’s for reassurance. Pushing away the thought of whose reassurance, Gwyn mutters softly.

“I am not sure what being a hero means.” Aura lets out a little shrug, her smile never wavering.

“It sounds scary.” A little, Aura nods.

“You might get hurt.” Gwyn lets out a small squeak as Aura wraps her up in a tight bear hug, resting her head in Gwyn’s hair. “Hey! Stop stop, you can’t do this, I’m a princess! Aura, we’re in public!”

Aura’s eyes widen slightly as she releases her captive, offering a somewhat surprised look. She doesn’t seem apologetic at all to Gwyn, with her unruffled appearance and coy smile. Despite her protestations, Gwyn immediately grabs one of Aura’s hands again as an uncomfortable feeling grips her heart. Why do you look like you might disappear if I take my eyes off you? Aura is both the cool winds of the sea and the warm rays of the sun, she is comforting and comfortable and terrifyingly ephemeral. Gwyn gulps, licking her lips.

“You’re a strange person, hero. I don’t hate that about you... Don’t laugh at me!” The sight of Aura beaming at her with that same half-lidded and relaxed look was enough to get Gwyn on her feet.

“We need to go to the church to get your level checked. And you can let go of my hand if you want.” Aura doesn’t.

・

“Consider the gold we spent on you your payment and leave.” She can hear her heart hammering in her ears. It thumps again and again and again, pounding, furious, thunderous, drowning out any other noise. The current king, King Shuren, looks at her with contempt and scorn.

“Nevermind that you’re defective and useless, there’s something wrong with your personality.” That one muttered complaint sneaks in through everything else. The rest has been fuzzy. Too fuzzy. It’s not important. No one’s listening to her. She’s trying to explain, but they’re not listening. Not waiting for her. Listen to me! Her hands clench tight at her sides as she scans the room for someone who will meet her gaze.

Gwyn. Her eyes move to Third Princess Gwyndolin, searching for her gaze. For an explanation. For anything. “I can’t,” she seems to mouth, before turning around. Can’t what? Can’t…? Please say something. Explain it, talk to me, yell at me! None of this makes sense anymore.

She’s on the outskirts of town now. When had she gotten here? Aura takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. Her ears are still ringing. Her head still hurts. If you’re not out of town by sunset, the guards have been instructed to remove you by force. The harsh voice of the harsh First Princess, heir apparent. It didn’t make sense. And stay away from my little sister. It doesn’t make sense. She hears Gwyn’s voice softly calling her name. She must be imagining it. Her eyes snap open at a hand clutching hers.

“I’m sorry.” Gwyn is right in front of her, but she lets go of Aura’s hand almost immediately. Aura takes a step forward, Gwyn takes a step back. The hero stares at the princess for a minute, but she doesn’t understand. She can’t understand. Gwyn isn’t explaining anything; she’s just standing there. Just staring. Stop. Stop it. She reaches out with her hand, ignoring the prickling sensation across her skin, the way her flesh seems to crawl, the way the red moon above her drenches the scenery in a dark, dusty red, how everything is just -

Gwyn slaps her hand away.

“You’re. A burden. A h-heretic.” Aura’s expression softens as she stares at Gwyn, reduced to tears and choking sobs. It isn’t fair. She’s the one being kicked out. Why is Gwyn the one crying? That doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t make any sense. Aura dips at the waist and whistles softly. With the tips of her fingers, she pushes the corners of her lips up and beams. As Gwyn covers her eyes with one hand, Aura turns around and walks out of town.

Clutching her hair with one hand and clenching her jaw, Nyx scowls as she watches from a few paces away.