Post by General Beatrix on Jun 1, 2010 2:42:35 GMT -5
Tick…tock…tick…tock… what a strange sound to get used to, thought the knight. She was forever grateful that the General had given her a room of her own, along with some casual wear, so she didn’t have to sleep with her armor on. At the rate of the one –eyed knight’s generosity, how could she ever repay her? She rustled a little within the silk sheets of her bed, before she could not stand it anymore; she just couldn’t sleep.
The blonde haired woman sighed, as she looked about the shadows of the room before sitting up, revealing a strange sight to see. The only thing that was covering her body was an elegant, sleeveless, white-cotton gown; She looked feminine. She reached up with a slender hand to rub a little at her forehead, brushing a few of her long side bangs away from her eyes. Quietly, she turned to face the edge of the bed, and crawled out until her feet buried themselves in simple brown slippers. It is never too late, nor to early to go on a walk. The girl reached for a white robe that rested at the head of the bed, slipped it on, and went off to explore she ship once more.
A faint aroma she was able to attain, along the corridors of the Red Rose: Breakfast. What a terrific Idea! Why not bring Beatrix some breakfast? Why not even make it herself as gratitude for her kindness? The young lady smiled brightly and rushed off to the kitchen.
Beatrix awoke to the bright rays of sunshine entering her room through the great glass double doors leading from her chamber and out onto the private balcony. Two long, gilded windows sat on either side, small tables decorated with potted roses on each stood below. Her room was elegant, draped with silk, rose-colored curtains here and there, especially around her bed strung by the canopy top.
She sat up and yawned, shaking her head as she noticed she'd bent yet another of her priceless books while sleeping. She flattened the crisp pages and reached out behind her curtain and took a wilted rose off the nightstand.
Placing the flower within the book as a marker, she set it on a pillow and shifted out of her covers and let her legs drop onto the floor. She kicked around for a moment before finding and slipping on her Behemoth's fur slippers, and stood up, and walked out to the balcony, grabbing her carelessly-placed eye patch off the vanity at the room's west side.
She attached it to her face and then opened the double doors, and took in the warmth of the sun, and the comfortable cool of the morning breeze. She could hear birds chirping, and she smiled, stepping out onto the platform and leaning out over the railing.
"What a beautiful morning," she thought aloud, thinking about how this was compared to what had been going on of late.
She stretched, reaching down to touch her toes, and then back up. She looked around, back and forth, and even side to side. When no one was looking, she attempted something.
*Hop, hop...hop...hop...*
She tried to hop, arms raised, her face happier than the sun, like Agrias did whenever they defeated an enemy. It was quite ridiculous thing, but she enjoyed it, in a sick sort of way. She just continued to do this for a while, for no apparent reason.
Agrias had arrived at the doors the very moment Beatrix began to hop, holding a tray with the breakfast she had made for the General. A plate which held two poached eggs and three strips of bacon, along with triangle-sliced toast, and a small jar with strawberry and grape jelly on the side as optional choices, a tall glass of milk, and a glass filled with freshly squeezed orange juice. She stood by the doorway, eyeing the woman, a small grin pushing her rose lips upward, until she released a giggle.
“Good Morning, Lady Beatrix.” She whispered softly, moving a few paces forward until she faced the woman a bit clearer and bowed her head politely, “In good spirits I see?”
The lady stood straight now, holding the breakfast in place. There was no denying what she saw, and she LOVED it. She had a smug look now, celebrating her own victory, after many tries to share her customs and failed with Madam stubborn, catching the woman red handed celebrating a lovely morning! A lovely morning this was…
“ I was hoping to treat you to breakfast in bed, yet I see thou ‘art eager to seize the day…”she looked about, before looking again to the chestnut haired woman, “ Where do you wish to have a bite?”
Beatrix hopped, and hopped...that was, until she heard a click and then another. Agrias stood behind her under the arch of the glass doors leading to the balcony. She turned around fast, her eye set on the other woman, her cheeks as red as any rose in her cabin.
She stood up straight and took a glance at the tray. She smiled weakly and waved a hand over to a small, black iron table, decorated with roses carved and sculpted onto it, sitting out here, as well as two chairs that matched.
Thoroughly embarrassed, she turned back around, looking out to survey the area.
"I was, just...um...doing my morning jumps...and, as for breakfast, have you none yourself? We should fetch you some, don't you think? And we could eat out here..."
“Nay, I thought naught of myself,” Agrias had a soft blush, too transfixed to make it up to Beatrix, she had forgotten to make something to eat for herself. She walked further ways into the woman’s abode, and rested the tray upon the iron table, “My apologies, for I only had you in mind when I made it.”
There was a light pause, having that come out a little different than it should have. The knight simply shook her head, and went along to setting the table up, brushing away a few rose petals that had drifted to the smooth, metallic surface, “I feel you have done so much for me, Lady Beatrix, and yet I have barely done anything to recompense such kindness.“
Agrias pulled out the Victorian style chair that rested near the table for The General to take. It was a habit she acquired from her times, serving Princess Ovelia. Once done, she would reach up to push back a few locks of golden hair from her face, “An inadequate feeling on my part, I suppose.”
Beatrix had only been served like this when acting as a dignitary for Alexandria, and even servants weren't nearly as kind. She hesitantly took the seat and smiled, laying a hand briefly on Agrias' hand as she held onto the chair.
"Really, Agrias...you did not have to do this. I could arrange for one of the gourmands to fix you up a nice meal, as well, if you'd allow it."
She turned and looked once more upon her tray. "This looks so wonderful..."
“Simply enjoy, and that will be my reward, General.” She spoke softly in that British accent of hers, and bowed once more in that renaissance fashion of hers, her eyes closed, until she stood straight up. She made her way around to another chair, and rested there, eying the woman. She reached up to tighten the string that managed the tightness the white robe was upon her body, it had only gotten slightly lose.
She rested her ungloved hands upon her knees and pushed, pulling her shoulders back, until they gave a light pop. The knight resumed to relax upon the comfortable chair, “It feels quiet today, a rather soothing change of pace…”
Beatrix nodded, and did as she was told. She took a fork and knife in hand and began eating, humming her satisfaction and smiling in approval as she did so.
"This is quite lovely," said the woman. She set down her utensils and moved to close the upper-area of her robe, as it too loosened a bit and the breeze wasn't helping.
"Have a buttered biscuit and a strip of bacon, Agrias, for Heaven's sake!" Beatrix wheedled, waving the sweet in Agrias' direction. "I know these lemony ones are your favorite." She smiled.
The knight winced at the sudden orders, but couldn’t help but chuckle at the woman’s determination to have her eat something, “Alright, Lady Beatrix, as you wish!” she spoke between laughs, reaching up for the sweet lemon pastry. She enjoyed watching the general in such a pleasant mood. It was rare to have these moments of peace in their line of work.
She held the pastry in one hand, and with the other she began to pinch off small bits before inserting them in her mouth. The girl would chew quietly, closing her eyes to really enjoy the taste of flour, sugar, lime, and other ingredients that came along in the small sweet. Once the bit of happiness was swallowed, she would open her amber eyes to watch the woman enjoy the breakfast. She relished it most of all, since she had done it herself.
Beatrix was simply jovial this morning, and she was delighted that it felt as if today would stay peaceful. She took a long sip of her orange juice and then continued eating.
"Agrias, I do not know if you have ever heard the tale, but I am reading a book on the Zodiac Braves. After hearing you mumbling about zodiac stones, or something, nights ago, I slipped down into the library section of the ship and did a little digging. It was rather fascinating when I happened upon an old book. I think I should lend it to you when I am finished."
She finished her juice and half of her milk before she decided that breakfast was over. She carefully pushed the tray aside and stood up, setting her napkin over the plate, as was custom, and turned to Agrias.
"Would you care to join me in a morning run, Miss Agrias?" From time to time she would slip, going from Miss to just calling her by her first name. It was really a matter of casual time versus work. "I usually like to spend my morning exercising, and then retreating to the open privacy of the spring pool down below before going over field maneuvers with the soldiers."
She stretched again, and continued. "And I think they would benefit from two drill sergeants...since they've proven to be more than clumsy lately, and I won't have them growing sloppy, like the Knights of Plu..." She stopped, thinking back to Steiner and his happy band of buffoons. She let out a longing, happy sigh and embraced herself in the nostalgia for a moment.
“The Zodiac Braves…” The knight repeated, thinking about the troublesome stones and the quest her allies and her had to go though to retrieve them. She wondered whatever happened to them in the end, after Ultima, “I would very much enjoy that reading, thank you, Lady Beatrix.”
She watched the woman stand, and felt right if she would also remove herself from the chair, in respect. When she was offered a run, the knight smiled brightly and nodded three times, “Of course! I would love to go out on a morning run with you.” The girl grinned, an amber eye closing to form a wink, noticing the woman experiencing nostalgia, “Lest hope thou can keep up.” The woman teased, forming a little challenge on the spot, slowly making her way out the door, “The spring bellow us, you say? My, I believe where such a place is… ” she turned heel, and slowly started to speed up, feeling somewhat playful today, almost like a child again. To be honest, what sort of childhoods DID knight’s as these had?
"Oh I think not," said Beatrix cooly as Agrias made a break for it. The general, tightening her robes, took chase and caught up pretty fast, after a while.
They darted down corridors, through hallways, then narrower hallways, past open spaces on deck platforms, and even bypassed members of the crew and staff.
"I have never lost a race," she called out to Agrias, who maintained a pace equal to her own. "And I do not seek to yet!" She grinned, and bounded over a stack of crates, grabbing onto a bar overhead and leaping forth to gain a lead.
"Come on, Lady Knight!"
“Agh!” The knight gasped at the other’s cleverness. She leaped over the very crates and followed the woman’s direction, catching up to her once more. The two were faced by a pair of workers, moving a sofa-like mass, blocking their way, yet surely, they did not lose speed since there was two ways it could of gone down… or in Agrias’ case, up!
“Afraid I am, that today you have met your match, Lady Beatrix!” she giggled between breaths as she jumped up, rested her hands on the head of the structure, and twirled over, giving herself a light push with her hands before she hit the ground again, to gain extra speed. She continued to look forward, the springs only a distance visible!
"Now that was chivalrous, Lady Agrias! Disturbing the weight of the sofa those two were moving, most likely disarming and injuring them!" She grinned. "Tisk, tisk, my friend! Though, I suppose that's not something you care to remove from your conscience in favor of reaching the bridge before I!" She chuckled once more playfully and continued on, taking a broom as she passed by a flight of steps and used it to pole-vault over the gaps.
"See you at the finish line, once your guilt's subsided!"
Agrias’ conscience was clear, since she barely weight anything without her armor, “A feather doesn’t disturb your soldiers, does it??” The sofa didn’t even flinch as she made her little stunt, and it assured her that the two muscular men were alright. Something did happen along the way though, not being used to the bumps some doorways had, she tripped on one, and flailed forward, falling head first against the wooden floors, and rolling to a stop JUST outside the entrance to the springs “ARgH!” she hissed, sitting up to rub at her head, “Damn!”
The knight couldn’t help but chuckle a little at her clumsiness. Fixing her robe a little as she got up, tightening the string that had gotten nearly loose!
Beatrix continued her run, completely unaware of what happened until she heard some of her knights crowing and laughing wildly at Agrias' plight. She just about reached the door and grasped the handle, when she turned.
Seeing Agrias far back flattened to the polished mahogony, she frowned. "...Um...are you quite all right, Miss Agrias?" She then turned and ran back, kneeling down to assist.
"Of course you know that this basically is a draw, or I win, since I made it...but," she helped to lift the woman, and put her arm over her shoulder to be a support.
"Let's go, we'll sit and relax in the pool."
The knight simply smiled, looking to the others, having no shame. She had made a mistake, and it was only right for them to laugh at it. She stumbled up, but with the assistance of Beatrix, was able to retrieve her bearings, “Thank you, Lady Beatrix, though it serves me right for not watching my footing!” She sighed a little, giving the other a warm smile as they made their way to the springs, “You have bested me,” she paused, “at today’s game.” She hinted that there would be other fun races in the future.
"Aye," she said. "I have, indeed." She snickered, but stopped, feeling impolite, and led her to the Spring.
On the lowest floor of the ship sat a large pool, always room temperature or warmer, that acted either as a training pool or the ship's community bath. It emptied after each usage, went through the reworked Mist Machine that used to power airships in her world, and came back perfectly clean for the next use.
Beatrix walked up to a large, raised platform at the long end of the bath and pulled several levers and twisted certain dials. Soon, from shoots on either side, red and blue liquids bubbled out, creating a pool of violet water, and it began bubbling with soap. The whole chamber started smelling of lavender and roses. She pulled another switch and a large hum sounded. Four burners at the side of the room began roaring, and after a couple minutes the water started steaming.
"There we go," said the general, walking towards the steps leading into the shallow end, removing her robe and carelessly tossing it aside, hiding nothing from anyone else present. She glided down the stairs and into the heated water, and made her way to the deep end, until the water was just above her chest.
She began wading, and playing with the bubbles. "Come in, Lady Agrias, before the water deems it necessary to grow cold."
The Holy Swordswoman watched as the General cranked, pressed and pulled levers and dials, somewhat amazed at how advance technology had become since her time. She was perplexed when red and blue formed together to make a violet liquid, giving rise to lavender and rose smells. Agrias never admitted before to anyone, but she was a fan of Lavender, a sort of weakness to her senses. She went closer to the waters after seeing bubbles form in them and wondered what was doing that. She reached down a moment to rest a hand along the edge, feeling the sudden warmness it had acquired from the burners.
“Tis amazing, Lady Bea—“ she paused, eyes shooting wide open when the woman went past her, flung her robe aside, and stepped into the waters. The knight had acquired a dark color upon her cheeks and she looked away, never seeing… that sort of entrance to a spring before. ‘Come in, Lady Agrias, before the water deems it necessary to grow cold.’ Is what she heard, and feeling a little silly, she couldn’t help but oblige.
It must be normal of such behavior in these times, and the only thing the knight had to do was get used to it. She took a deep breath and hesitantly reached for the string that held the robes so tightly against her body, and undid it, leaving the fabric to freely trail down her shoulders, and off herself. She wrapped it up, and placed the garments and such aside nicely, before slowly making her way into the waters. Her body temperature getting used to the surrounding one emitted by the strange violet liquid.
She made her way closer to Beatrix position and rested next to her, looking down at the foaming bubbles curiously. She would hold some in her hands to examine it. Trying to keep her eyes occupied from looking elsewhere.
Beatrix lowered herself into the water to completely submerge her whole body, getting her hair wet. While under water, she ran her hands through her locks, making sure that everything was washed.
When the general resurfaced, she took clumps of bubbles and placed them on her head. She went to scrubbing herself down, washing all the uncleanliness away.
And when she saw Agrias staring at all the bubbles, she chuckled. "Alchemy's what brought these mixtures into being. It's a soap that I've manufactured. It kills germs much quicker, cleans the body right, and leaves us smelling wonderful upon exiting."
She swam over to the side of the pool, and found one of the boxes equally spaced along the sides and grabbed a bar of soap and a cloth. She returned and began cleaning her body. "It feels so lovely being clean, do you not agree?"
Agrias chuckled, the only luck her ever having was finding a quiet place away from all the men in her party back in the day, a river or a waterfall and having flowers and mint, “Indeed it is…” she whispered and underwater, her eyes closed. Her hair would flow softly within the still current, and she would remain there until out of breath. She floated up and gasped happily, reaching up to rub at her eyes.
“Alchemy seems to have gone far ways since my time...” Smiled the knight, looking over to the general with a smile, “…everything has.” The holy one seemed saddened by the fact that many things were different. She would shake her head, so the kind woman would see not her sorrow, and replaced her frown with a smile, occupying herself with watching Beatrix swim about and getting things. The knight pushed herself from the edge and began to swim about, too, enjoying the freshness and the smell of the water, giggling when she attained a whiff of lavender, “’Tis amazing, all of it.”
Beatrix watched Agrias, and wasn't even shy about looking her over once or twice. To the general, it did not really matter, being embarrassed over such trivial matters. Why, then, she wondered, was hopping and being caught so blush-inducing?
"Agrias, you are a fine swimmer, if I might be so bold. And your beautifully-crafted body is to thank for it." She smiled, and lay on her back and began swimming around again.
That compliment got the best of Agrias, since she flailed a bit and swallowed a bit of water by it. She coughed a little, turning to face Beatrix, blinking and blushing after the fact, “Ah- what?” she glanced down a little at the bubbles once more. It was rare for her t receive compliments, “I-.. I mean thank you, Lady Beatrix.”
She cleared her throat once more, and swam to the edge of the pool nearest the deeper levels. It would take the knight a bit of bravery to muster up a conversation once more, “… Forgive my awkwardness.” She mumbled, “…my ways are… antique at best.” She smiled over to her, gathering the courage to look her in the eye since being there, “ … May I ask a question, if not too bold to ask…” she leaned her back against the edge as she spoke, “ Is there someone dear to you, awaiting your return home?”
After a while, Beatrix stopped swimming, and again just waded there. She thought for a moment, and then nodded her head.
"He's either waiting, or he's moved on thinking that I died, or simply ran off and never came back. Besides, you can't keep that rusted tin can seated long enough to wait for you..."
She clapped her hands together once, and spun in a circle playfully. "But yes, to answer your question, I believe that I do.
"His name is Adelbert, and he's a lovely man, if not sometimes quite a blubbering fool."
"You know? It's rather amusing, how he and I...fell for one another, and then how I feel somewhat disconnected but can find no room to cry for simply him?"
The knight’s expression softened as she sighed softly, relaxed, listening to the other’s words, and wondered a moment on the last bit, “If it ever came… who else would you cry for?” she asked, rather curious of Beatrix’s past. She continued to smile, trying to imagine this ‘Aldebert’ of the woman’s. She wondered what completed her, “I’m rather confused by your words… to feel disconnected yet no room to cry for simply him… is there someone else?”
She had been wondering the same thing. "Well, I suppose I would cry mostly for all of Alexandria...and, of course, my queen. As a young knight, I was the princess Garnet's personal bodyguard. King Til had died--and it was later I discovered it was by the tainted Queen Brahne's hands--and Garnet had no one else. Her mother was always either away or alone, tainting due to terrible happenings within the dark halls of my castle."
She scratched her cheek and played with the bubbles some more.
"And I suppose I would cry for you. You, Agrias, have become a truly-deserving friend of late, as we have been many places now, and have watched one another's back. You even pulled me from the darkness. Though I recall little of the terrible deeds I've ordered, or have done personally, I am not brought back due to your friendship and guidance.
"There is much to cry for, but little time. Besides, everything I hold dear is safe and sound."
The knight watched her as she spoke, amber eyes trailing over the woman’s outlines before starring at her eye, a bright smile upon her face, “You are a fine knight indeed, Beatrix.” She spoke softly, “To hold your Alexandria and queen so close to thine heart. Simply remember them, for, if any reason you lose your way, they are your light. I, in no way, am able to compete with such majesty that is the love of your country and queen, and love, but know that I will be there for you, as a flicker, if anything to guide you if all else fails. ” She smiled, tilting her head back to stare at the ceiling, “ ….I would cry, too, if ever did I find you hurt, or in sorrow. Your pain would become my pain, dear friend.”
She turned her head to face the woman, growing comfortable in their surroundings, “ I would cry for you, for you are in my heart. One of my lights, if I ever lost my way.”
Beatrix pictured herself as a beacon, a literal lighthouse standing on a lone, rocky shore. She chuckled a bit and swam over to Agrias.
"Swords as one, and two women, from separate times...we are a light all our own, Lady Agrias. You and I, in ways, we are one." She grabbed the woman by the shoulders and embraced her for a moment, and just hugged her. When she was satisfied, she backed up and smiled.
"Know that wherever you are in the darkness, I shall find you and lead you back to the light."
The knight nodded confidently to the other, seeing her swim closer made her blink, “Indeed.” She whispered, holding out a hand, thinking it was to shake it, “Two knights with the same desires! Perfect pieces of a whole puzzle, only to be parted by time and space. “The knight grinned nervously when her hand was evaded and her shoulder was grabbed. Agrias gasped a little at the sudden closeness, her whole face glowing a crimson red! She forgot to breathe for those moments of their embrace. She had grown mute for several seconds, swimming in place to stare at the woman before speaking again, snapping out of it,
“For you as well, Beatrix,” for once, addressing her not out of rank, but as a friend “If ever that time comes, I promise to guide you back to the light.” She finished, smiling brightly to her.
The blonde haired woman sighed, as she looked about the shadows of the room before sitting up, revealing a strange sight to see. The only thing that was covering her body was an elegant, sleeveless, white-cotton gown; She looked feminine. She reached up with a slender hand to rub a little at her forehead, brushing a few of her long side bangs away from her eyes. Quietly, she turned to face the edge of the bed, and crawled out until her feet buried themselves in simple brown slippers. It is never too late, nor to early to go on a walk. The girl reached for a white robe that rested at the head of the bed, slipped it on, and went off to explore she ship once more.
A faint aroma she was able to attain, along the corridors of the Red Rose: Breakfast. What a terrific Idea! Why not bring Beatrix some breakfast? Why not even make it herself as gratitude for her kindness? The young lady smiled brightly and rushed off to the kitchen.
Beatrix awoke to the bright rays of sunshine entering her room through the great glass double doors leading from her chamber and out onto the private balcony. Two long, gilded windows sat on either side, small tables decorated with potted roses on each stood below. Her room was elegant, draped with silk, rose-colored curtains here and there, especially around her bed strung by the canopy top.
She sat up and yawned, shaking her head as she noticed she'd bent yet another of her priceless books while sleeping. She flattened the crisp pages and reached out behind her curtain and took a wilted rose off the nightstand.
Placing the flower within the book as a marker, she set it on a pillow and shifted out of her covers and let her legs drop onto the floor. She kicked around for a moment before finding and slipping on her Behemoth's fur slippers, and stood up, and walked out to the balcony, grabbing her carelessly-placed eye patch off the vanity at the room's west side.
She attached it to her face and then opened the double doors, and took in the warmth of the sun, and the comfortable cool of the morning breeze. She could hear birds chirping, and she smiled, stepping out onto the platform and leaning out over the railing.
"What a beautiful morning," she thought aloud, thinking about how this was compared to what had been going on of late.
She stretched, reaching down to touch her toes, and then back up. She looked around, back and forth, and even side to side. When no one was looking, she attempted something.
*Hop, hop...hop...hop...*
She tried to hop, arms raised, her face happier than the sun, like Agrias did whenever they defeated an enemy. It was quite ridiculous thing, but she enjoyed it, in a sick sort of way. She just continued to do this for a while, for no apparent reason.
Agrias had arrived at the doors the very moment Beatrix began to hop, holding a tray with the breakfast she had made for the General. A plate which held two poached eggs and three strips of bacon, along with triangle-sliced toast, and a small jar with strawberry and grape jelly on the side as optional choices, a tall glass of milk, and a glass filled with freshly squeezed orange juice. She stood by the doorway, eyeing the woman, a small grin pushing her rose lips upward, until she released a giggle.
“Good Morning, Lady Beatrix.” She whispered softly, moving a few paces forward until she faced the woman a bit clearer and bowed her head politely, “In good spirits I see?”
The lady stood straight now, holding the breakfast in place. There was no denying what she saw, and she LOVED it. She had a smug look now, celebrating her own victory, after many tries to share her customs and failed with Madam stubborn, catching the woman red handed celebrating a lovely morning! A lovely morning this was…
“ I was hoping to treat you to breakfast in bed, yet I see thou ‘art eager to seize the day…”she looked about, before looking again to the chestnut haired woman, “ Where do you wish to have a bite?”
Beatrix hopped, and hopped...that was, until she heard a click and then another. Agrias stood behind her under the arch of the glass doors leading to the balcony. She turned around fast, her eye set on the other woman, her cheeks as red as any rose in her cabin.
She stood up straight and took a glance at the tray. She smiled weakly and waved a hand over to a small, black iron table, decorated with roses carved and sculpted onto it, sitting out here, as well as two chairs that matched.
Thoroughly embarrassed, she turned back around, looking out to survey the area.
"I was, just...um...doing my morning jumps...and, as for breakfast, have you none yourself? We should fetch you some, don't you think? And we could eat out here..."
“Nay, I thought naught of myself,” Agrias had a soft blush, too transfixed to make it up to Beatrix, she had forgotten to make something to eat for herself. She walked further ways into the woman’s abode, and rested the tray upon the iron table, “My apologies, for I only had you in mind when I made it.”
There was a light pause, having that come out a little different than it should have. The knight simply shook her head, and went along to setting the table up, brushing away a few rose petals that had drifted to the smooth, metallic surface, “I feel you have done so much for me, Lady Beatrix, and yet I have barely done anything to recompense such kindness.“
Agrias pulled out the Victorian style chair that rested near the table for The General to take. It was a habit she acquired from her times, serving Princess Ovelia. Once done, she would reach up to push back a few locks of golden hair from her face, “An inadequate feeling on my part, I suppose.”
Beatrix had only been served like this when acting as a dignitary for Alexandria, and even servants weren't nearly as kind. She hesitantly took the seat and smiled, laying a hand briefly on Agrias' hand as she held onto the chair.
"Really, Agrias...you did not have to do this. I could arrange for one of the gourmands to fix you up a nice meal, as well, if you'd allow it."
She turned and looked once more upon her tray. "This looks so wonderful..."
“Simply enjoy, and that will be my reward, General.” She spoke softly in that British accent of hers, and bowed once more in that renaissance fashion of hers, her eyes closed, until she stood straight up. She made her way around to another chair, and rested there, eying the woman. She reached up to tighten the string that managed the tightness the white robe was upon her body, it had only gotten slightly lose.
She rested her ungloved hands upon her knees and pushed, pulling her shoulders back, until they gave a light pop. The knight resumed to relax upon the comfortable chair, “It feels quiet today, a rather soothing change of pace…”
Beatrix nodded, and did as she was told. She took a fork and knife in hand and began eating, humming her satisfaction and smiling in approval as she did so.
"This is quite lovely," said the woman. She set down her utensils and moved to close the upper-area of her robe, as it too loosened a bit and the breeze wasn't helping.
"Have a buttered biscuit and a strip of bacon, Agrias, for Heaven's sake!" Beatrix wheedled, waving the sweet in Agrias' direction. "I know these lemony ones are your favorite." She smiled.
The knight winced at the sudden orders, but couldn’t help but chuckle at the woman’s determination to have her eat something, “Alright, Lady Beatrix, as you wish!” she spoke between laughs, reaching up for the sweet lemon pastry. She enjoyed watching the general in such a pleasant mood. It was rare to have these moments of peace in their line of work.
She held the pastry in one hand, and with the other she began to pinch off small bits before inserting them in her mouth. The girl would chew quietly, closing her eyes to really enjoy the taste of flour, sugar, lime, and other ingredients that came along in the small sweet. Once the bit of happiness was swallowed, she would open her amber eyes to watch the woman enjoy the breakfast. She relished it most of all, since she had done it herself.
Beatrix was simply jovial this morning, and she was delighted that it felt as if today would stay peaceful. She took a long sip of her orange juice and then continued eating.
"Agrias, I do not know if you have ever heard the tale, but I am reading a book on the Zodiac Braves. After hearing you mumbling about zodiac stones, or something, nights ago, I slipped down into the library section of the ship and did a little digging. It was rather fascinating when I happened upon an old book. I think I should lend it to you when I am finished."
She finished her juice and half of her milk before she decided that breakfast was over. She carefully pushed the tray aside and stood up, setting her napkin over the plate, as was custom, and turned to Agrias.
"Would you care to join me in a morning run, Miss Agrias?" From time to time she would slip, going from Miss to just calling her by her first name. It was really a matter of casual time versus work. "I usually like to spend my morning exercising, and then retreating to the open privacy of the spring pool down below before going over field maneuvers with the soldiers."
She stretched again, and continued. "And I think they would benefit from two drill sergeants...since they've proven to be more than clumsy lately, and I won't have them growing sloppy, like the Knights of Plu..." She stopped, thinking back to Steiner and his happy band of buffoons. She let out a longing, happy sigh and embraced herself in the nostalgia for a moment.
“The Zodiac Braves…” The knight repeated, thinking about the troublesome stones and the quest her allies and her had to go though to retrieve them. She wondered whatever happened to them in the end, after Ultima, “I would very much enjoy that reading, thank you, Lady Beatrix.”
She watched the woman stand, and felt right if she would also remove herself from the chair, in respect. When she was offered a run, the knight smiled brightly and nodded three times, “Of course! I would love to go out on a morning run with you.” The girl grinned, an amber eye closing to form a wink, noticing the woman experiencing nostalgia, “Lest hope thou can keep up.” The woman teased, forming a little challenge on the spot, slowly making her way out the door, “The spring bellow us, you say? My, I believe where such a place is… ” she turned heel, and slowly started to speed up, feeling somewhat playful today, almost like a child again. To be honest, what sort of childhoods DID knight’s as these had?
"Oh I think not," said Beatrix cooly as Agrias made a break for it. The general, tightening her robes, took chase and caught up pretty fast, after a while.
They darted down corridors, through hallways, then narrower hallways, past open spaces on deck platforms, and even bypassed members of the crew and staff.
"I have never lost a race," she called out to Agrias, who maintained a pace equal to her own. "And I do not seek to yet!" She grinned, and bounded over a stack of crates, grabbing onto a bar overhead and leaping forth to gain a lead.
"Come on, Lady Knight!"
“Agh!” The knight gasped at the other’s cleverness. She leaped over the very crates and followed the woman’s direction, catching up to her once more. The two were faced by a pair of workers, moving a sofa-like mass, blocking their way, yet surely, they did not lose speed since there was two ways it could of gone down… or in Agrias’ case, up!
“Afraid I am, that today you have met your match, Lady Beatrix!” she giggled between breaths as she jumped up, rested her hands on the head of the structure, and twirled over, giving herself a light push with her hands before she hit the ground again, to gain extra speed. She continued to look forward, the springs only a distance visible!
"Now that was chivalrous, Lady Agrias! Disturbing the weight of the sofa those two were moving, most likely disarming and injuring them!" She grinned. "Tisk, tisk, my friend! Though, I suppose that's not something you care to remove from your conscience in favor of reaching the bridge before I!" She chuckled once more playfully and continued on, taking a broom as she passed by a flight of steps and used it to pole-vault over the gaps.
"See you at the finish line, once your guilt's subsided!"
Agrias’ conscience was clear, since she barely weight anything without her armor, “A feather doesn’t disturb your soldiers, does it??” The sofa didn’t even flinch as she made her little stunt, and it assured her that the two muscular men were alright. Something did happen along the way though, not being used to the bumps some doorways had, she tripped on one, and flailed forward, falling head first against the wooden floors, and rolling to a stop JUST outside the entrance to the springs “ARgH!” she hissed, sitting up to rub at her head, “Damn!”
The knight couldn’t help but chuckle a little at her clumsiness. Fixing her robe a little as she got up, tightening the string that had gotten nearly loose!
Beatrix continued her run, completely unaware of what happened until she heard some of her knights crowing and laughing wildly at Agrias' plight. She just about reached the door and grasped the handle, when she turned.
Seeing Agrias far back flattened to the polished mahogony, she frowned. "...Um...are you quite all right, Miss Agrias?" She then turned and ran back, kneeling down to assist.
"Of course you know that this basically is a draw, or I win, since I made it...but," she helped to lift the woman, and put her arm over her shoulder to be a support.
"Let's go, we'll sit and relax in the pool."
The knight simply smiled, looking to the others, having no shame. She had made a mistake, and it was only right for them to laugh at it. She stumbled up, but with the assistance of Beatrix, was able to retrieve her bearings, “Thank you, Lady Beatrix, though it serves me right for not watching my footing!” She sighed a little, giving the other a warm smile as they made their way to the springs, “You have bested me,” she paused, “at today’s game.” She hinted that there would be other fun races in the future.
"Aye," she said. "I have, indeed." She snickered, but stopped, feeling impolite, and led her to the Spring.
On the lowest floor of the ship sat a large pool, always room temperature or warmer, that acted either as a training pool or the ship's community bath. It emptied after each usage, went through the reworked Mist Machine that used to power airships in her world, and came back perfectly clean for the next use.
Beatrix walked up to a large, raised platform at the long end of the bath and pulled several levers and twisted certain dials. Soon, from shoots on either side, red and blue liquids bubbled out, creating a pool of violet water, and it began bubbling with soap. The whole chamber started smelling of lavender and roses. She pulled another switch and a large hum sounded. Four burners at the side of the room began roaring, and after a couple minutes the water started steaming.
"There we go," said the general, walking towards the steps leading into the shallow end, removing her robe and carelessly tossing it aside, hiding nothing from anyone else present. She glided down the stairs and into the heated water, and made her way to the deep end, until the water was just above her chest.
She began wading, and playing with the bubbles. "Come in, Lady Agrias, before the water deems it necessary to grow cold."
The Holy Swordswoman watched as the General cranked, pressed and pulled levers and dials, somewhat amazed at how advance technology had become since her time. She was perplexed when red and blue formed together to make a violet liquid, giving rise to lavender and rose smells. Agrias never admitted before to anyone, but she was a fan of Lavender, a sort of weakness to her senses. She went closer to the waters after seeing bubbles form in them and wondered what was doing that. She reached down a moment to rest a hand along the edge, feeling the sudden warmness it had acquired from the burners.
“Tis amazing, Lady Bea—“ she paused, eyes shooting wide open when the woman went past her, flung her robe aside, and stepped into the waters. The knight had acquired a dark color upon her cheeks and she looked away, never seeing… that sort of entrance to a spring before. ‘Come in, Lady Agrias, before the water deems it necessary to grow cold.’ Is what she heard, and feeling a little silly, she couldn’t help but oblige.
It must be normal of such behavior in these times, and the only thing the knight had to do was get used to it. She took a deep breath and hesitantly reached for the string that held the robes so tightly against her body, and undid it, leaving the fabric to freely trail down her shoulders, and off herself. She wrapped it up, and placed the garments and such aside nicely, before slowly making her way into the waters. Her body temperature getting used to the surrounding one emitted by the strange violet liquid.
She made her way closer to Beatrix position and rested next to her, looking down at the foaming bubbles curiously. She would hold some in her hands to examine it. Trying to keep her eyes occupied from looking elsewhere.
Beatrix lowered herself into the water to completely submerge her whole body, getting her hair wet. While under water, she ran her hands through her locks, making sure that everything was washed.
When the general resurfaced, she took clumps of bubbles and placed them on her head. She went to scrubbing herself down, washing all the uncleanliness away.
And when she saw Agrias staring at all the bubbles, she chuckled. "Alchemy's what brought these mixtures into being. It's a soap that I've manufactured. It kills germs much quicker, cleans the body right, and leaves us smelling wonderful upon exiting."
She swam over to the side of the pool, and found one of the boxes equally spaced along the sides and grabbed a bar of soap and a cloth. She returned and began cleaning her body. "It feels so lovely being clean, do you not agree?"
Agrias chuckled, the only luck her ever having was finding a quiet place away from all the men in her party back in the day, a river or a waterfall and having flowers and mint, “Indeed it is…” she whispered and underwater, her eyes closed. Her hair would flow softly within the still current, and she would remain there until out of breath. She floated up and gasped happily, reaching up to rub at her eyes.
“Alchemy seems to have gone far ways since my time...” Smiled the knight, looking over to the general with a smile, “…everything has.” The holy one seemed saddened by the fact that many things were different. She would shake her head, so the kind woman would see not her sorrow, and replaced her frown with a smile, occupying herself with watching Beatrix swim about and getting things. The knight pushed herself from the edge and began to swim about, too, enjoying the freshness and the smell of the water, giggling when she attained a whiff of lavender, “’Tis amazing, all of it.”
Beatrix watched Agrias, and wasn't even shy about looking her over once or twice. To the general, it did not really matter, being embarrassed over such trivial matters. Why, then, she wondered, was hopping and being caught so blush-inducing?
"Agrias, you are a fine swimmer, if I might be so bold. And your beautifully-crafted body is to thank for it." She smiled, and lay on her back and began swimming around again.
That compliment got the best of Agrias, since she flailed a bit and swallowed a bit of water by it. She coughed a little, turning to face Beatrix, blinking and blushing after the fact, “Ah- what?” she glanced down a little at the bubbles once more. It was rare for her t receive compliments, “I-.. I mean thank you, Lady Beatrix.”
She cleared her throat once more, and swam to the edge of the pool nearest the deeper levels. It would take the knight a bit of bravery to muster up a conversation once more, “… Forgive my awkwardness.” She mumbled, “…my ways are… antique at best.” She smiled over to her, gathering the courage to look her in the eye since being there, “ … May I ask a question, if not too bold to ask…” she leaned her back against the edge as she spoke, “ Is there someone dear to you, awaiting your return home?”
After a while, Beatrix stopped swimming, and again just waded there. She thought for a moment, and then nodded her head.
"He's either waiting, or he's moved on thinking that I died, or simply ran off and never came back. Besides, you can't keep that rusted tin can seated long enough to wait for you..."
She clapped her hands together once, and spun in a circle playfully. "But yes, to answer your question, I believe that I do.
"His name is Adelbert, and he's a lovely man, if not sometimes quite a blubbering fool."
"You know? It's rather amusing, how he and I...fell for one another, and then how I feel somewhat disconnected but can find no room to cry for simply him?"
The knight’s expression softened as she sighed softly, relaxed, listening to the other’s words, and wondered a moment on the last bit, “If it ever came… who else would you cry for?” she asked, rather curious of Beatrix’s past. She continued to smile, trying to imagine this ‘Aldebert’ of the woman’s. She wondered what completed her, “I’m rather confused by your words… to feel disconnected yet no room to cry for simply him… is there someone else?”
She had been wondering the same thing. "Well, I suppose I would cry mostly for all of Alexandria...and, of course, my queen. As a young knight, I was the princess Garnet's personal bodyguard. King Til had died--and it was later I discovered it was by the tainted Queen Brahne's hands--and Garnet had no one else. Her mother was always either away or alone, tainting due to terrible happenings within the dark halls of my castle."
She scratched her cheek and played with the bubbles some more.
"And I suppose I would cry for you. You, Agrias, have become a truly-deserving friend of late, as we have been many places now, and have watched one another's back. You even pulled me from the darkness. Though I recall little of the terrible deeds I've ordered, or have done personally, I am not brought back due to your friendship and guidance.
"There is much to cry for, but little time. Besides, everything I hold dear is safe and sound."
The knight watched her as she spoke, amber eyes trailing over the woman’s outlines before starring at her eye, a bright smile upon her face, “You are a fine knight indeed, Beatrix.” She spoke softly, “To hold your Alexandria and queen so close to thine heart. Simply remember them, for, if any reason you lose your way, they are your light. I, in no way, am able to compete with such majesty that is the love of your country and queen, and love, but know that I will be there for you, as a flicker, if anything to guide you if all else fails. ” She smiled, tilting her head back to stare at the ceiling, “ ….I would cry, too, if ever did I find you hurt, or in sorrow. Your pain would become my pain, dear friend.”
She turned her head to face the woman, growing comfortable in their surroundings, “ I would cry for you, for you are in my heart. One of my lights, if I ever lost my way.”
Beatrix pictured herself as a beacon, a literal lighthouse standing on a lone, rocky shore. She chuckled a bit and swam over to Agrias.
"Swords as one, and two women, from separate times...we are a light all our own, Lady Agrias. You and I, in ways, we are one." She grabbed the woman by the shoulders and embraced her for a moment, and just hugged her. When she was satisfied, she backed up and smiled.
"Know that wherever you are in the darkness, I shall find you and lead you back to the light."
The knight nodded confidently to the other, seeing her swim closer made her blink, “Indeed.” She whispered, holding out a hand, thinking it was to shake it, “Two knights with the same desires! Perfect pieces of a whole puzzle, only to be parted by time and space. “The knight grinned nervously when her hand was evaded and her shoulder was grabbed. Agrias gasped a little at the sudden closeness, her whole face glowing a crimson red! She forgot to breathe for those moments of their embrace. She had grown mute for several seconds, swimming in place to stare at the woman before speaking again, snapping out of it,
“For you as well, Beatrix,” for once, addressing her not out of rank, but as a friend “If ever that time comes, I promise to guide you back to the light.” She finished, smiling brightly to her.