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Once upon a time, Ygraine traveled to Zena as an apprentice to a well connected merchant, and met the loneliest boy in the world. A boy with bright, intelligent eyes that pierced into her, and behind his gentle way of speaking and impeccable manners he was filled with brimming curiosity. Their first conversation was a flurry of questions, of a stifled mind trying so badly to learn more about the world...

Perhaps Asa shouldn't have left any sort of impression on her. Maybe if Ygraine had moved on to the next town and continued her trade, that would have been the end of it; two souls crossing briefly, and then moving on towards the rest of their lives. But that wasn't the case. They met again, a few weeks later in what would be one of the worst nights of her life - and there, amidst a den of vipers, that sweet, lonely young man held her hand and potentially ruined his social standing, just to be kind.

The capital in Zena was a place Ygraine hadn't visited in years. She'd come to make her apologies to the mentor she had abandoned - and the meeting had been... tense. The woman, as close to her as a grandmother once, was still kind hearted and good but had been forced to retire from her business after the scandal of that night. She came from an old, noble family though - and while her disposable income had suffered, she and her wife still lived comfortably enough. Much more fine living than what Ygraine and her family had lived, for sure.

'There's nothing you need to atone for, dear.' Xansa had demurred, patting her hand. 'I am older now, and not interested in the cut throat of that crowd. I am content to leave that to the younger generation.'

It was through catching up with her mentor that Ygraine heard about the boy - Asa. Now a young man, the same age as she was, he was set to marry within just a few weeks. Asa was alive and... apparently about as well as could be expected. The gossip was that he wasn't long for this world - for the past few years, since that party, he had been kept inside, apparently too weak to see anyone. Of course, Xansa had added with a coy look, not many potential wives stepped forward after he quit a party to meet potential brides in order to run about, unchaperoned, with a hybrid wench. Great. So... that night she'd definitely ruined his life. ...Wonderful.

About a week into her stay in the capital, there was a grand party at that old manse... another of those affairs where people would likely be milling about, stabbing one another in the back under the guise of socializing. Ygraine had no reason to go, of course, and even if she showed up at the door she'd be laughed out... but that didn't stop her from hovering along the edge of the estate, gazing up at the grand old building and wondering how that boy was doing... if he was happy with his new wife-to-be. If he was sick in bed, unable to move... his curiosity rotting away behind closed doors...

It was possibly a good quarter hour into hovering about, like the heartsick, creepy little mutt she was that an old woman strode out from the side gate of the estate - dressed just as richly as any of the people who were meant to be there, gesturing at Ygraine sharply with all the impatience of a noblewoman. The girl tensed and briefly debated fleeing - but the old woman's increasingly demanding gesturing finally lured the girl over, head ducked guiltily, certain she would be told off for loitering where she was most definitely not wanted. "Honored elder, I apologize, I will not linger a moment longer--"

"I should hope not! You've left Master Asa on his own a far too long, in my opinion- what are you waiting for? Go through this door, up the side stairs, his room is the second door along the hall-"

Ygraine jolted back a step, wide-eyed. "I ... excuse me? Ah-- no. Ma'am, you are mistaken, I'm...I'm not his bride or even a servant here, I don't-- I can't break into his home!"

The look the woman leveled at her was sharp enough to flay her alive, and Ygraine once again grimaced under its potent stare. "Well gods, do you think anyone could mistake you for that girl? Gracious, child-- the things that boy has been through! Locked in his rooms - utterly starved, and mistreated - no, girl, you get in there and fix what you've started." The old woman nodded once, then aggressively nudged Ygraine forward - repeating the directions up to his rooms.

And... this was a horrible idea, some sort of set up for sure - but her own longing that had led her to pine outside his window, combined with the suggestion he was mistreated spurred her onward. Ygraine hunched to make herself as small as possible and entered through the side door - leading to a narrow set of rooms and stairs that were clearly the same servants' halls that Asa had showed her years ago. She trailed up the dark steps, wincing at every creak and groan of the wood - then emerged in a narrow hall. The door that the woman referenced looked to spill out into a shallow room, the air almost overpoweringly thick with fragrant salts and potpourri's hanging below newly washed clothes. A closet, of sorts - with a narrow door that led into what would be Asa's room - if the woman was to be believed, and there wasn't really Asa's father on the other side, ready to stab her for the shame she'd brought to the family.

Exhaling tensely, Ygraine hesitated- then rapped her knuckles just barely against the wood.

The rapping of her knuckles on wood echoed overly loud through the tiny space she occupied, and at first Ygraine wondered if there was anyone on the other side to even hear it. There was no reply, and Ygraine immediately dropped her hand to curl it against her stomach, trying to quell the queasy knot of discomfort furling there. Dare she even try again? If Asa wasn't inside, her noises might attract undue attention, and for all she knew an actual servant may come bustling up behind her at any moment. Finally though, just as she began to truly question her sanity in listening to some strange old woman, she heard the steady sound of footsteps from the other side of the door, ringing out until they stopped just on the other side; until, finally, the door was tugged open.

Asa looked... well, sick. Definitely sick, as he had the first time they met. But he was a sight for sore eyes - two years older, still petite and pale, even for a Zenan. His hair was a bit longer in places, his eyes still such a pretty pale yellow, but he looked more mature, handsome and more like an adult than when they'd last seen each other. For a moment, she was stunned into silence just seeing him, alive and well after she'd feared for him for so long.

He looked so stunned, but before she could even wonder whether or not he'd even remember her - he was saying her name. His voice was lower now, still soft and sophisticated, accented like the little nobleman he was. But older. Different. She was so overwhelmed with relief that he even recognized her that she barely noticed he had backed away from her until he overcame his shock and began to speak again, and even stepped closer to her - his hand gesticulating as if he wanted her to turn around and go back the way she had come. She couldn't suppress the instant pout that twisted her lips, but she spread her arms and braced a hand in the door frame before he could pass her, unintentionally exaggerating her height - which Asa noticed.

Because... then he was smiling... his eyes crinkling just a bit as he laughed, gazing up at her with wonder. And thank the gods for that, because if he had continued to insist on her leaving she would start to think he didn't want her to be here--

Ygraine smiled finally, tilting her head down, silver curls falling into her face and over her shoulders, where they'd been cut since they'd last seen one another. Before, they'd been tied back and restrained - now, only a single accessory held back the wildest of locks, leaving the rest to fall as they wanted, artfully disheveled. "You have too, for what it's worth. It's good to see you again, little lord." She giggled softly, then paused, her expression going serious once more.

"There was an old woman who urged me to come see you. I... you must have just a few minutes, Asa, just a few minutes and I'll be satisfied and leave you alone if that's what you wish. I know what just a few minutes cost you before..." She trailed off, then heaved in a deep breath, "But- please. I promise I won't cause you any more trouble. Are you alright? Are you being harmed?"

Oona? Right - the old woman. It was a relief that he recognized her, because for a moment there, with how surprised he was, Ygraine had wondered if she was some old spirit luring (or guiding?) her into trouble. The larger girl breathed out a sigh, nodding in understanding, though the reference to his illness made her pressed her lips together with concern. He looked well - at least, at first glance. But then again, Asa had always carried exhaustion like a well worn shroud - tiredness, in the times she'd seen him, seemed a foregone conclusion. Here she was, only adding to his stress, and yet...

When pressed, he said he didn't want her to go. But he didn't deny there being some cost to her presence here. The 'risk'... of him being caught again? Of being punished, somehow? Ygraine couldn't quite understand how he could say so easily that he was unharmed and that she mustn't worry, when he also spoke of 'risks'. Still, it was some relief that he was looking her in the eyes and saying so honestly that he was unhurt; but it still didn't alleviate all of her worries. All of the reasons she had for coming here to see him, the selfish longing and whimsy of a young girl who just wanted--

And then someone was hammering on the door. Ygraine's eyes shot wide - a reaction much the same as Asa's, despite the differences in their biology, both of their heads swiveling to the door. Something sharpened in Asa's face, something that she couldn't quite put her finger on, but he gestured quickly to a divider just a few paces away. She wanted to argue - to open her mouth and insist he come with her, to take this chance to flee - but even she knew that such a thing was foolish, to put him on the spot when there were only mere seconds to make a decision. She closed her mouth and gave him a look that she hope adequately conveyed her longing, then moved to comply. Despite her size, Ygraine had trained in her childhood alongside her baba, and an Alkidike huntress, and so her footsteps were nearly silent as she obeyed his motion and reached the relative safety of the screen. For good measure, she dropped into a squat, making herself as small as she could to reduce the chance of being seen, silhouetted or not by the dim lighting.

What would happen now? Would the man leave, satisfied that he had passed along his message? Or would he loiter behind the door, or come in to physically take Asa down himself?

I'm as whole as I've ever been, Asa had said. And yet, only moments later, as a man who Ygraine had to presume was his father stepped into the room (invisible to her through the screen, but whose presence made the room go two degrees colder) she realized that Asa had shrunk into himself. Anger bubbled off his words, a hiss like a snake through closed teeth. It appalled her that Asa was here, looking so pale and shadowed and like a brisk wind would knock him off his feet, and yet the man was furious that he hadn't come down yet. Ygraine had come to think that the way Asa spoke to her was prim, polite and soft spoken because he was a proper little lord and, despite everything, he viewed her as a lady. But he spoke in that same soft tone with his own father. If anything, it was even more withdrawn, as if he expected the words to be shoved back down his throat within moments.

How could he hear of his child's health problems, and still be so concerned for this party? Ygraine was horrified, and yet Asa's tone was as dejected and polite as it always was. Soon enough, the man was gone - the very foundations of the room shuddering under the force of the door slamming, and as Ygraine slowly straightened back up to stand, she could see the way Asa's shoulders drooped as if under the force of his father's disapproval, his face bowed into his hands. Yet again, she had delayed him and caused him to get into trouble... and yet, this time, she felt fury building inside her. That anyone could treat Asa like this.

Ygraine picked her way out from behind the screen and moved so she was standing infront of him - then, though she feared that Asa would simply brush her hands away, she reached to gingerly take his hands. "Asa... a father should never speak to his son that way. You're more important than... some 'job' or marriage--" Ygraine heaved in a deep breath, then squeezed his hands. "Come away with me! I can ask Miss Oona to write down what you need for your lungs, and my brother- he is studying to be a healer, he may be able to help keep you healthy too-- you don't have to stay here! You don't deserve such disregard and cruelty, you're--"

She breathed in, then ducked her head, trying to peek at his face. "You did everything for me when I needed a friend. I would do the same for you, now."

Ygraine briefly felt the urge to just hold on to him so he couldn't pull away; but she gave in and let him. For just a brief moment he looked almost like he was reaching for her again, but then he closed himself off, emotionally and physically, looking away from her. But even his justifications felt hollow and painfully bleak. From what she'd seen of his parents, she could fully believe that they had said such things to him - that he was 'born' for this purpose. Soon enough Asa was backing away, and Ygraine's chest tugged painfully as he put distance between them - as if repulsed by the very suggestion. And yet-- stubbornly, she continued. She'd already left him once, and wondered if he would even live until she saw him again - this wasn't the sort of case where she could hold her tongue for a 'better moment'.

If he married this woman, there was no way she would ever see him again - their social lives didn't allow for it. So, she would say her piece, and let him decide. Perhaps it was selfish, but Ygraine couldn't let herself regret not saying these things while she had the chance.

"I mean what I said." Ygraine reaffirmed, confidently. She briefly turned her head as if to look at the items Asa had gestured to, but finally she faced him again, giving him her undivided attention.

Finally though - he pulled back so far that he almost crumpled onto his bed.

"Yes... you have a very nice space." She conceded, softly, carefully moving to kneel beside the bed. Due to her height, even then she only had to look up a small bit to gaze at his face. "I don't know enough about the politics of all this to say you're wrong. You're smarter than me when it comes to all that - the merchant life didn't agree with me, after all. But the last I checked, the workmen in the warehouses and tool yards don't stop to consider the legitimacy of their sponsors' heirs." She smiled, then shook her head, curls falling into her eyes at the motion. "But outside those doors, the world is a lot bigger than a family name and legacy. Maybe it's naive of me - I've never had the weight of an estate on my shoulders but..." She ducked her head a bit, smoothing her hand over where he skirt draped over her knees. "You looked more free and happy shivering outside under a tree than you did at that gala years ago, or tonight in your rich robes. And... you're a kind man. I think that if you marry this girl, and you have your own little lord and lady next season, and they were weak of lung - you'd love and cherish them and give them every single sunny day their little face could see. Would they?"

(5/10)

For a moment, Asa looked like he might start coughing, or ask her to leave. But she carried on stubbornly, her eyes softening somewhat when he deigned to respond to her. And... how could him so easily saying that he would love and cherish his child, if he had one, make her feel so proud and happy for him? She'd expected him to insist that he'd been a bother somehow on his parents, or to try and justify his treatment again - but all he conceded was that he would still expect certain things of his child, either way.

But... then he continued, and Ygraine blinked, leaning back a bit to give him space to think. Her eyebrows shot up though when he actually admitted the truth - her mouth dropping open somewhat. " Wait... Holo? That beastly man I danced with at the gala?" She asked. Even now she remembered his warnings to leave Asa alone, the venom in his tone and his utter disregard for the man he had been 'hired' to escort for the evening. It would seem that he'd gained a permanent place in Asa's halls; and now, the suggestion that he was somehow intimate with Asa's bride to be...

Ygraine puffed up at the notion, furious that he would insidiously insert himself when, even a few years ago, he'd chided her for being 'cruel' and 'distracting' to Asa--

But. She inhaled sharply, calming herself, but smirked back at that free, mischievous little look that stole across her friend's face. Then... he was actually humoring her. Compared to how horrified he had seemed only minutes ago, this was ... breathtaking. She couldn't help but feel excitement and hope, and she once again leaned forward, a hand resting against the bed, but not touching Asa - who had so clearly shied from her touch, so far. "Well... my papa's only talents for a long while, so I have heard, were dancing and sowing his seeds throughout the land... until he learned swordplay. And yet he has always seemed happy." Well... excluding the hatred and pain he got for being a hybrid, but that was here or there.

"We could travel. Or... we could find a nice settlement to stay at until you build your strength. ... My baba built a cottage when I was little - it's gone now, but I could see myself living in a little place again, if I had to. We could go to Oba, where it's warm - or cross the sea to Belrea and see if there are treatments there that could help you."

Oh wow... Ygraine grimaced at the confirmation, unable to imagine that Asa was put in such a position. Not only that, but the certainty he had in 'passing away' was just as fierce as it had been two years ago. How often did these people casually talk about his death? It broke her heart. At least Asa was being honest with her in how frustrated he was... it was gratifying that he trusted her this much. Or, he was simply at his wits end.

But then his expression shifted to horror when she spoke about Callum, and immediately she huffed out an apologetic laugh, smiling at him, completely unaffected by his disbelief. "No, you're alright, Asa. He's definitely interesting... but he gets by. Out on the road, you don't always have to be 'useful'; sometimes people are just happy to have your company. ... I'd be happy to have your company." She cleared her throat, once again smoothing her hands over her skirt.

After admitting her plans, she'd almost expected this little flight into fancy to end. For Asa to smile and concede that it was all a dream. .... But no. He was continuing... saying he wanted to see the ocean. The airships. But then he mentioned the thin air and her mouth opened in surprise, making a soft noise of discovery. "Ahh- you're right! That would be a risk! But then I'm sure there would be healers from the other side who could look at you... and Matori, where the ships are, is by the ocean - we would have to cover you in hats so you don't burn...!" She giggled softly, then finally braved the distance, reaching to very gently take his hand.

"... I know it's a risk. Your health is... fragile. You know more about your condition than I do ... but you deserve at least a bit of sun, Asa, especially if people are going to treat you so coldly while you're here. You're more precious than that."

He let her! Ygraine breathed out in quiet surprise, but rewarded his trust with a brilliant smile, her eyes crinkling under the force of her joy. She gripped his hand just a bit tighter - still loose enough that he could pull away. "Oh, of course I would!" She cooed, then let out a soft, subdued laugh, remembering that she was here in secret, after all. She gently pet his hand with her thumb, gazing at him warmly. "And you're right - silly me. I'm closer to the sun, after all." Ygraine added with a mischievous wink.

For a moment, the two fell into a comfortable silence, just looking at one another. She could almost see him thinking, his pretty face furrowed. But... the last thing she expected was for him to ask about his family. She sobered up somewhat, ducking her head for a moment to break their eye contact and consider his question, seriously. "My family... wasn't perfect. Sometimes my parents were too ...forgiving, they let me run amok when I was little. But we did things together, you know? My papa taught me to dance... my baba made all sorts of accessories with me. We traveled together and made food together, and... I..." Ygraine took a deep, shaking breath, shaking herself, then finally tilted her head back up towards Asa.

"I know that people show their love in different ways. Maybe... maybe they shielded their hearts because they knew you were sick. And... your father speaking like that is the only way he knows how to cope with it." She squeezed his hand, then carefully dared to thread their fingers together, "But lets be honest. You're here, considering running away from everything you know with a girl you barely know. You already feel you're being replaced by beastly man- do you think you could go down there, and tell your parents 'I'm upset, I just need my parents to hold me right now.' and that they would do it?"

(8/10)