ULRIC

Coming here hadn’t really been something Ulric wanted, at least, not entirely. Oh, sure, he wanted to; for all his straight-faced patrols and unyielding loyalty toward Delumine and assuring her defenses were at their peak, the Warden enjoyed having fun, and knew how to have a good time if given the opportunity.
 
Opportunity wasn’t what had brought him here, but rather a demand spoken by Somnus himself. They had bickered in a way that most would do with their best friend, though this had been fueled by considerable worry from Ulric about the safety of their home during their absence. What another fire were to somehow start and destroy what remained of their forests, their food and other resources? What if they were attacked and overthrown, someone were harmed or worse, what if someone needed him?
 
In the end, however, he had given in and begrudgingly promised to accompany Somnus and the others. At least this way he could keep an eye on them as they traveled south to Denocte.
 
The masquerade had tempted him, but such a fanciful event wasn’t in his taste, particularly without anyone at his side for it. The maze had piqued his interest, but Somnus had a family to spend time with and the last time he saw Florentine, she’d gone tumbling down a mountain out of sight – the memory still made him sick to his stomach and made him want to crawl into a hole with his guilt, but to go without either of them would feel wrong after their first adventure together.
 
Meandering through the city after Somnus had pressured him into a bit of exploration, the cacophonous sound of talking, cheering and instruments managed to draw him in, and as he drew ever closer, his senses were overridden. His nose was assaulted by spice and sweet sugar wafting on the breeze, but it wasn’t enough to chase him away. Entering into what was a bustling marketplace, Ulric had to watch his step so as not to be swept away by the sea of moving bodies. Keeping his wings folded and pressed tightly against his sides, doing his best to ignore the agitating sensation of anyone who brushed against his left, the Warden carefully made his way through them until an opening presented itself to him.
 
Breaking free, he exhaled the breath he’d been unaware of holding, grateful for reprieve. Before him were rows upon rows of vendors, some appearing more popular than others. A contemplative look carved its way into the ebony hood of the Warden, and with far more interest than before he inched closer to browse, first an image of an alabaster and scarlet woman and then an idea beginning to materialize in his head.

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ooc - Guys look he's not in Delumine :DDDD Anyone welcome!!!

image by ray-gunz

ULRIC

So lost as he was in his browsing, Ulric didn’t expect to hear his name, let alone in Eulalie’s voice. Jerking his head up with a start, he craned his neck to regard her, a forbearing smile smoothing out across his lips. “This place is rather intriguing, huh?” He agreed, motioning towards the passing hoard of visitors from near and far. It was daunting to look at, knowing he’d have to wade back out into the crowd to explore more of the festival or to try and return to the citadel. “I prefer the peace and quiet of Delumine, though, if I’m being honest.” Maybe not all the time, but all of this was nearly overwhelming.

Eyes of gold fell and returned to the medley of goods set out on display before them, and the roan’s smile slowly faded as he pursed his lips thoughtfully. They had all kinds of things; shiny trinkets, souvenirs specifically crafted for the event itself, decorative baubles and so much more. Briefly Ulric wondered if he shouldn’t just shrug it all off and continue down the line of vendors, seeing what else caught his eye or go find something that interested Eulalie. He seriously considered doing just that, but at the last moment he relented, heaving breath as he lowered his head a little. “You know I never mind your company, Eulalie,” he reassured, “And… perhaps you could lend me a bit of expertise.”

He was fully aware that the woman of sunshine was unlike any other. She had been through much; she was wizened beyond her years, impressive with her insight and advice. Ulric knew that despite it all she wasn’t beyond a little bit of teasing, but he also knew that he shouldn’t be nervous of seeking her help in this tiny, probably stupid task that he’d come to regret.

“I was looking for something to surprise somebody with,” he began after a moment, holding her bister gaze for as long as he was able before glancing back to the merchandise. When he spoke next, it was in a hushed tone that was atypical of the Warden, and if he were capable of it, he’d be blushing. “A-… a lady, that I met. I wanted to find something nice for her.”

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@Eulalie

image by ray-gunz

ULRIC

Before the words had even left his mouth completely, Ulric was steeling himself, preparing for a soft chuckle, an incredulous look or a passing statement of disbelief. None came, however, and when Ulric found the courage to pry his eyes from the table he’d been focusing on without really looking at it, he was pleased to find such a look of patience settled across the other soldier’s face. His shoulders relaxed, losing some of their rigidness as he exhaled a gentle breath of relief.

When it came to what this secret woman was like, Ulric looked positively stumped. In his mind he could see her clearly, all alabaster and striking aureate with vermillion eyes capable of piercing the devil’s own soul. Just the thought of her made his heart beat a little faster in the cavity of his chest, and were he capable, the Warden’s cheeks would certainly be flushed the slightest shade of red.

“She has a certain… fiery quality about her, if you will,” he attempted to explain after a thoughtful moment had passed. “From the short time I’ve known her, she’s a lot like me – willing to do whatever it takes to see those that matter to her are safe. The way she looks at me, though…” Here, Ulric trailed off with a passive chuckle, shaking his head at how dumb he probably sounded. “I’m not sure I can describe it. It’s like a weird game of cat and mouse between us that I’m more than willing to oblige to.”

Another pause, another moment of hesitation as the roan’s golden gaze fell away to the shop’s various wares. “And… she’s gorgeous.”

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@Eulalie Sorry for the wait!! He doesn't know what he's doing

image by ray-gunz

ULRIC

For all the hell they could give to each other, Ulric knew that he could trust Eulalie. Sure, the subject of the matter and the reality that he was quite smitten made him uncomfortable when speaking so freely, but he had no reason to be. Not around her, who would neither judge him nor even go so far as to press for pertinent information about just whose finger he was quickly wrapping around. “Yeah,” he roan responded with a shuddering exhale, “I… I guess I am. But, she keeps me in line, and that’s something I need, I guess.”

With a nudge from Eulalie, the pair were soon moving, abandoning one stand for another. The crowd had yet to thin out, but they deftly made their way past the brunt of the festival-goers without incident. Trailing just behind Eulalie as they encroached on a new stand, Ulric felt the briefest of uncertainties as he took it all in – glittering jewels and fine metals shining like tiny beacons beneath the wavering firelight, causing the stand to look more like a treasure cove than anything else. It was the kind of place that Ulric would’ve overlooked for the simple fact that it all seemed too gaudy for his own personal taste.

Stepping closer to get a better look, Ulric quietly toiled over each piece, gently picking one after another up and inspecting each piece with scrutiny. “I think red would be the best choice for her,” Ulric agreed to Eulalie’s suggestion, albeit with wavering confidence. Some of them made him wonder if he was jumping the gun on wanting to get the Terrastellan Warden anything quite as nice and luxurious as these trinkets – he probably didn’t know her well enough to pick something she’d really love and appreciate, and even if he did manage to do that, would he make whatever was shared between them awkward afterward? Less meaningful? Oh, what a quandary he suddenly found himself in.

Ulric’s doubt surmounted tenfold with seemingly ever second that ticked by. He felt like he’d been standing in the same spot for an hour already when in reality it had only been a couple of minutes. Once or twice he opened his mouth to speak, but the words that he should probably just forget it until another time never spilled out. It was frustrating, particularly so for a man of his station – until finally, finally something caught his eye. There it was, as though the Gods themselves had placed it there just for him to find.

“… What do you think of this?” Like something precious he plucked it from its resting place, a long hair stick dressed in dazzling silver. Along the body was a simple, spiraling motif, but at the end was the figure of a phoenix, accented by brilliant rubies. It screamed ‘Israfel’ to him, but… was it too much? With a deep breath and features taut, Ulric exhaled, trying his best to expel the doubts which plagued him. He shouldn’t be nervous over something so simple as this. “… I think I’ll get it for her. You, ah… You put it in hair, right?” He asked with a quick glance toward Eulalie, just to be on the safe side.

In time, the purchase was made and the merchant’s night was surely made afterward. Ulric tucked the pin safely away as though it were something precious, and in a way, it was. Turning his head to regard Eulalie, the roan bumped gently against his fellow soldier’s side in a friendly manner. “Thank you for your help, Eulalie. I don’t think I would’ve gotten anything at all had you not stumbled across my plight.” He chuckled softly, but the statement was no less true. Then, he gestured around them, a soft smile playing across his lips. “I’m sure you’d like to get back to that troublemaker and your son now, though. Would you like an escort along the way?”

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@Eulalie <33

image by ray-gunz