Tifa & Aerith IV

[The Painted Lady]

Feel free to edit and add in storyline/character info ^.^

[Tifa Lockhart]

The sun had long set, but it was not dark in the city of Hethral, lights whirled in the street as people danced to beautiful music their head adorned with wreaths emblazoned with glowing lights of magic. The streets were lined by strings of glittering objects and lights, every house had its doors and windows over. Children danced in the street despite the late hour and gifts were handed to strangers and friends alike.

Noble and commoner were all headed to central fountain square. It was the Festival of the Wings, a time when all the people of the city celebrated the glorious protection of the Pantheon, a troop of angels tasked with protecting the people of their kingdom. The fountain in the center was colourfully decorated, the water itself filled with some substance that made the blue liquid glow like diamonds as it spilled through the petals of the large central flower. Below it all the people waited patiently for the Arc's arrival.

[The Painted Lady]

"You're late Milady," an urgent voice whispered from outside the carriage once it had pulled to a hasty stop. The door opened, and the young woman within rushed out quickly, holding her delicate white dress up off the ground.

"I know," the woman said anxiously, biting her lip, her bright eyes wide with anticipation and nerves.
"I'm sorry. Will Uncle be mad?..."

An older woman emerged at a much slower pace, shaking her head with a small roll of her eyes.
"Don't rush Delilah, it's not becoming for a lady your age. You're not a child any more."

The young woman's dark fringe covered her eyes as she looked down and let go of her dress, holding her hands in front of her.
"I'm sorry, Matron. I just don't want to make a bad impression..."

The Matron shook her head again with a sigh as she drew level with her companion.
"His Majesty will not be compromised if you arrive after the festival. You are not due in court for another week yet."

Delilah looked up, eyes still shaded by the dark tresses that hung in their way.
"I don't want to miss the festival," she said softly as she tucked her hair behind her ear.
"Mother said it was simply wonderful..."

The knight who had been standing patiently by the carriage now cleared his throat.
"If you would follow me then, Milady. I can take you to the King and his son. You will join them for the festival. Your belongings will be transported back to the palace."

Delilah smiled.
"Thank you sir..."

[Tifa Lockhart]

The King and his son were sat in a dais above the crowd overlooking the fountain. He sat on his throne, eagerly awaiting the long anticipated arrival of the arcs. This festival came around only once every ten years, it was to be his son's second, though the first he would remember.
"Remember to be polite boy." He instructed in a gentle voice.
"Yes father." The prince replied, adjusting his high-necked shirt, "I understand how important relations with the arcs are." He looked towards the fountain anxiously.
"Where is your cousin? I was informed she would be here early for the festival?" The King said, inspecting the rings on his hand.
'She'll be here father." The Prince insisted.

[The Painted Lady]

"My Lord," a deep voice came.
The knight that had overseen Delilah's arrival emerged from behind the curtain that cut off the King and his son from the crowd.
"Lady Delilah has arrived. Should I bring her in?"

[Tifa Lockhart]

The King turned and gave a delighted grin, standing up and clapping his hands together.
"Yes yes! Show my dear niece in at once, she will miss the arrival otherwise, they should be here at any moment."

The Prince smiled slightly, it had been years since he'd seen his cousin, they'd both been children last they saw.

[The Painted Lady]

The Knight bowed quickly, before returning to the curtain to retrieve the young noble.

Delilah tucked her hair back nervously as she emerged, immediately kneeling before the King and kissing his hand. She immediately recognised him. Her cousin on the other hand... well, she could see his father in him, but he had grown much since their last meeting.
"Uncle..." she murmured softly.

[Tifa Lockhart]

The King urged Delilah to stand, kissing her knuckles softly as she stood.
"My dear! It is a pleasure to see you again! And how beautiful you are!" He swept her into a hug, never one to care especially for public appearances, having become renowned for his great love of family.
"You remember my son, Conrad?" He said, turning the woman around to face the Prince, who stood and took her hand, kissing her hand gently.
"Hello Del." He greeted, using her old nickname, "Long time."

[The Painted Lady]

Delilah gave a quiet, nervous laugh as her Uncle embraced her tightly, her arms rising to hug him back. She let him direct her toward her cousin.
"Of course I remember," she smiled as he kissed her hand.
"Too long Con," she replied with a smile.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Conrad smiled, urging his cousin to sit in the seat that was beside his own.
"The arcs ought to be arriving any mome-" He began, but he was cut off as the chapel bell rang once, chiming long and loud. As it fell silent, so did all else.
The fountain stopped trickling as all waited anxiously. Slowly the water rose, its sparkling tendrils spiraling up towards the top of the rose centerpiece.
"I cant believe this is it..." Conrad breathed, "I barely remember meeting them as a child..."

The sparkling tendrils reached the top of the fountain, arching high into the air. They split and twirled, slowly forming into five non-distinct shapes, large blobs of liquid to start. Then from the center of each watery mass a bright light sparked, blinding all who gathered in the square.
When finally the light cleared all could see five marvelous figures perching atop the fountain. There were three women and two men, one of whom was tall and dark haired, his eyes were black and his great white wings arched high above his head. One of the women was red-headed, one black and one blonde. The final male was not as buff as the first, a little lither in figure.

He was fair haired with the typical angelic features. His wings were streamlined, and his eyes were deep amethyst in colour. The five of them took flight, swooping around the crowd once as people screamed with exaltation. They finally came to land on the dais before the king, each bowing slightly in turn.
"Your highness." The lead Arc greeted, his golden eyes pinned on the king, "I greet you on behalf of the Pantheon."

The King stood, kneeling before the mighty angels, his eyes glittering with reverence.
"Welcome, once again, to Hethral Dear Arcs. We thank you for your presence here at our festival.

As the King and the Arc spoke, the other male amongst them let his mind wonder, his eyes moving to survey the two young mortals who sat with the king. One was a young man, he bore the mark of a young King, the other was a fine young woman. He found his gaze lingering there, curiosity in his expression.

[The Painted Lady]

Delilah tried her hardest to contain her awe as the Angels emerged from the water. She wasn't sure where to look as they flew toward her and the King and his heir. She didn't know what to do - or say - so she just stood as her Uncle and cousin did, remaining silent. Her blue-green eyes travelled over the holy gathering, taken by their grace and beauty. Her eyes came to rest last on the blonde male. Here, she found violet eyes looking back at her. She felt warmth flood into her cheeks as she quickly looked down again, paying close attention to what her Uncle and the Arc Angel said.

[Tifa Lockhart]

The blonde Angel seemed to notice that his gaze was returned, a slight smile cracking at the corner of his straight lined mouth. He held her gaze for a few seconds longer, before turning his attention back to the King.
"You may remember my son Conrad, Lord Tyrel." The King said, urging his son forward. The Prince moved as he was beckoned, but he was rendered silent in his nervousness.
The stern faced Angel's expression softened as the young man bowed before him. He reached out to place a hand on his shoulder.
"I remember." The leader spoke, straightening and stepping back to join the others, "I am Tyrel, this is Ariel, Fortuna, Siera and my brother Aether." He dipped his head, "By your leave highness, we shall mingle, as is tradition."
The King nodded, watching as four of the five arcs departed to join the crowd.

The one who remained was Aether, the youngest of the group. He moved forward as the other departed, his wings rustling as he firled them close behind him.
"Pardon majesty, but i do not yet have the memory of my brother and sisters." He dipped his head slightly in respect as he addressed the king. The singing and dancing resuming in the streets behind him. "And i am afraid i do not fully recall the name of this young lady." He gestured politely to Delilah. "Though i remember the face, not recalling a name shall bug me." He gave a pleasant smile as he looked again to the girl.
"Ah, of course Lord Aether." The King said with a smile as he moved to Delilah's side. "This is my niece Countess Delilah." He placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "She came to court early for the festival. She was hear ten years ago." He looked at Delilah and smiled, "You may not remember Lord Aether child, he was our newest Guardian, and you were quite young."

[The Painted Lady]

Delilah looked up shyly when she heard the voice of the Angel that remained behind. As she had expected, it was the same blonde Guardian who she had locked eyes with her earlier. She glanced up to her Uncle as he joined her a placed his hand on her shoulder, returning his smile nervously.
"I'm afraid that particular memory of my youth is a little foggy," she said softly.
She brought her gaze back up to the Angel timidly.
"It's an honour to meet you, Lord Aether..."

[Tifa Lockhart]

Aether dipped into a deep bow as Delilah greeted him, using his wings to balance himself and give the motion a little more flare. "And I you, Lady Delilah." He said, offering her another of his charming smiles as he straightened. His wings then returned to their furled position at his shoulder blades and he reached up with a hand to brush one of his blonde locks out of his eyes. An expression of recognition seemed to dawn in their purple depths then, and his smile brightened
"Ah, you're the young Lady with the teddy." He seemed glad to have recalled their last meeting, "The little powder blue gown and the little teddy bear." He chuckled, "You've changed a lot though."

[The Painted Lady]

Delilah's blush deepened as the Angel recalled his memory of her.
"Um, well yes, I suppose so..." she said awkwardly, clasping her hands in front of her.