Yuki,+Magical+Girl+of+Love,+Receives+her+FIRST+Confession+of+Love

....ius?"

"....zarius?!"

"AAH...ZAYR...EE...US?!!!!"

The handsome sorcerer startled out of his reverie and spun around to find a laughing Yuki, glowing in her long white robes, staring back at him, her hands impishly behind her back, "SHEESH Azarius! I've been calling your name for 5 minutes now! You can't tell me that book is THAT interesting!" She tilted her head just a little and smiled, "...OOOOOooor could it be you're just a LITTLE BIT worried about our trip back into the astral sea?"

It was true. He'd be staring at the controls for what felt like hours, murmuring over one then another and another of the books they'd collected, trying to make sure he had contingencies. Trying to be sure he knew exactly what was going to happen...in a situation that was completely unpredictable. He had people to protect. And people who were relying on him... And people to rescue. He wanted to get this right.

The pretty priestess took a shy step towards him, "...I won't...keep you! I know you're really busy but... Well...I..." Yuki suddenly bowed deeply before him, bringing her hands forward, betraying a beautifully wrapped box, small, tied with a bright, pink ribbon. "Thank You Azarius! Thank you so VERY much! My first ball...was EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING I EVER imagined and MORE! And that was thanks to you." She looked up and smiled over the present, "I want you to have this! I...It's nothing really. Not really much at all! But...it's from my heart. My very grateful heart so please...accept it?"

Azarius looked up rather surprised to see Yuki standing there. He looked more than a little weary and more than a little worried. “Wha? er..uh...but of course my sweet priestess of Sune I'm flattered that you even thought of me. I just wanted to welcome you back the best way I knew how. I'm so very glad you’re back amongst the living. It suits you, you know,......Life. You have such a beautiful inner glow. Did you know your aura has changed? It burns very brightly now. I think Sune may have some special plan for you, young one.”

“Awww....Azarius... Do you think so?! Do you really think so, Azarius?!” The young priestess leaned against a nearby chair, “I really hope so!”

“After our business here is concluded, Miss Ashdown, I have one more surprise for you I was holding back on. I'm afraid I was a bit of a bore on our urban excursion.

Yuki blinked in surprise and she began shaking her pretty head. Of course not. How could Azarius ever be anything resembling a “bore”. LOOK AT HIM!!!! But he raised a hand, in effect hushing her denials...

“A friend contacted me to remind me of this. Gaston awaits us at the Vastel estate back at my new quarters such as they are. The three of us will be heading to that lingerie shop you wanted to see.

“Lino and...Lane...?” Yuki’s eyes widened with surprise... “B...But...?”

“I will escort you in with Gaston and you may try on and buy whatever you like, my treat.

At the words, ‘my treat’, Yuki began shaking her head again...

I'm so very sorry I was such a bore. Sometimes my merchant side doesn't separate itself so well from the rest of me. My fondest wish was to see you happy, dear lady. You make me smile and that is a rare thing indeed these days. Amara would love you. Hopefully, we shall bring her back to us soon and you two can spend some time together.......” Azarius paused looked down trodden and then said... “That is, if she’s still alive. Azarius had a lump in his throat and looked away from Yuki quickly hiding his face under his hood with his long blond hair spilling out in front. “Excuse me, Miss Ashdown, I seem to have something in my eye.” Azarius turned away for a second and wiped his eyes dry pretending it was a bug or some dust that caused the irritation.

Yuki laid her hand on his arm, not fooled at all but being too polite to say so...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He cleared his throat and said, “Well, at any rate, Gaston sure took a shine to you. He went on and on about you at length I think he has a gal pal crush on you.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yuki laughed, “I liked him too!! He’s very...sparkly!”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I'm sure you two will have a ball at the shop. He has the most exquisite taste. If anyone can put an ensemble together and make you look like a princess its that boy...er girl...you know? I'm not sure what he is? But he has a heart of gold and he simply adores you Miss Ashdown.” Azarius shuddered, “He’s probably rummaging through my things as we speak. He does so love to pretend he’s someone or something else. My room is going to smell like flowers and strange perfume for a month, god bless him.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yuki giggled, “Awww, Azarius is very kind!”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“We best be on our way I’ll open your surprise in the coach if that's ok with you.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“N...Now?! You mean...right now?!” Yuki sat up, looking a little disbelieving... “Ah! But! Are you sure? Don’t you have important...calculations or...spells or magey stuff to work out?” Yuki looked at the books strewn around the control room of The Destiny...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The sorcerer smiled and offered her his arm, “Come now, Miss Ashdown. I need a break.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">She hesitated only a moment before slipping her arm through his, “Al...right! If you’re sure? Thank you Azarius!” The two made their way up to the topside of the ship. “BUUUUT I...I want you to know that you don’t have to pay for anything! I...I have a little money from all of our adventures! Really...I just want to...look inside the most! And I can’t do that on my own... I mean...I could walk into the store but I would NEVER get into the infamous back rooms. And I’ve really wanted to ever since I first heard about it. JUST the other day, Amynta was wearing the MOST AMAZING nightie! It was all lace and SO soft! I couldn’t believe it. She said...Dominic took her there! Can you imagine that? Dominic. Erevin’s Dominic. I didn’t know he was a nobleman! He really is mysterious, isn’t he? And sooooo flirty! Poor Amynta!” She got a look in her eye, a fierce protectiveness, “...he better not hurt her!” She sighed, “I worry...but she seems SO happy. What can I do?”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Walking down the gangplank, Yuki spied Azarius’ carriage waiting alongside the pier... A well-dressed servant jumped down and opened the door and Yuki slipped inside with Azarius close behind... “To the Vastel estate!” She marvelled a little, as she always did, with the merchant noble’s natural ease with power and how quickly others rushed to obey his commands. As much as he was her kind and generous friend Azarius, she must never forget he was also a merchant prince accustomed to wealth and power and influence...servants...and estates. A much different life than the one she lived, growing up in the Aldimari Book Depository on a quiet street...not far from the Temple of Beauty in Waterdeep...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Azarius! Won’t you open it?” Yuki looked down at the beautifully wrapped little package in his hands and gnawed on her lush bottom lip, “...though small before...it feels a bit smaller now in comparison to ALL the gifts you give me but! Please! Please open it! I...put A LOT of thought into it!”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The ribbon came away easily in his hands and, lifting up the small lid, Azarius looked inside... Nestled gently into a pink scarf bed, was a beautiful white rose glowing softly with a pale rose-white light. Its petals were tipped and gilded in gold... And it seemed to be in some sort of statis... Stopped in time. As if caught at its most beautiful, blooming and smelling its sweetest forever. “Do you like it!? Do you?” Yuki asked, gushing beside him, “It’s one of the roses you gave me right before the ball! I...asked one of the priestesses at the Temple to help me. She’s very good at this kind of thing. She’s quite famous actually around her for doing it. Isn’t it lovely? It’s such a small, lovely thing, isn’t it? And it will stay that way...forever! And while it can’t possibly compare to ALL the WONDERFUL things you’ve done for me...please...accept it as a token of my gratitude.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I love it! It’s so unique just like you,” said Azarius, taking the back of her hand and kissing it gently.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yuki blushed deeply, “Ah! Tha...”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I will treasure it all of my days, however many those pan out to be... Our adventures though profitable seem to be escalating in danger of late. I hope this will be the start of a new chapter in our friendship with many good turns of fortunes for us to come. I have a question for you......a proposal of sorts to ruminate on...”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Pr..Proposal?” Yuki remembered his last proposal and couldn’t help but wonder if the handsome mage would make it again. H...How should she answer?!!! Quill said the merchant had been a rake to propose such a thing the first time but... Wren had thought it was perfectly fine... Yuki’s hands twisted in her lap. What would she do...if he asked her such a thing again... What should she do?!

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Would you consider escorting me on some business I have to attend to in the near future, to say.... oh how shall I put this? A foray through wine country.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yuki looked surprised, “...w...wine country?” Relieved it didn’t have anything to do with lingerie, the priestess smiled warmly at the handsome sorcerer, “Oh!?” Somehow, a trip into wine country sounded...like all kinds of innocent fun!!

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I must go to the Mercer and Dursair Estates for a wine tasting to select exceptional vintages for purchase and shipping to foreign ports. These affairs can be a bit dry and stuffy but with you along I could garner another valued opinion on body and flavor et cetera...et cetera....”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yuki clapped her hands together, her eyes shining with excitement! Somehow....this was sounding too good to be true!

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“It would make it fun for us, not to mention all the good food and beautiful vineyards to stroll through this time of year. It should be glorious and your escort would help fend off all those nobles daughters that would wish to elevate their status by....how shall we put this? Merging with the house of Chaat.” Azarius gave Miss Ashdown a knowing glance whilst raising an eyebrow, “....if you catch my drift.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yuki laughed lightly and shot him a knowing look, “Ah HA! You want ME to be YOUR SHIELD! Very clever!”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Azarius leaned back offered Yuki a glass of wine from mid air and took a sip as well, then leaned over to her and said, “....It’s not that I mind the attention or the company of a good woman however with Amara lost in the fold I find it difficult to enjoy even the occasional dalliance not to mention other developments that shall remain hidden for now.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yuki arched a beautiful eyebrow at the word ‘dalliance’ then nodded seriously when he mentioned ‘other developments’....

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Oh Miss Ashdown,” said Azarius, “Do you realize you’re one of the few people I can talk to about any of this? Is it any wonder I treasure you so?” Azarius took the rose and and bowing his head inhaled deeply appreciating the glorious scent of the preserved rose then looked up from the flower deep into Yuki’s eyes and said, “Thank-you Miss Ashdown from the bottom of my heart.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He was JUST so....GLORIOUS! Like this sun... All burnished skin, aquiline nose and beautiful hair... And those eyes...were looking RIGHT AT HER! Why was she surrounded by men with such impossible eyes... “I...I...tr...treasure you too, Azarius.” She blushed but her smile was radiant and warm, “You’re welcome! I’m sooooooo GLAD we’re friends!”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The carriage rolled to a stop and Azarius said, “Think about Wine Country and let me know if you’re up for a bit of adventure. I have a bit of time before I have to R.S.V.P. the Estates.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The beautiful priestess of Sune nodded quite seriously...then... burst out with, “Azarius!!? Ah...well...er... Can I ask you a question?”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Certainly Miss Ashdown...?”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Ah...Just to be clear, ah...will I be traveling with you as your M..Mistress or as your Friend? I...I m...mean. Well. I just want to be sure I...I understand I know what to tell your new friends. I MEAN! I k...know you and I are just friends! Of course, we’re FRIENDS!! B...But...ah....well...I want to be sure I play my r...role properly so I can BEST help you with all your business negotiations even if...it’s small.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yuki swallowed then smiled, “Regardless, I will have to talk to my Superiors and...gain their permission. I’m still only a new priestess afterall. And...my direct superior can be a...bit...” She suddenly looked a little uncomfortable, “...protective.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Azarius will look at you very seriously, pause for a minute then attempted to answer her question. “Mistress or Friend?” He seemed to be weighing the two responses carefully. Azarius shook out his beautiful long blond hair and looked at Yuki with those engaging color changing eyes of his and said, “I had hoped that you would tell me the answer to that my lady, after all you’re the priestess of Sune. I have heard you say on more than one occasion that you are a priestess of love. Forgive me, dear lady, but is this a test set forth by Sune?”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“P...Pardon?” Yuki looked confused. “I...er...only meant...” Her voice trailed off... “Test?”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Azarius will pause again and look at you as if trying to figure out the answer to a riddle. “I think this,” and he motions towards you and him, “...is whatever you want it to be.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Aazar...ri...us....?” Yuki’s voice was soft, as if taken completely off-guard and her face growing...hotter and hotter... “What...do you..mean..." This atmosphere... Was this...? Could this...be...a.... a...CONFESSION?!!!!!! <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Unconsciously, she laid her elegant hand against her reddening cheek. Azarius...Chaat, nobleman, merchant prince, powerful sorcerer from Sarshel and...and much darker things...was...confessing...? TO HER!!??!! She’d...dreamed of a moment like this ALL of her life! She...she had to pay attention. She had to treat this...seriously! She had to....OH GODDESS!!!! A CONFESSION!!! A CONFESSION OF...OF...LOVE!!!!!! Her...first.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“You have captured my heart, however I would never do anything to jeopardize our friendship. I will be devoted to you in any way you deem desirable whether that be a friend, confidant or lover...”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Azar...ius...” whispered...the priestess gently, overcome by the honour he was showing her, eyes shimmering...overcome by his generosity...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“...it shall be as you wish. I only wish to be near you and serve you in whatever capacity you deem necessary. I enjoy your company. I love your personality. You make me laugh and smile and you lighten my heart you are a rare jewel and ever so lovely. All of these things you would come to expect from a priestess of Sune....and should it not be so? So when you ask that question of me all I can say is, how can anyone not love you. Its what you are, what you embody. I was under the impression that you had become an Avatar of Love...How can any man resist that?”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yuki looked a little startled by his theory and shook her head, Avatar of Love? The physical embodiment of her goddess in the world? THAT was... Wasn’t that...blasphemous?! To...assume such...high minded things. Such impossible things... There was no way they could be right... She had to tell him... She had to set things straight...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“So....I will cherish whatever role you choose for me in your life for as long as we have together. If you move on and find someone else I shan't stand in your way. Who knows what the fates have in store for us. I'm just happy that you chose to help me in my hour of need and I thank the gods for that and returning you to us once again. No matter what happens, Miss Ashdown, I will always be your trusted and faithful friend.I hope my answer hasn't complicated things between us. Where we are concerned I tend to just take it one day at a time and try to enjoy what the fates bring us. I suspect that being a healer and a priestess of love will bring you many followers along the path of your life I hope you can find peace with that and all that it will bring you in the end.” Azarius will smile and kiss the back of your hand then recline and take another sip of wine and sigh, “.......such a lovely day.........”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">She didn’t let go of his hand...and, after a moment, she squeezed it gratefully, as her mind sifted through every precious thing...he had just offered to her.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Azarius...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He had given her so much - her first glorious ball...and...her first, ardent confession...! She marvelled at his...courage. His...sweet passion. His...steady confidence. Such a thing.. To say such personal things so clearly, wasn’t it hard?

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">She had to do this...properly. It was important to do this...seriously. What...were her feelings...? The mess of feelings swirling around inside her ever since Shri’s return to Erevin... What did her heart tell her...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Azarius... Kind...Azarius...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">She treasured him. This was true... Rang true in every pounding beat in her chest. Despite...despite...those horrible dreams... Despite...his dark and disturbing affliction... She treasured him. And, as they traveled together, she could say she loved him...the way she loved Wren...and Kale... Maly and Posey... Mynta and Rue...and Ori...and her precious Hana. He was...her...trusted ally...her precious friend. But...did her heart answer...his feelings? Could it...?

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">...perhaps...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">...not...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">...not...yet...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">...not...now...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Why?

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Was his affliction so profound...her heart could not see beyond it? Or...was it simply...still tied up...elsewhere...or perhaps not at all...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Azarius...is very...kind...” The priestess of love murmured ever so softly... Looking up into his mesmerizing mismatched eyes, he could tell his words had touched her deeply, “...so...very, very kind...to this...me.” She squeezed his hand, “...I...It...may surprise you but...” Her sweet face twisted a little embarrassedly, “...you are the first person...to ever say such...amazing things...to me.” She smiled, “I...have imagined this moment or a moment like this...all of my life!” She laughed a little, a young girl, still dreaming young girl dreams, “AH!!!!! SO EMBARRASSING!!! But... Azarius...Azarius' words...were far better than any of my childish daydreams!" She smiled and bowed her head, "Thank you... Thank you Azarius. You've made me very happy.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">"So...I will answer you...seriously. Properly. Oki?" She took a deep breath, her fingers twining with his, “Azarius...is a very special person to me. I feel...very...grateful for you, your friendship in my life. You’re so...RADIANT. And clever. As sparkling like the sun!” Her eyes turned wistful and...kind, “...but...as I am right now...I...I...can’t answer your feelings...” She squeezed his hand tightly, “Forgive me Azarius...I wish I could...”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“BUT!!!" And she looked suddenly distraught, "PLEASE! Please...don’t go away. Don’t...abandon...our friendship. That...I COULDN'T like something like that! I...WOULDN'T forgive....something like that... I would stalk you! Hunt you down and stalk you forever til you...turned and smiled at me again. So please...don’t go...anywhere I can’t talk to you like we always do... K? Please?"

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Azarius will look at Miss Ashdown, take her hand, and brush it against his cheek, breathing in her scent. He will close his eyes and gently sigh, “Your beauty must make the angels jealous. How glorious you are.” Azarius will say, “I'm not going anywhere I will be by your side and play whatever role you deem necessary. If I can earn your love I will. If not, I shall endeavor to serve you faithfully as a friend. It is enough for me to know that you care on some level...any level at all. I do so love to see you smile. Won’t you smile for me, my angel. I’ll not shut you out no matter what transpires between us.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Thank...the goddess...” Cheeks burning, Yuki Ashdown, magical priestess of love, wiped away the tears flowing down her cheeks and laughed, relieved and happy and grateful laughter. “Thank Sune...” She looked up at him and her voice filled with a kind of soft awe, “...Azarius...really is...much...too good....much too kind.” And she smiled for him...so radiantly his heart nearly stopped...beating...

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The coach driver announced their arrival at the Vastel Estate and who should arrive at the carriage door like a busy bee? But of course, none other than Gaston! Dressed to kill he swayed up the the carriage saying, “HAAAYYYYYY BABY!!” snapping his fingers and waving his left arm in a zig-zag motion. “A-ZAR-IUS, you marvelous hunk of man meat! I see you took my advice and repented of your boorish ways and brought your scrumptious friend the Fabulous Miss Ashdown along for a foray into the land of silken delights!”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Hello Gaston!! You’re looking beautiful today!” Yuki kissed exchanged air kisses with him and <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Gaston pulled himself up into the carriage with Azarius's help and then pretended to faint in the handsome sorcerer’s arms (like Scarlet O-Hara from Gone with the Wind). <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yuki giggled, not buying it at all but admiring his gusto! <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Gaston pried one eye open and looked at Yuki with a hand across his forehead and said, “Oh my I felt a dizzy spell a-commin on it must be the vapors!”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Azarius sighed, “Yes yes Gaston allow me to assist you to your seat. Gaston winked at Yuki and said, “Isn't he a dream? Handsome and gallant what’s a girl to do?” He said fanning himself as he sat down.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yuki nodded with a laugh, “He is! Azarius is the handsomest!”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Gaston took a glass of wine from mid-air and said, “Thank you mystery man that's an amusing trick you do there what else can you conjure up?” he said sizing his manhood. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yuki’s widened with surprise but she couldn’t help but admire the tailor’s audacity! <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Azarius blushed turned his head and put his hands over his eyes and said, “Really Gaston... there ‘is’ a lady present.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“My apologies, dear lady, I get carried away sometimes with things especially around this one,” Gaston said nodding his head towards Azarius.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Gaston...did you see the lovely gift Miss Ashdown gave me?” Azarius presented the rose for Gaston to inspect.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Gaston let out a gasp and then put his hand over his mouth, “......it’s ...it’s... sooooo beautiful!” Overcome with emotion Gaston pulled out a silk embroidered handkerchief and dabbed his eyes and blew his nose. “That is simply amazaing Miss Ashdown! I’m sure Azarius will treasure it always if I don't steal it from his nibs when he isn't looking,” said Gaston with a grin.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Oh Gaston! I’ll get one made for you too! What’s your favourite flower? A red rose? Or something rare... Like an orchid? Or a Bird of Paradise?! I’ll bring in next time I come to Leo’s!”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The ride to the shop was fun! Gaston told stories of how Azarius and he grew up together in Sarshel before they both moved to Lyrabar only a year or two apart. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">And Yuki laughed and laughed, eyes wide and radiant, clearly loving their banter! <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Azarius indulged his flamboyant friend with patience and respect. They talked of Leo and how well the shop was doing but Gaston really lit up when all the details of the ball were given he seemed to hang on every word.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall at the Dursair Estate I bet you you were the bell of the ball,” said Gaston. Azarius nodded his head, “....its true he said everyone’s eyes were on Miss Ashdown. You outdid yourself on that dress my friend.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Gaston clapped his hands together and said, hugging Yuki, “... oh goodie goodie! I did so hope to make her shine...”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Yuki blushed deeply, “Aaw, Azarius! I think it was you they were all watching!” She turned excitedly to Gaston, “He IS the MOST AMAZING dancer! You should have seen him!”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The carriage came to a halt and the coachmen announced their arrival. Gaston’s eyes lit up. “Oh girl we are going to make you look A-MAZ-ING.”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“Ah! You’re not shopping Gaston?!” She looked back and forth between them, “I...I thought you...OH, wait... You’re here for me?!”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Azarius said, “OK, let’s make someone’s day.” he said looking at Yuki and with that they entered the shop.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #c27ba0; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The young priestess threw her arms around the handsome mage, “Oh Azarius!! Thank you! I can’t believe you’re...doing ALL THIS for ME!?”

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Azarius was greeted at the door and after a few softly spoken words and a family marker being presented Yuki and Gaston were ushered towards the infamous back rooms. Azarius hugged Yuki and said, “Have fun! I’ll be out here when you two are finished,” and gave a sweeping bow that pointed the way to a very frilly lace curtain towards the back of the room.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Gaston began to sing a jaunty tune as they walked that way, “...........I'm so excited......and I just can’t hide it.....I'm about to lose control and I think I like it!”