Evergreen, 11th of Budrise, year 179 BN

Richard's footsteps echoed softly against the polished stone floor as he followed the servant through the expansive corridors of Issac's estate. Drifting in from the open windows, a cool breeze teased the edges of his clothing while the air was full of a lavender scent. Richard couldn't spot any plants that were purple or reminiscent of lavender as he passed through the halls. The only time he was inside a home this large was when he visited Lord Kirk, but here at Issac's estate, there was something to be said about it. Every detail of the building was screaming out at him, telling him how rich Issac truly was.

The seamless transition from the inside to the outdoor open space was striking. The garden had flower beds arranged in the shape of a symbol that he was unable to fully make out, their hues ranging from the deepest purples to the brightest yellows. It was quiet here, he could hear the sound of the leaves rustling and the distant chirps of the birds.

Past these walls, and in the neighborhood Richard lived in, he'd never be able to hear such sounds. The garden was clean, without dirt or grime, it was like night and day when one compared Evergreen to this garden.

Following behind the servant, Richard found himself traveling down a stone path that bordered between a small orchard on his left and a series of fountains to his right. Gradually, the area opened up revealing the heart of the garden. Ahead, an arched entrance covered by vines and red roses swayed gently in the breeze.

Celeste was seated at a circular table, her attention fully absorbed by the piece of paper before her. As the sunlight flickered through the leaves, it added to her beauty. She was visually stunning in her white dress. Not the same way her mother caught Richard's eye, but in more of an innocent manner. The dress itself was simple, yet elegant, and complimented her blonde hair that cascaded down her back, with a few strands playing in the wind.

As he came closer, Celeste did not notice him, her eyes were glued to the paper that lay out on the table before her. Richard couldn't help but admire that, he could relate to it. Being so absorbed in your work that you didn't notice anything going on around you. He didn't speak, but instead waited for a natural pause in her writing.

The servant took her leave, and the only ones left here in this space were Richard and Celeste.

When the movements of her pen stopped and lifted from the paper, Richard cleared his throat gently, not wishing to startle her too greatly. "What has you so absorbed?"

Celeste's head snapped up as if awoken from a dream. For a fleeting moment, her green eyes widened in surprise. She observed the young man before her. A clean tan long-sleeve shirt, brown pants, and brown shoes. Nothing he wore made him seem like the wealthy type, in fact, he looked more like the common folk she often wished she could speak with.

"Who are you, and how did you come to be here?" She asked as her eyes darted from Richard to the surroundings, noticing that there was not anyone else present.

Richard offered a small smile, hoping to ease the tension. "I'm an acquaintance of your father's. My name is Richard."

He thought she sounded young, and she even looked young. Richard couldn't help but wonder if she was old even for marriage.

Seeing the blank look on her expression, Richard felt as if she had no clue what he was saying. "May I?" he gestured toward an empty chair, asking for permission rather than assuming it.

With a slow nod, she said, "Please."

Settling into the chair, Richard saw that Celeste grabbed the paper off the table and brought it close to her chest. Whatever she was writing must have been important to her.

Celeste's gaze held his for a moment before speaking, "What business do you have with my father? Why are you here, and not with him?" Her question was straightforward, much to Richard's likeness.

When he first spotted her, he was enchanted by her looks and wasn't sure how he should approach her about the subject at hand. Richard never liked beating around the bush when it came to dealing with topics. The faster they got to the problem at hand, the quicker they could deal with it.

"I wanted to secure funding from your father for my business. He's interested in it and would invest but he has a few conditions attached to the investment." He searched her eyes, but they weren't reflecting an understanding of what he was saying, more of a curiosity. Richard wasn't sure if he was reading her right, so he continued. "I can agree to his conditions, well most of them, except one. Your father wants me to marry you."

Celeste tilted her head slightly.

"What business?" Celeste asked in an excited tone as she scooted closer to the table. Her face flushed red as she gazed down at the table when she realized her mistake. "Sorry, I didn't mean to pry. It's just that I always wondered what sort of people my father associated with."

"Don't be, it's only natural to be curious. Have you not met any of your father's acquaintances?"

"No, not unless he hosts a gathering of some kind here. I mostly just stay to myself." Celeste told him as she clutched the paper she held a little tighter.

"So, you don't go out or talk to anyone?" Richard asked as he felt bad about her situation if that was truly the case.

"I'm not allowed outside the gate without an escort. But, I have my mom and Livy to talk to. And..." Her voice got softer. "There are others, that come over."

"That must be... lonely." Richard turned to look around at the vastness of the garden. "You never get bored?"

Celeste was silent, not sure what to make of the question. She's never really spoken to anyone much outside of her family or those outside of her home. Even when she did, their conversations never went this way. It was more about making sure she was keeping up with her studies, not minding the business of her father or her brother, and keeping up her appearance.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Truthfully, her mother is the only one that had taken an interest in what she wanted. No one has ever asked her if she was bored, she's vented to others about it but never once had she been asked.

"Sometimes." She decided this was the safer answer. "But, I keep myself busy!" She quickly added as she didn't want to sour the mood.

Richard slumped down a bit in his seat. "I don't know if I could do it. Stay locked up in here, even with people around, it wouldn't feel like they are. The same faces every day, all day."

He's already been there and done that. Looking back on his previous life, he was lonely, he'd admit that. So he knew how it was, when you wanted to speak to someone but there was no one around to listen. When you finished a project that was challenging but didn't have anyone to share that joy with. It was the small moments like that, that mattered.

Celeste leaned in closer. "What's it like?"

"What's what like?" Richard asked.

"Life? What is your life like? Livy told me stories, but I never had anything to compare them to. Is it as difficult as she says?" Celeste asked.

"Life is hard, but it is all about what you can make of it. Sure, it will make you feel terrible at times, but some moments bring you joy. Struggling with those around you, trying to make something of yourself. That's the best part of this game we call life, because," Richard pointed to the large estate behind him. "Because, once you make it to the top. When you've accomplished most of your goals and what you set out to do, then what? What's next? You no longer have that drive as you once did, you're no longer struggling to reach the next height because there is none. You've beaten the game, so you sit around and enjoy what's left while you still can." Richard sighed.

It was getting more and more difficult by the day to remember how he once looked. What kind of features did he have back on Earth? What was his first job? When were his parent's birthdays? Pieces of himself, bit by bit, day by day were fading away. Staying in this world, getting accustomed to their culture, and adapting to the world around him. It was taking a toll on his body, mentally not physically.

There would come a time, maybe not now, maybe not even ten years in the future. But, he'd forget a lot about Earth and the wonders that the civilizations there had built. He knew he would, his gut was telling him so.

Richard gazed at Celeste, her eyes seeking more than what he just gave her. "My life and yours, they're the same. In a way. I don't believe life is easy, but I also don't think I'd have it any other way."

"How come my father has never invited you over before? It's like you..." Celeste stopped and shook her head.

"It's like I'm what?" Richard asked.

"Nothing, it's, not important." Celeste tightened her grip on the paper she held close to her chest. Raising her head, she stared at Richard. "Can I share something with you?" She asked.

Richard raised his eyebrow. "Sure."

She took a deep breath, her heart was beating fast. The words she always wrote on her paper, the thoughts she kept to herself. She wondered, she felt that Richard would understand them. But, what if he didn't? What if he laughed at her?

Just thinking about that made her shoulders slump. Celeste knew she wasn't supposed to slump down like this, especially not in front of people but she just couldn't help it. Richard himself wasn't putting on airs like all the others she encountered, he seemed to just be himself.

She could do it, she could take the first step to freedom. With another deep breath, she gazed up at the white ceiling of the dome that covered them.

"To find a kiss, A love I would give,

But chains of gold, on my heart do sieve.

For I am bound, by title and by birth,

To lands and legacies, not just earthly worth.

Yet in my soul, a fervent wish does blaze,

For one who sees, beyond the noble's glaze.

A warrior of heart, not just of might,

Who fights for love, in the starless night.

In tales untold, and songs yet sung,

A love so bold, it can't be wrung.

By duty's call or fate's harsh hand,

Beside me, a true heart would stand.

But here I sit, in gilded cage,

Scripting desires onto this blank page.

Longing for a tale of my own,

Where love is sown and fully grown.

Not for the crown, nor for the land,

But for a touch, a gentle hand.

To be seen, not as a noble high,

But as a soul, beneath the sky.

Yet dreams, they flutter, like leaves in the wind,

For what's written in stars, by birth is pinned.

Still, hope whispers in the quiet of the night,

For a love that shines, in the darkest plight."

She opened one of her eyes slowly, wondering what Richard's reaction would be. This was the first time she shared any of her work with anyone other than her mother, and Livy. When she noticed him, he was staring at her, not saying a word. Was it bad? Celeste couldn't help but wonder.

"Wow," Richard said after a moment of collecting himself. "That was beautiful, did you write that?"

Celeste gave a nod.

"I honestly wasn't expecting that. I'm a bit out of touch with poetry, it's been... years since I've heard one. Give me a minute, I'm still trying to take what you've spoken." Richard told her.

He wasn't sure what to say, and saying it was beautiful was what he felt at the moment. It sounded generic, but the last poem he ever heard was back before he got drafted. There was this woman, who he hoped he'd never forget who enjoyed art, music, and poetry. She used to tell him all sorts of poems, and being the man he was, he naturally wanted to impress her.

"Err, how did it go again?" Richard began mumbling to himself as he was lost in his thoughts.

"She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that's best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes:

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies."

"Fuck, I could never get the rest of it right." Richard scratched his cheek not realizing his words were being voiced.

"Y-y-you." Celeste was fumbling over her words as her face was flushed.

Richard gazed up, and furrowed his brow. He couldn't help but wonder what she was going on about, nor why she was stuttering.

"It seems like you two are getting along." A voice said as a man approached the center of the garden where they were located. Richard was too caught up in his thoughts to hear anyone coming, and seeing the look on Celeste's face, it didn't seem like she knew either. He knew it was Issac, and when Richard turned to look, he was walking alongside his wife.

"You remember Silivia, my wife," Issac said as Silivia gave a soft smile to Richard.

Truly stunning, she was someone who would make men's heads turn.

"Yes, I remember," Richard said.

"I mentioned the gathering Lord Kirk would host soon. I'd still like you to attend that event with me of course, but now that I'm looking at it. How about you go alongside my daughter Richard?" Issac said with a smile on his face.

Out of the corner of his eye, Richard saw a look of shock on Celeste's face. He thought back on their conversation, and over the words she spoke in her poem. Then there was Roxanne and how she'd feel about the matter.

What he disliked was that Issac was putting him on the spot. Asking him this question right in front of his daughter, surely he had to know if Richard said no it would be embarrassing for her. Her pride would be wounded, and given the bits of her personality he'd seen thus far, Richard figured she would crawl into her shell and never come out.

But, he couldn't just agree simply to spare her feelings. He had to think about his own feelings and those of Roxanne.

If he was being honest with himself, he wanted to go to the gathering. Not for Issac's daughter, but more so for the potential people he could meet there. All of them would have to be rich or have some sort of influence in the city if they were being invited by Lord Kirk. Meaning, potential more investors he could pitch his business proposal to instead of just going along with the whims of Issac.

That alone, just that one fact made going all so much better.

"Fine, I shall accompany your daughter to the gathering." Richard agreed.