The Reply

Pascal peered at one of the pieces of water eleth through a pair of work goggles. Today just didn't seem to be a good day to experiment with the eleth. Nothing was going the way she wanted even though all the measurements and such were correct.

"Aww bananas." she muttered out loud to herself and then sighed deeply. Her mind just hadn't been cooperating with her as of late. Placing the eleth crystal back into its holder she settled down ready to begin again until a knock sounded at her lab door.

"Yeah?" she said not bothering to look towards the door. The door opened and Poisson entered.

"Good afternoon Pascal." she said smiling. "You don't seem to be in a good mood this afternoon."

"Hnn. I can't seem to get this eleth to work right. It's driving me nuts" she sighed again and leaned back in her chair. Pushing the goggles up onto the top of her head she turned her attention to Poisson. "So what's up?"

"I've come to invite you to be my guest at an upcoming ball held by the King of Windor. The Chancellor invited the Elder but I will attend in her place. I am allowed two guests and I thought that you would like to go with me if you hadn't been sent and invitation. I am sure many of your friends will be there. Would you like to attend it with me?"

"Sure. I'd like see the gang together again. We haven't been together in a while." She smiled at the thought. She had received some mail a few days ago but had forgotten to open it when she was sidetracked by something. "When is it?" she asked.

"We will be attending at the end of the week. Of course we will be dressed formally so we have plenty of time to find something for you to wear."

Pascal looked down at her wrinkled but clean clothes. She guessed they would have to dress up for a ball.

"My other guest will be your sister so I'm sure she'll be glad to help you find something. Speaking of Fourier she hasn't been complaining about you like she used to."

"Yeah, she was shocked the last two times she came. I had already taken a bath before she had to remind me." She smiled a self-satisfied smile.

"Well that certainly is something out of the normal. Is there a reason?" she said inquisitively.

"Not really." Before she realized it her cheeks flared up. Jumping out of her seat she stretched and walked over to a window. She hoped Poisson wouldn't notice. She was still coming to terms with Richard's confession. She honestly couldn't understand why he would ever feel that way for her but she was pleased nonetheless.

Poisson had 'hmmed' lightly before she spoke. "Okay. Fourier is sure to be over before the day is over. She'll probably want to take you shopping to find something fit for the ball. I have a meeting with the Overseer so I'll be going now."

"Alright, see you later Poisson." Pascal said finally feeling her cheeks cool off. She took another look at the eleth. 'Doesn't look like we're going to work out today.' She thought to herself and began walking away from the experiment. She vaguely wondered what would happen when she saw Richard again and if it would be awkward. She knew she had to say something to his confession but she was still going out of her mind thinking about what to say. She couldn't picture what she and Richard would look like in a relationship but she knew for sure she wasn't opposing to the idea. She just didn't know how to go about it and if she was ready for one.

Richard stood in the castle ballroom overseeing the cleaning and decorations as Dalen rambled off the last things that needed his attention. His mind had been partially with the man and partially not for the last half hour. It had been only a few weeks since he last saw Pascal and he wanted to see her yet again. 'Would it seem like I'm pressuring her?' He wasn't the type to be unsure in these situations but he found that when it came to matters involving Pascal he was rarely himself.

"…ichard…ing…chard…" Richard blinked realizing he was being called and turned his attention to Dalen.

"King Richard is everything okay?" Dalen asked with concern showing on his face.

"Please forgive me Dalen I was preoccupied in my thoughts for a moment. What is it?" he asked turning his full attention to Dalen. He would just have to think about his relationship matters at a later time.

"We want to make sure that the decorations of the ballroom have your approval." Dalen said motioning with a broad sweep of his arm to the vast expanse of the ballroom.

The room was tastefully decorated with ribbons of green and gold silk arching beautifully from the ceiling as well as adorning the pillars. The glass chandeliers were cleaned wonderfully so the lights reflected shined beautifully through the different pieces of glass. There were tables off from the center of the room that were covered with pristine white table cloths ironed to show not even the smallest creases. The tables were accompanied by wooden chairs waxed to perfection to shine like new. Lastly, the floor gleamed from a good cleaning showing the perfect reflection of the ceiling above.

"The decorations are wonderful. Thank you everyone." He said to the team of maids and butlers that stood before him awaiting his approval. When they had it they scattered each going to prepare something else.

"Dalen, if you would be kind enough to handle the rest of the preparations here I will return to my office." Richard didn't usually leave things to other people but he just couldn't concentrate.

"Say no more my king, I will handle the rest."

Leaving Dalen he went to his office to clear his head. When he arrived he sat in his chair and browsed through the leftover paperwork that he would be continuing when everything was finished. There were an assortment of documents that needed his attention but not as many as it would have been if he hadn't been working on them in the last few days before the ball. Beginning to sort the documents into neat piles he decided that would be the best way to calm his thoughts.

Later that evening the ball started without any incidents. Richard greeted all his guests with a host's smile and gave a small speech about the happiness that peace between the three countries had produced. When he had finished his opening speech he was swarmed by political figures from the two guest countries. He resigned himself to speaking with them first before finding any of his friends who might have accepted his invitation. He knew some would be there because of their position in one of the three kingdoms so he figured he would definitely run into Asbel, Hubert, and Malik. He would see Cheria, Sophie, and Pascal if they accepted his invitations. He felt he had a good chance of meeting Pascal if she was invited by Poisson as well. That thought made him want to hurry through introductions with other representatives so he could look for her. Handling situations like these correctly was very important and he found great joy in making sure everything ran smoothly but he also knew that intimate human relationships were important as well and he wanted to make sure he didn't neglect any chance he had at nurturing his relationship with Pascal. As if on cue Hubert appeared in front of him at President Paradine's side reminding him of his most important issue. He decided it would be better not to think of it while handling important matters so he pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind.

"King Richard," the president began "You have truly done something wonderful. Keeping in touch and getting to know your ally is quite essential to continuing peaceful relations." he smiled while shaking Richard's hand.

"President Paradine and Hubert, I'm honored that the both of you accepted my invitation." Greetings over they stood a few moments talking to each other about political business and then the president excused himself.

"I'm aware that you two are good friends so I will leave as I am sure you have some catching up to do." Nodding to both of them he left to speak to someone else.

With the president gone Richard turned his attention to Hubert. "It really has been some time since we've last spoke. I hope you been well.' Richard asked truly concerned for his friend. Although his and Hubert's relationship wasn't as close as he and Asbel's, he really did care for him.

"I have." He said folding his arms in front of himself. "And you?" he asked looking at some of the different guests milling around.

"I've been quite busy with preparations for this lately but I am doing fine."

"Richard! Hubert!" Asbel's voice carried over to them from a small distance. He walked over to where Richard and Hubert stood. He was accompanied by Cheria and Sophie who wore matching dresses.

"It's so good to see the both of you." He beamed brightly.

"I share the same sentiments." Richard responded. He was happy to see that they had decided to come.

"Thank you for the invitation your highness." Cheria said with a small curtsy. Sophie followed her example and thanked him too.

"I am happy you accepted. I was hoping you would so I made sure they prepared some your favorites." He said

"Are there any crablettes?" Sophie asked excitedly.

"Yes, there are. Please help yourself." He grinned at the look on her face as she headed toward the food area. Cheria followed behind her reminding her about being a lady.

Richard turned his attention back to Asbel and Hubert.

"Hey Hubert have you seen Pascal yet? She looks really different than her usual." Asbel said making conversation.

Richard could see Hubert stiffen at the mention of Pascal's name though Asbel didn't notice because he wasn't looking.

"I haven't the faintest idea why I should care what she looks like." He said simply. "If you will excuse me I have others that I need to speak with." He turned his back and strolled away.

"Huh. But I thought- never mind." Asbel said looking confused.

Richard knew the reason behind Hubert's statement but decided he wouldn't say anything because it might cause trouble. Instead he changed the subject to Asbel's unmarried state and his progress with Cheria. They talked for a while and then parted. Asbel went to speak to Malik and Richard to Chancellor Eigen.

Finally finding some time to slip away, Richard left the noisy ballroom for the much quieter nearby library. He had seen Pascal go that way sometime earlier and decided he would go speak to her. Entering the library he searched for her amidst the towering shelves of books. After a few moments he found her sitting on the marble floor in a corner with her attention riveted in the book she held. He was sure she hadn't heard him approach so he lightly touched her small shoulder to catch her attention. She jumped at the contact and quickly looked up.

"I didn't intend to frighten you. Forgive me." he said.

"Oh, Richard." She quickly got up and fixed her dress. "Nice party you have going on here."

With her standing and closer to him he could finally get a better look at what she was wearing. Her hair was pulled back away from her face with a flower hair clip giving him a full view of her face. She wore a soft yellow dress that tied around her neck exposing her shoulders. It fitted her petite form perfectly down to her waist where it flared out at the hips and stopped just before her knees. On her feet were white strappy low-heel sandals that matched her elbow length silk gloves.

He had never seen her wear something so feminine. It was a very pleasant surprise so he was at a loss for words for a moment.

"Richard?" she asked with a questioning look.

"I'm sorry. Thank you." He recovered.

"Do I look that weird in this?" she asked motioning to the dress. "I feel kinda awkward."

"No, you look magnificent."

"Oh…" she said. Her cheeks had turned a light shade of pink.

Not wanting to make her uncomfortable he changed the subject. "You've seen everyone already?"

"Almost everyone, Sophie and Cheria looked really cute in their matching dresses." She fingered the pages of the book in her hand.

"I agree they were very cute." He turned to browse the book shelf beside him so he wouldn't stare at her.

"I was with my sister until a little while ago. We met the Captain with Asbel and talked for little while."

In his peripheral vision he could tell she was looking at him and he really wondered what was on her mind. He wanted to know what she thought of him or if she thought of him.

"Richard?" she turned toward him.

"Yes?" he turned his attention to her fully.

"I want to talk…" she hesitated.

He stood patiently waiting for her to finish. He could feel his anticipation building with just those four words.

"I want to talk about your confession." She finished looking at him straight on. "I've never been in a relationship before so I don't have any previous experience."

"That wouldn't be a problem." He easily answered.

"I like having friends but I don't know if I can handle more intimate relationships. Fourier tells me I'm good with machines but not so much with people."

"That's fine. We could take it slowly. I'm in no rush." He smiled. "I'd be happy to go at a pace that makes you comfortable."

She fell silent for a moment. "I gotta know something."

"Hmm?"

"Why me?" she asked. "I'm not exactly what you would call an attractive. Fourier tells me all the time that I'll never find someone the way I am now."

"I'll admit that you have quirks but they come together with everything else that makes you who you are. All together I think you're attractive. I've come to enjoy seeing you smile and find that I want to be the person who makes you do it. You're always so cheerful and you try to help others be cheerful as well. You care for your friends very much. You never let anything change who you are."

Her cheeks held a light tint of pink.

"Shall I continue?" he asked with a gentle smile.

"N-no that's really enough." She began putting the book she had back onto the shelf which was slightly out of her reach.

Richard mover closer and placed the book back in its slot for her. He then looked down at her. "I suppose I should get back before they send the guards looking for me. Please help yourself to anything else you'd like to read." He turned to leave but was stopped by the back of his clothing being grabbed.

"What about Hu?" came her voice from behind him.

He could tell she was really worried about their friend. He was worried about his reaction as well. He knew she didn't want to hurt him more than he was already and he didn't want to lose a friend.

"Surely we would have to tell him before he found out. That is only if you're willing to begin a relationship with me."

"I know." She answered "Can't we wait for a while?"

"That would be best. In the meantime we can strengthen our bond and get to know each other more." He looked over his shoulder at the top of her head.

"Um…yeah." She said letting go of his clothing.

In the distance outside the library Richard could hear the guards looking for him. "I suppose we'll have to talk more about this later." He turned to her with a smile. He couldn't stop himself even if he had tried. She nodded in agreement. He turned to leave again.

"Richard?" came her voice again.

"Yes." He turned back to her.

"Thank you for saying I looked nice." She said with a shy smile.

"You're welcome Pascal. I honestly think you look beautiful tonight." With that he exited the library quietly and made his way back to the ballroom with the brightest smile on his face.

AN: I hope this made up for the extremely short chapter before. Any questions or input please leave them in my PM box or in a review. Until next time.

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