Beyond the Castle, part one. (Two person.)

Araline:

I scooted closer to him subconsciously and curled up on my side watching the stars come out. I didn’t want to go back, I knew I would be chastised for staying out so late.

I scooted back, scant centimeters between us as I looked up at the stars.

Araline:

I yawned and wound my arms around my knees blinking slowly. I fell asleep not long after the sun set fully.

I began to fall asleep as well, and eventually just drifted off.

Araline:

I woke up freezing in pitch darkness. It took me a minute to realize where I was, that I was outside. The moon must have set already because there was barely any light. I shivered and reached over to touch Ario’s shoulder.

I blinked and opened my eyes. At the cold air i shivered a bit and as i looked at her, i saw how much she was shivering. I hugged her wordlessly, letting my warm body warm her up.

Araline:

I was a little surprised, people didn’t usually touch me. But I didn’t mind, I as cold and he was warmer than I. I leaned against him my shivers subsiding.

Ario:

I pulled her closer so that she could have more contact with my warm body.

Araline:

“Wont your parents wonder where you are?” I asked quietly.

Ario:

I shook my head. "No."

Araline:

That reminded me of my mother but I didn’t say anything. “I should probably be in bed before someone realizes I’m gone. That happened before.” I murmured and grimaced at the memory.

I nodded and got to my feet, helping her up. "Lets get you back then."

Araline:

“I can make in back by myself.” I said though I was slightly frightened to go alone.

I smiled. "Come on lets take you home." I said taking her hand in mine.

Araline:

I shook my head but didn’t protest further, keeping close to him.

I put an arm around her shoulder to help keep her warm.

Araline:

When we reached the palace doors I pulled away from him. “Thank you for walking me back, I can take it from here. Will you be okay going home by yourself?” I asked.

I nodded. "Yeah, see you soon." I said bowing and winking at her bevore heading off.

Araline:

I smiled then ran through the dimly lit hallways until I reached my room. I went to the window to see if I could spot him walking home but the darkness had swallowed him up.

It took months before my mother found out about my new friend. I was surprised by this considering I was gone more often than I was in the palace. She hardly even inquired where I was all those days, until some boy that I positively despised saw us together and went to tattle. I wasn’t allowed to see Ario after that, not that it stopped me… Today I had snuck out early and was trying to find where he lived though I didn’t have much information to go on.

I smiled and tapped her shoulder. "Your easy to follow you know." I said flashing her a grin.

Araline:

I spun around then grinned at him. I had a blue hat on that shaded my face so people wouldn’t recognize unless they were looking for me. I didn’t want people coming up to me, thinking I was a princess like Ario had. “I saw you several blocks back, you’re easy to spot.” I said though it was a lie.

I shook my head. "Your as bad a liar as ever."

Araline:

I stuck my tongue out at him then grinned.  "How long have you been following me?" I asked.  

Ario:

"Hm, I would have to say I started following you about the time you got out of sight of the palace gates." I responded after a moment.

Araline:

"And you just let me wander around aimlessly!?"  I crossed my arms.