Summer's Dance of Amare

Prompt #2 - The Guards

The guard only staffs a skeleton crew outside of major events. Many of the guards are well-vetted and seasoned adventurers, or hired from prestigious bodyguard companies across the Paperverse. Will you do your duty and keep careful watch? Will you sneak away and snitch a snack or a spa day between shifts? Are you attentive– or lucky– enough to catch one of the uninvited hooligans this year? Draw or write your character as a guard at the ball. Your piece must include your character and either a location inside the palace or an encounter with a guest or gatecrasher. Reach out to your fellow players if you would like to collaborate!

As Galaxii stood at attention, watching the crowd as folks from all walks of life filed in, making conversation and having food and drink til their cups overfloweth, he noticed a familiar face in the crowd. He blinked, thinking maybe he was seeing things. But, no, there they were- Primrose, the one who had saved his life when he'd collapsed in the forest many months ago when he'd been out for so long that he'd run out of supply to keep himself from falling ill. He stared for a long moment, until they noticed him looking at them from across the ball room. "Galaxii!" they called out happily, bounding over to him, wearing a dress with what were no doubt real flowers, various sizes, but all golden-yellow in color.

"Prim?" he said, taking a step forward to meet her. "I'm surprised you came. This seems like an event that wouldn't be your cup of tea..."

"Me? Oh, no, I love parties! I was very happy to get an invitation!" She held up the little envelope, signed with her name on it, proving that she had in fact been invited. "You look a bit out of place, though..."

He shrugged. "I did get an invitation, but I was going to skip it, try to get a job to pass the time tonight. But, then they also offered to take me on as a guard for the night, and it was good money. I've attended plenty of balls during my time as a noble- you've seen one, you've seen them all." From the corner of his eye, a distance behind Prim, he thought he saw some commotion, trying to lean to catch a glimpse.

Prim was quick to bring his attention back to them, though. "Well, I think you should get at least one dance! Have some fun, you're at a party!"

He shook his head, looking back at her. "Ah, I don't really dance..."

They didn't hear his protests out, dragging him out onto the floor and beginning to dance. Now swept up with the crowd, he followed suit, stepping gracefully in time. "You're better at dancing than you made yourself out to be," Prim said, a lighthearted smile on their face.

"I said that I don't dance. I didn't say that I couldn't."