[ P ] don't you dream impossible things?

I

t's a few hours before the event for the King's Garden is in full swing. Alexei found himself within the heavily populated grounds of the Castle, where he had first found himself - or rather, where Baelfire had found him. A chill ran down Alexei's spine, the cold winter breeze making sure that it was not forgotten, even on a night like this. The sky was clear, dark with bits of shimmering stars. The crescent moon shone through the bare branches of the trees where Alexei walked. Castle Stuart somehow seemed brighter tonight, looming against the dark with purpose. He'd heard through the grapevine (passing strangers and soft mentions of the flowers that had seen) that there was something happening within the nobles' domain. He doesn't expect to get in, not at all. The red man not seen something spectacular like a flower amidst the barren lands, yet, he traces the worn out paths near the ends of the crumbling towers. He remembers the day when he didn't know what they were, thinking they were nothing but odd shaped mountains in the distance. How little he knew - and that he still much that he doesn't know. He's heard mentions of a King, an exiled Queen, and bits and pieces of information that he cannot connect yet.

Standing on the beaten path, a strange creature in the distance catches the man's eye. A smaller looking fox, completely white. He takes a small step forward towards it. It seems to notice him, but not really startled by the larger creature. When he took a step closer, though, the smaller creature also took a step forward. Alexei didn't want to harm the creature. After all, he wasn't sure he could really hunt on Royal grounds or not. Alexei walked after it for a few paces, trying to get closer to see what it was. But, alas, it always seemed to stay just out of proximity to investigate whatever it was. The paths changed underfoot, worn paths turned into ones that were harder, more maintained. And then, before he could notice the change of the air and the light murmur of conversation, he realizes where the little thing is going. Castle Stuart stood tall, a few towers making up the tallest parts of it. But he could never see a way up to them, even though there were some that had been up there. He'd never been wherever he was now, in front of an alleyway that seemed like he would have to wriggle through a tight space. But beyond it, he can see lights, bushes, and hear the sound of laughter within the King's Garden. Alexei's eyes sparkle a little, but also haven't forgotten the curious nature of the beast that had led him here.

He stood back on the pathway and gazed deep within the alleyway, squinting at the white, fuzzy thing. Alexei huffed and sat there for a moment, eyebrows furrowed in possibilities that he could do. He'd probably sat there longer than he should have before scrambling to a stand once more. There was one thing he could do. Maybe... He gives a soft call for his friend, if he was around, or listened very hard, maybe he could hear Alexei. If anyone knew, someone in the College would! And.. It wouldn't be a.. bad thing to see Arthur's face again... right?

art and code by Yahtzee-Penguiduck

@Arthur