The Royal Revelation

Jareth's heart raced at the entrance of Starkhaven, its imposing walls concealing untold secrets. The city's influential status in the Free Marches filled him with both excitement and apprehension. What destiny awaited a forsaken 25-year-old in this realm of opulence?

His gaze traced the sinuous walls, reaching skyward like a fortress guarding unimaginable splendor. Marble palaces nestled amidst lush green hills, their elegance heightened by the broad boulevards encircling them. Jareth's imagination ran wild with visions of the privileged lives led by those within Starkhaven's embrace.
Yet, shadows lurked beneath the surface of luxury. The Minanter River surged through the water gate, its restless currents mirroring Jareth's pounding heart. It seemed to whisper warnings of hidden perils that awaited the daring souls who dared to cross its threshold.

Still, Jareth found himself ensnared by the city's allure. Fountains adorned regal estates, their cascading waters reflecting the glimmer of granite paths. The royal palace, an epitome of grandeur, stood resolute at the heart of Starkhaven. The granite path leading to it called to him as if the city itself yearned to divulge its enigmatic secrets to an abandoned wanderer.

Yet, Starkhaven held more than mere splendor. Its famed cuisine tantalized Jareth's growling stomach. Whispers of the renowned fish and egg pie echoed through the realm. Three deboned fresh fish, boiled eggs, dried fruit, spices, and thickened cream embraced by a delicate crust—an invitation to surrender to the delectable wonders of Starkhaven.

As Jareth ventured forth, suspense clung to every step. The formidable walls, hidden dangers, and the promise of gastronomic delight wove an intoxicating tapestry of uncertainty. He steeled himself, ready to navigate the mysteries that lay within Starkhaven's realm, knowing that his journey would demand both courage and resilience.

Sebastian didn't often get to leave the palace grounds of late. Not without good reason for it. Not that he didn't wish to, but the chaos of late meant he was kept more cooped up than normal.

But an ill blessing set him loose today. Specifically, the Divine had slipped her guard. Again.

Charlotte had mentioned it and sometimes he wondered if she were involved in these dalliances that the Divine took. Or, at least, intentionally waited to speak up until it set the whole palace guard loose to find her.

He rode casually through the streets on horseback. A flank of two guards on horses as well with him for company. After all, he'd not be allowed alone. For the same reason none of them wished Vivienne to be left alone. As bold as Antiva had gotten, none trusted they would not act in some fashion against Starkhaven. And Sebastian was no longer the only target present.

The small group came upon a young man who seemed to have attention torn about in all directions. Sebastian eased his horse to a stop nearby. Forgive me, serah, but have you a moment?

Lost in the vastness of it all, he felt a profound sense of awe and insignificance, as though he were but a minuscule speck in the grand tapestry of existence. Uncertain of how to navigate through this uncharted territory, he spiraled slowly into a state of mental disarray. However, just as he was on the brink of losing himself, a voice cut through the chaos, jolting him back to reality. Uh? you... His eyes widened as he finally locked onto the source of the voice. Sorry, um... right! With a sudden burst of understanding, he dropped to his knees, offering a gesture of respect, even though it might have appeared somewhat eccentric.

He exhaled disappointedly, "I can't believe he is right there," he thought, surprised while struggling to figure out what he should do or if he should even say anything at all. 

Will he even believe me? he whispered to himself as a river of emotions flooded inside like a stampede making it impossible to think straight.

Sebastian resisted the urge to cringe, a skilled practice he'd acquired over his many years now as Prince. He did not like when others treated him like this, it never felt right. Perhaps it never would. Too humble to feel he deserved any such sign of respect.

He held up a hand. Please, that is unnecessary. After allowing the stranger a moment to regain themselves, he asked his question. Have you, perhaps, seen a woman of Rivaini descent pass this way? Long hair, petite, a mage? He did his best to describe her, but did not wish to name her - none needed to know yet the Divine lived.

When the stranger muttered something, Sebastian shook his head, leaning down a bit from his mount. Pardon?

He hesitated at first, not quite certain what he had done wrong. Taking the hand that was offered, he rose to his two noodle-thin feet, feeling a bit wobbly. With his hand on his chin, he gazed up at the sky and thought about this Rivaini mage, his face clearly expressing a sense of confusion.

He glanced to his side with a fleeting hint of sadness clouding his features. Never mind me, he said softly, his tone calm yet tinged with a palpable sense of uncertainty.

I dare say I have absolutely no clue whom you are speaking about, Your Highness, he paused, choosing his words carefully, But I might know some who could help, he said confidently, his arms resting behind his back as he offered a warm smile.

One brow arched in curiosity as to what could possibly be troubling the young man. Though it was a fleeting moment. As much as he wished he could care about every individual here, it would simply be too much. It would be impossible. So he settled back to what he was really out and about to focus on: the Divine. Or, rather, the lack thereof.

Sebastian withheld a sigh of frustration, instead offering a polite smile and curt nod. Ready in an instant to move along, the next words from the stranger gave him pause.

Do you? he glanced back at the impassive faces of his guards. Silently, he wished Aoife had joined him for this. After a moment, though, he looked back. Please, any assistance you could offer is appreciated.

He had called on friends before, but this time he found himself in an entirely new place. That, coupled with his lingering insecurity about using spirit magic in front of others, made the situation feel all the more daunting. However, his determination to aid the prince, perhaps his only kin, was unwavering.

With a kind gesture, he stacked his palms atop each other and closed his eyes. Abruptly, he opened them, revealing irises that flickered briefly with a bright hue as a wisp of energy slowly materialized, hovering in a shimmering aura of warmth.

Hey there, he began, addressing the diminutive creature. Yes, that's him!  he exclaimed excitedly, his enthusiasm evident. I know, right?  he continued, engaging in a one-sided conversation with the small orb of light, or so it seemed. Well, this time it's not me who needs their aid; he does.

Carefully, he extended his hands toward Sebastian. Just tell them about her, he told the prince with a gentle voice.

Sebastian found himself shifting somewhat uncomfortably in his seat, rearranging himself a couple times in the saddle. He could also feel a growing tension radiating from the guards behind him. The movements of the man were both foreign and familiar, but Sebastian couldn't place where he'd seen anything like it before.

Thankfully for everyone present, all that came of it was a small wisp of light. A spirit? Sebastian glanced back at the closest guard, who'd relaxed.

Hearing the young man speak again, he looked back at him curiously. It had to be a spirit, right? He couldn't imagine anything else that would be spoken to like this. And the presence didn't feel foul enough to be a demon.

Awkwardly shifting again, he cleared his throat when presented with the chance to speak. Ah, well... he trailed off before launching into as good a description he could give - without giving away exactly who it was he sought. Once he'd finished, he looked to the man for reassurance that this wasn't utterly insane.

@Jareth

Jareth pulled the wisp in really close. You got all that, right? he asked, talking to himself again. But surely, within a matter of seconds, the spirit wisp just faded. He felt calm and warmed up, surely it was not the weather. They should get back to you as soon as they find her. Just keep an eye out for the signs, he said to Sebastian, scratching his cheek and glancing to his side with a bit of worry.

The young man couldn't stop his fingers from fidgeting with the edge of his vest, his heart fluttering with a mix of nerves and excitement. His eyes darted to Sebastian every few seconds, and a shy, hopeful smile played on his lips. A blush crept up his cheeks, and he felt a warm, pleasant sensation in his chest. So, you're the prince... he began, struggling to finish his sentence. I've been looking for you, you know, he finally found the courage to say.

"Come on, Jareth, say something else. At this point, it's just weird. Say it!" he thought, taking deep breaths to calm himself, but his rapid heartbeat betrayed his anticipation. As he smoothed his hair for the tenth time, he couldn't help but feel both thrilled and anxious about finally meeting him.

Sebastian blinked a few times, trying to process. Signs? he asked, hoping for a bit of clarification. After a pause, he added: Apologies, I'm not overly familiar with... spirits. He gave a slightly sheepish smile followed by an awkward clearing of his throat.

Given all the mages he'd known in his life, he probably should have known more. But there was a point in that life he was less open to things as he was now. All he could do now was hope this particular mage would be patient enough with him to explain.

The silence that soon descended was a bit on the awkward side. Something Sebastian tried not to think too much about. Deciding to focus on his horse, he leaned forward a bit to give the mare some scratches along her neck, followed by a couple pats. By the time he'd leaned back up again, the other man was speaking.

Sebastian quirked a brow up in surprise, giving a quick glance back to his guard before looking back again. Might I inquire as to why? The nervous motions were hard to miss, and Sebastian couldn't decide if they boded well or ill.