. l o n g \ l o n e l y / d a y s . xx Echo

[Ŧєคгlєรร∞คгςђєг]

A tall willowy young man stood in a hallway, he currently had no orders and nothing on his agenda so he was in a relaxed stance, looking at a beautiful painting and humming quietly to himself.

[~echo~]

Annika Martell walked silently down the halls of the castle, even her steps and breath quiet. She thought of how many times she had roamed these halls with her best friend, now deceased. She held in the tears and tightness in her chest that always followed the thought of her friend. She looked up to see the young man and wondered who he was. She walked by quietly, her sky blue dress billowing in the draft that followed her steps.

[Ŧєคгlєรร∞คгςђєг]

A very quiet, almost undetectable rustling noise reached Sebastian's ears and he turned in alarm, immediately straightening his face but when he looked at the girl, something almost seemed sad about her. As if she were the loneliest person in the world. "Ah, excuse me, miss?" He addressed her quietly and politely, a friendly look on his face.

[~echo~]

The ward jumped at his words. Nobody ever talked to her. "Uhm, yes?" she asked, her voice almost gravelly from lack of use. "Can I help you?" She stopped walking.

[Ŧєคгlєรร∞คгςђєг]

He fidgeted slightly with his hands behind his back. "Well, I just wanted to ask if you felt alright. You seem a little, down." He said cautiously, not wanting to offend or to come across a little too straightforward.

[~echo~]

Annika shrugged her shoulders slightly. "Well, yes. You could say that." She rocked a little on her heels, her hands behind her back.

[Ŧєคгlєรร∞คгςђєг]

"Well I know you don't know me but if you ever have something you just need to say to help you feel better, I'm here everyday." He gave her a friendly smile. "I am Sebastian by the way." He introduced himself with a little bow.

[~echo~]

Annika nodded, surprised. "Alright," she said, gazing at him. "I'm Annika," she said with a slight curtsy.

[Ŧєคгlєรร∞คгςђєг]

"Considering you are dressed better than I am I'm assuming you aren't just a servant, but you also aren't part of the Martell family." He noted with a smile.

[~echo~]

"Im a younger sibling; a ward," she explained. "But-- nobody really ever notices me."

[Ŧєคгlєรร∞คгςђєг]

"Ah, I see. I don't know how no one can ever notice you though." He smiled largely.

[~echo~]

Annika smiled slightly, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Well, thank you."

[Ŧєคгlєรร∞คгςђєг]

"I myself am a servant, I am never noticed as well but that's to be expected." He smiled but he didn't mind. He worked here and was without friends or family.

[~echo~]

Annika nodded. "Where do you work? The gardens? Or the kitchens, perhaps?"

[Ŧєคгlєรร∞คгςђєг]

"I do a little of everything. I basically receive orders and do what I am told. It is simple really. I do a lot of gardening though." He enjoyed working out in the fresh air, the beautiful scenery of the garden and the beautiful sky above him.

[~echo~]

Annika looked a little less sad. "Im surprised ice never met you before. I love the gardens and the fresh, clean scent of roses."

[Ŧєคгlєรร∞คгςђєг]

"I usually make myself scarce." He admitted, smiling.

[~echo~]

Annika gave the tiniest of grins. "Do you have the day off today?"

[Ŧєคгlєรร∞คгςђєг]

He saw her small smile and it encouraged him to speak to her. "Well I wouldn't say I have the day off, but I don't have any duties as of now." He responded with his own smile.

[~echo~]

"Then perhaps we could walk together?"