The Arrivals - Rose Ceremony
The center room was full of buzzing voices. All eighteen bachelors were gathered together waiting for Juniper to come in. Everyone was rather stressed about the coming results, but no one wanted to show it.
All the voices instantly quieted as Juniper floated into the room. Her outfit was elegant, and some of the bachelors muttered to each other under their breath.
"Good evening, gentleman. I must say, before we start, that it was an absolute pleasure to meet each and every one of you."
"Yes, and now things are about to get real." A tall wildclaw stepped out of the door behind Juniper, kissing her on the cheek before he approached the bachelors.
"Well, boys, it's time to face the music. Did you make a good enough impression to stay, or will Juniper send you packing?" The host smiled and nodded at Juni. "Alrighty. Let's do this."
She walked over to a table and picked up a soft pink rose.
"This," Finn gestured at the bloom. "Is the First Impression Rose. It is given to the bachelor who impresses Juniper the most when they first meet her. This rose will ensure that whoever holds it will be safe from elimination for the next two ceremonies."
Everyone shifted and buzzed about it, but were silenced when Juniper spoke up.
"Alright! So. I am going to award this rose to... Scout." She smiled at the skydancer, pinning the rose to his chest.
"Scout, you were the absolute sweetest dragon today. The way that you acknowledged your driver and acted so kind just spoke to me. I'm so excited to get to know you better." Pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek, she stepped back.
Finn grinned impishly at the rest of the dragons. "Right. Now for the rest of the roses. As you may notice, there are thirteen red roses on the table before Juniper. Each of you who get a red rose will be staying past the elimination tonight. Those of you who don't get a rose will be asked to leave the mansion."
Stepping forward with the first three roses, Juniper smiled broadly. "Alright. Meyer, Blitz, and Ril, can you all step forward for me?"
"Ah, my precious nerds. You are all so bright and intelegent, and even though you may not be the smoothest dragons," she laughed and winked at Meyer, "you are all precious to me. I am stoked to get to know you all more!"
Blitz brushed a tear and sniffled as she pinned the rose on his lapel.
When Juniper smiled at Meyer, he stumbled backwards, stammering over his words. "I- I mean, you - I mean... thank you." She nodded.
"Thanks." Ril touched his claw to Juniper's cheek. "It means a lot."
"Well, fancy fancy. That's four in. Only ten roses left!" Finn grinned and walked towards Juniper, handing her another two roses. "Who's next?"
She ran her claw over the petals and smiled softly. "Next is Bhodie and Zayn."
Both dragons stepped forward and shot happy looks at each other.
"Congrats, man."
"You too."
Juniper laughed. "You were both so sweet. Can't wait to see more of you!"
Clapping his claws, Finn directed the bachelors back into the group. "Great. Well done. Awesome. Let's go with four in one." He handed Juniper a set of four red roses, which she took gracefully.
"Alright. Okay, so the next four are Jayle, Garreth, Jaxon, and Guild."
"All four of you were the absolute sweetest to me from the moment we met. Keep it up and you'll be good." She turned and picked up the next two roses, having finished pinning the previous four to their owners. "Right. Luka and Wills, can you please step forward?"
"You two were very bold. Which could be a problem...but not to me. It was a risky move, making the choices you did. I admire that. And it paid off. You are both going to stay."
She stepped forward, pinning the roses to their chests. The two colourful dragons exchanged a wink.
Finn took a few steps, gazing at the remaining dragons. "Could my last six please step forward? Zillo, Xav, Onyx, Taz, Wills, and Bander."
All six stepped forward, shifting nervously. Juniper picked up the remaining two roses, glancing at the males before her. "The first of these roses is going to go to Xav."
He grinned and swept into a deep bow. "Thank you, beautiful."
Juniper blushed furiously and bit her lip, pinning the rose to the circus dragon. "Thanks..."
Xav walked to the other dragons wearing red roses, grinning broadly.
"One rose left..." Juniper surveyed the remaining five bachelors. "It's going to go to...Grey."
The wildclaw hugged Juniper tightly before accepting the rose.
"You were amazing...I was stunned by you from the moment you stepped into my life. I can't wait to see more of you." Juniper kissed his cheek and directed him to the others, turning back to the remaining four. "Bander."
"Bander, you are honestly a great dragon. You seem absolutely fascinating. But I just don't see us clicking. Thanks for coming."
He hugged her gently, whispering a few words before pulling away.
She turned to Taz. "Hey."
"Hey..."
"I'm really sorry to do this. You seem like a fantastic guy, you really do. I just...I'm a little too scared of magic, and what could happen. This is a really emotional time, and I don't want to risk anything. I'm sorry."
Taz nodded. "I get it. It's not for anyone. Thanks for the honesty."
"Zillo."
The skydancer gazed at her silently, eyes glazed over.
"You are just...you kinda freak me out. You're always talking about death. That scares me. So I just can't keep you around."
"Figures." He slid into the shadows, and Juniper shuddered.
"Onyx."
"This is an outrage!"
"You haven't even listened to me yet!"
"I DON'T HAVE TO! I AM RICH! I CAN BUY YOU ANYTHING YOU WANT! I AM THE BEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO YOU!!" He took a step towards the spiral, but was quickly cut off by Grey.
"Don't take another step." The wildclaw's voice was dangerously low.
Onyx let out a sharp laugh. "You think I'm scared of you, boy?"
"You should be. Now listen to the lady, and then get. Out."
Juniper smiled gratefully at Grey. "I don't actually have anything else to add. Thanks. Now get out of my house."
Letting out a loud scream, the bogsneak stormed from the mansion, leaving a wake of destruction in his path. Zillo silently followed, along with Bander. Taz smiled at Juniper on his way out.
The spiral turned back to the remaining fourteen dragons. "I'm going to go to bed. Get some rest. I'll see you in the morning."
Phew!! That was soooooooo intense to write!!! ACK! So, 4 down, 14 to go! I would love you know your thoughts on the ceremony - sorry it was so rushed. Again, the interactions will become longer and more detailed as the group gets smaller.
Fantasy League will go up soon!
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