(This is a medieval low fantasy RP that is partially open for new players. Check out the original prompt here!
Cast list:
If you're interested in joining, please don't just jump in! Shoot me a message and we can discuss
)
It was a balmy autumn afternoon in the province of Upper Sueldey. Every gentle breeze brought the sweet smell of grapes from the vineyards. The yearly harvest was well underway, and the countryside was dotted with pickers gathering the fresh fruit, and children stomping out their juices in great tubs. The entire country of Beauvralde was known for its wine, and Upper Sueldey lay right at its heart. Laughter and joy permeated the province as wholly as the aroma of grapes.
But Lordsir Adelbard Laudessagne didn't share that sentiment. The knight stood on the widow's walk above the entrance to his father's castle, known as Narnondeau Hall. He had a keen view of the grounds, from the lush gardens to the meadows where his father's prized horses grazed. Narnondeau itself was a large and sumptuous castle, capable of hosting a great number of people ... which was, of course, his father's plan. Lord Nolarth had sent out the call for suitresses--unwed noblewomen to vie for Adelbard's hand. Everyone felt that it was quite backwards for women to be chasing a man, even a winsome and eligible bachelor such as Adelbard, but his father had shrugged off the gossip and whispers.
A couple of them had already arrived over the past week. Adelbard had greeted them briefly at the gates, then did his best to avoid them. He sighed through his nose and planted both hands on the stone battlements. He always knew the day would come when his father would marry him off. In truth, the man had been more than patient, giving his wayward second son a thousand chances to find a suitable match on his own. Adelbard gave him credit for going to such lengths. It was an act of kindness, and not everyone in their family was in agreement. His eldest brother, Gauson, was supportive enough, but the youngest, Feoscorald, thought him a flippant dandy. Adelbard ground his teeth. "What does the brat know," he muttered to himself. The knight pushed those thoughts from his head and continued to look out over the road, awaiting the arrival of more of the suitresses and their entourages.
(Feel free to post in, guys And if you have any questions about the setting, feel free to ask me.)
Cast list:
- Sir Adelbard Laudessagne - the eligible bachelor
- the extended Laudessagne family and household
- Lady Adalia Sutcliffe - a suitress
- Cecilio - Adalia's bodyguard
- Sirina Zelenthia - a suitress
- Lady Belinda Rose Starsa - a suitress
- Blackarrow - a guard of House Laudessagne
If you're interested in joining, please don't just jump in! Shoot me a message and we can discuss
)It was a balmy autumn afternoon in the province of Upper Sueldey. Every gentle breeze brought the sweet smell of grapes from the vineyards. The yearly harvest was well underway, and the countryside was dotted with pickers gathering the fresh fruit, and children stomping out their juices in great tubs. The entire country of Beauvralde was known for its wine, and Upper Sueldey lay right at its heart. Laughter and joy permeated the province as wholly as the aroma of grapes.
But Lordsir Adelbard Laudessagne didn't share that sentiment. The knight stood on the widow's walk above the entrance to his father's castle, known as Narnondeau Hall. He had a keen view of the grounds, from the lush gardens to the meadows where his father's prized horses grazed. Narnondeau itself was a large and sumptuous castle, capable of hosting a great number of people ... which was, of course, his father's plan. Lord Nolarth had sent out the call for suitresses--unwed noblewomen to vie for Adelbard's hand. Everyone felt that it was quite backwards for women to be chasing a man, even a winsome and eligible bachelor such as Adelbard, but his father had shrugged off the gossip and whispers.
A couple of them had already arrived over the past week. Adelbard had greeted them briefly at the gates, then did his best to avoid them. He sighed through his nose and planted both hands on the stone battlements. He always knew the day would come when his father would marry him off. In truth, the man had been more than patient, giving his wayward second son a thousand chances to find a suitable match on his own. Adelbard gave him credit for going to such lengths. It was an act of kindness, and not everyone in their family was in agreement. His eldest brother, Gauson, was supportive enough, but the youngest, Feoscorald, thought him a flippant dandy. Adelbard ground his teeth. "What does the brat know," he muttered to himself. The knight pushed those thoughts from his head and continued to look out over the road, awaiting the arrival of more of the suitresses and their entourages.
(Feel free to post in, guys
And if you have any questions about the setting, feel free to ask me.)
Sirina Zelenthia leaned morosely up against the plush back of the carriage which transported her towards utter nonesense -well that's what it was as far as she was concerned. Her father felt it of the utmost importance. Her love for him was the only thing keeping her seated in the carriage rather than hopping astride her beloved snow white mare which was hitched behind and riding for all she was worth back toward home.
A heavy sigh fell from her lips as she watched the countryside and towns pass. Her arid homeland seemed a million miles away from this lush green farmland, and the smell of ripe grapes which wafted to her on the breeze was... well even SHE couldn't deny that it was wonderful. Maybe at least being here wouldn't be so bad. Resentment at being in this positon still burned hot in her chest, but she might as well make the best of it. There looked to be plenty of room for adventure here.
She leaned slightly out the window, uncaring if it was a tad unladylike and pointedly ignoring the disaprooving frown that lay upon her handmaid, Lalina's, lips. Her clear hazel eyes gazed out as they passed by family after family harvesting grapes, their children racing about, giggling and laughing as they stomped in tubs of grapes to expell their juices. She couldn't help the smile that lit up her own face, her previous line of thought forgotten for the moment.
The carriage soon neared the large castle which loomed ahead. Its presence quickly reminded her of her reasons for coming all this way, and her smile faded a little, though the wonder never left her eyes as she looked at the lush gardens as they drove past. This was it... could she do what her father wanted? Could she even try? Did she want to? So many questions. She pushed them away and instead focused on just the task of arriving at such place. Her father's castle didn't offer much as a comparison, though they had always been well enough off.
The carriage pulled to a stop and Sirina took a deep breath as Lalina was helped out, holding Sirina's cloak which she had divested herself of during the day's travel. The footman then helped Sirina out before busying himself with their bags. A servant had shown up to direct where their things were to be taken, leaving Sirina to gaze around her, excitement warring with resentment. Reminding herself she wasn't a child, to gawk so, she lifted her chin slightly and pointed her gaze toward the castles entrance. What would come next?
A heavy sigh fell from her lips as she watched the countryside and towns pass. Her arid homeland seemed a million miles away from this lush green farmland, and the smell of ripe grapes which wafted to her on the breeze was... well even SHE couldn't deny that it was wonderful. Maybe at least being here wouldn't be so bad. Resentment at being in this positon still burned hot in her chest, but she might as well make the best of it. There looked to be plenty of room for adventure here.
She leaned slightly out the window, uncaring if it was a tad unladylike and pointedly ignoring the disaprooving frown that lay upon her handmaid, Lalina's, lips. Her clear hazel eyes gazed out as they passed by family after family harvesting grapes, their children racing about, giggling and laughing as they stomped in tubs of grapes to expell their juices. She couldn't help the smile that lit up her own face, her previous line of thought forgotten for the moment.
The carriage soon neared the large castle which loomed ahead. Its presence quickly reminded her of her reasons for coming all this way, and her smile faded a little, though the wonder never left her eyes as she looked at the lush gardens as they drove past. This was it... could she do what her father wanted? Could she even try? Did she want to? So many questions. She pushed them away and instead focused on just the task of arriving at such place. Her father's castle didn't offer much as a comparison, though they had always been well enough off.
The carriage pulled to a stop and Sirina took a deep breath as Lalina was helped out, holding Sirina's cloak which she had divested herself of during the day's travel. The footman then helped Sirina out before busying himself with their bags. A servant had shown up to direct where their things were to be taken, leaving Sirina to gaze around her, excitement warring with resentment. Reminding herself she wasn't a child, to gawk so, she lifted her chin slightly and pointed her gaze toward the castles entrance. What would come next?
The view was spectacular, orange, red, and yellow merging into one beautiful autumn day. Perfect for distracting her from the anxiety quietly growing inside her gut. Would she actually be able to make allies? Surely no one would want to ally themselves with her if she were to reveal her actual linea--were those grapes? It had been a long time since she last had wine. Maybe she could have some later?
"Don't."
"Don't what?" she murmured against her palm as she stared out at the scenery. The people looked happy, which was wonderful.
She couldn't bare to see land with more miserable people--it disgusted her, the working conditions of some places. Now back to that wine. I wonder how alcoholic it is....
"You're thinking of drinking again."
Adalia removed her gaze from the window, shifting it to her bodyguard who was scribbling onto a piece of paper.
She glared at him. "And so what if I am?"
He continued to write but glanced up at her and gave her his ever present feline grin. "Surely you don't want a repeat of that incident?"
There was a small moment of silence as his words started to sink in. Music blared as she drunk the last glass and--"T-that won't happen again." she sputtered out, her cheeks starting to color a reddish hue. He raised an eyebrow. "2 times is a coincidence milady, but I know you'd rather not that happen a third time." he said plainly as he wrote the last line on the letter and placed it inside an envelope.
There was silence between the two as she looked at anywhere but him. The only thing that could be heard was the horse's hooves tapping against the road and the slight rumble of the carriage when it moved.
They stayed like that until the carriage abruptly stopped.
"We're here." he muttered, standing up to open the door. He descended down the small flight of stairs and held the door open for her. Adalia smoothed her skirt and pursed her lips. She felt like she wanted to punch him in the face for bringing it up, but they weren't on the ship. She had to act properly or Francis' plans in helping her would fail.
She lifted her skirt and descended down the flight of stairs before turning around to face Cecilio.
"Don't ruin this for us." he muttered, letting go of the door handle.
"I know Cecil, I'm not as much of a fool as you are"
"Life is much easier as a fool, is it not?" he grinned. "It always is." Adalia answered with a sigh.
"Anyway I must go deliver your luggage to your room, none of us wish for the letters to be found. And Francis specifically stated that you not try to flirt with the servants."
Adalia raised an eyebrow. "I am quite sure that applies to you as well."
"Of course it does." he smirked and turned around to get their luggage. Adalia took one last look at him and smiled--at least he doesn't look awkward in proper clothing she mused. She worried that he'd look out of place if he wore upper class outfits, he always preferred to wear more revealing clothes. An image came to mind as a blush crept up on her cheeks. She swatted the air in front of her as if to diminish it. No use thinking about that now.
She turned around and headed for the hall. If it was her father's wish, then she'd try her best to do so. It was for her and her mother's well-being, anyway. After all, one must have allies if they were to try to gain what is rightfully theirs without much conflict.
"Don't."
"Don't what?" she murmured against her palm as she stared out at the scenery. The people looked happy, which was wonderful.
She couldn't bare to see land with more miserable people--it disgusted her, the working conditions of some places. Now back to that wine. I wonder how alcoholic it is....
"You're thinking of drinking again."
Adalia removed her gaze from the window, shifting it to her bodyguard who was scribbling onto a piece of paper.
She glared at him. "And so what if I am?"
He continued to write but glanced up at her and gave her his ever present feline grin. "Surely you don't want a repeat of that incident?"
There was a small moment of silence as his words started to sink in. Music blared as she drunk the last glass and--"T-that won't happen again." she sputtered out, her cheeks starting to color a reddish hue. He raised an eyebrow. "2 times is a coincidence milady, but I know you'd rather not that happen a third time." he said plainly as he wrote the last line on the letter and placed it inside an envelope.
There was silence between the two as she looked at anywhere but him. The only thing that could be heard was the horse's hooves tapping against the road and the slight rumble of the carriage when it moved.
They stayed like that until the carriage abruptly stopped.
"We're here." he muttered, standing up to open the door. He descended down the small flight of stairs and held the door open for her. Adalia smoothed her skirt and pursed her lips. She felt like she wanted to punch him in the face for bringing it up, but they weren't on the ship. She had to act properly or Francis' plans in helping her would fail.
She lifted her skirt and descended down the flight of stairs before turning around to face Cecilio.
"Don't ruin this for us." he muttered, letting go of the door handle.
"I know Cecil, I'm not as much of a fool as you are"
"Life is much easier as a fool, is it not?" he grinned. "It always is." Adalia answered with a sigh.
"Anyway I must go deliver your luggage to your room, none of us wish for the letters to be found. And Francis specifically stated that you not try to flirt with the servants."
Adalia raised an eyebrow. "I am quite sure that applies to you as well."
"Of course it does." he smirked and turned around to get their luggage. Adalia took one last look at him and smiled--at least he doesn't look awkward in proper clothing she mused. She worried that he'd look out of place if he wore upper class outfits, he always preferred to wear more revealing clothes. An image came to mind as a blush crept up on her cheeks. She swatted the air in front of her as if to diminish it. No use thinking about that now.
She turned around and headed for the hall. If it was her father's wish, then she'd try her best to do so. It was for her and her mother's well-being, anyway. After all, one must have allies if they were to try to gain what is rightfully theirs without much conflict.
Adelbard saw the first carriage approaching on the road, with dust kicked up in its wake. He couldn't remember the specific order of the arrivals, though his father had tried to drill it into his head. It was too far away to see many details, but the knight did spot a pale white horse tethered behind the carriage. No doubt it was the steed of whichever lady rode within. Adelbard watched the carriage pull up and a woman emerge. He continued to lean out over the battlements until she disappeared beneath them, were he couldn't see her. Someone would be there to greet her, he knew--it probably should have been him, but he simply couldn't bear it. Not now. "At dinner," he told himself. "I'll meet them all at dinner."
Downstairs on the front steps, Sirina was awaited by a tall, pale-skinned man who looked to be in his mid-30s. He had kindly brown eyes and a pointed beard. As he approached her with open arms, some attendants saw to the arrangements--her horses were stabled, the carriage stowed, and her luggage transported to the large quarters that she was being put up in. "You must be the Lady Sirina," the man said, bowing deeply to her. "I am Lord Gauson Laudessagne, Lord Adelbard's brother. Welcome to Narnondeau Hall and, indeed, to the province of Upper Sueldey. How was your journey?" It was no secret that Gauson was set to inherit the estate. He was a scholarly, bookish sort of man, married to one Lady Tholaira Besoud-Laudessagne with a young son, Bould.
It wasn't long after that that another carriage approached the castle, partially obscured behind the dust cloud in the wake of the Zelenthia carriage. Adelbard spied on this one for a time as well, before withdrawing from the widow's walk and skulking off towards his chambers. He needed to look his best for dinner.
Gauson, seeing that another was joining them, beckoned to the attendants. Adalia was treated much the same as Sirina. She was led over towards Gauson on the front steps, while her carriage was tended. Two young men went to fetch her luggage, unless stopped by Cecilio--if the man insisted, they would simply bring him to the quarters he'd be sharing with his mistress. (Sirina and Adalia's chambers were close to each other in the guest wing and quite similar in layout. Both had a couple of smaller adjacent rooms intended for handmaidens, footmen, and bodyguards, as well as a view down into a lush garden courtyard.)
"My Lady Adalia, if I'm not mistaken?" Gauson said. "I'm Lord Gauson Laudessagne, brother to Lord Adelbard. Welcome, welcome--you both shall meet him at dinner. Do you wish to freshen up?"
(Trying to manage the characters so everyone gets the attention they deserve while also keeping things moving
)
Downstairs on the front steps, Sirina was awaited by a tall, pale-skinned man who looked to be in his mid-30s. He had kindly brown eyes and a pointed beard. As he approached her with open arms, some attendants saw to the arrangements--her horses were stabled, the carriage stowed, and her luggage transported to the large quarters that she was being put up in. "You must be the Lady Sirina," the man said, bowing deeply to her. "I am Lord Gauson Laudessagne, Lord Adelbard's brother. Welcome to Narnondeau Hall and, indeed, to the province of Upper Sueldey. How was your journey?" It was no secret that Gauson was set to inherit the estate. He was a scholarly, bookish sort of man, married to one Lady Tholaira Besoud-Laudessagne with a young son, Bould.
It wasn't long after that that another carriage approached the castle, partially obscured behind the dust cloud in the wake of the Zelenthia carriage. Adelbard spied on this one for a time as well, before withdrawing from the widow's walk and skulking off towards his chambers. He needed to look his best for dinner.
Gauson, seeing that another was joining them, beckoned to the attendants. Adalia was treated much the same as Sirina. She was led over towards Gauson on the front steps, while her carriage was tended. Two young men went to fetch her luggage, unless stopped by Cecilio--if the man insisted, they would simply bring him to the quarters he'd be sharing with his mistress. (Sirina and Adalia's chambers were close to each other in the guest wing and quite similar in layout. Both had a couple of smaller adjacent rooms intended for handmaidens, footmen, and bodyguards, as well as a view down into a lush garden courtyard.)
"My Lady Adalia, if I'm not mistaken?" Gauson said. "I'm Lord Gauson Laudessagne, brother to Lord Adelbard. Welcome, welcome--you both shall meet him at dinner. Do you wish to freshen up?"
(Trying to manage the characters so everyone gets the attention they deserve while also keeping things moving
)
"Ah, Lord Gauson, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." She greeted with a bow. She had heard quite a few things about the man from Francis. At times the two would be at the same event and would exhange a few words before separating. He's a great man, don't spite him.
"And no, no I'm quite fine, thank you." She smiled politely before glancing back at Cecilio who was carrying their luggage upon his insistence. She nodded at him and he nodded back in acknowledgement.
They were to discuss the time in which they were to send the letter to her mother later on. She had to be alerted of their doings, especially considering her brother was to come as her adviser. The man had sided with her real father and they had to reveal her blood on their own terms before his conscience runs out and he tells her father. And that? Well, she'd rather not die just to hide her father's infidelity. Worst case scenario, her father decided to bethrot her to Galvin. Just the thought of him disgusted her thorougly.
"But, may I ask where your library is?" She added in, turning around to face the man. She needed a quiet place to write her own letter to her mother. It would be quite rude afterall if they were only to send a formal letter. Because even if she hadn't known the Marquésa as her mother, she knew the woman as her aunt.
And I'll probably also have to explain why I'm in the role of suitress for someone I've barely known... She was quite adamant about me marrying someone I actually felt affectionate for. Memories of her mother's countless sermons flowed into her thoughts--Maybe she just didn't want me to make a mistake like her, one that would lead to her separation from her only heir.
Why did it have to be her? Why was she the one born into this mess? Just remembering it gave her a migrane. Curse her father's infidelity, but then again, she wouldn't be born if it wasn't for him.
"And no, no I'm quite fine, thank you." She smiled politely before glancing back at Cecilio who was carrying their luggage upon his insistence. She nodded at him and he nodded back in acknowledgement.
They were to discuss the time in which they were to send the letter to her mother later on. She had to be alerted of their doings, especially considering her brother was to come as her adviser. The man had sided with her real father and they had to reveal her blood on their own terms before his conscience runs out and he tells her father. And that? Well, she'd rather not die just to hide her father's infidelity. Worst case scenario, her father decided to bethrot her to Galvin. Just the thought of him disgusted her thorougly.
"But, may I ask where your library is?" She added in, turning around to face the man. She needed a quiet place to write her own letter to her mother. It would be quite rude afterall if they were only to send a formal letter. Because even if she hadn't known the Marquésa as her mother, she knew the woman as her aunt.
And I'll probably also have to explain why I'm in the role of suitress for someone I've barely known... She was quite adamant about me marrying someone I actually felt affectionate for. Memories of her mother's countless sermons flowed into her thoughts--Maybe she just didn't want me to make a mistake like her, one that would lead to her separation from her only heir.
Why did it have to be her? Why was she the one born into this mess? Just remembering it gave her a migrane. Curse her father's infidelity, but then again, she wouldn't be born if it wasn't for him.
Lady Belinda was double checking her clothes as her personal maid made her bed. She walked over to the window where she looked out over the large estate. She was basically recovered from the long trip here but she was not yet ready to socialize. It has been two days since her arrival. She sighed heavily as she realizes that today she needed to face strangers.
"Emily? Did you find out where the library is?' she asked quietly.
"Yes, milady. Would you like to go there for a while? Or perhaps a stroll around the yard? That always brighten your day at home." Emily spoke patiently as she finished making the bed.
"Not a stroll, Emily. At least not until I feel more comfortable around the people here. The library would be the place I'd like to go to. Hopefully I'll be allowed to browse the books. Perhaps I can find some new plants to study. I'll take my notebook and sketch book. Please place what I shall need in my satchel." Belinda spoke with a slight interest in doing some research.
"Yes, milady. " Emily spoke meekly as she picked up the satchel.
Soon Emily was leading Lady Belinda to the library. Belinda kept her eyes open so that she could remember the way there on her own. She needed to learn her way around the house and where she can go when she wanted a bit of quiet.
Emily opened the door to the library so that Belinda could go inside.
The walls in the room were lined with books on shelves. Chairs were placed are placed in such a way that available light was used.
"Oh my goodness, Emily! I never knew that there were so many books were written. There must be several hundred books here if I am not mistaken." Belinda exclaimed in surprise as she gazed about the room.
"Emily? Did you find out where the library is?' she asked quietly.
"Yes, milady. Would you like to go there for a while? Or perhaps a stroll around the yard? That always brighten your day at home." Emily spoke patiently as she finished making the bed.
"Not a stroll, Emily. At least not until I feel more comfortable around the people here. The library would be the place I'd like to go to. Hopefully I'll be allowed to browse the books. Perhaps I can find some new plants to study. I'll take my notebook and sketch book. Please place what I shall need in my satchel." Belinda spoke with a slight interest in doing some research.
"Yes, milady. " Emily spoke meekly as she picked up the satchel.
Soon Emily was leading Lady Belinda to the library. Belinda kept her eyes open so that she could remember the way there on her own. She needed to learn her way around the house and where she can go when she wanted a bit of quiet.
Emily opened the door to the library so that Belinda could go inside.
The walls in the room were lined with books on shelves. Chairs were placed are placed in such a way that available light was used.
"Oh my goodness, Emily! I never knew that there were so many books were written. There must be several hundred books here if I am not mistaken." Belinda exclaimed in surprise as she gazed about the room.
Sirina ran discreet hazel hued gaze over the man who introduced himself as Lord Gauson Laudessagne. He seemed friendly enough on first inspection, and his mannerisms weren't to be faulted. She dipped her head slightly in response to his greeting, offering no curtsy in keeping with her rank. She had read up some on this family before she came, always taught to do her research (which of course, she hated, not being one for that bookish stuff unless it was her direct choice.) This man stood to inherit the throne, but, until he did he was rather her equal.
Sirina offered a light smile, hoping to make friends early on, so her stay would be as easy as possible. "I thank you for your help with arrangements for our stay here. My travels were uneventful..." Her speech carried with it a musical lilt that was common from her region, often her speech included a soft rolled 'r'. She decided simple answers were best for now, her tongue could get her into trouble sometimes. "I would like to make sure my mare, Neiva, is well looked after please, and given some oats. She has had a long journey as well." She would wait for confirmation of this request before turning away. Lalina gave her a smile as she finished speaking with Lord Gauson and turned to follow the servant which appeared to show them to their rooms. As they headed indoors, Sirina spied another carriage arriving and her heart gave a thump. How many women would arrive with the same mission as she? Could she find allies amongst them? She sighed as they followed the servant, Lalina giving her a quick look but saying nothing.
Upon arriving at their rooms, Sirina was happy indeed, to find that the spacious interior where she would probably be spending a great deal of time, overlooked the beautiful gardens. The living space and adjacent rooms were richly decorated and very comfortably furnished. A fire had been kindled already to ward off the coming evening chill. Her gowns and other garments had already been arranged within the spacious closet. After a cursory glance over her rooms, as well as a peek inside the rooms that were for Lalina and her two body guards, Alejandro and Mateo. The latter two were usually found hovering at a discreet distance from her person. She had learned long ago to deal with their constant presence, for the sake of her father's sanity if nothing else. Ahh, the things she put up with for her father. How far would her tolerance go?
Realizing the hour she glanced at Lalina. "It will be time to dress for dinner soon.." She muttered, feeling apprehensive. Lalina's eyes softened and she brushed a light hand over Sirina's own. "You needn't fear the unknown, my Lady. You have ever been quite capable of handling anything thrown your way." Lalina's tone held a slight laugh, meant to help ease Sirina's edginess. As usual, it worked and Sirina felt a slight amount of peace steal away her tension. Lalina had always known the right things to say, and her love for Sirina was obvious, which had gained her a special place in Sirina's own heart.
"Right.. I can handle this.." she echoed, the confidence in her voice inwardly mocking her.
Sirina offered a light smile, hoping to make friends early on, so her stay would be as easy as possible. "I thank you for your help with arrangements for our stay here. My travels were uneventful..." Her speech carried with it a musical lilt that was common from her region, often her speech included a soft rolled 'r'. She decided simple answers were best for now, her tongue could get her into trouble sometimes. "I would like to make sure my mare, Neiva, is well looked after please, and given some oats. She has had a long journey as well." She would wait for confirmation of this request before turning away. Lalina gave her a smile as she finished speaking with Lord Gauson and turned to follow the servant which appeared to show them to their rooms. As they headed indoors, Sirina spied another carriage arriving and her heart gave a thump. How many women would arrive with the same mission as she? Could she find allies amongst them? She sighed as they followed the servant, Lalina giving her a quick look but saying nothing.
Upon arriving at their rooms, Sirina was happy indeed, to find that the spacious interior where she would probably be spending a great deal of time, overlooked the beautiful gardens. The living space and adjacent rooms were richly decorated and very comfortably furnished. A fire had been kindled already to ward off the coming evening chill. Her gowns and other garments had already been arranged within the spacious closet. After a cursory glance over her rooms, as well as a peek inside the rooms that were for Lalina and her two body guards, Alejandro and Mateo. The latter two were usually found hovering at a discreet distance from her person. She had learned long ago to deal with their constant presence, for the sake of her father's sanity if nothing else. Ahh, the things she put up with for her father. How far would her tolerance go?
Realizing the hour she glanced at Lalina. "It will be time to dress for dinner soon.." She muttered, feeling apprehensive. Lalina's eyes softened and she brushed a light hand over Sirina's own. "You needn't fear the unknown, my Lady. You have ever been quite capable of handling anything thrown your way." Lalina's tone held a slight laugh, meant to help ease Sirina's edginess. As usual, it worked and Sirina felt a slight amount of peace steal away her tension. Lalina had always known the right things to say, and her love for Sirina was obvious, which had gained her a special place in Sirina's own heart.
"Right.. I can handle this.." she echoed, the confidence in her voice inwardly mocking her.
Gauson's lips thinned somewhat as Sirina opted not to curtsy, but he didn't comment on this, nor did he pay much attention to the slight. Sirina was quite notorious for her behavior. "But of course, my lady," he told her when she expressed concerned about her steed. "She will be kept in her own private paddock in the finest field. Lord Adelbard loves to ride--he will be excited to meet her."
Gauson released Sirina to her quarters, then beamed at Adalia. He'd heard much about her. So too with the other suitresses, but he was especially looking forward to meeting her at long last. "The library? But of course. I think you'll find it quite to your liking. Though I must say, most of the texts will be in Beauvraldi ... and I'm not sure how acquainted you are with our tongue." He took Adalia by the hand if permitted and led her into the foyer. The floor was patterned with an elaborate tile motif, mostly in shades of yellow and warm brown and white, but every so often dotted with a piece of bluish slate. Tapestries and banners decorated the walls, and a statue of a beautiful nude woman carved from white marble stood at the foyer's heart. "The incarnation of Creation in the Beauvraldi pantheon," he explained for her sake. "Emerauldia, her name is--and Order and Chaos, Dymrais and Asilinth, they are locked in the eternal battle for her heart." Gauson smiled and let his hand run over the statue's leg as he passed. The gesture was perhaps a little lewd, but he clearly meant it with utmost reverence.
The library was tucked away deep in Narnondeau's halls. It had a semi-circular courtyard against one side, providing a warm, sunny area for reading and writing. The library itself was tall with a ceiling made of many-paned windows, including some areas of brightly-colored stained glass, letting in copious amounts of light. The books were numerous and well-maintained, and supplies for both writing and reading were plentiful. One could get lost in the maze of tall mahogany shelves. When Gauson spotted Bedelia and her handmaiden, he cleared his throat. "Are you enjoying the selection, Lady Bedelia?" he asked her when he was a few meters away, as not to startle her. "You are welcome to peruse all that you desire."
He returned his attention to Adalia. "Lady Adalia, this is the Lady Bedelia. Hopefully you both shall find aught of interest--simply speak the word, and I shall suggest some of my favored texts. Shall I let you be, for now? Dinner is one hour hence--you will be able to make Lord Adelbard's acquaintance then, as well as the rest of my fair family."
Gauson released Sirina to her quarters, then beamed at Adalia. He'd heard much about her. So too with the other suitresses, but he was especially looking forward to meeting her at long last. "The library? But of course. I think you'll find it quite to your liking. Though I must say, most of the texts will be in Beauvraldi ... and I'm not sure how acquainted you are with our tongue." He took Adalia by the hand if permitted and led her into the foyer. The floor was patterned with an elaborate tile motif, mostly in shades of yellow and warm brown and white, but every so often dotted with a piece of bluish slate. Tapestries and banners decorated the walls, and a statue of a beautiful nude woman carved from white marble stood at the foyer's heart. "The incarnation of Creation in the Beauvraldi pantheon," he explained for her sake. "Emerauldia, her name is--and Order and Chaos, Dymrais and Asilinth, they are locked in the eternal battle for her heart." Gauson smiled and let his hand run over the statue's leg as he passed. The gesture was perhaps a little lewd, but he clearly meant it with utmost reverence.
The library was tucked away deep in Narnondeau's halls. It had a semi-circular courtyard against one side, providing a warm, sunny area for reading and writing. The library itself was tall with a ceiling made of many-paned windows, including some areas of brightly-colored stained glass, letting in copious amounts of light. The books were numerous and well-maintained, and supplies for both writing and reading were plentiful. One could get lost in the maze of tall mahogany shelves. When Gauson spotted Bedelia and her handmaiden, he cleared his throat. "Are you enjoying the selection, Lady Bedelia?" he asked her when he was a few meters away, as not to startle her. "You are welcome to peruse all that you desire."
He returned his attention to Adalia. "Lady Adalia, this is the Lady Bedelia. Hopefully you both shall find aught of interest--simply speak the word, and I shall suggest some of my favored texts. Shall I let you be, for now? Dinner is one hour hence--you will be able to make Lord Adelbard's acquaintance then, as well as the rest of my fair family."
The foyer was wonderful. True she'd seen countless others as beautiful as it in her travels, but the statue in the center was what made it different. Not unique, but different. The creator must have had dedicated such a long time on making it to create such a beautiful piece. Maybe she could admire it later on after dinner to get her mind off of things.
When he'd started speaking of the statue, she was keen to listen. The inspiration behind one's creations had always intrigued her, whether it be simple or heartbreaking, it was always wonderful to hear. What might have sparked the mind to create such a thing? How did it move their heart so? She could ask Lord Gauson who created the piece--but that was for later, she had to focus on writing her letter first.
When they passed the statue of Emerauldi, she couldn't help but smile at the Lord's gesture, it reminded her of herself when she was younger.
The library was simply magnificent, the room was well lit and the stained glass made the sunlight change color, much to her enjoyment. It'd been a long time since she last was in a library that wasn't on sea and wasn't filled with either fiction, history, or cook books. She loved her father, but sometimes he was a bit to passionate about his cooking.
She took notice of the woman that was then revealed to be Lady Bedelia. She smiled at her fellow suitress and offered a quick curtsy, remember, Dalia, respect can go a long way.
"Thank you Lord Gauson." She smiled at the man and bowed slightly. "But may I have a small bit of your time? I have a gift for you and Lady Tholaira." She added in before pulling out a bird cage from behind her that she had concealed a while back. Who knew that Cecil's tricks would come in handy?
Adalia held the cage out to the man, it's gold glistening in the light.
The cage had gold bars intricately woven into one another to create pillars while golden vines snaked around them, going upwards where they were met by a Lily on the end. The roof curved upwards towards the top where there was a design reminiscent to that of a crown with jewels embedded into each side. Over at the bottom were waves of gold and silver , going in, out, and over each other yet still keeping a kind of balance and wild freedom to it. It also had jewels surrounded by golden petals embedded into it's sides that glistened under the light of the sun. The gate of the cage was designed with grapes and leaves as Francis had suggested when she'd made it three weeks ago.
"I hope you find it most pleasing." She smiled politely.
When he'd started speaking of the statue, she was keen to listen. The inspiration behind one's creations had always intrigued her, whether it be simple or heartbreaking, it was always wonderful to hear. What might have sparked the mind to create such a thing? How did it move their heart so? She could ask Lord Gauson who created the piece--but that was for later, she had to focus on writing her letter first.
When they passed the statue of Emerauldi, she couldn't help but smile at the Lord's gesture, it reminded her of herself when she was younger.
The library was simply magnificent, the room was well lit and the stained glass made the sunlight change color, much to her enjoyment. It'd been a long time since she last was in a library that wasn't on sea and wasn't filled with either fiction, history, or cook books. She loved her father, but sometimes he was a bit to passionate about his cooking.
She took notice of the woman that was then revealed to be Lady Bedelia. She smiled at her fellow suitress and offered a quick curtsy, remember, Dalia, respect can go a long way.
"Thank you Lord Gauson." She smiled at the man and bowed slightly. "But may I have a small bit of your time? I have a gift for you and Lady Tholaira." She added in before pulling out a bird cage from behind her that she had concealed a while back. Who knew that Cecil's tricks would come in handy?
Adalia held the cage out to the man, it's gold glistening in the light.
The cage had gold bars intricately woven into one another to create pillars while golden vines snaked around them, going upwards where they were met by a Lily on the end. The roof curved upwards towards the top where there was a design reminiscent to that of a crown with jewels embedded into each side. Over at the bottom were waves of gold and silver , going in, out, and over each other yet still keeping a kind of balance and wild freedom to it. It also had jewels surrounded by golden petals embedded into it's sides that glistened under the light of the sun. The gate of the cage was designed with grapes and leaves as Francis had suggested when she'd made it three weeks ago.
"I hope you find it most pleasing." She smiled politely.
Belinda was tired of looking for a book to read and turned to her maid Emily.
"Emily, I do not see a readable book in here. All of them seem to be of another language. I guess being brought up by an English Nanny then an English Governess. I never learned how to read any other language." she sighed in a bored way.
"What do you wish to do now, Miss Belinda?" Emily asked softly.
"I think a short walk in the garden will have to suffice. Not much time to do anything else since dinner will be served soon." Belinda spoke quietly as she walked towards the door where she saw a lady and Lord Gauson chatting. A very nice cage was given to Lord Gauson.
"Yes, Miss Belinda." Emily replied.
Please excuse me, Lord Gauson." Belinda spoke as she did a deep curtsy with Emily following suit.
"May I go through between the two of you so that I may leave the library?" Belinda asked.
"Emily, I do not see a readable book in here. All of them seem to be of another language. I guess being brought up by an English Nanny then an English Governess. I never learned how to read any other language." she sighed in a bored way.
"What do you wish to do now, Miss Belinda?" Emily asked softly.
"I think a short walk in the garden will have to suffice. Not much time to do anything else since dinner will be served soon." Belinda spoke quietly as she walked towards the door where she saw a lady and Lord Gauson chatting. A very nice cage was given to Lord Gauson.
"Yes, Miss Belinda." Emily replied.
Please excuse me, Lord Gauson." Belinda spoke as she did a deep curtsy with Emily following suit.
"May I go through between the two of you so that I may leave the library?" Belinda asked.
Sirina sat perfectly still, her rich nut brown hair cascading down her back as Lalina worked to tame it into an intricate braid. The thick strands had ever put up a fight and seemed to prefer the tangles that never ceased to appear. But Sirina didn't mind the painful tugs that were necessary to set her hair to rights. She would never mind. There were only a few times her father had ever mentioned her mother, and those times Sirina would always treasure. Her father once told her that she had her mother's hair, and she had never minded it's unruly lengths since. With these thoughts running through Sirina's mind she was quite startled when Lalina spoke from behind her, deft hands continuing her work.
"Why did you not curtsy to Lord Gauson?" The question would have been impertinent coming from anyone else, but.. Lalina could get away with things. With a long sigh Sirina answered a little defensively "He isn't higher ranked than me, I didn't owe him a curtsy." With that answer Sirina could practically feel it when Lalina raised her eyebrows, this is the way it always went. Lalina knew her too well. "I just..." Sirina murmered, "I'm here to woo a man I don't even know, that I may not even like much less come to love. How could father have asked this of me?" Her voice contained a angry edge now, she knew, but the words kept spilling "Why do my brothers get to do things they want? Live the lives that they want? Why are men so much more free?" There was along silence, broken only by the soft swish of a comb through her locks, then Lalina spoke again, her voice still soft, "So you would slight a man who has been only courteous of you, because you are angry that men in general are freer than us women? You don't know these people Sirina, you don't know Adlebard. Perhaps he feels just as caged as you, after all, how many women are here to woo him that he doesn't know?" Her voice held the gentle reproof that Sirina had come to dread because she couldn't fight against it.
Sirina was silent for a long time after this discourse, her hair was finished and they began the task of dressing for dinner. Sirina had chosen a gown of an autumn rust color, the earthy hue pairing well with the brown of her hair and the hazel of her eyes. The gown's sleeves split at the shoulder, where an intricate metal clasp decorated the seams. Underneath the split her skin could just be seen through a sheer under-sleeve. An arm band which matched the clasp upon the shoulder could also be seen under the sleeves upon the graceful curves of her upper arms. This was one of her favorite gowns, her eldest brother had once told her she was beautiful in it - and well sometimes she could be such a softy for a compliment. Perhaps it had gone to her head, but, she did feel more confident when wearing this dress. Is that silly? She thought to herself even as she mulled over what Lalina had said earlier..
Her handmaid had been right, of course. A curtsy wasn't merely an admission of rank, it was also a sign of respect. And until any one of these people showed themselves unworthy of respect, Sirina needed to remember the manners her father had worked so hard to teach her. I have been here less than a day, and I somehow already botched it she thought unhappily. Still, she would fix it somehow. As for Adlebard... maybe Lalina was right, maybe she wasn't. Sirina would reserve judgement on the man until she had met him - if she was careful maybe even until she had gotten to know him some. And meet him soon she would.. A tingle of nerves ran down her spine as she faced the door, having finished preparing for dinner.
Lalina looked at her admiringly as she placed the final touch, a small gold chain adorned with an emerald, around her neck. "That color brings out the green in your eyes.. " For some reason Lalina's eyes looked misty. "You remind me of your mother when you have that glint in your eye, like you are ready to take on the world. Remember to enjoy yourself, Sirina. Politics have their place, but.. " She didn't finish her sentence and just shook her head, shooing Sirina out the door. A footman had arrived to show her to dinner, of course her guards would follow behind. Sirina stepped out, ready for dinner and whatever intrigues awaited.
"Why did you not curtsy to Lord Gauson?" The question would have been impertinent coming from anyone else, but.. Lalina could get away with things. With a long sigh Sirina answered a little defensively "He isn't higher ranked than me, I didn't owe him a curtsy." With that answer Sirina could practically feel it when Lalina raised her eyebrows, this is the way it always went. Lalina knew her too well. "I just..." Sirina murmered, "I'm here to woo a man I don't even know, that I may not even like much less come to love. How could father have asked this of me?" Her voice contained a angry edge now, she knew, but the words kept spilling "Why do my brothers get to do things they want? Live the lives that they want? Why are men so much more free?" There was along silence, broken only by the soft swish of a comb through her locks, then Lalina spoke again, her voice still soft, "So you would slight a man who has been only courteous of you, because you are angry that men in general are freer than us women? You don't know these people Sirina, you don't know Adlebard. Perhaps he feels just as caged as you, after all, how many women are here to woo him that he doesn't know?" Her voice held the gentle reproof that Sirina had come to dread because she couldn't fight against it.
Sirina was silent for a long time after this discourse, her hair was finished and they began the task of dressing for dinner. Sirina had chosen a gown of an autumn rust color, the earthy hue pairing well with the brown of her hair and the hazel of her eyes. The gown's sleeves split at the shoulder, where an intricate metal clasp decorated the seams. Underneath the split her skin could just be seen through a sheer under-sleeve. An arm band which matched the clasp upon the shoulder could also be seen under the sleeves upon the graceful curves of her upper arms. This was one of her favorite gowns, her eldest brother had once told her she was beautiful in it - and well sometimes she could be such a softy for a compliment. Perhaps it had gone to her head, but, she did feel more confident when wearing this dress. Is that silly? She thought to herself even as she mulled over what Lalina had said earlier..
Her handmaid had been right, of course. A curtsy wasn't merely an admission of rank, it was also a sign of respect. And until any one of these people showed themselves unworthy of respect, Sirina needed to remember the manners her father had worked so hard to teach her. I have been here less than a day, and I somehow already botched it she thought unhappily. Still, she would fix it somehow. As for Adlebard... maybe Lalina was right, maybe she wasn't. Sirina would reserve judgement on the man until she had met him - if she was careful maybe even until she had gotten to know him some. And meet him soon she would.. A tingle of nerves ran down her spine as she faced the door, having finished preparing for dinner.
Lalina looked at her admiringly as she placed the final touch, a small gold chain adorned with an emerald, around her neck. "That color brings out the green in your eyes.. " For some reason Lalina's eyes looked misty. "You remind me of your mother when you have that glint in your eye, like you are ready to take on the world. Remember to enjoy yourself, Sirina. Politics have their place, but.. " She didn't finish her sentence and just shook her head, shooing Sirina out the door. A footman had arrived to show her to dinner, of course her guards would follow behind. Sirina stepped out, ready for dinner and whatever intrigues awaited.
Blackarrow just stood where she should be.seems as I sha'll be helping a lot or just being as I was. She thought. she stood nodding at everything everyone said she couldn't really hear anything she was so confused of what was going on she just stood by and watched everything that was happening. Though everyone seemed happy at where they were there was a library and other places but mostly the library was all she could really remember.
"Excuse me ma'am or sir where should I be right now I forgot" she said how could I forget I'm normally good at remembering probably cause I have spaced out so much that I forgot not again. She thought she just stood there waiting for a answer. She didn't like being rude or intrupting people with their conversations it was really rude to the people she worked with well guarded.
"Excuse me ma'am or sir where should I be right now I forgot" she said how could I forget I'm normally good at remembering probably cause I have spaced out so much that I forgot not again. She thought she just stood there waiting for a answer. She didn't like being rude or intrupting people with their conversations it was really rude to the people she worked with well guarded.
After he had loaded in all the luggage into their room, the man finally remembered what he was ordered to do by Francis and proceeded to pull out one of Adalia's gowns with a grimace. He placed it on one of the beds and pulled out a pair of shoes then placed it at the side. He had a lot of work to do to fix their luggage and less time to help her fix her hair. She was already wearing makeup so that was fine, but her hair.....
Maybe he could pass it on to someone else.
Cecilio strode out of the room, loosening his tie slightly to help him breath. Why did upper class clothes have to be so stuffy? He couldn't help but feel slightly guilty for how many times he had teased Ady for her complaints on having to wear a gown for nine hours.
He walked around, hoping to find someone who was free before spotting a woman standing with a few people talking at her. He approached the woman and talked without even waiting for a response. "Would you please go to the library and assist Lady Adalia? She has brown hair, hazel eyes, and is wearing a necklace with an amethyst." He said quickly, shoving a few ties into her hands. "Show this to her, she'll know what to do, thank you, goodbye." And with that, he was off again to go back to their room and fix their items. He felt a bit bad for shoving his work onto someone else but he still had things to do.
Maybe he could pass it on to someone else.
Cecilio strode out of the room, loosening his tie slightly to help him breath. Why did upper class clothes have to be so stuffy? He couldn't help but feel slightly guilty for how many times he had teased Ady for her complaints on having to wear a gown for nine hours.
He walked around, hoping to find someone who was free before spotting a woman standing with a few people talking at her. He approached the woman and talked without even waiting for a response. "Would you please go to the library and assist Lady Adalia? She has brown hair, hazel eyes, and is wearing a necklace with an amethyst." He said quickly, shoving a few ties into her hands. "Show this to her, she'll know what to do, thank you, goodbye." And with that, he was off again to go back to their room and fix their items. He felt a bit bad for shoving his work onto someone else but he still had things to do.
"Oh okay" she says as she heads to the library. "I finally get to head somewhere besides standing" she says to herself. She finds the women. "Hello? Are you the women I'm looking for" she says as she shows the women the ties. "This man came up to me telling me to help you I would love to help" she says. hope I got the person right. She thought she stands there waiting for the answer from the lady. "How are you enjoying this place" she asked.
Adalia noticed the woman enter but paid no heed, when she started talk however, she turned her head to the woman slightly. She placed a finger on her lip in a shushing manner before using it to point slightly at Lord Gauson. Using her free hand, she took the ties from the woman and nodded to her in thanks. She waved a hand at her as if telling her to wait.
Gauson's brows lofted when Adalia mentioned having a gift for him and his lady wife. Giving tokens was not uncommon when done by a male suitor, but less so by a female one. Then again, the entire situation was unconventional. It was only natural for there to be some situations a little outside of normal court etiquette. The thought of it intrigued Gauson, so much so that he nearly forgot he was talking to someone ... that is, until Lady Adalia presented her offering.
The lord's breath caught and he reached out to take the cage from her, holding it delicately in both hands. He appreciated the arts far more than warfare and sport, and he was both impressed and surprised by the elaborate craftsmanship before him. "Why, Lady Adalia--I don't know what to say." He in fact did know what to say, of course; his courtly training meant that he was not frequently rendered speechless. "The piece is divine. I thank you from the bottom of my heart--I think we shall hang it in Bould's room so that he will grow up with exposure to such beauty and fine artisanry. Where did you find such a thing?"
It was then that Belinda approached them. Gauson bowed deeply to her as she requested passage, and backed up so that she wouldn't have to push through. "Farewell Lady Belinda," he said. "I look forward to seeing you at dinner!"
The arrival of the guardswoman elicited barely a reaction from the Laudessagne. He couldn't help but notice the exchange, but tried to keep curiosity off his face.
***
Meanwhile, Adelbard paced back and forth across his bedchamber. He'd made so many laps he feared he'd wear a track in the carpet, but he felt if he sat still he might go crazy. He wore only his shirtsleeves and hosen, for he still had to pick an outfit for dinner.
I'll wear white, he thought, bitterly. White was traditionally the color worn at Beauvraldi funerals, and this dinner would mark the beginning of the end of his glorious bachelorhood. Sullen, the lord strode to his wardrobe and flung open the doors. He was fond of accessorizing and coordinating outfits, and he had many to choose from. He trailed a hand down his funeral doublet, ghost white silk with matching white brocade. "No, no," he muttered. Father has been patient enough. I'm not some little hellion like Feoscorald ... I shan't try his patience. I've done that enough already.
Adelbard assembled a much more colorful attire. "Lierney," he called to his manservant, who came to help him dress and tend to his long hair. Most of the male Laudessagnes had shorter cropped locks--his younger brother Feoscorald loved to tease him and call him a dandy for it.
"Oh, Lierney," sighed Adelbard. "What if they're all awful?"
"I'm sure that they won't be, my lord," Lierney replied. He was a younger man with a shock of wild flaxen curls, and features that almost looked girlish. "They will be kind and lovely."
"Perhaps. Let me think ... I will be meeting Lady Sirina Zelenthia of Navarra, Lady Adalia Sutcliffe from ... somewhere in Wales, or a boat, or aught like that .... and Lady Belinda Starsa of ... of ... bloody hell, Lierney, I can't recall!"
"Worry not, my lord--their names will be announced before the meal, I am sure."
"Right ... you are right, Lierney. I mustn't lose my composition." Adelbard rose and adjusted the lavender bow that held his doublet on. "Time to meet my matches, I suppose. Gods have mercy."
With Lierney at his heels, the bachelor left his room and headed for the dining hall. He took the long way, however--his father wanted him to show up only once his suitresses had been seated.
The lord's breath caught and he reached out to take the cage from her, holding it delicately in both hands. He appreciated the arts far more than warfare and sport, and he was both impressed and surprised by the elaborate craftsmanship before him. "Why, Lady Adalia--I don't know what to say." He in fact did know what to say, of course; his courtly training meant that he was not frequently rendered speechless. "The piece is divine. I thank you from the bottom of my heart--I think we shall hang it in Bould's room so that he will grow up with exposure to such beauty and fine artisanry. Where did you find such a thing?"
It was then that Belinda approached them. Gauson bowed deeply to her as she requested passage, and backed up so that she wouldn't have to push through. "Farewell Lady Belinda," he said. "I look forward to seeing you at dinner!"
The arrival of the guardswoman elicited barely a reaction from the Laudessagne. He couldn't help but notice the exchange, but tried to keep curiosity off his face.
***
Meanwhile, Adelbard paced back and forth across his bedchamber. He'd made so many laps he feared he'd wear a track in the carpet, but he felt if he sat still he might go crazy. He wore only his shirtsleeves and hosen, for he still had to pick an outfit for dinner.
I'll wear white, he thought, bitterly. White was traditionally the color worn at Beauvraldi funerals, and this dinner would mark the beginning of the end of his glorious bachelorhood. Sullen, the lord strode to his wardrobe and flung open the doors. He was fond of accessorizing and coordinating outfits, and he had many to choose from. He trailed a hand down his funeral doublet, ghost white silk with matching white brocade. "No, no," he muttered. Father has been patient enough. I'm not some little hellion like Feoscorald ... I shan't try his patience. I've done that enough already.
Adelbard assembled a much more colorful attire. "Lierney," he called to his manservant, who came to help him dress and tend to his long hair. Most of the male Laudessagnes had shorter cropped locks--his younger brother Feoscorald loved to tease him and call him a dandy for it.
"Oh, Lierney," sighed Adelbard. "What if they're all awful?"
"I'm sure that they won't be, my lord," Lierney replied. He was a younger man with a shock of wild flaxen curls, and features that almost looked girlish. "They will be kind and lovely."
"Perhaps. Let me think ... I will be meeting Lady Sirina Zelenthia of Navarra, Lady Adalia Sutcliffe from ... somewhere in Wales, or a boat, or aught like that .... and Lady Belinda Starsa of ... of ... bloody hell, Lierney, I can't recall!"
"Worry not, my lord--their names will be announced before the meal, I am sure."
"Right ... you are right, Lierney. I mustn't lose my composition." Adelbard rose and adjusted the lavender bow that held his doublet on. "Time to meet my matches, I suppose. Gods have mercy."
With Lierney at his heels, the bachelor left his room and headed for the dining hall. He took the long way, however--his father wanted him to show up only once his suitresses had been seated.
Belinda was surprised to be given such a deep bow but she was not the kind to make a fuss about anything so she simply spoke gently
"And so am I, Lord Gauson. Thank you for the passage through, milday, Lord Gauson. Until we see each other at dinner."
She moved carefully between them with Emily following close behind with her head lowered in respect to her superiors. Once they were outside of the library and well away from the door, Belinda motioned for Emily to come forward.
"Did you see that gilded cage? How can I compete with someone like her? I need her name so that I may properly address her the next time I meet her. I need the names of all of the females. I shall be in my room." she whispered softly.
"Yes, milady." Emily spoke quietly.
Once she was in her room she began to look at her clothes to find one that looked better than what she was wearing. Her make up would do as would her hair. She must do her best to succeed even if she did not want to.
"And so am I, Lord Gauson. Thank you for the passage through, milday, Lord Gauson. Until we see each other at dinner."
She moved carefully between them with Emily following close behind with her head lowered in respect to her superiors. Once they were outside of the library and well away from the door, Belinda motioned for Emily to come forward.
"Did you see that gilded cage? How can I compete with someone like her? I need her name so that I may properly address her the next time I meet her. I need the names of all of the females. I shall be in my room." she whispered softly.
"Yes, milady." Emily spoke quietly.
Once she was in her room she began to look at her clothes to find one that looked better than what she was wearing. Her make up would do as would her hair. She must do her best to succeed even if she did not want to.
The woman that went between them... Lady Belinda, was it? She found it quite rude of her that she had to walk there of all places. There was space to walk behind them but she decided to go through? What was she, Cecil when he was pissed? Then again, Lord Gauson did open up a path for her...
She bit her tongue to surpress a sarcastic line from escaping her mouth. She wasn't Cecil. Not everyone was fond of sarcasm and banter.
When Lady Belinda had already exited the room, she decided to answer the Lord's question. "Ah, actually, I was the one who made the piece. Lord Francis told me that it was unconventional for a Lady to give a gift, but my whole life was unconventional from the start, so he allowed it." She said with a light laugh at the end. Her whole life was unconventional, was it? Her father's betrayal to his wife, her mother's choosing to give her away to Francis, and her life on a ship instead of land. Truly unconventional.
She gave a slight glance to the ties in her hand. Aah, she had to write fast. If he was already sending ties for her to braid her hair with, then she had to speed it up a little. The letter was almost finished anyway, so that was a relief. The only reason it wasn't finished yet was that, unlike her bodyguard, she found it troublesome to write inside a carriage.
She bit her tongue to surpress a sarcastic line from escaping her mouth. She wasn't Cecil. Not everyone was fond of sarcasm and banter.
When Lady Belinda had already exited the room, she decided to answer the Lord's question. "Ah, actually, I was the one who made the piece. Lord Francis told me that it was unconventional for a Lady to give a gift, but my whole life was unconventional from the start, so he allowed it." She said with a light laugh at the end. Her whole life was unconventional, was it? Her father's betrayal to his wife, her mother's choosing to give her away to Francis, and her life on a ship instead of land. Truly unconventional.
She gave a slight glance to the ties in her hand. Aah, she had to write fast. If he was already sending ties for her to braid her hair with, then she had to speed it up a little. The letter was almost finished anyway, so that was a relief. The only reason it wasn't finished yet was that, unlike her bodyguard, she found it troublesome to write inside a carriage.
Sirina glided down the long hallway, following the servant as he led her toward the dining hall. Her skirt swished around her legs softly and her body guards' leather uniforms creaked every so often as they trailed behind ever watchful. Every so often her observant gaze caught sight of a servant moving through a doorway, on some errand or other, but for the most part things seemed quite undisturbed.
It seemed a long walk, the silence making it seem longer still, though in reality it was probably just a few minutes. Soon, she was ushered into a spacious room with a long table. It had been beautifully set, and she was sure that dinner was going to taste amazing. Her stomach rumbled at the thought and she almost laughed aloud. How in the world could she be thinking of FOOD right now? She was finally about to meet the man she had come so far to see.
Moving gracefully to the seat she was shown to, she swept the room with a glance. It was all very elegant.
It seemed a long walk, the silence making it seem longer still, though in reality it was probably just a few minutes. Soon, she was ushered into a spacious room with a long table. It had been beautifully set, and she was sure that dinner was going to taste amazing. Her stomach rumbled at the thought and she almost laughed aloud. How in the world could she be thinking of FOOD right now? She was finally about to meet the man she had come so far to see.
Moving gracefully to the seat she was shown to, she swept the room with a glance. It was all very elegant.
Emily found out a bit of information about the other two ladies but not much. She took the information to Belinda who was undressed.
"Milady, I have found out their names but not much more. The one in the library was Lady Adalia and the other one is Lady Sirina. But I will keep my ears and eyes open for you." Emily spoke as she undid the fastenings of the chosen dress.
"Thank you, Emily. I am sure that you will pick up tidbits here and there. Be discrete though. Let a few things about me slip through but nothing about my wealth, particularly my dowry and personal chest. Jeeves told me that my dowry is quite a sum but not exact amount. The less I know about what I have financially, the better is what he told me. There! Leave my hair braided tonight. I will speak to you more later." Belinda spoke.
"Yes, milady. I understand fully, I think. " Emily smiled as she straightened Belinda's dress up.
Soon Belinda was ready to go downstairs. It was a short walk to Belinda for she was so very nervous at being announced at dinner. Or would she be announced? She would have to wait and see.
"Milady, I have found out their names but not much more. The one in the library was Lady Adalia and the other one is Lady Sirina. But I will keep my ears and eyes open for you." Emily spoke as she undid the fastenings of the chosen dress.
"Thank you, Emily. I am sure that you will pick up tidbits here and there. Be discrete though. Let a few things about me slip through but nothing about my wealth, particularly my dowry and personal chest. Jeeves told me that my dowry is quite a sum but not exact amount. The less I know about what I have financially, the better is what he told me. There! Leave my hair braided tonight. I will speak to you more later." Belinda spoke.
"Yes, milady. I understand fully, I think. " Emily smiled as she straightened Belinda's dress up.
Soon Belinda was ready to go downstairs. It was a short walk to Belinda for she was so very nervous at being announced at dinner. Or would she be announced? She would have to wait and see.
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