Engagement Dinner: Eveningtide Samheen 16

Post by **Shaeliana** » Sun Oct 03, 2004 11:27 pm

Keerah

"Certainly not every night indeed," the mage laughed as the dance ended and he walked Keerah off the dance floor. "Not every week even as some nobles do," he smiled and squeezed Keerah's hand as they walked.

"What would m'lady like to learn tomorrow? This far we've focused on tools of magic designed to offer protection but there is much more that can be useful."

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Andolin

Brow arched at the young man's words questioning the worth of Kitya's escort, Lord Redault straightened his spine and eyed Andolin critically while the lady cleared her throat and replied, her tone soft but edged.

"I think we are perhaps best suited to decide what is best for our own daughter, Lord Azarin. We know her intimately whereas you..." her voice trailed off and her husband jumped in.

"Could hardly know much about her or you would realize that she needs someone like Lord Chomberg. His credentials have less to do with the station he holds than his strengths as an individual," the man asserted firmly, his eyes also on his daughter dancing, a small smile on his lips.

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Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 12:10 am

A Pity. This was going to take a bit more effort than it should. Unless this Bertram was blackmailing her father, the comparison to that ... glorified clerk was laughable.

"Yes, of course," he agreed readily, "as her parents, you decide what is best for her. I am but a mere acquaintance of your daughter and hardly in a position to hazard a guess as to who would be best for her. I am sure he is a great man ... this Lord Chumberg." He purposefully mispronounced the man's name. "I just wondered why I had never heard the name mentioned at court. The Redault name is one held with much honor, that is one of the reasons I am so glad to have met you at last. It is said that you are quite devoted to Caesar, as am I." His tone was most courteous.

"In my brief stay, I have met the scions of most all of the leading families in the Citadel, but have heard no mention of this lord that dances with your daughter. I shall look forward to getting to know him better." Those were true words.

"Yet, if another man were to express an interest in her hand, I assume you would be open to persuasion?" He let the question dangle as he gave the couple a solicitous smile.

Post by **Shaeliana** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 1:46 am

"No, he isn't prominent at court, but as I said, his station isn't as important to us as his character. There have been other suitor's for Kitya's hand," Aldric almost snorted.

"They were not found.. suitable," he added quickly omitting the fact that Kitya was the one who found them unsuitable and managed to convince them that she wasn't what they wanted. He wasn't certain how Bertram would fare after this evening. Lord Redault might be back looking again tomorrow.

"But of course, were there others interested in my daughter's hand, I would certainly hear them out. Why? Have you heard something at court I should know about Lord Azarin?"

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 2:51 am

"Indeed I know of a potential interest, but I am new to the city and am still learning the protocol for negotiating a betrothal. In my own case, I have been approached about the daughters of two leading families." He was thinking of Etain, of course, and happened to consider that he was sort of approached by Ygraine. Sleeping together is enough to count,

"Negotiations have yet to begin, although Caesar himself has offered to help." It never hurt to tell a Caesar loyalist that Caesar would act as a personal reference.

"I was thinking, that if your Kitlanya is in fact the rare jewel that I think she might be, it would be interested in formally courting her. I assure you I have only the most honorable of intentions towards her. But ... I would like a chance to finish that dance that was interupted, with your permission of course. Then, perhaps we could find a venue to discuss a possible betrothal ... if it meets with your approval of course." He was extra careful to be friendly and polite.

Post by **Shaeliana** » Thu Oct 07, 2004 1:33 am

Andolin

A long cool gaze regarded the young man, Master of Protocol, as Lord Redault tried to size up this young buck and what potential there might be in his proposal. Aldric could only hazard a guess as to the fate of Bertram after this evening for his daughter had a distinct talent for discouraging even the most avid of admirers if she wasn't keen on them herself. While she had never told her father or any suitor no, she had seen to it that the gentlemen withdrew their requests and did so without complaint against her, a trick that he'd yet to figure out how she managed. To throw a possible suitor aside based on nothing more than a face which seemed too young and too pretty was perhaps not wisdom at this point. After all, agreeing to negotiations didn't bind him to anything. Only flickers later, the studied gaze turned into a smile as Kitya's father nodded.

"I would be pleased to discuss possbilities with you sir," he replied casually. "As for your dance with my daughter, while you have my blessing, it will be up to you to convince her to accede... or not," he grinned and turned to his wife.

"Speaking of dancing, you've not had your turn around the dance floor to show all the others how it's done," he held out his hand which she took and stood to her feet.

"Tomorrow will be full with the tournament. Perhaps you'd care to stop by our home on the morning of the 18th to further discuss these possibilities?" Lord Redault offered as he prepared to lead his wife to the dance floor where a light fast tune had just started.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Fri Oct 08, 2004 3:54 am

"You honor me with the invitation to visit your home. If Caesar has no need of me at that time, I would be delighted to take you up on the invitation," he replied politely. "Now I shall accept your other invitation to see if your daughter would favor me with a dance."

With that, Andolin was moving across the dance floor to where Kitya and Bertram were dancing as he sensed the ending of one dance. Waiting for the right moment to intercept them, Andolin uttered, "Pardon me, I have just come from the Lady Kitlanya's father and he has granted his permission to ask the lady for the next dance." He was addressing Bertram, but his eyes shifted to Kitya as he added, "if the lady would do me the honor."

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 08, 2004 8:26 pm

A flash of anger followed quickly by sadness went through Bertrams mind, Ah, he has persuaded her parents. He could protest, but he knew that would only lower his esteem in the eye of Kits parents. So to show his graciousness, and that he had no fear of other suitors, he of course agreed.

"Of course sir, whom am I to go against the Lady Kitlanya's parents, if they say you may have the one dance, then I graciously step aside".
Bertram turned to Kit, "Perhaps another dance afterwards, and I look forward to escorting you back home, when your parents wish to go".
Although it was correct etiquette for a Lady to return with her escort at the end of the evening, and he doubted Kitlanya would go against her parents in this, he saw no reason not to make the point to the both.

With a bow to Kitlanya, and a nod to Andolin, he went to leave them, then almost as an afterthought and an undisguised glance at andolin he said one more thing to Kitlanya, "Please think on that offer I made you". Hi then made his way to a seat at the side, near where Lord and Lady Redoubt had been, and watched the proceedings carefully. He had one more thing to do, and he needed to see them to do it.

Kitlanya · Post by **Kitlanya** » Sat Oct 09, 2004 11:20 pm

Everthing about this evening had been spoiled. Forced to attend with Bertram who wouldn't permit Andolin to dance with her and already showed signs of possessive jealousy that made her want to scream, now when her love was meeting her parents, when she needed to be there to make sure things went well, she had to drag her escort off to keep him out of the way lest he ruin things. Not at all happy, she went through the motions of dancing but clearly her heart wasn't in it, her movements mechanical, her focus elsewhere. It made the comments offered by her dance partner that much more shocking.

Jolted back to an awareness that Bertram was speaking to her, it took several flickers for her to process what he was telling her. He loved her? And IF she would marry him she could do what she liked during the day as long as she was at home with him in the evenings? Her thoughts swirled crazily as she tried to make some sense out of what he was saying. Andolin would never have agreed to share her with anyone at any time of the day, because he did love her. More than ever she was convinced that this man was after her money. Green eyes flashed with indignation.

"Love me?" she whispered back keeping her voice light. It wouldn't do to draw attention with a harsh fighting tone. "Why sir, you don't know me. How could you possible know if you love me? I assure you, I have attrociously bad habits that you would find extremely unsettling," she declared pleasantly with a smile.

"That said, I assure you that I do not love you nor can I see myself doing so. I regret that you were drawn into this by whatever planning of my dear father, whom I realize is trying to arrange his best for my future, but truly sir, I need someone with more..." she broke off a moment looking for a kinder way to put it and finding none continued on.

"With more life in them! You are too predictable, sir... too bland. When was the last time you did something wild and frivolous without thinking about the consequences?" she asked her tone more serious now. Ready to rush on with her debate on why he did not wish to marry her, her attention was averted by the approaching Andolin. There was going to be a scene, she just knew there would be.

Surprisingly, Bertram let her go. Blinking, she did manage to keep her jaw from falling open in shock. It was the last thing she expected from the man despite his bland demeanor, he had come across as stubborn. Before she could recover her wits about her, he had asked her to consider his offer and walked off leaving her with a stab of guilt... and Andolin.

Watching the retreating form, she jerked her attentions back to the Master of Ceremony and curtsied, her cheeks flush with embarrassment and distress over this whole scene.

"I would be delighted to dance with you milord," she smiled and stretched out her arm towards him as she rose. "Did you really talk to father about dancing with me or was that just a story you concocted to thwart Mr. Stodgy?" she queried softly.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Sun Oct 10, 2004 12:23 am

Smiling as he took Kitya into his arms for dancing, Andolin was pleased to reply, "reality is even better than a concoction don't you think?" His smile obviously held a secret that was bursting to come forth.

"I introduced myself to your parents. Your father seems taken with Bertram, but knows better than to dissuade a potential suitor," he whispered. "I told him that I might be interested in courting you, but I needed his permission to complete a dance that you and I never finished." He sounded proud of himself.

As they moved about on the dance floor, Andolin whispered, "you just need to get rid of Mr. Stodgey. Accept a ride home in the coach with him and then tell your father later that he took indecent liberties with your person." He laughed as he added, "no father will wish to allow such a man to improperly touch his daughter." It was ironic that Andolin had done far worse with Kitya, but telling a father about a man trying to feel one's thigh or breast in a coach was all that was needed to damn the gentleman in the eyes of the father. A conspiratorial smile ignited on his face as he looked at Kitya, knowing well that she would know what to do. She was a clever girl after all. That was one of the reasons he desired her.

"Your father invited me to call upon your house on the morningtide of the 18th," he announced proudly. He waited to judge her response.

Kitlanya · Post by **Kitlanya** » Sun Oct 10, 2004 2:25 am

Sighing, the young woman allowed herself to be swept away as she nodded. "Oh yes, father thinks he is the perfect consort for my wild and impulsive nature. Methodical and predictable but also boring," she shook her head. "What an unfair world that my father decides who is best for me. However, I trust he will see reason when he talks to you," the redhead smiled, green eyes dancing with light as she looked up at her love.

"Bertram stood to go over to my parents when you approached them. I know he had something awful planned Andolin. I couldn't let him do that so insisted he dance with me. You did well without me though it sounds like," she beamed up at him certain there could be nothing her father would find wrong with him. As they danced and he shared his idea with her, she nearly choked at the thought.

"If it were that easy my love, don't you think I'd have already done it? You forget, this is my father we are talking about and he can spot me even thinking about a lie," she rolled her eyes. "I swear he uses some sort of magic that he's never shared with me, but I learned early on that falsefying things only leads to trouble. Besides," she paused wondering whether or not to share the rest and opted for the whole truth.

"Father will be expecting something from me to thwart the deal with Bertram. I have... well, in the past I mean... the very determined ones.. I managed to get rid of them by being.... mean. I am surprised you've not heard tales," she giggled. "Word has it that I am a shrew like my grandmother was. They even say that my aunt is like her but it isn't true, not really. She plays that part with those she has no patience for and doesn't want to entertain their company," she grinned as they swirled around in a dance step.

"Morningtide of the 18th? That quickly?" she asked, brows raised in surprise. "Usually he takes more time... checking the potential suitor out," she added thoughtfully. "Perhaps because you are already positioned next to the Caesar, he thinks he can learn what he needs from the palace personnel without sending someone to World's Mouth," she mused. "I do hope you've not formed any strong enemies at court? Anyone that would speak against you maliciously?"

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Sun Oct 10, 2004 5:38 am

The fact that her father could read her mind made Andolin wonder if her father was a skilled mindcrafter. Amchi had taught him some magic after all. Thank goodness for for his necklace that blocked most mindreading.

He had thought the inappropriate touching idea to be inspired, but he sighed at the revelation. "Then I assume you will need to run him off in the tried and true ways ... as a hellion," he laughed. Her confession made him wonder how she would act when she learned about Isabella. Would she turn such fury upon him? The advantage of a clever lady was that she was far more entertaining. The disadvantage was that she was harder to fool. Speaking of such ladies reminded him of gentle Etain. It made him wonder why she was not present. He would have danced with her ... and maybe Ygraine as well, just to keep his attentions spread and his enemies confused. Etain would have been fooled by any lover he might have. That was certainly a positive that was hard to ignore.

"I am certain I have many enemies, including some who would smile in my face. My best hope with him, I expect, is my Imperial favor. My family background will not be as important, hopefully."

Kitlanya · Post by **Kitlanya** » Sun Oct 10, 2004 11:41 pm

With a wink, the redhead tilted her head to one side, "Let us hope that the person he questions is the Caesar then," she smiled and persed her lips, blowing him a kiss.

"And yes, you need not worry about Bertram. Mr. Stodgy already eliminated himself from the running. Some simpering attempt to convince me he loves me and offered me a deal. Can you believe that?" she chuckled. "A deal! That I could do what I wished with my days, go where I would and see who I wanted, as long as I was home in the evenings with him! Hmmmpf!" she shook her head.

"Though, oddly enough should father say no to you, that might be a good offer. Some of the candidates father selected would be much more.. demanding of my time. Bertram would be easily controled," she grinned at looked up at Andolin, her green eyes sparkling with a bit of mischief.

"Would you be my secret lover should I have to marry another?" she questioned softly, a slightly seductive tone to her voice.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Sun Oct 10, 2004 11:55 pm

He laughed as she revealed Bertrams offer. What a strange fellow. Yet, it was a offer that struck a chord in him. He could be be her lover by day ... and Isa by night. It was an interesting thought.

As they moved in circles on the dance floor, he cautioned her with a look even though she only whispered. Replying more obliquely, "if I cannot have you in one state, then I shall in another. There will be no escaping me in simple matrimony, my dear," he whispered beneath his breath. "You and I shall be together whenever fortune permits. I would, of course, have to marry Lady Etain. She would be the perfect equivalent of Lord Bertram, don't you think?" he added with a laugh.

"But do not give up hope. I can be a persuasive man at times." His teeth flashed a confident smile as they promenaded along the dance floor. He could only afford one dance with Kit or the room would be alive with gossip. One dance would be enough to perhaps make Etain's father expect that there was competition for his attention.

Post by **Maeve** » Tue Oct 12, 2004 11:43 pm

People around them twirled and danced, and the eveningtide wore on. Then the music ended, indicating a small break in the proceedings. Several people took it as a hint to leave.

Kitlanya · Post by **Kitlanya** » Sun Oct 17, 2004 4:06 am

Her intent had been to draw out a spark of jealousy. Instead her comments about marring Bertram elicited agreement from her love. All too quickly by her measure, almost eagerly, though he had tempered it eventually with reassurances that she should not give up hope. Indeed she had no intention of doing so for Bertram had knocked himself out of the running by giving her permission to tell him to shove off. Left with the alternative of Anodlin or no one, she was certain her father would see reason.

Furthermore, the mention of Etain brought a spark of fire to her emerald eyes. Looking away as she sought to control the sudden flame of jealousy that flared up within, she was proud of the fact that her feet at least never missed a step at the sound of that name. The idea of him with the brainless twit was more than she could imagine, certainly more than she wanted to consider. It also presented a not too pretty picture of a man after someone... anyone's wealth. Was that all she meant to him in the long run? No, he'd just agreed that should he not be allowed to marry her, he would still love her. You are being silly Kit, she chided herself and smiling merrily, turned her green gaze up towards her handsome partner.

"Oh, I've not come close to the end of hoping my love," she whispered back. "I am well acquainted with your.... persuasive nature," she chuckled, eyes full of playful mischief once again. "As well as a love for... certain delicacies." The dance steps swirled her away from him in an arch that walked her around to his other side. Taking his hand again, she squeezed lightly and as they drew face to face once again, said softly, "How I shall miss your persuasive... touch this evening," her face a demure mask of a maidenly purity as the dance began to ebb to the final steps.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Sun Oct 17, 2004 4:34 am

Andolin gave Kitlanya an enchanted smile throughout the dance, nodding when he could. He felt too many eyes on him to speak freely, even if it were done softly. When the dance was done, he paused to kiss her hand and escort her back to her seat with her family. "Until next time," he whispered with a knowing promise. He would visit withLarbeido in the morning and then head to visit her parents home, before coming back to the office to meet Elaine. Yes, it promised to be a full day of scheming. What could be better than that?

The dinner was starting to end. His work was done. If possible, he sought a dance with another lady. It would be good to be seen not to favor any one lady. His eye roamed for another. Ygraine might be an interesting choice, but she was avoiding him as of late.

Post by **Maeve** » Mon Oct 18, 2004 11:51 am

During the evening he had caught one or two glimpses of Ygraine, including a positive glare when she had noticed him dancing with Kitlanya. However her avoidance tactic continued to work and right now Andolin could not find any sign of her.

Around him several couples were already leaving, creating a small crown near the exit. Perhaps he had spent more time outside on the terrace than he had realized. The eveningtide was turning into gravetide.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Tue Oct 19, 2004 5:07 am

Just because it was gravetide did not mean that the fun needed to end. Unfortunately, the attendees did not seem to agree. So, with a sigh of disappointment, Andolin went about the hall to make sure that the servants had the clean up under control. Conspicuously absent were his pages. The second day on the job and they were already failing him. Another sigh escaped his lips.

Barracus · Post by **Barracus** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 4:14 pm

Barracus stroked his chin only once, eyes glittering with something akin to mischief, or perhaps mere excitement. Of course the price was steep, but to liberate the little bird from her indenture would truly be remarkable, now wouldn't it? Still, the man did suppose that Larbeido was playing hardball to some degree, but of course he played along. It really would not do to upset the man, or to perturb what offer he had already extended.

"Thirty crowns is acceptable, sir. It will be a pleasure to do business with you," the man spoke with his soft World's Mouth accent, a smile turning the corner's of his lips. "I trust that all will be well, then, in the transfer, and that she will be elucidated regarding the full terms of the agreement." It was not a question, not really -- more of an idle wondering accompanied by a sense of detatched certainty.

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 4:27 pm

Although she had not managed half of the conversations she had hoped for Elaine agreed with the general mood: this evening was about to end. It was up to Elani when they would actually leave, but with the signetring around her finger the girl felt a lot more sure about her presence here.

Softly humming the last melody that had been played the Achadhiel found a safe place near the wall where her escort would be able to find her whenever he was ready to leave.

The new turns in her life played around in her head. The agreed meeting with the watchful lieutenant might prove interesting. Elaine wondered what he knew about the strange goings on around here. Yet a day later her life would change again with a temporary move to the Palace. She had not told Elani yet. That she would save until they were away. He could hardly deny her this opportunity, especially seen how the master of protocol insisted.

Yes, these were going to be interesting days again.

Post by **Maeve** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 5:24 pm

OOC: feel free to wrap up conversations etc. Meanwhile I've skilled this thread.

The thread was skilled as follows...
All people with the exception of Finodborn received something in the way of Etiquette or Conversation (new skill or stars) somewhat depending on their effort. Everybody who danced gained a star in dancing. All participants in the poetry contest gained Create Poetry and Public Speech (or stars if they already had the skill). Some individual skilladvances:
Findoborn and Perditia: resolve
Vanir and Elaine: empathy
Ulder, Zhavon, Farathorn: reconaissance (used for information gathering and acute observations)
Andolin: mentalism/manipulation of energy [sorcery]

This was a very nice thread with lots of oppertunities for the future. Well done everybody. A big thank you to all the mods who participated with NPC's and made this thread more fun

Larbeido Darvino · Post by **Larbeido Darvino** » Wed Oct 27, 2004 7:42 pm

Larbeido nodded, "Very well, I will have the contract drawn up tomorrow and we can make the exchange officially on the 18th. I have a meeting first thing on that day, You and Zhavon should be at the guild at the start of tradetide, and we shall sign the documents then".

Larbiedo bowed his head slightly started to move off pausing to turn, "I will inform The protocol master that he no longer has the use of Zhavon", he smiled adding, "Unless of course, he makes me a better offer than 30 crowns", then turned and left.