Engagement Dinner: Eveningtide Samheen 16

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 1:28 am

Bertram smiled at Keerah, "Yes it is a nice looking dog, and Aesa seems pleased with it, thats what is important".

He watched the magickal display with the peacocks and clapped politely when they finished.
Then the announcement of movement and dancing was made, "Ah, Keerah, your chance to join Abnor again if you wish, I'm sure he misses you as much as you do him. Though it has been a pleasure to talk with you and I will miss your company".

All the time Bertram said this his eyes had been looking at Kitlanya, thinking that a dance with her may allow him to put an idea to her.

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 12:36 pm

Larbeido's words confused Elaine, drawing her out of the small state of panic induced by the smell of fire somewhere around her. She blinked and turned to face him. "Thank you for your kindness, but I assure you I expect no special treatment just because I happen to perceive the world in a different way. It would have been extremely thoughtless of them to adjust this undoubtedly beautiful sight to one insignificant person in a crowd of many. There are many things for me to enjoy already...things that might be missed by others. As such I am glad all is simply as it usually is."

She smiled, using this little time the Guildmaster needed to describe the birds to focus on her breathing to regain the calmth that had sustained her so far in these unfamiliar surroundings. "Your descriptions are very vivid, Master Larbeido, as will your dancing be, undoubtedly. I am not sure what you refer to with 'other suitors', but yes, there was one person that asked me for a dance earlier. Since I have only danced once before, it will be somewhat hazardous to the one escorting me, but perhaps you could tell me where Vanir is? If he is dancing with his Perdita already I will accept your offer. If not, I owe it to him to grant him this dance before I loose the nerve."

And meanwhile I wonder why this man asked me to dance. Surely he can do better than dragging a blind one to the dancefloor. I must keep my head together...suddenly I have been thrown into a courtposition until the wedding and with the current hunt against Roses I would not be surprised if the good Guildmaster tried to make a point by asking the Royal Poet to dance.

Elaine got up, hoping to find out where Vanir was. But I will not turn this down. Let them play there games. I will find out soon enough which people frown on his presence here. Besides, he asked politely.

Lady Helvania Hamilton · Sat Sep 11, 2004 7:13 pm

Andolin

Lady Hamilton applauded with the other guests at the conclusion of the most impressive magic display, nodding her agreement to some comment made by the elderly Lord at her side.

"Well, my Lords," Lady Hamilton addressed the gentlemen to either side of her as she rose gracefully from her seat, following Andolin's declaration of the Changez. "I have enjoyed your company this little while," she said, with a flicker of humour in her eyes.

As Lord Varesh smiled and returned her sentiments in kind, the Lady smiled and nodded to him. Then she turned to Lord Azarin, with a similar cool smile and nod, before sweeping away from them to return to her place, where Adrian sat waiting.

Adrian

Lady Hamilton greeted the Rose with a warmer smile than that which had graced her departure from her previous company. She was very impressed by his performance in the poetry contest, and was keenly aware of the political reasons for his being denied a first place finish.

"My dear Sir," she greeted Adrian in a quiet but relatively warm tone. "How beautifully wrought your poem was. An effort for which you can be proud indeed," the Lady declared as she reclaimed her seat beside him.

"And you have enjoyed some charming company in my absence?" she teased gently.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 7:32 pm

Aesa's attention was drawn away from the hound by the wondrous and beautiful magic display, and she clapped as enthusiastically as those around her at its conclusion. Upon hearing Andolin's words to the Caesar, she hoped that she too might be allowed to make an early departure, leaving the dancing to those who would enjoy it. She turned to Anochrim and spoke quietly, leaning close to him so that the conversation might remain private.

"I must thank you directly, my Lord Caesar, for this wonderful gift," Aesa began, patting the dog's head as she spoke. "He seems of an excellent temperament and very well trained. Your staff has done well in selecting him. I wonder if it might be possible for me to retire a little early... to get Blaze settled? Perhaps we might depart together?" the young woman suggested. "Certainly a dance is no place for a hunting hound," she added with a hint of humour.

Adrian Elsonrae · Post by **Adrian Elsonrae** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 6:06 am

Adrian smiled, seeing Lady Helvania arriving to greet him. Taking the chair and drawing it out for his Lady, smiling sweetly.

"Aye, but one of your own. Your niece. Nice lady!" he replied. "Not bad for my first shot at making anything important with poetry if I do say so myself. Will you be returning for good, My Lady, or will I once again be left to this cold world without your grace and poise?"

He cared dearly for Lady Hamilton despite only meeting her for a couple of days. There was something about the chemistry that worked well for them both.

Larbeido Darvino · Post by **Larbeido Darvino** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 10:53 am

Larbeido looked for Vanir, "Ah, i'm sorry Elaine, he seems to be leaving the hall with Celestine, perhaps he will return later".
he smiled, even though he knew she could not see, "Well please do not feel obliged to dance, and considering the situation it may not be good for your image, the Red Rose Guildmaster is not quite in the court's favour at this time". He gave a small chuckle, "Actually I think Anochrim was a little er, disconcerted to see me walk you up for the prize".

He tried to put on a more sincere sounding voice, "Be assured Elaine, I did not do that to cause any political embarrassment, I guided you there as a gentleman should for a Lady, and I had no ulterior motive".

He looked around, "As for the dance, when it starts, as I said please do not feel obliged, but beware the possible consequences of dancing with and um, undesirable of the court", he finished with a chuckle.

the courtly and political intrigue did not really interest him, but he had been forced to play it, and play it he will, with his own twist on things.

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 11:08 am

Elaine frowned. This was peculiar! Had she been thinking out loud or was this another one well versed at reading people without a word being spoken? She suspected the latter, remembering his occupation all too well. As to Vanir, she shrugged, realizing that with so many women around that might be converted to Pan he would have other things to do than getting his toes stepped on.

She laughed shortly, although it did not sound entirely sincere to her own ears. "Indeed sir, you must have read my mind or I am even more translucent than I thought. I was wondering, yes."

The girl let out a soft sigh. Games within games...keep your head up.

"If anyone is truly worried about this image you refer to, they will undoubtedly come and take me out of your company, but since no official charges have been made to your person or any of your Roses -as far as I know- I see no fault in dancing with someone who was invited to this feast."

The Achadhiel put the emphasis on being invited, meaning that if people really thought the Guildmaster was in disgrace, they would not have dared let him enter at this feast of all evenings! No, any grudges here tonight would be personal and she'd go home afore she would let something silly like that ruin a perfectly acceptable chance to try and dance without falling into the clutches of less kind company.

"If the Master of Protocol really thought this was a breach in politics, surely he would have denied you access." Elaine heard herself add. "As for the Caesar...he is a man like the others, despite his lonely position. Would he not have ordered the same thing? It is not myself I am worried for, Master Larbeido. I have nothing to loose since this title was not something I aimed for. I am merely worried about all these people letting their prejudices get in the way of common sense."

The last words were spoken softly, only for Larbeido to hear.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 5:23 pm

Anochrim rose from his chair and offered Lady Aesa his arm "My Lady wishes to retire, Lord Azarin," he announced, not hiding his relief to her suggestion, "And her every wish is my command."

The couple moved through the room, nodding left and right, making room for the less formal part of the eveningtide to continue.

Keerah · Post by **Keerah** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 5:33 pm

Keerah was pleased to be able to move near Abnor once again. Lord Bertram was certainly kind, but she knew another was on his mind - with his gaze continually drawn to Lady Kitlanya - and who could blame him?!?! She smiled and thanked him politley before returning to Abnor's side.

"That was a lovely magickal display!" she spoke to the table in general as she returned to her seat. Smiling widely, she reached over to squeeze Abnor's hand. "The poetry contest was interesting - I am glad I never thought to enter! Elaine did a wonderful job - I am so proud for her. And, the others were great as well - some very talented people here this eveningtide. Shall we dance Abnor?" She finished, with a teasing glint in her eye and grin on her face.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 7:09 pm

Andolin could do little other than nod in deference. He followed the Imperial couple, regretting that he would not have the chance to introduce Caesar to Kitya's parents. Still, they had seen him so close to Caesar this night that he guessed he would have little trouble impressing the man. As they walked, he continued to look for his pages. Once Caesar had exited, he would see what had happened.

Post by **Maeve** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 7:17 pm

The Ceasar shared a few words left and right to his staunchest supporters, thanks to the fact that Andolin had pointed them out earlier that eveningtide. Yet it was clear that he was in a hurry to leave, and as he watched his fiancee his eyes twinkled with secret mirth. How brilliant had her suggestion been. He had never been able to escape this early without her assistance. He was really warming up to the thought to have his lady as one of his advisors.

Perdita Faechild · Post by **Perdita Faechild** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 9:29 pm

The reappearance of Keerah prompted Perdita to look around for somewhere she might move to. She decided to move back to her old seat (where Celestine had been), as she at least might find someone to talk to there.

She smiled at Adrian as she returned and then took her previous seat. Perhaps she would find another dancing partner - or else remain alone.

Post by **Shaeliana** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:06 am

Keerah

Eyes lighting up at Keerah's return, Abnor smiled and returned a gentle squeeze to his lady's small soft hand. On the other side of the woman, Elnath chuckled.

"Welcome back my dear," he smiled and leaned in. "It was positively lifeless here without you."

At her prompt for a dance, Abnor stood to his feet and held out his hand. "I would be delighted Keerah," he replied softly as he waited to escort her around the table to the dance area in the middle of the room.

Kitlanya · Post by **Kitlanya** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:31 am

The call for another change of partners was what Kitya had been waiting for. Turning to Adrian, she blushed slightly, realizing that she had hardly spoken to him while sitting there, her attentions focused on Andolin.

"Thank you for allowing me to sit with you Adrian," she smiled as she stood up. "It was delightful," she lied as she began to move away towards Andolin, with a soft greeting for her aunt, Lady Hamilton as they passed. Intending to seat herself next to Andolin, she'd not gone a quarter of the way down the head table when the Master of Protocol said something to the Caesar, who took his lady's hand and the three started to depart the dinner as the crowd took to the dance floor.

Resisting the urge to stop suddenly, Kitya slowed her steps drastically as she scanned where she might light rather than go back to Bertram until she was intercepted by her mother who leaned in, whispered in the girl's ear and taking her by the elbow, turned Kitya back towards her escort. Unhappy at this turn, it was not the time or place to make a scene and so Kitya took her place back at Bertram's side without looking at him.

Lady Helvania Hamilton · Mon Sep 13, 2004 3:36 am

Adrian

Lady Hamilton smiled knowingly at her companion's flattery.

"I shall remain, but I think it is you who shall go," she remarked, with a gleam in her eyes. "At least for a time. To spend a few burns with that lovely young woman who has won the Royal favour perhaps?"

It was clear that she was referring to Elaine, and her understanding of Adrian's feelings for her. It seemed that the Lady approved his esteem for the blind singer, turned Court Poet. There were many reasons for her to encourage the Rose's interest in Elaine, but this was not the place to discuss such things.

Adrian Elsonrae · Post by **Adrian Elsonrae** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 12:26 pm

He noticed Perdita for a moment and gave a brief smile and a nod in her direction before turning his attentions back to Lady Helvania.

"Aye... we have a lot to catch up on. I thank you, My Lady."

He came closer to her, talking to her softly.

"Particularly with that Marius hounding her even before she recieved this honor... she needs someone who isn't trying to be her friend in order to create a powerplay... because I'm already her friend."

He knew she became a person in court, and his friendship with her was more important not just for him, but for her... but he realised how to play the game. He came in a little closer to his Lady with a smirk across his face, barely above a whisper.

"And perhaps, if Your Ladyship would like, you would allow this Wild Rose to tend to you for a change. If I am, indeed, a welcome addition to your garden, give me the word on any moment you may need your sanctuary."

He paused to gaze at his Lady. There was genuine feelings for her in his eyes as he just drank of her loveliness for a burn or two. He then bowed to her and walked over to Elaine and Larbiedo.

---

"Elaine, Master Larbiedo." He said in greeting, giving a bow to both. "I am glad all finds you well so far."

He was not afraid to call him "Master". When it came to his extended family, popularity be damned.

"And extended congradulations to you, Elaine! You truly blew me out of the water, there!" Adrian smiled. "How do I compete with a voice like that, seriously?"

There was an honest tone of respect in his words, and not just flattery, but there was an underlying... worry to those who knew the feelings of the voice. Adrian may not have realized it himself, but deep down, he was very worried about her.

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 11:50 am

Elaine smiled at the familiar voice. "Adrian," she responded warmly, "your words are very kind and I will not diminish them, but know that in my mind your's was the winning poem. You have a style and flair I can only dream of, mine being hidden behind an eternal song from another that strengthens me."

She felt warm inside by his heartfelt words. Yet it still seemed strange that he had not won himself. It was not right! Did this have to do with those prejudices she had sensed already this night?

Something else in his words caught her attention, but it slipped away before she could name it. Instead the girl continued: "Will you be escorting your Lady to the dancefloor? She sounds like a wonderful person: strongminded and definitively not afraid to make her opinion known."

Elaine was not sure why she asked. It seemed such a hollow remark, yet she wanted to tell Adrian how glad she was that at least he had found good company after the dreadful night. Since it would not do to speak of it openly, this was the best she could do.

Adrian Elsonrae · Post by **Adrian Elsonrae** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 11:16 pm

"I'm glad you liked it, Elaine." Adrian replied modestly. "I did my best, and if the Caesar honestly liked yours better for whatever reason, that's all that matters, right?"

He smirked at her description of Lady Hamilton and chuckled.

"Indeed... it's probably why we get along so well. I hope she would grace me with the honor of a dance. The evetide seems to be winding down a little, though. I would like to talk with you before the eve is out, though. We really need to catch up on old times."

He desperately needed to know what was going on between she and that Marius fellow... and if there was anything he could do to help. He knew speaking of the horror in public was bad form and she had a line of people wanting to greet her.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Wed Sep 15, 2004 5:46 am

It seemed that no one was approaching Caesar, so Andolin simply followed his liege until the Imperial couple exited. As the dinner was his responsibility, he could not leave as well. No, this was his realm to hold court. Casting a glance out towards the gardens, he wondered where Zhavon and Celestine had gone. Glancing back towards Kitya, he made a mental note to approach her and her parents. He still had half a mark before meeting Larbiedo in Celestine and Zhavon's room, so there was still time to tarry.

To move immediately towards Kitya would be to give away his interest unnecessarily. He did not need to fear the jealousy of Etain or Isabella, for neither were there. But he would not mark Kitya so easily for his enemies. As such, he decided to walk out into the garden ... ostensively to get some fresh air ... but with the dual purpose of finding his wayward pages.

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Wed Sep 15, 2004 6:58 am

Elaine's smile became broader. So it was as she had hoped: the lady Hamilton was indeed a blessing for Adrian. Yet her friend's request could not have come at a worse time with Larbeido ready to escort her to the dancefloor!

She bit her lip. How unfortunate! He'll think I do not wish to talk perhaps...maybe I can explain without offending anyone.

Her hand still on Larbeido's arm the girl gestured towards the Guildmaster. "The kind Master has asked me to dance, Adrian. It would not be good form to simply walk away from such a request when I have already accepted." She made sure to keep the smile on her face. It was not that she did not want to dance per se, but a part of her was scared that this might be the only moment they could have to talk!

"Would you still have time after this one dance? I would very much like to talk." There was a real urgency in her voice, which probably lent more credibility to her request than any of her words had done.

Post by **Maeve** » Wed Sep 15, 2004 10:58 am

Andolin could not see easily in the dark as he stepped into the Palace gardens, though if he paid close attention he would catch a glimps of gossamer wings fluttering over the flowers, as the faeries silently and discreetly went about their business of taking care of the garden.

There were several paths into the garden, and in the distance to the right Andolin could see vague shapes of a couple talking softly. Was that Zhavon? From the left a voice rose in song, eerily beautiful. As a former Pan worshipper the Master of Protocol had no trouble identifying it as a spiritual song, offered as devotion. What was it that attracted revelers of Pan to gardens? Pan's fest had taken place in very similar surroundings.

OOC: You can enter either sidethread, but obviously not both at the same time

Adrian Elsonrae · Post by **Adrian Elsonrae** » Wed Sep 15, 2004 1:09 pm

"Well, that's why I offered it after the night was over. There is still some life left, and I wouldn't pry your attentions away from Master Larbiedo so quickly." Adrian replied with mirth. "I just needed to see how things were."

Adrian bowed to the both of them.

"I won't interrupt anymore, but I just had to congradulate you on a job well done... and assure you that I was well." he replied to both of them. "Have fun!"

Larbeido Darvino · Post by **Larbeido Darvino** » Sat Sep 18, 2004 1:17 am

Larbeido was not just a master of the rose, he knew many things, and could sense the urgency in Elaine's voice, and of course the gentleman that he was made his excuse.
"Wait one moment Adrian", he turned to Elain, "Elaine, I just remembered I have some business to attend to, so if Adrian is still willing, perhaps you would forgive me, and do him the honour of your first dance".
He turned back to Adrian, "That is if you do not mind either".

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Sat Sep 18, 2004 11:25 am

There was an interesting change of colour on her face, but Elaine managed to sound coherent at the sudden switch of partners: "Master Larbeido, you truly are a gentleman." She smiled, not believing for one flicker that he had forgotten to take care of his business.

"Well then, Adrian, it seems you are the victim that will have his toes stepped upon. Or we could just find a place to talk, of course?" The girl was not sure what she preferred. Dancing was not her strong suit, especially not with just a one-time experience before this evening or the memories attached to that one evening. Yet leaving this room would be highly circumspect and as such it might even be wiser to try her feet at dancing.

I'll just see what Adrian thinks. She decided. I did warn him about his toes and he is the more knowledgeable about court etiquette. Ah, Mother, maybe he even wants to return to the lady Hamilton. The gods know she is a wonderful being.

"Or maybe I am being too forward and you already promised this dance to your lady?" The young woman quickly added, hoping she had not put him in an awkward spot.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 8:16 pm

Marius had seemingly taken little part in the evenings proceedings, conversely however he had watched with interest all the goings on in the hall, as well as listening to the very interesting conversation concerning the bard, Finodborn.
The reason he watched so carefully, wasn't because he thought he would miss anything, he knew his spies and henchmen would tell him of almost everything that had gone on in the hall and some of what went on outside. He just liked to have confirmation of his thoughts.

He bowed to Anochrim and Aesa as they left, then sat down for a burn or two, still watching or thinking.
With a smile he got up and made his way around the room, nodding to a few, ignoring others as his want, until he once again reached his objective.

"Master Larbeido, how kind of you to escort our lovely winner to get her prize", he chuckled, "I don't think Anochrim was quite er taken with it, still it made for an interesting moment".
He turned to Adrian and Elaine, "Well first and second place together, excellant poem Adrian, though Elaine's was better".
Before she could realise, he took her hand, kissed it and released it before she could snatch it away as he thought she may do. "Congratulations my dear, with your new position in court I hope to see you around the palace, perhaps we can find time for a talk then. For Now I have other business to attend to goodnight".

He bowed to all three and calmly left the hall, making a mental note to talk to Andolin about where Elaine was going to be.

Tazlure

Engagement Dinner: Eveningtide Samheen 16

Yay!

Kewl!

Pfft!

Well...