Engagement Dinner: Eveningtide Samheen 16

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 8:34 pm

What Elaine felt was sharp and furious, a long fostered hatred founded in tragedy. Luckily for her it skipped just past her, being aimed elsewhere, though it brushed her senses.

Anochrim was surprised at Lord Azarin's words, suddenly realizing the lady before him was blind. How curious. Usually I don't ever get to see any crippled persons except for war heroes. He looked at Elaine in a new light, wondering how she viewed the world before her.

He listened to Andolin's words as he suggested adding Elaine to the Office of Protocol, and smiled. How courteous his Master of Protocol was, obviously desiring to take care of this vulnerable woman. It pleased Anochrim well, a sign of a good upbringing in the adhiels eyes. "Very well, Lord Azarin, if it pleases you I shall assign Lady Elaine to your office." The Ceasar seldom refused Andolin anything. He took pleasure in the mans independence and his singular devotion to the Empire. He nodded a friendly dismissal to the couple before him, and then realizing that Elaine could not see hastened to add "I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening, milady"

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 9:06 pm

Excellent. Everything was going according to plan. One step at a time.

When Elaine mentioned she recognized his voice, his heart stood still for a flicker. The dream! Cold whispers of the supernatural caused a chill down his spine. The dream was a message about Isa being my partner, Kitya being hurt, and Elaine ... being ... intriguing? Why was she in my dream? Yet, as the moment passed, he realized that she meant that she had heard his voice this evening. A pity. Still, maybe he could test what she meant.

"Yes, I can imagine that you recognize my voice from earlier this evening," he offered in a friendly way. Or does she know it from elsewhere?

While he was going to offer to escort Elaine, he decided that it was not needed. He could speak with her later. Seemingly noticing Larbiedo for the first time, Andolin greeted him. "Master Larbiedo, how kind of you to escort the lady to the head table. Your students have been doing an commendable job here at the palace. I assume you are willing to escort the lady back to her seat?"

Turning to face Elaine directly, Andolin added in a soft voice, "we have protocol to discuss Lady Elaine. If I might have a moment of your time after the Ball ends, I can tell you more about the Office of Protocol, and your role." It was only necessary to speak with her at some point later in the evening. It did not need to be this moment.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 9:19 pm

Celestine smiled at Vanir then made her way out towards the stables to retrieve the Royal gift.

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 9:23 pm

There was relief. Relief that the strong emotion went past her. Silently Elaine thanked Elvin and Noah for strengthening her. Meanwhile her immediate future was decided upon as the Caesar assigned her to the Office of Protocol without further discussion. It was good to know there were people who actually knew how this little world unto itself worked! It was even better to realize that it meant she would not be fumbling around. Being blind was one thing, but loosing touch was quite another.

"Thank you for your care, Caesar, Lady, Lord Azarin. May the evening prove to be a new beginning indeed."

Hearing Andolin's words the young woman extended her hand to the safety of Larbeido's arm. She was glad that the Guildmaster had offered to guide her.

Hold on, from earlier this evening? Oh, Elaine...you read too much in a vague memory of a dream. He does not remember, he probably never dreamed the same thing. You probably just filled in some blanks when hearing all these people talk tonight.

She curtsied at the little assembly and answered Andolin, just before turning back: "It must have been earlier indeed, lord Azarin. After all, this is my first visit to the Palace." It was hard to disguise the little disappointment. Somehow it would have been good to know that dreams were more than just dreams.

Zaure would be more than just a dream...

"I will leave the time up to you, lord, since mine is as limited or extended as that of master Pierrick who has escorted me here." The blind girl added. "I am thankful for a chance to learn more of proper decorum."

There. It was all done now. Elani Pierrick could not possibly refuse the master of Protocol himself if he wanted a word, could he? If it did not work out, she could always return the next day, of course.

Mother, these days keep on changing my view with every single step I take!

She let herself be brought back to the table to finally sit back and relax.

Larbeido Darvino · Post by **Larbeido Darvino** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 9:49 pm

Andolins sudden question took Larbeido slightly by surprise, which he realised was one of Andolins reason for asking.
"I'm glad my students have been of service Master Andolin, Please let me know if any fail in their duty, and I would be honoured to escort Elaine back"

He turned to Elaine and once again placed her hand on his arm, "My lady", and after she had curtsied and spoken her piece, guided her back to her seat next to his.

When he sat down he leaned towards her and whispered in her ear so no one else could hear, "A word to the wise Elaine, Andolin never does anything without a good reason, a reason that benefits him, so please be careful".

He then looked up and said in a louder voice, "Now I wonder what entertainment we have to come".

"

Lady Helvania Hamilton · Mon Sep 06, 2004 1:57 am

As Andolin returned to his seat, Lady Hamilton turned back from her brief exchange with Lord Varesh to focus her attention once again on the Master of Protocol. She greeted him with a polite smile, but her eyes were cool and calculating.

"A most impressive showing, my Lord," the Lady said cryptically, her cool blue eyes revealing nothing of her comment's true meaning. She had watched carefully and learned much, but none of her thoughts did she share with Andolin, at least not yet.

"Tell me, my Lord, shall we be having the Changez again soon?" she asked casually. "I'm sure my Lord Varesh misses his lovely dinner companion, and I should return to congratulate Master Elsonrae on his placing second to the little singer." The emphasis was slight, so slight that Andolin might not detect it, unless he were paying particular attention.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Mon Sep 06, 2004 3:41 am

Andolin did not think Lady Hamilton was fooled at all. Any veteran courtier would see that he had favored Elaine. Yet he had favored her with a compliment, that was not necessary. Did she really think her boy would win?

"Thank you milady. A compliment from you is savored even more. I do try." And I am used to winning my lady, he thought to himself. "We will have another changez after the mystical display I am thinking. You will pardon me if I seek your delightful company a few burns longer I hope?" One could always use flattery to disarm annoyance.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Sep 06, 2004 10:39 pm

Several minutes after she left, Celestine returned with the puppy, Blaze. Feeling self-conscious, she approached the Royal Couple and curtsied formally when she approached the Caesar and his bride.

"Greetings your Majesty." She smiled and then looked at Lady Aesa. "My Lady. I'd like to present to you this gift. It's from all of us in the Office of Protocol. We do hope you like it." She stepped aside so Aesa could see the puppy. "His name is Blaze." She looked at the puppy.

"Sit."

Then she pointed at Aesa. "Obey." She turned back to Aesa. "Now Blaze will obey you from now on. If you ever want to have someone else command him, just point at them and give him the obey command." She curtsied. "Good fortune to both of you, my Lord and Lady." Then she turned and went back to sit next to Vanir, feeling her heart pound.

Post by **Maeve** » Mon Sep 06, 2004 11:06 pm

With interest and some empathical feelings of shame people saw Celestine flounder through the gift giving. Wasn't that supposed to be a gift from the Ceasar to his fiancee? How odd and unbecoming for the Office of Protocol to take the limelight like that.

Amchi stepped forward, covering the awkward moment. There were five peacocks and they hopped and squeeked upon the podium. It took only a burn before they suddenly started to perform a dance to the tune of one eerie flute. Then their long blue caressed tails started to light in flame, causing interesting patterns as well as a slight smell of burned herbs, while they continued in elegance. It was an amazing spectacle, the like of which most of those present had not seen before.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Mon Sep 06, 2004 11:25 pm

Andolin paled when he saw Celestine approach Caesar instead of himself. Hurrying from his chair, he tried to intercept her before she could make any faux pas. Too late!

"Your Majesty, Celestine has been on the job but for one day and her head is aspin with placing third in the poetry contest. She made a grave mistake but it was done unthinking." With a look of horror on his face, he turned to Aesa.

"My lady, the page was to bring the mastiff to Caesar for presentation to you. His Majesty wanted to present you with something that embodied loyalty, devotion and faithfulness. Do not let the words of a confused page diminish the gift that is from Caesar, and Caesar alone, to you." His tone was most deferential and apologetic.

He hoped that this might repair some of the damage done. Where did she get such a silly notion? He would deal with her later.

Adrian Elsonrae · Post by **Adrian Elsonrae** » Tue Sep 07, 2004 2:17 am

Adrian got up and applauded greatly for Elaine. He tilted an eyebrow as his headmaster led Elaine up, but continued to clap.

Hmmmm... poor Elaine... she's just become political pawn until the wedding... at least I was ready for such a thing.

"BRAVO ELAINE!" Adrian yelled during the applause, really proud of his friend.

Accepting his prize for second, he took a polite bow and sighed... he was content with himself, not expecting to even come close to being first, let alone possibly third. Still, he saw that he had a knack for this sort of thing, and although Elaine may be the royal poet, he may be able to take up the art of expressing feelings to others as a side job.

Ulder · Post by **Ulder** » Tue Sep 07, 2004 5:21 pm

Ulder returned to the hall as the applause for Elaine was tapering off and the guests were turning their attention toward the performing peacocks. He noticed the enthusiastic display of appreciation by Adrian and studied the man for an extra flicker or two as he returned to his post near the Ceasar's weapons. Seeing nothing unusual, he then turned his attention to the unusual performance himself for a few flickers.

He studied Elaine for a moment as she returned to her seat. She would have some very interesting things to talk about on the morrow. He made a mental note to congratulate her when they met. She would be used to a certain amount of courtesy in her beginning life at the Palace, and he wanted to maintain the favorable impression that he had made with her earlier.

He once again resumed his usual scan of the crowd. Taking a certain interest in the large mastiff being presented. The hound reminded him of a dog his family used to own back home, and he grew a bit nostalgic in watching it. It was obviously well behaved and trained. Certainly better than the family dog he remembered and he wondered if the Ceasar's betrothed would be appreciative of such a gift.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Sep 07, 2004 9:54 pm

The Lady Aesa was surprised by the approach of the Page with the young hound, and her eyebrows flew up as the young woman pointed at her. She was further shocked by the young woman's declaration, obviously in error, that this was to be a gift of the Office of Protocol. As Lord Azarin attempted to mitigate the damage done, the young warrior looked in puzzlement to her betrothed. Certainly she would have been most impressed with such an excellent gift from the Caesar, but was it truly from him, or was it arranged on his behalf; perhaps even without his knowledge?

"Of course, Lord Azarin," Aesa replied, looking a little less than impressed by the situation. However, she was most intrigued with her living gift, and turned her attentions to the young hound.

"Blaze, is it?" she asked softly of the mastiff, pleased as the dog sniffed and then licked happily at her outstretched hand. A trained hunting hound was a highly valued asset and the symbolism was not lost on the Trothgardian warrior. Indeed, she was rather impressed at the thought that had gone into the selection of the gift, whomever had made the choice.

Vanir Alfheim · Post by **Vanir Alfheim** » Tue Sep 07, 2004 11:02 pm

Vanir had watched the presentation given to Elaine for her victory. He couldn't care less about what was actually said or how Andolin hovered around her. He will not be satisfied until the entire kingdom is under his control. Still there is nothing to be had if one does not try and he might still make an interesting acquaintance, but how to meet him. I will need my allies in the palace, if I am to uproot the snake known as Silk. Andolin will do quite nicely, especially if I drop a few names of mutual friends. I know his entire staff to some extent or another. I have even gained access to the palace through his office, whether he knows it or not. Yes, Andolin, I think we shall be good friends, if only for our own means. I know how your kind work and what you want to hear.

Vanir allowed himself a carefree grin, knowing that his plans had a chance of succeeding. He was distracted by the presentation of a puppy to Lady Aesa. It seemed an odd gift for the celebrated warrior, yet somehow touching. He began to idly wonder if Perdita would enjoy a puppy to care for or perhaps something else of that nature. You have to find a better place to live first, you silly fool. I doubt that they even allow puppies in the Burpin Dargon, much less having one staying there. A true place to stay, such as a house or at least modest apartment, before you can start giving her puppies. The young bard started to realise the serious implications of his innocent musings. Had he truly fallen so far in love that he was considering a place of their own?

The return of Celestine allowed to push such serious thoughts away for the moment. He remembered that he had business here and Celestine was first for the evening. "Miss Celestine, back from your duties so soon? What else does your benefactor have planned for us this evening? I was hoping for the chance to dance this evening, but I am not sure if it is on the agenda. I was, also, hoping for a stroll through the gardens with you when you have the chance." The playful eyes gleamed a little with michevious thoughts, yet he made no attempts to hide his thoughts from the beautiful page.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 08, 2004 4:53 am

Celestine smiled over at Vanir. She realized from the way Lord Andolin was going on that something was wrong, but she couldn't think what. He'd ordered her to go and bring the puppy in for presentation to Lady Aesa and she'd done so. Shrugging the matter off, she turned to Vanir.

"Well, as far as I know my duties are done. I'm supposed to keep an eye out for troublemakers, but I should be free for a dance later. I do hope Lord Azarin isn't too upset." She frowned, then shrugged again. "But I did what he told me so he shouldn't be too mad. A dance and a stroll sound lovely." She smiled.

Elaine · Post by **Elaine** » Wed Sep 08, 2004 3:41 pm

Everything was going past the blind Achadhiel as if she was walking around in a haze. The Guildmaster's warning words were registered for further use, but more than a smile and a nod she could not manage at the moment. She would have to think up a new poem or song...was it going to work as nicely as this one? Where should the emphasis ly?

Elaine found that despite the warnings against the Master of Protocol she needed his advise to be able to get away with this unexpected turn of events. Already her brain was turning to find another angle, a new way of adressing things for the wedding. The girl was glad that attention had gone to another part of this evening's happenings, but her keen hearing had picked up on a few voices that somehow had stood out when the names of the winners had been announced.

It still felt bad that Adrian had not won, but his enthusiastic cheering made up for any fear that he might be offended.

The smell of something burning brought her back to the present. Only the fact that nobody else seemed to mind and even admired whatever was going on saved her from going into a panic. Still her face paled, knowing that whatever was burning, she would not be able to see it coming. Elaine made very sure to stay still at the table, fervently hoping that this particular spectacle would be over soon.

Oh bother...great choice of entertainment. Couldn't they have thought something up that involved water?

One hand was clasped around her staff, the other clenched in her lap, hoping nothing would go wrong with this act and wishing it was over already.

Keerah · Post by **Keerah** » Wed Sep 08, 2004 4:26 pm

Keerah was thrilled when the winner's were announced for the poetry contest. She was somewhat surprised that Vanir had not been in the final 3, but then again Pan and his followers were not exactly in favor at the moment. She was delighted with the gift presented to Lady Aesa - it made her think of Cinnamon back at home and she looked down the table and grinned at Abnor at the thought of the playful puppy.

To Lord Bertram, she said, "What a delightful gift! I have just recently acquired a puppy and they are so much fun - although they can be a lot of work too. What do you think of the poetry contest. I was quite please that Elaine won, although I think she was not expecting it and looked a bit nervous."

She turned her attention to the dancing peacocks and clapped elightedly at the disply while listening to Bertram's reply and the chatter around her to see if she could pick up any interesting tidbits to relay...

Vanir Alfheim · Post by **Vanir Alfheim** » Wed Sep 08, 2004 11:30 pm

Vanir spoke in a soothing voice to calm any doubts Celestine had. "Do not worry, my dear. Lord Azarin is a hard man to work for, especially considering his own ambitions, but he has a weakness for Roses. If he gives you any grief, then simply fall back on your inexperience. I mean the duties are very hard to gather for such an event and even more so when you have only been working here such a short while."

Vanir almost laughed at the thought of her looking for troublemakers and sitting with him. "An eye for troublemakers? Did they mention any by name?" He grinned teasingly and leaned in to whisper softly. "I am probably the worst troublemaker, except for perhaps Lady Eilish and your own Guildmaster, so staying close to me would in turn be only performing your duties. I think there are many here that would see me thrown right back into those dungeons." The bard resumed his normal posture and his normal tone.

"A stroll will be a nice oppertunity to speak of certain things that are hardly considered proper in public. Of course, most do not consider proper enough to even be here, but they have trouble getting around my connections. 'Never underestimate a good friend when you can make one.' It was something my father used to tell me as a child. He would have been good friends with Andolin, since their minds work the same. I think it is why I understand your boss so well, he reminds me of my own father. I will give you a way to find yourself out of any trouble you may have gained from Andolin. You simply hand him information that you have gathered about those in attendance here and if you do not have any, then come to me and we can work something out." The mischevious. blue eyes danced once more. "I am sure there is something you could tell me in exchange for what I can tell you."

The adhiel turned his head slightly to take note of the magick festivities set to entertain the crowd. He did not seem particularly amused by the display and sighed softly. "It is odd to think of people using magick in such a pompous form. Magick is a powerful tool and most difficult to learn, yet here they use it as if it were a toy. There are some things about the palace that I will never truly understand." He turned his attention back to his companion. "I prefer to make my own magick."

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Sep 09, 2004 2:32 pm

Celestine had to laugh quietly at her new companion's words. This was turning out to be much more fun than she had thought it would be! "Well then, I see no reason not to have a stroll."

She looked over at the magicians. "I wouldn't know about magick. I've heard of it, but had little chance to actually see it up close or practice it myself."

Vanir Alfheim · Post by **Vanir Alfheim** » Thu Sep 09, 2004 11:05 pm

Side thread

Post by **Maeve** » Fri Sep 10, 2004 12:11 am

Vanir created some of his very own personal magick... which Celestine didn't seem to mind, leaving Perditia in the Great Hall without an escort.

Perdita Faechild · Post by **Perdita Faechild** » Fri Sep 10, 2004 6:37 pm

Perdita watched the entertainment with interest. She knew nothing of magick and it amazed her to see what delights they could conjure.

She glanced towards Vanir as she had been doing all evening, and noticed him leaving with Celestine. A stab of jealousy ran through her, it was cold and painful and she felt her heart deflating. The happiness that she had experienced just a few moments before made it even worse. She had steeled herself for this moment since he had suggested a more permanent relationship but she hadn't expected it on this evening of all evenings. And after the love he had declared in front of the whole court! She tore her eyes away and looked down at her hands.

Now I'll have nobody to dance with, she thought in a moment of pure selfishness, before mentally pulling herself together. He can't help the way he is!. She plastered a fake smile on her face and tried hard to regain composure, tucking the jealousy deep within her soul. It would not ruin the evening...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Sep 10, 2004 9:43 pm

Anochrim pressed his handkerchief to his mouth for a moment as Celestine made her goof up. He so often felt out of his league with all these politicians and smooth talkers that the forwardness of the young Rose, seemingly suffering the same fate, was very amusing and he nearly laughed out loud.

"Thank you Lord Azarin," the Ceasar nodded, noting the lady Aesa was pleased with the gift, and impressed with the symbolic message that went with it, "You did well in carrying out my orders." He did not find anything odd in his Master of Protocol doing his shopping for him. He was da man. Surely his fiancee understood that the haggling involved was not manly nor very noble. He gave her a sheepish smile as she patted the hound.

The firework of Amchi started at that moment and for a moment Anochrim was as enchanted as a child with the fireworks and the beautiful peacocks. His eyes threatened to spill over once as he remembered a boy in a blue doublet strutting around. But the moment passed.

As the fireworks died down, and the guests clapped enthusiastically, Anochrim looked around for the next amusement. Already some bored guests had left through the garden doors. The flowers in the dark had an incredible attraction to Rose companions. Anochrim had no such desires, detesting both the flowers and the guild that brought forward these companions. Yet he was eager for the party to continue.

Andolin · Post by **Andolin** » Fri Sep 10, 2004 10:53 pm

Throughout the dancing peacock display his eyes searched for Zhavon unsuccessfully. He certainly hoped that she did not go for a walk in the gardens with Barracus. Not only was that a dereliction of duty, but an insult to Caesar and Aesa as well. He noted another couple leaving together. His anger only increased when he saw it was Celestine that was being wooed by some commoner. They were walking off together like a couple of lovers. He wanted to scream at someone, most notably Celestine. At least she delivered my message to Larbeido and we will meet secretly in her room shortly.

Once the fireworks were done, Andolin stood to announce that the dancing would begin and that the ladies could move again if they so wished, in search of other partners. Thanking Lady Hamilton for her company, he moved back to whisper to Anochrim. "Your Majesty, there is no need for you to dance. Let the others dance. I think it may be well for you to circulate for half a mark amongst your guests, with the Lady Aesa, and then I see no reason why you cannot be summoned away for important business elsewhere." It was a knowing wink he gave Anochrim, knowing that he would prefer to leave as soon as possible. Of course, Andolin had in mind certain nobles for Caesar to visit, in his company. He smiled inwardly at the thought.

Larbeido Darvino · Post by **Larbeido Darvino** » Sat Sep 11, 2004 1:05 am

Larbeido realised that Elaine could not see what was going on, "I am sorry Elaine, I did not think, and they of course, do not think either, I suppose they do not get many blind people, let me tell you what is happening". Larbeido proceeded to described to her the peacocks.

After that show came the announcement of dancing, and freedom of movement for the ladies once again.

"Well Elaine, I do not know if you dance or not, but if you have no other suitors, and you wish to, I would be honoured to escort you on the floor. Please do not feel obliged though, I understand".

Tazlure

Engagement Dinner: Eveningtide Samheen 16

Whoo hooo!