Betrothed (open for guy- pm me for details)

[Hikari]

Her name was Arianna. There she sat in the back of the carriage fiddling with a piece of fabric on her dress. She knew that she was a lady and should be be sitting still, but nothing seemed to be able to cure her uneasiness. She was to meet the man she would eventually marry today and she was told that she was lucky. In some lands betrothed couples did not meet till their wedding day. However, she could not rid herself of this horrid knot in her stomach. It had been arranged with her father and his when she was but four years old and now she was to stay at the estate that her betrothed would one day own for a month.


She could only catch glimpses of the great structure as the carriage turned and bumped along the road, carrying them closer and closer.


______________

Okay this is sort of a medieval or fairy tale type time period thing. I'm looking for someone to play the young lord or prince that my character's to marry.. Someone of status or something..


PM me to join and we'll try this out..

 

[The Jeffinator]

*oops*

 

[Armphid]

Alexander Douglas Flamm, Duke of El Alamain, Lord of the Western Seas, Captain of the Armies of the Kingdom, paced nervously on the southern battlement. The gery, weathered stone of the keep was as clean as he'd ever seen it in his life. In the week leading up to Lady Arianna's arrival, the staff had gone mad with cleaning and preperations, everything was neat, clean, and in order. Not that things ever got too much out of order here, but the effort and difference were notable. In a way, it was almost insulting. They couldn't keep it that clean for their Duke, but this unknown noblewoman shows up and they scrub the stones until then shine. Well, as much as they can shine. He sighed, "I wish this was over already," he said for the tenth time.

"Try and relax, Alexander." His sister Rebecca smoothed the long skirt of her dress as she watched her older brother pace. "She's going to be as nervous as you are."

"Even more," added the middle sibling, Jason, "after all, she's meeting with the fierce and warlike Duke of Al Alamain." "The bumpkin warrior who's constantly fighting off one threat or another." He laughed, "Our frontier dukedom and our duke have a very scary reputation in the rest of the kingdom, you know."

Alexander frowned at both of his siblings, who were trying hard to hide smiles. "I'm not nervous." "Just...uncomfortable with all this ceremony and," he looked down at his clothes, "this...frippery." He was wearing a doublet of twilight blue with silver trim. He had refused to wear hose, much to his sister's annoyance, instead going with twilight blue trousers of fine linen, tucked into a pair of brightly shined black leather boots. A brown leather belt with a heavy and expensive gold buckle was around his waist, his sword belted to it. Golden bracers were clasped around his forearms, and a silver armlet would around his right bicep. He wore a silver chain and pendant with the crest of House Flamm upon it, and silver broaches pinned the length of a black fur-rimmed cloak to his broad shoulders. "I feel like a fool in all this."

"Well, you look like a gentleman." Rebecca sniffed, "If you can't be one, you can at least look the part."

"Easy for you to comment," Alexander growled. "You're not the one who's being chained." Alexander wasn't happy about this. He never liked the idea of being betrothed, even though he'd gotten used to it. Partly because it seemed far away, like it would never actually be followed through. That was before his father caught an arrow in the stomach in last year's raids, before he was the Duke, and a potential heir to the throne. Now it suddenly mattered that he was married and producing heirs. Which meant that it was time for him to meet his wife to be. A stranger from a land so unlike him. What would he even have to talk to her about? How was he supposed to-

It didn't matter. It was his duty. He didn't have to like it, or her. Just accept it. Duty was something he understood, even though it was often so very heavy.

"Your Grace!" His head jerked up as one of the men on the gate called up, "We can see the carriage, Your Grace!" "Soon to be arriving!"

"Well." He sighed, "I wish this was over already." As his brother and sister exchanged amused looks, he marched toward the stairs to the courtyard. "Open the gates, honor guard come forward!" He gestured at his page, "Go and inform Manora that our guest will be here any moment." Alexander stood before the keep as the reinforced gate jangled and then slowly opened.

 

[Hikari]

The carriage was nearing the estate and she could smell the salty air of the sea in the distance. Despite this whole ordeal she was looking forward to seeing the ocean as she had never seen it before. She was uncomfortable traveling in such formal clothes. So many layers at this time of year. It was absolutely ridiculous. Yet her father had demanded it. She wore a gown the color of lavender and she felt as if she were attending one of those boring parties that her father always held with no one her own age. What would she do if the duke didn't like her? Could he send her away? What if he we're cruel and treated her harshly? There would be nothing she could do..

"Calm down milady you're shaking like a leaf.. I'm sure ye have nothin' to worry about."

It was one of her attendants.. More like prison guard.. They would leave her there and retrieve her a month later. There were too many questions ringing in her head and somehow during her string of thoughts they'd ended up at the entrance and they were announcing her..


"I present to you Lady Arianna of the land of Ashford.."


She took a great gulp as they opened the carriage door. A footman took her hand and helped her exit the carriage.. She curtsied and then stood up straight. She only hoped that she seemed presentable to them. She knew that her dark brown hair was not in the condition that it had been set in to begin with and she'd heard that such things were frowned upon in some lands. Either way she finally went to look upon her hosts and tried to smile.

 

[Armphid]

Alexander watched her descend from the carriage, his keen eyes noting the fine quality of the gown she wore. It was lovely, and expensive. Was she used to such finery or had she been forced into it as he had, he wondered. Her dark hair seemed a little mussed from whatever careful arrangement it had been in, loose strands falling about her face. It suited her. "She's fair, at least that's a blessing," he thought.

The Duke was tall and broad shouldered, with strong, well-defined features. His eyes were a piercing blue, and his hair was reddish-brown, combed and pulled back into a short mane. Unlike many men, he was clean shaven. As she curtsied and was introduced,he approached, his face serious and measuring.

He felt a nudge to his ribs. "Smile a little, you lout." Rebecca's voice barely moved as she spoke, her voice low. "Can't you see the poor girl's nervous?"

"No," he muttered back. But he did smile a little, before bowing low to her. As he straightened, he inclined his head. "My Lady Arianna, you do my poor keep a great honor with your presence." He'd labored over how he should talk to her, finally writing and trying to memorize a short speech that was much more flowery that his usual manner of speaking. "I am Duke Alexander Douglas Flamm of Al Alamain." "I have been eager to finally meet my betrothed and make good on the agreement out families have made."

 

[Hikari]

She looked up at him. He seemed quite handsome. That was an admirable feature to most and it eased her nervousness a bit.

"My Lady Arianna, you do my poor keep a great honor with your presence."

"I am Duke Alexander Douglas Flamm of Al Alamain."

"I have been eager to finally meet my betrothed and make good on the agreement out families have made."

His words were flashy and well mannered but she was unsure on how she should perceive him.


"I must thank you for allowing me to stand in your presence despite the fact that we are not yet wed.. I.. I am pleased to meet you.."


A true smile crossed her face as she felt herself relax a bit. She tried to act as a lady should act in this situation but their was always something in her soft brown eyes that told the truth. It told of times that she'd riden horse back across the lands, challenged villagers to games of chess, and danced around great fires during times of festivals. She had always been locked away after each act of defiance. She sometimes felt like a caged bird and this was sealing her fate. Her smile faded a bit as she began to speak formally as she was expected to.


"I do hope that our union will bring peace and prosperity to both our lands and greatly honor our families.."

 

[Armphid]

"The pleasure is mine, My Lady, and any man would count himself fortunate to be in your presence."

"There may be hope for him yet," he heard Jason mutter behind him.

There was something in her words, in the way she said them and her expression, that made him think she might have meant them. Odd, he'd have expected her to be as displeased about a union like this as he was. Though she would move up a great deal in society from it. That would please a lady, he supposed. "I am certain that our families' honor will be upheld, and their prosperity increased, as you have said."

"My Lady, allow me to introduce my family." His younger brother bowed deeply, swirling out his cloak. "Jason George Flamm." Rebecca then curtsied, smiling in a friendly and open manner, "and my sister, Rebecca Elaine Flamm."

"Forgive me, but I was unsure what you would like to do on your arrival." "I have mulled wine and a brief repast prepared, as well as your room, if the journey has tired you." "I also have prepared horses in case you would like to ride out and see some of you lands that you will share as my, as my wife." It had stuck in his throat the first time, but was easier the second.

 

[Hikari]

She curtsied to his siblings. They all seemed nice, but the sheer extent that they had all gone through to get to this point.. It was exhausting..


"Forgive me, but I was unsure what you would like to do on your arrival." "I have mulled wine and a brief repast prepared, as well as your room, if the journey has tired you." "I also have prepared horses in case you would like to ride out and see some of you lands that you will share as my, as my wife."


She thought for a moment.. She was indeed tired from the long trip, but there was something she wished to do that would calm her. Her attendants were already carrying her things up to the room that she would be staying in.
She took a deep breath and spoke truthfully to him..


"Well there is one thing I'd like to do milord.. You see I have never once seen the ocean and although it may sound silly..I would very much like to see it.. with you milord.. If that wouldn't be too much trouble.."


She knew not how he would act and she knew it was a silly request.


"How in the world is he thinking of me?" she thought..


"He must think of me as nothing more than a country girl.. See the ocean? Arianna what were thinking?" she mentally kicked herself.

 

[Armphid]

There was a flicker in his eyes at her request, though they gave nothing away. Such an odd request. She wanted to see the ocean? Why? Very curious. It did no harm, certainly. "Very well, My Lady." "If you wish to see the ocean with me, I shall grant it."

He offered her his arm, and lead her to the stables. The two mounted up, along with a small detachment of guards and rode out of the gates. For the first time all day, Alexander felt his spirits rise. The air was crisp and clear, and the feeling of riding allowed him to forget the strange nature of this say, of the woman riding with him. "Follow, if you please, My Lady." "There is a path to the shore here."

She rode well, and knew how to handle a horse. Commendable. He hadn't expected it, a pleasant surprise. Likely the last, but he'd certainly take it. He wasn't at all sure what to think of her yet, his bride to be.

After perhaps ten minutes, the trees gave way to a gentle slope of this grass that became beach. Below, the steady pulse and rush of the waves on the shore beat out it's steady rhythm. The tang of the salt air filled his nose, and he breathed deeply. The rolling waves of dark blue spread out before them, endless and eternal. They lead their mounts down to the sand, before Alexander dismounted. He looked up at her, watching her as she stared at the waves. Curious.

He came to the side of her horse, offering his hand. "Forgive me for disrupting your reverie, My Lady, but would care to walk to the edge and see closer?" "Then perhaps we could walk along the beach." "If that would please you.'

 

[Armphid]

"I would like that very much.. I'm sorry for making such an odd request.. It's just that it's something I've always wanted to do. I know that my manner might seem less than ladylike at this time and I know that you might be used to more formal things, but I have always had a fondness for nature and of stories of the sea. I apologize if my speaking so freely displeases you and for my rambling."

She frowned. It made her nervous trying to explain her actions. Her manner was odd and she knew it. Most women of her status were riding side saddle and would detest the prospect of getting their shoes or feet dirty. She could not detect what he was feeling or even his perception of her and despite their situation she'd hoped that they could atleast become more acquainted.

Alexander looked down at her as she spoke, his face impassive. Then he smiled, the first genuine smile she'd seen from him. It did much to warm his cool demeanor. "You needn't apoligize for such things, My Lady." "I've learned from having a sister that the mysteries of women are beyond my understanding." "I simply do my best to accomodate them, when possible."

"To be honest, My Lady Arianna, I do not know what to expect." He gestured at the forest and the ocean, "Al Alamain is hardly the urban center of the kingdom, we're the border, far from court." "The nearest town besides the one you came through is a week's ride, and the Baron there the only other noble here." "I have little knowledge of courtly ways or propriety...and little interest in them." "I love my home and my land, but they are not always kind." "Survival has been our focus, not formality."

He shook his head, "Forgive me, My Lady." "I know my manners are rustic and course, I did not mean to offend." He fell silent, the two of them walking along the narrow strand of beach. It would hav ebeen pleasant, if he wasn't sure his little impromptu speech hadn't cast him as a brute yokel in her eyes.

 

[Hikari]

"Forgive me, My Lady." "I know my manners are rustic and course, I did not mean to offend."

"It is alright.. My lord. It actually brings me relief to know that you are not all about being prim and proper. I find that manners are meant to be for showing others that you respect them and since I am not in the least bit offended I think you've done your job."


She smiled at him.


"I take it that you do not associate with many women aside from your sister.. You needn't worry. It takes alot to displease or upset me."

 

[Armphid]

That was a relief. He'd been very concerned about that. Of course, she may just be being polite...best not to relax just yet. "You're too kind, My Lady."

She smiled again, and he found that it did something to take away the chill in the air. "I have not had the fortune to associate closely with many women, no, My Lady." "Aside from Rebecca, none of those I do spend time with are of noble blood." "Our house matron, several of the kitchen staff, and Rebecca's servants." "My interaction with them has always been official more than personal." Why was he telling her this? It wasn't a good idea. He was just showing how little he knew.

 

[Hikari]

"You're too kind, My Lady."

"I have not had the fortune to associate closely with many women, no, My Lady." "Aside from Rebecca, none of those I do spend time with are of noble blood." "Our house matron, several of the kitchen staff, and Rebecca's servants." "My interaction with them has always been official more than personal."


His words further relaxed her from worry.


"I fear that the same goes for me with Men.. I fear that I do not know what to expect. I know that we are to be married but I am hoping that perhaps we could become further acqainted first."

 

[Armphid]

Alexander smiled again, "I would hope so as well, My Lady." "I have no more desire to marry a stranger than you." Though she was a very pretty stranger, at least. "I only hope," he let his voice trail off, thinking better of saying what he'd intended, "that your stay will be a pleasant one." "I know we have a great deal to discuss about our...future together."

He'd almost said "I hope you are not displeased by what you find", but he couldn't say it. He knew of far too many arranged marriages in which husband and wife didn't like their spouse. Just mentioning it would have reminded them both of that uncomfortable fact; despite all this and whatever feelings they had, they would be married.

"The sea is something to behold, isn't it?" Change the subject, yes. "I'm not sure which I find more peaceful, the shore or the deep wood." "But both are contained in the lands that we will share." "Perhaps we can try to find the answer together, in time."

 

[Hikari]

"I would hope so as well, My Lady." "I have no more desire to marry a stranger than you."

"I only hope,"

"that your stay will be a pleasant one." "I know we have a great deal to discuss about our...future together."


"The sea is something to behold, isn't it?" "I'm not sure which I find more peaceful, the shore or the deep wood." "But both are contained in the lands that we will share." "Perhaps we can try to find the answer together, in time."


She smiled once more.


"Well I find the ocean to be quite peaceful so far, but I do fear that my current clothing was not meant for such ventures.."


It was true.. Wet sand was sticking to the bottom edges of her dress.


"I would not usually wear such things when walking outside so freely. I was instructed to wear this upon my arrival. It is a beautiful dress, but I fear that it has little function outside of formal meetings. I would like to come here again with you, but right now I think that it would be best if I were to get myself settled in the room you have prepared for me.. It is a joy to meet you.. What do you wish me to call you.. May I ? May I call you Alexander?"

 

[Armphid]

"Well I find the ocean to be quite peaceful so far, but I do fear that my current clothing was not meant for such ventures.." It was true.. Wet sand was sticking to the bottom edges of her dress. "I would not usually wear such things when walking outside so freely. I was instructed to wear this upon my arrival. It is a beautiful dress, but I fear that it has little function outside of formal meetings. I would like to come here again with you, but right now I think that it would be best if I were to get myself settled in the room you have prepared for me..

"It is a lovely dress, and all the lovelier to be worn by you, My Lady." He had managed to read a few romances in his time. Much prettier words than he was used to using, but there were appropriate. And accurate. "Let us return then, and I will show to you your rooms."

The pair made their way back to the waiting guards, the sound of the sea receding in the distance as they made their way back to the keep.

It is a joy to meet you.. What do you wish me to call you.. May I ? May I call you Alexander?"

He blinked, taken aback by the request. He hadn't expected her to dispense with that formality, at least not so soon. It was one of the few that was tradition here. Part of him wanted to refuse, but...this was his wife. Not yet, but she would be. Did he really want to start that off by setting something between them?

"Yes, ah, yes, of course." "Please." What a strange woman. Very curious, and very interesting. There was also the fact that the idea of her calling him by his first name had some oddly pleasant feelings around it. "If I may call you Arianna?"

 

[Hikari]

"Yes, ah, yes, of course." "Please."

"If I may call you Arianna?"

She smiled. There was something about him that she liked already. Although she wasn't quite sure what it was yet, there was something about him that made her smile. It was not an action that had not happened as much during her long journey. She'd had mixed feeling throughout the whole trip and knew not why she was smiling so freely now. She liked the thought of him saying her name.


"If it would please you to do so my lord.. I mean.. Alexander.."

"I greatly appreciate all that you are doing for me.. What with going through all this trouble.."

"Perhaps we could get to know each other better over supper so that I will no longer seem such a mystery."

 

[Armphid]

What a curious woman. He quirked an eyebrow at her words, "Perhaps, though from what I've seen there are depths to you, Arianna." "Depths that may be beyond me to fathom, though not to enjoy."

He swung up on his horse, the small party moving back to the keep. The rugged stone was a welcome sight to him, in all his land he only felt truly safe behind its' walls. The gate opened wide for them, pages and stablehands running up to take the horses.

Alexander offered Arianna his arm, and the two walked out of the sunlit courtyard into the torchlit halls of the central keep. "Your rooms have well been made ready, and your things already placed in them." "I will have the preperations for dinner begun immediately." A lot of the work had bene done early that morning, actually, but she didn't need to know that. He wanted his castle and it's staff to give the best impression possible. "Dinner can be ready in an hour, or later if you prefer to take some time to rest and prepare yourself."

 

[Hikari]

Everything about the estate was beautiful in her eyes. Perhaps things wouldn't be so bad after all.

"Dinner can be ready in an hour, or later if you prefer to take some time to rest and prepare yourself."


"Thank you..That should be enough time for me to get settled.."


He led her to a door.


"Are these my quarters?"

 

[Armphid]

"Yes." He opened the door into a large room, dominated by a old wooden sitting table, a towering armoire, and a four-poster bed with thick blankets. "These were my mother's quarters, before she passed." He escorted her into the room, "The servants should have unpacked your belongings for you, and you ahve a private bathing chamber that adjoins there," he pointed out the smaller door. "If you wish hot water for a bath, or anything else, please don't hesitate to ask." "I've instructed everyone to treat you as though you were already the lady of the estate."

He stood back, watching her examine the quarters. "Unless you need something I can fetch, I will allow you to get settled and prepared." "By your leave, of course, My La-, ah, Arianna."

 

[Hikari]

"Thank you.. Alexander.."


She blushed a little this time as she said it and smiled as she went to close the door.


"I shall see you at supper then.."


She soon closed the door and looked around her new surroundings. She sat upon the beautiful four poster bed and sighed.


"Finally I can get out of these clothes.." she said to herself.


She began unfastening her dress and soon stripped to her under clothes. She lay on the bed in her slip and stockings. She gave a sigh of relief. The fabric had made her hot and it was the last thing anyone should have to travel in. It had been tight and constricting. The bed was fairly comfortable and she knew that she'd have no problems falling asleep there. She wondered if Alexander's bed was equally comfortable. The thoughts that came next made her cheeks red, when she realized that she'd eventually find that out first hand when they were wed.


She would have to wipe such things from her mind. They were still practically strangers. However, she laid there wondering what sort of impression she'd made upon him. She certainly hoped that she hadn't disappointed him. Thirty minutes came and went as she looked through her things. She found a blue dress to wear to supper. It was nice and a bit dressy but not quite as formal as the one she had arrived in. This one would allow far more movement and let her breathe a bit easier. She knew that most women of her station had someone helping them with their dressing, but she saw no need as it wasn't terribly elaborate. Just as she was about to slide on her dress she heard a knock at the door and slid on her robe.


"who is it?" she said through the door.

 

[Armphid]

Alexander walked from her room to his office, his mind blank as he turned over the events of the last hour. Lady Arianna...what was he to make of her? She was not what he expected. Not prim and proper, not offended at his rustic home or manners...she seemed to very genuine. She was lovely, and that smile of hers was...pleasant.

"So," he was disrupted from his reverie by a familiar voice. Jason was leaning in the doorway, grinning at him. "What do you think of her?"

"Don't you have somewhere else to be insolent in?"

"Not one as fun as this, brother." Alexander sighed, walking by Jason into the small building where he took care of the actual business of his lands. "So, what do you think?"

"I think this is going to be a very interesting month." Alexander sat down, hoping that his brother would be satisfied with that.

Small chance. "Oh, come on." "At least tell me you noticed the way that dress hung?" He made a sound of appreciation. "And here you were worrying she'd be some gargoyle."

"I wasn't concerned about that," Well, not too much. "More about whether we will be compatible." He sighed, looking up at Jason. "I know you don't take things seriously, but you and Rebecca may be able to choose your spouses." "If Arianna and I don't get along, we still have to spend a life together." "Not an ideal situation."

"Well, I-wait, what do you mean we "may" get to choose." Jason looked suddenly worried.

"I am the Duke, head of the house." Alexander grinned at his brother, the resemblance between them clearer now. "I can arrange marriages for you if I wish." "A wish that grows stronger the more you pester me about this."

Jason swallowed nervously. "Ah, I think I'll go see how the dinner preperations are going." "Don't want my sister-in-law's first meal here to be a bad one."

Alexander laughed softly at his brother's back, the younger man retreating back down the hallway. Then he shook his head, "I did notice how the dress hung...and it was a very pleasant surprise."

********************

From behind the door to Arianna's room came a young girl's voice. "An' it please you, My Lady, my name is Eliza." "I'm a handmaiden to the Lady Rebecca, and she asked me to serve your ladyship for your stay, seein' as you've brought no body servant wi' you."

"May I come in an' wait on you, My Lady?" "Or would you rather I waited out here for your ladyship?"

 

[Hikari]

"An' it please you, My Lady, my name is Eliza." "I'm a handmaiden to the Lady Rebecca, and she asked me to serve your ladyship for your stay, seein' as you've brought no body servant wi' you."

"May I come in an' wait on you, My Lady?" "Or would you rather I waited out here for your ladyship?"

She opened the door for.


"Yes please come in." "I am Arianna. It's nice to meet you. You have quite a beautiful place here. Such a place eases worry. Especially this room. I think that I will quite enjoy my stay here."


She pulled out the blue dress and handed it to her.


"I fear that there is not much help needed here aside from a few stubborn fastenings in the back."


She slid off her robe and took the usual postion for dressing. The hand maiden slid the dress over her head pulled it gently onto her.


"I thank you very much for your help." she said as the servant closed the back of the dress.


"Tell me, how close are we to supper? I do wish to be there on time. Lateness would be frowned upon."

 

[Armphid]

Eliza was shorter than Arianna by several inches, with a willowy build and large brown eyes. A few strands of dark hair poked out from under the cap she wore, the same gray as her simple peasant's dress. "An' it please you, My Lady."

As Arianna pulled away, now dressed, Eliza clasped her hands together, "Oh, you're so beautiful, My Lady." "My cousin Tom saw you come in, an' he said you were like an angel, but I din't pay him no heed." "Suren' he's right, My Lady."

"Oh yes, My Lady, prompt is perfect, as my gram used t' say." "Dinner should be ready in a fourth o' an hour by my reckoning." Eliza smiled, her soulful eyes warm. "No worries for lateness, My Lady." "The Duke left orders not to set anything out until you arrive, an' not t' assemble the family until you were ready." "I think His Grace wanted to be there t' hold a chair for you, or somesuch, My Lady." She seemed unsure why someone would do that, but not too much. "Some manner o' th' nobility, I'm sure."

 

[Hikari]

"Oh, you're so beautiful, My Lady." "My cousin Tom saw you come in, an' he said you were like an angel, but I din't pay him no heed." "Suren' he's right, My Lady."

She smiled.

"You're too kind. I'm sure that there are girls out there that I'm sure are far prettier.."


"No worries for lateness, My Lady." "The Duke left orders not to set anything out until you arrive, an' not t' assemble the family until you were ready." "I think His Grace wanted to be there t' hold a chair for you, or somesuch, My Lady."


"Some manner o' th' nobility, I'm sure."


"I do hope he likes me.."


_______________


Suppertime arrived soon enough.


"Eliza could you please direct me to the dining room. I do hope I look presentable.."