Claymore and Dagger (closed)

[KieranSoares]

Sam kissed her cheek and hugged her a little tighter. "I'll make sure y'get t'visit Inverness as soon as it's safe again, love. Tha' way y'can enjoy some time with our cousins."

They spent a while longer with the dragons before Sam brought Lena back into Malmo in time to get ready for the ball. He retreated to his room to get his proper dress uniform around, making sure it was ironed and ready.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Sam?" Fiona called from the washing room, turning in her seat toward the door as she heard someone rummaging around in their room. "Where did you go?"

She stood from the vanity and stood in the doorway, wrapped in a robe with her hair carefully pulled up in a becoming style. When she couldn't find him after breakfast, she had started getting ready for the ball on her own.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Sorry I disappeared," Sam murmured, coming to kiss her. "Introduced Lena t'the dragons. Lass doesn' get much excitement in 'er life, so I wanted 'er t'meet them one-on-one."

 

[heartofcourage]

"I know. Her personal guard was upset that you had taken her without a word. Your Aunt simply told him that she was in good hands with you." Fiona answered as Sam told her about taking Lena to visit the dragons.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Hopefully we can end this war quickly so Lena can come t'Inverness. She gets pretty lonely what with security so tight." Sam turned back to his dress uniform. "It's a shame... Norway an' the mainland jus' aren't safe enough t'let Lena go out an' do much."

 

[heartofcourage]

"It seems like it's been that way for a while for her." Fiona said as Sam turned back to tend to his dress uniform. "Sam, that uniform can't get any more pressed and cleaned. Don't worry about it. I already think that you're handsome enough without the perfect uniform."

 

[KieranSoares]

"I appreciate it, love," Sam gave her a little smile, finally beginning to dress properly. "I want t' keep up a good image in front o' these Scandinavian lords. I'm no' worried about the monarchs, o' course. But jus' like in Scotland, there's lords tha' don' like my family fer some reason. They think our family's tryin' t'take over th'isles an' Scandinavia seein' as we 'ave leaders 'r high officers 'r allies across th'north. I don' want t'give those nay-sayers even an inch against me. They'll come up with anything t'insist a member o' the Ghis family is unfit fer a position 'r a scheming bastard."

 

[heartofcourage]

"Well, you do scheme a lot." Fiona teased. "And I'm pretty sure I've called you a bastard a time or two. Maybe they're on to something."

Fiona moved towards him as he dressed in his formal uniform, kissing Sam before she slipped her arms around his chest and hugged him tightly.

"But they're all pompous fools if they think that you are anything but an honorable man." She said softly.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam returned her kiss with a gentle passion, his own arms draping around her easily. "I appreciate it, love. Jus' be prepared fer rumors about you too once everyone sees we're t'gether. An' no doubt some bad talk about workin' with dragons. But ye'll show 'em." He kissed her once more before buttoning his jacket.

 

[heartofcourage]

When Sam pulled away, she knew that she had to finish getting ready too. She moved back into the washroom, finishing up with her hair before she pulled on the gown that she had spent so much time sewing back at her grandparent's home. She missed them horribly, but she knew that she would see everyone again when the danger of what was happening had passed.

The green of the gown set off her hair and her eyes and she was particularly fond of the high collar of rabbit fur that she had added to it. The green brocade hugged her body and the green silk was light and airy. Everything had been meticulously tailored and she was nervous to see what Sam thought about the first real creation of her own that he had ever seen.

 

[KieranSoares]

Knowing Fiona was going to wear green, Sam had taken the time to match. While most of his uniform was solid black with some silver trim, his shirt and waist sash were normally blue to match Inverness. He'd found green replacements to complement Fiona's gown. When she emerged, he was just straightening his epaulets and the fine black cape hanging over his left shoulder. He saw her in the mirror and turned, stopping short. He'd seen bits of the gown as she'd made it, but seeing it all together on her was a sight to behold. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. So he slowly stepped up before her and looking over her gown, kissing her as his only real way of showing his appreciation speechless as he was.

 

[heartofcourage]

"You like it?" Fiona asked nervously as Sam caught sight of her and kissed her as deeply as he could. "It's the first one that I've made using these materials. I couldn't ever really afford them."

 

[KieranSoares]

"It's... Damn, I can't find a more eloquent word than 'perfect," Sam chuckled softly, taking her hands with a handsome grin that almost made him look younger, more boyish. "I hope yer ready t'have the attention o' every man in th' room. Probably a few women too."

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona blushed deeply as he made that comment, praising her for the job that she had done on the gown in the only way that Sam knew how. She gave him a small smile as he took her hands and she squeezed them tightly, looking into his green eyes with the look of a woman in love.

"There's only one man who I want attention from." She said softly.

 

[KieranSoares]

"You always 'ave my attention," Sam promised her with another kiss. He looked over her again and his smile grew more contented and he offered her his arm. "Shall we, Lady Blackstone?"

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona slipped her arm easily into Sam's and leaned in to kiss his cheek. She nuzzled against him for a moment to soothe her fox before she allowed him to escort her to the first ball that she had ever attended. She was incredibly nervous, but she knew that Sam would never allow her to make a complete fool of herself.

 

[KieranSoares]

As they walked, Fiona could see the transformation suddenly come over Sam as he went from her relaxed lover to a Prince upholding his personal and family reputation. His posture was perfect, and he held his head high though not haughtily so. As they passed other couples and guests chatting in the halls, Sam nodded to everyone he made eye contact with, and paused to properly greet those who spoke to him. He and Fiona walked in perfect time as they approached the doors to the main hall and they were opened by two guards in their decorative armor.

Every guest was announced as they entered, and Sam and Fiona's introduction had practically all heads turning though Sam didn't react to it at all. "High General Prince Samuel Ghis and Rider Lady Fiona Blackstone of Inverness!" The herald's voice rang out. Sam's step didn't falter, knowing exactly where he was going as not only a guest of honor, but as family to a Triad leader.

The Triad monarchy and their families and closest advisers were gathered either sitting at or standing around a long head table in the hall, looking over the open central area where the dancing would take place later. Two seats had been reserved for Sam and Fiona, Sam at Kayla's side and Fiona at his and beside Kjotva.

Kjersten had elected not to wear a gown, choosing instead a lovely long sort of robe that draped from her shoulders over trousers and was elegantly fastened by a slim belt and accented with large draped sleeves and a simple quartz jeweled brooch at the collar. It was understated and comfortable, and that was how she liked it.

Kjotva, however, had chosen a gown. As she'd grown older, she found herself becoming more accepting of typically feminine clothes. But unlike the many colorful gowns in the room, Kjotva's gown was stark black and had long draped sleeves and a silver belt and necklace. Ulfric was a perfect match in black as well, with a long jacket and fur cape, silver tasseled epaulets and a silver and black sword at his side. It all accented their black hair and the silver streaks both had, as if proudly showing their experience and age.

 

[heartofcourage]

Lena looked so excited to be at her first official ball. Even if her mother had given her a hard curfew, she was going to make the situation as great as she possibly could. She was wearing her own little tiara as well, one specially made for her by the palace jeweler as a gift from her father and mother. It perfectly matched the one that her grandmother Kitty had owned, the one which now was property of the crown of Inverness. She was wearing a dress much like her mother's, long and blue, matching her mother's seal.

Kayla was as graceful as always, smiling to her nephew as she saw him appear with Fiona on his arm. The young woman looked stunning and Sam looked as if he were the happiest man in the world. As he took his seat next to her, she reached over and patted his hand, squeezing it gently.

"I've never seen you look this happy, love." Kayla said softly.

 

[KieranSoares]

"Hard not t'be when ye've got one hell of a partner," Sam smiled to himself aunt, leaning over to kiss her cheek. While he did look happy, he kept his courtly stature carefully in place. Kayla knew as well as he did that there would always be people looking for any slip up.

As more guests entered, it wasn't long before the herald announced some familiar names. "Rider Keepers Master Dmitri and Mistress Xenia Uzkova of the Rus!" They had promised they would be there, but they had brought their own guests who were announced as well. A tall and slim Siberian weretiger entered dressed in a simple suit and a long fur cape and sash, his pale orange fur made more brilliant by the warm colors and browns and blacks in his outfit. Holding his arm was a young human woman of no more than seventeen, but a deep maturity shone in her cub-blue eyes marking her as being of were descent. She was dressed to match the Tiger, and though he was probably twice her age, it was clear they were a couple.

The herald announced their names, "Rider Lord Senvir Skjorsson of Norway, and Rider Lady Danica Neagh of Ireland!"

And behind them came one more guest of Dmitri and Xenia, an incredibly tall, pure white werewolf dressed in a flowing pale green robed gown that looked as if it were in water when in moved. There was something ethereal about her as she paused in the doorway and the herald announced her. "Rider Lady Shana Torja of Clan Ukhul of Mongolia!" It seemed that the riders who had come were of the countries of the representative royalty at the ball. Any others might've had other loyalties or were still too afraid to come.

As Lady Shana stepped in, it turned out as gasps went through the crowd that she was not alone at all. A tiny dragon crawled over her shoulder and perched there, folding it's little wings and holding its head high and proud. It seemed to be an adult despite being the size of a housecat.

 

[heartofcourage]

"They really did bring other riders." Fiona said softly as she looked towards Sam, a little stunned that Xenia and Dmitri had really come through as they promised they would.

 

[KieranSoares]

Sam looked just as stunned, in his own serious way. "I only expected one at most..." He murmured, rising with her as the group immediately caught sight of them and approached. Sam stepped around the table to shake all their hands, taking the initiative to show his support for them by presenting them to the Triad leaders.

"Your Majesties," Dmitri murmured, the entire group bowing their heads before the monarchs as Sam stood confidently beside them.

"I don't believe more than two Riders have been in the same room in public since I was a boy," Ulfric murmured as he rose to greet them. Oddly enough, despite being a fantastic spymaster, he had never heard a word of anyone in the group, speaking to their careful secrecy.

 

[heartofcourage]

Fiona wasn't really sure what to do as she stood and followed Sam, pausing beside Dmitri and Xenia as he took the opportunity to introduce everyone to the Triad. Fiona looked towards the two that had been training her and gave them a soft smile.

"I'm happy to see the both of you again." Fiona said as Xenia chuckled.

"That hasn't been said too many times about Dmirti." Xenia murmured.

 

[KieranSoares]

"I think you're the only one who's ever said it. And Owen, but sarcastically," Dmitri muttered dryly, though that was his usual neutral state. The Riders each met the Triad pairs and Ulfric and Kjotva personally, before Dmitri quietly spoke with the leaders about the Riders and their intentions.

Senvir, Danica, and Shana then all turned to Fiona, knowing she was one of their own. "Another lass from th'isles, finally," Danica spoke up with a pleasant and even relieved smile and a beautiful Irish lilt. "Hardly any women join us these days, an' hardly anyone at all from the isles."

"You are... Scottish?" Senvir asked in a deep voice that was like far-off thunder. Such a voice would silence a room at greater volume. His Norwegian accent, though heavy, was tempered with Lunar tribal. Beside them, stroking her tiny dragon's furred neck, Lady Shana listened in silence, her green eyes- rare for werefolk- soft with that same ethereal grace, but very calculating and attentive.

 

[heartofcourage]

"Born and raised in Scotland. My father is Owen Blackstone and my grandfather was Ephriam." Fiona said, looking at the group who suddenly turned their sights on her.

 

[KieranSoares]

"With any luck, we may meet Riders they trained before long," Senvir nodded. "Danica and I learned from the same Mentor as Rory. I understand you trained with him under Dmitri."

"No finer teachers these days, love," Danica stated with a smile. "You're lucky, t'say the least. Though Shana could outdo 'em, that is if she'd take up teachin'."

"We will see," Shana murmured, her voice deep and mature, but comforting and even maternal. Her little dragon let out an adorable squeaky rumble in answer, looking at Fiona curiously. He seemed fixated on her eyes, a recognition in his gaze. He knew werefolk eyes.