Knowledge and Seclusion

[Perplexia]

The large boat seemed to take a life time to cross the wide ocean. The seas making people ill, and causing many to confine themselves to their cabins. Anticipation, fear, and hope seemed to fit the moods of those that traveled with all they owned for a hope of starting over in this new free world.

Kanya Marie St. Claire was but 18, old enough to be married, and opinionated enough to cause her parents to leave the old country more out of shame, then desire for a new way of life. She had been a child of privilege, been educated by the finest academies money could buy her into. However, it only seemed to fuel her outlandish opinions and desires to express her independent mind and spirit.

She had been lucky enough to be born with the beauty of a queen, with long auburn locks and sea blue eyes, she had the grace of a dancer, and smile that would melt even the strongest man. Her body was perfection, not to short, not to tall, and curves in the way the Greek statues emphasized. Unfortunately Kanya only viewed her outer shell as a curse. For there hadn't been a man that had truly questioned her of her ideas or thoughts, merely hoped to entrap them and call this woman their own.

Most young woman of fortune dreamed of the garden parties they would throw, with their handsome well off husbands to showcase. Kanya had been too busy prying into superstitions and the possibilities of things that go bump in the night. Her interests were particularly drawn to vampires. In her heart of hearts she believed they were real. She believed that they alone were bound with a knowledge of what truly was.

On the last night before they left England, she was forced to attend yet another ball. Her eyes were drawn to a man, she had heard him referred to as a Lord, whom had just relocated back to England from a hiatus in Italy. The girls seemed to swoon toward him, the prospect of landing a Lord was a fashionable quest.

She smiled as the seas jarred her back and forth as she remembered that night. If her parents were going to make her move to this god forbidden place she was going to be sure that the people of Rochester remembered who she was. It was not fashionable for a woman to call out a man, especially one many years her senior. But for Kanya it was a statement of fact, that her mind was as equal if not superior to most of them.

Her eyes glanced at the Lord from Italy briefly as she rolled her eyes at the swooning women around him. She remembered the way he seemed disinterested in their chatter but still nodded politley and smiled to them.
As old Lord Grey began his speech a few feet away from him, on his widely shared opinions of what an abomination The Americas were for having an open door policy. Kanya could bare it no more.
"So what you're saying Lord Grey" she replied with her dazzling smile, "Is that 'The Americas' should only allow people from the mother country in?" "Yes thats indeed what I'm stating" he responded quite proudly that a mere woman could understand his statement.

"Well Sir, thats a bit condescending don't you think, i mean after all you are from Germany, and the last i checked that wasn't part of the mother country. Perhaps England should set the example of whom they allow in, being as they are the country above all. But a more interesting point would be, how would the new arrivals to 'The Americas' explain it to the natives? Those that already occupy the land, the ones i think you refer to as savages. What is it exactly that gives you the right to claim The Americas on behalf of our country? If i remember correctly The king has sent many of "the undesirables" to that place for failure to pay taxes. What makes you think you have the right, or any of the Kings disciples for that matter, what that country should or should not do?"

Lord Grey scoffed and made a comment about women not knowing their place before she could respond her mother began to drag her away apologizing. Kanya's eyes caught the Lord from Italy, and he smiled and nodded to her, as her mother dragged her from the room chastising her. "I swear Kenya you never fail to disgrace your family name. Is it no wonder we have to leave. If it isn't about one of your ridiculous theories about vampires, its your mouth an the inability to stop it from crossing into places that should never be." Others had turned their heads shaking them in disgust, but not him. His handsome features nodded politely, and his eyes, a green that seemed to bare into her soul, but his skin seemed pale. She laughed at herself as she found herself swooning like one of those daft purse chasers she detested.

Eventually the boat arrived in the city whose streets were to be paved with gold. New York. The streets were busy as the buggies carried in succession the belongings of her family to their new manor. The trip on the cobblestone and dirt roads was long and tedious. It would seem that their new home was on the outskirts of a city called Albany. Her father was a loyalist to the King, and sent to make some investments on his behalf. In return a suitable match for his daughter would be hand picked by the King himself. Of course her father didn't mentioned that to Kanya, he wanted to be sure she got on the boat without a fuss. He blamed himself for encouraging her independent nature. She was the only child he had, and it appeared as though his wife would not produce a son. So it was Kanya that was his confidant, whom he shared his thoughts with and encouraged her to advise her of his.


A day or so later they finally reached their manor. It was a beautiful house, build on every specification her mother had required. It was far enough from the city to keep Kanya at bay until they found her a husband.
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Looking for a strong male writer to play the Lord (you pick the name). He is a vampire, but a more socialized one. Needs to be quick witted and able to win the heart of lady Kanya. The first few posts will be them apart, perhaps he asks questions about her, finds she's been taken from the country, perhaps even the one the king chose to wed her. Most men won't have her that are of any status due to her unpredictable nature, others that would are more vile and would want to break her spirit. The Lord will be more of a gentleman, but possess the special ability to draw her in. Pm if interested with your thoughts.

 

[alex_cali83]

England

Darian Silver stood at the large window in his temporary study, looking out over the streets of Rochester. His friend, the King, was nice enough to lend him this chateau for the time that he was back from the lands of Italy, but the surroundings he was in were growing dull already. Then again, the mortal pleasures of life grow very dull after the first couple hundred years but being a creature of the night has its ups and down.

Darian chuckled to himself as he remembered a recent encounter with a so called ‘vampire hunter’ who believed more in the myths about vampires than he should. Darian took a long time to explain to the misguided child of a man that he enjoyed the taste of garlic in the blood he drank from Italian folk, that he also enjoyed a good bath or two in the local river under a full moon and that he always had to see what he looked like in the latest Italian fashions, though he rarely wore them. What Darian did not tell him was that the silver and crosses that the he carried could actually harm him, but then again he didn’t live long enough to really remember the first part he told him anyways.

Boredom set in slowly again as the memory faded away into the recesses of his mind. If only he could find that girl again…She was so bold and daring standing up to that stuffy Lord Grey that it was like a breath of fresh air had whisked through the room. The reminiscing about that time was shattered by a knock at the door and Darian turned to tell the person to enter.

“Sir, a message from the King has arrived for you.” The butler waited patiently at the doorway to the study for Darian to retrieve the missive before bowing his way back out the door. Darian broke the seal on the message impatiently, hoping it contained the information he sought about the bold girl from the ball. Darian’s green eyes lit up as they poured over the message and he smiled.

“Kanya…”

 

[Perplexia]

Two months had past since their arrival in 'The Americas'. Country life suited her just as well as the busy streets of Rochester had. She could still find her seclusion with in her own world, with no one to bother her with idol chats that held no importance. It didn't seem to phase her that they had left primarily because of her in ability to keep her thoughts with in.

"Honestly mother" Kanya exclaimed in horror. "It is bad enough that i am forced to be paraded around like a prize goat, but now you have taken liberty to fill my dance card for me. Do you truly hate me that much? Or are you trying to merely unload me to the first wealthy suitable gent, that hasn't heard tales of my devils tongue."

She scoffed at her mother and stormed out of the room. "Father please" She pleaded with the eyes that made his heart melt. "I'm sorry Kanya, this is your mothers project, just indulge her this once it will be over soon enough" he said folding a letter and placing it away. We are expecting a guest to the house today, so clean yourself up. Lord Silver is coming from England to assist me with some business affairs. Please Kanya, be polite and try to let him leave again in one piece" He smiled to his daughter trying to make light of the situation. A smile was he wanted from her, anything to know she didn't hate him.

"Impossible" she scoffed again and left the room in a fit. Kanya was use to her father yielding, rarely did he turn the other cheek and let his wife win. She barely heard about the visitor, or the reference her father made about her wicked tongue. He had tried to joke with her, but she was still in an uproar of being forced to dance with men she was certain had little to say worth hearing.

Kanya ran out the side door in a huff heading straight to the stables. Her long legs hitting the ground with the grace of a gazelle. She was barely out of breath as she hoisted herself upon her new stallions bareback. He let out a neigh and pawed ready for the daily run she would give him. She was an expert horsewoman, never converting to the sidesaddle as she ought to have. Her day dress an bare feet the most unacceptable apparel for a lady. Pulling out her hair comb she let her hair drop to her shoulders. With a click of her tongue they were off. She could hear her mother yelling for her as they tore down the field away from the house. Her long hair mangled making her look more like a wild child then ever before. Her skin was already tanner then acceptable. She spent hours out riding like the wind. The sun eventually came down and yet she still rode. Her stallion was now drenched, as was her drench from his sweat. She had seen someone arrive while she rode, but continued regardless. It was probably Lord something or other her father had mentioned. It made no matter, he'd soon promise himself never to set foot in their house again. She smiled as if it had almost become a game. She wasn't all together evil, she did in fact try on occasions to be what her mother wished. But it was the words that they said that made her cringe and burst out.

She walked the stallion off, letting him cool down before walking into the house . This time she used the front door for the pure affect of shock. Looking like a street begger as her dress clung to her. With a slight curtsy "Sir" she stated as she came into his presence bowing her head without seeing him directly. As her eyes then looked up into the green ones she'd once seen, she flushed slightly. For the first time she was speechless. "Pardon me i must change for the ball" she then quickly hurried up the stairs and jumped into the ready tub.
"Alright Kanya" she said to herself as began the tedious task of getting ready. He may have nice eyes, but he's use to women fawning over him. He will be no different then rest guaranteed. She shook her head subconsciously taking extra care in getting ready.

 

[alex_cali83]

Darian watched the trees roll by as the carriage pulled into the grounds of the manor. It had been a long month at sea as he had made his way over to the Americas to help the friend of the King, who was Kanya's father. The trip had only seemed longer possibly because of his lack of preffered blood to feed off of. There had been a few women of adequate taste however towards the end of the month at sea he had resorted to the blood of the sailors. A shiver ran up his spine as he remembered the briney taste of their blood as compared to the sweeter taste of noble's blood. As the carriage finally came to a halt in front of the manor, he was greeted by Kanya's father and mother who seemed overly anxious too get him inside and allow him to start getting ready for the ball that evening.

"How was your trip Lord Silver?" Kanya's father asked slightly breathless as Darian stood in the doorway. Darian looked around the manor foyer for his own amusement before really hearing the question and answering.

"It was enjoyable enough I suppose, though I prefer not to be stuck on a ship for that length of time." Darian stood there trying to figure out how these mousy people brought up a girl like Kanya. She seemed nothing like them in the way she acted at the ball and even now as her mother wrung her hands and looked out the window it was made more apparent.

"It is getting dark Lord Silver. Perhaps you would like to go get ready with a hot bath and a change of clothes?" Kanya's mother asked him with a slight waver in her voice. Darian turned to answer her as the front doors opened and Kanya walked in. She looked like she was some sort of street urchin, her dress clinging to her from the sweat of both her and the horse, her hair mussed and tangled from the wind whipping through it. A smug grin was still on her face as she walked over and curtsied in front of him.

"Sir." She said almost playfully, like it was some sort of game to her. Darian smirked to himself and watched her actions. When she rose from her curtsy, Darian locked eyes with her for a brief moment, his startling green eyes reading deep into her own. This seemed to make her fidget and swoon like every other girl that he had ever turned his eyes upon, but Kanya excused herself and went to go get ready for the ball. As Kanya's mother began to apologize to him for her dishevled look, Darian waved her off and asked where he could find his own bath.

Taking a hot bath was just what he needed and after getting dried off and changed, Darian stopped to admire himself in the mirror. He was so glad when he ound out that vampires actually could see their own reflection, as it made it easier to fix his own clothing and not have some butler waiting at his every beck and call. Not that he minded having a butler at his beck and call, but Darian had always preferred to dress himself rather than have someone help him with it.

He admired himself in the long mirror in the room, his green eyes taking in every detail of his costume for the night. His long dark brown hair was pulled back into a horsetail, with a black ribbon to tie it into place. His costume was that of a navy admiral's with the long blue overcoat and blue leggings, his white shirt still fresh and not yet dirtied by wear. His black boots were shined to a high polish and were free of scuffs and markings. Darian smiled as he finished looking himself over and headed for the door.

"Tonight will be a good night...." He mused to himself.

 

[Perplexia]

Kanya wasn't sure what it was about lord Silver that had caught her so off guard. Whatever it was wouldn't happen again she determined. She gasped and grunted as her maid pulled her corset tight. Just enough make her breasts threaten to come out of the top of it. Her dress a dark green with lace and three bunched rows. A low enough neckline to be alluring yet not shocking, and a petticoat beneath to give it the right fluff and make her appear as the royal bloodline she was.

Carefully she placed her auburn locks up on top of her head. Babies breath woven in and the scent of lavender squirted upon her hair. Her simple pearls draped her long neck with an elegance and yet didn't take away from her luxurious gown. She placed in the earrings to match, and went through the hassle of the power and rougue that would give her just enough to accent her features, and make her appeal more pale instead of tan as she was.

After several nags from her mother and determined procrastination she made her way down the stair case, descending into Lord Silvers vision path, but avoiding eye contact. She held her head high like a queen, and was posed as a princess.

When he offered his hand to help her in the carriage she declined it, hoisting herself in with a scowl from her mother. The carriage ride was long and although her father made idol chat with Lord Silver, she avoided the temptation and stared out the window until they arrived.

Exiting the carriage didn't afford her the option of ignoring him. For he simply hoisted her by the waist over the puddle and set her down. Then did the same for her mother. "Oh lord" she thought, thinking her mother was going to swoon as flustered as she was.

Kanya sighed and followed behind her parents and Lord Silver into the ball. She listened as her mother once again apologized for her daughters demure not having a clue on where it came from. But then thanked him again for lifting her over the puddle, and what a treat it was to have a young strong man in the house.

The ball was more simpler then what she was use to. She took it in piece by piece weighing and measuring each person. The announcements where made as they entered and head of men turned as well as ladies. Between the women that were jealous she was near Lord Silver, an the ones that were salivating on themselves she couldn't quite determine which was worse. The men she simply ignored, it was that way no matter where she went.

Her mother handed her the dance card and as tradition granted, because Lord Silver was a guest in their home he was given the first dance with her. She scowled again but said nothing as she approached him with a slight curtsy. "you have been scheduled by my mother the first dance if it pleases you Sir" she said rather monotone.
She took a glance at her dance card again advising him that he'd been also offered the 4th, 7th and last dance as well.

It then hit her what her mother was doing. In fact her mother was promenading her daughter around like a prize goat and had some of the most eligible wealthy men on the list. Hoping that her daughter would have a slew of courters and perhaps just one could withstand her insolence.

"pardon me" she said lightly to Lord Silver as she walked over to her mother and whispered rather firmly in her ear. "If you think this trick is going to secure me a husband, I guarantee you not one will come calling. If one does i will be sure he never does again. Even if i were to like him, i would do it just to spite you."

She then gave her mother a sweet smile and walked back toward Lord Silver. "Shall we?" she questioned with a curtsy still avoiding eye contact. Perhaps she felt a bit bad about her behavior to her mother, but after all she had said, an all her mothers attempts, she would have thought at some point she would have heard her wishes. Instead her mother was more concerned with her social status and what a disgrace it was to have an 18 year old unwed daughter. It certainly wasn't unheard of, but it certainly wasn't highly thought of.

Kanya almost felt bad for Lord Silver, for surely the wrong words from him would cause her already enraged temper to lash out at him with a fury.
Its not that she was against the idea of love or marriage. it was simply that she couldn't' see submitting to a man, biting her tongue, and with hers she'd probably be beaten for embarrassing him. She smiled as she thought of the possibility of being committed to a convent, and then the likely hood of being kicked out.

She took Lord Silver's arm and assumed the position for their first dance. She floated with ease and grace as if she were floating on air. She did enjoy dancing. "If I may Lord Silver iI would like to give you some advice. You'd best avoid any contact from me and save yourself from the disgrace of association. For when this eventing is over I will be the talk of disgust for certain." She smiled lightly, " I would hate to tarnish your reputation with all of your hopeful potential wives watching" She nodded in the direction of giggling girls who practically melted when he looked their way.

Kanya had used that statement before and it never failed to free up her dance card. The last thing any reputable man wanted was a scandal. She had every intention to have a free dance card by reaching his next scheduled.

 

[alex_cali83]

Darian walked quietly downstairs to join Kanya’s mother and father who waited patiently for Kanya to finish getting ready. After a few moments, Kanya’s mother excused herself to go find her daughter, which merely meant she was berating her for taking too long. Darian continued to wait patiently, something he had learned through centuries of practice and usually yielded good results, and tonight was no different.

When Kanya came down the stairs, he felt a rush flow through him. The wild child that has caught my interest can look this beautiful, Darian thought to himself. Darian did take note that while she acted very regal, she seemed to avoid his gaze.

He knew his gaze and what it did to people. To most men, the gaze of a male vampire could instill the most primal of fears if he wished, while to most women it brought forth a physical lust that few could quench. He had noticed through the years that most women would seek a reason just to meet his gaze again, but Kanya did not.

The road to the ball was not long however the idle chat that Kanya’s mother and father made with him made it seem all the longer. Arriving at the dance, Darian lifted Kanya out of the carriage and over the puddle on the ground, setting her down gently. He was going to be a gentleman to her whether she liked it or not, at least once this evening. To mask his interest in her however, he was chivalrous and helped her mother to the ground as well making sure not to make eye contact with her.

Darian entered the hall with Kanya on his arm, his features seeming to soften and become more alluring in the lights of the ballroom. The pair of them were announced and lead in to the main hall where the night’s festivities were to take place. Kanya told him which dances he was partnered with her, before excusing herself quickly and going to talk to her mother in what seemed very harsh whispers.

Once Kanya returned to his side, they began the first dance, flowing with a grace over the floor that few had ever seen. As they continued to dance, Darian glanced around at all the people watching them, and while some of the men watched, filled with a sense of jealousy, most of the women seemed to have a burning passion in their eyes.

“If I may Lord Silver, I would like to give you some advice…” Kanya said. Darian brought most of his attention to bear on her, listening to her words. As she spoke, Darian was made aware of the complicated situation between her and her parents by the look of hope in her parents’ eyes. She finished her statement with a smile and a remark about all the women who constantly swoon over him and this is when Darian spoke of his own proposition.

“Miss St. Claire, I wish to make a proposition to you. With you being such an intelligent young woman I am sure you shall see the merit and validity of my words. I see how your parents look at the two of us dancing with hope, for they think that they must marry you off to the first man that would have you. I, too, have no want to be attached to one of these social stature-minded girls. So my proposition is thus… If the two of us were to appear as a courting couple, we would remove ourselves from this social game. You could continue to be yourself with less bother from your parents and I could be free of this stream of senseless women.” Darian spoke low to her, his baritone voice masked by the clinking of glasses and the music that continued to play. As their dance came to an end and Darian bowed deeply to her, his lips near her hand. He allowed his lips to graze her skin in a soft kiss before looking up into her eyes and smiling.

“Think on it…” he whispered in her ear as he rose and walked towards the garden, his coat flowing behind him as he walked.

 

[Perplexia]

What he said actually had made a great deal of sense. The only part she worried of was having to spend time with him. The brief contact he made with his eyes caused her to feel the same power over being drawn to him. She was left for the first time speechless as he walked off. Before she could storm after him she was swept by the next drooling bachelor. He remarked something about her grace and beauty and she rolled her eyes. "If I may Lord Riley I would like to give you some advice. You'd best avoid any contact from me and save yourself from the disgrace of association. For when this eventing is over I will be the talk of disgust for certain." She smiled lightly "Tell me how would your parents like that for a daughter in law". Of course the threat of in propriety threated the very social core of who he was and he promptly excused himself from the dance.
As usual she was surrounded with in moments of being left alone, she simply excused herself saying she was ill.

Lord Thirsthill promptly took her for the third dance, and she gave him the same advice. He as Lord Riley did promptly excused himself. Her mother was outraged trying to mend the damage she'd already started. She walked to the garden and stood upon walk as if trying to make the decision of going after Lord Silver, or allowing him to find her for their next dance.

 

[alex_cali83]

Darian stood in the garden for a bit, listening to the commotion going on inside. He could simply imagine the scene inside, with suitors lining up only to be run off by the auburn-haired Kanya. After listening to two songs go by, Darian turned to peer at the doorway back into the hall to see if she followed him out into the garden. Seeing her standing upon the edge of the doorway, peering out into the darkness, was enough to bring a small smile to his lips.

At least she seems to like the idea of my proposal...or maybe she is just angry I left her with all those slavering beasts of men....ah well C'est la vie. Darian thought to himself as he watched her struggle with the idea.

 

[Perplexia]

She placed a foot out and then turned and walked back inside. Kanya wasn't going to simply follow him out into the garden. She may not be one to follow protocol, but she was still a lady.

Kanya walked around the room getting looks already and she merly smiled. She hadn't even acted out, and yet she was already being talked about. Her father was trying to console her mother who was simply beside herself. She felt bad to cause such grief to the woman, but she wouldn't listen to what her daughter said.

The fourth dance was beginning and Lord Silver hadn't yet come an taken his dance. Perhaps he thought twice about his offer. Another look at her mother told her she should except it, if anything to give her some relief for a short time until they worked out the details of how they would end their courtship. She wasn't sure how long he would stay. But it would at least be amusing.

 

[alex_cali83]

Darian chuckled at the single foot out the door and decided to head back in and claim her for the fourth dance as he was scheduled. He was curious to see how much damage she had actually caused in the span of two songs. Darian stepped into the room quietly behind her and looked down at her, his eyes softening and seemingly losing their compelling nature as he spoke softly to her.

"My, my, what has happened in here? It seems as though someone had died or some other tragedy had struck. Ah well I believe that would be the fourth song my lady and therefore I ask if I might accompany you to the dance floor once again?" Darian spoke with his baritone voice level despite the chuckle that building inside his chest at the sight in the room. Darian offered his arm to her to lead her out to the floor to accompany those that had already begun to dance.

 

[Perplexia]

She smiled lightly, avoiding his eyes "It seems my advice was well taken" she responded to his inquiry of what may have happened here.
"my pleasure sir" she responded lightly to his request for a dance. He took her upon the floor and they begun to dance. The room stopped their chattering and watched the two of them move together as if floating harmoniously on a bed of air.
"Your proposal has been accepted sir, for i believe i owe at least a little bit of reprieve to my mother, for there is no doubt once we stage our demise she will soon be back in the same state of mind." As they continued to move she added. "I will not apologize for my actions, or any words that may find their way from my lips. You take a great risk in the potential of your reputation being tarnished by inability to bite my tongue. There is no doubt you must have heard some tails. You did after all witness my chastisement of Lord Grey, and cannot presume that i would not do it again if the topic suited me."

 

[alex_cali83]

"I do not fear the tarnishing of my reputation Miss St. Claire." He spoke with a slight smirk on his face. "You are not the only one who has had a loose tongue before when it comes to these people. I have had many a word with a few lords who felt their place was to belittle and berate." Darian spoke his words true, though no one alive would know of whom he spoke for it was ages ago into his past.

Darian looked around at the people watching them as they danced and twirled along on the floor. Darian smiled at the feeling of having a graceful dance partner, too often did he have to dance with girls who became clumsy because of their lustful affections towards him. At that thought he looked down at Kanya and took a good look at her auburn hair pinned atop her head, her tanned skin barely hidden by the powder and rouge, the way her body moved and twirled lightly upn the floor.

"Miss St. Claire, I only ask that I might spend some time getting to know you so that I might more effectively have a reason to part ways with you later. Is that an agreeable term for you?" Darian asked while lifting her proud chin to look into his softened green eyes.

 

[Perplexia]

Her eyes met his and then she looked away as soon as she felt the same feeling begin to grow with in her again. "I think it shan't be long Lord Silver before you find such a reason." She stated half in jest and half in truth.
It was good to know that he wasn't going to require her to be anything but who she was. She smiled lightly as they danced, for once enjoying the freedom of it without needing to be on defense. She was still a bit weary of this Lord, but if she were him, she too would be trying to rid of those petulant women. "For appearance sake Sir, i think that it would be in both of our best interests to present as believable front as possible, so i most willingly agree to your suggestion." As they continued with the dance she smiled at some of the looks they received. "I believe its safe to say Sir that all dances except for the ones you claim are free this evening, I have managed to disrupt society as they know it."

 

[alex_cali83]

He smiled and laughed lightly, partially because of being free of the stream of idiot women that always followed him around and mostly because this young lady with whom he danced was such a refreshment to his lifestyle.

"Well I am glad that you accept my proposal and my terms. And I would most gladly take any and all dances you wished to graciously give me my lady." Darian smiled a genuine smile as he gave her a twirl about on the floor. As they continued to dance, more couples started to clear out from the floor to afford them more room as the glares and glances continued from the sidelines. Darian could hardly wait to see what she would think of next.

 

[Perplexia]

Despite how much she wished to, she couldn't help but smile and laugh as he twirled her about the dance floor. The looks they received was priceless, and the freedom she finally felt divine. "Perhaps you should ask my fathers permission to court me, that will probably be the first step, and no doubt he'll warn you that all though he grants it, do not be upset when I refuse it" she couldn't help but smile at the thought of how they'd be the upset of the ball.
"I think Sir, that if looks could kill these women would have me dead a hundred times over."
For the moment disappointing the masses and enjoying herself seemed enough tribulation for the mere time being.
It wasn't until the dance ended that she allowed him to lead her on his arm to where her father stood. She excused herself and made her way to the refreshments.
As she walked over the rambling became hushed. She picked up her wine glass and looked at them straight in the eye. "Honestly ladies, if you have something to say learn to open up your mouths and speak it directly, although i highly doubt it will be anything anyone wishes to hear."

 

[alex_cali83]

He watched her walk over towards the refreshments and the ladies that had been watching him like ravenous dogs all night. Smiling to himself he turned and spoke with her father briefly about courting Kanya before turning back and following her over to the refreshment table.

"Miss St. Claire, your father has agreed to allow me to court you. I do hope you find me to be suitable to your tastes and I must confess that you are a wonderful dancer. I have greatly enjoyed myself tonight dancing with you." Darian spoke plainly but with a small hint of mischief in his voice. Kanya wasn't the only one enjoying the predicament that was forming around them.

 

[Perplexia]

Kanya smiled and turned to him, she was inches away from him and she gave him a smile of mischief before she spoke "Honestly Lord Silver, that is the best news I think I've ever received. I would be most honored to have you court me. For i can think not of a greater gentleman, whose pose, and demure would be more of a compliment to my own. Please Lord Silver except my glove as a token of my acceptance." She took off the glove to her left hand and handed it to him, a sign that she was free to marry and willing to consider after proper courtship.

She then turned and held out her bare hand to the Ladies that all stood with mouths gaped open, "Ladies, you're drooling". She then turned and took his arm and allowed him to escort her back to the dance floor. Kanya thought for certain that her mother would have a wedding arranged by the end of the trip home. Instead she was rather cheerful and giddy as her bare hand rested lightly upon Lord Silvers on the ride home.

The next day started out normal as she awoke in her bed feeling a sense of freedom she hadn't yet had the ability to feel. She dressed for breakfast and met all down in the breakfast nook. With a day already planned before her. It seems her mother was taking her shopping in town, and then they were to have lunch with a family, then dinner, then Lord Silver had plans for them.

 

[alex_cali83]

Darian took the offered glove and her hand to lay a gentle kiss upon the soft skin, before looking at the ladies whose faces were filled with a mixture of disbelief, jealousy and rage. He merely chuckled to himself as he led Kanya off to the carriage and to her home. Once he made sure she was safely home he too sought his rest, though his was for different reasons. He had heard what her mother planned to do the next day and made a mental note of the schedule.

The next night Darian arose feeling refreshed and quite ready to face the night. He did his normal feeding and then dressed for the occasion of talking a walk with Kanya. Though not exactly what he would call an outing as they would be watched like hawks, it would still be nice to speak with her about her life and anything else that might come into his mind. He thought about questions he might ask her as he met her at the entrance to the gardens for their tour around.

"Good evening Miss St. Claire, I trust you had a pleasant day today?" He asked with a mischevious wink that only she would catch.

 

[Perplexia]

She smiled "Lord Silver, tis a pleasure to see you this evening, yes thank you i had a wonderful day." She did a slight roll of her eyes to advise him of how tedious it truly was.

Kenya took his arm that was offered and they went out for a stroll in the garden. For the most part they were left alone. Her mother occasionally peering out the window as they sat upon a bench near it with in sight, but far enough away to where they could not be heard.

"I don't know if i can take my mother being so happy" she declared as they sat next to each other. The only relief i had was knowing I would be able to escape her once we began our first courting endeavor. I think she'll be more heart broken over not loosing me when we end this, then she will be at the thought of the scandal its sure to bring"

 

[alex_cali83]

Darian listened to Kanya talk about how heart broken her mother would be at the prospect of her daughter continuing to live with her. He nodded silently until she was done speaking and then asked his first question of her.

"Miss St. Claire, why is it that you and your mother don't get along? I know from watching you that you are very independent in your thinking and to be most honest I find it very refreshing. However I feel there is something more there to be said..." Darian looked at her and realized he may be delving too deep already. "I apologize for my rudeness madamoiselle. I did not wish to pry too deeply. I was merely curious."

 

[Perplexia]

She smiled lightly having nothing to hide "My mother doesn't approve of my independent thoughts or nature. She was only able to give my father one child, and being that child he had no son to confide in. So i became his companion, he would discuss things and thoughts with me of nature and science and question my thoughts and ideas. Often he would use them as his own, because they were fresh and from a new perspective. My mother was not included in this, not because my father didn't value her opinion, but merely because she didn't think it was her place to offer one. I think she resented the fact my father would dismiss her on simple issues, when we discussed more pertinent ones."
She smiled lightly "When i became of age at 15 to be outed, my mother couldn't have been more thrilled. I thought it would be a good experience to dance and twirl about. But it became clear quite quickly that it wasn't me the suiters were interested in, merely my gown, my face, my eyes, for in that nature alone i was in fact my mothers daughter. Please do not mistake me as vein Lord Silver, for i am simply stating that they preferred the frills and locks to the ideas an thoughts"

 

[alex_cali83]

Darian shook his head slightly as she finished her statement. He in fact understood exactly where she was coming from for he had been the only child of a wealthy family and they too wanted him to become something he wasn't.

"I fully understand your frustration Miss St. Claire. I too am the only child of a wealthy family. I was raised to follow in my father's footsteps, joining the noble family line and making my living dealing in the merchant trade. This did not suit my mind as I wanted to roam free and explore the world around me which upset my parents to no end. I eventually had to agree to their rules but I never once forgot what I once loved to do. In particular, taking long rides on my horse at the full moon's rising or exploring the massive stands of woods and orchards near our estate." Darian looked off into the distance as he talked. He finally brought his attention about again to rest on her gently and he tried to take her hand gently into his own.

"So tell me what it is that interests you the most my lady?" Darian spoke softly to her, almost like a whisper from a lover or a small breeze through the trees.

 

[Perplexia]

Kanya listened to what he said and observed his body language as he related his own similar dilemma. He wasn't preaching to her, which in it self was a relief and a benefit of their arrangement.

"The difference Lord Silver is your gender is accepted to have its own thoughts and ideas, even act irrationally from time to time. With excuses such as "boys will be boys. If i were to walk alone into a pub and request a pint, i wouldn't be served. The only way they would is if i had a man with me, and even then i'd be frowned upon. She looked down to his hand and left hers there for a moment before moving it away ever so slightly.

"My interests?" she asked smiling "I'm a firm scholar of myths and legends. Things that go bump int he night. I believe that there are such things as witches, and demons and vampires. I haven't made up my mind on werewolves yet. But i don't believe in all the superstitions that go with them. Take vampires for instance. They have been reported for centuries. But in order for a race to survive so long they have had to learn how to mingle undetected. I think that they have some powers of sorts, but i don't think that all of the superstitions are correct. Can you imagine the wonders of immortality, to be a part of history as it happens. What it will be like to be there the day that women's word is no longer hushed" She grinned at the thought. "oh how my mother detests my interests." She laughed lightly.

"In a more normal status of mind i enjoy riding bareback through the fields, the freedom of the winds blowing through my hair and clothes. I've also contemplated running away and going past the borders of civilization and joining a tribe of natives. How interesting it would be to learn their cultures, their languages, and find out what makes them such a threat to those with all the power. Unfortunately, i am aware and do understand the limitations of my gender in some respects. More then likely I'd be enslaved and tortured. Possibly even killed.

But i ask you , would dieing on your own accord be worse then imprisoned in a loveless marriage.
For that Lord Silver is my fate. My social class is ticking to its old values, and i am to eventually be the bride of Lord Reilly or some other clown who will paw at my flesh and keep me locked in a room or worse, remove my tongue." The more she had spoken the more passionate and strong her voice became emphasizing outrage over her predicament. Kanya rose from the bench and stepped forward. Staring out over the horizon as she allowed her temper to cool.

"I will die before I am ten and twenty if that is my fate, you cannot cage a bird that is meant to fly. For its spirit will break, and it shall die." She watched and listened to the night life and smiled to herself. "It was not my intention to lay my burdens upon your shoulders." Taking a deep breath she turned and smiled staring into his eyes an then averted them as she spoke "So tell me Lord Silver, what is your objection to courting and taking a young heiress as your wife and ensuring your name and legacy will live on? Being an only male child must depend on your mating to ensure your bloodline lives on does it not?"

Kanya rand her hand over where he had touched hers, the sensation still fresh even though it had been a few minutes. She didn't understand why she felt comfortable with him so near, but it was a relief to finally speak freely and be heard. She studied his movements as she waited for his reply.

 

[alex_cali83]

Darian watched her with a mix of curiousity and understanding at her predicament. He had long noticed the way women were treated around him, in fact his own mother had been tortured for being insolent towards his father. This rememberance made him shudder slightly but he shook it off and continued to her explain her interests.

When she said she was interested in myths and legends, Darian paid closer attention to her words and when she spoke of being interested in vampires he had to supress a chuckle. How strange, he thought, that they very thing that she has a great interest is sitting in front of her. Many of her questions and curiousities could be answered if he only spoke of what he actually was. Yet he could not bring himself to reveal his secret to her as he did not want to scare her away. She intrigued him with how she spoke so openly and yet her interests were so secluded.

Darian stood as she asked him about his objections to marrying a young heiress and he moved towards her. He spread his arm wide, as if to show her the entire night sky and then brought it back to his side as he spoke.

"Miss St. Claire, my objections to marrying as you put it so well is not based off the survival of my bloodline. In fact it is more a personal preference than a social preference. I could have my pick of many women, if and only if I wanted a wife who would sit at home all day gossiping and planning elaborate parties. I want a partner in life, someone to travel with me around Europe and anywhere else I go. I guess my objection is that the social life I was born into bores me at times. It is constantly the same thing over and over again and it gets very dull." Darian spoke with conviction, his words ringing with truth as they flowed from his lips. He had spent many years looking for a lady who was as independent as Kanya, but most fled never to be heard from again once they knew what he was. With Kanya he had hope though, her very basic interests in what he was caused his dusty heart to flutter with excitement.

"Miss St. Claire, you have not poured your problems upon my shoulders but have opened the gateway for the two of us to speak more openly with each other. I want to make another stipulation to our arrangement that I hope you will agree to. Please if you have an idea, a thought, anything at all, share it with me. I wish to be your confidant perhaps a partner that you can speak with openly and never be judged." Darian said to her, his smile light and genuine.

"But I do have another question for you...why do you avert your eyes from me? Is there something so detestably wrong with me that you do not wish to see me?" Darian asked puzzled. It had been pressing on his mind since last night when she descended the stairs, all dressed up for the ball.

 

[Perplexia]

Kanya listened carefully as he spoke about what he wanted from a woman. He was joking with her, he had to be. There was no man that wanted a woman like that, a woman like her. Certainly he had to be teasing her.

She listened as he continued and smiled as he suggested she confide all of her thoughts in him. So he wanted to see how shocking she could be, she was up for it. He promised not to judge, and she found that amusing as well, they all judged, and soon he too would be shaking his head and walking away.

When he asked his last question she thought about it and decided she too would have some fun. "I avert your eyes Lord Silver because i fear you are a vampire wishing to capture me under your spell and make me swoon and turn into a senseless heiress twit. Although i do enjoy your company i find no purpose in swooning." she smiled to herself as she looked back out over the horizon.

"I think we have met our acceptable time limit of courting for this evening. Until tomorrow sir" She gave him a slight curtsy and a dashing smile. As she started to head in side she turned to him. "I accept your additional proposal sir good night" She curtsied again and hurried inside.

In her room she paced as she thought of all he said, how he played with her. For a moment she had hoped he was being true, but it wasn't likely. Surly it was a trick of some sort. Soon enough he would show his hand and she would chop him down just like the rest. At least he would provide some recreation.