Lords and Ladies (OPEN)

[Ausus_girl13]

Princess Arabelle and Prince Antar

OOC: yes I will play two characters, twin siblings, and heirs to the throne.

"Oh Antar, you are great fun" Arabelle giggled to her brother as she watched his playful mimicking of one of the Dukes. Antar, held his chest out and staggered around their small carriage, mocking the stern man.

"Well of course, my queen!" Antar puffed, he deflated with a mischievous grin. "Sister, that man is a menace and a insufferable bore, why must we visit him?"

"My dear brother," Arabelle grinned at him playfully while she fixed his unruly hair affectionately, "because our Empress Mother has decreed that we should view our land, see our people and suffer these long months on the road, we shall make it, after all we are almost done, darling!"

"Ugh" Antar groaned, and Arabelle was inclined to agree with him. They had been traveling for most of a year now and had seen almost all of their mother's holdings. In that time Antar and herself had become very close, not that they weren't already, but they had begun to share everything, including their lovers. Arabelle was always amazed at the inexhaustible nature of her brother, and even his dark side fascinated her. She stared at her brother for a moment taking in the long amber hair, his bright green eyes and strong form. Her brother, through princely had never acquired that courtly softness, that so many men suffered from after being exposed to the soft rich pursuits of court intrigue. She loved him very much, and he doted upon her.

"Sister, are we close yet?" Antar mused aloud. What would they find here at this lordling's castle? To be sure Lord Simons was held in great esteem by their mother, but he was a mysterious man a court, only making his appearances when "invited" to do or when there was war at hand. The country was pretty yes, but boring! Antar longed to be free of this trap and riding his stallion, but he wanted to be near his sister. he glanced over at her, she seemed seep into her thoughts. How he admired her amber hair, that curled beneath his fingers, or her bright green eyes, so like his own. She was lithe and strong and he admired her ability to be calm when he was all bluster or how her anger could flay a slave without a whip in her hand. He hoped that there might be some distraction at this castle, and some pleasure for them both to be had-before they had to return to the Court.

Antar stuck his head out of the carriage and immediately was addressed by one of their entourage; he told the man to send an announcer to the castle so that the Lord would be ready to receive them.

 

[FaeBites]

The Lords smile was definitely unnerving, her heart giving a mild flutter in her chest. The silent message was oh so clear, and sent a shudder of foreboding trickling down her spine. She swallowed as he looked away, her gaze taking longer to return to Delara. The Lords words made her frown in disapproval, sympathetic to the woman under all Simmons threats. Had Delara looked at her, she’d have noticed the exasperated role of the Ladys eyes. She was glad however, the maid didn’t turn into a simpering wreck, and she furthered her belief she had made a good momentary decision asking for her.

Avelines body tensed as the Lord addressed her again, his words setting off alarm bells. Still, besides the darkening of her eyes, she let nothing reveal her ill ease. If that one sentence hadn’t been a forbidding promise she didn’t know what was. Her hand twisted in her skirts, drawing them away from where they fell around her legs into a small, dignified curtsey. “Of course, my Lord.” She smiled, though it didn’t reach her eyes, the most expressive part of herself. She watched May bubble in again in slight amusement, nodding to her in understand. Her gaze lingered on Delara for a moment and turned back to Lord Simmons, “If you’ll excuse us, I should explain her duties before suppe-”

Harsh knocking on the door interrupted them, and Aveline gave an exasperated laugh. “Aren’t we popular tonight?” She mused, her eyes grazing over the guard that entered. Her vivid blue eyes rested on the emblem on his chest and widened.
“Their imperial highnesses, and heirs to the throne, Antar and Arabelle are due to arrive shortly. Requesting the Lords hospitality.” Avelines eyes danced, Antar and Arabelle were coming here!? And she thought she was going to be bored! Between the game of cat and mouse with the Lord, and now the royal twins, Aveline could hardly contain her anticipation.

She only managed to be graced with the Twins company a few times, at the usual events and such, as she was after all, seen as an incredibly bad influence. But they were almost as much devious fun as she was herself! They just had to hide it better. She laughed, her head tipping back slightly as she turned back to Lord Simons, her eyes dancing with hardly contained mischief. “It seems your homestead is quite the vacationing spot, my Lord. Shall I accompany you to greet your royal guests?” She smiled, offering her hand as protacal called for. She wondered if they’d have to take a rain check on their ‘quiet supper’, and she couldn’t work out whether she was disappointed or relieved at the prospect. But the idea that she now had people to accompany her on her regular rides was so much more promising then just the nagging presence of her old attendant and the quiet stealth of her guards.

 

[monique_minx]

Delara's eyes widened in horror, Antar and Arabelle were coming here?!
She had met the twins before on one of her many visits, they had been much more fun to talk to than Delara had ever expected and she had become fast friends with them both.

Delara regretted it now because although that was a few years ago; they might recognise her even if she was dressed as a maid! Panic gripped her; although Antar and Arabelle were her friends, Lord Simons was not and he was a commander first which meant he would not show her mercy.

Their two countries were not at war but it was still a close thing, they were discussing treaties and if Delara was discovered now she would be a political prisoner, her country forced to bend to the will of this one. It could spark a war; Delara thought to herself and wrung her hands that were still behind her back.

The entire household would have to be assembled to greet them and their Highnesses were entitled to inspect each of them, she could not afford to be recognised and she definitely couldn't let them learn her name.

If they asked and she lied then Lord Simons would know, she bit her lip, she could use her full fake name - Delara Cooper. She might then avoid any questions that only her first name would surely raise.

Meanwhile the Guard had informed May of their Highnesses impending arrival and she had scattered maids in all directions. Four were sent to ready sleeping quarters for the Prince and Princess, six were added to assist the chef in the kitchen, others were scattered to clean and inform the rest of the household while May herself ran to find Kai.

She ran into him in the hall and gasped for breath "Kai, get all the stablehands ready, we got their Highnesses comin' any minute now! We'll have loads of horses arrivin'!"

 

[renthead29]

Kai's smile dropped from his face. He couldn't have been more snappy if he saluted, and he was immediately running to the servants quarters where the other stablehands lay awaiting supper.

"GET UP, you louts!" he shouted, kicking open doors. "We got company! Royal family, comin in fast, we gotta be ready, get UP!"

He ran back without waiting, he wanted to be there first and he knew as well as they, if they weren't there in their best, looking and acting their best, they would be in HUGE trouble.

Kai stood at the side of the road, standing tall and with the gates open wide, waiting for the most important people he'd ever meet in his life. I wonder if Delara has ever met anyone important like this. He thought...then shook his head. No of course not. I haven't, why should a maid like her?

 

[Bsquad]

Lord Simons was suprised that the crown prince and princess were arriving. It was a shock that they would stop at his manor when the capital was so close at hand. But the royals did as they may, and their whim decided that they stop at his fortress. He was not enthusiastic to meet with either of them, their father and mother had not done much to curtail their offspring's amrous daliyances with both men and women. The rumors of the pair were legendary...and quiet, vivid. Though unlike the rumors about Lady Aveline, the rumors of the royals were more than likely less than the truth. He was about to reply to Aveline's request when he saw Delara's eyes widen in what might have been terror, or shock. Simons stayed silent for a long moment as his eyes met with her's, curious about what might have brought on such a reaction.

"Of course Lady Aveline, it is only proper to recive the Royal heirs. Though it seems that my interest in discussing matters with you in private will need to be set aside for the moment." Lord Simons said, standing up and sweeping around the desk to extend his arm to Lady Aveline and escort her down to the courtyard. As he passed her to offer his arm, his hand subtly ran across her arm before she could stand up. He looked down at her with a small smile that held a trace of menace in it, but before Aveline could look deeper Lord Simon's gaze turned to Delara.

"Delara, after you've attended to Lady Aveline this evening, I would apreciate a word with you in private. Though I think that you should probably attend to Lady Aveline's chambers for the evening until she releases you to speak with me." Simons said, looking at Delara with a probing curiosity. There were so many things about Delara that were a mystery...and those mysteries seemed to be more enticing than anything he had ever known.

 

[monique_minx]

Delara's expression returned to normal when she saw Lord Simons looking at her, she didn't want to give the man a weakness to exploit but it seemed that all these constant surprises had her handing them to him on a silver platter!

She kept the nervous tone from her voice as he ordered her to speak with him in private after Lady Aveline had retired for the evening "Of course My Lord".

Delara curtsied and as she did so allowed her hair to fall about her, she had managed to straighten it out with a brush she'd found in the box May had given her so at the very least it was no longer tangled. Her long hair would come in handy when she needed to hide her face...and her eyes which were not unlike Arabelle's and Antar's, they had said as much when they first met her as young teenagers.

Delara returned Lord Simons' gaze, her scratched cheek had begun to bruise and heal, she hoped that her scraped knees and bruised arms would assist her in hiding her appearance from the twins.

Delara found that she was scared, if she were discovered they might think she was a spy - after all she was inside the Commander's household. Delara dropped eye contact with Lord Simons as the thought strayed into her mind, she stared at the floor willing the pair to walk out the door so that she might follow and get this over with, it was the waiting that was killing her.

May had begun assembling the household in the courtyard having finished as many preparations as she could with the short amount of time she'd been given which was in her opinion only adequate but then May was a perfectionist and nothing about this was perfect in the least.

 

[Ausus_girl13]

(OOC- Princess Arabelle- http://PeGGO.deviantart.com/art/Medieval-Princess-63331720
Prince Antar- http://Degare.deviantart.com/art/Unnamed-Prince-14110003
Thought I would give you guys an idea of what they look like! Always helps me write)

At dusk the caravan pulled into the castle-keep of Lord Simons, quickly Arabelle and Antar swept out of the carriage surveyed their surroundings and made for the entrance hall. They were stopped by some noises with the horses and when they turned they noticed a young man attempting to control their team. He froze and seemed to not know what to do next.

Antar chuckled and turned Arabelle back to the entrance. The entrance hall was sparsely decorated but every piece of furniture was well maintained and very clean. They were met at the door by Lord Simons himself, they could recognize him by his scowl at the arrival, and on his arm was...could it be? The people in front of them bowed deeply, the twins ignored this gesture.

"Lady Aveline!? We are exceedingly glad to see you" announced Arabelle. She remembered the young lady from court and of course all the rumors. The girl in front of her was gorgeous and Arabelle could see the fire and rebellion in her eyes. Without even looking she could feel the interest of her brother pique at the sight of the Lady Aveline. It didn't matter; Princess Arabelle herself would take Lord Simons for a night of interesting fun, she wasn't all sugar and spice. Perhaps they would have them together.

Antar could sense his sister's distraction and quickly pulled her out of her reverie by moving them forward to accept the felicitations of Lord Simons and Lady Aveline. This stay, he thought, would be very interesting indeed.

 

[FaeBites]

OOC: I'm going away for a week leaving tonight, hopefully I'll be able to still get on once a day where I'm staying to respond - otherwise every two days. Just a heads up =3 <3


IC: The soft brush of fingers against her dragged her eyes up to Lord Simmons, catching the trace of menace he laced his gaze with. It shuddered down her spine, her breath catching slightly but he’d already looked away. Her hand slid tentively into the crook of his arm as she stood, feeling the muscle of his bicep beneath his clothes. Distracted by his closeness she didn’t pay much attention to his words to Delara, coming back when he mentioned attending to her rooms. “The Royals await” She murmured with a smile, regaining her composure and nudging the Commander towards the door.

The walk was a short one, the rosy presence of dusk glimpsed through the windows as servants raced to get the household ready for royalty. Lamps and candles were lit with the fall of night, the flames springing up shadows on the walls. Aveline found herself slightly on edge, trapped against the man that had threatened her execution not long ago. Feeling the warmth of his body transfer through his clothes to her, her arm curled within his own.

All was forgotten though as the main doors swept open, and the royal twins entered the building. Her lips immediately pulled into a smile, anticipation glittering dangerously in her eyes as she lowered into the curtsy. At her name she laughed and straightened, “And I you, I was terrorizing the country side by myself – extremely boring!” her hand fell from the crook of the Lords arm, her eyes drawn from Arabelle to Antar as she felt his gaze on her, something in his eyes making her pulse flutter just slightly.

“So what brings you out this way? Apart from saving My Lord from my tiring antics?” She grinned, her eyes flickering to Simmons, free from any hint of what had transpired earlier.

 

[Bsquad]

Lord Simons's face broke into a warm smile as Prince Antar and Princess Arabelle decened from the carrige. His scowl had been fleeting, and he admonished himself for allowing his disapproval to show. Like most who had earned their place within the hierarchy of the Empire, Lord Simons had a subtle disdain for those within the monarchy who didn't do their utmost to live up to the importance of their position. He let it pass, taking comfort in the knowledge that there were people like him who were willing to give their utmost. But it still unnerved him that Arabelle and Antar were the next in line for acention to the throne...

...they seemed to have more interest in trading lovers than learning of how to rule. Bu since such passions were far from being unsual among the nobliity, he banished the admonishment from his mind.

"Welcome to my manor, Crown Prince Antar," He said with a bow of his head to the young man before turning to adress the delightful young woman next to him, "Princess Arabelle, it is a pleasure to recive the two of you to my manor. I extend to you my hospitality for as long as you desire."

"And of course, you know Lady Aveline, she is my...guest as well at the moment. She's been quiet keen to keep me occupied with her so called...antics." Lord Simons said looking to Aveline with another of his cryptic little smiles before he turned to look at Arabelle. He was suprised to see something in the young Princesses's eyes as she looked at him. He'd seen that kind of look before and smiled back to her as though he knew exactly what she was thinking. Things had certainly become very interesting...

 

[Bsquad]

double post

 

[Bsquad]

Sergant Xavier

Sergant Xavier watched Lord Simon and Lady Aveline leave his private study from the concealed post set behind a tapestry. While the Lord was in his study, Xavier normally stood watch and waited for the intruders that had killed their way past the other bodyguards, manor guards, and various other passers by in the hallways undetected. He was the last line of defense before the Lord's own sword, and arguably the best swordsman in the castle. Though he was in the private retunite of the Lord Commander, he was not a native of the Empire...instead he had been a former foe of the Commander who he bested in battle on the far eastern bouandries of the Empire. The Commander had shown a remarkable appreciation for the skills of Xavier and spared his life, while also showing him dignity and respect.

Xavier had been known as a Kensai in his culture, a man whose ability with a blade was something between art and war, his motions and skill were so exquisite and dangerous that he could fight a hundred combatants without so much as a strain upon him. Though not wearing the light armor he would normally wear in the field, his dress was quite unorthodox for someone...even in the cosmopolitan capital of the Empire. Clothed in dark green robes, a striking contrast to his pale skin and bright red hair, he could draw the eye of anyone as he walked down the street. That was without considering his strikingly handsome face and piercing golden eyes. It was those eyes that had caused the household staff to give him his nickname...'the demon'.

He stepped silently from his niche and looked down at the form of Lady Aveline as she walked away. The woman was striking, though his interest was purely professional, she was a dangerous fighter and she was far too close to the Lord...but the commander was capable of taking care of himself. He turned back to the open door to the Lord's study and strode across the hall, reaching for the door before realizing that the servant girl Delara was still inside. He reached out and pressed open the door, looking in at the girl, his hand on the hilt of his curved katana.

"Excuse me...Delara, you cannot be within the Lords study un-attended." Xavier said politely, but firmly, looking at the young woman...and for the briefest of moments wondered if he knew her from somewhere. Her features were vaguely familiar...

 

[monique_minx]

Delara had been staring at the floor, a million things running through her head, she hadn't been told to follow Lord Simons or Lady Aveline so she stayed put and wasn't upset about it in the least. The longer she could stay away from Antar and Arabelle the better.

"Oh I'm sorry I-" Delara stopped short as she looked up at the man speaking to her, she recognized him almost instantly.

He was more than well known in her own country, an amazing soldier or so she had heard only ever having glimpsed the man briefly once or twice but he was famous for his skills in the battlefield and no one could say they wouldn't recognize him on sight.

She never expected to meet him and certainly not here of all places! Delara brushed her hair from her face to look at him properly, she was in awe of this unexpected surprise and couldn't find her voice.

She only managed to breathe out something that she almost instantly regretted allowing to escape her "Xavier..."

It was quiet but there was only the two of them in the room and she was sure he'd have heard her quite clearly. Delara's hands started twining around each other, she was obviously nervous and very unsettled. None of this was easy, she would be discovered if she couldn't learn to cope and worse she knew it too.

 

[Bsquad]

Xavier looked at Delara in suprise, he knew her name because he'd heard Lord Simons refer to her. Bu how in the empire could she know his? She hadn't even see him. His golden eyes narrowed reflexively as he took a half step towards her, a graceful danger to his movement. He peered at Delara curiously, she did seem familiar, the features of her face were of his people, though that did not suprise him, slavers were rarely picky about their targets.

"Yes, my name is Xavier...I'm the Sergeant of Lord Simon's bodyguard." He said, politely, but there was a curious edge to his words. By knowing his name Delara had shown him something that she shouldn't have.

"How did you know it? Lord Simons did not inform you of that, did he?" Xavier said again taking a step closer to Delara, close enough that it was almost like two people speaking conversationally, not bodyguard to slave. As he got closer to her, he was yet again haunted by the thought that he knew her from somewhere...some passing familiarity with her.

"What province are you from?" He asked pointedly.

 

[monique_minx]

Delara was scared but she swallowed her fear and kept eye contact with the man, she was too afraid to look away.

"I-I ah...no His Lordship didn't tell me...I know of you...everyone from our country knows of you Sir..." She stuttered unsure of herself, she didn't know what to say but she tried to remain as honest as possible, she liked her head on her shoulders.

Delara dropped eye contact when he asked where she was from, she had to lie of course...she didn't know where this man's loyalties lay but she was certain that they did not lay with her. She looked up at him again, biting her lip, her forehead crinkling with worry lines and she glanced from his blade to his eyes in a swift motion.

"Ventaglia Sir...I'm from Ventaglia..." She lied, it was an outlying village about 50 miles from her home, she had visited it once, it wasn't overly poor and she already intended to say she was a farmer's daughter anyway.

She had almost told him Forger's Rest because that was her fiance's lands however she didn't like the chances that he might know of it and guess her relationship as well.

 

[renthead29]

Kai watched the procession with fascination. In his time at Lord Simons' castle, he had seen royal parties, but they were once in a great while events. As he watched, though, he and the other stablehands grabbed the horses as they were dismounted and stabled them sufficiently, but quickly. They wanted more time to watch the glamorous and beautiful royals as they, too, dismounted and greeted all that stood before them. Kai even felt a flutter as one of them looked at him as he handled some unruly horses.

After the job was done, the group of nobles secured in the castle, Kai sat against the wall and sighed. It would be absolutely wonderful to be part of that world, to ride from country to country, just taking in the sights, learning the cultures and eating the food.

And the women? Oh, dear lord, the women in every place MUST be different, different shapes, sizes, colors. Kai grinned and let that image take him over as he lay against the wooden frame of the stables.

 

[monique_minx]

OOC: Playing an extra character to create fun for all the servants!

IC:
Juniper made her way down to the stables, her green dress flowing to touch her ankles over her white chemise and her brown hair blowing in the wind. May had finally let her take a break from the kitchens which were now overflowing with servants creating a feast for the nobles, Juni didn't mind the nobles so much, she didn't like to be in their bad books of course but Lord Simons was fair.

Juniper had often wondered if he'd bedded any of the maids but was not foolish enough to ask, such things were idle gossip and Juni had been whipped for indulging in it once before. She'd heard a story from a visiting noble's attendant and merely passed it on but when it came back to her the attendant denied telling her any such thing, Lord Simons had no choice but to punish her. She didn't blame him, the noble left that day and hadn't returned since, the comments were of a sexual nature to do with her husband, she wasn't satisfied until Juni was bleeding.

Juni's long brown hair waved in the wind, it was a plain colour not unlike her eyes which were hazel, she considered her best feature to be her breasts, they were larger than most women's and she did not have to put on weight to get them. Juniper made her way to the stables, she'd already eaten and she preferred to hang with the boys rather than the stuffier maids who could only discuss husbands, Juni had slept with a decent few of the guards and stablehands but her favourite was Kai. He had an adoring quality that made her smile and he'd always had a bit of a crush on her, she hadn't seen him all day and realized she sort of missed him.

"Hey Kai!" she shouted as she walked over "not daydreaming again are ya? Careful May'll come 'round the corner and clip you over the ear!"

 

[renthead29]

Kai opened his eyes slowly and sighed. Juniper.

Juni was a nice enough girl, good for a few laughs before, but...honestly, she had become a little clingy lately.

"Hullo Juni." He said, a bit tiredly, hoping his tone would urge her to move along. But it wouldn't, as he knew.

"Why aren't you in the kitchens with the rest of them," he asked, then smiling wickedly. "Making me something good for tonight?"

He let his eyes wander for a second, hoping not to be too blatant. Clingy or not, Juni had a beautiful body and eyes that batted when you looked at them. But her tits...

He snapped out of it, waiting an answer, smiling childishly.

 

[Ausus_girl13]

"Surely Lord Simons, you do remember our dear Mothers decree, don't you? That we should view and experience our lands?" Antar explained.

"Yes," Arabelle added "Experience" intending the emphasis. She knew that behind them was a trail of nobles that either pined for the twins or would never cross them. She would make sure that Lord Simons was also in that line up before they left. Arabelle moved off her brothers arm and moved to embrace Lady Aveline.

"Lady Aveline, I am so very excited to have some time to make your acquaintance further! We both know the rumors at court cannot all be true!" she giggled.

Antar moved near Lord Simons where they could both admire the women embracing. He really thought that the two complimented each other. He could imagine the fun that all three of them could have, and from the look on his face, Simons was fighting those same thoughts.

"Lord Simons, We are simply famished, would you mind if we simply moved onto supper?" Antar asked plaintively

 

[Katamari Roller]

Lady Protector Marotte de Guinne

The courtyard was a bustling center of activity as the royal retinue dispersed to do as they were supposed to. Calming the horses down and sending them to the stables, put the carts and other vehicles away, start unloading the numerous, heavy baggage of the princes and their sycophants.

Others were somewhat busier standing right in the middle of the courtyard, apparently doing nothing.

"It looks quite safe, doesn´t it, Marius?" A blonde woman mused half to herself, half to the man beside her as she watched not the servants moving to and fro carrying heavy burdens, but the walls around the courtyard and the various details that pointed out how well one could refuse unexpected visitors. Her hair was braided, and this braid pinned up, forming a crown on the back of her head with a red ribbon trailing down onto her uniform. Two side-bangs and a short but unruly fringe framed a severe, fair-skinned visage with two large, green eyes and a perky, somewhat mousey nose as its center. It was the visage of a beautiful but strong woman. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, her strength was not to be doubted judging by her uniform and the firmness of her stance.

"It does, milady, though I suspect the Lord of the castle has a lot more to do with its safety than any masonry." The large soldier with a bushy beard and an impressive scar across his face commented. He, and the guards watching the tumult from behind silvery helmets, wore red uniforms. So did the woman, but hers was lined with golden details and had an ample, red skirt with a white bottom instead of pants. Golden epaulettes and buttons with their brightness dulled by the dust of the long journey clearly indicated her rank as that of Lady Protector. A fancy name for what was just the rank of Captain of the Royal Guard, of whom there were a good dozen, that had been chosen to protect the princes. Half of these Captains were the dim-witted sons of nobles who the king decided could do with a special reward for their flatteries. Another quarter, cowards who had actually witnessed and perhaps even participated in combat, and who were guaranteed to throw the princes to the wolves to save their own lives.

And then, there were three Captains who were war veterans, not necessarily of noble blood, and perhaps even loyal to their duties.

"No doubt. Lord Simons is an excellent commander, if just a quarter of the word is true."

With slow, calm steps, Lady Marotte de Guinne advanced through the crowd of servants who inmediately stepped aside to give her free way. It was not long before Marius moved in front of her and acted like a battering ram to clear the way, though, as the overly-dressed nobles and their acolytes accosting the princes were blocking the hallway like an infestation of salmon in a river. Not all of them appreciated the rank of Sergeant Marius, but they certainly did not want to make an enemy of the stern woman behind him, or her stiff upper lip which seemed capable of crushing their wills all by itself. The truth was that Marotte cared little about them, it was Lord Simons she was most interested on right now.

Soon as the congestion was cleared, Marius stepped aside and let Marotte through. Besides the clearly military upper half of her uniform, the only indication of anything approaching soldiery on her, was the sword at her belt. A large piece, with a single red jewel on its hilt and a white, velvety scabbard. A sword Marotte would have gladly exchanged for a bastard sword, nevermind the nobles which she would have exchanged for more dust on the road, and the guards that would (should) have been dressed in more discreet clothes. And the princes should have been dressed in a more common way too, but the royal consort did not see things her way, and Marotte preferred not to press too hard on that issue when faced with the king and the queen. The king, she suspected a good, smart man, but the queen was another matter entirely, and the influence she exerted on her husband... Marotte would rather not discover through her own experience.

It was a wonderful thing, knowing one´s place without hard lessons.

Lady Marotte stood behind the princes, and remained silent, watching the princes and their new acquaintance. Marotte felt slightly more nervous now, her eyes drifting curiously around and her face as a whole looking alert like an insomniac´s.

 

[Bsquad]

Sergeant Xavier

"Ventaglia...I see..." Xavier said with a wary look over his shoulder. He'd closed the door behind them and he knew that it was hard for anyone to overhear since the body of the staff had descended to the main courtyard to greet the Royals. For all intents and purposes, they were alone. As Xavier turned back to face Delara, his face had the unmistakable expression of accusation on it. He knew her accent, it was far too polished for the farming village of Ventaglia.

"You're not from there." Xavier said, all pretense abandoned. He was not some manipulative fiend like the Lord Commander who would twist the truth out of a person...Xavier was simple and too the point.

"I don't know who you are Delara...but something tells me that you are certainly not some simple farm girl, or a maid." Xavier said, his gold eyes sweeping over her once, noting the lythe form beneath the simple dress, and her pale skin. Farmers didn't have the luxury of spending time inside, they were quite tanned. Delara was pale, the mark of someone of wealth.

"Keep your secrets from the Lord Commander, if you can, but remember that he always gets what he wants..." Xavier said, warningly. He was torn. The girl was clearlynot who she claimed to be, but she was one of his people...he had a duty to them....but he had a duty to Lord Simons... He looked back at Delara, meeting her eyes.

"Who are you, really, Delara?" He asked.

Lord Simons

Somions smiled as he heard Arabelle's subtle echoing of 'Experience'. Perhaps the rumors of the two Royal heirs were true. Though if they were perhaps it would do well for him to be on more intimate terms with Arabelle. Besides the delightful time that he would have taking her to his bed, perhaps it would give him so much more pull within the Royal court to...guide events. He glanced over at Prince Antar as the young man admired his sister and Lady Aveline. The two were intreresting, though he had already made up his mind that perhaps Lady Aveline would be more receptive if he indulged her fantasies...

...but Lady Aveline might not be so unorthodox as to join him in enjoying the Princess, would she?

As his thoughts whirled he looked back to Antar and nodded to the Crown Prince's request.

"But of course, please, we should dine in the library since this need not be an incredibly elaborate affair. Pomp and formality have a place, but not when such an intimate gathering is intended." Lord Simons said, his silvery eyes seeming to twinkle as he said the word 'intimate'.

 

[Ausus_girl13]

"A small intimate dinner sounds lovely and refreshing" Arabelle stated, she had not missed the emphasis on the Lord's tongue. She followed the men,with Lady Aveline on her arm to the library which was small but very cozy. The fire had been lit for a while, making the room warm and comfortable. She settled herself into one of the chairs and watched the rest do the same.

"Tell me Lord Simons, how are things in your holdings?" Asked Antar. Before an answer could be formed a noise distracted them all. They looked up to see a rather, formidable looking man, standing in front of the servants entrance. When he silently stepped aside to reveal a small woman in soldiers clothing staring at Prince Antar.

"I wonder who this might be Lord Simons, another of your protégés perhaps?" Arabelle asked snidely. She was annoyed at the interruption.

 

[monique_minx]

Juniper

Juniper smiled as she finally reached him, she sat on a hay bale glad for a chance to rest her feet.

"Very funny, ya know we won't be able to eat 'til after the nobles have their fill, May's going ballistic in there! I think she'll give 'erself a heart attack one of these days!"

Juniper rested her legs and laid down on the hay bale, her dress hiked up to her thighs and her shoes were kicked off to fall on the ground. She looked over at Kai and gestured to him.

"Come 'ere already! Did ya see that new slave girl? I'll bet His Lordship'll 'ave fun with that one fo' sure! No reason to buy a woman like that otherwise. Bet she's had 'er fair share of men!"

Delara

Delara was quite literally backed into a wall, she stared deep into Xavier's eyes trying to judge what he'd do if she didn't tell him, lying again wouldn't get her anywhere. He knew the countryside well enough to know she wasn't from there, at the same time she didn't know if she could trust this man.

Delara felt practically naked as his eyes swept over her, studying her, she had felt that way alot lately, everyone looked her over and judged her and sized her up. But still none made her feel quite as vulnerable as Lord Simons' silvery gaze though Xavier's was a close second, she swallowed hard as the words got stuck in her throat, she was afraid now...

"I-I can not tell you Sir, it would put me in grave danger....I'm not meant to be here...if it weren't for the pirates....I-" she dropped eye contact for a second but looked up at him again and studied him for a moment, she had to explain why without giving away her secret.

She fidgetted with her dress, tugging on it and then smoothing it out "Sir...you are His Lordship's bodyguard...were I to tell you...you-you're honour bound to tell him, you would put me in danger...please?"

Hey eyes begged him, he would know she was a noble now, it would be the only reason to fear for her life, a simple maid would not have anything to fear from having their identity discovered unless of course they were actually a spy.

Delara was not and she didn't want anyone to think she was, justice for a foreigner meant whatever they could make up. They would say she strategically got herself placed in the household, that she was spying on the Commander, Lady Aveline and especially the Royals. She didn't know much about this country but she knew what would happen if someone of noble birth were in the same situation back home and it terrified her.

 

[renthead29]

Kai felt a quick flash of anger. Juni had just insulted the innocence of Delara!

"She's not like that!" he snapped immediately, then regretted it.

"I'm sorry. We've only just met her, and..." he floundered for something, "She doesn't seem like...that kind of girl." Unlike you, he added to himself, looking at her hiked up skirt and bare feet. Then he admired them. Loose she may be, but damn if she wasn't pretty.

 

[FaeBites]

Ooc: Not on my computer, so no spell check! Hopefully it's alright. Welcome to the new characters =3

IC: "Listening to the gossips again, Your Highness?" Aveline chortled wickedly, feeling the press of the other womans body unhesitantly against her own. A flood of flame tickled down her spine, Arabelles scent warm and intoxicating in her nose. The way the princess pressed to her body confidently dizzied her head with sensations, her slightly fevered gaze trailing to the men. What she saw burn in both of thier eyes made her dress seem slightly more confining then usual. She shook her head to clear it, blonde curls tickling her neck as they fell about her.

Lady Aveline smiled her agreement at talk of supper, her own wild horse ride earlier, then the battle of wills with the Lord, really seemed to have worked up her appetite. Her eyes studied the backs of Simmons and the Prince as they followed, her arms curled relaxedly within Arabelles, the sweetness of her scent still lingering in her nostrils. Lord Simmons had many faces, that warning she was learning quickly. But there was definitely the dangerous charm to him that at times had scent her heart skipping in both fear and... something more. A burning ache the longed to be saited. The troublemaker had spent so long avoiding the complications of sex - that it was rather surprising to find the need for it had snuck up on the very getaway her parents had divised to straighten her out. And the Prince... well he just knew what he wanted, the confidence and burning lick of his gaze just induced a tangle web of possibilities.

Aveline didn't know what her aversion to sex had been, it wasn't like she was saving herself. Marriage wasn't on her agenda. Perhaps she'd just spent so long defying the world that she didn't know how to submit to someone? Amusement crinkled her eyes as they sat at the table when she thought how any in the room could probably easily coax it out of her. Her teeth pulled on her lip at such thoughts, her hand reaching for the glass of freshly poured water to cool her suddenly burning body. She took a sip, replaced it, then smiled once more, though her attention caught at the sudden movement and Arabelles words.

Aveline frowned, glancing between the parties, exasperated that yet another twist had delayed them from supper. She remained silent though, having no answer to Arabelle though looking for something to calm the heated princesses annoyance.

 

[Katamari Roller]

"I wonder who this might be Lord Simons, another of your protégés perhaps?"

Marotte´s features seemed to droop sullenly at the Crown Princess´ words. The princess did not seem too pleased with her presence. Well, Marotte was not exactly enjoying herself having to watch over the two royal brats. She had heard the rumours, and while she knew that most of them were false but natural to the condition of royalty, the princess and her brother were certainly a favourite discussion topic among her soldiers. With this in mind, it was no wonder she almost forgot to bow in the customary fashion, with her hand open and extended over her heart and her head slightly inclined.

"I am the Lady Protector Marotte de Guinne. I have been sent here on the King´s orders, to whom I directly answer..." Marotte let that sink in a bit before continuing. It would be good to clarify her position now, rather than let misunderstandings come up later on. "... to care after your safety for what remains of your journey. Both your progenitors, and specially the Queen, are most fearful that harm should befall you in your return, after such a long time. It is my duty to assuage their fears and shield you from danger wherever you go."

To most of the princes´ followers, this seemed like a well-crafted exposition of the Royal Couple´s parental fidelity, a tender discourse on familial love coming from a respectful, attentive soldier with a sober character. To those with half a brain, it was a more or less subtle message that the Queen had sent someone to make sure the Crown Princes did not embarrass her any more, and that someone was an unfortunate soldier who would rather be anywhere else than trapped between the princes and the Royal Couple judging by her dead-eyed expression.

Lady Marotte, however, knew that the Queen was a bit more worried about Lord Simons than about the princes themselves. Of course, no one in the realm doubted the Lord´s loyalty. It was his influence that presented more of a problem, without the princes´ favour added to it... for the time being. This meant that Marotte was right in the middle of a crossfire between Lord Simons´ unknown character, the princes´ capricious manners, and the Royal Couple´s hawkish vigilance of current politics. The soldiers, and herself, were little more than atrezzo for what promised to be an incredibly messy affair, and while Marotte was not fully aware of all the details, she certainly knew she would rather be back in the West, fighting the Swadians´ heavy infantry on Blood Ridge once more, than here, fighting a war with four sides and discreet but no less deadly weapons.