Vlad's Last Minute Party

[Deleted]

”Oh very much so; so many faces it is exciting. I do love a party; I hope there is dancing soon. Are you enjoying yourself Lady Vanya?”

Ansley fallowed Melda’s gaze; spotting the red head whom had been brought to the courts a few months back. Lady Severine often referred to the champion of Saden as vermin, she had made a point to avoid the girl. She was surprised that Melda showed such interest in her…Ansley raised her eyebrows high when the red head went to stand next to the princess.

”Do you know her Lady Vanya; the scared woman? I know she’s Saden’s champion, but she’s fated. Lady Severine told me we shouldn’t be associating with fated vermin. Why is she with the Princess? Isn’t she dangerous? The Royal guard had her in more chains then the woman who tried to murder our beloved king during the execution.”

Perhaps that’s why Lady Vanya felt she needed an armed guard; the red headed woman made her nervous. She listened to her friend Acacia make conversation; nodding in agreement. The food was very delightful.

[Deleted]

Melda smiled at the two girls, a sense of nostalgia washing over her. They were simply bursting with energy, thrilled to be at such an event, as she herself used to be as a young girl. A wonderous occasion indeed! I’m sure there will be dancing at some point, don’t worry. I’m afraid I haven’t tried the food yet, I’ve only just arrived, however everything seems quite marvelous, so I will admit I am enjoying myself thus far. She continued to smile warmly, having no reason to be cold to the two girls. They were hyper, which normally she would scold, but it was a party, and a non formal one at, so they were allowed to be a little rowdy.

Melda’s gaze shifted back to the red head in the room, finding her along side the Princess, no surprise. Melda knew at some point she would end up in their circle, having no doubts she would wander over once these two left her side. Her attention was brought back to Ansley, as she spoke. The scared woman? Was she referring to Aria? Severine’s name was what caught her attention however, anger flaring in her chest. The word vermin only feeding the flames. As Ansley was speaking, she would see, were she to be looking, Melda’s face growing more and more cross, icy, and well, scary.

Ansley dear, I fear you have been greatly misinformed. That Fated “vermin”, as you so eloquently put, is Duchess Aria Wurud of Palico. She is with the Princess because they are close, in addition to her nobility. She is also a dear friend of mine. She is of higher ranking and status than you, so I suggest you watch your tongue before you lose it child! You are to treat her with respect, as you would myself or any other noble. Do I make myself clear? Melda’s voice was sharp, like glass, her tone demanding, and her gaze penetrating as she looked directly into Ansley’s eyes. She would be damned if she was going to let someone tarnish Aria’s name in front of her, regardless of past accusations.

In the back of her mind she knew she couldn’t fully blame Ansley; she was going off of what she knew, and had been taught, no thanks to Severine. Even Melda had been skeptical of Aria when she’d first been presented to the court. But much had happened since then, and she’d hoped Aria’s name had been cleansed of that past, now that her change in status had been presented. Apparently it had not.

Lady Severine has a vile opinion on the fated, doesn’t she? Well I want you to make your own opinion. They are people, just like the rest of us, and they deserve the same respect. Unless you have met someone in person, I do not want to hear you judge them based on something they have had no control over, understood? Her tone was less angry now, more back to normal, but just as serious. She knew it was a risk, saying what she was, letting her opinion on the fated become open knowledge at such an event and to anyone who may hear them, but she was tired of Severine’s opinion being the base of knowledge around the kingdom. It was time things started changing.

[Deleted]

Diamond got board after a few minutes and walked about and desided to check in on his boss. He had nothing better to do and easily avoided and side stepped some of those that were walking about. The white haired mercenary moved perhaps a bit gracefully as he moved, as his attire gave that illusion of such. When he got close enough he started to hear what Ansley said and saw that she was a twit, didn't she realize that snake nearly destoryed Nova due to her poking the hornet's nest? Even though his boss gave her two novian on the matter. But he wanted to put the fear of the gods apon this noble wench. "I do agree with most of what my employer has said. But you should not be praising that woman, due to her actions she could have destroyed the entire third district. If I did not show up at that time......the entire 3rd district would have been in flames...no....Nova would have burned down to the ground. There was enough destablized mana there to do it. She had joyful glee seeing the chaos that had happened" he said in a icy tone that was bone chilling as if it was Mylee himself. Diamond had full hatred for Severine for what she did to the people in Nova.

"I had a few friends that joined the guard for honest work that were fated. They vanished due to that vile woman's actions. She is not someone to be praised.....Also Lady Aria is a fellow champion, and a friend. I think you should rethink your notions....the gods do exsist. Let me remind you of the recent attack of the undead by Helena" he said finishing and took a glass of wine and drank it. Perhaps the weight of this would make her think over things, she was young but not this stupid.

[Deleted]

Acacia didn't have time to get any words in before Ansley started asking about the scared woman, Aria. She was surprised to hear that the woman was fated and a Duchess. She didn't know anything about the situation, of course, being unfamiliar with the courts but judging by Duchess Vanya's reaction that was not the right subject to approach. Melda's verbal tongue lashing of Ansley had Acacia hiding behind her wine glass, taking short sips and avoiding eye contact. She felt bad for Ansley as the older woman put her into place. Even though Ansley was not the one with whom Duchess Vanya was speaking, Acacia couldn't help but nod in agreement when she asked if her meaning was clear. She made a mental note to personally treat any such fated persons like normal people. 

To make things worse, the Champion of Mylee then came over to add his thoughts in the pot of shame. Acacia had no idea what he was speaking about but it sounded very much serious, especially when it came to accusing a well known figure like Severine of something like being glad the city almost burned. Of course, she was aware that Severine was now considering missing so perhaps this has something to do with it. In any case, she simply nodded in understanding and continued to quietly sip her wine. 

[Deleted]

Aria gave a small bow of her head to the host of their party as Lucinda made the proper introductions. Aria blinked as the man suddenly became excited; she hadn’t expected such a robust reaction to her name. Apparently she was making a name for herself. Arias face melted into an emotionless mask as he went on to gush about her coronation. Unfortunately she did not share his sentiments in the public punishment and humiliation that Silas had provided for her. She stood tall and calmly and quietly listened as he went on to describe his unfortunate business venture. An eyebrow raised as he mentioned 150 broadswords being stolen. Unfortunately the conversation turned back to her coronation as he apologized once more for not attending. Aria raised a hand and waved him off.

”The event did not go as I would hope; it is a sore matter for me. Please do not feel bad for your absence and let’s put the matter behind us without further mention yes?”

A cold smile spread across her lips; really the event was not something she hoped would be discussed much past Palico’s borders. She rather not explain to Noku what happened during those events.

”However Count Vladimir; your story interests me you say 150 broadswords were stolen in route? Have you reported it officially to the Palico guard by any chance?”

Aria’s attention was pulled when she heard her name not too far off being mentioned. Her hearing catching the tail end of the conversation. Apparently it wasn’t a pleasant conversation. Her eyebrow raising as Diamond claimed full credit for saving the lower district. Aria turned her attention back to the count; a small but true smile on her face as she nodded in agreement about enjoying the small pleasures in life.

”Life is to full of strife to take it serious all the time; I fully agree one should find enjoyment when one can.”

Aria turned back to Lucinda as asked what she had been up to in the past few days; Aria placed a hand on Lucinda’s shoulder with an apologetic smile on her face.

”I will answer that momentarily; I do think I just felt the air grow gold in that general direction. I’m going to go try to warm things up a bit. If you’ll both excuse me just for a moment.”

Aria bowed her head and turned to the group in which she had spotted Melda looking quite sour. Aria approached stopping next to a girl in a very pink dress whom seemed to have incurred both Melda and Diamonds wrath judging by what she overheard from the conversation slandered her name in some way.

”Good Evening; Melda would you, Diamond and your acquaintances like to come meet the host of this lovely get together? I’ve just heard the most lovely nick name for our dear Princess. I’m sure there are some interesting stories behind it.”

Aria looked at the two new women and bowed her head in greeting; Melda and Diamond had more then gave them a tongue lashing. The one in the darker dress looked absolutely horrified. This was a party; things shouldn’t be so sour so quickly. Aria turned back and walked back to Lucinda’s side.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda listened politely to Vladimir brush off her compliment and go on about Aria’s coronation and his business deals. Her face matched Aria’s when it came to talk of the coronation, giving her old friend a tight smile and nodding in agreement with Aria as she spoke her piece about it.

Focusing on the broadsword theft was a good idea and she looked concerned as Aria further questioned him about it. “I am sorry for your loss, Count Vladimir. I have to admit, I am surprised that this is the first I have heard of it. I can only hope that you see your investment returned to you as soon as possible,” Lucinda added. That was quite a lot of weapons to just be missing and she was worried about them falling into the hands of bandits.

She smiled as Vladimir and Aria mentioned life being too short. “That is a philosophy I also have adopted in the last few weeks. It’s amazing what opportunities present themselves once one decides to live,” the princess mused, thinking back to the night she spent with the arch mage.

Lucinda looked momentarily taken aback as Aria avoided her question and then proceeded to walk away. Her blue eyes followed the red head across the room to a very scary looking Melda and she frowned, understanding now what Aria meant. Duchess Vanya was accompanied by Diamond, of course, and the two seemed to be chastising a couple of young girls. The princess dug into her background, managing to bring a very charming smile out as Aria seemed to be inviting the little group to join them.

[Mysteria]

The party was already at full swing. Everyone was pairing up in their own little groups and the music was filling the room by minstrels that had been playing for at least a good half hour. By now they were beginning to become tired, their pace slowing as the music died down for only a moment. Of course nothing too alarming, just a break and a change in entertainment.

While those within the party talked among themselves, two fine dressed gentlemen with elegant half masks seem to take the center stage of where the last performers stood.

Both men were oddly handsome, however you could only see the lower half of their faces, their eyes, and hair. In their hands they carried two cellos and sat down on two chairs that were prepared for the performers on the small step height stage. Both men holding their instruments in front of them with such divine elegance that matched their attire. Their attire that spoke out to the audience that they were about to begin to perform.

The man on the right, wore entirely white with gold trimming and elegant gold leaf buttons on the front of his long dress coat. Even his mask was white and sparkled like the moon; The entire piece trimmed in gold with embroidered in leaf designs across the cheeks of the mask. Bright silver eyes stared out behind it and as he looked over at his partner he gave a cheerful smile. His hair pulled back, but it was shoulder length and silver. His skin pale, but with a bit of color to not look like a corpse while he behind his cherry color cello.

The man on the left, wore entirely emerald green clothes that had pearl white trimming and beautiful diamond pattern leaf designs on his long dress coat with elegant opal half moon buttons on the front. His mask was the same green like his attire. Even carrying the same diamond and leaf pattern with opal trimming and a half silver moon design print over his right eye. His hair a dark brown and curly seemed to frame the mask well with his face, along with give his eyes more attention than his fellow entertainer. Behind the mask two beautiful polish oak hue eyes stared out at the people, noticing only a few within the room. His lips pressed in a tight frown as he glared over at the man in white that dared to give him such a cheerful look. His posture taking a more practical stance with a cello.

The room was only quiet for a second more before both began to start playing, the room filling up with the music that came from their instruments. The white entertainer smiling the entire time while the entertainer in green just kept a straight face and keeping beat with his fellow musician. Both pouring their souls into the bow of as it glided across the tight strings of the cello. The song becoming ever more intense as if making the room want to dance as no words were spoken. Both men becoming faster at playing, the horse hair strings of their bows beginning to snap with every violent and yet beautiful thrum of their efforts to get the room to dance.

Their expressions rather silly as the man in white bobbed his head and the man in green stood up and began playing his instrument on the floor while standing up. Both men now staring down at each other with now what looked almost like a devilish grins. Playing the song out until finally the original musicians began to finish their breaks. Their bows literally destroyed at this point as they finished out the song. The man in the white grinning like a cheshire cat while the one in the green seemed rather disturbed and frowned at his partners expression. Allowing the other musicians to join in on the stage to perform with them while the party continued on.


(( Note: Song that was previously being played. Had to.... lol
))

[Vladimir Steel]

Vladimir's brow furrowed as he noticed that both Aria and Lucinda seemed to grow slightly uncomfortable with the mention of Lady Aria's Coronation. He silently wondered what had happened, for the stories told and the body language of both of the women in front of him, didn't exactly match. So he did as was asked, not wanting to make the situation stress, he let it go and went with the subject change back to his shipment of longswords.

"I did as a matter of fact, but alas I do not have my father's stern aura. Because as you may or may not know. I've only taken up being The Count these past four years. I'm still building my reputation. And even though I oversaw those shipments myself, even watched as the carriages pulled out of the largest blacksmith I own, no one wants to believe that 150 swords just went. Poof. " He said making an explosion gesture with his hands. "But why they think I would lie about something so serious is absolutely beyond me. Why would I put myself into that much trouble for that much Noruvian? I know I'm a bit reckless, but when it comes to business I am nothing but a professional." He sighed. But thank you ladies for your concern. I do so hope that the matter gets resolved as well. That many well made swords. Out there, gods know where, it could be. It wouldn't be good, and it would be my fault because my company supplied them. My father would rise from the grave and haunt me himself."

Shaking his head he listened to as both the ladies agreed with him on the subject of being Pro Life, despite their social standings. Clapping approvingly he smiled. "Finally people who agree with me. If I were to ever say that to anyone else I'd get the sour, upturned nose look."

It was then that he heard harsh tones coming from not so far off. He wasn't exactly sure wait Lady Vanya was scolding the two young ladies about, but he was certainly glad it wasn't him. He had yet to meet The Duchess, but she dd have the reputation of being fairly straight laced, and just knew that she would dislike him. He hoped his assumptions were false, but he wasn't going to hold his breath either.

Vladimir watched as Aria walked off to join the group before turning his head back to Lucinda, not noticing that just as quickly as Aria had left she was headed back their way. For in that moment was when the two handsomely dressed men stepped up onto the stage. His brow furrowed again, "That's odd. I don't remember hiring or scheduling a cello duo..." It was hard to be disgruntled or confused by it however, because as soon as the two gentlemen started playing, it completely changed the calmness of the party.

The host grinned from ear to ear, turning back to Lucinda, giving a small bow while reaching out his hand, "Princess Lucinda, if you would be so kind as to join me in a dance, my old friend, I would be delighted. It would be downright sinful to waist such an upbeat melody don't you think?" He asked with a care free smile. Most people knew and remembered that Vladimir was a clumsy cod fish, but what people most often forgot was that his mother insisted that he be well practiced in dancing. He hoped that Lucinda had not forgotten.

[Deleted]

    Having worked late within the castle corridors, finishing up some documents that his father left behind, the new nobility Duke Theodore Edmund Bankes made his way home. He was exhausted from a long day's work, only to receive a letter from his sister, who was quite excited for it only being a letter. It was revealed to be an invitation to a party that evening, hosted by none other than Count Vladimir Steele.

    Theo had heard word of Steele from acquaintances who knew him, and from conversations his would overhear from his father, the late Duke Edmund Percy Bankes. He had a reputation to host wonderful and extravagant parties, where he invited all the nobility and their friends and family. He would socialize with them, and have word spread like wild-fire about what an incredible time they had while attending his get-togethers. So, in lieu of his reputation, as resistant as Theo was, he decided to attend.

    In preparation for the party, he threw together his best party suit. An ensemble of a dark grey suit, with a sleek overcoat. He paired it with an electric blue tie that accentuated the colour of his eyes. All dressed and ready he made his way over to the gathering.

    Upon arriving in the building, he could hear that the party had already commenced, making him tardy. It was no matter however, he could just pull it off as if he was fashionably late. From the outside of the party he could hear both the sound of chatter, and the sound of two beautiful cellos harmonizing one on top of the other, making the most seductive sounds an instrument could. Theo had long dreamed of playing the cello, searching endlessly for one that would fit his stature. However with the required back-breaking it would take playing the instrument hunched over, he set aside the idea and just enjoyed the modern music it played within the party.

    He arrived just as the two musicians began playing, making almost a sort of grand entrance. He arrived alone, having no time to gather together a date, however he preferred being alone. It gave him the opportunity to socialize with other nobility, and speak with his oldest friends. It also made sense that he would arrive alone as he was Nova's newest noble bachelor, even if he was an extroverted introvert. He knew he had to make an impression this evening as it was his first outing as a member of Nova's nobility. Hopefully all goes well.

    Upon entering the ballroom, Theo made his was past a server. He circled around them in a charming fashion, plucking a glass from their tray, putting it to his lips. He then offered them a slight bow and a charming smile as he walked away, offering his thanks for being there to help.

    Theo then proceeded to the large group of people full of the nobility he recognized. He acquainted many of the individuals while having grown up in the castle. Duchess Vanya had been an old family friend, he grew up with Ansley and Acacia, and knew of Princess Lucinda by association. His intent, however, was to say hello to the host first and foremost, to be polite. However his introduction was interrupted when he noticed Vlad ask Lucinda to dance. Theo decided to wait a moment until they were on the dance floor to greet the others.

    "Hello all, lovely evening for a party, isn't it?" he said smiling and greeting his old friends. "Duchess Vanya, it's always a pleasure to see you. You look radiant this evening." he said greeting the woman who has known him since he was but a lad, he offered her a quick bow, taking her hand as he did so. "And as always, Ansley, Acacia, you both look lovely." he offered them each a charming smile and a nod. "It is always a pleasure to see familiar faces," he then turned to the red haired noble he did not recognize, "and to acquaint new ones. Hello, I am Duke Theodore Edmund Bankes of Nova, and who do I have the pleasure of acquainting this evening?" he greeted her politely and as he went on, he bowed before the red-head, and offered her his hand as a hello.

    The party appeared to be in full swing, and the music was certainly helping.    

[Deleted]

Ansley smiled at the mention of dancing; really she enjoyed dancing so much. However apparently she stepped into forbidden territory when she referred to the scarred woman as vermin. Ansleys eyes widened and her face paled as the Lady Vanya became oh so very upset with her choice of wording. She looked down at her feet as she was scolded; she hadn’t known that Lady Vanya felt so strongly about the fated…nor had she known the fated woman Aria was actually a duchess. She nodded meekly as Lady Vanya had made herself clear. It would not do her well to further anger the duchess.

”My sincere apologies Lady Vanya; you are correct I will watch my wording in the future. Lady Zoe does have an unfavorable stance towards the fated. Personally I believe it stems from the fated we’ve come across have shown a blatant disrespect to Nova’s beloved customs; so many fated were champions this past year. So many of them showed so much disrespect to our gods. It’s hard not to form a negative opinion. Lazy Zoe really only wants to see Nova maintain its proud culture; however I admit her methods are a bit drastic.”

However it seemed that her scolding was no over with as Mylee’s champion came forward to scold her. It was one thing to take a correction from Lady Vanya whom was a much higher rank then her and a mentor like figure…and another to be corrected by Diamond. She had respect for the champions but that did not mean they could treat her as though she were a peasant. As Diamond spoke to her she straightened and met his gaze with pursed lips.

”Sir; Lady Zoe has been an aid to Nova for decades. The King would not have her as Arch Duchess and as an advisor if he hadn’t valued the ladies opinion. She’s been a kind and patient mentor for me since I was very young. She took over my education when I lost my mother; she’s not the pure evil vile woman your paint her as. I am sorry for your loss; however I will not condemn her for one misstep over a lifetime’s worth of service.”

Really she was just scolded for judging a person whom she hadn’t known; and here this man was doing the same. Her eyes sharpening to a glare as he went on to threaten her with the gods. Really to threaten her in the gods name over a matter of opinion was VERY unbecoming of a champion. Such a threat should never be used in such a trivial matter. It was disrespectful to the god he was representing. She very much wanted to slap this man; for even bringing up the attack that unearthed her OWN mother. She was about to say something when the woman whom sparked this little debate approached and offered for them to go join the Princess and the count. Normally she’d be ecstatic for a chance to become acquainted with a princess. But her mood was considerably dampened by the rudeness of Mylee’s champion. She hadn’t agreed with Severine’s opinion of him before; but after this perhaps she wasn’t so far off. Ansley turned her attention to Sadens Champion; reluctantly dipping into the same curtsy that she had given Lady Vanya.

”Greetings Lady Wurud; your offer is very much appreciated”

She looked up at the woman; right now her mood was soured but Lady Vanya had a favorable opinion of this woman…but boy was that scar on her face hideous to look at. She fallowed the Lady Wurud back to the group; looking up when two cello players began to play an enchanting upbeat melody. Though, they were a bit odd themselves. Soon an old friend joined them as well; a smile playing back onto her features as Theo joined them. She dipped into a curtsy as was proper; however since they grew up together she was perhaps not as formal as she should be for his rank.

”A pleasure to see you again Theo; how are you?”

[Deleted]

Melda had clearly made her point and saw as such clear as day on Ansleys face. She was not one to go overboard when her point got across. She listened to her apology and nodded her thanks. That is a fair opinion of some of them yes, just remember, they are not all the same. Many are simply trying to make a home here, as they lost their own. Thank you for your apology Ansley. She smiled, and moved to speak again, but was cut off as Diamond, who she had not seen join them, started speaking. Immediately her eyebrows rose to her hair line. She couldn’t be too surprised however; she knew very well his stance on Lady Severine. Melda opened her mouth to calm him down, but stopped as he started up again. She cocked an eyebrow at his cockiness, and shook her head. Once he was finally finished he grabbed a glass of wine, and she gave him a look of “You done yet?” She more than understood his opinion, but the girl wasn’t at fault for the impression Severine had put on her. Many like her had been placed under her thumb at quite the young age, it would take time to teach them otherwise. Melda opened her mouth once more to say so, but was again cut off, as Ansley had her own retort for her Guard.

Melda personally disagreed with Ansley’s opinion, but that couldn’t be changed overnight. Once Ansley finished speaking, Melda finally got a word in. Alright, enough you two. Everyone has very strong opinions for different reasons and now is not the time to discuss them. You are forgiven Ansley, and I apologize on Diamond’s behalf for his overstep. She bowed her head slightly for a moment, before standing straight and glancing at Diamond, giving him a “I know I know, but let it go” look. Now was not the time to debate such a topic.

Melda turned at the sound of a new voice, and was happily surprised to find Aria wanting beside her. It was about time! I would love to, thank you for the offer. Melda graced her with a rare truly happy smile and followed her over, assuming her little group would follow. Diamond could chose to wander again if he so pleased.

Upon joining the group, Melda gave a small curtsey to Lucinda. A pleasure Princess. She smiled softly for a moment, keeping formalities up for nobilities sake. She didn’t fully get a chance to greet the host, as as soon as she arrived, beautiful music began to play and he left to dance, making for quite the odd impression. His presence was soon replaced as another familiar face graced them with his presence. He took her hand and bowed before her, causing another small smile to appear on her face. She’d known this lad for years now, and was quite proud of the man he’d become. She didn’t have the same attachment to him as she did Aria, but she never did with men. Good evening Theo. You look quite dashing yourself I must say. Did you do this yourself, or did your assistant put this together again for you? She made a slight joke, trying to bring back the mood that was so shattered before.

[Deleted]

Diamond's eyes had fury in them but said nothing as he knew that he might have went over the top. Although he did want to put the spoiled girl in her place slightly. But he got a look from his employer to back off, the majority of the Novian nobles were really starting to piss him off greatly. He was going to take several days for a vacation from Nova for a few days and do some heavy training in the forever forest or some place far away.  None the less Diamond would stay silent until Aria asked them to come over and chat with Lucinda the Princess of Palico. "I'll pass.......aside from you and my boss here. I don't fit in with the rest of the people here" he said and then gave a slightly formal bow and then walked away and sat at a nearby table where the two musicians were playing. The only thing that was keeping him rather calm and got another thing of wine. One of them he could feel a rather close calling to himself. He had to have a laugh on what happened with the bow strings of there instruments. It seemed that they were enjoying themselves at least. None the less he went back to casually drinking his wine.

Diamond did reflect a bit, as he had a hard time with most of the nobles within Nova. Some of the others he had delt with were a lot better. Or perhaps he was being idealistic on the matter so far it seemed that the last social events have been backfiring on him. From now on he will just stay silent when he is on the job as it seemed that either his opinions are not really needed or he was always in the wrong. Things were depressing him lately though and it was effecting him slightly.

[Deleted]

”It’s hard to ignore 150 swords considering that could arm a number in which the royal family might find concerning… “ Aria disliked Silas but even he wouldn’t be stupid enough to ignore such a large shipment going missing. She would bring it to his attention. It would seem her attempt to go fetch the other group proved fruitful as they dropped their previous topic and joined her. However her attention was pulled as two very familiar scents wafted by mixed with the many others within the room. Her eyes widened as she turned her head searching in the crowd. Her eyes turning to the stage when there host mentioned Cellos….her face blanked.

Aria took her eyes off the duo as it seemed another joined there party; she curtsied slightly; still distracted by the presence of the cello players….they were up to something. Eight years of living with their other selves made her suspect all sorts of something’s was up. She just couldn’t figure out what. Aria glanced back at the man whom the others were calling Theo. She gave him a small smile when he asked whom she might be. ”Aria Wurud, Duchess and Head Dragon Trainer of Palico, a pleasure to meet you Mr Bankes” She watched as Lucinda was led off to the dance floor…the music was ominous but upbeat.

Aria looked at the rest of their group. ”Perhaps we should fallow our host; come this song is good for a circle dance.” Aria took to the dance floor and began to go through the motions of a dance she knew; pulling in those standing on the side lines into the dance. The nice thing about a circle dance is you didn’t need a partner. The song has a beat that was easy to dance to; however even as she danced she did not let her eyes wander far from the two players. As the song neared its climax Aria slipped off from the group and stood off to a corner near the stage….The one in green was smiling….it was unnerving.

[roseline]

The Sovereign duchess made her way into the event about as quiet and inconspiculously a woman flanked by two handmaidens and guards could, which is to say, not at all. Still she smiled politely to the stares she caught as embarrassed as she might be about her ridiculous enterouge.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda was still concerned about the swords and made a mental note to mention it to Silas when she did get around to writing him. In the meantime, she didn’t mind when the subject changed with the sudden appearance of the cello players. Vladimir seemed unfamiliar with them and Lucinda laughed at his comment. “Your memory never was the best, Vlad, even when you weren’t this busy. They are very good, are they not?” she said, agreeing with her old friend. It was quite hard not to as the music was so upbeat.

Vladimir’s request for a dance was a bit surprising and most other women would be concerned with his clumsiness but Lucinda knew him from their childhood and she remembered the dance lessons they’d both been forced to attend. The princess smiled, a spark of wit coming to her eyes. “Looking to impress the ladies after your misstep, hm? I suppose I could be of assistance,” she teased her friend.

Before Lucinda allowed him to lead her way, she greeted the new arrivals to their group that Aria had brought over. “Duchess Melda, it’s always a pleasure to see you. You look quite well and that dress is lovely,” she said, smiling at the older woman. She looked over the two young baronesses for a moment before giving them a smile. “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of being acquainted and I prefer to do my own introductions. That being said, I am Lucinda Noru, Princess of Palico,” she said, smiling. She noticed Duke Theo had also joined their group and greeted him with a smile as well. “Duke Theodore, I haven’t seen you in ages. I hope you have been well. I’d love to talk more, but I have promised a dance to our gracious host, so you’ll have to excuse me,” she said. Turning from the group, she joined Vladimir on the floor where the two began to dance, gracefully maneuvering around the crowd and following the beat of the music.