The lake by now was bustling with activity. Vendors had set up areas in which to sell the floating candles, and many lines were beginning to form around them, while others were beginning to stake claims to areas around the lake shore. Though on the opposing side, it appeared as if some of the well-to do families had begun to arriving, lords dropping off their pretty daughters in a fan fair of colors and glittering jewels. Matron's Hallow had never witnessed such a sight, so many lovely ladies, and so many royals to oogle at.
The General was doing his rounds, surrounded by a few of his more elite guards as he passed through the vendor's square, and seemed not to notice Faolán as he simply walked past. There was much for him to do today, much at stake... however, he had an idea that this sort of event would go uneventful..
at least nothing terrible upfront, but he had a sneaking suspicion something was broiling beneath the surface. After all... the duchess had been very displeased that Duke Calent would not be in attendance, and he had a feeling this event had been made especially for him.
Though General Serenus wasn't the only one wary of this event. Though her duchy had been so far away, she had been lucky enough to get word about it at last minute while Lady Valia had made her way towards the Hallow. But really, all of this fuss to expose beauty? Pah! Despite warnings the thing was rigged, Valia's head was filled with bubbling dreams of winning such an event, so when she noted the crowds gathering around, it only helped to fuel her ego- that was, until she noticed when Duchess Melora and her daughter arrived, both in absurdly ornate garments and dresses that glittered off the evening sun's light. Her own jaw had to drop at the beauty of it all, and she suddenyl felt ashamed for not dressing up even more.
But there was still time left in the day to add more dazzles to her costume, so as the carriage rolled she let out a scream. "STOP!" and the carriage lurched to a halt. "Stop right here. I must get into town. I need to add more finesse to my garment."
"But lady Valia.." the coach man tried to protest, which simply landed him a shoe in the face.
"Just do as I say and let us get to town!" but when the coach man tried to turn around, the wheels onthe carriage got stuck in the muddy ground.
"Would it not be wiser to simply joint he other ladies at the other end of the lake? That way you won't miss the event."
"None sense!" Valia said with a sneer. "Now be quick about fixing this bloody carriage wheel before I flog you good!"
"But Lady Valia, it could take nearly half an hour to fix-"
"Oh, what a fool you are!" she shouted, her pink eyes hot with rage before she leaped out of the carriage. "Then I shall see myself into town and make the changes on my own. Just see to the carriage and that it is fixed and come swing by the market when I am done. Post haste!" and with that, the lady in her hot pink skirts rushed off down the way, not realizing that, as she spung around to leave, she had run smack into another person nearby the lake...
a certain wanna be solider in training.
"Why don't you watch it where you are going!?" Valia hissed, throwing out her chest, which were bulging beneath her dress as if ready to pop out, all the while her pretty pink eyes were glaring daggers at him.
