Amidst the Winter [Zane]

[Zero]

His slip of the tongue might have been noticed, but Dimitri was thankful when it was not pointed out. Honestly it was rather embarrassing. Dimitri Orlov did not say things when he did not mean to! The incident passed and Amaya led him into the garden off the ballroom. His eyes were immediately drawn to the metal mesh dome, peering it it curiously for several moments while Amaya explained about the grape vines that would have been there in the summer.

"How interesting. None of the gardens at the castle in Rillaria have domes for vines, in fact, I believe this is the first time I've seen a full dome. There are some trellises for wisteria in the garden at the Orlov Estate, but not at all like this." He turned his attention back to her, smiling and tilting his head. "I would be pleased to return in the summer, provided your father extends his most excellent hospitality again."

Turning his gaze elsewhere he examined the many plants that were preparing to go dormant for the winter. There was a very lovely and complimentary collection here, but it was the wrong time of year to get the full appreciation. That was actually a pity. "Let's continue, shall we?"

[Zane]

"I do believe my father would be quite... ardent for the opportunity to play host to you again. Though, I doubt he would say no to a request you have you within his estate. Looks very good on our family, outwardly mind you." Amaya state as she lead Dimitri though the garden and around to the back of the house. The worn path through the grass spoke clearly, the brothers spent a lot of time in the Proving Ground.

It wasn't long before the clacking of practice swords striking hard against each other could be made out clearly. Just as Amaya and Dimitri rounded the corner, it was clear who was going to win. David was facing off against Micheal, a short wooden sword in each hand while Micheal had a much longer two hand sword, also wooden. Micheal looked quite haggard whereas David seemed near refreshed.

David batted away a lunge and drove the point of his own sword home. Martin, who had been refereeing the bout, called out the hit and stepped between them. "Micheal, you were opening yourself up to much. Too much follow through. You had the advantage of reach here, you fell short because you could not consistently threaten your opponent with the tip of your sword. If you can't land a strike on your opponent, make sure they can't advance." Martin rounded on David, "What they hell was that? You could have ended the bout on six separate occasions, but instead, you toyed with him. Always go for the kill in a battle. Even an untrained fool with a kitchen knife can get lucky."

"And finally! Shame on the both of you," he began as a smile spread across his face, "For not saluting your Lord Sovereign as he because visible." It was then that the other brothers took notice of Amaya and Dimitri. All the brothers snapped into a soldier's salute in unison.

[Zero]

"I'm sure he will be eager to see me again after this visit." Of course Lord Zamt'ris would extend future invitations to the High Lord of the province. Undoubtedly Dimitri would receive countless invitations to all sorts of events, from grand balls to weddings, and more from any number of the noble houses. It would be a nice tangle of political nightmare. Having to carefully choose whose parties to attend and whom to politely decline begging one excuse or another.

His attention was drawn away from thoughts of parties by the sounds of practice weapons striking against each other. When they rounded the corner and the proving grounds came into view Dimitri took note of each of the three brothers present. Dimitri was especially keen to listen to Martin's chastising of David and Michael's mistakes.

Dimitri would have been quite content to have his presence ignored and for the three to continue about their business undisturbed, but naturally Amaya and his entrance had not gone unnoticed. When the three men turned to salute him very formally he bowed his head slightly to them in acknowledgement before cracking an easy smile. "At ease."

[Zane]

David was the first to take up the mantle of coversation, "To what do we owe the pleasure, M'lord? Care to try your magic against our weapons? Or would you rather observe the best warriors House Zamt'ris has ever produced spar?"

Micheal seized the opportunity, "Well yeah, I guess Martin and I could spar for a bit." Which earned him a cuff on the shoulder from his younger brother.

Amaya stepped in to save Dimitri from their pickings, "I was giving our honorable guest a tour of the estate, we decided to stop here and see if you three were stacking off in your training." She added a quip of her own before glancing up at the sky, "It will be about on hour before breakfast, make sure you three are cleaned up." Turning back to Dimitri, she added, "I can show you to the stables if you wish, or perhaps the family library is more to your liking."

[Zero]

Dimitri had immediately begun trying to think up an acceptable refusal to the offer of testing his magic against them, but was saved from it by Amaya who gracefully stepped in to excuse them. She was a very graceful young woman, wasn't she? Dimitri could admire her poise. Of course these were only her brothers they were dealing with, not the court, but it was a nice indication.

He smiled down at her before gesturing towards the manor. "I will find the library much more of interest, and the stables can be saved for another time or another day. There is no rush, I've plenty of time to see it all. Do you have a favorite book, Lady Amaya? I'm rather partial to non-fiction studies over fairytales, but I can appreciate a good book of adventurous heroes from time to time."

[Zane]

Amaya curtsied curtly, "A wise choice. These clothes aren't exactly fitting for long walks, but I figured I should offer nonetheless." She began to walk on, trying to not draw any attention to her brothers now exchanging coins. Apparently some small bets had come closed. Ayama's sharp eyes noted that David came out ahead in this exchange.

While she had already picked out the shortest possible path to the library, she kept up the conversation. "I hate to disappoint you, but since finding the journal I told you about earlier, my focus has been centered around unlocking it's mysteries. However, while hunting out reference material, I did come across what appeared to be a historical account of a spell sword by the name of Braxxis. But the more I read, the more fanciful and epic his achievements became. Granted, I haven't actively hunted for it, I have failed to find a single mention of a Braxxis in any history or compiled text. Quite an oddity it was."

The turned around the far corner of the building before making another turn soon after into a set of doors. "If you would like, I will see if I can find it for you, then you might have a crack at it." From there, they ascended a flight of stairs and turned down a hallway. "But before finding the journal, I greatly enjoyed the works of Zane Marshall, we actually have his original transcriptions. My favorite of these would have to be the Mythic History set of novels." She opened a set of double doors and stepped aside for Dimitri to enter the room,  It seemed to be a large sitting room with large bookshelves on all the walls. Not at all unlike what you might find in any other manor. "Welcome to the Zamt'ris Library."

[Zero]

The High Lord either did not see or simply ignored the coins being exchanged between the brothers as he walked next to Amaya as she continued on with the tour. He offered her a light smile as she spoke about the journal and this spellsword called Braxxis. "You don't disappoint me at all, Lady Amaya. Your focus and passion can be considered quite admirable traits. Although now you have me curious as well. I have never heard of such an individual. I would very much like to see this historical text."

He was doing his best to keep track of every turn, every staircase, and every door. The manor was laid out in an easy to navigate format, as she had told him earlier. "The original transcripts?" Dimitri asked with a raised brow as he stepped into the library, turning his attention away from his beautiful hostess and to the walls lined with books. It wasn't an unusual looking library by any means, but was still impressive - to him most libraries were. He closed his eyes briefly and breathed deeply before opening his eyes with a smile as he looked to Amaya. "How lovely. No matter how many libraries I visit, there is always something...magical about stepping into one."

Dimitri chuckled softly as he moved further into the room, eyes wandering the shelves with an obvious pleasure. "I think I have found my favorite room in the manor. Of course the library is always my favorite room anywhere I go." Well, his favorite indoor room, to be sure. His heart would always yearn for the gardens and the libraries.

[Zane]

Walking along on wall, Amaya's hand slid lightly across the spines. Without looking at the titles, she selected a book and pulled it free. It was evident she spent alot of time here. "Here you are, the Account of Braxxis." She held the book out to him. It was a pretty thick leather bound hardbook. Ornately done but looked very old. At one time there had been a gold leaf inlay, but it seemed most of it had flecked away. There was also some slight singeing, but it too was faded from age. "My closest estimate puts that book at about one hundred years old. The Master Librarian thinks I am underestimating. Though he long dismissed the idea of Braxxis as fantasy. I disagree." She took a seat in one of the chairs, intently watching the High Lord with this strange History.

[Zero]

It was difficult for Dimitri to divide his attention between the many books, and Amaya. He tried to keep one eye on the fair woman he was supposed to be assessing for marriageability, but the shelves upon shelves of tomes called to him mercilessly. How could a man such as himself, a scholar at heart, resist such a siren song?

At least until she offered him this mysterious book about Braxxis, the intrigue was enough to break the spell the library had cast upon him. Dimitri took the book carefully, but calculatingly, allowing his fingers to brush against Amaya's for a moment as the leather tome changed hands. For a moment he simply gazed at her intently as she explained what they knew, or didn't know, about Braxxis and his book.

Satisfied, he turned his lilac eyes to the leather spine. Holding it gingerly in one hand he let his fingers lightly trace the faded and flaked gold inlay on the cover before opening it to the first page and brushing his fingertips against the page as he read the first few paragraphs - which only served to increase his curiosity. "It certainly is mysterious, isn't it? I find it remarkable that I have never heard of such a book or man if it is truly is close to the age you suggest."

[Zane]

"That's partly why the Librarian opted to dismiss it as fiction. But I refuse to do so. Fiction has this feel to it, the language is informal and impassioned, the tales inspiring and exaggerated. Not so with this book. In this paradox of text, you fill find a form, studious, and academic recounting of the many deeds of Braxxis Therogood. From his pinnacle role in the Summer War, to his seduction of Fae folk, to his conquest of a Faeyn Court, his treasonous Siege of Order of the Moon's Barracks. All told, Braxxis would have lived at least 150 years. Yet I have found no reference to him anywhere." She folded on leg over the other, sitting in a very courtly posture. It was habitual around guests.

"The end of that book seems to hint at something else at play, some sort of.." she paused for a moment, trying to find a word to replace conspiracy, which had been what she was about to say, but she was talking to the High Lord after all, "..Subterfuge."

She began to recite the text from memory. "Over the past year, I have noticed the increasing lack of information on Braxxis Therogood, he does not exist within the living memory of the rising generation, and I fear that most people of my own era are beginning to excuse the man as myth. Stories I have found of late have painted him as a man that did not bleed and could rend mountains to rubble with his bare hands. As I already know, this is simply not true. As far as myths and legends go, his is not one that is spoken often, like all the world is happy to forget this man among men. But more troubling still is the unease I have felt of late, the more I search for information about Braxxis, the more I feel like I am being watched. Recently, My residence was searched on an anonymous tipping that I was a fae worshiper. That is, of course, high scandal and lies, but resisting would only look bad. I was cleared but I found that what information I had gathered on Braxxis was gone. I am trusting my gut on this one, and leaving the tale of braxxis behind me, to be published after my death. Sincerely, Master N."

She shrugged her shoulders in a polite fashion, "I've more or less stopped trying to solve the puzzle, but you are more than welcome to it. And if you can figure it out, I will show you a secret about Manor Zamt'ris." She said with a wry smile.

[Zero]

Dimitri continued to flip through the pages, skimming over them, only pausing to read passages that truly demanded his attention. Of course while he did this he was still politely listening to his hostess. Of course everything Amaya had to say of the book only raised more questions, and the mystery of it deepened further. He wondered just how much time she had spent studying the story of Braxxis that she had committed such an excerpt to memory.

"I agree with you that it seems to be written as a scholarly record and account of this man Braxxis. However I find myself struggling to accept the idea that a man of such supposed renown could simply be erased and forgotten. Why and by whom? I doubt the Order would bother with such an extreme measure." He flipped through a few more pages before closing it with a sigh and spared Amaya a bemused smile.

"You ask a high price for this secret, my lady. Or are you merely challenging me to succeed where you have failed? Would solving this mystery help to win the fair lady's affections?" Now his expression had become almost teasing as he held out the book to her.

[Zane]

She made no move to take the book and her eyes shined with amusement, "Surely Your Grace Doth not think this secret be so small that this quest the Lady hath bequeath to him be ill-rewarded? And if perhaps not her affection, Your Grace would most assuredly acquire a Lady's Admiration, and she would be assured of his scholarly fortitude." She has switched to a slightly more archaic form of Common, namely only used now during time honored traditions such as an Ascension to Knighthood, or Church Courts.

She leaned forward and pushed the book back towards him, "Consider it a gift, to celebrate your eventual betrothal." With that, she stood and straightened out her gown, "Breakfast is likely to be ready soon, will you accompany me?" She held out her arm to him, her palm downward with her hand bent like she might try to pick up something.

[Zero]

It was difficult not to laugh, truly, Dimitri's soft purple eyes were sparkling with laughter even as his lips twitched in their attempt to remain neutral at her teasing words. Her use of an old, formal dialect was quite unexpected. From what he had seen she was a very serious individual, full of propriety and grace. He liked the little glimpses he got of breaking from rigid expectations.

"The Lady's admiration would be almost as good as her affection, I suppose." Dimitri mused as he accepted the book graciously. Hopefully his betrothal would be a reason for celebration. For him it still felt as if a hangman's noose was about his neck and slowly tightening. He was doing this to quiet his naysayers and to make the people of his province happy, it was his duty to them.

Putting aside grim thoughts, Dimitri forced on his much practiced easy smile as he gave a flourish of a bow before stepping up beside Lady Amaya and offering her his arm as a proper gentleman should. "It would be my great pleasure to accompany you to breakfast, my fair lady."

That at least was not a lie, for out of all the women he had met so far along this trip, he found Amaya's company the most enjoyable.

[Zane]

And so they left the library behind, heading for the dining hall. Breakfast was quite hardy, bacon, sausage, eggs scrambled until they were light and fluffy, as well as biscuits and a nice white gravy. It was a bit queer to have a meal that one would normally expect to have at a tavern for a pretty penny, but the food tasted amazing. The way the cook had seen it, the High Lord had enough light and elegant meals over this tour of eligible maidens, he needed something flavorful. And Flavorful it was, table conversation almost ceased as people ate. Only the greatest of compliments to the chef could match the symphony of a silent table.

Unlike everyone else, Amaya had added a spicy paste to a number of the things brought out. Spicy bacon and sausage was so much better, and the paste actually gave the eggs some flavor in her opinion. After breakfast, Altira spoke up, "Your Grace? Juniper and I were going to go to the stables, and we were wondering if you would like to come with us?"

[Zero]

Perhaps such a breakfast might be considered plain in some noble houses, but Dimitri voiced no complaint as he tucked into his plate, the High Lord had lightly dribbled a touch of the white gravy over everything on his plate. It might not have been considered a fancy meal, but it was delicious and filling. That there were no attempts at conversation was both pleasing and surprising. Although considering the quality of the food perhaps not so surprising. He had noticed that Amaya had some unusual smelling paste added to her breakfast.

Dimitri leaned back in his chair with a contented sigh when his plate was cleared and he had washed his breakfast down with a fresh cup of coffee. Lilac eyes watched as breakfast ended all around the table, mentally preparing himself for the return of the demands on his attention. It was not a long wait. A familiar easy smile settled onto his lips as he made eye contact with Altira and rose from the table. Well, he had wanted to see the stables anyway. At least the two sweet youngest sisters were not Bellamy! "I could hardly refuse such a polite a request from two of my lovely hostesses."

Like a proper gentleman, he moved to Altira's side and offered the young lady his arm, flashing her a charming, albeit (convincing) fake, smile. She had made the request, after all, and of the four available young women, Altira was the one of the two going to the stables that he still had to decide whether or not to consider. Even so, he turned that same smile onto Juniper and gestured with his other arm. "How lucky I am to have two arms, the better to accept the privilege of escorting two such beautiful women." Despite that he was not considering Juniper any longer, he would never be rude or dismissing towards the shy girl.

[Zane]

Altira rose from her chair and took his hand, like there was not nor had there ever been any doubt that she belonged at his side. The youngest Zamt'ris held herself well, with a confidence that rivaled most men, but was somehow not in the least bit boastful. Martin nodded to himself as David slid two coins into his hand from under the table.

Juniper rose to join them, and while graceful, it was obvious that she was focused on not tripping herself up, and had none of the easy and self assured grace that Altira had. Micheal flipped a heavy coin across the table into David's waiting hand with a subtlety only afforded by masters of combat and only noticed by mothers, sisters, and skilled archers.

"Do you know the way to the stables, Your Grace?" The question was polite and her tone was appropriate, but her eyes belied the true meaning. She knew he knew the way, she knew Amaya had given him a tour, but she would lead him without judgement if he had already lost his way.

[Zero]

"Your lovely sister did tell me where to find them, Lady Altira, although sadly we did not have time to visit them before breakfast." Dimitri didn't appear to notice all the coins changing hands, but of course he had two young women to occupy his attention. It was rather impressive to see the youngest daughter so very confident and assured of herself. The High Lord made a mental note to himself that even if he didn't choose her, Altira was going to be a very formidable woman some day not terribly far into the future.

Juniper, on the other hand, while graceful, did not exude the confidence of any of her sisters. Such a sweet girl, he could never marry her. The life of the High Lady would be far too much for a girl like her. Not marrying her would actually be doing her a favor, even if she didn't realize it. It was a shame he couldn't think of a younger relative of his to suggest to Lord Zamt'ris.

At any rate, with both young ladies secured he smiled and began retracing his steps that would eventually lead them to the stables. Along the way it would be good to gather more information. "So you both enjoy riding? Any showing or jumping?"

It wasn't unheard of for young ladies to participate in such competitions. He had never gotten into such things, but it was good to show interest in all of the sisters. Although Dimitri was already more keenly interested in Amaya than any of the other three young women he had met here - or anywhere else, for that matter.

[Zane]

While true, Juniper was typically a very shy thing. Crowds unsettled her, men made her voice falter, and the mere idea of possibly being hurt could stall her into inaction. There was one exception that consistently pulled her out of her shell. Altira. The two girls had been born just shy of a year apart. They practically grew up together. For that reason, Juniper always felt far more comfortable around her much bolder sister.

The older of the two gave a soft giggle before answering. "I couldn't ride to save my life, I just like to interact with the horses. However, Altira could ride circles around your best knight." While Altira's face gave no reaction to the praise, her eyes said it all. What are you doing? Juniper's own grin grew and her eyes sparkled. No idea! Seemed like the right thing to say!. Having spent so much time together growing up, Altira and Juniper could practically have full length conversations with each other with nothing but subtle body language. And they did, quite often. Last night the silent conversation had been about the High Lord not so much as looking over to Bellamy save for when she was the topic of conversation.

"My sister has a tendency to think too highly of others, and too little of herself. But she is correct, I do ride." Altira's comment was a mix of saving face and deflecting praise. The Courts were built upon the appearance of humility and subdued smug. Also, to suggest that a woman could do something better than a trained and respected member of the gentry was galling. No matter how true it was. Besides, she didn't need pride to know how good she was on horseback. She had been trained by her brother Michael. A prominent member of the Order of the Moon. She could likely ride a wolf if ever there were one big enough to ride!

When they crossed into the gardens, Altira motioned for him to go straight across as opposed to turning around the side of the building. "Take the Grove Path. It goes straight to the stables, is a walk in the shade, and looks better. And, the Hydrangeas are in late bloom this year, they look stunning along the path, dappled in shade and light as they are."

[Zero]

Dimitri raised a brow coolly at Juniper's rather large boast to Altira's abilities on a horse. That was quite the claim. He wondered if it was true. Rather intriguing.

The guards wearing Orlov colors shuffled slightly, they had been following the High Lord discreetly almost since he had stepped out of his carriage the following day. There were always two of them, taking turns so that he was always guarded. Apparently they were skeptical of Juniper's declaration of her sister's prowess.

The High Lord turned his head to smile charmingly down at Altira as she attempted to deflect the praise with grace before directing him smoothly on the best route to the stables. Yes, she would be a formidable young woman indeed. He could only imagine as to the kind of man she might end up with.

"Thank you, Lady Altira. I always love a scenic route, and have a special fondness for flora. This path will be much nicer. I'm curious about your sister's suggestion of your riding capabilities. It would be very interesting to put that boast to the test." He could probably convince one of his men to even ride in direct competition. Wouldn't that be exciting to watch? At least, as long as the young lady actually did her best. He would hate to see her throw such a competition out of a sense of propriety.

If he could even get her to participate in such a contest.

[Zane]

Altira coolly eyed the two guardsmen following them. She could thrash them, easily. "If it pleases you, Your Grace, There is a large paddock not far from the stable. If you truly desire it, the perimeter of the paddock would be a most opportune place to put my sister's overly generous compliment to the test." Like hell would she pass up on opportunity prove that women could be just as talented- if not more so -than a man. There were far too few Lady Knights in the Provence for her to let this opportunity pass her by.

The scenic route was beautiful, but it seemed- to Altira - to be over far more quickly than usual, now that the prospect of a competition had come about. With the stables looming into view, she almost shivered with anticipation. It had been a good month since she had gotten to run Rapscallion as hard as she knew he could.