Spirits of the Earth

So somehow this became something for Spice! 8D
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This was the largest, grandest church in all of Reajh. All of Connlaothian nobility and royalty attended this church when they were within the capitol, and it was the church that the Grand Duke himself took his religious services in. It was no wonder; the sweeping cathedral ceilings depicted a mural of the rise of Ansgar, as well as that of the saint of the Knight of the White Lily. The very finest architects and craftsmen in all the kingdom had built and carved it, and the greatest artists had decorated it. Everywhere you looked the light glinted of a gilded surface.

It was perhaps the most beautiful building that Lillian Coleridge could think of in the entire world. Her father had brought her here when she was a child, on those rare state visits to Reajh. The church the Coleridge family attended in Orchy was certainly beautiful and grand, but not like this, not even close. Over the past five years this had become her church. Most of the Knights of the White Lily came to this church; it was just expected, really. She knew many Mordecai, knights, and high-ranking officers of the military also attended this church, as well as Reajh's wealthier citizens.

Not that Lillian really minded. Her family had always been extremely religious and conservative. Still, something left her feeling homesick today as service ended and people began to leave or mill about, chatting with people they knew. Normally it would be a crowded and noisy affair, but attendance was down with the war, and those that did stay spoke in hushed whispers in small groups.  Most of her fellow White Lilies left immediately after service ended. Many of them probably had work to do. Lillian didn't have another patrol or any chores to worry about until tomorrow

Sighing softly the young woman leaned forward, folding her arms on the pew in front of the one she was seated at, resting her chin on her arms as she gazed up at the great statue of Ansgar behind the pulpit. Jade eyes occasionally glanced at the well-dressed nobles that milled about, a small part of her envying the women in their silken dresses. She'd loved dressing up in silk and lace before being sent to train to become a White Lily. Sometimes she still thought it was unfair that someone like her had been given such a gift. To what purpose did her life serve as an Adhara? She didn't like hurting people, and that seemed to be what her entire reason for being was anymore – to bring pain and suffering.

Hunting mages was an emotionally exhausting task. They didn't really look, sound, or behave differently than other people. It was hard for her to swallow the justification given for ruining these people's lives, for breaking apart families, for shipping people to horrible camps when their only crime had been to simply exist. Still, she was a Coleridge, and a Coleridge did not falter in their duty just because of something as petty as it being hard.

More and more people left, wandering off to return to their self-absorbed lives; or leaving together for whatever purpose. Lillian remained seated until she was very nearly alone in the church. After so long sitting on a hard bench her back creaked more than a little as she stood. Stretching a bit she looked around, wondering what to do with herself. Without any assigned duties she felt kind of lost and alone in Reajh. This wasn't her home in Orchy, she probably had more enemies in this city than she could care to count – although technically they would be her father's enemies, she supposed.

There wasn't really a reason to stay any longer. Everyone had left or was leaving, and she didn't think she would find any answers to the doubts in her heart. Smoothing down the quilted, dove grey tunic bearing the white lily of her order, she started slowly down the aisle, heading for the exit. Maybe she should do some practice in the garrison sparring yard.

In the last row, in the last pew sat a man dressed as any other- except for a few subtle trinkets that might have distinguished he was not only from Turgall, but a Duke. But his choice of clothing got him no notice- and the feeling radiating from his form warned others to leave him alone- for he was in dark clothing- a cloak over his head- (which was odd for being inside a building) and his form was stooped over as he was on bended knee in prayer.

Though it was hard to tell if this man was really praying or not- but one thing was for certain, the candle light caught just enough off his face to showcase the glistening tears as they fell. No one normally approached a solitaire man in mourning- or so that's what it would seem Blaith Harmond- Duke of Turgall, was doing as he kept on his knee and shivered once against the pew.

He didn't care his tears were running down his nose, nor dripping onto the floor, or soiling the sides of his heavy sleeves. He didn't care that everyone passed him- treated him like a shadow, for he wanted to be alone. But too many times did he wonder who he really was anymore- and with his twin sister missing, he had no one left to turn to.

No one understood his pain. No one could know his secret-
and even he had  hard time telling fact from fiction as he raised a hand and cupped it over his eyes. Even as grown as he was, he could not stop his emotions from getting the better of him-
But at least this time his emotions were that of his own,a nd that was just another reason for his misery.

For Blaith Harmond was utterly alone.

Had the church still been crowded and noisy, Lillian could have easily passed right by the shadow of a man in the last pew near the back of the church. As it was, her jade eyes slid over him, taking in his clothing, the way he hunched up as he knelt, and she very nearly did keep walking. Everything about the man seemed unwelcoming, but something tugged at her attention. Stopping to stare at him, for several moments she couldn't decide what exactly had caught her attention so.

This was obviously a man in deep emotional or spiritual pain, she could practically feel it like a black cloud hanging over him. Scowling softly she approached tentatively, eyes roaming over him with an innocent curiosity, as well as concern for him. Once she was close enough she realized why her attention had been captured. She could see the sigils of Turgall on his person, and she thought she recognized him from what she could see of his face.

The young woman kept a respectful distance of a few feet before kneeling, keeping her head bowed. It had been a long, long time since she had seen this man, but dusting off memories of her childhood Lillian had been able to recall his face and name. As the daughter of a Duke it was part of her duty to know the names and faces of other nobility and royalty.

"Duke Harmond? Are you alright?" The words came out soft, and she didn't really look at him, instead focusing on looking forward towards the front of the church. It would have been terribly rude to stare at his public...display.

With a hand poised over his eyes, it left his lips still exposed as he grimaced at the sound of a voice. Though it was not familiar- somehow this woman knew who he was.
"Do I look alright?" the voice came out firm, a bit gruff; but his voice had been dry and coarse from crying. He didn't even bother to look at her.
"But last time I checked, the church was an open place for the needy."
And he was in definite need of some help.

Lillian had the good grace to blush softly. Perhaps it had been a foolish question, he obviously wasn't alright. She had no idea why he was weeping in a church, but it really wasn't any of her business. There had just been the urge to come over and offer him company, if nothing else. If he was mourning shouldn't someone have been there to comfort him?

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...of course you're not alright. I just...can I help?" Her voice had become timid and shy. This was one of those moments when she didn't feel much like a woman, more like a silly, fumbling little girl. Next to Duke Harmond she was just a silly girl, indeed, the last time she'd seen him she hadn't even flowered yet. He probably wouldn't even remember her.

Blaith laughed, but it quickly faded on his lips. He kept his head lowered.
"I don't know if you can help me. I'm not sure even Ansgar can. Not unless you can change fate, change my mind- or break it- I don't know. Maybe it's already broken." He gave another soft breathy laugh before finally turning towards her. She didn't look at all familiar as he made a face.
"How is it that you know me, girl?"

Something about the laughter sent chills up Lillian's spine, and his words only further alarmed her. What was he talking about? Broken minds? The thought that he might be insane only flickered through her briefly. He obviously needed help. Any help.

His second laugh made her shudder slightly, but he had turned to look at her at last. The young woman tilted her head, glancing at him through half-lidded eyes, he'd be able to see her face more clearly, but it was pretty obvious he didn't know her. Not surprising, she had expected as much. Blaith Harmond didn't look all that different than the last time she'd seen him, a touch older, perhaps, but still recognizably the same man. She on the other hand, had matured from a mere child into a woman.

"I'm not surprised you don't remember me. I remember you, though. It's...Lillian Coleridge. You're probably more familiar with my father, Duke Micah Coleridge - or my older siblings, Gabriel and Evelyn."

"Ah.... yes," he said with a nod at the recollection, and moved a thick, gloved hand to wipe away his tears. He flashed her a smile. "I'm surprised you ever grew up. I always envisioned you'd be the sort to stay young forever."

Ah, so he did remember, now that she'd jogged his memory with her name. Lillian rewarded his smile with a rather brilliant one of her own, the kind that really made her jade eyes light up and sparkle. "What sort stays young forever? Everyone grows up, if they're fortunate to live long enough."

"That sounds like the talk of a soldier." And upon further examination, his eyes sparkled a bit as he chuckled through a smile. "But seems like you've got that part cut out to you." He gave the metal of her armor a flick as it dinged. "Found out you were mordecai?"

Lillian went so far as to make a face at him when he flicked her armor. How childish! Of course that didn't stop her from smiling. "Oh if only it were as simple as being a mordecai. I think they at least still get to..." She blinked, realizing she was about to lament once again about her inability to marry, only out loud this time. Shaking her head with a sheepish smile. "They found out that I'm an adhara, so Knight of the White Lily for me. I didn't realize that Ansgar had a sense of humor until I found out he gave me such a gift."

She really shouldn't complain. She should feel blessed. Lillian knew this. Ansgar had given her a rare and unique gift and she should be thankful for the opportunity to serve him as a pure and holy vessel for his will. Somehow she didn't feel blessed as much as cursed at times.

"Adhara?" Blaith recoiled his hand as if she were made of poison. He looked her over with a more soured smile. "Aye, I'd have to agree. Ansgar's name- I never would have considered the young lady Coleridge in armor."

Jade eyes blinked as Blaith recoiled from her so. What kind of reaction was that? Scowling softly she looked away, a little embarrassed. "I don't think anyone did. When they found out about my gift I think it broke father's heart. He had such plans for me. Of course when you're adhara you no longer get to have your own plans, so here I am, in Reajh of all places."

Despite his first reaction to what she was, his ears perked up and she peered over at her- listening to what she had to say.
"An unfortunate curse of our religion," he told her solemnly- and reflected over his own 'curse'. "But there are far worse things than possessing such a gift. But my condolences to you and your family. I can only imagine your father's pain." Though in a way, he knew far too well of it.

But then reflecting on her last statement he afforded her a small smile.
"Not a fan of the city?" He peered up at the ceiling of the church. "It is a bit too grand for my tastes.. To big, to... " He shrugged and didn't finish that thought, but kept his blue eyes upon the sky lights that glittered down on them in golden, colored rays from painted pains of glass.

Lillian nodded her head, feeling foolish for having complained. There were so many things that could have been worse. Ansgar forbid - she could have been a mage! Which reminded her one of the reasons her heart was so troubled. It seemed insanely unfair that people given an ability - one they hadn't asked for - could be so punished. To Lillian it seemed as if there was barely a difference at all between her and a mage when you got to the core of it. Both given a power they hadn't asked for, and both punished for it - albeit in very different ways.

"The city is alright, I guess. Perhaps it is just me being silly, but I feel dreadfully homesick for the beautiful orchards of Orchy. I think I miss my family more than the countryside, though. Father's lectures, Gabriel's warm smile, the sparkle in his eyes when Cyrus knows he's doing something he shouldn't. Even Evelyn's haughty admonishments."

A Knight of the White Lily shouldn't be complaining about something petty like missing home, but she couldn't help it. She missed her old life, was that really such a wrong thing? "Sorry, you probably don't want to listen to a foolish woman's ramblings."

At least he was smiling now instead of crying. She wanted so badly to ask what had caused him to react so strongly, but it would be rude.

Blaith only smiled at her words, but it was not a smile realized in his eyes.
"The war makes us all miss home. And our families."
For Blaith- he was truly the only one left- minus a few cousins, though most of which were never close. Graetus was the only one seen around him as of lately and Katahnia...
She had been erased from public knowledge as quickly as she was introduced. ANd no one knew her real origins. But no one had to.

As soon as he said the words Lillian realized that her prattling on about her family and home was probably not helping at all. Here she'd come to try to make him less upset, and was probably only compounding the problem.

"I'm sorry, like I said, just being silly." Chewing on her bottom lip slightly in thought, she tried to summon up something else to talk about. Five years had truly taken their toll on her! Her entire young life had been training to entertain and amuse men with her wit and charm and she had always enjoyed socializing at parties as a child. Now she seemed at a loss of what to say.

"Whatever made you so upset, I'm sorry. The war has been trying on everyone." She wondered if someone close to him had perished. Thank Ansgar her father and brothers were alive and well so far.

Blaith had lost a lot to his war- with a sister that he believed was kidnapped and taken to Fort Dhagh and will soon be public knowledge as a mage...
and his parents...

He didn't even want to think of that.
So he flashed her a forced smile, one that showed his teeth but only glittered his eyes because of his remaining tears. He had a lot of deciding to do- and quick. Angsar save him- he was going to bring this war on himself.

"There is no need to apology, Lilly." Then he paused to correct himself with a rigid bow. "Or should I say,- Lady Lillian Coleridge. But war is the people's burden to bear, and as long as we continue to give up our shoulders, we continue to expose our necks. Forgive me. I'm going to be late." And he pushed passed her to exit the pew.

Everyone knew that Kella Harmond had been missing for years, but nobody knew what had become of her. Well, that wasn't true, there were some people that knew now, but Lillian wasn't one of them - yet. Ironic how close she was to finding out the truth about the mystery of what had happened to Kella Harmond.

Lilly? That was awfully informal, and unexpected. Lillian blinked, jade eyes going a little wide as he dismissed himself suddenly and pushed past her in an attempt to escape. Her goal had been to help, but she felt as if she'd only made things uncomfortable between them.

Rising her hand instinctively shot out to lightly grab to his coat sleeve, trying to stop him. The action surprised her, she shouldn't so such a thing! Sense told her to release him immediately, but she held on. "The war will never end if someone doesn't do something."

The words had come out a choked whisper, but she knew they were true. She released his sleeve then, face flushing at her behavior. "Forgive me, I wouldn't want to make you late, Duke Harmond."

Blaith too was surprised, and tensed when another dare touched him- but for different reasons than propriety. After hearing her words, his demeanor softened and he remained paused with her hand still on his sleeve.

But then the apology came and he stood there a moment and awkwardly digested what he said. Turning his face back to her, so she could barely catch his cheek and lips, he spoke,
"There is no need to apologize. Perhaps it would do me some good to be late from time to time." He shifted his weight to turn to her, so that she could see more of his profile as his blue eyes sought her green ones.

"I have two horses if you wish to join me in a run. It would be nice to catch up- to see what's been going on outside of Turgall."

Lillian didn't miss the tension her grabbing him had caused, it was to be expected, really. He was a duke, she just the daughter of one, and someone he didn't even know that well. It had been wrong of her to try to detain him, even if only for a moment.

Just moments before he'd seemed so eager to be away from her, so when he seemed to soften, she felt a touch of relief. For a moment her heart had stopped, but now that he didn't seem angry it had resumed beating, although a little more quickly than before as she gazed up at his eyes - they were a very pretty shade of blue.

"I would be honored." The words came almost automatically. She shouldn't accept an invitation to ride with him! Then again, what could it hurt? Blaith was the duke of Turgall. Wouldn't it have been rude to refuse? She was a Knight of the White Lily, Lillian reminded herself, not just a lady, and she didn't have to run to her father for permission at every turn. Her lips curved into a smile. "And I would enjoy the company."

Blaith flashed her a smile, a more real one this time, but even that one didn't entirely reach his eyes.
"I'm surprised that you agreed. A knight of the white lily.. I would have thought the Grand Duke had you on a tighter leash," he commented as he lead her outside the church with him and towards the stable where he kept his horses and carriage.

Lillian made a face at the comment of being kept on a short leash. She wasn't a dog.

"I have no duties to see to today. I'm leaving the city in the morning, so I'm enjoying a day of leisure before riding north. As I see it, that means that today I can do whatever I please. I don't need the Grand Duke's permission to go for a ride." It still seemed odd to be called forth by name. She couldn't question or disobey the orders, so that really didn't leave her much choice but to go to this fort at the mountains.

Blaith nodded as he strolled beside her.
"Bet you've seen a lot of action. Things have gotten quite busy with the war."
Turning to her, he gave a curious tilt of his head.
"Heading to the camps?"
If someone was going North, it normally meant to the mage camps. Most of the war activities were focused up there- which is why it was rare things like Havanlaar and Thaedes ever happened. To think, entire cities brought to the ground to crush a rebellion....

Things had gotten busy, but Lillian had spent much of the last five years in training, not actual combat. What she had seen made her pretty sick to think about. It was also the reason she questioned Calent, his methods, her role and place in the world, and just about everything else. She'd never realized just how naive she was until entering her training as a Knight of the White Lily.

"I don't know if I'm really at liberty to discuss my assignment, Duke Harmond, I'm sure you understand." Report to General Serenus at Fort Dhagh, that was all she really knew anyway. Oh, and something about taking charge of a mage prisoner.

"I suppose that makes sense," he said, stepping into the stable and gesturing for her to approach the white mare he was untethering. "We've all got our secrets. And we all try to appease the crown."

Lillian eyed Blaith quizzically before stepping towards the mare as primly as you could expect in her partial armor. Her jade eyes glanced up at him, a delicate brow arching slightly. "I wasn't given much of a choice. My duty is to serve the crown. If that is appeasing it, then so be it."

Blaith peered up the knight with a crooked grin- this one a bit more realized than the last few smiles he spared her. Then he moved over to his own white horse, this one a stallion, and he slipped his oil slicked boots into the stirrup before throwing himself into the saddle. The saddle settled beneath his weight with a few jingles of the reigns as they were gathered in his gloved hands.

"Well, seems as if you have a choice now," he said, blue eyes dancing as he gave a press of his boots into the horses side, and he made off down the cobble stone at a light canter as the horse's hooves clopped against the stone road.

Climbing into the saddle, Lillian settled onto the mare easily, smiling with satisfaction at the way the animal felt and moved beneath her. Duke Harmond had good taste in horses. Still, she'd rather have been on her own stallion, the warhorse was almost an extension of her own body when she was in his saddle.

A moment later Blaith had taken off down the stone street. She gave the mare a nudge and followed, wondering what he meant about her having a choice. Lillian was still obligated to serve the crown, regardless of how she felt. Maybe she didn't agree with Calent, but it didn't matter - she still didn't have a choice.

"What choice are you talking about? Going for a ride?" She said as she caught up.

Blaith slowed his horse only enough for her to catch up.
"But of course," his grin tugged leftward on his face as he turned to observe her. "I'm sure if you asked during your off hours, the church would be more than happy to put you to work. There's been an influx in orphanages, some spilling into the charities of the church. But there's also repair work- again, things the church has sought out to help where it can. Makes me wonder where the resources are coming from- what with all the men being herded off to war."

Lillian watched his face, noting the way his grin seemed to favor to the left, an unconscious facial tick, perhaps? A personal indicator of just what that grin meant? It was an observation to note and further study at another time, perhaps. Maybe his smiles were just naturally crooked. He was a rather handsome man, very regal indeed. Odd that he'd never married. Hadn't her own sister wanted to marry him once?

Realizing she'd let herself get distracted her face flushed slightly as she gave him a rather sheepish look. "I don't know where the resources are coming from, but that's actually a good question." Now she was curious about that too. It hadn't occurred to her before, and she mentally chided herself for not thinking about such a thing. "As for volunteering for more work, why would I do that? I'm about to ride north to some frigid post near the mountains, I daresay they'll have plenty for me to worry about."

"Probably!" Blaith agreed through a breathy laugh. "There's a lot of work to do at the mage camps." For that is still where he presumed she would be going. Most mordecai and adhara were stationed there, after all.

"I suspect there's a lot of work to be done everywhere with the war going on." Lillian said, frowning softly as she was reminded of how much damage the war had caused. So many people had been killed, injured, or been horribly wronged by Calent's campaign against mages. The very concept of the mage camps were appalling to her, but nobody really cared about the opinion of one Duke's daughter.

"Yes, walls are crumbling down in the cities, men are in short supply- Though ironically enough," Blaith added with a chuckle. "There are not enough of your kind to patrol every city. So I'm not sure how much of his goals he realized are unrealistic. But who am I to speak out against the Grand Duke?" Lord knows he had tried on numerous occasions. But no one listened to him- and it pissed him off.

Lillian observed Blaith critically, yes, he was handsome, but there was something more that she needed to see. Especially when he spoke of speaking against the Grand Duke she flashed him a coy smile. "But Duke Harmond, you're exactly who should be speaking against the Grand Duke. It is the duty of every Duke to reach out to the Grand Duke, to ensure that he is truly seeing to the welfare of his people. All of his people. Is it not?"

"My lady, I can only do so much before I realize my voice falls on deaf ears. If you'd be in the political court, you'd hear my voice quite frequently. But those matters are always swept under the rug."

Lillian shifted lightly in her saddle, frowning softly. The world was full of so many reasons not to smile these days, and it was depressing. There was a time when it was hard to catch Lillian Coleridge without a bright smile on her sweet young face, but she'd been just a girl back then. "I would be in the political court if I was permitted the time, but I'm afraid the voice of a woman is often ignored anyway. If Calent is unwilling to listen to his people, then he will pay for it in the end."

Blaith gave a dry laugh before growing silent- blue eyes on the road before them when eventually he took his horse on a sharp right at the end of the road, and they were soon trotting across a field. The wind sweeping through the park felt freeing, with open grasses and no buildings to remain stifling and in your way. Yes, he needed a change of scenery- something to keep his mind off of those things that triggered his inevitable mental change.

Had she said too much? Lillian pursed her lips slightly as she followed along behind him, the dry laugh making her fidget slightly. Blaith probably thought she was foolish. Lillian wasn't the only Coleridge that tired of the war, but she didn't think any of her family members had ever openly criticized the Grand Duke before.

"Sorry, I speak too much sometimes." She murmured apologetically.

"Don't apologize. It's refreshing to hear. In fact, you should go on," he said, giving her a crooked smile as he cantered along side her, though still remaining somewhat in the lead.

"Go on with what?" Lillian asked, partially confused. "It isn't my place to question the Grand Duke or his policies, only to enforce them. Whether I think he is right or wrong makes no difference. It is much the same for wives, they can disagree with their husbands, but they are expected to hold their tongue and support him no matter his decisions."


It was how she'd been raised, and she knew that many girls were raised the same. Men made the decision, women were expected to accept those choices, regardless of how they felt. "Like becoming a Knight of the White Lily. We don't choose it, we're chosen. How we feel about it is irrelevant. Surely you know all this, Duke Harmond."

"Yes, I know it," he said haughtily. What Connloathian didn't? "But it doesn't mean I care, or support it. But I guess like every dog, I do what I'm told."

Did he really mean that? Lillian eyed Blaith with a soft air of suspicion. Was he trying to lull her into saying something that could be used disgracefully against her family? She'd already said too much, really. Even suggesting that she didn't agree with the Grand Duke was pretty bad.

"Forgive me if I find it hard to picture you as a dog 'doing what he's told', Duke Harmond." She replied honestly. There was a fierceness to his pale blue eyes, and he obviously didn't approve of Calent, perhaps he was trying to feel out how her father felt about the Grand Duke. "You remind me of my father." She blurted suddenly. Micah Coleridge didn't take kindly to cowering beneath anyone's boot, and she knew her father was growing impatient with the Grand Duke's policies.

Blaith shot a sharp gaze her way before looking at the open field of 'pedicured' greens that lined the park in the middle of the city. His voice grew silent for a while as they rode onward; and what turned out to be an invitation to an afternoon of riding was quickly turning into a soured political debate. His silence wasn't because of her, but because of himself, and he was trying his damnest to  swallow back his anger, but it radiated from his form like a flame.

"Then I feel sorry for your father," he murmured, tightening the reigns as he gave a sharp kick to the side of his horse and let the horse race with him forward into a gallop across the field. It felt freeing to have the winds rush against him- and helped cool off the demons that were rising to take their claim. But thye remained at bay, simmering just beneath his surface while he continued to fight to take a hold of himself- if it was even him who was doing the fighting anymore.

Frustration was mounting. Lillian had wanted to improve Blaith's mood, and had hoped riding with him would accomplish that, but she only seemed to anger him with each attempt at engaging him in discussion. Though she was scowling at what he'd said. Feel sorry for her father? Nobody felt sorry for her father. He was a great man.

Duke Harmond raced across the field, and Lillian let him. The beautiful white mare was reigned in to a prancing trot as she let Blaith leave her behind. At a gallop it would be hard to hold a conversation, and frankly her confidence and spirit was wilting. She'd been raised better than this. What a fool, talking politics with a duke of all people. She was a woman, and she ought to start behaving as one. Surely Duke Harmond wanted the company of a lady on this ride, not the rambling company of a knight.

It was a good long while before Blaith slowed his horse down to a trot, and then full stop beneath a  small grove of tall trees, which afforded ample shade from the sun and tall sweet grasses for his horse to munch on. Stroking the horse's long white mane, he peered over at Lilly's form some distance from his as she chewed on the inside of his mouth, but waited patiently for her to catch up. It was best for him to get that out of his system now while he still could. It wasn't Lilly's fault what occured in his life and grated at him-
and it surely wasn't her fault he was suffering in madness now.

As she drew near he swung one boot over the side of the saddle and dismounted and worked at tethering his horse in silence. He still had a lot to cool off over, and a lot to think about.

Considering how poorly their ride seemed to be going, Lillian didn't attempt to catch up to him in a great hurry. A lot of things were being turned over in her mind. How she missed being at home, how she thought bitterly that Evelyn would have known how to steer a man from dark to lighter thoughts, and of course, trying to come up with something to talk about that wouldn't have the duke continuing on in a foul mood.

He'd stopped at a nicely shaded spot, good for the horses, and them, honestly. He dismounted as she approached and she again noticed how regal he was. Of course he was, he was a duke, Lillian should expect nothing less. Indeed, his handsome figure was only spoiled by the knowledge of his anger.

Dismounting gracefully she tethered the borrowed mare a suitable distance from the stallion, keeping her mouth shut for a change as she stroked the beautiful white neck before giving it a gentle pat. "She's a beautiful mare, thank you for allowing me her use." It was a timid attempt to rekindle speech.

"But of course," he told her, forcing a small smile. "Any time, my Lady Coleridge." ANd he gave a short nod her way, each step as calculating and precise as all nobles practiced since their youth.
"Would you care to join me for a walk against the river? Sometimes the sound of water sooths my temper-" he said, clasping his hands behind his back as he gave her a partial sheepish look as he added, "And I do apologize for that. I've never been one who could easily keep his emotions in check."
He did, after all, easily wear his emotions.

Honestly, after how angry she seemed to make him, Lillian was not expecting an invitation to walk with him, and her surprise showed clearly on her face. The apology and somewhat sheepish look he gave her was kind of shocking too. A somewhat timid smile replaced her surprised expression. "I'd love to join you, and it is fine. I would rather see honest anger than false enjoyment."

Her father had said that Blaith Harmond was a rather passionate man, but she'd never known if that was supposed to be a compliment or not. Micah Coleridge had strong beliefs, but his control of his emotions was masterful much of the time. Lillian had tried for many years to control her emotions as well as her father, but when she was happy it was near impossible to remain passive in her expression.

"Sometimes I forget myself when I am honest, and sometimes I find it difficult to be so."
It was a cruel thing, really- but no one would understand and it still bothered him, even as a few voices, deep down, had his blue eyes glancing towards Lilly with hunger. But the symbol on her armor drew her back- brought forth rage, which actually was sobering and helped him cling onto the fabrics of his own mental brain wave.

He shook off whatever it was and offered out his arm. She'd be safe from his touch anyways. He always wore layers.

Lillian actually raised her brows in surprise as Blaith said he found it hard to be honest at times. Gabriel said one of the traits of a great ruler was honesty. Of course her father seemed to thrive on carefully constructed deception. Lillian didn't like disagreeing with her father about anything, but in this case, she thought perhaps her brother was right. Honesty was genuine and something to strive for.

She took his offered arm with a practiced smile. The response was almost automatic. "You seem as if you could use a distraction from your troubles, Duke Harmond. Why don't we forget politics and the war for a time and talk of more pleasant things." The smile that had been habit turned to one that was easy and natural. "Do you like gardens? My mother kept fabulous gardens. Would you care to guess which flower was her favorite?" She asked almost in a playful, teasing tone.

"Indeed, a distraction is most welcome," he assured her, a more amicable smile now cutting across his face. "And having a distraction so lovely and patient is more than I can ask for." He bowed his head to her and began to lead her off, the manicured fields stretching aroudn them for miles. And at her comment, his smile became softer, and he answered her smartly, "Daffodils."

Lillian was ecstatic. Finally she had found a way to ease the tension from her companion. Seeing the way he smiled now, it sent a thrill through her. Of course calling her lovely and patient did add to her pleasure immensely, and she rewarded him with a positively dazzling smile.

His smart answer to her question had her jade eyes flashing merrily a moment later. "Come now, Duke Harmond, I've heard you were a very clever man, surely you can do much better than daffodils. Would you like a hint?"

Blaith's grin grew just the slightest bit as he shook his head at the offer of help and guessed again.
"Rosemary."

"I believe that is a herb, not a flower." Lillian giggled softly, enjoying the little guessing game. Especially since it seemed to have the desired effect of lightening Blaith's mood.

"But the herb has flowers," he told her wistfully. "How about a rose?" he asked, reaching towards a nearby rose bush as he removed a hidden knife and cut one free from a bush as they past before handing her the delicate red flower with a subtle bow- even as his boots were brushing against a patch of lilies.

That the herb flowered was not the point. Lillian had asked specifically about flowers. If it wasn't for his sudden question and his retrieval of a lovely red rose, she'd have argued the point with him. Her smile softened as she accepted the gift, bringing it appreciatively to her nose to breath in the floral scent as her jade eyes looked up at him slyly. "Thank you, but you're still incorrect." Her tone was almost coy, obviously enjoying their game.

"I dunno," he said, holding her gaze as he smirked. "I still think you're lying about Daffodils."

Lillian gave a mock show of being offended. "Why I would never do such a thing! How rude of you to imply I would lie to the respectable Duke Harmond of Turgall." If the playful resonance of her voice didn't let him know she was teasing, the way she grinned certainly would.

He grinned at her retort and leaned closer towards her as he informed her, "But the only person it would be fun enough to tease would be the person you're not supposed to." And he paused as his eyes moved, as if reading her green ones like a book. "And I know it's lily," he told her before moving away studiously down the trail.

As Blaith leaned in Lillian's expression certainly changed, her eyes dilated slightly as her breath hitched softly, not at all used to being so close to a man. Ansgar, he was close enough that she could smell his scent, and it wasn't at all unappealing - in fact it was kind of heady and masculine.

A moment later he was moving away from her and she sucked in a breath as subtly as she could, not realizing she'd been holding her breath from the moment he'd leaned close until he'd left. Her brows furrowed softly, Lillian had been so preoccupied she almost hadn't caught his answer.

Moving quickly she caught back up to him and slipped herself back onto his arm, turning the rose he'd given her between the fingers of her other hand while she studied it carefully. "You know, there are many kinds of lilies."

Blaith grinned when she rejoined him and re-took his arm. But at her comment, his smile grew.
"Yes, but only one on my arm."
ANd as he studied the blushing girl on his arms, he gave her a more roguish grin before turning his blue eyes away towards the sky.
"But if I had to guess... I'd guess you'd like the yellow kind. Though as for your mother.. " he went on, and thoughtfully scratched his beard. "Ah, a stargazer lily." he said, and turned towards her wth raised brows, awaiting to see if he was right.

It was hard to argue with that logic, and though her cheeks flushed, she flashed him a smile that only grew as he gave her his roguish grin. When he said he thought she liked the "yellow" kind she arched a brow at him coolly, though the smile never left her lips as he turned back to see if he had guessed correctly and won the game. "I'm quite fond of Northern Delights, which are yellow. As for the stargazer, a lovely flower, no doubt, but I'm afraid it was not my mother's favorite lily."

"Ah, but at least I was close?" And he paused a moment before trying again. "What about Tiger Lilies?"

That Blaith had been able to guess the color of her favorite lily was pretty impressive to Lillian, but she figured it was probably a lucky guess. He guessed again and her eyes flashed playfully as she shook her head. He'd either go through a list of lilies he knew until he got it right or tired of the game, and she wasn't sure which would come first.

"You're quite a persistent man, aren't you?" She sounded more amused than anything.

"Yes, well, as a man, I can be. And as a duke...?" He let the thoughts linger as he thought carefully, blue eyes going back to the sky. Then they shot to her, suddenly.
"Calla lilies?"

Lillian was still twirling the rose between the fingers of her free hand, deep in thought, but still paying attention to the man whose arm she walked on. A soft giggle escaped her at his guess. "You were very close with your first guess, my persistent duke, but you seem to be getting farther off the mark the more I let you guess."

Her eyes twinkled merrily for a moment before she made a soft sound of surprise, eyes darting to the flower between her fingers. Letting go of him, she moved the rose to her other hand and brought her index finger closer to her face to wordlessly examine a drop of blood that had welled up when a thorn had pricked her.

While the Duke of Harmond mulled over the other sorts of lilies he could guess, he was brought back to reality when he noticed the cut on her finger. Without hesitation, he pulled a kerchief from inside his jacket and handed it over to the lady.
"Perhaps I should have warned you roses have thorns."
But instead of waiting for her to take the kerchief, he gently wrapped it around her injured finger with a gentle amount of pressure from his own.
"And hold it like that, with a good amount of pressure," he insisted as he peered down into her jade  colored eyes. "The bleeding will clot more quickly."

Lillian blinked and looked up at Blaith as he pulled out a kerchief and wrapped her "injured" finger, instructing her on putting pressure as he did so. Honestly she was kind of stunned by his reaction.

"I know roses have thorns. I was just careless." Her brows furrowed slightly as she looked back down at his gloved hands held against hers. Did he think she was that dumb? Probably not, but it felt like it. Men, always thinking they needed to take care of and protect women, she wondered if she should feel irritated, but she didn't.

"I know," he told her, blue eyes dancing.  "But with my sister gone, what other woman am I to tease?"

Lillian grinned as she looked back up into his eyes. "I wasn't aware you were looking for women to tease. You either have very good taste in ladies or very bad taste. I can't decide which." She was an adhara, truly the ultimate person to tease, because she couldn't have him. On the other hand, he couldn't have her either.

Blaith gave a toothy grin.
"I don't think I advertised it." His eyes continued to sparkle, just enough to let her know he was still being playful as he looked her over. "And what's wrong with teasing a White Lily? Afraid I mean it as a flirt?"
And the grin he gave her said that, maybe he did.

"I was under the impression we had a rather volatile reputation." Lillian said cheekily in response as to why it might be wrong to tease one of the very few women in Connlaoth specifically trained to kill. Although it was the second thing that really got her.

"You? Flirt? I wouldn't dream such a thing. You're rather notorious for your complete disinterest in women. Although you've got a reputation for not having much interest in anyone." She arched a brow at him, but her lips were curved in a faint, but coy smile.

She actually had his tongue tied at that statement. He tried once or twice to think of a way to respond before simply shrugging.
"I just haven't had the time to think of a wife or marriage. Though I suppose it would be wise to consider one in the future- that is to say if I want to keep my family line ruling in Turgall."

His expression was priceless, she had really gotten to him with that statement, and that coy smile turned into a huge grin for a moment as her eyes sparkled. "If you don't think about it soon you're going to run out of time, old man." She teased him gently. It was a little odd for a duke to be near forty and not married.

Honestly, it was the proper thing to do. As a duke he had a responsibility to his people to marry and produce a solid heir to his house and duchy so they would not have to go through the turmoil of having Turgall switch power to an entirely new family. She still couldn't help a sudden spark of jealousy and a moment of selfishness hoping he didn't decide to marry anyone.

Blaith draped a hand over his heart at such a statement, but his smile only grew.
"My lady, you wound me. Though I dare say I'm lucky any grey hairs are hardly noticeable at my age. Perhaps, someday I can fool some poor woman into the task,but as it stands, marriage is the farthest thing from my mind."

Lillian thought that maybe it was the pressures of the war that pushed thoughts of marriage from the duke's mind. It was a very stressful time for everyone. She thought even her father was feeling the strain, though the signs were subtle. The idea of mentioning the war was again was something she pushed away. Distracting him from the troubles was the goal, not reminding him.

"Grey hairs? Ah, well I don't see any, but I can only imagine they would only serve to make you look even more distinguished." It wasn't a lie, either. He was a striking man to look at, and a little grey would only enhance that fact.

"Aren't you the flatterer? But I suppose you were always that way. It's good to see you have not lost yourself. I can't seebecoming a White Lily being easy." They were women, after all, and to be honest, he was used to seeing them meeker, delicate, like his sister. But viewing ones so strong was refreshing, and the fact he recently updated  his laws to include women in the army showed his desperation. Though its not to say he never believed they'd make bad soldiers, or he wouldn't have bothered.

Continuing with her down the path,  he stared out at the waters of the Matron, a river breeze catching what little hair of his that it could and tossing it. He shivered and frowned and the sudden appearance of snow, a light dusting of it coming from the sky.
"They say its going to be a long winter..." He murmured softly, blue eyes now locked to the clouds.

"No, not easy. It really was kind of awful." Lillian didn't want to complain. The training was hard, but she'd managed to make it through it with proper guidance. No, the instruction and physical exertion wasn't what had been hard. It was giving up everything she'd ever wanted. That she could never marry was the hardest part - she'd always wanted to get married and have her own family.

Jade eyes blinked and turned upwards as snow began drifting down from the sky, causing her to purse her lips softly in a frown. Without even realizing it she had stepped a little closer to Blaith. "I have heard people saying that."

The thought sent a soft shiver through her, but not because she was cold.

At her shiver, he removed his cape and draped it around her shoulders.
"Yes, it's been strange. I know there's snow already to the north and looks like it's trying to claim the south as well."
He smirked through a shrug. "Too bad for this sudden drop in weather. It means all of the late blooming flowers will die."
Among other things.

Jade eyes blinked, then were dragged from the sky to look at Blaith as he draped his cape around her shoulders. Why would he have done such a silly thing? Oh, she realized she had been shivering, but she didn't feel all that cold, really she didn't.

"I'm afraid a lot more than flowers will die..." Her voice came out a whisper as she turned her eyes back up to the sky and the snowflakes. A long winter meant hunger and possibly starvation for the less fortunate among the populace. She hated to think of it. With the war rations would be very, very tight. Sighing she leaned slightly against Blaith and chewed on her lip as she tried to think of what could be done. Unfortunately, not much.

Blaith nodded.
"Yes, thank the gods they haven't limited trade routes. But I have a feeling even Serendipity won't be able to supply us with much. And I heard relations there are tense as it is." He frowned and looked over towards the Matron, and shivered himself as a glimpse of his other life threatened in the back of his mind. The river, after all, was a place he stashed a lot of the bodies he had killed...
and he wondered, idly, how many rotten bones were in there that weren't even his?

Lillian sighed softly. She'd wanted to distract him from heavy thoughts, and for a few minutes it had seemed to work, but here they were again, talking about things to do with the war. Her jade eyes looked out at the river, where his were rested.

"Casa Rosa." She said quietly. Those had been her mother's favorite types of lilies, and they were dark pink near the center and light pink at the end of their petals. The guessing game had seemed to be over anyway, might as well tell him the answer now.

Blaith made a curious face as he paused to take a step towards her, but once the answer registered with him, his eyes shined.
"Ah, Casa Rose.." ANd he looked towards the vegetation, now becoming lightly dusted over with snow. "Too bad the rest of these flowers will be dead by tomorrow."
And it was a comment certain to reflect the dead of tomorrow as well. His face grew solemn as he stared across the river and outward towards the world. There were many changes in the wind. The future, he hoped, being one of them. He wasn't sure he could withstand this new regime of Allarrick's any longer.

Lillian smiled faintly at his sentiment of the flowers dying.

"They'll be back in the spring." Her voice held a hint of amusement with it, wondering why it should matter that the flowers would die by tomorrow. Everything "died" in winter, but everything was "reborn" in the spring. It was just the way things worked, a natural cycle.

With a smile she put her hand gently on his arm, peering up at him with a twinkle in her eye. "In the spring we can come back and see them, they'll be much lovelier then. That is, if you wouldn't mind the company of a White Lily."

Blaith smirked as he looked up into her green eyes.
"White Lily... so I guess that means you're going away too, for the winter."
Though he already knew that.

Lillian sighed dramatically at Blaith's words, but she flashed him a smile a moment later. "I guess it does. I have no idea how long this assignment is going to take. I was just told where to go, not how long I would have to stay." She made a slight face at that, she really didn't want to go to the fort up north.

Clasping a single hand behind his back, he peered over at Lily as they walked.
"So shall we continued our stroll by the river bank, or would you prefer to return to the horses?"
It was getting rather cold, and the winds cut between them, reminding them that the oncoming winter could not be ignored.

It was getting rather cold, wasn't it? Especially with the falling snow, and he'd put his cloak around her shoulders to keep her warmer, which suddenly sent a flush to her cheeks. She shouldn't have let him do that! Silently she chastised herself for taking so long to even realize what he'd really done.

"I guess it would be prudent to head back..." She mused quietly, not really wanting to end their time together more quickly, but knowing that this wasn't something that she should spend time fooling about with.

Sensing the tone in her voice suggested the opposite of what she said, he turned to her with a quirked brow.
"Prudent, yes, but I'm asking what you want, Knight status aside. Or do I need to direct it to you more formally, my lady?" And he paused to give her a regal bow and as he rose his head, those blue eyes met to her green ones as he asked her while taking a hold of her hand, "Lady Coleridge, would you like the honor or continuing this stroll with me by the river side, or taking a ride on our horses?" And his eyes gleamed as the options he gave her did not allow for her to so 'easily' escape his social entrapment of her as he grinned oh so subtly in a boyish way.

Lillian watched the display, quirking her own brow with a soft smile as he held her hand. She was half tempted to teasingly ask him if those were her only options, but she bit her tongue to silence the words. Instead she sighed and shook her head with a slightly brighter smile.

"Talking is easier when walking, Duke Harmond." She mused playfully. Though she frowned a moment later. "It is getting cold, though. Are you certain you wish to stay out in this weather? We could migrate somewhere warmer - indoors perhaps?"

Though where indoors was a good question. Her father had a home in Reajh, though rarely used as her father rarely made trips to the capitol when not strictly necessary. Hadn't the last time her father had stayed there been when Calent was voted in so many years ago?

"Perhaps, but I'm fond of the brisk thrill of a walk during winter. Cold never bothered me. It's refreshing. But if you are uncomfortable, than please, tell me so and we can head back. Perhaps we can have a talk over something to eat this evening? It has been sometime since I could treat a woman to a fine evening of dinner- and.. dance?" And at such a suggestion, he kept his blue eyes locked to hers, awaiting with a smirk, to see and hear her response.

Lillian could stand the cold, really should could. Especially given the present company. Plus the cloak he'd draped around her shoulders was warm and added an extra layer between her and the softly falling snow.

When he invited her for dinner and dancing, well, her soft brows shot up in surprise. What was he thinking? As much as she enjoyed their ride and his company, this was really too much. She was a Knight of the White Lily. What would her fellows say of such a thing? Angrily she wondered why it should matter what they thought.

"That sounds wonderful," She said carefully, jade eyes taking on an edge of uncertainty, "It has been a long time since I've been at liberty to accept such a generous invitation." By Ansgar she wanted to say yes so badly, but could she? She wasn't sure how badly she might be scolded for accepting a...

Suddenly her lips curved into a slightly devious smile as she silently settled a wave of adoration for her brother Cyrus. "Well it would be rude to decline the invitation of a duke for a friendly political discussion over dinner." She said cheekily. Cyrus always did have a way of making everything sound so much less troublesome than it was. Lillian actually felt a little proud of herself for finding a reasonable excuse to have supper with Blaith.

Blaith's eyes danced at her reply and he lifted his chin just so, as he flashed more of those pearly whites when his grin grew bigger.
"Than I suppose that settles it then? And dinner at the Court De Beaux near the palace? They always have excellent cuisine." And naturally, he'd offer nothing less when in his presence, even away from his home. The Court De Beaux was owned by the prominent De Beaux family, and their dishes were world famous, as diplomats from around the globe always remarked on their excellency.

Lillian could barely contain her excitement. She was going to have dinner with Blaith Harmond at Court De Beaux. It took all of her practiced training and restraint to keep from bouncing up and down like a silly little girl she was so excited.

Despite her best efforts, her voice came out a little breathless. "That will be perfect."

Of course then she frowned and looked down at herself, remembering what she was wearing. Oh that wouldn't do at all. She couldn't have dinner with a duke looking like this. Certainly not at a place like Court De Beaux. "I will have to change for dinner."

Blaith's grin was as smug as ever- and he didn't miss a beat. Though as she brought up her desire to change, he blinked and looked her over.
"Are you even allowed to change from that thing?"
Rumors had it, you lived, breathed and died a Knight of the White Lily, but the idea of her in a dress made his smile grow.

Lillian pouted her bottom lip out slightly at his question. It was a valid question, but that didn't mean she liked it. They really were awful about Knights of the White Lily, weren't they? It was grossly unfair the kind of expectations that she and her sisters were held to. Jade eyes hardened and she lifted her chin defiantly. "Let them try to tell me I can't wear what I want to dinner with you."

At such an expression, who was he to argue? His eyes glittered even, so amused was he by her determination as he pulled her along as he kept her arm looped with his.
"Then how about I use this as a moment to spoil you? You couldn't have gotten many new dresses since your time as a knight. Allow me to buy you something elegant. Something from Francine's."
And all nobles knew how posh and stylistic that tailor was. She only made the finest of things and well- it seemed Blaith was here to spare no expense.

Being pulled along willingly, Lillian had meant what she'd said. Sometimes she got so sick of everyone thinking they had a right to tell her how to live every little detail of her life. Sure, as a child she'd accepted that from her father and family, it was just how it was done, but as she grew up, it became out of hand. The Knights of the White Lily were the worse offenders, of course.

Her angry thoughts about how little of her life she really controlled were broken at Blaith's suggestion that he spoil her. With a dress. From Francine's. Lillian faulted in her steps and looked up at her escort in a bit of shock. "You want to buy me a dress from Francine's?"

She couldn't quite believe what she was hearing. Blaith was taking her to dinner at perhaps the finest place in all of Connlaoth, and now he wanted to buy her dress for the dinner as well? The young woman felt herself just slightly light-headed. A man didn't just buy a woman a dress from a place like that! Or take her to dine at somewhere like Court De Beaux. What was Blaith playing at?

Blaith's smile cut larger as he continued to escort her back towards the horses.
"Calm down there, young Lady Coleridge. I fear if you show any more excitement, you could burst."
And why was it that gave him such thoughts? Lily Coleridge, if anything, was as innocent and sweet as his twin sister-
and he wondered, with an inward frown- was that why he was so attracted? The idea soured his belly, but he forced himself to chuckle anyways. No use letting his mind get the better of him. It always did. No- now was the time to forget what he was walking into- what his destiny could be.

For now, he'd play the card as a Duke. And Lady Coleridge was a willing young girl. Yes, he'd spoil her rotten. At least for today. Because he could. And he would- and that was that.

Smiling as he lead her along, he gestured towards the horses.
"Come, let us make haste. Before we change our minds, or the weather becomes more disagreeable." And he went about untethering both horses before handing her her reins with a smirk.

Lillian opened her mouth to protest, but then clicked it shut again as she flushed. She was pretty excited, but also nervous and a little suspicious too. It just seemed strange to her that Blaith Harmond, a man notorious for his disinterest in anyone, was behaving so...

Honestly she wasn't even sure how to describe his behavior. Flirtatious? Maybe. That seemed so wrong, they both knew that she was unavailable to him. Ansgar but that thought depressed her. Blaith was perfect. Handsome, charming, and of high nobility. Her father would certainly have agreed that he was an excellent match for one of his daughters. Sourly she wondered if maybe she should back out and recommend that he seek out her sister.

Of course, she had no idea that her sister had already begged their father to be matched to Duke Harmond, and that her father had refused to even consider it.

She was drawn out of her inward thoughts as they reached the horses and he offered her the reins to the mare she'd ridden before. Laughing softly, though a bit strained, because she had just been considering changing her mind. She mounted up.

"Well if you change your mind now, Duke Harmond, I think it may break my little heart. I am so looking forward to your company over dinner." She flashed a grin and added, "And the weather wouldn't dare stand in the way of a Coleridge." With that she nudged the mare and took off at an easy trot away from him.

Blaith gave her a leftward grin at her comment.
"I'd never dream of it." And he watched as she lightly galloped away before swiftly mounting his own horse and following suit- chasing her down, then out running her in a silent laugh as the pair soon entered town, which restrained his horse to a brisk walk as it's hooves clop-clopped against the cobblestone. His eyes darted around, taking in the sights of the city. This would be his last time in Reajh for a good long while.

"Lady Coleridge, might I ask you something?"

The little game of chase didn't last very long, the mare couldn't keep a lead on the stallion, but Lillian didn't mind, she laughed as Blaith passed her, taking in the sight of him appreciatively. They slowed in town and as the horses walked she trailed along behind him. She'd have preferred to ride at his side, but that would take up more room than she felt courteous.

"Of course, ask away, Duke Harmond." She smiled as she contemplated her unusual, but rather pleasant, day.

"What would you do if this was your last day in Reajh?"
An interesting question to be sure, and he asked it just as the pair were nearing Francine's. Though if there was any true meaning behind those words, his eyes and expression gave no indication as to what.

What an odd question.

"Well, I guess I would make the most of it. Or celebrate. I'm honestly not fond of the capitol, I'd rather be in the country. Orchy, specifically, of course." Lillian was musing to herself almost as much as she was answering him. For all she knew, this was her last day in Reajh for an undetermined amount of time.

Blaith gave a nod.
"So I suppose you would not miss it if it were gone?" Or- no, that seemed wrong to say. "Or, rather, if you were never to come back, you wouldn't be sad to be elsewhere?"
He smirked at the thought, his eyes on everything else as he himself thought of the answer he would give to that question. No.. he supposed he had no reason to miss the capital either.

So if it were to ever burn....
Or he, to fall into exile..

He supposed there wasn't much to lose. He supposed, even as a noble, COnnlaothian society could be over rated. But it was what it was, and it was only after a moment's time that he turned back to her, blue eyes taking her in with a mischievious sparkle.

"So let's play pretend. Say there was no laws about horse racing...a nd see which of us is the fastest to get to Francine's." And his eyes sparkled as he regarded her and her expression befre he gave a suddenly kick to his horses side in a rushed, One, two, three!" And off he went, galloping with his horse down the road, the city air ruffling through his hair and making him feel like as rain.

It was, perhaps, a bit foolish for him to do it- but he didn't care- and part of him wanted to continue to challenge the world around him-
as his father did before him- and those that came before him.

And to think... as he did so- he was dragging a Knight of the White Lily with him...

Even if it were just some harmless fun.

"No, I would be rather glad to be elsewhere." Lillian replied carefully. She really wasn't sure what he was getting at. "Although, if the company is pleasant enough, even Reajh is bearable."

Wait, horse racing? Lillian blinked and looked up at his sparkling eyes and knew he was about to do something foolish. A few moments later she was proven right as he took off down the street at a gallop. What on earth was he thinking? Wait, she was losing. Giving her mare a soft kick she took off after him.

"No fair! You had a head start." And she was pretty sure her horse was slower than his.

Blaith just grinned as the winds rushed around him.
"I think it is fair!" he barked back. "Especially if I win!" Though as he rounded the bend, a man with a cart was coming through,a nd it took some quick maneuvering to get his stallion to jerk and turn away and leap over the  front half of the cart, that was narrow and normally latched to a set of horses (but thankfully, there were none) and as his horse landed, he continued to gallop away while Blaith's heart was in his ears.

Peering over his shoulder, he stole a look back to ensure Lily and her horse would be able to get through- after all, he hadn't expected the cart. But then again,t his was Reajh- one of the world's busiest cities.

What a cheater! Lillian laughed. So what if he won? Men were egotistical, let him win. She rounded the bend and saw Blaith jumping part of a cart. Not one to be outdone, she nudged her mare again, wishing suddenly that she was on her warhorse, before they were up and over the obstacle. Jumping had been a rush, and maybe a little fool-hardy, she probably could have made it around the cart instead.

Blaith smirked to see her round the bend and take the jump with ease. So she must've learned a thing or two as a knight- that, or Micah Coleridge actually taught his daughter some excellent riding. Not about to be out done, he gave anther kick to his horse's side as they sped off,a nd he began to dangerously weave around a series of merchant carts along the way before turning sharply around another bend, and doing the same thing down another street lined with colorful vendors who were all shouting angrily as a few spilled their wares.

Lillian really didn't think twice about her riding skills, or her sword skills. Not anymore. She was a trained knight, after all, but sometimes she forgot that most people didn't expect to see women doing things they took for granted when men did. Of course, it was her brother, Cyrus, that had begun teaching her long before they had found out she was Adhara. He had told her Coleridge men were expected to be able to handle themselves and there was no reason she shouldn't be able to as well.

Seeing where Blaith was leading, she veered off down a more narrow, but much clearer, side street that ran parallel to the one he was racing down. With fewer obstacles to maneuver around Lillian caught up some as she rounded the corner and darted down an alley connecting her back to the street Blaith was charging down, disrupting several vendors as they went.

By the time Blaith and his horse came charging down the way, Lillian's white mare leaped out in front of him, startling them as he jerked the reigns to get his horse to halt. And when the reality of the situation caught up to him, he was laughing and prodding his horse to continue onward, but unfortunately for him- he wouldn't get so far in continuing their race, for as he began to guide his stallion into a sprint through the precariously placed vendors, his luck and finesse of riding were running out.

And one wrong hoof had his horse stumbling into a nesting of chicken coops, and white feathers went everywhere. His horse, rearing up in fright, tore off, nearly knocking Blaith from it's saddle as it charged through the chickens and into the outside stock near a baker's- and it's hooves trailed and cut along some heavy sacks of flour, which, thankfully, Blaith had only caught the tail end of as it exploded into the air. But even still, half of his garment was now white- while the rest of him was still fluttering with the remains of chicken feathers as he fought to get the reigns and wipe the caked flour from his face.

ANd once his blue eyes opened again, he gave a shouting, "HALT!" and dramatic yank of his reigns, and managed to rein the beast in just before he could have crashed into poor Lily Coleridge. But instead, his stallion uneasily pranced before her and gave a shake of it's mane, and a chuff of it's nose, causing some puffs of flour that had been caked to it to escape from it's flaring nostrils. And as his horse was antsily dancing, Blaith was shaking his head and givin ga cough, as a few white feathers delicately shot out, then fluttered down in leisurely discourse about the air.

"Well... it seems we've made it to Francine's," he began. And not a moment too soon, for now it appeared, more than obviously so, that the both of them would be needing some new clothes!

Lillian felt a moment of triumph as she had come ahead of Blaith and now had a chance of winning the race. Sure, she'd thought about just letting him win without much of a fight, but honestly, that didn't seem like the Coleridge way to do something, even if she was just a girl.

A sudden commotion - well a bigger commotion - behind her caused her to peer over her shoulder with wide jade eyes. Reining in at the shop front of Francine's she watched with a mixture of awe and horror at the spectacle that was Blaith Harmond. She even winced a few times. Thank Ansgar he hadn't been thrown, but it had been a close thing. This entire race had been such a foolish endeavor.

Almost as quickly as the catastrophe began it was over and she didn't even flinch as the stallion only just came to a stop before running into her and her mare. Instead she took in the rather glorious sight of Blaith's epic failure and covered her mouth with a hand to hide the grin that tugged at her lips now that the danger seemed to be past. Of course hiding a smile didn't work when one cracked up into laughter.

"You look...ridiculous." Lillian chortled, taking great amusement in the sight of a dignified duke covered in flour and chicken feathers.

Blaith went to speak, but had to pound on his chest to get a final chicken feather to cough out. But then when his mouth was clear, he gave a laugh, one that echoed through the streets as all of the city folk were gaping at the pair.

"What? Ridiculous?" He made a face. "And here I thought I'd look more dashing with some fancy chicken feathers in my hair." Too bad he just looked ridiculous with those chicken feathers in his hair, jutting out all over the place in a crazy mess. But he took it in stride and moved to slick his hair back in a cool and neat gesture. "So..." he said, folding his arms across the saddle horn. "Did I win?"

Dashing? Fancy chicken feathers? Lillian snorted, letting her hand fall down, grinning from ear to ear as he attempted to seem nonchalant about the..situation.

"Win? Ha! Not a chance." She eyed him up and down for a moment, grin not lessening in the slightest. "I will, on account of that spectacular demonstration, concede to a draw."

"Draw? How incredulous! You'd think after making a spectacle of myself, the lady I am with would be intent to let me win." THough his eyes shined at the thought- and proudly so. For since she did not.... it had, (in truth), won more of his affections.

Lillian hummed softly, her grin turning slightly cheeky. "Perhaps, but you forget that I'm not just a lady. I'm also a knight. Besides, we Coleridges don't let people just claim a victory - you have to earn every inch."

She tilted her head and smiled at him coyly. "Wouldn't you agree that a victory given without actually earning it is hardly satisfying?"

"I don't know.." he mused, blue eyes shimmering. "How did your victory feel?"

"Fantastic!" Lillian beamed, sliding down from the saddle. She seemed a bundle of excited energy barely being held in check. The race, while decidedly inappropriate, had been exhilarating and she was restless now. She didn't get to have that much fun, well, ever.

Blaith began to chuckle and found himself nearly exhaling more of the falling feathers. He shook his head at her and ruffled a few feathers out of his hair.
"I suppose that's good for you.." And noting her expression and exuberance, his grin grew, especially when he realized they were right out front of Francine's. Tethering the horses, he took a step forward and offered her his arm.
"Shall we?"

The pair would look odd indeed, entering into the prestigious tailor shop- but.... who cared? Blaith certainly didn't, not with his ridiculous feathers crowning his hair and clothes and the powdering of flour that was trickling off in puffs as he walked. Yep, he was not to care in the least in that moment. They were both wealthy, well to do- and he was a Duke. Feathers or not, Francine would be a fool to turn them down! Though as he moved to step into the shop, the woman freaked out, gaggling like a goose and shooing him clean out of her store.

"The back entrance, Duke Harmond. I'l let you in the back!" And she marked herself over to bless herself from this curse in Ansgar's protection. "Oh, Ansgar, hear my prayer..." She just hoped he hadn't already soiled her find clothing and silks with his dirt!

Of course it was good for her. There was nothing wrong in enjoying one's accomplishments. Lillian still found herself fighting off laughter each time she glanced at Blaith. He truly looked a mess. When she took his arm she couldn't fight off a soft giggle. They looked like quite the sight, and no doubt there would be a lot of gossiping about their little race and the funny image of Duke Harmond covered in white powder and feathers.

Almost as soon as they entered they were shooed back out, and the young woman couldn't say she was surprised. As she walked with him towards the back she laughed and dusted at the flour that coated his arms and shoulders, not caring that she was getting some on herself in the process. "The look on her face was priceless."

"Yeah," he agreed, laughing gruffly. "I don't think she took too nicely to my new look. But I'm glad to see she's still willing to help." And he flashed the White Lily a grin and opened the back door, and with a sweeping motion of his arm said, "After you."

"You're a duke, of course she's still willing to help." Lillian smirked, and to her that was the most obvious thing in the world. She couldn't imagine anyone turning her father down when he wanted something. Blaith earned a winning smile as he held the door open for her and the young woman swept into the shop as if not a thing was out of the ordinary. "You know, I think I owned a couple dresses from here, when I was younger, but we always came to Reajh so rarely..."

They had an excellent tailor in Orchy, so it wasn't as if she ever lacked for fine dresses and gowns, but Francine's was legendary through Connlaoth.

Once they were inside, the short, mixed heritage woman looked the pair over sternly from over her spectacles. She seemed to be so menacing, despite her size, and before Blaith had a chance to speak and explain himself, she snapped open her mouth and began speaking.

"So you've come here to do business.." Her eyes scrutinized the two of them. "But which one of you is the desired client?" And as she looked Blaith over, she snorted throughher nose. "If it's you, Duke Harmond, you'll have to visit the bath house before I can take the time to measure you. Can't have that... that... mess soiling my clothe!"

Blaith gave her an easy smile and simply replied, "Oh, the visit is for the both of us."

And Francine's yes scrutinized the pair of them.
"Engagement wear?" And the tone came off so naturally, not even bothering to register the obvious status of Lily Coleridge. What with the war and things going crazy all around- she just so muhc as figured the dukes were ignoring ALL LAWS to do as they pleased- the Grand Duke certainly was!

And at such an assumption, Blaith gave a curious tilt of his head.
"Well... not exactly." But the amusement was there, and his appreciative glance over to Lily spoke volumes of what he thought about that statement.

Almost as soon as they entered, Francine was scolding them, well, more like scolding Blaith, and she watched with amusement flickering in her eyes. That was until the tailor questioned if they were after engagement wear. Jade eyes widened and she gaped at the woman for a moment. She was wearing White Lily armaments and she was asking about engagement wear?

Scowling Lillian let her eyes shoot to Blaith as he gave that rather...unsatisfying answer. Although the way he looked at her a moment later about had her weak in the knees. Had a man ever looked at her like that before? Surely they had, but she'd never noticed or paid attention before, somehow that look coming from Duke Harmond had her stomach fluttering slightly.

"I'm not at liberty to accept an engagement - everyone knows that." She practically squeaked the words. Clearing her throat she tried to regain her dignified composure. "Duke Harmond has invited me to dine with him at the Court De Beaux, that is the occasion to dress us for."

Francine said nothing more on the matter, looking the pair over before snapping her fingers to Lily.
"The lady follows me.." Then to Blaith, she said, "Take that towel over there and clean yourself off- or visit the bath house and return. Then I can see about getting you something." And before Lily would have a chance to protest, she snagged the girl by the wrist and was dragging her off to the other half of her store, throwing her before an array of mirrors and practically tearing off her armor as she insisted that the lady be in her under garbs as she measured her down.

Lillian felt practically assaulted, and she blinked as her wrist was grabbed and she was dragged off, only to be deposited in front of a bunch of mirrors and feeling hands tugging her armor off harshly. Ansgar, but was the woman this forceful with all her clients? The young noblewoman hoped not as she did her best to help remove her clothing down to her small clothes.

Feeling kind of exposed, and slightly intimidated, she did her best to cooperate so that the woman would jerk her around like a rag doll. It took all her practice to keep her teeth firmly clicked shut, rather than say something, but her jade eyes were glaring at the woman hotly. Her only consolation was that Blaith might get the same treatment. She almost wished she could watch that.

By the time Francine was assaulting Lillian with the measuring tape, Blaith so conveniently stepped in from the back room, wearing nothing much but his tunic and the pants he had on earlier- though they had since been brushed clean of as much of the flour and feathers as he could do with the supplies offered to him, and he was still bringing the towel over his head to remove what was left in his hair when Francine caught sight of hte man and suddenly was barking like an angry dog.

"Out of this room this instant, Duke Harmond! This is for women only!" And she chased him out, returning a moment later with an indignant sniff. But on the other side of hte changing screens, his voice came through..

"It's not like she was naked, Francine."

"Manners, Duke! Manners!"

And the only reply came was a chuckle, but nothing more. And with ahuff, she went back to sizing up the young girl as she glared at her.
"You will do well to put that man in his place. You are a White Lily." And in that tone, it sounded as if she was accusing her of leading on the older man.

This was hardly Lillian's first fitting, and she went through the motions automatically, not realizing at first that Blaith had entered the dressing and fitting area, or that he was seeing her in nothing but her small clothes. It wasn't until Francine started yelling that she lifted her head and caught a glimpse of Blaith in one of the many mirrors. Instinctively her arms moved up to cover herself, letting out a shriek as she blushed a shade of scarlet from hairline and extended beneath her small clothes.

Thank Ansgar Francine was able to shoo him out quickly, but the words that drifted through the changing screens had her scowling darkly and glaring in his direction. "Close enough to naked! You fiend!"

Lillian couldn't believe he'd actually walked in here, knowing that she'd be getting measured. Lady Coleridge couldn't believe the way Francine was glaring at her and scolding her. What had she done? It was Duke Harmond that had been positively uncouth just now!

"Yes, I am a White Lily, and as a duke he should already know his place!" Lillian hissed vehemently. She was still blushing heavily from that most invasive intrusion to her privacy.

Francine gave a huff.
"Yes, well, let us hurry up and measure you, dear- before the wolf wants to come back." And Lily wasn't the only one glaring in Blaith's direction- especially as he chuckled on the other side of the changing screen.

"Take your time ladies, I'll make myself at home." And by that- he ended up falling asleep on one of the chaise lounges because a fitting for Francine- especially in purchasing anything same day (which was unheard of in these times..) was nearly an hour affair, easily... per item. So once the measurements were done, a dress selected and fitted, the woman went to work ajdusting the hem where needed- not realizing her other patron was snoring away on the other side.

The remainder of the fitting was a tense affair for Lillian, her eyes darting to the screen where she knew Blaith was waiting, just out of sight. She was a little paranoid that he'd just barge in unannounced again. It was the most improper, most inappropriate thing she had ever experienced personally. Honestly, a duke should have better manners than that! Periodically her blush would return as she thought about the fact that Blaith had seen her in naught but her small clothes.

She didn't start feeling at ease again until the gorgeous, and very flattering, jade dress was on and being adjusted as needed. As Francine worked on the hem of her dress she peered into the mirrors and carefully undid the bun on her head, releasing the long braid. Next she slowly and carefully unwound her long golden hair, allowing it to fall about her in soft curls. For the first time in a long time when looking into a mirror she saw an elegant and beautiful young noblewoman instead of an ambitious knight.

With another blush she wondered what Duke Harmond would think. Then angrily she remembered his rude intrusion. Huffing softly she smoothed her hair, and then the dress. Still, she still couldn't help but hope that he approved of everything he saw. Lillian wanted to impress him. Because of her status as a White Lily no man had ever treated her or so openly looked at her the way Blaith had.

"Come on out, deary- I've got some work to do on the Duke," Francine began to say, then whispered to the woman, "And don't worry, you look gorgeous. But then again, all of my dresses are gorgeous. And I'm sure you'll have that Duke wrapped around your fingers before the two of you get to Court De Beaux's." And she gave a chuckle and stepped around the corner, and blinked, to find the Duke sleeping, lounged out across one of the chaises.

Francine gave a huff and moved forward to pinch a his shoulders-a nd just as the Duke suddenly jerked awake, one look at Lillian in her green dress had him missing where his hands were groping to keep himself from falling over and out of the chair-
and down, onto the floor he went....., clean on his side- but his legs, ... had somehow remained propped up on the chair. And there he remained, half on the chair, half on the floor and gawking up the green-dressed beauty.

"What did you do to her Francine? Where did the White Lily Knight go?"


Francine snorted. "As is you do not know you are looking at her."

But at such a remark, Blaith dawned the most smitten of smiles one could ever possess.

Lillian had been fussing over her hair, fidgeting with the dress, when she was ushered out by Francine, utterly confused at the woman's whispering words. She flushed slightly, glad that the woman was confident that she was beautiful, but hadn't the woman just been admonishing her about Blaith and now was assuring her that she'd have him wrapped around her fingers? What a confusing woman, but she couldn't help but feel a little more confident, and rather pleased with the idea of being not just pretty but gorgeous had been the word used.

Following Francine out, she smiled as she caught a glimpse of her Duke of Turgall sleeping on the chaise. He'd fallen asleep waiting on her to be fitted, how sweet. They had taken quite some time, hadn't they? Standing there shyly, she watched as the fierce tailor when to wake him up for his fitting.

The young noblewoman watched as those unbelievably beautiful blue eyes moved over her right before Blaith was crashing to the floor. Reaching a delicate hand up to cover her mouth, she stifled giggles, and it took a great deal of effort to do so as he continued to gape at her from his new position half on the floor. His words made her stick her tongue out at him. Was he implying that she couldn't possibly be the same woman as the one he'd ridden about with earlier?

The smile he gave her though made the rest of whatever anger she might have harbored from earlier evaporate. Giving him a demure smile she spread her skirts and dipped into a curtsy. "I take it you approve, Duke Harmond?"

Blaith still gaped, still smiled, even long after she curtsied and spoke.
"I suppose it'll do. But don't mind me, I'll just stay here on the floor and admire you from here."

Lillian did laugh then, a soft amused twitter as her jade eyes sparkled looking down at him. "You do know how to flatter a lady, don't you? I'm afraid you can't lay there and admire me, though. It's your turn for a fitting. We'll never make it to dinner if you don't get moving, my silly duke."

With that she glided gracefully to another chaise and sat primly while making shooing motions at him, still grinning.

"No worries," he told her, his grin still charming as he stood erect. "I won't keep you waiting nearly as long." And he tossed a wink her way. "One of these suits in blue ought to do."A nd he gestured towards one he had already picked out that had been tailored on one of the mannequins and Francine simply nodded, removed the fabrics and handed them over to Duke Harmond. She knew he never liked being fussed over or touched when he was changing, so she remained beside Lillian while Blaith disappeared behind the screens to change-
and moments later, he emerged, finishing buttoning the clasps on his cuffed sleeves- and the suit,a  near perfect fit. He positively looked dashing, and so did his smile.

He took one step near towards the lady and bowed before offering out his arm. "My lady. Shall we?"

Soft lips pursed into a thin line as she watched Blaith disappear alone. Francine wasn't going to measure him? That was unusual. Then again, she couldn't help but rise to her feet when he reappeared a short time later in the blue suit. It almost looked like it had been made just for him, and he looked amazing, and her jade eyes sparkled with her appreciation as they looked him up and down.

Lillian smiled as he bowed and offered his arm before stepping forward and slipping her arm easily onto his. "We most certainly shall. I can already imagine the envious looks I'll be getting, you've got a reputation of being unobtainable, you realize?"

Blaith gave her an oh, so suave grin, pulling her a bit closer once their arms were hooked.
"Maybe I was just waiting for the right unobtainable woman?" And at such a suggestion, the tone in his smile only grew. Stepping towards the door now in graceful strides, he called back to Francine, "Put the dress and suit on my tab. The bill will be paid by week's end!"
And with that, the pair were soon stepping out the door.

"Shall we walk? De Beaux's is just the next block over."
It seemed silly to have to untether the horses for such a short endeavor.

Lillian blushed when he pulled her closer, but her gaze was steady as she peered up at him. Ansgar but she hated that word. Unobtainable. She'd used it jokingly to describe him, but it was the truth in her case. At least as far as the law and the way things were done was concerned. White Lily Knights were denied so many basic rights, and then put up on this pedestal so that the masses awed and feared them.

Well, she thought with a tinge of resignation, it was fun to pretend for a little while that she actually had a life to live. All the time to exit the building she had been quietly musing, rather than blurting out something she'd regret. "Don't be silly. Of course we will walk. Can you imagine me trying to ride in such a fancy dress?"

Blaith flashed her a toothy grin.
"I could, and the idea amuses me, but such a short distance should not be wasted on my amusement alone. But yes, let us not soil your new dress just for a jest." And he gestured before them in a sweeping motion. "We ought to make haste, arriving just in time to stun all of the guests at Court De Beaux's who are just sitting down for the dinner meal."

And that's precisely what they did, for the moment the pair of gilded doors were opened for the pair of them and they were ushered inside with a formal announcement, just about everyone in the hall had risen and bowed towards them respectfully- and Blaith was all smiles as he kept the beautiful Lily close to him as she remained at his side, arms still linked together.

"And see?" he whispered to her as the pair of them were guided towards a private table in the center. "The entire place has bowed towards the presence of your beauty. I knew a new dress was a good idea." Naturally, he'd want to take credit for her stunning appearance, for everyone in the place by now, was sneaking glances their way. It seemed the gossiping was to begin.

An amusing image, indeed. Dresses like the one Lillian was currently wearing were definitely not meant to be ridden in. Even if Blaith paid for it, she wasn't intending to mess it up for his amusement. She couldn't help but tease him a little at his hurry to arrive just as everyone was settling down for the meal. "Stun them? The most stunning thing will be you showing up with a lady, Duke Harmond."

When a few minutes later they swept into the dinning hall at Court De Beaux, Lillian felt a sudden surge of self-consciousness as everyone rose and bowed to them when their entrance was announced. A soft shade or rose tinted her cheeks as she lifted her chin, refusing to let anyone think she was suddenly intimidated by all the attention they were receiving. All of Reajh would know of this by morning, all of Connlaoth by the morning after that, she thought suddenly worried.

She allowed herself to be guided towards their table, keeping perhaps a slightly firmer grip on Blaith's arm than strictly necessary as he whispered softly to her. "It wasn't my beauty, my dress, or my person they were bowing to. It was you, Duke Harmond. A man of your position deserves all due respect, after all."

Blaith gave a laugh and a wink.
"Hardly. That's how it might outwardly appear, but trust me, my lady. No one is looking at me."
And it was true, a group of women were already moving their gossiping lips about and looking at the couple, and noting Lillian without her armor and in such a dress...
why it was no surprise that a handful of other tables were doing the same.

"That's not entirely true. I'm looking at you." Lillian said, jade eyes peering up at him with a smile that was more confident than she really felt.

Taking her seat as gracefully as she could, Lillian made a point not to look at all the gossiping people around them. Let them talk, they had nothing worthwhile to say, but that wouldn't keep them from fanciful tales, she thought in annoyance. Hopefully this evening wasn't going to cause trouble for either of them. At least in the morning she would be leaving Reajh behind for an undetermined amount of time. If she was lucky the rumors started tonight would have grown stale before she returned.

Before she'd have a chance to sit, Blaith moved to help her with her chair before taking a seat of his own. He grinned up at her, his smile always seeming to go more leftward on his face, (especially around her), as he admired her from across the table.

"So what sort of dishes do you like? I've had the duck here before. It's superb. And partnered with a rich, dark Orchy wine, can be absolutely heavenly."

Lillian had smiled as Blaith helped her with her chair, like a proper gentleman, she'd expect nothing less from him. Although she blushed slightly as she recalled his moment of very ungentlmanly behavior at Francine's. Honestly, walking in on a lady in her small clothes!

Drawing her attention back to the present, she admired him from across the table. Though she'd only really gotten to know him at all this very day, Lillian found herself very fond of his unbalanced smile, the way it favored to the left. "Oh that sounds delightful. Both are served frequently at my father's table. If you think it superb, then that is reason enough for me."

She was particularly pleased by the idea of wine with supper from her own duchy.

"Then duck and wine we shall have. And perhaps some water crest salad before hand?" And once they had placed their order, Blaith being very particular in the way he liked his duck cooked- succulent on the inside, but crispy, and not burnt, on the outside. And the salad, he reminded, must be fresh and crisp, not soggy, and once the waitor had gone, he turned to Lillian with another one of his smiles.

"Well, the meal must be perfect, shall it not? After all, who's to say the next time the pair of us will ever enjoy a fine evening in the capital." And he lifted his crystal goblet her way. "To a future that should be much brighter than I presume." Especially, after being graced in the presence of a woman such as she. For if anything, in this moment, he needed someone sweet and easy on the eyes, someone to complete the void that had been so empty for so long...
and to quell the yearning he hadn't realized he'd been craving for so long.

Lillian's jade eyes sparkled with amusement as she watched Blaith intently all the time he was ordering their meal. He was very specific in how he wanted things, and she could appreciate and admire such a trait in a person. Her own father was a very particular man that wanted things done a certain way and had no problem making sure everyone knew it. The thought of her father made Lillian smile, she missed her family.

She raised her own goblet as he made a toast, it seemed a harmless enough. "To a very bright future." The young noblewoman amended, flashing Blaith a dazzling smile. Considering the war very little seemed bright, but that was all the more reason to strive for light in the dark times. In fact, Lillian was looking a very bright light in her otherwise dreary life. Even if she couldn't actually have him in any real capacity, this day with him had certainly livened up her life.

"Yes, to a very bright future," he said, and clinked his goblet delicately against hers. "And if one will not be bright, we should at least take this moment to pretend it can be." And with that, he drew his goblet back to his lips and knocked back about half of it in one swig.

Lillian pursed her lips lightly in thought, watching Blaith drink half his goblet in one go, while she took the time to dainty sip at hers. Ladies didn't swig or gulp their wine, after all. There was something about Duke Harmond that was bothering her just slightly. He seemed to be in a strange mood, even when one would assume he was having a good time.

"You know, my father would say that the future is only as bright as you make it." The young noblewoman commented nonchalantly. It was the truth. Her father would say something like that. He was also probably right. Lillian had found that her father usually was.

"Yes, well, forgive me for being blunt, but that's utter shit." And he set his goblet down with a heavy sigh. "Yes, we can all believe we think we can change everything, but those who dictate our fate aren't the ones living it. Voices can speak, it does not mean they hold any weight or value. But don't let me sour the mood, perhaps we should move onto something less.." and here, he loosened the cravat around his neck. "Political?"

It was no secret Blaith Harmond got very passionate about his opinion, and unfortunately for Lillian, she was witnessing Blaith going through a series of ups and downs. With the loss of his sister, and her fate now in the hands of those wretched men in Ahjfeld, he felt very much like he was getting the short end of the stick-a nd any power and reasoning he had left in him was being ignored.

He wasn't a man who could mentally hold his own for long, so when he did, it angered him to no end to realize he was wasting precious time- and it was through his doubts and angers the other voices tended to win. But as it seemed for now, he was as in control as he had ever been, and he was full of a lot of hot air that needed to be spewed. But noting the fairness of his company, he sighed again and took his drink to his lips and downed the rest before ordering more.

An interesting, but not entirely unexpected reaction. Lillian sighed softly with a shake of her head. The duke had seemed kind hopeless about something from the moment she'd met him earlier. It would seem no amount of prompting from her was going to change whatever dire opinion it was he held. Something told her not to push Blaith Harmond, even if she wasn't aware of what she was pushing.

"Very well, you seem to be enjoying the wine. A fine vintage, wouldn't you say? We actually don't make a great deal of wine in Orchy. Spiced apple cider is far more widely made in my duchy." She took another sip from her glass, not at all in a hurry. Without letting the soft smile on her face slip, she frowned inwardly, wondering if he was going to drink the second goblet as quickly as the first.

Blaith barely had a chance to lift his glass to his lips when a soft song had begun being played by the small orchestra. Peering over towards the men playing, he let his mind drift into the emotions of the music, mind reflecting back to all that had happened and that eventually lead him back to this moment. No, politics he fought with every day. If this was to be a moment away from all of that, before he might be very well throwing his life away, he ought to at least enjoy it. Turning to Lily, he rose from his chair.

"Before they serve us our supper, perhaps the lady would oblige me with this dance?" And he offered out his hand to her, his torso bent over so slightly at his middle, and his blue eyes locked onto her green ones as a soft smile remained, tugging more left ward than right, as he awaited her reply.

Lillian was lulled into a subdued mood, the atmosphere of the Court De Beaux was soothing. The soft hush of multiple conversations, much of it gossip, no doubt, did nothing to detract from the lovely small orchestra that played a fine waltz. Too bad most of the patrons were too caught up in their own affairs to pay attention to the artfully performed music. Someone other than her had noticed it though.

Jade eyes looked up at Blaith as he stood and with a tiny, almost imperceptible bow, offered her his hand. He was smiling that smile at her again, the one that tugged at the left corner of his mouth. That smile made her heart flutter and her knees weak. She wondered how many women had felt the same way about it.

"It has been ages since I got to indulge in a proper dance, it would be an honor and pleasure." Lillian beamed shyly as she put her hand delicately in his, rising to her feet with as much poise and grace as she could muster. People would be watching them, she knew, and her cheeks took on a soft rose color at the thought.

With a careful finesse, Blaith Harmond lead Lady Coleridge onto the dance floor. Though it was empty, a few curious patrons turned their heads, regarding the pair who appeared as twin jewels beneath the glow of the chandelier. And as it twinkled over head, Blaith placed one gloved hand into hers, and the other at her waist.

"A perfect fit," he told her, blue eyes shining. "For a perfect dance." And without another word, he bent at the waist and pushed off into a graceful dance, their bodies moving in time softly across the floor.

With each step away from their table, Lillian's heart beat a little faster. Stubbornly she refused to look anywhere but up at Blaith. That Lady Lillian Coleridge was at the Court De Beaux dinning and dancing with Duke Blaith Harmond was definitely going to be the gossip of the next week, at least! The young noblewoman refused to meet the curious, questioning, and sometimes accusing eyes that regarded the pair.

It might have been years since Lillian had been to a proper ball with elegant dancing, but her younger years had been filled with lessons and practical applications in ballroom dancing came back easily and with Blaith leading she found it almost natural to fall into step with him.

The dance was perfection, as was the moment, as the pair continued to gracefully glide across the floor. The rest of the scene was a blur to him. Scrutinizing glares? Dreamy gazes? Who knew of them? Not he- at least he cared not in that moment but to stare at the beautiful woman now twirling lightly in his arms.

"Dare I make a flirtatious remark at you?" Blaith said, a smirk drawn across his lips. "The town will talk about it as if I said it anyways, so I'll just say it, so it can be so. You're more beautiful than the rising sun, than the gold of autumn, and the flowers of spring. A woman, who has definitely captivated my attention..." And here his smile grew more broadly. "In less than twenty four hours time. Pity, this is but the only moment we shall share. Seems the laws and the movement of time works against us. But I dare say, I'll enjoy this for as long as I can."
And to make his point be now, he pulled in Lillian even closer to himself as they danced, so close his cologne would be evident, as would the warmth of his body, even through the layers of his royal suit.

Blaith was being scandalous. Tongues had already been sent wagging and here he giving the other patrons even more fuel to the gossip fire. Even as she thought such things, Lillian Coleridge found herself nearly swooning. Men had told her she was beautiful before, indeed, Blaith had commented on her appearance more than once already, but never so...eloquently. If that wasn't enough, the way he pulled her close to him, not leaving a proper distance between them as they danced, just made her exposed skin flush deeply.

Being able to feel the heat of his body, and the subtle, heady aroma of his cologne almost made her falter in her steps.Almost. This was wrong. So, so wrong. She should not be here. Certainly not with this man. And definitely not dancing like this. She had taken vows to forsake all of this. No, she wasn't taking him to bed, certainly not, and so her vow of chastity was not in danger, but just to behave this way...

All she was doing was torturing herself, and possibly him too. Lillian felt tears of frustration well up slightly in her eyes. It wasn't fair! Ansgar was cruel to curse her with her "gift". He could take his gift, she didn't want it. She'd never wanted it.

"Ansgar tests us all, in our faith. So they say." Lillian replied softly, "I guess right now he is testing mine. How cruel can our God be? To mark me as one of his untouchable servants, and then to throw a man like you in my path. If we are only to have a moment, then pray it be a memorable one that I can cherish through my cold, lonely years of forced servitude."

Blaith Harmond was not a man easily swayed by a woman, but at such words, even his own heart was affected. His smile faltered, emotions easily breaking through as they continued to dance as he leaned in dangerously close to whisper to her.

"Just be glad I'm a gentleman," he informed her, breath on her ear. "Or I'd get much closer to you than a dance." ANd when it appeared as if he might kiss her, he turned away, twirled her outward from him, before drawing her back into his arms, swift.

No. No, no, no. They were already too close. Lillian's breath hitched as he leaned in to whisper, his warm breath dancing across her ear and sending shivers down her spine. Pale, creamy flesh prickled into goosebumps as her eyes unfocused at his words. Oh Ansgar, the things people were going to say!

Of course, in that moment Lillian couldn't find it in her to really care all that much. Blaith looked as if he was about to kiss her and the young woman's heart seemed intent on pounding its way out of her breast. Then suddenly he had twirled her out and away from that enveloping warmth that had made her weak in the knees. There was a flutter of disappointment, but it was for the best, she had to firmly remind herself.

As Lillian twirled back into his arms, jade eyes peered up at him contemplatively. "If I were not who and what I am, I would consider letting you." She finally squeaked out softly, face turning decidedly red.

At such a reply, even the cool, even face of the charming Duke Harmond turned a soft, warm shade of pink.
"Then perhaps I should conquer all of Connlaoth just to change the law."

To make Duke Harmond blush gave Lillian a sense of immense satisfaction, after all, he'd been making her blush much of the evening. Getting such a reaction from him now was only fair turn about. Of course she meant what she said.

"It is dangerous to even joke about such things." The young beauty scolded him quietly, but there was a twinkle in her green eyes. "Though it is sweet of you to say. If only it were so easy."

"Who said I was joking?" And though he smiled, it was hard to discern if he was being serious. But then he chuckled. "And who said I wanted something that was easy?" And as they continued to move about the floor, his eyes never once left hers, even though he was knowing this song was coming to an end.

Lillian arched a delicate brow at Blaith's question. She sure hoped that he was joking! It wasn't that she wouldn't appreciate having things change around Connlaoth. Far from that. There were so many things that unsettled her about her country these days.

"Conquerors often find their campaigns ended in a hangman's noose or upon a bloody battlefield." She whispered, jade eyes locked to his blue ones. "Were I anyone but a Coleridge I might say you were foolhardy, but I am a Coleridge..." Her smile flashed ruefully. "Am I a conquest to you, my dear Duke Harmond?"

Blaith now flashed her a roguish grin, just as the dance was coming to a slow end.
"Of course. And like all of my ambitions, I am not a man to simply give up. You might be a Coleridge, but I'm a Harmond, and we have quite the reputation to uphold. I think the Duke becoming smitten with an... untouchable woman, seems fitting, don't you agree?"
Though she could not have known they were both a pair of untouchables. She by vows, he by magic.

Lillian laughed softly. So he fancied her a conquest, did he? Well a shame for him she was unconquerable. The laws saw to that, and despite his bold jest of conquering all of Connlaoth to change the law, it seemed quite unlikely that it would come to pass that a White Lily would be free to be pursued by a suitor.

"Would you truly break so many a young maidens' hearts as to ignore their gentle pleas for your attention in favor of a woman that can never give herself to you?" She was only partially teasing, though her heart was fluttering at the idea that he was smitten with her. If he was being truthful. Maybe he was just saying pretty words with the intent of teasing her poor emotions.

"Of course I would. What man would not?" And though he smiled as they both paused at the end of the dance his voice, as it would seem, sounded most serious. "For once a man finds eyes for one, the others are nothing but background colors to a world he wishes to remain ignorant of. For his eyes, and perhaps heart, are... intrigued with something he could say may become more valuable to him than gold."

But then he gave an easy chuckle.
"But as a Duke, what is gold but a part of life? And as a man, unfortunately.." he said, giving her one of those coy but honest smirks, "Men love a good challenge, be it a hunt or the undeniable draw towards a woman." ANd he took her hand and rose it, kissing the top of her glove. "And I dare say, my fair Lady Coleridge, you might have drawn in someone untouchable yourself."

Gesturing with a raise of his brows towards the tables, the then inquired smoothly, "Shall we sit down? The meal, I'm sure, is nearly ready. It would be almost sinful to let a meal at Court De Beaux grow cold."

What man wouldn't? Lillian thought a great many men wouldn't! Why would they deny themselves when there were so many other women that they could actually claim? It made no sense to focus their attention on a woman they couldn't have. Indeed, the young noblewoman stiffened slightly at the suggestion that something might be more valuable to a man than gold. Was he mocking her?

Lillian held absolutely no value at all to a man. After all, wasn't the value of a woman measured in her ability to give a man sons? She could not marry, and would never bear any man sons, and so her only value now was held as a Knight of the White Lily, a pure woman that could halt even the most powerful of magics. Hardly valuable to man like Blaith Harmond at all.

Her jade eyes were cool as he kissed her hand, regarding him with an expression of scrutiny. Was he just looking for conquest, as had been mentioned. Was this some game to him? The idea of being hunted like some prized, elusive, unobtainable game was unsettling and somewhat insulting.

Lifting her chin, she gave a tight nod as he suggested they return to their table. Curse Blaith and whatever game it was he was playing with her. She didn't like being a toy or a pawn.

"It is one thing to like a challenge, quite another to set your eyes on a goal completely out of reach, Duke Harmond." With those cool words she turned and glided back to their table, yes, glided, she certainly was not sulking!

A smile cracked across Blaith's lips. He had seen that expression, and presumed she had taken some offense in his speech. Though to be fair, she had every right to, so quietly he followed after her, but his smile never faded. He pulled the chair out for her as every gentleman should, and once she was seated he took his own chair, but as it were,t he dinner was still not served yet, but the waiter came around and offered more wine.

"Yes, please," Duke Harmond said, and smiled as the waiter poured his cup, and when he asked the lady if she'd like some more, Blaith stole a bit of a sheepish gaze her way.

Lillian allowed Blaith to help her with her chair, as was expected of a proper gentleman, but she remained a bit stiff as she settled, lifting her glass and sipping her wine, though it took everything she had not to just finish the rest of the goblet in a couple gulps. That didn't stop her from sipping perhaps a little more quickly than before. Now maybe she understood just a little why her brothers wanted to drink when they were upset. Even her father was known to indulge a little now and then.

The waiter came and she gave a polite nod as she held her goblet to be refilled, not looking across the table at her "date" if that was what you could call this. Of course that's what everyone would be calling it. Everyone would be talking about Lillian Coleridge out drinking, dinning, and dancing with Blaith Harmond. Well, she had brought this on herself. All she could do now was hold her head high and hope for the best. No doubt it was her reputation that was far more at stake than his.

"So, Duke Harmond," Lillian said formally as the waiter left, "I hope my dancing was to your liking. I'm afraid it has been some time since my last waltz, so pardon any lack of grace I may have shown."

"Hardly, you danced divinely. One would never have been able to tell you've become a White Lily with steps like that."

"Such flattery, Duke Harmond. You've quite thoroughly bathed me in praises for the evening, thank you. While I must say I've been rather taken in by your charms, it also stands to reason that I question your motivations. You've nothing to gain from me, that I can discern, and so call me cynical or jaded to be wary of your silvered tongue." Lillian replied before taking a sip from her freshly filled wine glass.

Blaith's eye shined at her retort, and for it, he was, refreshingly grateful. Chuckling, he drank some more wine before speaking.
"I suppose you're right, but I can't help but enjoy myself. Do forgive me. I realize I am being quite forward with my flirts." And at that, he was actually being genuine. He was smitten with her, if even in this brief time, but so muhc was working against them that, well, at this point in this life, he just seemed to stop caring about the everything else. It was always about the everything else.

Blaith's response seemed to only further frustrate the lovely Lillian Coleridge as she blushed and tried to hide herself in her goblet. It wasn't as if she hadn't been enjoying herself. He had seemed to have been enjoying himself, and everything had been going well. There was just the knowledge of her own inability that hovered above her head like a great weight.

"Under different circumstances..." She trailed off sadly, finally lowering her goblet back to the table now that she had her flushed skin under a tiny bit of control. "I don't mean to seem ungrateful. You have given me such a lovely day, which is precisely the problem."

Sighing softly she let her jade eyes travel around the room, looking defiantly at any gazes she caught staring at them. "Perhaps I just complain too much, but it is difficult to be in my position and to have a man be, as you said, so forward in his flirtations, especially a man to whom I find myself so very attracted. I would welcome them, if only I wasn't expected to be perfect and pure and to live up to ridiculous standards."

Turning those jade eyes back to Blaith finally, daring to meet those pristine blue eyes of his, Lillian forced a tight and somewhat bitter smile. "You understand my problem, I trust?"

Blaith's eyes met to hers. Though he said little, his words spoke volumes.
"More than you can know."

Though to change the subject again, his smile became charming once more, his eye lids hanging lower.
"So you are enjoying it." There was a sparkle to his eyes. "Good." He winked to her. "That makes two of us."

Ansgar help her but his eyes were irresistible when they got that sparkle to them, not to mention that charming smile. His words and that little wink set jade eyes rolling, though. Despite herself, Lillian couldn't stop a smile from once more gracing her soft pink lips.

"Yes, I have been enjoying myself immensely. You're quite the charming escort for a lady lucky enough to catch your attention. I still am not sure how I managed such a feat. Although perhaps in my case I would have been more lucky not to have caught your eye, since there is naught I can do with such attention."

"Yes, it would seem quite unfortunate. But why not let it form a friendship? Can a lady and a duke not converse or share an amicable dance? It seems I'm damn to remain unmarried anyway, as no other lady, I must admit, has captured any attention as such that you have done so with me today. But.. I would not be against more than one date in the future."
If he were to even have a real future after today. He was, after all, considering tying his own noose.
"And do not trouble yourself with the reasons. I'm sure our God has this all figured out."
And it was hard to say if that was sincere or not as he smiled and sipped at his wine, then held out the goblet to her. "To a friendship? My lady? I'd at least hope we can offer one another that."

Friendship. It was not a bad thing, certainly. Truth be told Lillian probably needed more friends. Still, friendship was a hollow offering when one wanted more. She hadn't grown up dreaming about meeting a handsome knight, duke, prince, or lord so that she could be his friend. Well, anything more than friendship was not open to her, and so she would have to swallow that bitter pill and accept it or allow it to eat away at her as it undoubtedly had other women forced into becoming a White Lily.

Raising her goblet to their second toast of the evening, she gave a wry smile. "To those poor souls damned, as you so eloquently put it, to remain unmarried."

"To them," he said, clinking goblets with her lightly. "And to getting drunk over it and maybe forgetting?" And he laughed and downed the rest of his drink, just as their food was brought out to the table. And as each plate of food was set before them, Blaith gave Lily a knowing grin.
"Enjoy."

Lillian shook her head as Blaith downed the rest of his drink. She could only imagine what they would have to say about her becoming intoxicated. The young woman was bound to catch an earful about being seen out with a man as it was. Couldn't have people thinking White Lily Knights were actual mortal women with all the same flaws and imperfections, now could we?

Forgetting about a problem doesn't really solve the problem. She mused to herself as their food arrived before offering Blaith a coy smile. He did seem intent on drinking his wine quickly. Lillian hoped she wouldn't have to deal with a drunken duke as the evening progressed, things were complicated enough already.

"It does look rather delectable, I must say." She offered, eyeing her share of the decadently roasted duck.

"It better be! It's Court De Beaux!" He said, barking out a short laugh as he cut int his meat. He watched as the sweet steam came out of the juicy cut and popped the first piece into his mouth and moaned, eyes rolling nearly to the back of his skull. "By Ansgar's name is that good!" He exclaimed, loud enough to gain a lot of patron's looks their way. "Crisp on the outside with just the right amount of seasoning, and succulent and tender on the inside. It just melts in your mouth." And as he swallowed his piece he moved to cut another. "How is your duck, my lady? Is it as heavenly as mine?"

Lillian cut into her duck and took a dainty bite, her jade eyes rather fixated on watching Blaith and listening to his reaction to his first sample of their chosen dish. She made a soft sound of appreciation, savoring the flavor, which was excellent, but a lady certainly didn't moan over her food the way Blaith had done.

They had been getting quite enough attention as it was, and more eyes looking their way over his little declaration didn't really bother her at this point, but she was smiling broadly at him. If he got this excited over food...

Shaking her head with a soft chuckle to dispel such thoughts Lillian instead focused on answering his question. "It is quite as wonderful as you said it would be, Duke Harmond. You ordered it just so and they have cooked it to perfection."

"A perfect meal for a perfect evening?" he inquired, blue eyes seeking hers for approval.

"Why, Duke Harmond, do I detect a hint of uncertainty?" Lillian grinned, jade eyes sparkling playfully as she made a show of taking another bite.

"It isn't uncertainty, well.. perhaps in another light it could be," he went on, still grinning. "But I do hope you've at least enjoyed yourself somewhat. After all,  I do need to thank you. Your presence has helped calm me from my woes. I'm not sure what state I'd be in now if it weren't for you, so you have my thanks. And my duck, and perhaps the next dance if it so pleases you," ANd he rose his drink again to that, that grin of his broadening in the most charismatic of ways.

"A good deal more than somewhat enjoyed myself. I got to take a brisk ride, have a race through the city streets, was purchased the most gorgeous dress, and am eating exquisite roast duck and drinking fine wine with a very charming dancer." Lillian smiled reassuringly. She had more than enjoyed Blaith's company, except for a few rough moments. "So yes, a perfect evening, though I think you give me too much credit to the pleasantness of our time together."

Blaith chuckled and waved the notion off.
"Of course not! Perhaps I give you too little credit?" ANd the idea was put out there as a playful challenge as he daintily stuffed another piece of duck into his mouth, moaning again and making quite the ridiculous face.

Lillian made a noncommittal sound as she took another sip of wine. Honestly, she felt as if she had hardly done anything at all. He had been the one to suggest riding together, and had suggested the Court De Beaux, that had purchased their fine outfits for the extravagant occasion, and any number of things that had brought them both pleasure that evening. What credit could she take? That she had approached an upset gentleman in the church. She hadn't even known it was him at the time.

As she ate she found herself still more interested in the sounds and expressions coming from Blaith Harmond, who appeared to be thoroughly enjoying his meal. While she was enjoying hers, well, she didn't look as if she was about to obtain nirvana while doing so!

By the time Blaith had finished his supper, he appeared to be a puddle of goo in his chair.
"I don't care what they say about White Lily's, I'm pretty sure I'm not going home with any pure or virtuous stories. In fact, this meal alone, I don't think I'm a virgin anymore."

It really was a lovely meal and aside from Blaith's overly pleased behavior, it passed very smoothly as they ate in relative silence. Lillian was sipping her wine when her date finished and the words that came out of her mouth had the poor girl choking on her wine and turning quite the impressive shade of crimson.

"Blaith Harmond!" She hissed, green eyes flashing indignantly. "That is completely inappropriate table commentary."

"Yeah, but we've broken a lot of rules today, I figured we were due for another," he said, flashing her those pearly white teeth.

"Do you want to set even more rumors running rampant? What will people say if they hear that kind of talk!" Lillian looked genuinely distressed. If people started suggesting she wasn't holding to her vows then they might do an inquest on her and she'd be forced to try to prove that her innocence was still intact.

"Eh?" Blaith's expression changed drastically. "If someone were to say anything bad about you I'd knock their teeth out. Let's see them talk about vows when their face so swollen they can barely breath."

The sudden and drastic change in Blaith made Lillian blink, slightly startled. The idea that he would violently defend her honor was touching, in a sadistic sort of way that a Coleridge could appreciate. After all, Orchy was built upon conquest. They had always been a warfaring duchy and her brothers were skilled knights as was her father, but she wasn't sure violence would be the most effect solution in this case.

"And you think you knocking their teeth out would give the impression that any rumors were false? Indeed, your readiness to come to my defense might suggest you have some emotional investment in the matter." Still, she couldn't help but smile slightly and give him an appreciative look over. He was a rather impressive specimen of maleness, wasn't he? It might be thrilling to see him in all his righteous fury and glory.

"Of course I'm invested. Why else would I bring you here and openly tease you?" And at such a remark, it seemed to all but calm him, but really, it was due to her smile.

Lillian sighed softly, but her smile remained. Monetarily he certainly was invested in this venture. She idly wondered how much their trip to Francine's and here and set him back. Well, it wasn't as if she'd pressured him into such extravagance. Her original intent had merely been to check on a man in distress. How that had come to this, she wasn't quite even sure!

"An exercise in futility to invest yourself in a woman in my position, Duke Harmond, but I appreciate it nonetheless." With that statement came a rather brilliant smile, but then a grimace. "Still! Your open teasing will likely get me a scolding from one of my superiors." After a moment she laughed softly. "A scolding is a small price for such a wonderful evening, I suppose. Let's just hope a scolding is all I receive. If I get a sanction I'm blaming it all on you!" The last was said teasingly, mostly.

"Speaking of scoldings, how long can I keep you out for?" he asked, reclining back casually into his chair as he digested his food.

Lillian had never really thought about the curfew before. She never stayed away from the barracks for long if she wasn't at a post. Now the damn thing was an annoyance. It was a shame that Blaith had brought that up. They could have stayed out and she could have forgotten all about the curfew, but considering the rumors sure to crop up after today it was probably for the best she didn't break curfew on top of everything else.

"I suppose I should be getting back to the barracks soon, actually. No need to give my superiors more reason to yell at me. I'm sure I'll be getting an earful of lecturing as it is." The evening drawing to a close as a rather depressing thought. It was the first time she'd truly had a good time in a long time and she was loathe to see the night with Blaith end, but that was just her luck, she supposed as she rose gracefully from her chair.

"I should probably retrieve my clothes and change before returning to the barracks. I don't think they'd appreciate my lovely dress the way you do."

"That's a shame, shall I escort you there? After all, I'm sure Francine would love to hear how our evening as gone," he said, moving to rise from the table as he offered a hand to help Lily stand.

Lillian smiled as she took his hand and stood gracefully from her chair before wrapping an arm around his so that he could lead her out on his arm the way he had led her in. Also she wanted to be closer to him for a little longer while longer. Close to his side like this she could breath in the wonderful smell of his cologne.

"You can take me to Francine's, but no peeking this time, Duke Harmond. I expect you to be on your best behavior." She teased gently. Though really she might hit him if he looked in on her while changing again! Just remembering that turned her face a soft shade of pink.

It was Blaith's turn to blush.
"But of course, my lady, it was rude of me to have done so earlier." And with a gesture of his hand, the pair swept across the floor and out the door, down the grand staircase and through the front where the doormen parted the gilded double doors for them and out into the evening air they went. And a cool breeze swept in, which in no means disenchanted the golden hue the evening sun capped the world in during that moment.
"Seems even the sky is perfect." He adjusted his coat and turned to her with a smile. "Shall we?"

A content smile seemed to be unstoppable as Lillian walked at his side, stepping into the cool evening air in time to witness a breathtaking golden sunset. It was remarkable how beautiful it was, and here she couldn't remember the last time she had appreciated such a natural wonder.

"So many perfect things for one enchanted evening, don't you think? Maybe it is a sign that this was a day meant to be. Though I wonder to what end." Here the young noblewoman smiled at him with a hint of playfulness. She wasn't sure if she really believed that Ansgar sent signs to people, or that people could correctly interrupt them if he did, but it had been an unusually good day for her. Right on the eve of her departure to oversee some unknown mage prisoner.

"I suppose it would not have to end. Perhaps I could call on you on a later date?" he suggested, smile still plastered across his face. Why stop at just one wonderful evening when the pair could have many?

"Call on me all you like, though I don't know how often we'll be in the same place for you to be calling on me, but those are just the little details." Lillian wondered if it was even likely for Blaith to be in Reajh when she was not stationed elsewhere. It would be nice if they had another perfect opportunity like the one they'd shared today.

"Yes, it does seem as if the odds are not in our favor, but I'm sure if Angsar wills it, we'll get another dance." He tossed her a wink and moved to open the door to Francine's shop. "After you."

"Then I hope Ansgar wills it." Lillian laughed softly as he held the door open and she swept inside in a swirl of silken emerald skirts, very nearly dancing on her feet without any music anyway. It really was a shame that they had only been able to share a single dance.

Upon seeing the pair of the enter the shop, Francine rose her nose from her books.
"I see you two are back.. and at such an hour, you should realize I'd be closing soon."

"Forgive us, Francine. We've merely returned to pick up this White Lily's clothing."

And with a hmph, she eyed Lily over before snapping her fingers in a gesture for her to follow as she lead the way. "Follow me. I kept it in the back."

Not even the brisk and brash nature of the talented Francine could dampen Lillian's spirits right now, and so when the tailor snapped for her to follow, the young noblewoman trailed along behind her without complaint to the back.

With changing area private and secure, she was helped from the lovely dress and then quickly put back on her Knight's clothing. Yes, showing up in the dress and not her standard uniform would not have gone over well at all, this was a much better idea. Still, Lillian gave the dress a wistful, longing glance as she straightened a bit of armor with a sigh.

"I guess good things can't last forever." She grumbled softly.

Francine gave a snort.
"But the dress is yours," the woman said, focusing on folding it properly and tieing a bow around the box for her to take it home. "I'm sure you can find another time to wear such a remarkable dress." ANd once the woman was dressed back in her armor, she offered the boxed dress back to her.
"It did look marvelous on you after all."

"Yes, maybe." Lillian didn't sound convinced. Yes, the dress was hers, but to find another occasion on which to wear it would be a trying task, to be sure! It wasn't as if she got to dress up and dance at balls all the time anymore.

Smiling and thanking Francine for everything, she took the box and held it carefully, as if what was inside was priceless. Which, to her, it kind of was. The dress, fine as it was, was still just a dress. However, the pleasant feelings and memories now attached to the silk fabric was what made Lillian truly appreciate the treasure.

Heading back to the front of the shop she flashed Blaith a brilliant smile. "The evening air is cool, but let's enjoy our walk back to my barracks. Who knows when I'll have such a handsome escort again."

Blaith gave a short nod.
"Shall I carry that?" he offered, open hands gesturing towards the box.

"Such a gentleman when you want to be." Lillian smiled and handed over her burden. Of course when he didn't want to be he seemed perfectly willing and able to sneak looks at changing ladies! Not even to mention that rather vulgar commentary at the end of supper.

Taking the box, he gave her another charming grin, though his eyes told of his mischief.
"As it should be. Too bad we are not always so free to choose our destinies."
Offering out his arm, he nodded forward, "Shall we?"

"Maybe one day we will, but for now, I'll take what I can get." Lillian said lightly as she took his arm and walked with him out of the shop. At that moment she had no idea what was in store for the future, but she was quite sure that any thoughts of real change were little more than idle fancy.