How quiet has this manor been for a nice few months already... It would need something to add life into the vast halls, the opulent furniture, something to brighten up the large windows and dust off the tables.
The forest manor of Lucien Thornwood, placed in the lush and (usually) fresh Hellvion needed something to stir the life just like its owner needed an awakening and a break from the boredom.
However, today, the air was full of expectations. Important guests were to come - not only Duke Allarick, but also the Dutchess Melora of Hellvion, together with her daughter - to Lucien's great joy. The girl was said to be really beautiful... Well, let's see how the truth really is.
The man, however, was sleeping. Again. It appeared that all the time Lucien doesn't spend chasing girls, he sleeps through. And really, he was napping, stretched across a large and lavish sofa in his fur-lined white coat. His chest was rising and sinking on the cushions. As his hand, hanging off the edge of the sofa, unclenched a little, a half-eaten apple rolled out onto the floor.
A figure entered the hall. Her steps were fairly quiet, and she appeared as everything but out of ordinary. Pale hair, tied back in a bun, and a light blue dress that made her skin appear dull. She bent over, her hands picked up the fallen apple, and softly shook her lord. "Sir Thornwood... The guests are here." she informed him.
He opened his eyes, and stretched himself, staring up at her. "Already?" he asked, with a little bit of disappointment. To break his nap so suddenly was a shame...
She nodded with obedience.
"Thank you, Nel." he muttered after a moment, giving the servant a faint smile, and stood up, straightening the imposingly long white coat, lined with thick fur of a silver wolf. "I suppose we should welcome them, then." A faint smile appeared on his face, and he moved towards the large door to come greet his dear visitors.
People said this Aella was quite the piece, well, wonder how she really looks like? he thought as he strode through the manor, towards the main entrance, and his thin hands raked through the wisps of his hair. If she really was a good 'wife material'... His political strength would be only that much bigger if he was in the family of the dutchess. She, as far as he knew, had no other children, what would make him the heir...
And if there only was a way to get rid of the Grand Duke and be chosen to become the next one, and Connlaoth would be under his rule.
Ah, big talk and no act, he thought then, shaking his head, and putting an official, welcoming smile onto his face. He was already approaching the gate, pulling his garb behind, and the door opened as he stepped to it.
The guests must be just behind.
OOC: Just so you know I tried to PM you but your inbox is full. You should clean it out so I can send you some thoughts on the plot, but for now, I'll just make a note oocly before writing up my post XD
Just so you know, his manor would't make sense to be in Hellvion. If he has become regent, he'd have to move into Reajh, so this technically should take place in Reajh, unless he has a secondary home in Hellvion where he intended to have this party (which would be fine- I just wanted to clarify the reasons behind this because it would affect my post XD )
Hellvion has thinning relations with the Grand Duke, so it makes sense to have the party there so that they can all schmooze wtih the Duke and Duchess from Hellvion.
And just as a note, as far as any marriage to Aella is concerned, it would not give him any rights to the throne in Hellvion, because only male blood line relations can assume the throne. So since the current duke has no male heir produced, it falls back to someone in his family's line who would take it. As it stands, this part is already plotted between myself and goblins between our two characters family, so just so you know, even if he marries Aella, he can not make a claim for Hellvion XD
It would, however, give him a LOT of wealth and power, even outside of becoming a ruler, considering most of the wealth that can be inherited by a female of a prosperous duchy would go to Aella and her husband to be. The reason Aella is now at such an age (as she is her age in her profile + 7 years at this point)- is because, politically, Aella's mother has not found a good match.
She might considering Lucien if only because he is so close to the Grand Duke, but the way things have been plotted for Lucien's position, she would not take his 'ruling' there with too much seriousness, if only because it's been a revolving door, and the regents before Lucien came to be did not last long. She would not considering Lucien to last any longer than them, so any power he might have there might not necessarily appeal to her. So just as a heads up, Aella's mother is a hard nut to crack, plus Aella, in this stage of her life, is smitten with another boy she technically can't have so- complications, I know XD (and a boy she's currently beating with a pillow in another thread X3 )
Feel free to send me another PM with your thoughts but until you erase your PM inbox, I can't send you any replies 8D
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The party was one well received, and though the guest count was relatively low, the guests who were making face were some of the most prestigious in all of Connlaoth. The Grand Duke himself would be in attendance, as would his adviser, Vesrik Delcheux; but above even these, the Duchess and Duke of Hellvion, along with their unwed daughter of twenty and four years of age. Though by now, the fact she was unwed was a bit scandalous in it's own right, no one dared question the reason as to why. Some say it was because Duchess Melora was upset her daughter was not chosen to wed Duke Calent Allarrick before he had become the Grand Duke, while others suggested Duchess Melora was just too over protective of her daughter's perfection, that she wanted to keep her in her castle for herself. She, naturally, was a calculating woman, and knew the disputed throne in Hellvion was a hot topic. If it were up to her, her daughter, naturally, would inherit it, but seeing as she was not going to produce any heir in her current age, and that any of her blood line would not remain on this throne, she still sought for a moment for... perhaps another Duke to become available to wed her daughter off to. With this war, being as ridiculous as it were, she knew one or another had to drop like flies. She was eyeing Folkvar, for there were many unwed men in that family- but none to make a claim to the throne. However, the Duchy of Wulfbauer kept changing hands so rapidly that, before she had a chance to consider a pre-engagement notion there, another Duke was dead, and another on the throne. And so far, she wasn't sure how fast she wanted to act upon the current Duke in his station.
But for now, she had to play kissy face with the Grand Duke, and keep herself as the sole symbol of power in her Duchy, for it was known that clearly, she wore the ruling pants, and that her husband merely followed along with whatever she desired- considered he was often so sickly. But at this such event, even the Duke of Hellvion was in attendance, and they were fashionably late to arrive, for even the Grand Duke and his adviser had showed up long before the Avelonian royals appeared.
And when they did, it was always with the utmost grace, as the beautiful Duchess Melora was presented to Lord Thornwood first, before her husband, and then to her daughter Aella. And as all of the rumors behind it could only make it true, for she was a beacon of beauty; with long, curling blonde hair that was left to fall in strands of glittering gold about her form. And she wore a simple and elegant violet dress, one to match her eyes that was strung through with diamonds and pearls, and as she moved to curtsy before Lucien in their introduction, she rose her head to give him a warm smile, for where her parents wore masks of indifference, she herself, wore an expression that was as warm and bright as the sun. Many claimed she was a gentle spirit, and it was evident, even now, in her mannerisms, the type of person she was- both beautiful outside, and within.
"Lord Thornwood, I thank you for inviting us to this occasion. The travel here was superb, and the gardens of your estate, beautiful," the Duchess went on with a courteous tile of her head. "Though I am aware of your new position in the Palace, how often do you frequent your manor in Hellvion?" Because, Duchess Melora intended to get the most up to date information out of him, and in the most formal and flattering of ways, naturally.
"Yes, it is good to see a Hellvion man at the Grand Duke's side," Duke Avelon stated with a well polished smile. "What with the different regents he has taken, I hope you will be the last from many! It would be good to see stability, something this nation yearns for."
Grand Duke Allarrick nodded in agreement, as he had been standing nearby, at his adviser's side.
"Yes, my adviser, Vesrik Delcheux, had made the recommendation. I believe Lord Thornwood is more than adequate for the job."
"And one so young," Duchess Melora pointed out. "You can't be much older than my darling daughter, Aella." And Aella blushed ever so faintly for having any attention drawn to her.
"Yes, we are hoping a young, fresh mind, will help bring the necessary order expecting by our Grand Duke's when he is away-a nd we all know he travels frequently, what with the war," Vesrik chimed in and gave a gracious nod in Lucien's direction.
Lucien responded to every his guest with a graceful bow, bending in his slender waist, while his coat brushed against his boots. "A pleasure to meet you all. To answer to your question, milady - " he turned to Melora, "- I visit this residence mostly during summer, when the premises of my main manor grow too hot to reside in. Otherwise, it is more of a hunting manor."
His attention shifted to Aella with utmost elegance, just as naturally charming as ever. He softly took his hand to hers, and bowed, softly kissing it as an act of courtesy. "It is a pleasure to meet you, lady Aella. Your beauty is fabled far, and I must admit that no one rumor is untrue." His lips created a slight smile, confident, as he sprang back up.
He thanked Calent for the flattery, and gestured all his guests to follow into the building. His servants, garbed in simple black and silver - in a sharp contrast with their lord, completely in white - came noiselessly closer to take care of their capes and coats.
"Hopefully my age will not be a problem at such a high position. I only wish to be of help in this troublesome sled of events our country has gotten to." With a slight gesture, he proclaimed, and led them into the main hall, already prepared for the celebration.
The hall was only a little dark, lit by three large chandeliers, hanging above a majestic oaken table, stretched across the entire hall. The chairs besides it resembled thrones, rather than simple furniture to sit onto while eating, and while the table was not long, it even appeared heavy and sturdy. The plates before every of the chairs were silver, polished perfectly, and reflecting the light of the chandeliers like mirrors.
He sat onto one of the three chairs on one side of the table, in the middle, and gestured his guests to do the same, keeping the calm smile on his lips.
As it would be so, Grand Duke Calent sat to the right of the host, and to Calent's right, Vesrik was stationed. On the other side, Duke James Avelon was seated, and beside him, his wife, and next to her, Aella, whom, Melora was sure to keep close to her at all times. The other guests, as trivial as they were, took up the remaining few seats as the meal began- but naturally, was started off with a few hor d'oeuvres and fresh, Allarrian wine- which was boasted as the finest in all of the country- and naturally, was in tribute to the Grand Duke, as most occasions were when in his presence.
"You have a lovely, quaint dining hall, Lord Thornwood," the duchess made mention while sipping at her wine. For though her words were kindly, it was also seen in dual lights in her eyes, for someone hosting a meal for those so grand should certainly have a bigger table than something so cozy. But, she had to remind herself, he was not of the same stock as she, and perhaps men at his caliber did not feel it necessary. But she herself, had an honest tongue, and though she did not outwardly speak of any shame of it, she would not have brought it up other wise.
"It was the least I could do, my lady." Lucien replied humbly, pouring red wine into a tall glass, and casually picking it up. "The main dining hall was too cold to be prepared, despite my attempts to change that since two days ago. As I did not wish to host you in such horrible premises, I had to prepare a smaller hall. A true shame, but hopefully, this room will suffice for our needs." His glance slipped into the glass, circling between his fingers.
"Just like I wish I could host you in my main manor. This is, after all, just a hunting residence, built so I do not have to resort to sleeping with horses and hounds when on a hunt." he attempted to joke in a clever manner, and smiled a little. He was sure to let Melora know that this was just a very small shard of his true power - which was publicly presented through little more than the opulent furniture of his manors and fur-lined garments he wore.
Lucien was a puppet-master... That would get you more than just fur on the hood.
"Yes, well, the last time I checked, we were all here to dine, not to hunt," Melora quipped back, in humor, though dry and testy at best, and though each comment regarded a bit of laugh, Vesrik's being the loudest while Calent's laughter was non-existent at best, it was Melora's turn to speak up again, as the cynical woman was always after something, and always tended to lead conversations, be they at her estate or not.
"So tell me, what sort of activities do you have for us, Lord Thornwood? I'm sure something to compliment the meal?" And Melora's brows raised at the questions, eager to see what he had to offer, after all, she was here to be impressed. He better live up to whatever expectations she had.
"You will see." he replied calmly, though a smile flashed on his lips. "And I can guarantee it will surprise you." What he had prepared was truly unique. He has hired one of those foreigners he himself jokingly called 'import goods' - a dancer, by looks most likely Essyrni. That was his surprise. Simply hiring a band of musicians was in no way enough for the noble sir Thornwood.
"What sort of things do you hunt here?" Aella soft voice chimed in, which gained her a few looks from the guest. "I heard the stag here earn a hunter many points. The Grand Duke, it is said, comes to Hellvion often, as well as Highheart- both lands producing a lot of good game."
"Indeed," Calent replied with a nod. "I have received many fine stag on hunts in the forested mountains of Hellvion. There are even large boars in the valley. I used to enjoy hunting those in my younger days." And taking the question back to Lucien, he nodded his head. "Get any good game yourself, Lord Thornwood?"
"Stag, deer, old mature boars which make for a majestic trophy..." Lucien nodded his head at a few hunting trophies on the wall, "Sometimes wolves, especially in winter. In my youth, I used to be a remarkable hunter." He instinctively stroke the grey fur on his shoulders, a trophy from one of his catches.
"If that is so, sir, then it may be a good idea to dust off the bows and go for a hunt once this all settles." he suggested to Calent.
"In such dreadful weather?" Melora inquired, wrinkling her nose. "Storms are due from the East."
"The weather matters little if you have a good garb." Lucien assured her with confidence, and gestured towards the lining of his coat. "Wolf, fox, and other soft furs keep you warm. The wind is more of a problem, as it changes the course of arrows, but I've hunted in a storm before, too."
It was an awful hunt in which he nearly froze, but that was another matter.
"You speak to me as if I don't know. Lord Thornwood, have you ever been in a Hellvion winter?" she asked critically, and though it was hard to tell if she was jesting, Vesrik lightened the mood with a laugh.
"Hellvion is known for it's blizzards and snow fall. Everybody knows that. It's a uniqueness to this country that only adds to it's grace and charm. It's why it is clearly one of the fairest of duchies. Such beauty in it, existing not only in it's people, but the weather and landscape alike."
Melora, seeming pleased with Vesrik's charms, dropped any other cutting comment she might have had against Lucien, while her daughter, the quiet Aella, stole a small glance his way.
"Yes, but a hunt may have to wait for another time," Calent interjected. "My stay here must be brief, unfortunately."
"Yes, a man of your status must be quite busy and popular." And this was just another quick jab from Melora herself. And such a notion, even her daughter dropped her gaze, but Calent remained even and simply nodded.
"Such is the life of a political man," he assured her.
"Truly unfortunate." Lucien sighed, taking a drink from his wine, and returned Aella's glance with a small smile. A couple of servants walked in, bringing inside more exquisitely cooked dishes on silver plates, followed by four musicians - of which one carried a lute, another had a harp, the third brought a fiddle, and the last one held a flute. They took their places in the corner of the hall, and started playing a somewhat slow tune. They were quite obviously masters of their instruments, and the music broke the silence of the hall.
"I am glad to present the surprise of this evening, my dear guests." he spoke then, and the door opened again. Another two servants led in a dark-skinned woman in an almost transparent garb. She had a beautifully shaped figure and black hair, curling in loose rings, tied into two long braids by golden circles. The mocha-colored skin of her face was hidden behind a veil of turquoise fabric, thin enough to discern her features. The two men led her before the musicians, and the music brisked up as she started dancing. Lucien Thornwood had quite the knack for exotic entertainment and pretty women at once... This girl seemed to be fit for both. A good little present from his traveling friend that once took a trip to Essyrn.
As prude as most of the Connlaothians were, this sort of thing was acceptable, even in broad daylight during a nobles fine meal. Vesrik's eyes, though appearing only mildly interested in the entertainment, were actually very interested in her, as he drank her down with his eyes like a fine wine. The way her hips moved were tantalizing, and though the Grand Duke, who sat near to him, also appeared indifferent, it was truly much harder to read the kingdom's leader than the adviser, or even the pleased smile upon the regent's lips.
Melora looked obviously disapprovingly, but watched she still did, as did Aella, who, as innocent as she was, found herself blushing at such a display, taking in the woman's form as she was simply as gorgeous as one could be, and was also transfixed upon the exoticness of the way she danced and moved. She felt her cheeks burn, and even her ears, before gently dropping her violet eyed gaze to her plate then stealing a glance towards her mother. It seemed everyone was watching. Was she the only one that felt strange to be witnessing this? To the others, this seemed a normal affair, but they were all watching a nearly nude and foreign woman dance before them! Surely a 'dancing woman' was only to be presented in the privacy of a man's own home!
Oh what things the girl needed to learn about the world and politics, and this was definitely something new. Being 20 some years of age and still unwed did not mean she knew what most others at 20 some years of age did. And even being a friend of Laighean.... well...
Even that had not prepared her for something like this! It felt scandalous! Positively not right, but yet her mother sipped her tea show casing indifference, and so...
Aella tried to do the same. Though sipping turned into something a bit more, and by the time the dance was completed, Aella's head was swimming with all of the alcohol she tried to daintily 'sip' while trying to keep her eyes on the dancing lady and not completely swoon.
Lucien's eyes were fixed to the mesmerizing movement of the dancer for a nice while, but secretly, he kept track of his guests. Especially Vesrik seemed to like this entertainment, though Aella seemed a little unnerved by the girl, and appeared to drink her wine faster than what would be appropriate. "After all, it seems that my friend's gift to me had found a good use. May I ask how you are enjoying this spectacular performance?" he spoke, lifting the tall goblet to his lips and taking a small sip, hardly more than just dipping the tip of his tongue in the crimson liquid.
From what he knew about reading in people, at least the men were interested far more than they appeared. He knew they would be when he received the dancer like a gift from his traveling acquaintance - after all, the man that brought her was just as awed. What simple creatures people were... So easily influenced by the lust of their beastly minds. Like animals...
But if you chain a beast, you can easily lead it in the direction you want it to walk. And Lucien's chains were slowly starting to descend to bind the ones around him in an embrace from which was no escape.
"In truth, such foreign affairs are salacious," Melora quipped, her tone even, if not a bit hard as she gestured towards Lucien. "But an animal such as she, moves like the wisps of fire. It's interesting to say the least."
"Yes, interesting indeed!" Vesrik went on with a polished smile. "These foreigners sure have a unique step to their dance. And as the duchess pointed out, yes, it's much like a flame. Wild, and seemingly untamable, but beneath the right hands..." And here he gave a notable gesture towards Lucien. "It seems one can turn a flame into a beautiful spectacle."
Melora gave a lame glance Vesrik's way. The man always had a tongue that could make shit sound like a good thing. She had to wonder why the Grand Duke even bothered keeping such a man around.
And while everyone was going on about flames, Aella was dealing with the hotness of her flushed face and uncomfortable feelings of having to watch well... this. Thankfully, a man would never expect her to move in such a way, or so she hoped. For she had no hips like that, or could move like that, for all of her dancing was reserved to the rigid but fluid steps of a waltz.
Lucien laughed, shortly and sharply, at Vesrik's quip, and gave the dancer the glance of a hungry wolf. "I do have to agree. The right hand can lead even an untameable wild element into the right way and give the fierceness a shape that will guide it to became beauty, a fire that heats you inside, and doesn't burn, while it retains its free spirit." While his words actually coated something that many would consider at least a little offensive, the way he spoke of it hid his true intentions. A snake's silver tongue resided in the mouth of a man, or so it seemed.
The dancer came closer, and the music intensified, her movements grew faster and the transparent azure thread was just a mash, waving around her fingers. Lucien's eyes stroke to figure, but then they shifted to Aella. She was just as beautiful as that girl, but in a different way, more refined and less wild. A well-tended cat next to a tiger in chains... Sitting on a pile of gold.
If he could lift the cat and make it climb onto his shoulders, he could claim the gold. But... How?
"It seems you've got a way with women," Melora went on, stealing a glance his way and noticing, just at the right time, how he looked at her daughter. "Tell me, Lucien, do you have a chained woman of your own?" And as the others looked her way, she smiled, daringly at him. "Do excuse the joke, but I am inquiring as to if you are engaged yet. For I have not heard any rumors of it, it does not mean it isn't so. What with the war going on, you see so many weddings these days. It's almost hard to keep track."
Aella peered at her mother, knowing some of her phrases to be untrue, but no one else could call her out on them, especially since Melora always held herself well,a nd there was nothing to challenge in that.
"Me?" Lucien raised a brow in surprise - albeit partly faked - and laughed. "Oh, I don't. Unfortunately I have yet to meet one that would be the truly right one." And the truly rich one worth marrying. "Though, that doesn't mean I'm not searching. I have simply been overwhelmed by work and duties when I realized I am in the age when I should be marrying, and did not... Find the time to fully focus on the search." All the ones he passed through his search were either not beautiful enough, or too poor and unimportant in political circles. "With the war going on, as you say, it is quite the trouble to both take care of my professional and private life, especially while the first is, with all honesty, my privilege."
"Yes, I see," Melora mused, observing the man skeptically. "So fairs my poor, unwed daughter. It seems other affairs come first. Obligations, naturally," and she gave another sip to her wine, evidently giving the Grand Duke the cold shoulder as she turned to her husband, her simply nodded at her side.
"Yes, who knows, perhaps we'll be attending your wedding soon, or even one for my daughter," he said. And despite how long she had been unwed and brought along to be paraded through all of Connlaoth as 'the most beautiful woman alive'; she had never fully thought on the consequences of marriage. She had, at one time, thought she as in love but...
It was so complicated between her and Laighean. And though she felt so much for the boy, even she knew she had to come to realize it could never be. He was.. in some senses of the word, a ghost. Where as she? Well....
She could only marry nobility, and her mother was being quite finicky over just who that nobleman would be.
"Unwed?" he masked the interest with a look of concern - and partly also sorrow. "My mind doesn't simply grasp how a woman of such beauty could not be married by now..." he mused, shaking his head. "Well, hopefully both of us will be fortunate enough to enjoy the sweet joys of marriage soon." he wished then, and raised his glass.
"To luck." he wished simply. The meaning of that could be interpreted in many means, just like he wished for it to...
He's only ever met one woman that tamed him. One woman he'd chase, and that woman was gone like ashes in the wind, leaving a burning emptiness inside him. Yes, this girl was pretty and had wealthy noble parents, but she was shy and disquieted... There was no passion in her.
Oh, whatever. Once married, he could find a new one each month, and nobody could ever complain. Only fools wed for love.
"So how long shall the foreigner entertain us with her dance?" Melora inquired, seeming almost bored of it.
"As long as you may wish, my lady." he replied simply, waving his hand at it. "Would you, by any chance, wish to dance yourself? The main hall is prepared, though a little cold, as it did not yet have the time to heat up completely."
"So are you suggesting we dance now as civilized beings after such an.. exotic display?" Melora asked, her voice raising subtly at the thought.
"Indeed." Lucien nodded. The essyrni dancer stopped moving as the couple of servants entered the room, and led her back out. "Now that we have seen such a spectacular performance, we could just as well try to move our own bones and... Digest this dinner." he joked.
"Very well, then I accept your invitation to a dance," Melora said, brows raising expectantly. She very much expected him to offer her his hand and help her to stand, as any gentleman should.
With a soft, confident smile, Lucien stood up, and made his way to Melora's chair, bowing slightly, and offering her a hand. "Thank you. It will be a pleasure for the halls of my residence to host a woman of your beauty and majesty."
The Duchess gave a nod, and took his hand and lifted herself gracefully from the chair. Leaving the others to now simply follow after them. As was customary, the men would seek out a dancing partner, and as Melora shifted to move with Lucien out onto the ballroom floor, internally she was smiling. It seemed the Grand Duke was polite enough to offer her daughter a dance. Good. Let the man know what he was missing. His hussy of a wife was nothing compared to her perfect Aella. To think, the man would allow such rumors to spread about that the Grand Duchess was having an affair with a mage, and thief no less! It was scandalous to say the least, but so were her own thoughts towards Lucien. He was a handsome man, as was her own husband, but this man was so much younger, but barely by a decade. It was refreshing to see someone so eager to please her- but then again, most were.
Perhaps this was just a breath of fresh air for the Duchess. Or... perhaps she was almost wanting it to be more. There had been rumors that before her marriage to the Duke of Hellvion, she had eyes for the Duke of Orchy. But whatever rumors that were speculated behind that were snuffed out early on when Melora so lavishly was displayed, not even a year later after Orchy's duke was married, that she too, became wed to a duke and crowned a high ranking noble woman herself.
But it wasn't love. It never was, and both she and her husband knew it. She just had wished to produce an heir, for as lovely as Aella was, and all of the fame that came about due to her beauty was not enough to secure the crown to her own blood line.
No...
No.
The crown was going to someone else. And her husband refused to bed her these past few years so any success in carrying his heir was more or less negated and accepted never to happen. Though she was old, she wasn't that old, but hse knew the risks of daring to have a child this stage in her life. She was already in her forties, her early forties, but she barely looked to be much older than her own daughter.
She took care of herself well, and barely a wrinkle could be seen on her body. Though some grey hairs threatened to creep in, dark hair dye sought to fix that. So to anyone gracing their eyes upon the fair Duchess Melora of Hellvion, they'd see someone of impeccable and timeless beauty and grace. But beneath the surface of such perfection lurked something far darker and dangerous than most could ever imagine.
So as she took Lucien's hand within her own, she waited for the music to start so their dance could begin.
Lucien let his eyes feast on the fair form of the Dutchess as the musicians took their place in this far larger hall. It was cold inside, but the interior was a pride of his self - he made a work of art from his father's old residence. The walls were tall and the ceiling high, with a number of chandeliers hanging from them. The floor, laid out with tiles of dark oak wood, emptied to leave space to dance.
Another melody, dance-like and brisk, started playing, and Lucien gracefully led Melora to the middle of the hall, confident in himself. He was a good dancer, with the grace and swift moves that one needed to be such, and his white coat, adorned by thick fur of wolves at the trim and shoulders, made him appear even more majestic.
He glanced down at Melora, holding her hand very gently, and bowed to her before he took her to dance.
The dutchess was sure a beautiful woman, appearing ageless, and he himself had a similar charm. Very few would guess his true nature even if they knew him for a long time.
For Lucien Thornwood wasn't the man who he now seemed to be.
The hands, now adorned by a silver ring on one of his fingers, were stained by blood. He was a bastard in both literal, and metaphorical sense - just thanks to his wit he wasn't still lurking through the streets like a killer, like a beast, searching for his prey. He was a wolf in a sheep's skin that made his way towards the fattest meat in this disguise.
He carried the dutchess in a brisk, airy dance through the room, moving with elegance that could match even the essyrni dancer. Despite his sharp appearance and age - for he was no longer so young as he appeared to be - he did know how to dance better than most.
"You seem to know your dance steps," Melora complimented, smiling broadly at the way he handled such a dance. And it had been a while since someone had taken her up on an offer to dance to something to lively and bold a tune.
"Oh, thank you. You seem to be an very good dancer yourself, my lady." he replied, taking a large turn in the corner of the hall to whirl through it in the complicated pattern of dance again.
"So tell me, how did a man such as yourself come to be in such a position? Most regents are about as old as the Grand Duke's adviser. I'm surprised he decided to go with someone of your age." Not that he was too much younger than herself, really...
"That's a long story." he replied thoughtfully. "After I inherited my father's wealth, I started caring more about politics and building my career. I had a few acquaintances that suggested me for the position of the regent... Though, I don't believe in luck, so I suppose it must have been some good rumors that got into the ears of his Highness." he chuckled.
"I see. And what sort of good rumors?" The woman inquired, genuinely interested, for she herself, hadn't heard much of a peep about this man. And that in itself was intriguing.
"That I am a hard-working, ambitious and intelligent young man." Lucien smirked. "And that is simply quoting the words of those that gave life to those rumors. To find out whether they are true... Well, I shall not boast. See for yourself."
"And those are good traits indeed, but one needs more than just that to maintain a nation," and Melora slid her gaze over towards the Grand Duke and her daughter and frowned. As usual, the Grand Duke held a stoic expression, and her daughter, smiling as radiantly as she usually did. It seemed just about no one had an effect on that man. And it made Melora grow bitter. She desired power,a nd her daughter was just another tool. Too bad his wife hadnt died during her child's birth...
Aella would be a lovely choice if he were to remarry...
Peering back towards Lucien, she continued to fall in step with him.
"At least you've got elegant skills in dancing. I suppose you could put that on your resume?" she told him with a small smile.
"Along with hunting and swordplay." he corrected her. "Thank you for the compliment." He picked her up for a moment to perform one of the more complicated steps in the dance, and put her back down, fleetly and gently.
This woman was one that could be of much use if he could just make her go in the right direction. Or her daughter...
Melora's heart fluttered, something that had not happened in ages. Or.. perhaps it was her stomach, but the faintest of blushes graced her cheeks at such a move, and her smile grew as she caught her husband's gaze from the corner of her eye. The man had never suspected his wife to ever cheat on him, even though it was obvious he was cheating on her-
But that did not mean her heart was not fair game for her to use to woo others...
And she might have caught sight of the most appropriate of preys.
It was here the dance ended, and everyone rose their hands up in applause.
"A lovely dance, Lord Thornwood,"s he said with a deep bow of her head.
"Thanks to you, my lady." Lucien bowed back to her, giving her one of his charming, confident smiles. "Maybe now a short visit to the courtyard would come fit? My servants have prepared fireworks to be launched on my order."
It was true. Behind the residence, a group of his men had a whole load of colorful rockets ready to be fired for their lord. More import goods - this time from Thanatos.
Wasn't it fortunate to have friends around the countries?
"Fire works? My goodness, are we celebrating something here today?" Melora inquired, but it was hard to tell if she was being patronizing or actually impressed. Or.. perhaps a mixture of both.
"We are celebrating our meeting, off course." he replied, taking her hand. "Shall you need it, there is a thick cape prepared for every guest. It appears it is snowing outside."
With that, he turned to the rest of his guests. "I would be honored to show you the next surprise I have prepared for this evening, though, for this one, we will need to leave the residence... This particular kind of 'import goods'," he chuckled at the word a little, "requires the night sky to be presented in its full beauty."
"Interesting you wish us all to go out and play in the snow," Melora stated, eyeing the man over. "And capes? I see you're sparing no expense."
"I would never even try to consider that with guests of your importance." Lucien responded with confidence, and led his guests out of the hall. As they returned to the gate, in the hallway, a couple of his servants came in, carrying capes, lined with grey wolf fur, similar to the coat Lucien himself wore. The white fabric with an exquisite trim and underside had a deep hood that would hide them from the falling snow, too - fortunately, it was not snowing now.
The guests were all gracious in accepting the gift of capes, even Vesrik went out of his way to compliment the young Lord on his selection, and Aella too, made a comment about how soft and pretty hers was. Though there as no snow fall when they got outside, the sky was clear. A perfect night to star gaze and Aella shivered inside her cape and peered up at the sky.
"It's lovely. Like a sea of sparkling diamonds," she said.
"I quite agree." Lucien nodded, leading them onto the courtyard. The dark sky was soon lit by a dim glow, coming from behind the residence, before a rocket came sparkling like a star, falling in reverse, and high up in the sky it broke into myriads of sparkling shards.
It seemed like the fireworks were a good idea.
At each burst of color and light, the crowd watched in wander. Even the Grand Duke, who seemed stiff all of the time and never jovial, had his gaze held captive by the display. Vesrik had brought out his wine, swishing it within his goblet, while Aella's eye grew large and shined with the reflection of the fireworks over head.
Melora, however, hung back, while the rest of them were gazing about and gasping at such colors and twinkling lights, she strolled over towards the edge of the balcony and peered out over the edge, purposely making herself stand alone.
Lucien cautiously approached Melora from the side, giving her a short gaze before his eyes returned to the sky. A slight smile was on his lips as he watched a multitude of smaller white rockets fly up in a large arch, afterwards crowned by an outright huge blue and bronze one. It took on the form of a huge flower, and every spark that was sent flying down then made a smaller flower of its own.
"I hope you are enjoying this evening, my lady." he spoke silently.
"But of course. One can not boast they have a more perfect, clearer sky than those skies of Hellvion."
"They are spectacular. I doubt I could have chosen a better evening for fireworks." Lucien agreed, once again giving the graceful figure of the Dutchess beside himself a short glance.
Melora knew full well he was admiring her form,s he could just about feel those eyes upon her. Though she kept her tone even, eyes to the sky.
"I will have to consider using fireworks more often at the castle. We only have them for very special events."
A small smile appeared on Lucien's lips. "They are a spectacular display. These in particular were brought from Thanatos by an acquaintance of mine... Maybe I could get him to bring another few as a gift for you, my lady."
"Such a generous offer, Lord Thornwood. It's.. interesting to see a man in your such position having acquaintances with those of the islands," she stared at him, almost in disinterest, but that was just how she displayed herself. It was, after all, about how others perceived her. And she had to keep up that certain Helllvion snobbery because well...
It's just what was expected,a nd how it was just to be.
"Do you make frequent connections there often?"
"Oh, my friend is the one that has connections there. I have never visited Thanatos, but I have several merchant acquaintances that travel frequently between Le'raana and the islands. Exotic import goods such as these are always in demand." he explained, shrugging slightly. It was true - he has never visited the islands.
Though, he visited many other places where he made his 'acquaintances'. Many of those were useful to be connected to publicly, while the shadier ones were better kept secret. Though, if he needed something, he had people to ask for it.
"That's a shame. I could have asked you how it was like, but I suppose it's for the better. I heard those... islands, they're... not too civilized,"s he said with a sniff.
"Oh, not really." Lucien replied, putting his hands in leather gloves down onto the rail. Another bunch of beautiful red flowers exploded in the sky. "That acquaintance of mine described the islands from which these fireworks come as rather civilized, clean and orderly. Their healers are said to be on a level even higher than here. Though, I have heard bad things, too. They are said to communicate with spirits, and mages are held highly in their society. Strange people." he concluded.
His tall, lean figure leaned onto the rail, bending over a little. Even beneath the thick coat, his shouderblades appeared rather pronounced, stretching the fabric. He brushed some snow off his sleeve, and kept gazing at the sky.
"Yes... those who worship magics are as uncivilized as they come. To think, they remain content to be ignorant in their sins."
ANd she grew quiet, keeping her gaze upon the fireworks and said no more, while observing him from the corner of her gaze. Best to let him speak or strike up more conversations if he wished. That way,s he could have him oblige her with information without even having to pry. Those with a social tongue were always so eager to impress. She just hoped Lucien was one of them. So far, she had been right.
Lucien grew silent for a long time, waiting to get some information out of Melora spontaneously. To his eyes, she seemed like a rather social woman, and she appeared to have a quick tongue, too, though he wasn't too fast to judge that. Better let her come up with something by herself to observe her better, he thought, and pulled the collar of his coat higher to hide his neck from the wind.
A few long hairs of the fur brushed against his jaw in a gust of wind.
Melora was too smart of a woman to just simply allow too much to flow from her own tongue, so after feigning impression from his firework display, she inquired, "So how many of these do you possess? We have seen so many of them dancing in the sky, each one unique in it's own fanfared perfection."
With a hint of a smile, Lucien glanced down at Melora. "As many as you wish, milady. I'm pleased that they are to your liking." he replied silently, the slightest hint of mischief in his silky voice.
A rather large rocket flew up, leaving a burned-out trail behind itself. "Look... It's the biggest - and last one for tonight..." he spoke; and like an answer to those words, the rocket exploded into a huge burst of crimson and golden. For a moment, it took on the appearance of a great dragon, mouth agape and wings outstretched, and spiralling right towards the balcony the stood on. But before it's huge sight would reach it, it broke, crumbling into glimmering crimson and gold that slowly faded away.
Melora was more than impressed at such a sight, but kept her expression neutral, even as her eyes dazzled at the display. As the rest ooed and awed, she remained a tranquil figure, with the exploding colors dancing across her form. And at the conclusion of such a display, as was customary, everyone applauded such a show, and even the Duke of Hellvion approached Lucien to show his gratitude.
"Splendid display. The fireworks were simply marvelous."
But Melora held her tongue and took perch on her husband's arm, saying nothing, but remaining a cool and collected figure at his side.
"I feel honored that they were to your liking." Lucien responded, turning away from the balcony, and facing his important guests. "After all, all of them were crafted, purchased, and shipped just for your entertainment. The fact that they fulfilled their role pleases me."
Everything was going by the plan.
"Just for my entertainment?" his choice of words were not lost on her as she smiled towards him and raised a single, curious brow.
"Indeed." with a smile, and his typical elegant, all-concealing expression led his important guests back into the main hall. Servants immediately surrounded everyone in the moment that they walked through the door, to take their coats, and back in the hall offer them cold white wine and more food (especially cakes and light 'treats').
A thick bill to pay for, that was sure. But hey, how many villagers wouldn't one rip off to improve his political standing?
Aella adored sweet treats, and the moment they were presented before them, she had to remind herself not to over indulge, for it would be quite unlady like of her to do so. So after carefully selecting the fairest looking sweet, she popped the delicate pastry into her mouth and could have moaned- but though it was not an audible sound, her expression truly showed her exuberance for the perfected confection.
By the corner of his eye catching sight of the Duchess' daughter enjoying the small, sweet pastries that his servants presented to his precious guests. To his eyes, she was just as sweet as wonderful as to her the sweet, what he could clearly see, taking into account the amazed face.
One could say it bordered with obsession, a cold-blooded, obsessive interest in a human being. She reminded him of his mother, a jewel that he knew he couldn't own, but she, she was different...
Oh Ansgar, how he longed to hold either of them in his hands. How he longed that they would be both like little birds in his cage! How he needed that...
But he knew he couldn't, he couldn't...
Silently stepping towards Aella, his never-disappearing elegant smile was this time sparked up only for her, and for her solely. "Are you enjoying the evening, Milady?" he inquired silently, taking one of the sweets into his own hand, though to study only, not even planning to place it near his mouth.
Startled, Aella nearly choked on the pastry.
"Oh!" She exclaimed after.swallowing down the pastry with haste. "Very much so. Your house is so lovely, and the entertainment, a delight."