Spirits of the Earth

OOC: I'm so excited for this thread.. YOU HAVE NO IDEA
nyhahahaha
<3

Now if I can successfully describe the history that flows up to this point concisely enough- we're golden!

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How long had it been since she'd been to a ball? If you counted the years she had been imprisoned in crystal, quite many, actually, and this being her first one in ages, Katahnia felt jittery, her hands growing warm and sweaty as she remained with her cousin within her room as the pair prepared themselves with powder on their faces and securing jewelery against their skin to dazzle for the ball.

Ever since she had her baby, her family had done a lot for her; and though she was grateful, she felt... horrendous, guilty, even a little hurt. Having to give the child away to someone else's care was... a horrible act and she wasn't entirely sure she condoned it.  Infact, she had cried the entire way back to the duchy. But the woman was nice, and had helped her while she was staying up north to have it, so she knew the woman would love and take care of her daughter well, and to keep the secret safe.

But how long had that even been? The father, well, he was no longer in the picture, no thanks to her own anger getting in the way; but she couldn't help it. To have found him in bed with another woman, even when they were arguing it... it broke her heart nad even to today, she felt her stomach tie in knots over it and her eyes burn with tears. And to think, this woman even shared the same views as her on equal freedoms for mages.

But she had to swallow that down and put on a happy face, or whatever happy face she could. She had spent so much time and energy finding her family, that she was elated her Uncle was still alive, (and his children, too). It was a surprise to see them all grow up, since before her family's duchy had been decimated, they were barely the age of three.
Now, since her arrival, it had been thought to have her marry her cousin Blaith to get her back into the family name, and to also keep the secrets of his power (and that of Kella's too) under wraps. It was one reason neither twin had married. This would also secure the secrecy of her own identity as well.

To find out what the twin's power were.. well, their powers were terrible, at that. They could not touch anything or anyone, lest they fall prey to their wicked magics and die. Though not much could be done about it, her Uncle still held the ideals of her own parents, stil voicing, albeit a lot quieter, his desires for more equality towards mages. Though most of his words always fell to def ears, and most other nobles simply rolled their eye at him.

Today, however, marked an important turn in her life- a turn where she would return to a life that had been taken from her so long ago, and now here she was, staring at herself back in the mirror, feeling guilty over the path she had take..

Cauwyn..
She had loved him, and to leave him so... it broke her heart, but she was mending, though it was still tender. What would he do if he ever were to find out she had been with child? Or that she had that child already? She had.. tried to send word to him, but that had been so many months ago, and who knew if the courier had ever delivered the letter. But when a second letter was sent, also providing unfruitful, she fell into a pit of despair and depression, a depression that only  the birth of her child had cured.


Life.. to see a child so innocent in the world.. it brought her a renewed energy towards what she had been fighting for, what her FAMILY had been fighting for so many years ago. So when she returned, she informed her Uncle she did want back into the duchy, back into politics, but under her own accord. SHe said she'd decide later if she would accept the engagement to Blaith, and simply left it at that. The world could see them as 'courting'.  Both her cousins understood, so while readying for the ball, Katahnia was still fretting over so much, Kella approached her and placed a gloved hand upon her shoulder.

"Do not worry, at least you don't have to fear your touch killing others," Kella said, hoping to lighting the mood.

With a sigh, Katahnia smiled and patted her cousin's hand. "Oh, Kella, you were always one for words." And the two girls' laughed and exchanged hugs, careful ones, but tight, nurturing hugs all the same.

"So.. you ready to go to the ball? I heard Duke Calent will be there and he is quite the eligible bachelor. Though one must question why he is so old without a wife already."

Katahnia rolled her eyes.
"I'm not looking for marriage, and if anything, I'll probably end up marrying Blaith."

Kella nodded. "It would be nice, indeed. That way we can stay close."

Katahnia smiled.
"I'm just glad you're coming with me."
Kella gave a hesitant smile, but Katahnia noticed it.

"Don't worry, Kella, you'll be fine. Just.. be careful no one gets too close to you if you know what I mean." Kella blushed while Katahnia stood and offered out her hand.  "Now, come , let us go. There's a party to attend."

And as the two exited the room, Blaith was waiting at the door, looking as suave as ever.

"Hello, ladies."

"Hello, Blaith."

He cocked his head to one side, admiring his sister. "That dress looks good on you, and her dress looks good on your as well, Kat." He gave his cousin a wink. "Come on, the carriage is waiting." And the two girls exchanged glances, smiling at one another before the group disappeared into the carriage and made their way to Uthlyn. It would be a long ride, but well worth it, and as Kat glanced out the window, she took in the city scape with wonder.

"How long has it been, do you recall?"Kella asked.

Katahnia turned to Kella. "Too many years to count. But the city looks as beautiful as ever."

He'd thrown the invitation into the fire and said he wouldn't go. Yet here he stood now, bored and irritated. I'm going to hang Gawain for convincing me to accept. Conall thought sourly , but offered a smile to Lady Luvina Delgrin as she wound her way through the crowds to speak with him, "Oh my word, Lord Shanley! It's been ages! I didn't think you'd come!"

Conall had been hoping the gossiping old hen wouldn't have found her way over to his corner. He'd tried to make himself not stand out, prayed he'd have his evening mostly free to drink in peace ,but people found him even if he wasn't the most outlandishly dressed.

Conall forced himself to smile, "Lady Delgrin, you haven't aged a day since I saw you last. And forgive me for being so bold, but your attire appears rather slimming. " That was true, at least. Conall wasn't comfortable with paying compliments that held no truth. Not that he'd never offered any shallow compliments in his time. There were times that called for them, sadly.
"I have!" Luvina laughed merrily. "I'm so glad someone is kind enough to notice. This, my dear boy, is the work of a splendid new diet I learned from Lady Erlina. I lost a whole twelve pounds! Can you believe it?"

"Really?" Conall wasn't quite sure how to respond because he didn't care all that much. "That's wonderful. You look great. "

"I do." Luvina declared proudly, striking a pose that she thought was sexy. Conall shook his head at her dramatics and offered a more genuine smile this time. Oh Lady Luvina...to think that she and his mother could act so ridiculous together. It was hard to think anyone could have coaxed his mother to behave so...informally at times.

"You know , Roland was hardly impressed! Do you know what he said to me when I told him the exciting news?"

Conall grinned now, "I can imagine."

"Indeed! That old dog. He can be so ornery!"

"So was father. Remember the two of them together?"

Lady Luvina laughed,"I think we all do, my boy. Your father! He was terrible. I was shocked when I heard he'd convinced your mother to marry him. "
"So you've told me many times." Too many times, in fact. Maybe her memory was escaping her or she just loved telling the same stories over and over again. He smiled again," They must have made quite the pair. "

"They did! Your father always knew how to make an entrance, I'll say. Ah, but we're not here to reminisce about the past. Darling, I must inquire why you're standing here alone when you should be among the crowd? Becoming acquainted with all of the lovely and single ladies, hm?"

Conall felt suddenly uncomfortable. One of the reasons he dreaded talking to Luvina was that she was quite the nosy old biddy and determined matchmaker. Every time she'd met with him at functions like this, she tried her hardest to match him up with someone. He understood that she meant well, but the woman tried way too hard and often the wrong types of women for someone like him. "I'm fine, really. I was just watching everyone and enjoying my drink."
In peace and quiet. Please go away. Now.
She didn't though.

Luvina looked up at him and then over in the direction that Conall was looking. At least she assumed that the duke was staring that way. "Oh. Aren't you a sly one?" she adopted a mischievous look that Conall found slightly unnerving on a sixty-five-year-old woman.

"Pardon?" Conall wasn't sure he wanted to know.

"I see who you're looking at." Luvina said slyly with a grin. "Shall I introduce you? I know her."

"I wasn't looking at anyone. "

Luvina laughed ," Lord Shanley, you need not be so shy about your interests. At this rate you'll be like poor Lord Allarick. Bless his heart. "

To be compared with Allarick...that was offensive but he bit his lip and forced a smile that looked very forced, but Luvina was too caught up now in her matchmaking mission to notice that she was starting to irritate the Duke of Ardal already.

She touched his arm lightly, " Well, if you don't care much for Lady Cassandra then how about her?" She pointed at another woman standing with a group of other young noblewomen , talking about ...well, he hardly cared to know. It was likely gossip. "She's pretty."

"There are many lovely ladies here, but I'm not really looking for ..."
"Oh! What about her? She's rather stunning. I think she'd be perfect for you! Do you like blondes?"

"..." Conall sighed. This was going to be a long night. Maybe he'd get in the habit of drinking before the night was through.


ooc: *eats all the descriptions!*

Lady Luvina always held quite the excessive parties, or so she was told, and as she and Kella kept arm to arm along side Blaith, the group of Harmond's finally entered the room.
The place was lively, with violin and cello music playing off to one side. Servants were bustling about, offering up drinks of champagne and hors'douerves, that of which Katahnia and Kella took with a bit of a giggle.

"I must say, I'm glad someone is able to wear that blue dress," Kella began. "It really shines on you, Katahnia. It's just a shame that I, I can not wear it." The young girl blushed at the comment, and Katahnia wved it off.

"Though you have to wear high collars and long sleeves, you look stunning as well, Kella,' Katahnia said. "But come, maybe you and I can share the first dance?" And Kella giggled as the two girls took off, not to dance but to check out the punch table and the sea of snacks.

Hooking her arm in his, Lady Luvina led the reluctant Conall Shanley away from his quiet corner and into the crowd. Conall didn't recognize any of these people, but lucky for him...he really didn't need to because Lady Luvina always took the pleasure of introducing him to them whether he knew the people or not. Conall believed that Lady Luvina liked reminding people that she was a personal friend of a Duke. Luvina adored all of the attention it awarded her. It made her more important and therefore with near-complete access to all levels of gossip. That was really the only thing she was truly after. The juicy info. The drama. It made life exciting! And she relished knowing things other people did not.

"Lord Murdock, Lady Esther. This is my dear friend , Conall Shanley. Duke of Ardal, you know, "Conall smiled at the couple and bowed his head politely in acknowledgement. "Pleasure to meet you both," He smiled warmly.

"You're the Lord of Ardal eh? " Murdock inquired, "I've been there a couple times, you know? Charming place, Ardal. No Allar, mind you but it's beautiful in it's own way..."

Blah blah blah...

The moment the man started talking about Allar, Conall's mind shut down. Allar? He was hardly interested in that topic of discussion. And really not that surprising coming from an Allarian nobleman either.

"Your pardon, my lord, my lady, I must excuse myself. I'm feeling a little parched. "Conall slipped away, leaving Luvina to chatter away with the stuffy Allarians.

He was more than happy to be away from them. He found the refreshments table and scoured it. There was a lot of alchol. No water, it seemed. Sighing, he grabbed a bottle of wine and a glass and started pouring himself a glass. As he was pouring he looked up for a moment and his eyes caught sight of fair lady whose beauty caused him to stare and completely forget what he was doing. His glass was more than full now and it spilled over the rim of his glass splashing onto the table and making the other nobles near him stare at him. Some threw him indignant looks, some looked confused , women giggled and some others laughed.

It took a moment for Conall's mind to register how foolishly he was behaving and his face turned a dark shade of scarlet. Trying to cover the embarrassment he was feeling. The MASSIVE level of embarrassment he was feeling, he offered a laugh and grinned.

He felt like a complete imbecile and he wished that he could hide.

Under the table.

Forever.

Or at least until people forgot this little...lapse in intelligence.

The pair of blondes had been enjoying their time, and rapsberry wine beside the table, when Katahnia noticed a pair of eyes staring their way. Katahnia smirked and nudged Kella with her hip.

"I think that gentleman over there is staring at you, Kella," she teased, and Kella, peering over her shoulder, took notice and her cheeks turned pinked as she looked away.

"I dare say I'm afraid I don't even know who he is," Kella whispered. Katahnia found herself giggling.

"Shall I go introduce you?"

"No, no!" Kella said, trying to hunch down low and keep her back to him to appear inconscpicous.
Katahnia laughed.

"What are you afraid of.. kissing him?" she teased, but the look on Kella's face made her apologize. "I"m sorry, Kella. Come, why dont' you and I go to the parlor room? It sounds like someone is playing music."

And the two girls walked off, arm and arm, but not before Katahnia glanced a playful and obvious look back to Lord Shanley before the pair of girls disappeared intot he next room. And it was true, someoen was playing a piano, a certain quiet noble who has, in most recent years, been the center of gossip for some time.

Handsome, unmarried Duke Calent of Allar; a man of 'many mysteries', as it were, as perched upon the piano bench, playing 'The Solemn Song of Spring'.

"Oh, I remember this song," Katahnia began, thinking back to her time in Harmond, before the duchy had fallen and became nothing but ruins. "My mother used to sing this on Sunday mornings when it was raining."

"I wish I could remember her. She had been beautiful. We still keep her painting, even if we can't hang it up."

Katahnia smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes as she looked away from her cousin, and over towards Duke Calent.

When the lady looked his way, Conall's heart skipped a beat and he froze up. He smiled , like a boy . An awkward one. Had his brain still been working properly, he might have imagined that he must have appeared quite silly. None of that seemed to matter though as he forgot everything else in the room except the lady he had his eyes on...

All was ignored...

Including the wine that he was till pouring.

All over the table. 

The look Kat gave him wasn't lost on him. Well, he SAW it but he wasn't quite sure what it meant. Was it an invite or one of those "I'm watching you" things? Women and their language was still quite foreign to him.

"Want a little glass to go with that wine, Shanley? Ho ho ho!" Luvina's husband, Lord Roland Delgrin slapped Conall on the back and gave a hearty laugh that shook his enormous belly with every merry sound.

Conall looked down, noting the growing puddle on the table and set the bottle down on the table , looking very awkward. "Oh...I...haha."

A servant girl rushed forward to clean up the mess, but Conall relieved her of the rag she brought. "No, no. Please . I was the fool who made the mess. Allow me."

"My lord, you should let me. Unless you know how to remove stains, "the servant insisted, "Lady Luvina would have a conniption if she saw a spot on one of her favorite dining cloth!"

"Ah. Fair point." Conall surrendered the cloth to the servant as Roland gave him another slap on the back.

"Careful, my boy. My wife might be disappointed if you find a wife without her. "

"Oh I'm sure she'd recover quickly. She'd want to plan my wedding out for me anyway. " Conall chuckled in good humor and Roland laughed. Because it was true. "But I had no intentions of seeking marriage opportunities."
Why am I here?

"Indeed, so you have an eye for the Turgall girl, eh? She's a fair one although-"
"What? N-no I. Was just admiring her – not her. I wasn't. " Conall insisted, flustered.

"Admiring what?"

Damn it. Luvina was back.

"Not what, dearest. Who? It seems young Shanley has an eye for Lady Turgall," her husband spoke up .

"You fox!" Luvina laughed delightedly.

"Turgall? " Conall looked at the Delgrins, but more specifically Luvina, "You know them? "   

"Not really, " Luvina admitted reluctantly, sounding very much displeased that there was something she didn't know much about for one.

Conall tried to hide his disappointment. He left the table without a word.
"M'lord! You forgot..." the servant scooped up neglected glass of wine Conall left behind, "wine..." she finished and sighed. The, looked around to see if anyone was paying attention to her. Excellent. No one cared enough about her plain existence.  And then, in one swift movement, she downed the contents herself.

ooc: Mighta had an amusing idea but I'll have to share it with ya when we chat next. HRGHN! How dare you try to have a life!

As Katahnia and Kella kept to their own portion of the parlor room Duke Calent played, Katahnia's eyes began to move across the room.
"So who do you think is the most suitable woman here to wed Duke Calent? I'm afraid I don't know much about him, but he seems handsome enough," Katahnia began, taking a delicate sip of her wine.

Kella watched him, blushing."He seems awfully quiet. He might not care for marriage."

"Not care for marriage?" Even Katahnia had to laugh at that. "Sounds absurd." But then as she laughed, she frowned at Kella. "I'm sorry, don't worry. I know you won't be able to marry off yourself, but at least if Blaith and I-"

"You know you don't have to marry him," Kella said, smiling up at her. "There are a lot of nice gentleman here. I know you'd only be marrying Blaith to help hide the horrible magic we keep-"

Kathania's eyes looked around, then she moved in quite closer to her cousin.
"Lest I remind you to keepy our tongue quieter, Kella? Someone might hear you speak?"

"Speak about what?" said a curly red-haired man who had a thousand freckles on his cheeks alone. He smiled down at the girl's with his baby blue eyes.

"Oh, Lord Tinstall!" Kella exclaimed, and the man took her by the hand and kissed the top of the glove.

"Ah, always a fan of hte gloves and high collars. But it's good to see you are out. I know you are ill often," Tinstall flirted. Kella's face turned pink, while Katahnia rolled her eyes.

"Yes, Lod Tinstall, can we help you?" Katahnia asked.

"I couldn't help but thought i over heard the pair of you talking about magic?" he eyed them suspiciously. "Not thinking about going to the dark side to coax out a husband?"

Kella paled, then blushed and looked away.
"It's not like that." she began.

"Of course not because you could be courting with me," the man flirted.

Kella felt uncomfortable as the man drew close.

"No offense, Lord Tinstall, but I don't think freckles are her favorite skin color. Maybe if oyu grew a beard to hide them.." Katahnia teased.

Tinstall drew back, feigning he was hurt. "Oh, my wounded heart."
Katahnia rolled her eyes yet again.

"Yes, your wounded heart if you don't leave my cousin alone."

"Why now, Kat, didn't know you were the hired guard dog!" Tinstall said, blue eyes shining. "Perhaps its' you and I who ought to court! You know I like them blonde."

Katahnia sighed and shook her head. "I too, am not into such freckles." She said giddly, taking Kella by the arm. "Come Kella, we should move out to get some fresh air on the balcony." And the two girls turned to walk away.

"Oh, come on! You'd leave me all alone because I spoke to you and you got spooked over magic?"

"Magic doens't frighten me!" Katahnia called back, as a challenge, and Tinstall only laughed.

Ansgar, what am I doing?

As Katahnia and Kella exited the dining area and moved to the parlor, he'd left the Delgrins and his wine in a bit of a hurry. He didn't quite run because that would have made him look absolotuely ridiculous and he wasn't quite that deperate to meet this Turgall woman. He was just curious. Yes. That was the right word for it.

A man could be curious to know a woman without having some manner ulterior motive, yes? Of course. He was a gentleman.

And as such he ...bumped into a few nobles as he made his way to the parlor. "Watch where you're go- oh! Duke Shanley! I'm SO sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going!" The previously indignant noblewoman gasped and verbally stumbled over herself to humble herself before him.

"No, no. It's quit alright, madame. I apologize for my lack of attention. Are you alright? "

"Oh yes, m'lord. Don't fret over me..."

Conall offered her a smile , "Pardon me, I'd love to stay and chat but I have...important matters to attend to. Please, excuse me." He slipped past her and carried onto the parlor.

As he got there he slowed his pace and stuck to the furthest corner of the room, hidden from a direct view of the pianist. Conall had no fear of Calent Allarick and hardly felt inferior to him. He didn't wish to be pulled into a converstaion of any sort. Calent seemed to take pleasure in attempting to lure Shanley into a "debate" and make a mockery of him. Sometimes it happened , sometimes it didn't. Conall was not really one very experienced with such things, a point that some of the nobility loved to exploit. He was young and not quite...so twisted by politics. Yet.

No, he didn't feel like so much as hearing Calent speak in his arrogant monotone this evening. He'd rather spend his evening in bed, illness gripping him and vomitting all night in a bucket...

And that was the honest truth.

He watched the Turgalls moving through the crowd and kept his distance as his mind raced , combing over various scenarios that would give him an adequate excuse to meet the lady without making himself look like a drooling fool. Which was, sadly, sort of how he felt right now. Not that he was drooling because, well, that was disgusting.

But he'd been noticed before. With any luck, Lady Turgall hadn't noticed the bit with the wine...then maybe he could just 'acidentally' bump into them and play it off as a coincidence. Or maybe he should just be forward and ask her to dance or talk. Talking was good too. He liked talking. Sometimes. Well, not really. Depended on the subject.

He'd about made up his decision when Lord Tinstall beat him to the punch. Conall remained distant ,watching and scowling the entire time. Nothing personal against the man but he was foiling his plans!

Wait...what plan?

Oh right. Accidental meeting. Conall moved to follow after the women once the exchange with Tinstall is over. At a distance , of course but wouldn't you know it? One of them looked back over their shoulder and Conall , for the lack of a better word , freaked out and dove behind a tall potted plant that hardly managed to hide his person.

Maybe no one noticed.

"What are you doing, Lord Shanley?" A jovial , freckled man noticed his absurd behavior and laugh.

Tinstall, I am going to kill you.

It was as she was calling back to Tinstall, Kathania caught sight of the Lord from earlier dive behind a potted plant, or something of the sort. But when Kella turned around, all she saw was Tinstall standing over top of someone and giving a wicked grin.

"Oh, who is he harassing now?" Kella said with a disapproving frown.

"Oh just that-" but before Katahnia could get the words out, Kella stormed right over to him.

"Tinstall, really, what on earth are you-" and as Kella was about to begin her beratement of her friend, she gasped, clutching her chest when she noticed Lord Shanely on the ground.

"What's wrong, Kella?" ANd he gave a Cheshire-rick grin at the pair as he DRAGGED Lord Shanley off the floor and held him, wobbly foot, beside him.
"I was just helping the son of the Duke of Ardal to his feet, that's all." And he pretended to be dusting off Lord Shanely's suit

Kella, who had paled once at first seeing him, was now completely red-faced.

"You helping anyone?" Katahnia asked skeptically, raising a curious brow. "I think that man can speak for himself. You probably pushed him over to keep him from my cousin. I saw him eyeing her from earlier." And Katahnia smiled back at Lord Shanley, to let him know it was true and that his jig was up!

And Kella's face went as red as wine.
"I.. excuse me, I... do not feel well," but before anyone could stop her, she turned right and took off for the balcony.

Tinstall gave Katahnia a glare.
"Did you have to go and embarrass her? You know she's sensitive."

"Oh, the good you're doing! You always come around to make her so uncomfortable!"

"I can't help it if I like her, Kat."

"Then don't act like a rat towards her and maybe she won't hate you!" Kathania argued.

"Hate me?" Tinstall paled.

Katahnia sighed, realizing the harshness of her words. "Well, whatever you are doing is NOT working. So you might want to think on changing your tactic, hrm?" Then she turned to Lord Shanely. "And you, why aren't you going after her?" She smirked. "It's a perfect time now since she's alone."

Had he tripped or had he been pushed? He hadn't the slightest idea. He thanked Tinstall though not out of any feelings of gratitude but for the simple fact that it was what was expected of a gentleman. Conall righted the plant which he'd somewhat knocked over, sweeping the dirt from his clothing ."Thank you , Lord Tinstall. " He afforded a polite smile to the man whilst imagining his hands wringing the man's neck.

Though when Katahnia spoke directly to him , making it plain that she knew what he'd been up to his face turned the color of a cherry and he felt dreadful when Kella left.

Horrible first impression. 

"Pardon. I am the Duke of Ardal, actually," he corrected without a hint of superiority or irritation in his manner and gave a slight bow. Some people were ignorant of what had become of his House and he found it now bothered him less than it used to. The less people who recognized him, the better. He was growing ill of all those lesser Houses trying to proposition marriage with their random daughters.

Conall watched their exchange, silent and not emotionless. He looked very uncertain of what the proper course of which to respond. The way these two interacted so...freely with their thoughts and expressions. It hardly seemed – well , mother wouldn't have approved to see him behave in public in such a way! But he found himself smiling a little in spite of himself. An interesting pair, these two.

So this Tinstall fellow liked this Lady Turgall? Perhaps he ought leave the poor girl alone then. She didn't seem terribly interested in being pursued though his intentions were...

His face darkened when Katahnia boldly suggested that he 'go after' her? Go after her? What did that mean, precisely? "Pardon me. I'll check on her." He bowed slightly again and slipped past them to proceed to the balcony.

Katahnia smiled smugly that her plan had worked, and remained off to one side, semi-spying on her cousin as Lord Shanely approached. When Tinstall approached,s he smacked him and hissed, "Don't you dare make a noise." Then she smiled and looked back to the pair out on the balcony. "I want to hear what they are saying..."


Kella remained by herself, the only one outside on the balcony during this hour, while the inside of the manor was just bursting with noise. So many people.. guests..
and it sounded as if the music was about ot start. That's what got her attention as she turned around, and as she did, she gasped, noticing Conall approached.

"Oh.. forgive me. You startled me." And just as nervously, she turned away, uncertain what else to say as she bit into her lower lip, chewing on it.

Conall paused when the lady turned around to see him. He offered her a warm smile , nervous though it was, "Apologies, Lady Turgall. I didn't mean to cause you any alarm, let alone make you feel uncomfortable.  Being here now probably doesn't make things any less awkward, I suppose and I apologize for that as well. "

He felt slightly dismayed when she turned away. Perhaps that was her way of telling him she'd like to be left alone? Perhaps she thought he was looking to court her. She was rather beautiful and he would have been surprised that she wasn't arranged to be wed.

He moved to stand nearer to her, by her side but he was careful not to encroach upon her personal space too much.

"I have no proper explanation for my peculiar behavior. I noticed you, a new face in the crowd and you piqued my curiosity. I don't recall seeing you before and I thought I'd introduce myself. I am Conall Shanley of Ardal."

Kella turned back to him and gave a meek smile.
"Yes, I don't get out often since often times I'm ill." But then catching his name, she blinked and realized, "Though I suppose you might understand." Then she blushed and sheepishly added, "That is to say.. were you not often ill yourself? Do forgive me if I am wrong." and she found herself wringing her hands anxiously.

"Oh." She had an illness as well? That explained quite a bit. "I'm sorry."

Conall looked surprised when she inquired about his own illness. Few people knew of this though it was speculated upon quite heavily. His parents had adamantly denied the truth of this, but there were still those that whispered about it and believed. " Perhaps, if you believe in such accusations about my health. It's not a topic my family welcomed to open discussion nor is it something I myself am comfortable with discussing because it makes people treat me differently than I'd like. They make certain assumptions in their ignorance about my condition. Don't worry, "He smiled, "I'm not contagious, I assure you. Though I'd appreciate it if you kept the truth of this knowledge between us.  "

Kella blushed at his words, but smiled a little and nodded.
"I will keep my lips closed." and her smile grew a little, though was shown more in her eyes than lips. "I'm not really one to gossip."
But then spotting Katahnia and Tinstall looking their way, her cheeks turned pink again.

"I.. it looks like my cousin may wish to speak with me." and she glanced up into his green eyes, bowing her head. "And it sounds like the dances are about to begin."

"I appreciate your discretion," Conall returned her smile and then his eyes followed the direction in which she turned her head. Seeing Katahnia and Tinstall there...wait. What were they doing?

Have they been watching us this entire time? They seem close enough to listen.

Apparently Lady Luvina wasn't the only one at this party who couldn't mind their business.

"Indeed. I shall not keep you then.  It was a pleasure meeting you-" He realized that he only knew her House name. "A moment. I didn't catch your name? If I might inquire? "

Katahnia and Tinstall weren't the only ones watching. A man with dark hair to his chin, a subtle beard, and dark eyes and shaggy, low brows kept his eyes upon them as Kella had made her way out onto the balcony. He had watched her like the shadows, fit into any scenario he heard she would participate like a glove. And now was no different. Ever since he had first layed eyes upon Kella Hardmon, Chesrick Klaust was hooked. He had to have her, and not in a good way. He'd kill to make her his bride, and was always angered when his plots were thwarted. It seemed Blaith Harmond watched over his sister like a guard dog. It had been so many years since she had come to age. THough he was happy she never married, he remained dogged as he tried to get near to her. Seeing Blaith was no where to be seen, he stepped out onto the balcony and made himself easily noted.

"Hello, Kella."

Kella whirled around, gasping and taking back by the man with the dark hair and suit. She hadn't even gotten a chance to give her name to Lord Shanely, but now she found herself too stunned for words. At least, for that brief moment before she caught her breath.

"Oh.. Mister Klaust." She curtsied to him, forcing a bit of a smile. And the way the man looked over her.. it gave her every reason to feel even more anxious than before. Her brother warned her about him, though she liked to see the good in all people, even Kella had gotten the creeps from a man like him.

Klaust gave a subtle smile, one that was almost like a wolf's while it was on a moonlit prowl.

"I'm glad I found you. It's been ages," he bowed, kissing the top of her gloved hand. THen glanced over icily at Lord Shanely. But paid him not much more attention than that. "I noticed the music has begun and you are not on the dance floor."

Kella felt her hands begin to sweat beneath her gloves.

"Would you care to dance?" and Chesrick offered out a gloved hand.

Kella hesitated, standing there for the longest time before awkwardly looking away, when suddenly he took her hand and squeezed it, hard. She gasped, looked up into his eyes as he smiled. Agian, it was a smile like an animals and she felt herself wavering beneath his gaze.

"I..."

"You'dbe delighted?" he said, chuckling softly.

Kella blushed and looked away again.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt.." or so she hoped, and before anyone migh tbe able to stop the pair, he drew her closer to his side and lead her off onto the dance floor. She is mine, he thought. All mine, and tonight, I will prove it.

Katahnia frowned from where she had been watching. Then looked over at Tinstall and inquired, "Who was that?"

Tinstall grumbled.
"Just some merchant lord big shot," the man said, kicking the ground. "And rumor has it, he's had a thing for Kella for quite some time now. But Blaith keeps her away." He rubbed at the back of his curly red hair and sighed, then turned to Kat. "Ah well, care fo ra dance then, love?"

Katahnia laughed, but took his offered arm. "Alright then, but just one dance, freckles."

And the two were laughing out onto the dance floor.

As if things couldn't have become more awkward, they were interrupted by a strange man who , to Conall's sensibilities, was extremely rude. Conall was , at the very least, glad to learn the Lady Turgall's name though he would have preferred to learn it the proper way. Klaust , Kella called him.

Though awkward in expressing himself in more personal encounters, Conall was no stranger to sensing tension between individuals. More specifically, discomfort. The manner Lady Turgall responded to this man was very different than the reaction he'd received from her.

Or maybe he was imagining things because he was jealous?

Jealous? Oh that was silly. It was more like he was annoyed. Very annoyed. This man was intruding upon a private conversation with NO formal introduction or pardon for said intrusion whatsoever.

The inappropriate manner in which this rude man viewed Kella struck him as...
Wrong. Yes. There was something unsettling about this man, but there were many men among the nobility with such crude behaviors. He really shouldn't have been so surprised.

The Duke of Ardal elevated a brow at Klaust who continued to ignore him and proceeded to lead Kella away to steal a dance that he wasn't so sure that she wanted. She didn't seem eager. She just seemed to let him guide her.
And as they were walking away, Conall knew he couldn't keep his mouth shut. He followed after the pair of them and cut Klaust off and stood blocking his way, "Excuse me, sir. And I use the term rather loosely , in your case, but our conversation wasn't properly concluded before you forced your way into it and rather rudely if I might add. Unless you have some pressing business that requires immediate participation of Lady Turgall, then I suggest you step aside and allow us to bring our meeting to an appropriate close. I think the Lady can speak for herself and you, as a gentleman- assuming that you ARE one, should allow her to manage her schedule as she would favor rather than forcing her into your agenda. You can request a dance from her afterwards. "

He was indignant and made no effort to hide it. His voice was raised slightly to illustrate that fact.

A dangerous, cold flash was caught within his eyes, and Kella was not ignorant of it. She gasped silently, not only out of surprise that Lord Shanely would speak up so boldly on her behalf, but by the cold, harsh tension brewing like a storm by the dark man at her side. She felt herself trembling, and did hte only thing she could think of in that moment as she forced a pretty smile for Conall, one that never reached her eyes.

"Oh, it is not his fault. I was the rude one."s he curtsied even more rigidly than before. "But the dance has already begun, and I had accepted. Perhaps you and I can speak later and share a dance at that time?"

Though the dark look Chesrick was giving to Conall told him silently to stay away. He was already staking his claim here.

"You heard the lady." And he gave a cold smile. "She wishes to dance." And with nothing more to it, he drew her away, Kella not even glancing once back towards him befre she was swept out ont the dance floor, appearing very much the mouse caught by the cat. But the pair looked beautiful, dancing away across the dance floor. She, in her tight skirts, a dress that went from neck to toe, and not a single piece of skin exposed, except the soft white color of her face, which had become incredibly paler during the whole ordeal. So tot he music she waltzed, finding herself entrapped beneath the man's gaze as those dark blue eyes of his pierced into her.

"You will not dance with that man," he growled.

Kella looked up at him, afraid. "What.. what do you mean?"

"Because tonight you will become mine, Kella. I have waited too long to seek you out, and I will wait no longer." As the dance ended, he kissed her hand, spotting Blaith amongst the crowd.
"For now, I will depart. I will see you before the night is over. And we shall dance again" ANd Kella found herself strangly alone, trembling before she disappeared somewhere to cry.

And as the song did come to an end Katahnia smiled at Tinstall and bowed.
"You are a marvelous dancer. Who knew you could be so skilled with your feet?"

The red-haired man laughed. "Very funny, Kat."

And as they moved off the dance floor, Kat's eyes scanned for Kella. "I wonder where Kella has gone?"

"Yeah, I don't evne see that merchant, either." Tinstall chimed in.

"Oh look, there's Blaith, perhaps he's seen her?"

Conall did not back down. Did this man think he could intimidate him? Kella might have felt nervous but Conall Shanley was pissed. And few people would claim to have achieved such in so much of a short time. 

However, he was even more absolutely flabbergasted when Kella claimed the lack of manners was hers. Was she serious? Or was she just trying to keep them from a confrontation which could have very well escalated into something nasty.
Because Conall wanted to do something rather ungentlemanly.

A fist through the bastard's teeth would have taught him to think twice.

He stared at Kella, somewhat disbelieving but what could he say? Were he to argue that it sure as hell didn't seem like she'd agreed to let this pig dance with her...

It was just a dance. There was no cause for a scene. Still, he couldn't shake his indignation. How was this man even invited to a party like this? A classless pig of a man? Conall fumed as the smug jerk took his leave with Kella in tow.

He remained there on the balcony alone for a few minutes to collect himself, to calm his anger , before he returned to the party.

So that was about three times he'd made a fool of himself now?

I need a drink. He found his way to the table and was about to pour himself some wine when Luvina found him and insisted upon being his first dance for the night . He wanted to refuse . He wasn't in the mood and then there was the whole bit about not being able to dance but Luvina was an old woman and , thankfully there wasn't a whole lot of footwork involved to keep up with her.
He knew people were watching, probably snickering to see a man his age dancing with an elder woman rather than a beautiful young lady, but he ignored it.

"You're such a magnificent dancer, Lord Shanley! "Luvina complimented.
Conall wondered if she was being sarcastic but then again the dancing they were doing was hardly what one could even call dancing . It was slow and more like just lethargically swaying from side to side in time with the music. Luvina didn't have much energy in her to do anything more than that.

"You've no idea, " Conall replied sullenly. And his eyes kept wandering over to a certain couple. 

Luvina knew his expression. "What's wrong, my boy? Did the pretty lady break your heart?"

"Nothing's wrong. "

Luvina looked over her shoulder, spying Kella and Klaust dancing. " Lady Turgall. My husband told me you seemed rather taken.  She turned you down, didn't she? "

"I didn't even-"

"The nerve!  I'll have a talk with her right now unless she's already committed. Is that her husband? He's not...very charming look, I dare say. Yes. I rather don't like him with that dark hair and all. He look so...foreign. And you know what they say about breeding with foreigners..."

Conall's grip on her waist tightened. "You will do no such thing. Lady Delgrin. There's nothing the matter. I merely had a cordial chat with her. There's nothing else to talk about. "

Luvina didn't seem to be very pleased to hear this.

And as the music ended Conall noticed Kella leaving. She appeared to be upset.
"Thank you for the dance, Lady Delgrin. Excuse me." He went to follow Kella Harmond. She might have wished- no. Probably wanted to be alone , but he was concerned.

He found her alone, bent over and ....he heard – well, thought he heard soft crying . He froze and considered leaving her be, but found that he could not. "Are you alright?" He asked gently.

That was a stupid question. Of course not! Those were  not tears of joy. Not really thinking, he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and unfolded it, walking over to her side and holding it out in offering for her to take.

Completely taken off guard by his approach, Kella let out a rather loud gasp, whirled aorund then backed away nearly knocking over a nearby vase int he process. She blanched.

"Lord.. Lord Shanley?" and she stared down at the kerchief, not knowing if she should take it or not, ad blushed realizing her secret tears had just been discovered. She turned away from him after accepting it.

"You.. you startled me I...  something from the air must have gotten into my eyes. It's very.. very silly really,"s he began, faking a laugh at herself to try to deter him from the truth behind those tears.

Conall watched her reaction with a sympathetic and worried look, " Pardon me for being so bold, my lady, but your lying is even worse than my ability to pour a glass of wine. " He said with humor , but then added more seriously , "If that man is causing you any trouble at all, I could have a word with Lord Delgrin and have him thrown out. "


ooc: Wow. Really short. One of my shortest, I think. o.o

Kella found herself blushing at his first comment, even giving a small smile; but at his last comment, she paled.
"Oh, n-no, it is not necessary. I just.. I'm not used to being out at such events that I just-"
And as she was fumbling over her words, she was elated to see her brother approach the pair, wine goblet in hand.

"There you are, Kella. Seems your enjoying some fresh air? Have you gotten the chance to dance yet?" But then he made a look towards the gentleman to her side and eyed him over, but kept a pleasant enough smile, but it was obvious he had a guardsman quality about him. "Why, hello there.. Duke Shanley, is it?" he raised a brow at him at the question. "I do believe we've met once or twice. How are things fairing in Ardal? I rarely see you at such events."

Conall took a step back, not missing the signs. He had been an elder brother once and understood. "Lord Turgall, it's been some time.  " He gave a slight bow. In fact, their last meeting may have been at his family's funeral. He frowned slightly and chose to keep that bit of information to himself. There was hardly cause to dampen anyone's spirits over the past. 

"Ardal fares well enough, thank you for inquiring, though it rests upon a rather tentative peace. It's a bit of a headache keeping disgruntled mages and religious zealots from tearing one another apart. Needless to say, it keeps me away from most casual functions like this. I've often wondered how my father managed the duchy without his beard turning grey. " He finished with some amusement. 

"Forgive me, Lord Turgall. I meant not to corner your relation. Looking at the pair of you side by side, I'd venture to guess that you're siblings? You look so much alike. A compliment, I assure you. Anyway,  I'd never had the honor of meeting her before and thought to introduce myself. "

He debated informing the man about Klaust, but were he to do so then perhaps he'd have a moment to speak with the man alone about it. Kella might have protested and Conall couldn't understand why. It worried him.

Blaith flashed Conall a smile, exposing the whites of his teeth.
"Siblings we are,"a nd he stepped nearer to his sister, wrapping one arm around her shoulder in a half hug. His grin grew. "We're twins, actually."

Then a nod to his other statements, "So I have heard of such things, but not the details. I hope things will work out for the best. These are trying times, I'm sure. But the laws are what they are, and was this nation not founded on Angsar's will?" It was best not to let anyone know he was a mage supporter himself, and Kella bit her lips nervously. She didn't want to continue on with this conversation, knowing full well Klaust migh tbe about, but it seemed the other man had vanished.

But then the song changed and Blaith perked up to it.
"Oh, isn't this your favorite song, Kella?" he said, grinning down to his sister. "The Roses of The Valley." He laughed recalling, "I remember you dancing with father all the time over this. Come, why don't you and I share in this dance?"

And with not so much as a word, only a blush, she nodded to her brother and turned to Lord Shanley.

"It was nice talking to you, Lord Shanley. Perhaps we ought to speak again later this night." And with a humble bow of her head, her brother agreed.
"Yes, it would be nice to play catch up. I'm afraid I'm not as sociable as I was when I was younger. But look at me, talking as if I were an old man!" and he laughed. "Maybe later we can join in for the banter over politics." And he rolled his eyes, glancing over at the parlor room. "And it seems Kat has already begun. She really has quite a large mouth on her, and too strong of a will. I hope she learns to keep herself in check. " and he shook his head and turned to Kella. "Well, ready for that dance?"

And the pair disappeared off onto the dance floor, all the while heated conversations could be heard inside the parlor room, where a certain other Duke's voice had come from.


"I don't know, mage laws are hardly strict enough. Just the other week, we lost more tax money to the mage bandit who roams our streets," Duke Calent began bitterly.

"Well, perhaps the mages wouldn't have to steal if they were allowed to take more jobs that paid more money? Did you ever think some of the laws in your duchy migh tbe suppressing them?" The second voice, the one arguing back- it was Kat's.

The conversation went quiet a moment as Calent drank at his wine.

"What would you know about politics?" Another man asked who was in full support of Duke Calent's conversation and ideals. "You are not even of nobility," he gave Kat a scrutinzing gae over his hawk like nose. "Just a side blood line, and a woman. This is a conversation amongst us dukes, my lady. Perhaps you would fair better on the dance floor?"

Katahnia felt her blood broil.

"Yes, but even a woman can see when silly laws are suffocating the men they rule. Other countries have the same problem, and over populations that aren't even mages. The extra tax laws I heard you are forcing upon just your mage population alone, sounds like a deciteful way to rid yourself of the magic users, who had no choice at all but to be born with magics."

"So says who? If it is Angsar's will tehy are born here, they fall prey to Angsar's laws!" the other man added.

Calent had remained quiet, his eyes cold upon Katahnia.

"The duke of Allar has many a good reason for what he does, and his Duchy is quite successful, and we have wonderful foreign relations."

"But not good relations amongst your people."

"We have GREAT relations with our people," the man spat back bitterly at Katahnia's comment. "I hardly count mages who try to defy our laws as good people." he rolled his eyes. "They have every choice to leave this land if they do not approve."

Katahnia narrowed her gaze upon them.
"And they would if they could, but your duchy bleeds them poor." ANd hse looked righ into Calent's eyes, and still, he said nothing.

The man sighed ad looked around. "Does anyone own this girl? She really needs to be taken off... though perhaps this is why you haven't a dance partner?" the man said, lowering his gaze to the floor as he shook his head.

Katahnia's face went red. Oh the things she could say to tear him to pieces!

 "Indeed? " Yes, he could see the strong resemblance between them.

Conall nodded, "It's not a very popular topic, I'll admit. Believe me, I've made no efforts to hide the happenings in my lands, but there are...certain parties that refuse to recognize the potential threat. Enough of that though"

And ...he missed another opportunity to request a dance.

Ansgar's beard!

He bowed though and offered the Turgall's a genuine smile, " I'd like that. Have fun , you two. " His eyes followed the twin's departure for a moment before moving over towards the outspoken lady from before. By the look on Calent's face, it didn't appear as though she were saying anything that he appreciated.

He made his way back inside to the parlor room and feigned not noticing Calent or his lackeys until he heard one man ask for Katahnia to be taken away. 

"Shame on you, my Lords. You're slinging mud already and you weren't even kind enough to wait for my arrival? I'm wounded." Conall interrupted with humor. In truth he wasn't in the mood to enter some ridiculous debate that went in circles as they always tended to, but he was appalled by their manner. Even if Blaith was right. Katahnia was vocal, it seemed. And , he recognized the woman. The bold young lady related to Kella of Turgall.

Katahnia was outspoken, but certainly not deserving of such disdain.
"Her social station or the lack thereof is not a cause for such ridicule. She is a citizen of Connlaoth and a guest of Lord and Lady Delgrin. You ought to , at the very least , respect her on a basic human level and give her words consideration. That is the right of all people by Ansgar's Will or have you been neglecting visits to Church, hm? Besides, close your ears to the people's voice – even the minorities and you may soon find yourself with greater enemies in shadows. "

Conall was looking specifically at Calent for a moment.

"Duke Shanley, you finally show," The tone of greeting was lukewarm. Such feigned politeness that wouldn't have been there had Conall been of , as some nobles liked to call it, 'lesser blood'.

"Indeed, "Conall gave the man a scrutinizing gaze, "I'm not usually one to intrude, but your heated voices drew me from the festivities. What is this about? "

He'd heard a lot more than he'd let on, but it was always amusing to see what manner of bullshit people would try to feed him to present their side of a story in a more favorable light.

The plump man and rosied cheek, brown bearded man that acted as Calent's visor turned to Lord SHanley, rolling his eyes in mockery as he approached, then stuffed more wine into his throat as the little duke went prattling on. Though as Conall finished speaking, his grin grew so wide, it seemd to split his beard in half.

"So I've heard you've been ill?" he said, knowing that sort of thing would wound the man's pride, and he was always great at adding salt to one's wound. "Perhaps that's why you are so late in your punch lines, eh? Always the one to try to point out faults and follies that arne't even there." And the man's eyes sparkled at the challenge.

Katahnia rolled her eyes.
"If you are the men that compromise the leaders of this nation, Connlaoth is clearly doomed," Katahnia added in, her own quick jab to the session. The visor turned to her, smiling darkly.

"ANd it's a good thing your opinion will hardly matter in the long haul, my dear. Why dont' you and Lord Shanely just go dance?" he suggested bitterly, taking a long swing of his wine. "This is not a conversation for children." He gave a sniff, scrutinizing Conall.

"That's enough, Vesrik. Duke Shanley only speaks his mind," and Calent's cool, green eyes kept upon him. "ANd he has every right to speak on his own behalf." Then he turned his gaze to Katahnia. "Too bad this conversation is at a close." And he bowed to the pair before turning to Katahnia and took her by the hand, kissing the top of it gently. "Perhaps we can speak of these things at another time? I must say it is refreshing to hear a lady actually caring about politics, even if I believe she has been mislead. But, I fear I must be summoned elsewhere."

Katahnia, blushing lightly, simply nodded, and smirked at the challenge. "Perhaps so." And as the man and his lackies left, she sighed.

"Men and their pompous attitudes," she said, folding her arms across her chest after the men were completely gone. "Think they are always right. Messing around with the laws will only make their problems worse."

And worse for the mages and poor it already affected. Then turning to Lord SHanley, who was still there, she offered him a weary smile. "I am sorry if I have offended you. But I should be off as well." She gave a light hearted shrug. "I promised to remain with Kella most of the evening. She is not quite as socially vocal as I, and her mousy disposition is not without consequence. So I do not mind being her friend." She gave Conall a wink. Though as she turned to leave, she paused, studying him. "And you should ask her for the next dance." she added in, then curtsied as she moved to leave.

Conall smirked and amused that the corpulent bastard thought his stinging words would affect his feelings. He laughed, "At least I have a sense of humor. Ah but, aren't you one to talk?I find it terribly amusing how quick you are to scorn any shred of reality that doesn't suit your personal agenda and dismiss it as  fabricated, yet you'll cling on to a mere  irrelevant rumor and ride it for all its worth just because it strokes your ego. I don't need to point your flaws out, you parade them about."

He added in before Calent interrupted, "Perhaps what you've been hearing is the fool's voice of wishful thinking. Your own. It wouldn't be the first time or the last.  " 

Conall met Calent's gaze, but said nothing. He was actually relieved that it wouldn't go beyond that though he was probably more offended that he'd bothered talking to Vesrick. If he could have truly said precisely what had been on his mind...

None of it would have been appropriate.

He watched the men take their leave and listened to Kat's comment about men. He offered a polite smile. After the way these men behaved, it was hardly surprising that she thought so. "It's quite alright, you have your reasons to speak so , I'm sure."

He wasn't sure what the argument had been about entirely. He'd learn sooner or later from someone. Probably Luvina.
 
And then Katahnia brought up Kella and he felt a little awkward. Yes, he would have liked to dance with her. He felt his cheeks burn under his well-groomed beard.

"Lady Harmond, a moment if you would grant me," He started after her , "I - you know her better than I. Lady Turgall , that is.  I was - do you think that...she'd truly be interested ? I mean, I do not wish to make her feel any more uncomfortable than she is now. " 

Katahnia took a moment, pressing her lips together as her cheeks dimpled from her smile.
"It depends on what you are asking her to be interested in." And Katahnia eyed him over, gave a soft laugh and shook her head. "There's only one way to find out, and this song will be ending soon." And she raised her brows at him before turning around and walking away. "Good luck."

Conall gave her a funny look. Why was she smiling? He wasn't sure it made him feel very comfortable. Was she planning something? Girls were sneaky like THAT. Or she knew something he didn't and she wasn't going to tell him because she was being wicked.

What is THAT supposed to mean? I just want to ask for a dance. It's not a marriage proposal.

He heard the music ending and oh! He'd better find the Turgalls before some other fellow stole the lady away for a dance.

He moved through the crowd , eyes searching for...

Ah. There they were. Brother and sister...and he felt slightly awkward approaching them after only having seen them off about a couple minutes ago. He cleared his throat, "Pardon, I was wondering if I might have the next dance with you , Lady Turgall. Ah, that is to say, if you're free and willing to honor me with the privilege. " He was far more nervous than he appeared.

Blaith turned to look at the gentleman first, and then Kella, gasping silently as she raised a hand to her lips.
"Oh, Lord Shanely!" and she found herself blushing and looking around. Her brother grinned and stepped beside her.

"I bet she'd be delighted," he said, smirking over at Conall then giving a playful look to his sister, who then followed to where his gaze went over to Katahnia. Oh! She was being so cruel to her this evening! But even still, Kella found herself smiling and bowed her head lowly.

"I would be delighted." And the moment she offered, a soft, serene song began to play.

He was prepared for rejection, "I understand-"

Wait. What? He stared at the twins , green gaze shifting from Kella to Blaith then back to Kella.

"Y-you would?" Really? She'd dance with him?  For the first time in a long while he felt giddy.

Calm down. It's just a dance. With a young lady. No more pretend dancing with mothers, or relatives or grandmas. He was moving up in the world of adulthood. He was going to dance with a lovely young lady!

But he couldn't. His expression brightened as he stepped nearer to her, " Thank you."

And as the music started playing and people started dancing , his eyes found hers and he noticed that she was waiting, expecting...

That was when he realized...

Shanley, you fool! I don't know how to waltz!

He offered her a nervous smile and almost felt like losing is nerve and making some excuse, but he didn't want to miss out on another opportunity. He'd spent far too long watching his life roll by while he wrapped himself up in politics. He wanted to live. Just a little.

He blushed furiously and leaned in close to whisper, "There's one problem, Lady Tugall. I-I don't really know how."

ooc: loool

Blaith had already stepped aside, scooping up Katahnia for this sort of walt, so it had left the pair of them standing awkwardly by the edge of the dance floor. And what Lord Shanley said wasn't expected.

"Oh," her face flushed with colors but she smiled none the less. "But dancing is quite easy. I can show you." And she smiled warmly, taking his hands. "Just place your hands here," and she set one to her hip, the other within her own, "Then you guide me in the direction of the music." And she smiled brightly and glanced about, trying to see where a good place would be to cut in. "There, now, just take a step, like this,"s he said, hoping he'd move with her as she guided their hands forward, hips dipping low into a sway as the pair moved once in rigid fashion. "There, just like that!"s he said, her grin reaching her eyes. "Now all we have to do is do that a million time and not run into anybody." And she added the last part with a silent giggle. "But oh, I almost forgot, as the man you must.." and here she blushed, tucking back her lips as she smiled before her blue eyes met to his. "THe man must lead."

I know how to dance, but we don't dance like this in Ardal.

It wasn't slow dancing in his duchy with couples. People joined hands and danced in crazy circles. The music was lively and the drink ran from the halls. There was laughter and mischief ....

This was not Ardal. This mood was so ...solemn. Close. Personal. It made him feel so out of his element. He'd watched people dance , but he always found ways at these types of functions to excuse himself.

Ansgar, I must have gone mad.

The blush on his face darkened. Thank Ansgar he had a proper beard to hide most of his embarrassment. His nervousness flared up when she placed his hand on her hip and clasped onto the other.

His eyes displayed his nervousness and uncertainty so plainly. He swallowed and tried to move with her, but he had little clue what they were supposed to be doing and ...he delayed a bit with boots sliding and dragging, casing a little awkward stumbling. A couple times , he nearly lost his balance and fell over on her , but he always managed to recover as gracefully as one could in his shoes He was so awkward and stiff,but he followed her at least and just in time to not cause either of them to stumble off the dance floor or bump into another couple. Yet.

Once she'd shown him, he felt somewhat proud of himself that he'd finally learned (sort of ) how to do this. However, when she told him that HE had to lead and they had to do this a million times without bumping into other people , he looked somewhat horrified.

"Lady Turgall, you tease. For a moment I thought you were- oh wait . You ARE serious? " His nervousness was cranked up and multiplied by a million. "Oh. Right. Of course I-how silly of me. " He felt himself sweating, "O-okay. Here we go. No pressure."

He took over now, assuming the "dominat" role as it were. And he was not in time with the music or the other couples. He was behind by little more than a few fractions of a second and that wouldn't have been quite such a bad thing , but Conall kept bumping into people.

Most were polite enough to offer a smile or a laugh and just continue on their way though one man became a bit indignant when Conall knocked into him and made him spill a little drink.

"Get off the dance floor, you oaf before you kill some- Duke Shanley?! Oh er...my Lord ! Apologies! I uh...am not feeling well tonight. Excuse me!" The man hurried off, probably feeling even more embarrassed than the Duke did.
Conall blushed furiously and looked at Kella, "We could stop if you like. I'd understand. I'm terrible."

Kella blushed, smiling smally as the pair stumbled to a halt into yet another couple. She kept her gloved hand over her lips, a sparkle in her eyes as she stared over to the Duke.
"Only if you wish it. I would hate to keep you on the dance floor if you are not enjoying yourself."

The couple stared. Specifically at him. They looked a bit irritated and Conall waved at them , "Sorry about that. Good evening. How are you? "The noblewoman made a sound that hinted at disgust and she turned up her nose in disdain. The man simply quietly did the same.

"Allarians are such delightful people, " Conall said cheerfully. 

Conall grinned sheepishly at Kella's reply, " What? No , no. Are you kidding? This has been the most fun I've had all evening. You're a wonderful dancer, m'lady and I appreciate you taking the time out of your schedule to instruct me. I just thought you might not have felt the same.  I dislike making women feel too uncomfortable. "

"Well, to be honest, I always feel a bit uncomfortable at these sorts of things," she admitted. "I'm normally too sick to come out for a dance." Or strong willed enough. She felt a bit better that her dancing partner wasn't the best; and it eased the mood and tension she had been feeling long before she arrived, and was even forgetting about Klaust.
"If you'd like, we could continue into the next song to give you practice," Kella suggested with a soft smile and blush to her cheeks.

If Kella had wanted to escape, her offer to continue to the next dance ruined that opportunity. His expression brightened and he looked like a child who'd just received a present. A very shiny one. "Yes," he knew he sounded a little too excited and nervous at the same time , "I'd be honored." He almost thought to inquire if she had promised other men to save a dance for them but....forget that.

The dance continued and Conall was still a bit of a clown on his feet, but he was improving. Perhaps he might have improved a bit more swiftly if he would take his eyes off of Kella for a couple minutes and pay attention, but he was a young man. Young, dumb, and somewhat intoxicated by her. They were bumping into less couples though that might have been because people were learning NOT to dance so closely to them.

"You should attend these functions more often. It'd give me something to look forward to." He grinned at her and tripped over his feet, stumbling forward a bit into her . He recovered quickly though and saved her from falling, "Apologies, I'm afraid that my clumsiness is amplified by nervousness."

Kella shook her head, silent laughter seeming to radiate off of her, but none came from her lips.
"Do not worry, Duke Shanley. It isn't everyday I get to dance anyway, so I enjoy every chance I get." ANd she gave him a genuine smile, and her blush deepened at his last comment as she cast her eyes away from him.
"Well, who knows. I could always try. It's not like I am in control of where I can and can not go." And now she was the one feeling awkward, tripping ove rher own two feet as she stumbled into Conall. "Oh!" she blushed, finding herself pressed up agianst him, chest for chest. "It.. it seems you are not the only one with clumsy feet." And she found herself laughing as she pulled away, reassuming the proper position. "Perhaps it might be wiser for us to simply chat over on the balcony. The weather is lovely this evening."

He felt himself tense and burn up when they were pressed so close momentarily. It had been a long while since he'd been that close to a lady. Well, it had been long since he'd been this close to one that he was attracted to be more specific.

Conall tried not to laugh at her but his voice cracked with good humor, " I know you're supposed to follow my lead, Lady Turgall, but you didn't have to take it quite so far. "

The duke of Ardal nodded at her suggestion, " A sound plan. I think I've caused enough havoc on the dance floor tonight. Poor Lady Driscoll, I really didn't mean to keep bumping into her like that." Lady Driscoll was a snobby lady of high society from the duchy of Hellvion. She was well known for her ridiculously tall hair that sort of looked like (to Conall ) an enormous beehive.  She had proudly claimed was natural and was always decorating it extravagantly with pink and gold ribbons adorned with sparkling diamonds....

And Conall's stumbling into her not once but four times had revealed it to be a wig. Twice it flew off her head, and once it had landed in someone's meal.

And was she ever furious, but her husband reassured them that she'd get over it.

Eventually.

She had nice hair. Conall couldn't understand why she felt she needed to wear a wig.

Conall walked off the dance floor with his partner, "After you, my lady."

Kella smiled warmly, a blush still gracing her cheeks. She nodded, then made her way towards the balcony, where the cool air was welcomed on her heated flesh. It seemed this place was a suitable safe haven, as soon as they entered it, the couple that had been out there taking a stroll entered back into the dance hall, and it left the pair alone for the moment.

It was getting late, and the first signs of stars began to sparkle in the sky. Kella leaned against the balcony, admiring them, their twinkling catching within her clear blue eyes.
"It's so pretty here," she commented softly.

Hesitating, Conall looked around for signs of another person about before he walked over to railing and leaned against it next to her. He kept a respectable distance even though dancing had brought them closer before. At her comment , he gazed up at the stars and back down at her, " Indeed, the view is quite breathtaking from here. "

He turned his gaze from her when she looked at him, "Come to think of it, Turgall isn't terribly far from Ardal, is it?" He looked at her again, " I'm sorry to say that I've never been there before. What is it like?"

Kella kept her eyes upon his, tucking back a smile as she shrugged.
"It gets a lot of trading traffic coming through it's roads from the more Northern and Westerly duchies. A lot of people making way towards the capital will come through on these trading routes; so a lot of our people work in prosperous taverns or inns, as such is the demand. There's not a lot of farming here; there never was a need, but we do have a lot of black smiths. A lot of swords made for the Grand Duke himself, as well as the army. We make it from the ore mined up north, in Belkrath." She looked away, back out to the gardens.
"Though nothing in Turgall is so grand as it is here."

"Oh, I don't know. I think it sounds rather charming.  I haven't traveled as much as I'd have liked, but I've found that the less grand cities have a lot of character in their people. " He grinned at her, "Then again, I suppose my more rustic origins make me slightly biased, hm?"

He shifted awkwardly and looked a little uncertain of what to say. There was a silence between them, "Do you think that...maybe- well, uh...in the event that perhaps you find yourself unable to travel I-I could perhaps, pay you a visit? O-of course with the permission of your family."

And he added rather hastily, " I mean- just a friendly visit. I'm not looking to court you or anything though I find you very beautiful- oh! No, er...ah. Ansgar, " Too bad he had no ability to turn back time and take back all of his foolishness. His face burned bright red. Almost as red as his hair, " I'm- sorry. I'm so nervous and I've never really -  I don't quite know how to properly express my interests without coming off as though I'd expect anything beyond pursuing an opportunity to develop a....relationship. Er...to know you, but not necessarily a marital pursuit. Does that sound inappropriate?"

It probably did. Maybe he should have just spoken more plainly. Yes indeed.

ooc: You're not the only one capable of posting at UNGODLY hours in the morning! Oh ho ho ho!

OOC: lol
and a classic post it was XD
------------------

Kella blushed, despite the tangling of his words and stumblings; but she understood it perfectly fine, and blushed a little before she averted her gaze down to her feet.
"I'm sure you would be welcome, though it would depend if I am well," she admitted, not sure how else to respond, considering she was more than eligible if he had wanted to court her, but unfortunately for him, she was 'not for sale'.

Katahnia watched from the shadows as one of the dances had cme to an end, and signaled Tinstall to remain quiet as she watched.
"Seems that Duke is rather persistent," she giggled. "Think she might be engaged before the night is through?"

Tinstall paled. "Lord, I hope not. " but then he laughed. "It would hardly seem fair to a gentleman like me, who has been doggedly after her for years.

Katahnia's eyes were shining with mirth as she glanced over at Tinstall, shoving his shoulder.
"Too bad she cna't get engaged," and then Katahnia realized her mistake.

"What do you mean?" he asked most seriously.

"Er, that is to say, she won't take a husband so easily,'" And she laughed it off, hoping Tinstall would drop it.

"Of course," Conall nodded, understanding completely in a sense but entirely oblivious to what she truly meant. He assumed that she had a more conventional illness like he did (ooc- lulz) that kept her from leaving her bed. He could sympathize with that. There were times when he couldn't travel and people were not permitted to see him. Excuses were always crafted by his council. They were better at the lying game than he was.

"I'd never wish to impose as an unexpected guest.  Hey, perhaps the next we meet I'll be better at waltzing."

Haha. Not likely!

"What's going on here, you two?" A woman's voice sounded from behind Tinstall and Katahnia . The very warm and jovial inflection of a certain nosy hostess.

Lady Luvina just couldn't mind her own business. Ever. She moved next to Tinstall and looked ahead, "Oh ho ho! I knew it! " She was almost loud enough to be heard by the people that they were spying on but she clapped a hand over her mouth to quiet herself. She didn't wish to ruin a perfect eavesdropping opportunity!

Katahnia grinned as she peered over at Lady Luvina.
"So are you trying to play match maker this evening, Lady Luvina?" Katahnia inquired, her eyes shining. SHe looked over at Tinstall, who was a mess of tangled tongues.

"Well, who's to say they'll get anywhere anyways?" he tried to question, but Kat simply arched a brow at him and then peered over at her cousin. It seemed she was still blushing, and still smiling. This made Katahnia's own grin grow.

"Yes, perhaps at another ball we could enjoy another dance or two. They say practice makes perfect." ANd she smiled shyly up at him, then looked away.

"Well, I don't like to claim all the credit, dear, " Luvina made no efforts whatsoever to hide how pleased she was with her little schemes, "all I did was give the lad a little push. He's been single far too long, you know. The last girl...crushed his heart. Ran off with some foreign boy. Oh, it was most dreadful. But, look at him now. I haven't seen him shining this brightly since...oh, he was but a lad on his first visit to Reajh. "

She would have gone on talking about the subject forever were it not for her insatiable curiosities. She nudged poor Tinstall with her bony elbow, "Oh don't be so glum, boy. They're hardly engaged, though I dare say I haven't seen her smile like that quite so much this evening. Such an adorable little dear."

Conall grinned, "There's also a saying that man is fated to strive for perfection eternally. Be that the case, might I have more than a couple? With my skill, I'd probably need it. " 

Oh the cheese. That was lame and he knew it. He chuckled.   

Kella gave another warm smile, her cheeks heating a little more as she nodded.
"Yes, perhaps we should, but if you'd like, the night is still young. Perhaps we could try even another dance this evening?"

Conall turned to face her and took her gloved hands in his and looked at her, his eyes bright and a smile that threatened to take in his ears, "I'd been hoping you'd make the suggestion. I certainly don't protest. "

Luvina was positively bouncing in her hiding place, excited. She couldn't wait to tell her husband the good news! Conall was courting a lady! Oh if only his parents had been here!

And OH! She would have to insist on helping with all of the festivities assuming that all went well, of course. Already she was picking out a theme for his wedding in her mind. It would be glorious!

And like clock work, Blaith was scouting for his twin sister, and once he found her he began to approach. Gasping, Katahnia threw herself at Blaith and clung to his arm.
"N-no! Blaith! Shh! Come here!" she said, and guided him over to the group of eeves droppers who have been studying the pair ever since they struck out onto the balcony alone.

"Kat.. what is the meaning of this?" Blaith asked in good humor, giving her an inquisitive smile.

"Shh, shh!" Kat said, pressing a finger to her lips.

Tinstall rolled his eyes went Blaith looked his way. "Oh, the women are just making a fuss since Duke Shanely has the hots for your sister."

Blaith's face fell. "What?"

Kat gave Tinstall a sharp elbow to his ribs.
"Tinstall!" and she turned to Blaith, clinging to his arm to prevent him from strolling on over there. "Come on, do let them have their privacy! Your sister rarely gets out."

"Yes, and there's a reason for that!" he snapped, and Kat drew back, actually fearful of her cousin's tone, and simply watched as Blaith left them and approached the pair.

"Man.. that was scarey," Tinstall muttered. "He's really defensive of his sister."

"Overprotective is more like it," Kat said, a soft frown upon her face as she sighed.




As the music began to change, Kella's ears perked up towards it.
"Oh, it seems another dance is about to start-"

"Kella! There you are!"

And she whirled around, gasping whens he saw her brother.
"Oh, Blaith!" she felt her cheeks heat.

"I was hoping you and I could share in another dance. It would do you no good to stand here becoming a lame duck. Come on, let's show all the others that the Harmond's know how to dance."

"Oh, but I-" Kella began, but hte turned to Lord Shanley, her blue eyes wavering. "Do you mind if we dance? Perhaps then you and I can catch another song before the night is over?"

Traces of Blaith's anger remained in the man's expression as he approached and Conall picked up on it. It was curious that her brother would interrupt them now for another dance. The only conclusion the young duke could draw from this was that he'd possibly developed an infatuation for a woman that was off-limits, perhaps? Or she had an overly-protective sibling. It could even be both.

"Oh, not at all. You are your own person, Lady Turgall and be it your will to dance with your brother at this moment, you need not ask me. I take not the slightest offense. I can sit out for awhile.  " He offered the brother and sister a pleasant smile, a bow , "Pardon me, I shall not keep you any longer. " He left , passing the spying trio as he moved. He noticed them there and shook his head, but kept walking.

Luvina frowned, " I wonder what makes Lord Turgall so cross? Duke Shanley is a very upstanding gentleman. And it seemed the pair of them were getting along so well! Though , I am sure there is a good reason for all of this. A pity though."

Kella blushed, but nodded to Duke Shanley.
"Then perhaps later then."

And a more rigid bow came from her brother. "Perhaps we shall chat later?" and then he took Kella's hand, and the twins were off.



Katahnia was visibly frowning. She agreed with Luvina, but then got an idea. "Tinstall, why dont' you and Lady Luvina dance? I'm going to see if I can't dance with the lordship Kella's been so infatuated with to see if I can't find a way to get them-"

"Oh, Katahnia! Don't you dare start playing match maker- K.. Kat!" Tinstall stammered, realizing she had just up and left him. AN dhe turned to lady Luvina with a blink.



Kat was grinning most like a cat as she approached.
"Care for a dance?" she inquired, her grin smug, but just the slightest bit innocent as her green eyes danced as she offered out her hand to Conall.

It seemed drinking was the only thing Conall could think to do in order to pass the time. He had successfully poured himself a glass of wine and had lifted it to his lips for a drink when Katahnia approached him and asked him for a dance. Conall nearly choked on his drink, but managed to swallow it down.

A man standing next to the Duke stepped forward, "Well, if he doesn't want to, I will. "

"Ah..." Conall gave Katahnia a curious look , pondering what the woman's intentions were. He also had a feeling that this woman wouldn't be quite as kind towards his magnificently terrible dancing ability. He was curious though and so he took her hand, "It would be my pleasure, m'lady."

Together they moved out onto the dance floor and as fate would have it, Lady Driscoll and her husband were there. The moment she saw Conall, Lady Driscoll stopped and grabbed at her tall wig and gasped, "Oh Angsar Not YOU again! Stay away!" She and her husband moved away from them. Quite a few couples whom had been knocked about by Conall's less than impressive dancing abilities gave him and Katahnia a wide berth.

Conall blushed , " I guess now would be a good time to tell you that my grace is  quite hazardous. Your relation, Kella- ah pardon. Lady Turgall was kind enough to give me a fair bit of instruction. I must apologize beforehand if I accidentally step on your feet or – well, I'll try not to bump into anyone this time. "

The music played and they danced.  Conall was – well he tried his best. "I am under the impression that Lord Turgall might not like me being so close to his sister." He frowned. Then he met Kat's eyes pointedly, " And you were spying on us. That's not very polite, you know. " He didn't seem very upset by the latter though.   

Kathania gave him a cunning gaze and swept marvelously with him across the dance floor; but that was because she was leading. SHe wondered if he even knew?
And at his mention about his dancing abilities, she only beamed.

"With practice makes perfect, but do not worry, Kella is polite to everyone, so I do not think you've offended her. Trust me, you'd know," she informed him with a playful wink.
"And yes, Lady Turgall is quite nice. She rarely gets to come out so I'm glad she is having fun. Her brother, as you can imagine, is quite protective of her for this very reason. He just doesn't want to see her get hurt is all. So I admire that in him, even if he gets in the way of my spying." ANd her grin grew, her green eyes dancing as they continued, without much problems, to dance away. (Then again, they did hav ea lot of extra space..)

"And I was only there to keep a watchful eye upon my cousin like I had promised. You see, she wouldn't have come were it not for me, and this is my first ball in ages. I'm glad she could have come, and I too. Oh, how I miss dancing!" she said, and still, somehow.. the pair were managing to actually.. dance...
but...

FOR HOW LONG?!

"That is good to know," Conall replied although he wasn't quite so certain, but who knew Kella better than one of her own blood? " I was concerned that she might have assumed that I would have been insulted were my request for a dance to be declined. I might have felt a little disappointment. No one likes being turned down, but I can respect a lady's decision. I merely thought I'd take a chance and see where it might lead. Never know until you try, hm?"

Conall nodded, "I had younger sisters, I think I can understand his protective sentiments. He has little to fear of me, I'm quite harmless. "However he frowned a little at her jest about spying because it made him feel awkward. How MUCH had she overheard, precisely. How much had Luvina overheard? Oh, Ansgar! Before the night was through people would be talking about this....he just had a feeling it would be true.

"Hm. Then perhaps you ought to keep an eye on the man she was with earlier. What was his name? Klaust, I think she called him. I don't like to say such things about other people, but that man was rather abrasive and forceful. I think he might have made your cousin very uncomfortable and in a different manner than I. Not in a good manner."

And it was only now that he realized that he was actually dancing. It boggled his mind until he realized that she was leading, not him. Well, that explained a lot. "Well, for someone out of practice you do rather well. "

Somehow he knew that he was going to mess them both up.

Oh yes, it was going to happen!

"I cannot claim the same for myself. I'm usually the boring fellow who stands off to the side, watching everyone else enjoy themselves while I sourly think of how I cannot wait until it ends and I can go home. " He chuckled, "Though I hold Lady Luvina in high esteem. Despite her ...eccentricities she is a generous woman. She told me much of the proceeds are being donated to orphanages." 

It had been requested that guests pay a small fee to enter the party though it was not a mandatory price. Some nobles paid , others did not.

"Yes, it was one reason I convinced Kella to come. Plus I was growing restless. It has been ages, as I've stated, since I've been able to dance," and she continued to keep the lead before she asked, "However, Duke Shanley, might you want to try leading for a while?" she inquired, giving him a playful, teasing leer. "Though I do not mind leading to keep your two left feet in line, I must say you won't get any good practice out of this if I continue to be your guide." And Katahnia's smile grew, her green eyes dazzling with mirth. "So go on then," and she adjusted her hands, "Show me what sort of dancing you can do." And her eyes challenged, and as they began to sweep back into the dance she inquired, "So how long have you known Lady Luvina? You seem to be quite acquainted with one another very intimately."

At her suggestion of taking the lead, Conall's complexion paled. Said suggestion was backed up by perfectly persuasive points and supplemented by quite the mischievous expression. "Two left feet?" He elevated a brow at her, "Indeed. Very well then, prepare to be dazzled by all that I've learned in half of an hour or less." 

As soon as he took the lead, their dance was a lot more clumsy and awkward. However, his efforts were not entirely hopeless. Kella had managed to teach him something and fortunately for Kella's feet and everyone else's, Conall wouldn't be crushing anymore innocent toes at least!

"Lord and Lady Delgrin are friends – were friends of my late parents," Conall informed her, "I've know her my whole life. Trust me, she's always been mischievous and a little bit too intrusive in affairs pertaining to a...well, what she perceives to be of a romantic. She fancies herself to be quite the matchmaker. I'd advise you that if you're single , you keep such knowledge quiet or she'll start trying to find suitors for you. "

Katahnia chuckled at his remarks and moved carefully as he took the lead, careful that he wouldn't trample on her toes.
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind, but it seems she's already trying to match you up with someone. I wonder who that could be?" Katahnia said playfully, giving the man a leer. "You seem eligible enough to catch your friend's fancy, so I take it your unwed and not courting anyone?" Her grin grew at the question, eyes narrowing with her obvious intent.

OOC: if this is lame and short, I'm sorry >> making a quick post since I probably won't be online later x.x

"She's not the only one, it seems," Conall looked at her pointedly , "but, you're not incorrect with your assumptions. I am neither married or courting anyone. I haven't in four years. I got wrapped up in my duties and lost track of time. "

There had been offers, but few of them had been appealing . Few of the daughters presented had complimented him at all. They had been very attractive women, but their personalities for the most part were quite cringe-worthy.

He shrugged slightly , "In all honesty I make no advances with any manner of expectations. Your cousin caught my eye and I chose to take a chance of my own accord and see where it went from there. If all that is to come out of this is a friendship, I could be satisfied with that.  "

Katahnia chuckled at his claims, and nodded when he admitted to not being in any relations. "I see, getting wrapped up in your duties? Sounds like an Allarian excuse." She said with a playful roll of her eyes, but as he continued speaking, her smile broadened at the mention of her cousin. "Yes, Kella is very pretty. I don't think she realizes it either, how much potential she has there if she were to use it. She's rather shy and humble, so it can be a bit trying to explain to her how to flirt. Though what sort of cousin would I be if I didn't help her out?" And her eyes shined a bit at his last phrasing on friendship. "Well, it seems, if anything, you are making quite a number of friends today. You could even use my friendship, if you ever wanted to visit. I should be staying with the pair of them for a time."

Now THAT was insulting and Conall's offense showed, "Indeed? Unlike an Allarian , my duties entail matters that actually concern the people."He glared at her for a moment and then shook his head at her eyeroll.

He tried not to laugh at the idea of her trying to teach Kella to flirt. Kella wasn't very good at it. Then again, neither was he. "I think it's refreshing to meet someone about as unpolished in such things as I. I was beginning to think I was alone in my awkwardness. Although, I suppose she could stand to have a little more confidence in herself though I can't blame her for feeling such unease."

He looked at her curiously and then he grinned, "If you're inferring to all of those poor people I've accosted here on the dance floor,  then I don't think I'd include them among my list of friends. I suspect some of them may be plotting my murder before the night is over,"  He said with good humor and then added a bit more seriously, " Thank you, Miss Harmond. I would be honored if you were to consider me a friend in due time. " She hardly knew him nor he her so it'd be a little presumptuous of them to consider each other friends in this moment. "Anyone with the gall to make Allarick listen is certainly the sort of person I'd be honored to know. He doesn't grant many that privilege because his time is far too precious. You usually have to deal with that sweaty little pig adviser of his." 

Katahnia's grin grew. Teasing this duke was rather fun. If it were ever to come about that Kella were to marry (and he to understand their consequences of such a marriage), she'd have a lot of fun teasing him at family occasions, or when she would visit 'her favorite' cousin, Kella.
But hten to bring up the visor, she rolled her eyes.

"Little pig is right, Vesrik is hardly a man, so I wouldn't dare categorize him as such. Though I'd rather speak on anyone else. Such as yourself.." and her soured expression turned brighter, her green eyes sparkling again with mischief. "So tell me what sort of things you like. Do you have a favorite dish or family heirloom or dessert that makes you overly elated, my duke?"

Conall studied her expression with a frown. He wasn't sure he LIKED that look she was giving him. It reminded him of Luvina and her schemes. She was thinking of something cheeky. Oh yes, he could tell!

He nodded at Vesrick's name which ....kept slipping his mind. He was fighting not to break his composure and laugh. He sobered at her change of topic. His face flushed slightly, "M-me? " He tripped over his feet and stumbled into her, "What? Why ME? Is that - we could- I'd rather not."

ooc: lol

Conall composed himself, " Horses. " He said, knowing that she probably wouldn't allow him to escape without answering her question. "I enjoy horseback riding. Which isn't exactly a dish or an heirloom...but it's...an Ardal thing, I suppose. Everyone owns a horse. The horse is very important to our people. You're given one when you're about four or five and learning to ride is basically one's right of passage out of childhood. You grow up with your horse, you work with it....it's sort of like having a dog I guess.  They don't call the Ardalir the horse people for nothing. Most people use their horses for farming, others train them for war....I like to race. It's quite a rush.  " He looked a bit sheepish.

"Ah what else?Archery, fencing, reading...all things I'm sure that a lady would find incredibly fascinating. Am I boring you yet? Feel free to stop me anytime. "

Katahnia giggled, wrinkling her nose at him as she caught him in mid-dance.
"Do be careful of my toes, Duke Shanley," she teased. "I'd hate to have to explain to Kella why I'm limping on our way home."
And then as he mumbled on about what he DID like, her smile grew, her expression warming, though that mischieviousness was still there.
"Ah, horse riding, one of my favorite past times." she informed him with a playful batting of her lashes. "I would have to agree. It is quite the rush. And archery, too. And I love fencing and reading." She gave another giggle. "Too bad you're interested in my cousin, though she loves to read as well. And we go on evening horse rides all the time. Well, as long as the weather permits." Her eyes were positively glowing, her face, beaming with expression as the two continued to dance.

"But Kella loves flowers, she loves being in the gardens." Kat began. "And is way more fashionable than me, and she does have a thing for animals. Her poor old dog had passe away but a month ago and she still mourns for it. Poor thing. It was quite the noble breed of dog as well. Very rare around here, but it clung to her side like a child, like a friend."

"R-really?" He looked a little surprised. None of those things were considered activities that a lady should be interested in. Of course, he held his tongue. Whether or not he believed in such things, he wasn't one who appreciated being told what he could and could not do. He wouldn't impose such things upon another. "Ah, the adventurous sort, are you? Well, that would explains a bold personality." And possibly why she wasn't engaged.

His face turned a dark shade of scarlet. He wasn't quite sure how to respond to what she said about it being a shame that he was interested in her cousin. He tripped again and recovered , barely.  "Wha-? I-I... indeed." He managed, suddenly feeling a little hot under the collar. He looked away. He was NOT going to let her see his sudden discomfort. It probably would only fuel her wicked ways.

He was only too relieved that Kella hadn't picked up on her cousin's terrible habits! Or he wouldn't have been able to utter any intelligent words to her whatsoever. 

He was relieved that the conversation shifted to Kella. It gave him time to recover from...whatever that was. An entanglement of ...confused feelings and awkwardness.

Conall laughed at her comment about fashion though. He might have been among the least fashionable at this party in leathers, wools, browns and greens. He thought he looked quite simple, elegant, masculine...but he stood OUT. The people here had strange tastes. They wore colors, smoother and lighter materials, foreign and expensive materials with fanciful patterns. The most fancy he got were the intricate patterns of knots and equine shapes in his leather armor. "That's not such a bad thing," he offered her a smile and then changed the subject, "Your cousin and Lord Tinstall? They are not...seeing one another? He seems quite taken with her and he doesn't seem like a bad fellow. "

Katahnia playfully rolled her eyes at the mention she was adventurous and merely shrugged, giving him a leerful glance of mischief.
"I suppose you could call me bold. I'd blame my parents. They taught me to speak my mind, through and through.." though she gave a sad sigh. There was no need to explain that that was what had gotten them (and their entire duchy..) killed.

So as he spoke of Lord Tinstall, she raised her brows, and unfortunately for her, she gave a bark of a laugh.
"Oh, forgive me!" she hadn't meant to spit on his face when she laughed. She blushed. "Er, Tinstall he... well... let's just say it would be honestly.. quite difficult for any man to court her." She admitted witha  bit of a frown. "It's why she... hasn't quite married just yet." But she purposely left out the 'why'.

"An admirable, yet dangerous trait to have sometimes, " Conall knew too well. It taught him to hold his tongue though he envied those of lesser station who could speak their minds and take all of the risks offending people because few would care what was being said. People cared what he said. Almost a little too much sometimes to the point of sheer tedium. There were times when he would have liked to have an irrational outburst. Just to get it out of his system, but people were always watching him. He sighed.

Her laughter was charming but the saliva that hit his cheek certainly was not. Conall's initial reaction was to jerk away from her and furiously wipe her spit from his face. She could probably see the look of discomfort intensify and he looked uncertain of how to react to this. Spit. On his face. Gross.

He forced a polite smile and slid his hand from hers for a moment, breaking their dance, "Not to worry. I've come prepared.. " He searched his pocket for his kerchief and frowned. "I seem to have misplaced my kerchief. " He prepared to wipe it off with the back of his glove which was ...really not sanitary but he wasn't about to dance all night with her spit stuck to his face.

He looked at her curiously though when she mentioned it being difficult to court Kella, " It has something to do with her illness, I suppose? " He didn't know the details and wouldn't press for them but he wondered why it was difficult. Was she infertile? Contagious? Or was her family overbearing?  Or maybe Kella herself wasn't interested, but the latter was hardly a thing parents ever considered when marrying off their offspring. His parents had never once considered what he wanted , but he was told it was just the way of things. How it was supposed to be, traditional and so on. He'd eventually grow to love whatever woman they chose for him. And that hadn't turned out to be true at all.

"What about you?" He inquired , curious. "Not that I...you know, but I was just- well,  I mean. You're here...and you and Tinstall? "

ooc: lol...nosy Conall. D:<

Katahnia blushed, fumbling herself as they danced by the awkwardness caused by her laugh.
"Er.. s-sorry about that," and she reached int her dress, producing a kerchief laced with her perfume. "Here.. err.. to help with.." and hse looked away, tucking in her lower lip. "The spit." She then looked back at him, waiting for him to take it before her brows rose at his last few statements.

"Yes... er illness.." and she frowned, sighing impatiently as she looked away, but then when the conversation went back to her, her brows were raising again. "Me and Tinstall?" ANd her brows raised even further before she laughed, but this time, placed a hand properly over her lips to keep from spitting on his face this time (just in case). She blushed and shook her head.

"No, no. He's more like a brother to me," she said, smiling a bit over the idea before sighing. "No.. but there has been talk of an engagement to my cousin." Blaith, but she probably didn't have to paint that picture as she looked away, appearing a bit less like herself, maybe even a little melancholy at the idea as she watched the two Harmond's dancing on the other end of the ball room.

"Though who's to say I'll ever marry," she mumbled, never once her eyes looked away from Kella and Blaith. Could she really do it? Just give herself up to protect them? They were family but...
and it was then she found herself stepping on Duke Conall's food as she gave a start, and stumbled forward into his arms.

Conall held the frilly thing up and sniffed it, "Is this...? Perfume?" These Northerners were so..."Is that ...lilac?" Flowery. And his kerchief probably smelled like barn animals for all he knew. Well, maybe Kella hadn't noticed? Oh who was he kidding. She probably could smell his stink from MILES away.

People tended to comment on him smelling faintly of horse and he TRIED to cover that up. They had NO idea how challenging that was short of drowning himself in perfumes which was just...well, he was NO woman! He'd rather stink a little, thank you!

"Ah...I mean. Thanks." He used the offered kerchief to wipe away just her saliva and then awkwardly gave it back to her. Well, he probably shouldn't feel TOO bad , right? It was HER spit!

They resumed dancing.


He looked quizzical at her amusement at his thinking that she and Tinstall might have been a couple, " What's so funny? " And then she told him of her possible engagement. "Oh. Congratulations then, " He didn't know the Lord of Turgall so well, but he seemed...alright, he supposed. Better than many others he'd had first meetings with, but a first impression was not always accurate. So he couldn't really confidently say much of anything about the matter. She didn't seem very enthusiastic about that and he picked up on it, but wouldn't press the matter. He somewhat understood the sentiment .

He wasn't sure what to say so he elected to keep his lips sealed. However, when she went distant and tread on his foot, his eyes bulged and he gasped. And then she stumbled forward and he caught her in his arms, awkwardly. At least he kept them both from falling.

"Unless it be against your own will, I suspect you might find someone if you haven't already.  You're...an interesting young woman, Miss Harmond. Beautiful  , graceful and a strong sense of character. 'Tis little wonder why Lady Turgall looks to you so, " he ought leave it at that lest she thought he was hitting on her. He offered her a polite smile.

Katahnia hadn't really expected the compliment, and blinked as she peered up at Duke Shanley with a gentle blush to her cheeks.
"The restraints of marriage to a woman in my position must be dealt with delicately. I might not have any other choice aside from my cousin." And just like that, the music had ended. Curtsying to Conall, she bid her farewells.
"It was a lovely dance. Perhaps next time we'll step less on one another's toes."

"Miss Harmond, "He swept down before her, bowing elegantly, "thank you. It's been pleasure."  He watched her depart and was about to do the same when he was approached by another Lady who offered him her hand for a dance.

He really didn't want to dance anymore , but he didn't wish to be rude and turn her down. Had she not seen him earlier? Did she not fear her feet being trampled ?

No. Apparently not. They danced , but it was...horrendous and , shockingly, he wasn't the bad one this time around. The lady whom had offered to dance with him was a tall, awkward thing . Very thin and body with a long, horse-like face and long, straw hair. He had no idea who she was and couldn't get a single word in because the moment he'd accepted her hand...she'd talked, and talked, and talked...about ....mostly herself and he couldn't process what she was saying to him because she spoke about ninty words a minute and kept breaking in her words every so often to let out the most obnoxious laughter.

When is this going to end?  I really should just learn to say no...
"Hey, are you listening?"

Conall hadn't been for the last ...minute, perhaps. "Pardon, I had a thought-"
And she continued talking over him about herself. He was only too happy to excuse himself and abandon her company at the end of the song.

He noticed Luvina and Tinstall were STILL dancing. He approached them and they seemed to be, "Are you two DRUNK?" He inquired, looking and sounding incredulous.

"Oh don't be silly, *hic* my boy!" Luvina laughed. "Lord Tinstall and I had a couple small teency little glasees of bubbly...drink! HEhe *hic*! "
Conall shook his head at them both, " Really, Lady Delgrin. How old are you again?"

"Oh relax, Conall. There's plenty for you too! *hic* ! "

Sighing, Conall left the pair alone to dance and went back to the dining area for something to drink. The older men were gathered , conversing about politics as usual. Conall ignored them and went straight for the wine. 

Conall wasn't the only one at the wine table. Normally, Katahnia wasn't one to hide behind a drink, but she had left the dance in a hurry, and had just about downed her entire glass when Duke Shanley was approaching. She turned away, not wanting to be caught in such an embarassing manner when more political banter caught her ear.

"Yes, it's a shame mages hide behind their abilities. Those that flaunt their taint without the mark... unforgivable," one man was telling to Duke Calent as they conversed in the corner.

"Yes, but even those who possess it with the mark should not flaunt it at all," Calent reminded cooly.

There were more grumblings over the matter, and Katahnia found herself holding her tongue, and also had forgotten Duke Shanely had even ever been approaching, her pink cheeks just a bit angry from over hearing more banter that bashed mages and turned it into slander that made them appear to be dogs.. and her cheeks were also pink since she was slightly drunk.


"Yes.. some mages are just like a dog in a suit! Untamable, tainted, and wild," one man was agreeing wtih a shake of his head.

"And that famous pirate, and he'sa  bandit now too? I can't believe you have to deal with sucha  nuisance, Duke Calent. What do they call him..?" one man asked, and Vesrik chimed in..

"Well, he calls himself Seven because of his ridiculous outfit, or Gods know why, but we simply call him the mage bandit of Allar.." he rolled his eyes. "Just the other week he stole my wife's good pearls. Such a scandal it had caused. My wife was rife with anger. It took me all of three days to calm her down and hse insisted I find the pearls myself. Naturally, the pearls were no where to be found, that scandalous villain probbaly made off with it to pay for a night int he whore house, no doubt." ANd Vesrik gave a sniff, and a glaring look over towards the windows. "Mages. Ugh, if we could be done wiht the lot of them.. the better!"

Quietly, Conall poured himself a drink as he listened to the conversation around him with an impassive expression. He noticed Katahnia and smiled at her though she'd turned away from him, probably embarrassed. He politely turned his attention away from her however and pretended not to notice her. He drank his wine leisurely , feigning a contemplative expression and not really looking at anything in particular.

Conall chuckled, clearly taking amusement in Vesrick's proclaimed woes. He could already picture the porkish pair squealing and flailing in unison while a dashing thief escaped out the window with a pearl necklace. Really? So much a fuss over a necklace? And Vesrick called him childish?  He had to make himself drink some wine to quiet himself before he drew attention to himself. The image was pretty amusing to him. He wiped a couple tears from his eyes and turned away. He wanted to burst out laughing though. Right in Vesrick's face.

A pity the thief hadn't made off with more.

"Good for you , Seven. I'll drink to you tonight," Conall muttered to himself and grinned. He poured himself another glass. Mage or no, any man who made Vesrick's life difficult was alright in his book!

Katahnia barely caught the words Duke Shanely was muttering, and had she not been going for more wine she might have missed it. So with a refilled glass, she lifted it out and touched her's lightly to his.
"As will I."
ANd she sighed, drawing her drink to her lips.
"It seems these smelly conversations tend to weasel their way into every social occasion."

Nodding slightly, Conall subtly expressed his agreement, " Such are the times that we live in. Were these conversations the least bit productive, I might partake but wherever Allarick and that corpulent leech that clings to his ass is concerned...it's always the same old rhetoric. "

"Vesirick, you cannot be serious, "the host of the party, Lord Roland spoke up, " really? I think that's a little extreme for such a trifle. My condolences, but a pearl necklace is hardly a loss. Money can be replaced. You should hear the stories I've been hearing from the south. I've heard reports of a group of hostile mages , highly organized even, attacking military outposts and robbing merchant caravans bound for the capital and...Allar. I should say one might ought to be far more concerned about that." The large, typically jovial man put forth.

"Yes, but how do we know that all of these vagabonds are mages, "Lord Griswold interjected. He was a short, frail old man with thick, round spectacles perched at the edge of his absurdly long, hooked nose and he had an enormous white mustache that wiggled comically with every word spoken. "They could be simple dissenters. It isn't as though this hasn't been an issue before."

Roland Delgrin nodded, "True, but the eyewitnesses claim these thieves were wielding magic." He adjusted his belt," And many of these merchants and supplies were in fact being taken to churches."

Conall clinked his glass against Katahnia's and downed his drink in a single gulp. Too bad there wasn't something stronger served here. He would have liked to get drunk enough to not care what these people were saying.

"Indeed, and it's only a matter of time before they grow bolder and start taking their aggression out on the faithful." A noblewoman added with a sniff.

"They ought to be put in their place," the man next to her agreed. "A pity the Grand Duke is so...merciful, bless his soul. Were it up to me, I'd lock them all up so they couldn't be a bother to the good people of Connlaoth."

Griswold wiggled his enormous mustache and eyebrows and snorted, "Oh that's preposterous! Do you realize how many mages live here? Where are you going to keep them locked up? How ? There simply aren't enough Mordecai to accomplish such a thing and do you really think that people will just stand for that? You , sir, are a fool."

"Any Mordecai is worth well worth more than ten mages whom are powerless." The other man snorted at old Griswold, "If they don't like it, their wretched kind can go to Serendipity for all I care or Hyoite. This land belongs to Ansgar and his children. "

Others murmured in agreement.   

"and anyone that thinks otherwise is a heretic and a traitor." The man continued.

Roland tapped his glass with a spoon, "Gentlemen, settle down please. There's no need to speak of one another with such venom. Opinions can be expressed in a more civil manner or you're welcome to escort yourself to the door."

Conall poured himself more to drink and leaned in close to Katahnia to whisper, "See what I told you? Arguing in circles. Completely unproductive." He started drinking again.

Katahnia drew in a slow and careful breath at his words and held it. There was so much she wished to say, but held her tongue. She downed her entire second glass of wine and turned to Conall with a smile.

"Talking to those who go in circles is just wasting hot breath." She curtsied rigidly to Conall. "But I must find Kella. It was a lovely talk." If one could call it a talk at all. It was apparent she was agitated by it, her cheeks flushed as she moved to leave. "Excuse me."

In one swift movement, he took a step after her and grabbed her wrist. His grip was firm, but gentle. "I would hear your thoughts,"he offered, " whatever they might be."

She looked like she needed someone to talk to though part of him wondered if it was a good idea to volunteer his ear. Again. But it was the polite thing to do and as a leader, it was his duty to listen to people, all Connlaothian citizens whenever he could.

Katahnia was taken back by his forewardness, and the grip on her arm. She blushed lightly, realizing she was in no right mind to be spewing off her views over politics, especially since she was well into her second glass of wine, but also feeling somewhat relieved someone else out there seemed to care. She seemed to waste a lot of words at these events.

"Yes, but your poor ears might fall off," she replied with a chuckle. "But I could do with a brief walk. Perhaps outside? I heard they have lovely gardens and the cool, night air would do good for me. That is, if you'd oblige in being my escort." she said, smiling warmly.

"I don't mind," Conall released her arm and , "besides, were my ears to do so, you'd be doing me a favor. I'd never have to listen to Vesrick's bigoted squealing again. That'd be a blessing from Ansgar, I assure you." 

He nodded, "Indeed, I shall accompany you. I could do with a bit of fresh air as well. " He bowed slightly, "Ladies first."

They left the dining hall together and ventured outdoors. Conall walked at a leisurely pace beside her. He had little interest in gardens, but he admired the care that went into keeping it. "So, I take it my dancing didn't drive your sudden desire to consume a fair bit of alcoholic beverage? I'm not offended be that the case."  He knew better than that, of course. Well, he didn't think HE was the reason she was drinking but one could never be to certain!

Katahnia was shocked he brought up the alcohol as she looked at him, wide eyed, but then quickly smiled and looked away, keeping her eyes across the garden walk as they moved, arm and arm across the moonlit path. She was thankful the night air was cool, it kept her blush at bay (at least, the heat of it, for the moment).

"Yes, horrible dancing would never be something to turn me to drink. If anything, it'd turn me more towards social gossiping," she replied in good humor, looking into his green eyes before turning away.

"It takes a lot for me to even care to go so far as to... to drink a fair amount over my limit, I mean...., forgive me, I rarely let myself become so.... enticed by the drink." and she embarrassingly lowered her gaze. "I just get so angry when men spew out words they believe to be fact, when in reality.." she sighed, shaking her head. "It just disturbs me and grates on my nerves they do not seem to understand the consequences of their actions or that their judgement affect so many lives." She shook her head. "It's like they just don't understand, and only let their logic be fueled by predjudice and hate."

And she felt her eyes tear up as she brushed some away, blinking more back and turning away from him as she bit back a sad smile. She just hoped Conall hadn't caught her so.. emotional.  BUt then again, no one could begin to understand her loss.

Conall elevated a brow, "It is hardly a matter. Two glasses of wine is ...really nothing." She might have had more than that, but that was all he'd seen her take in. He shrugged, "I've had...three? Four? I lost count, to be frank. Not counting what I spilt, naturally."  He glanced over his shoulder at her for a moment and then elevated his eyes to the night sky. His eye snapped back to her when she mentioned gossiping. He chuckled, "Oh , I'm sure that everyone in the country will know how talented I am before the week is ended without your assistance, thank you."

He listened to her frustrations, nodding, "I think anyone with a sense of compassion would be unsettled by the ignorance , apathy and fear that exists in such discussions. Some men don't know better, others aren't just ignorant but also don't care that they are. If it suits their personal views and agenda, they're content to adhere to their ways no matter how damaging they are to everyone else around them. That I find to be deplorable. I may be a son of Ansgar, and I might not approve of ...magic or its use, but I do not believe in condemning people for being born the way that they are nor do I expect people to be perfect and believe in condemning them for...an innocent transgression. All people make mistakes, and that doesn't make any of them less human or give others the right to impose harsh punishments. After all, a mage that abuses their abilities is no different than an overly ambitious Duke  taking advantage of the ignorance and fear of the people. Between you and I, I dare say that the latter is usually much worse. "   

As the two continued their walk outside in the gardens, Katahnia chewed her lips over his words. She had grown strangely quiet, but it had taken her that long to recompose herself, and bite all of the tears away. And by then, the two were several paths into the gardens, the moonlight full and beautiful, capping everything in silver light.

"Yes, some believe power is even corrupting, but you don't see them condemning such a thought," Katahnia mused. She paused now just before a fountain. A naked man and women were perched in it's centers, waters bubbling out from their hands as they reached out towards the heavens and held onto one another in a loving embrace. Her eyes studied the statues a moment, and she recalled Cauwyn, and her child, and found more tears in her eyes.

She tried blinking them away again, lowering her gaze, but he might have noticed it in her reflection upon the waters.

Conall too was looking at the fountain , but his expression was quizzical as he studied it. Why were there naked people? That was quite bold, was it not? His traditional, prudish Connlaothian sensibilities weren't quite sure whether to be offended or uncomfortable. He shook his head. Luvina always had such a flair for the most outlandish of decorations. She claimed that it gave her character, made people remember her and her parties....

Well, she certainly wasn't wrong. But not all that was said of her was...polite. Though he suspected Lady Delgrin hardly cared so long as so many people were talking about her!

He noted Katahina's distressed reflection and felt in his pocket for his kerchief...

Oh. Right. Kella still had that.

Maybe she won't cry. Don't cry...don't-

Ansgar, there's tears in her eyes. What do I do?

Maybe I should just pretend not to notice? Wouldn't that be a little callous of me? Or maybe...

What if I just said something comforting? But what do I say? I don't even understand what's wrong?

Well , I can't just stand here...

"Are you...alright?"He asked lamley.

Brilliant question , Shanley. Would she be crying if she were?

ooc: lulz

"Oh, yes!" she turned to him, smiling as her eyes shined with tears. She moved her hand to brush away at them. "It just seems the cold night air stung them and well.. perhaps my eyes are sensitive after the wine?" A lame excuse, but it was what it was. She smiled and turned away from him, walking by herself now down the path. "Though I must admitt.."s he began, keeping careful steps. "The walk is doing good to sober me up." ANd she turned, smiling at him to let him know it was alright, her words meant to lighten the mood and hopefully distract them to .. other conversations and things. It was only then she paused out in the gardens, her eyes wondering around and going back towards the building, to the tall open window as she watched the silouhettes of guests moving past.

"It's strange to observe such thigns from afar,"s he mused, looking into the people up there, and then to the other windows, not really seeking anyone or anything in particular.

She's worse at lying than I am. He nodded, accepting her excuse but not truly believing it. She wished to save face, and he wouldn't embarass her further by insisting upon what was the matter. It might have been nothing or it might have been a deeper issue brought her too much grief and that wasn't the concern of a stranger like himself.

He glanced back over his shoulder, "You think so, hm? That is not such a peculiar feeling to me. "Yes, as a child and even as a Lord , he knew that feeling quite intimately. 

Katahnia laughed softly and turned to Conall with an amused grin.
"So do you watch parties through windows inside other people's gardens often?" She raised a single brow at him, a playful smile upon her lips as she dared him to answer with a playful look about her eyes.

Conall blushed and shook his head, "W-what? N-no! Well, not...anymore. With the exception of now. That is to say, but that wasn't what I meant. Only when I was younger because...I ....was curious why adults would make such a big fuss about them. "

Truth be told, his illness was part of what kept him away from such things. "I'm NOT a voyeur." He added hastily, but then he realized how wrong that might have sounded. Poor choice of words. Terrible. He just needed to stop talking.

"B-but that's not what I meant. I was just...my mind was. I...pretend I said nothing." He finished awkwardly and clapped a hand over his eyes. "Maybe the wine is affecting my ability to think more than I realize."

Not really, but hey....blaming the wine for his awkward foolishness seemed like a perfectly good idea.

Katahnia smiled over at him.
"I'm not sure if it's the wine, but I can see why Kella likes you," and her eyes danced, her smile genuine before she blushed and looked away, staring up at the people. "Speaking of Kella, I think I see her.." she spoke, a mean, but playful look upon her eyes. "Though who is that gentleman beside-" and then she gasped, realizing Kella was being cornered by Klaust, and the look on her face made her stomach churn.

Kella appeared to be squirming beneath his gaze, and the man, getting ever closer to her.  Katahnia felt her hands clench into fists.
"Ex..excuse me, Duke Shanely, I do believe I am needed elsewhere." and she turned to him, bowing but once before making her way swiftly across the grasses, but the moment she did so- Kella had left the wall nearest the windows, only to be pursued by Klaust deeper within the ball....


So when Katahnia returned to the ball room, the place was a dizzying mess of laughter, music and dance. But no where could she be seen, despite how desperate Katahnia had looked. She found herself troubled, eyes darting everywhere as she called off softly..
"Kella!?" and even as she looked, Blaith was also no where to be seen. Shit.

Conall shot her a mock glare of incredulity. Quite the cheeky one, she was. He laughed in spite of his awkwardness, however. And when she mentioned Kella, he suspected the Lady of Turgall would have still been dancing with her brother. Or, perhaps another man had snatched her up for a dance? "Oh?" His curiosity had him leaning in close to peer wherever Katahnia was looking and he didn't see what was going on as soon as she , but her gasp caused him alarm. Her taking off so suddenly didn't help ease his nerves either.

He stood there for a moment, confused but then he hurried after her. Something was wrong. That's all he needed to know.

He caught up with her inside ,"What was that about? What's wrong?" She seemed to be looking for something. Was something wrong with...Kella?

Katahnia chewed on her lips, fretting something might be up. She felt it in her gut. Somethign was wrong, incredibly wrong.
"Can you help me find my cousin.. either of them, Kella or Blaith? I.." she didn't know how to put it but.. "It's that gentleman she danced with from earlier. I .. I saw her alone with him. She didn't look happy and I told her I'd be around to keep her safe." And here she had gotten side tracked by walking with a duke in the gardens.
"Blaith warned me about that man. He... has an infatuation with Kella, and I dare admit it isn't a healthy one." she just hoped her gut feeling was wrong and that Kella was ok. But why couldn't she find her?

"I saw her with Lord Turgall shortly before we departed from the parlor," Conall frowned, knowing precisely who Katahnia was talking about, "I don't imagine that Lord Turgall had left her unattended for very long which means..."

That Klaust was a stalker. Conall had never actually encountered these types of people before, but he had certainly heard enough horror stories about desperate and deranged men that would become so obsessed with a woman that he would follow her every move and in many cases...

His heart dropped into the pit of his stomach. Surely, he wouldn't try such a thing at a public party! And surely someone would take notice and stop him if...he took things too far.

What am I thinking? He probably crossed the line a long time ago.

"I remember him. If I can't find them, I'll find him." And what would he do with such a man? The best he could do was have the man thrown out for harassment . However, if Kella had been assaulted....then far harsher punishments would await him after Conall beat the shit out of him. And not in a very gentlemanly manner, either.

He touched Katahnia's shoulder lightly,and offered a reassuring glance , "I'll check the dining hall. You check the parlor. There's the balcony ...and the gardens. "

He left her and went off in search of the Turgall's. He found Tinstall , and Lord and Lady Delgrin at the table, eating one of Lady Delgrin's dessert cakes and enjoying more wine. Hadn't they had enough?

"Ho ho! There's  Duke Casanova now, " Roland exploded with cheerful laughter and waved at Conall, "Doing a little sampling , eh? "

"What? " Conall was distracted, irritated. "No..."

"Oh don't be shy! I saw you with another lady, leaving into the gar-"

"I don't have time for games. " Conall cut the jovial fellow short, his tone icy and somewhat authoritative. The sort of tone he employed on the occasion that things were of a serious matter.

Roland immediately sobered as did Tinstall and Luvina.

"What's wrong dear?" Luvina inquired, her merriment gone completely and replaced with concern. She'd never seen the Duke this worked up since ...the funeral held for his family.

Conall wasted no time explaining, "It's Kella- ah , Lady Turgall...oh hell! Kahtania, her cousin, believes there may be trouble with a gentleman- no, not a gentleman. A man named Klaust. He has dark hair, somewhat unkempt. Shaggy beard and he wasn't dressed like any noble I know. Far too gaudy and somewhat foreign. I'd venture to guess he's a merchant. At any rater,  we need to find her. Now. "

And the search was on.

The dances continued, skirts fluttering around, but none that matched the description of Kella's gown for that evening, nor her face. Katahnia found herself quickly growing worried, but noticed Blaith dancing with a lady from Belkrath, and despite it being rude, she found herself butting in..
"B-Blaith!"

Blaith turned to her, raising his brows. "Kat?" Then he smirked and shook his head, "Can't you see I'm dancing?"
But then at her expression, his brows furrowed. "What's wrong?"

Catching her breath, Katahnia swallowed back her fear, "It's Kella.. I.. I just can't find her and-"

But she didn't have to finish her sentence for him to know what was up.

"I'm sure she is alright," Calent cut in coldly, as he found his own dancing becoming disturbed by Blaith's sudden halt. It was time to swap partners, but now with this pair at a pause, he sighed. "Are you here to cause more trouble with your tongue?"

Katahina's brow furrowed. "Hardly. A man like you wouldn't understand-"

"What I do understand is you're standing in the middle of the dance floor. Your cousin probably went to powder her nose," and before she knew what was going on, the Duke of Allar was offering his hand. "Come on, why don't you and I dance? Let your cousin deal with that matter. We should not linger here, lest we clog up the dance floor."

Katahnia's cheeks flushed at his statement. Was she being foolish? But it was Kella, and that man...

"Kat.. yes, why don't you stay here and dance. I doubt Kella is in much trouble. Just because we can't see her doesn't mean she might not be out on the other balcony." And Kat turned, and noticed a figure that may have looked like Kella;s, and breathed a sigh of relief.

"See, I believe that's her over there," Calent added in.

Blaith noddded, "I'll go to her. You enjoy the evening." And Katahnia found herself glancing down at Calent's still outstretched arm. And her, glancing around to a dance that was folding in all around her. Sighing, she took his hand, but her heart was racing a mile a minute, and as the two danced, she kept her eyes trained on the balcony, to where Kella's form now disappeared...

The search party met back in the dining hall.

Judging by the lack of Kella's presence , Conall drew the conclusion that no one had located her. Or , he hoped, she was with either Blaith or Katahnia. "Any luck?" The Duke of Ardal inquired.

Tinstall shook his head, "I searched the whole of the gardens and I didn't see her or Klaust. "

"She's not in the courtyard, " Roland reported.

"I didn't see her in parlor , but I did see her cousin. Katahnia was it?"

Conall nodded frowning and his concern only increasing, "She's not here in the dining hall either. And no one has seen Blaith? "

"He was dancing  earlier with Lady Winsley..." Luvina offered.

"Alright. Keep looking. I'm going to speak with Blaith, " Conall told them.

The search party broke away and Conall hurried into the parlor room. His gaze swept over the room, scanning for Blaith or Kella. He found Klaust instead and the man saw him as well because he took off hastily.

"Hey! " Conall moved to pursue the man, but people - more specifically, dancing couples were in the way. He allowed himself to be blocked at first, and desparately looked for a way around.

Propriety be hanged! "Excuse me! I need to get through. "

"Then go around, " The nobleman blocking his path replied haughtily.

Conall's expression tightened with irritation and he pushed his way through, breaking the couple apart.And he went on pushing his way through the masses, causing people to bump into one another and men to curse at him. Some recognized the duke and were shocked. He had a reputation for being a very well-mannered man!

Conall was gaining on his target but then of all people he could have bumped into....

Allarick and....

"Kat- Miss Harmond! " He hesitated and then saw over her shoulder that Klaust was getting away. He was completely ignoring Allarick. Calent did it to him quite frequently. He'd learn to get over it. "What are you doing? Did you find her?" He had to admit that he was a little bit agitated with the woman for being here now...dancing with his greatest rival....

Though what really bothered him the most was that she hadn't at least TOLD him that she'd found Kella. "You could have told me you found her already. The Delgrins and I have been looking everywhere for the past fifteen minutes...." He wasn't yelling but he sounded quite cross.

And he was kinda pissed that she was dancing with HIM. How could she?

"Nevermind. I just saw Klaust over there...."

And the bastard was gone.

Ansgar's beard!


ooc: lol...

Calent sighed irritably the moment Duke Shanley came stumbling in to break their dance. His green eyes remained hard upon him, but he with held his comments at this time as Katahnia gasped, staring wide eyed, and embarrassed as Duke Shanley went on muttering this or that. He looked positively like a mad man and she broke away from her dance partner to take a hold of Shanley's arm, all the while Duke Calent parted away, the dance happening to be in a convenient time to change partners, except the pair of them were now standing there, idle upon the floor.

"I thought I had seen her. Blaith said he would handle it and I- well, I sort of got caught in the middle of a dance when I ran into Duke Calent,"s he said, averting his gaze as her cheeks still flamed with a blush. She looked all around at the dancers that were quickly cramping in around them, and took hold of Shanley's hands  and began to step in line with him, trying to sneak their way back into the dance, appearing as if they hadn't disturbed it at all.

"So you haven't found her either? And where did you see him?" her green eyes lifted from his and looked about the dance floor. "I don't see that rat of a man. Where is he?" And as she craned her neck, a dancing couple behind them ran into her ass, knocking Katahnia forward as she spilled into Conall with an 'ooof'.
And as Katahnia tried to apologize, she turned arounda nd went pale, noticing hte woman's tall beehive hair had come crashing down off the top o fher head and landed with a few good bounces to a rest at Conall's feet.

It was then the beehiveless dancer noticed Conalla nd with a hmph, slapped him hard across the face before her dancing partner scooped up her 'do from the floor.

"We're so sorry about that, we're clumsy dancers," Katahnia tried to say, but the dancing partners glared daggers back at them as the man spat, "Then stay off the dance floor." And gave them both a snooty raise of his nose before he turned away to help his fair lady fix her hair.

Conall gripped her hand a little tightly. He wasn't in the mood for dancing and he rigidly moved with her despite wanting to continue shoving his way through. He was a duke and some of these people treated him like a nobody? They moved the WORLD for Allarick. Even for the smallest of things. It made NO sense to him, but he knew why. Allarick was a lot wealthier.

Conall glared at her while she tried to explain herself. He probably shouldn't have felt as mad as he did, but she had , perhaps, caused him far more concern than might have been necessary. Was that her intent? To make him look like an utter fool? Because she'd succeeded wonderfully! He held his tongue though because he'd already made enough of an ass out of himself tonight.

And SHE was the one who made him act SO out of composure! He shouldn't have danced with her. Then she could have watched Kella and NONE of this would have happened.

Wait. Didn't that make everything HIS fault?

It didn't matter now though. It was what it was.

He shook his head, "He was over there, behind you. I almost had him..." His face tightened again and he averted his eyes from her. " I think he took the left exit. To a balcony, I think. Though I doubt he's there anymore. He saw me and seemed to know I was looking for him." 

They bumped into Lady Driscoll again and he bent to pick up her lost wig. However, when he apologized and held it out to her for her to reclaim, the woman slapped him. And he looked shocked. He'd NEVER been slapped before. Ever. Not by a lesser born. He blinked and then narrowed his green eyes dangerously at the Driscolls and , purposefully, he dropped the wig so that another dancing couple could trample over it before it was reclaimed.

And that made them livid, but they knew better than to further incense the duke of Ardal.  Lady Driscoll was fortunate enough that Conall hadn't had the mind to have her thrown out. He didn't. He knew he somewhat deserved the slap.

Conall afforded the Driscoll's one last glare before he turned his attention to Kahtania. "The Delgrins and Tinstall are looking for her right now. Look, I...I'm sorry for – no . I am not sorry for my attitude. I'm concerned. VERY concerned because you were distraught and then I find you here. You should have just refused or am I to understand that your behavior and claims were overdramatic? I don't know, Miss Harmond. You're confusing me. What am I supposed to feel? My stomach is in knots, I'm sweating bullets, and I can't even form a proper sentence. I'll tell you exactly how I feel right now, Miss Harmond. I feel like a complete imbecile." 

And HOW could she even THINK of dancing with HIM!?

ooc: lulz.

He wasn't the only one sweating bullets. Kathania's eyes were darting every which was but his as she lost sight of Blaith, and still, had not seen any sign of Klaust. Sighing,s he turned back to Conall,  a desperation still lingering inside her eyes. "I'm sorry if I had you worried, but I still do not believe she is safe. Gods.. I should have followed Blaith. Just to calm my own fears, forgive me," and she stopped dancing right then and there with him and peered up at him with a  bit of a pout. "I can't dance anymore. I have to go see if she's ok." Then she moved to turn away, just at the exact moment there was another exchange and she ran back into the Duke of Allar. With a short yelp, she was taken back. "Duke Calent, I'm.. I'm sorry." and she tried to curtsy her way out of it, but the Duke only looked annoyed, discarded his own date and suddenly scooped Katahnia back into his arms and they pair were off and dancing.

"Oh! But I hadn't meant that I-" Katahnia stammered, but grew quiet beneath the coldness of Calent's eyes.

"Do you often fumble over your tongue? You know it is not most becoming of a lady," Calent informed her coldly.

'Yes, well, most things you believe are not most becoming of a lady," Katahnia promptly snapped. Her irritation quickly escalated as fueled by the anger recieved by a certain Duke Shanley.
"And fi you would have taken the time to let me explain, I wouldn't be dancing now with you at all. My cousin-"

And Calent's rude sigh made her halt in her rantings as she cast him a glare.

"Please, do still your tongue and simply enjoy the dance. It will only last another few seconds before I have to pass you off," Calent said snidely.

And oh the venom in her eyes as she glared back at the man. Oh the things he could say, the way she could tear him apart. But no.. this wasn't the place. Kella..
Her eyes tore away from him, desperately seeking to the wall and feeling her heart hammering within her chest. Gods.. when would the next break be..!? Could she even wait that long, and before she knew it, she was turning around, missing a step and colliding back into Duke Shanley.

"Duke Shanley!" she exclaimed, face red and her tongue, in knots.

Calent rolled his eyes. It was a bit premature, but he bowed befre the couple. "The lady is all yours."A nd he gave just one chilling glance to Conall before parting away, findign another lady to step out with onto the dance floor.

Kathania released her held breath.
"Oh, the things I could say to that man!" Katahnia spat, her body visibly shaking with rage as her hands were clenched tightly into fists.

To say that Conall was livid would have been an understatement. It took every ounce of his discipline to calm the rage that boiled inside of him as Calent barged in purposefully, sweeping Kahtania away for a dance. And...he found himself with a partner, a poor slip of a nervous girl who didn't look so sure if she should be dancing with the duke of Ardal or not. She immediately picked up on his dark, angry expression which she had never seen before in all the years she'd known him. "Um...maybe I should just..."

Conall didn't stop her. He was far too preoccupied with being on the edge of erupting. Control your emotions. You will not lose your temper further. He tried to calm himself, tried to take a deep breath but his emotions were everywhere. He was angry , worried, angry, scared, angry, confused, ANGRY, nervous, ANGRY, ashamed, ANGRY, jealous, ANGRY....and the list went on.

She broke away from him so suddenly, but wouldn't do the same to Calent? It was a slap in the face . A big one.   

Calm down. You're being childish. Focus on Klaust. I need to find him at least. He turned away from Katahnia and started winding his way through the dancing couples....

And...wouldn't you know it? Ansgar had a cruel sense of humor this evening. Katahnia bumped into him and if looks could kill a man, Calent Allarick would have been hundreds of thousands of feet below the ground. His gaze sharply shifted to Kahtania. His green eyes could not have looked any colder in that brief moment. He had no words for her. He turned his back on her and went on. If Kahtania wanted to waste her time putzing around , dancing to Calent's tune then he couldn't care less.

At least that's what he told himself...kept telling himself. And he was angrier with himself that he had to care so damn much.

Maybe he really would just find and beat Klaust up for fun, but first...he intentionally sought out Calent and bumped into him, causing the man to stumble and his new partner, "Pardon me," he offered with nearly believable and extremely phony apology. And he smiled at Calent. It seemed genuine, but his eyes were absolutely cold and venomous.

Yes, he too could be a douche!

He left the dance floor and headed to the balcony he'd seen Klaust disappear to....

The look in Conall's eyes frightened her. She moved swiftly after him, grabbing his shoulder before he made it to the balcony.
"Duke Shanley, wait!" And she stumbled into a halt at his side. Seeing the anger flare within his eyes, she only shrunk back momentarily before setting her jaw, her eyes reading his. "Come now, you must calm down. I.. " and she lowered her gaze painfully. "I'm sorry if I put you in distress." And she looked back up into his face. "I just worry for my cousin so, and Blaith he.. he had made such a big deal that he hadn't liked that man and for Kella to avoid him this evening that I.. well, I saw the way she was flinching when near him when she was by herself on the other balcony and I..." she frowned. "I'm sorry." Then she bit into her lip, looking towards the balcony, then back to him, as she frowned. "Shall we go look for her together then? I'd hate for you to remain so upturned over my own worries and suspicions."

"Don't-!" He snapped at her. He sensed she was trying to calm him down and he just wanted her to go away so he COULD calm down. SHE was the source of all of this...this MESS inside. He sighed and covered his face with a hand, taking a deep breath. She was right , of course. He needed to calm down.

She really had no idea how he felt and he wasn't about to tell her...because it was irrelevant and that part, at least , wasn't her fault. He owned that.

He said nothing to her, his hand over his face. Wouldn't even look at her while she apologized. Finally, he removed his hand from his face and turned to look at her. His expression was softer, traces of anger still present but there was something behind that deep in his eyes. But it was difficult to place...but it hinted that in spite of his outburst, he couldn't remain so upset with her. "Yes." He said simply, not quite sure what else to say at the moment but then he spied something familiar in the garden below.

And then he did something that was , perhaps, unexpected. He hurried over to the railing and, grabbing it he lifted himself up and over, dropping down into the garden below. And he took off running at full tilt.

Klaust wasn't going to get away after all of this! If he was to look the King of Asses tonight, he was at LEAST going to catch the slimy creep!

And Klaust was surprised to see the Duke fly over the railing and hit the grass , tucking into a roll as he hit the earth and rolling up so swiftly to his feet then come running at a speed that...he wouldn't have expected from a noble.

But he knew nothing about the Ardalir who were, well, very physically active and working people in general. There were no slow, lazy , out of shape types in their land....

Klaust's expression turned from disbelief to an "Oh shit!" as Conall closed in. "I'd advise you start slithering, snake! You do NOT want me to catch up with you!" Conall snarled.

He need not have told the man. Klaust ran. Like hell. 

Katahnia gasped as the man jumped over the balcony.
"D-Duke Shanley!" she shouted, her own hands going to the railing as she clutched onto them, breathing out a sigh of relief as the man landed alright. But then, like a dog, he tore after Klaust. A hand went to her lips to stifle a gasp, and a smile hidden beneath there.

Then quick thinking had her grabbing onto her skirts and rushing down the staircase to the gardens below, but no matter where she looked, she couldn't find Conall, nor Klaust.

"Duke Shanley!?" she shouted, now entering into the maze like bush gardens the pair had disappeared into, but sighed when she kept finding dead end after dead end, but there was no sign of either of them. SO she sighed again, realizing, she was lost.

It was only because he'd caught Klaust off-guard and gotten a head start that Conall managed to catch up with the man. Conall lunged as soon as he was close enough and tackled the larger man to the earth a few hundred feet from the water fountain where a young couple had stolen away to make smoochie faces at each other.

Imagine their surprise when they were interrupted by Duke Shanley pinning a seedy looking man with dark hair and a foreign look about him to the ground beneath him. The lady gasped and the lord drew her away hastily, sensing there was something unpleasant about to occur.

"Get OFF me!" Klaust snarled and threw Conall off , but as he scrambled away the Duke bodily tackled him again and they rolled over one another, fighting like a pair of rabid dogs. Punching, kicking and biting...though most of this was coming from Klaust.

Conall , despite his rage, wasn't going to beat the crap out the snake. Yet. He was, even in this state, still a gentleman. Sort of. An angry gentleman, but a gentleman....as gentle as he could be. He seized a fistful of Klaust's collar and jerked the man's head up to look him in the eyes. He looked about ready to tear the stalker in half, "Where is she!?"

Klaust spat in his face, and smashed his forehead against Conall's as hard as he could. Conall's head jerked back on impact and he lost his grip on the man's shirt, falling back onto his rear. Klaust scrambled away though not before aiming a vicious kick to the Duke's face. 

Chesrick Klaust was not about to be bested by some petulant duke. And more than one kick was directed at Duke Shanley's head.
"What on earth are you going on about?" he growled, wiping off the blood on his lower lip on the back sleeve. "You're a mad man!"

ANd it was then Katahnia ran onto the scene. "Shanley!" she shouted, dropping to her knees as her eyes went wide. She glared daggers up at Klaust. "You!"s he said, pointing a finger directly in his face. He batted it away.

"It seems you need to keep your friends on a tight leash. I have done nothing wrong this evening and he just suddenly attacked me." His eyes narrowed. Katahnia narrowed her's back.

"That's because I saw you in the window with Kella," Katahnia hissed.

The man made a face. "Kella?" he waved it off. "She was unnerved by my presence, but when I offered her a drink, she seemed to all but vanish in thin air. Frail girl she is. Beautiful, but frail."

Conall wiped the blood from his nose and his lip. He'd raised his arms in time to prevent any further damage and then he was up ready to discard whatever honor he had left in favor of a good old fashioned ass kicking. He could stop being a gentleman for this moment. Klaust was asking for it!

However, as he rose to his feet Kahtania arrived and the verbal exchange was on.

"You think me mad? You, sir, haven't even begun to see that side of me," Conall bristled. No, he had no idea. None of them did. "Perhaps you'd like to find out?"

Now he pointed at Klaust, "I don't even know who YOU are? Are you even ON the guest list? Probably not..." Now that was a little low of him , but Luvina was, well...she wasn't very fond of foreigners at her party. This was beside the point though. If he was an unwelcome guest....he had NO right being here.  And he wouldn't have even cared about that if the man wasn't such a slimy creep.

"You're full of shit!" Conall just couldn't hold his anger in. He was always keeping himself in check. Always swallowing his words when he wanted to say something and just tolerating the bullshit....

And he could tolerate a lot . Let it roll over his shoulders but not this. THIS was not okay with him and if Kella wasn't going to speak up for herself, well, someone had to say something. Someone had to point out that it certainly wasn't okay.

"Leave her alone, I won't tell you that again." He spat venomously. "She's not interested in you. Even I could see that."

And then he did another unexpected thing....

He slugged Klaust and knocked him flat on his ass. Like a gentleman.

Katahnia gasped.
"C-Conall!" she shouted, not sure how to react to such a thing as her hands clapped over her mouth that now hid the smile that was there. She was quick to move to Conall's side.
"Come on, before they kick you out of this party," she said, grabbing onto his arm. "We still have to find Kella.."

Klaust sat up now, a hand wiping at the blood trickling down his nose as he gave them a sneer.
"Kella had gone off with some other woman to powder her nose," he said, then pushed himself up with a grunt. "But maybe it's you who shouldn't be allowed to go near her. She's too frail to with stand such a ruffian like yourself." and he smoothed down his suit, glaring back at Conall as if to challenge him any further.

"He's right," Blaith said, stepping out into the gardens. "And what's going on here?" He looked from Conall over to Klaust, and his face split into a grin. "You're still here, Chesirck?"

Klaust narrowed his gaze at Kella's twin, almost seemin as if he were to hiss at him.

"I thought I had told your sorry ass to get out of this place." It was then Kella peered out from Blaith's side and gasped, noticing the blood on Conall's face.

"Duke Shanley, you're hurt!"s he said, and rushed to his side, offering over the hankerchief he had given to her from earlier. "Here.. allow me.. please." she said, gently dabbing at the blood upon his cheek and lips.

Katahnia grew silent, stepping away to allow her cousin to tend to Conall's wounds befre turning around on her heals and glaring daggers at Klaust with mean, green eyes.
"Didn't you hear any of them? We wish you to be gone!" Katahnia said, making a shooing motion with her gloved hands.

Klaust simply looked over Katahnia with a lustful, but also sneering gaze before he glared back towards Conall, his eyes containing the fire's of hell in his rage. But he steeled himself.
"Of course. I would not remain if it were to upset Lady Harmond." and he bowed to them. "Good evening." Before he turned to disappear.


Blaith was glaring daggers at the man before he shook his head but turned a grin over towards Duke Shanley.
"So how did it feel to punch him in the face? Had I known you would have done it, I would have softened it earlier with a punch of my own."

He was hardly offended for it might have been true, but all Conall's intentions here were to keep a creep away from a gentle lady who clearly did NOT desire his force. If THESE were the type of men that went after Kella....it was little wonder why Blaith was so protective. He only had to think of his own little sister and he understood those feelings.

"A ruffian I may be to YOU, but at least I can respect a lady's boundaries! " Conall spat back, "Something YOU , clearly, don't care about. I know YOUR kind. Forceful, manipulative...you bullied her into dancing with you and the reason she flees is because she's afraid of you. Any woman would be. You're a creep! But I'm not afraid and I'd strike you again and again until YOU get this through your THICK skull! Your advances are NOT welcome!"

He wasn't petty about it. Didn't point out that Kella wasn't really afraid of him and it seemed that she might have had a bit of fun. 

He stood there rigidly near Kathtania and looked over his shoulder at her
uncertainty as the Turgalls appeared. It surprised him that Kella rushed over to him. Surely, his injuries weren't THAT serious.

"Lady Turgall," He bowed slightly, seeming to fall back into his usual  , gentlemanly routine. He was relieved. "Oh..." He touched his bleeding lip and shrugged, "Oh this is nothing. I took a couple hits, but it's nothing. Really. " A small lie. "Father always said that a real man needs to feel pain every now and then. It helps grow hair on the...er. Face." That was NOT exactly how the late Ainemire Shanley would have phrased it , but his father was so....coarse and vulgar and repeating what he'd say was NOT for a lady's ears. He offered a kindly smile to Kella , appreciative that she volunteered to tend to his face even if she was wiping his blood on his own kerchief. "Thank you."

He turned to regard Blaith , not missing the man's comment about punching Klaust and he looked troubled, " I- apologies. I  am not one  normally turn to such violence , but  it felt strangely gratifying. I had a sister who would attract undesired attentions. I do not like men like this...Chesrick Klaust. His manner, his tactics....they're – he's a bully and I don't tolerate such things. Ever."   He shook his head, "I am relieved that all is well. Though I fear I may have worn out my welcome tonight. " He chuckled. He'd angered a lot of nobles this evening with his....antics. Most of them would end up forgetting or getting over it....except maybe Calent but he really didn't care what Allarick thought of him. He didn't need Allar's approval. They were ONE duchy and as much as Calent liked to think it, HE was not the only important person here.

"I uh...think I should remain here for awhile. Please, don't let me keep you all from enjoying yourselves. " 

Kella shook her head, remaining at his side.
"Please, let me at least escort you to the wash rooms," she pressed. "It's the least I can do. To help clean your wounds."

Katahnia smirked at the way Kella was fussing over Duke Shanley.
"I don't know, you two both might need an escort there for all the trouble you've caused," but hse gave a light chuckle to remind them it was in jest. "Come, let's all head up that way.I'm sure Blaith would be more than kind enough to fill us in on what happened."

Blaith shrugged. "Not much to tell. Kella handled herself on her own quite well, even if she had to lie to get the creeper to get away from her."

Kella blushed. "Though I'm afraid I'm not much of a liar. He probably things dreadful things of me now."

Katahnia laughed at that. "Anyone thinking dreadful thoughts over you, Kella. Is crazy. If anything, he'll probably become more infatuated with you," she said with a playful roll of her eyes. "But come along, let's not keep our Duke waiting, I'm sure he'd like to get all of that blood off of his nose." ANd her eyes danced along with her teasing tone as she hooked arms with Blaith while Kella was gently taking Conall.

"Come, the wash rooms are just this way..." she said, softly. Then, once they were well on their way, she stole a moment to them, when she believed Kat's ears were deaf to her. "Thank you." she said, underneath her breath in barely a whisper. "I... I know it must not have been easy what you have done. Your concern for me was very noble and very bold." And her cheeks flushed as she continued to avert his gaze, eyes remaining down to the floor. But soon Kathania was giggling and Kella looked overa t her cousin and chanced a quick glance back to the pair.

Katahnia said nothing , but tossed her cousin a wink before they all made it to the wash room.

"Would you lik eme to come in and help you?" Kella inquired softly.

Conall couldn't argue with them and so he conceded, "If that is your wish, m'lady. " Inwardly , however, he couldn't deny that he somewhat enjoyed having her concern.

However, he didn't miss the smirk on Katahnia's face nor her cheek and he shook his head at her. As if SHE were one to talk!

He walked with them. He didn't mind. He was only too glad that Lord Turgall wasn't offended which , earlier...he was sure of.

Conall listened to Blaith explain what had occurred and he found himself agreeing with what Katahnia said. Although....what she said caused him more worry. "You shouldn't feel that way, Lady Turgall. One does what one must to protect oneself. Whatever Klaust thinks of you, it's...well, I am not he and I could not say but I'd venture to guess that either way , no matter what you do his views of you aren't proper or healthy. The important thing is that you take care of yourself first. Your friends and family would support you in such things because they care more for you than risking a small bit of damage to your reputation. " He assured her with a gentle pat on her hand.

"You're welcome, " he said, offering her a kind smile, "but really, I believe the credit goes mostly to your cousin. Were it not for her, I suppose....well, I wouldn't have been aware of what was happening. " He KNEW Kat was listening but pretended not to and continued , "You're very fortunate to have her as your cousin. She loves you very much."

When they arrived at the washroom, Conall smiled and shook his head, "Ansgar, bless you. You're too kind, but no. I don't think...it's not that I mind...but , you know.  I'll be fine and I think, "he leaned in close to her and whispered in her ear, "I think someone ought to keep an eye on Katahnia. She's had a couple glasses of wine and I don't think she holds down her drink terribly well. I suspect that she's gone a bit...silly. " He stepped back, grinning. That was a jest , naturally. He waved a hand, " You've done more than enough for me. Please, go enjoy yourself. Perhaps I'll join you all as soon as I've made myself slightly more presentable, hm?"

Kella blushed but nodded her head. "Very well then," and she stepped nearer to her cousin, who was smiling like a cat at the pair.

"I'll be sure to keep us away from the wine," she said with a playful roll of her eyes, then turned to Kella and smiled warmly. "Though perhaps we ought to think about calling it a night? It has been a long one for you, has it not?"

Kella smiled and shook her head.
"Oh no, do not let us retire early on account of me. I shall be ok. We could stay another hour, I am certain. The dancing has only just begun and they haven't even gotten to the group pairs yet."

Katahnia laughed. "Alright, if you wish, but if you don't wake up tomorrow on time..."
And Kella laughed as the two girls made their way from the wash rooms. But Blaith hung around, keeping close, even as his eyes watched the two girls disappear.

"Hey.." he began, speaking into the wash room where Conall was. "Punching Klaust in the face.." he began, idly kicking at the floor. "I just wanted to say thanks. And sorry I couldn't have been there to do it, first."

Conall pulled a face at Katahnia and it made him appear quite childish. For the record, he'd purposefully spoken loud enough so she could hear it. He grinned at her.

He sighed heavily and let his figure slump as soon as the women were gone. Klaust had hit him hard and a headache he would most certainly have this evening.  He entered the washroom after offering a polite nod to Lord Turgall. He expected the man would follow, but was surprised to hear the other speak to him through the door.

Conall smiled wearily and closed his eyes as he dipped a wash rag in a basin of cool , clean water. He , cleaned his face while he listened to the other man thank him , " I am only thankful that your sister is unharmed. I couldn't care less about ....him. He's a coward and a bully and were he in Ardal, I would have had him thrown out. Possibly thrown in a cell to cool off for awhile. " He considered it, " I don't think he'll go away , my Lord. Men like that...those eyes. The way he looked at her... deranged and lustful. I wonder if I should have..."

No. Such thoughts were....inhuman and paranoid. He was above that.

"If you wish, I could speak with the Delgrins to ensure that he will not be seen at this party anymore tonight. I'd run him off personally if I knew where he's slithered off to.  " He finished cleaning his face and stepped out of the washroom.

Blaith smiled.
"Yeah, if I could do it rightfully so, I'd cut off his balls, hell, I'd go so far to cut off his damn head after the fact, and do it slowly, so he could suffer. Slow, sawing slices, right through the neck," Blaith said with a shake of his head. "Though I suppose those laws aren't up to us, and Klaust is in his own brand of territory. As a merchant, he doesn't fall under one jurisdiction, but them all. I think he's got some minor alliances in Allar, and more coastal cities, and Hellvion, too, which surprised me. But I guess that worm must have something impressive to sell, or I'd doubt any of those duchies would put up with him. Though perhaps Duchess Melora's daughter is too young for him. And Allar has no woman behind the man on the throne."
He shook his head.
"But I digress, I do hope to chat with you again this evening, though I suppose I ought to be getting back to tend to the ladies." And he paused, hesitating at the door. "Will you be alright, Duke Shanely?"

Conall froze as Blaith described what HE would have done. And if his mother hadn't taught her son to mask emotions so well, Conall wouldn't have been able to force a mask of calm. Inwardly, he was ...quite horrified. Yes , Klaust was a pig but the man didn't deserve THAT. Unless Klaust had been assaulting women in whichcase he SHOULD hang. Conall did not believe in torturing people. Kill the wicked and be done with them. It cost too much to keep them locked up indefinitely and causing suffering was...just ....no. Wrong. It was wrong.

"Not surprising. I'm sure he and Vesrick are in bed together," Two pigs that deserved each other.

Conall elevated a brow at the comment about Calent being unwed. What , precisely, was wrong about being single? Calent WAS getting old though. Conall was still in his prime, at least. So long as he married within the next couple years , people wouldn't question it.  I'm in a similar position , but I'll just keep that to myself.

Conall nodded and bowed slightly, " I'll be fine. It's been a pleasure meeting you, Lord Turgall. Should you ever find yourself in Ardal, do feel free to drop by and say hello. "

When Lord Turgall had departed Conall went to seek Lady Delgrin. They were in the dining hall...again and ....he approached Lord Delgrin.

"Ah! Conall, my boy. I noticed you found your Lady friend!  I'm glad to hear it. I also hear you had a bit of a scuffle with a man? "

Conall nodded, " I believe all is well now. I took care of things although, I would...probably keep an eye out for Klaust. I don't...trust him. " No. He didn't trust the man would quit, but if the guard was tighter, perhaps that would deter the creep tonight.

"Excuse me. I'm going to take a walk outside, "Conall meandered his way back to the garden alone. He was beginning to feel...unwell. Perhaps, it might be time to call it a night.

I guess Klaust should be thankful that I got a hold of him first.

What Blaith had said scared him. It really did.

The girls had gone else where, and found the parlor room all but vacant, the piano within long since abandoned since Calent (who had been keeping the seat warm earlier) was still out on the dance floor.

"Oh, look! The piano's free!" Katahnia exclaimed, then gave a playful look over to her cousin. "I'll race you to it!" and the two girls were giggling as they rushed over to it, fighting over the bench before hands crammed playfully over the keys and made quite the ruckus.

"Ok, ok, you can go first!" Katahnia laughed, and Kella smiled proudly.

"Thank you," she said, then smoothed her hands down her skirts and let her fingers grace across the ivory keys. She played a soft song, one that had a deepness to it, a rich tone that spoke of hope and divinity, and the on coming delicacies of spring.  Katahnia smiled, the song warming her on the inside (or was that the wine still affecting her) as she took  up her new wine glass (which of course she got playful scoldings for from her cousin) and took a dainty sip and just admired Kella as she played.

But she wasn't the only one watching, as it appeared as if there were many eyes in the shadows.  Thankfully, Blaith had come along to join the pair, and even he had squeezed onto the bench, and was now playing a song in duet with both blondes at his side, and the group was laughing thoroughly, the music and laughter carrying well out into the gardens and into the night.
Katahnia's drunk singing could also eventually be heard too, but that sort of singing (albeit beautiful at time) purposely went soured along with the faulty keys she struck on purpose.

The music drifted down to his ears from one of the open windows above. Conall tried to hum the tune as he walked, with no destination in particular.  He was in better spirits now because , despite all of the...drama, things had turned out pretty well.

Maybe he'd visit Turgall after he finished the negotiations with the Obsidian Mantle. That had to come first, unfortunately, and it'd take weeks? Months? Who could say? It was difficult to convince people to meet each other halfway. Most wanted everything completely by their terms...and ,well, that only caused more fighting. But he was confident that he'd have everything smoothed out. Negotiations had been going surprisingly well...

And things were really starting to look up for Ardal. And perhaps...he could relax and focus on all of the things he'd been forced to ignore and set aside...

He stopped near a bench across from the fountain and sat down . He could hardly hear the music now from here . It was quiet, still but the air was nice and...he looked up. The view was nice too.

ooc: It'd be funny if he saw breasts...just saying. LOL.....

The night went on, pretty uneventful as the trio continued to reek havoc upon the piano. It wasn't until later did some of Allarian men come in and Blaith was drawn away into some more playful conversation, while Kella was left to pick away at the piano with her cousin Katahnia, who had one too many drinks of wine at this point. Kathania was all smile and rosey cheeked as she left the piano to her cousin and leaned over the balcony.

"Gods, it feels wonderful up here. ANd look at all of those stars!" she stated, staring up at them in wonder-
And she was so enamored with them she hadn't noticed the figure looming behind them, because everyone had believe the demon had been run off, so she hadn't thought to care much more into him and let herself slip away to the bubbly affects of alcohol. ANd it was here, as she leaned over did she noticed Duke Shanley below and gave a leerful grin and wave to him- when suddenly she was pushed over the side and began to tumble down to the world below.

There was no sight more glorious than peaks of ...

Kahtahnia's bosoms? He had been staring and ...he saw her grinning down at him.  He blushed furiously and averted his gaze.

Great. Now I'll have a reputation for being a pervert. What is she DOING?

He dared to look up again and....

What is she DOING!?

She was falling! Ansgar's blazing balls! (a term made quite popular by father) He stood up and ran over to the balcony, closer and held out his arms, trying to catch her. And catch her she did. "Katahnia!" He was concerned AND cross with her. "I thought you promised to stay away from the wine!"

She was SO drunk that she'd fallen off the balcony? He hadn't seen that she'd been pushed.

He tried to ignore the awkwardness of it all. His hands, he was sure, had touched the woman unintentionally in places that just were NOT very gentlemanly of him! He finally got her to stand, somewhat but she kept leaning over on him. Could she even STAND?

"How much did you have?" It was probably like four glasses. "Good lord, remind me to never invite you to any of the festivals in Ardal." She would not last long with rum. Or beer . Drunk on a few glasses of wine! This was just sad.

So sad!

Katahnia was petrified and found herself clinging onto Duke Shanely, even as she instinctively was fixing her dress (that of which was nearly falling off her shoulders by now from the fall and showing FAR too much breast, almost ALL of them). But that was the least of her worries. She could barely keep herself standing for she was shaking so bad.
And at his words, when they finally caught up to her, she turned to him with an angered look and a slap.
"I.. I did NOT do this on purpose! I'm not THAT drunk" she shouted, tears in her eyes. "I.. I was pushed!" and when she turned to the balcony where she had once stood.. no body was there. Her eyes wavered. "I.. I swear it.. I was pushed!" and she shoved Duke Shanley away angrily as she moved to walk, only to find herself tripping over her shoe that had become loose as she let out a noise and began to fall.

She slapped me?

He stood there, staring at her stupidly and unblinking.

She slapped me!

"I wasn't suggesting that you did-" Conall began and he somewhat shrunk back at her yelling at him. Woah. Her wrath could have rivaled his mother's.

What was her problem? He'd just saved her from maybe breaking her back and she hit him? Women! He was slowly understanding what his father meant by the female species being a completely unpredictable lot. He rubbed his cheek. She'd left a mark, but it wasn't visible through the beard. It stung though. "Alright. Sorry."  When she mentioned being pushed his eyes widened, "Wha-?"

Was she serious? Or maybe she...?

And then she shoved him. Conall wasn't a light fellow but her aggression took him off-guard and she managed to effectively push him back but only because he wasn't expecting it and he wasn't about to risk hurting her.

She tripped and he caught her, but maybe he should have just let her fall flat on her face. He righted her and hastily let go and retreated because he feared another slap coming on. His face was bruised enough from Klaust kicking it.

"Maybe it was an accident. It's crowded and someone could have bumped into you?"  He wasn't going to DARE insist that he thought it possible that she was imagining things. He wasn't THAT stupid. He knew it'd piss her off. Royally.

Kathania blushed when she had been caught, and turned away from him once he had retreated back. Though at is words, she shook her head and turned aroudn to him, spitting out, "It was not crowded up there! It was only me and Kella-" and then her face went as white as a ghost's, her eyes widening. "Kella.."
That was enough to sober her. And she promptly turned away from him again and began to race towards the stairs.

Anger flashed through him at her tone. At her treatment of him. He didn't deserve it and he wasn't going to let her talk to him like that even if she did have nice bosoms personality.

He opened his mouth to speak when she mentioned Kella and just took off.

And he was about to follow after her when he felt a familiar pain flare up in his chest. It tightened around his heart like an unmerciful vice and caused him to gasp softly.

Shit! He couldn't let anyone see him like this! Why did his body have to act up now?

He hid behind one of the tall statues of Ansgar in the shadows, grasping at his chest and fighting to breathe. Every ragged , shallow breath he took hurt.

I'll wait here a few moments.

He could hardly move anyway. He could hardly breathe. If he tried, his legs might buckle under him and he'd be lying there...and he didn't want anyone finding him like that.

Katahnia rushed up the side staircase, pushing past other guests as she went and holding onto her skirts for dear life. It wasn't until she was at the top did she falter, stumbling to a halt to peer back at an empty piano; and not a trace of Kella or Blaith to be had.

She felt her legs burning, her throat coarse and dry as she took a few careful steps forward.
"K-Kella?" But she heard nothing, but laughter at the other end fo the room alerted her that Blaith was nearby. Quickly moving forward, she was surprised to see him actually laughing with Duke Calent. When Blaith caught her eye he raised a brow. "What's up, Kat?" he asked.

Katahnia took a few steps back, smiling a bit sheepishly, but then Blaith noticed her expression.
"Hey, are you alright?"

"I'll.. I'll be fine I just.." she chewed on her lower lip. She swore she had been pushed, but she'd feel like a fool if she really had been that drunk. What really had happened? Smiling,s he excused herself and went back into the parlor room, looking for Kella.
"Kella?" her voice came out again, but still.. nothing. She frowned, her eyes darting around, until she noticed the crack in a door leading to a hallway she hand't noticed before, and upon gently placing her hands there, she noticed it opened to the servants hallway, and the sounds coming from within sent a chill to her bone.

Not wasting another moment, Katahnia rushed inside, only to find herself hearing Kella in sobs and the other man well ontop of her. ANd when the man turned around, she recognized the face.

"Klaust."
And that was the last thing she'd say as the man lunged upon her, his hands going ove rher mouth, trying to snuff out her breath, being rough with her, aiming to kill.
She could barely make out Kella's protests and her sobbingsa s the world began to spiral all around her before she passed out.

And she was spared the gore, the pure rage Blaith had unleashed upon Chesrick Klaust that evening for attempting to rape his sister. But Kella had seen it all, watched in horror as her brother strangled the life out of the man. And as his life was fading away from his eyes, Klaust gripped onto Blaith's face, and he could feel all that remained of his life sucking into his..


The obsession...
The lust..
the love....
All the wicked things he wished to do to her...
all roaring inside his head like a storm.
And it did not ceased until finally, Klaust's eyes faded with life and he was nothing more than a corpse in his hands.

It took twenty minutes or so to compose himself and mask his pain, and gather every reserve of his strength. He could , he was sure, carry this facade just long enough for what he needed to do. He had to leave. Now. Though maybe he'd collapse before that happened and...

no. No. He was done thinking like that though sometimes the doubt would leak in and give way to a deep fear...

Sucking in a deep breath he returned to the dining hall and found the Delgrins were chatting with another elderly noble pair of a lesser Hellvion House. "Oh but Melora throws the most splendid parties! She invited me to ...oh , what did she call it? Oh....dearie me! It's slipped my mind, but anyway , as she explained it to me she's going to have about a hundred and thirty different flowers for the arrangement. I saw a sample it was absolutely gorgeous! I can only imagine what Hellvion's castle will look like-" Luvina was saying. She noticed Conall enter the dining hall and excused herself.

"Lord Shanley, you look so pale! Are you alright?"

"No," Conall admitted and stumbled forward, unintentionally to the woman but he regained his balance. Barely. ""I'm sorry to trouble you, Luvina but I need your help."

Luvina knew what was wrong and this was one thing that she could keep a secret. She'd promised Conall's mother on her grave and Luvina Delgrin was a woman of her word! Well, at least in THAT case. "Oh! Yes, yes. Of course. We have a guest room made up and you're more than welcome to it, child. Here, let me help you. "

Conall followed her , slowly but didn't lean on her. They took a roundabout path , crossing through the servant's passages and up the stairs to one of the guest rooms at the far end of the hall.

"I'm sorry. I didn't anticipate this, "Conall felt horrible. An inconvenience. He knew he shouldn't feel that way, but he couldn't help it. His parents had...sort of made him always feel like something of a burden whether it had been their intention or not.

Luvina pushed the guest door open hastily and let Conall enter first. It was a small, cozy room that was about as outlandishly decorated as the party was . Flowers everywhere and everything was in pinks and lavenders.

"If you need anything , dear just call for Jenna. She's a dear. She'll take care of you. "

"I...would rather be alone. " Conall shook his head. "Please. "

Luvina nodded, " I understand. Rest, dear. If anyone asks for you, I'll tell them you've retired for the night. "

"Thank you."

Luvina shut the door and Conall collapsed into the bed.

The Harmond's left in a hurry. It's hard to say what had become of the body of Chesrick Klaust, but both Kella and Katahnia were not present when Blaith made the announcement that they were to leave, and hastily retreated. Rumors went around that they had become ill (since it was rumored not only Kella suffered an illness) but her twin, Blaith, occasionally as well. And more rumors were whispered that perhaps the young lady 'Kat' whom had come along with them on her debut might also have the same illness in her genes (or others, scoffed and said it was the alcohol) Either way, the party was beginning to fizzle out, and soon not many were left as the Duke of Allar was bidding his farewells to Lady Luvina. He kissed her lightly upon the hand, and he too, was ushered out, leaving only a handful of guests that were making their last parting words to friends.

It was late afternoon when Duke Shanley woke. He emerged from the guest room in the clothes he'd worn to the party and though everyone was thinking it, not a single servant dared comment on his pale and unkempt appearance. Luvina kept a small staff of mostly elderly people whom had known the young Duke since he was about knee-height. They knew not to talk about the man's condition. They were silent out of respect for Lady Delgrin's wishes.

"Conall! Oh, dearie. You're awake! How are you feeling this afternoon?"

Conall shielded his eyes as he passed a window. The sun was so bright. "It's that late already?"

Luvina nodded and walked beside him. Already, her estate was clean with everything back in place and the decor back to the usual floral arrangements and color scheme of pinks and lavenders. She touched his arm lightly, " You had quite a night last night, didn't you?  So, which one catches your fancy?"

Conall's head was pulsing. Damn that Klaust. He somewhat wished he could have killed the man for causing such damage to his head like that. "What?"

"You seemed quite taken with Lady Turgall , but  I dare say you may have spent a considerably LONGER time with Kahtahnia, was that her name? Oh yes, yes. I do believe it was. "

"Oh God..." Conall groaned. Would she just give it a rest? "It was nothing. "

"It didn't look like nothing to me!  "

"Leave me alone, "Conall said sourly, irritable and regretting that he hadn't been in the condition to follow Katahnia after ....

"Luvina, what happened last night? After I retired. "

"Well, I suppose your sudden disappearance might have upset Lady Turgall or her cousin , perhaps? They left less than an hour after you went to bed. "

Conall's heart sunk, "I see."

Luvina nudged him playfully in the side, " Don't be so glum, child! You'll see  her again. "

No, I don't really think that I will.

But he could always visit the Turgalls, perhaps. After he dealt with the Obsidian Mantle, of course.

He had a quiet lunch with the Delgrins and Conall was quiet. He wasn't feeling well enough to maintain an engaging conversation and was content to listen to husband and wife discuss the party. When the conversation went political though, Conall wandered away to dancing...

He left with his three guardsmen whom had - well, he had NO idea where they'd wandered off during the party . He had no doubt two of them had likely gotten frisky with some of pretty servant girls....they were always up to such things.  They had insisted on following him around but he'd made them disperse. He didn't want soldiers following him around all the time. It made him seem paranoid and weak and he was confident that he'd be safe at the Delgrin's home...

The ride back to Ardal was long , but Conall was happy to be back home. Sort of. He thought of her at first, but then came the negotiations which took weeks, almost a month but he'd finally reached a solution and things calmed down. Ardal was quiet, peaceful for a time. And things were certainly looking great.

It was a perfect time to take some personal time and make good on his promise to visit Turgall. He looked forward to it, but when he got there his presence was met with such cold reception. In fact, Blaith seemed agitated by his arrival and he made excuses.  Kella wasn't feeling well enough to see him and his cousin, Katahnia , didn't want to see him. Ever again.

Conall argued with the man which hadn't been wise. At all. It only made him angrier and it escalated to a point that Duke Shanley was told, very coldly, to leave.

He did.

Time passed. Weeks, months. And something happened in Ardal. The leader of the Obsidian Mantle was dead and the Mantle blamed him, the Order of the Shield believed it too and applauded him for taking action against the "mage terrorists" . And the Mantle was PISSED. He was their enemy now and he was targeted for several assassination attempts. He couldn't travel. His guard, his ad visors...they wouldn't allow it.

The Order of the Shield retaliated...and Conall tried to pull them apart even though some of his men had advised him to use military force. It was coming to a point where he was beginning to realize that he might not have much choice....

Then, suddenly things went quiet. The Mantle just stopped. Vanished. And peace returned. For months.  He heard there was trouble up North but he had his own concerns to worry about.

And he tried sending a letter to Blaith, but there was no reply.  He sent others after. And he'd make another visit only to be turned away....

And he took the hint. He wasn't welcome in Turgall.

Eventually , he just forgot about it. It was for the best.


ooc: AND that concludes this thread, I guess.