the hounds and the hares

[Lunari]

The grounds of the castle were bustling with people despite the cold weather and the fresh snow that covered the land. It was Yule's Eve, and the nobles were gathering in the courtyard for one of the most anticipated events they held every year- the hound and the hare chase. It was all in good fun, and perhaps the one time that women held the reigns during any huge social event in Tresteria.

"Gather around, everyone!" a gentleman- one of Tresteria's councilors- announced the beginning of the event. "Today's event is that of a chase, where our lovely women are the hounds-" He paused to regard the group of females with a grin. "By that, I mean no offense. And our men-" A hand gestures towards the gathering noblemen. "Are our hares. The prize, should a hound catch her hare...is to try and steal a kiss." There were murmurs and giggles from among the crowd. This had become a tradition, for Spring was usually the time for marriages and births, so courtships had begun. "Now, hares, take your place!" The man indicated towards the two poles sticking into the cold ground some feet apart from each other, acting as the starting point. The men were to line up and prepare to run off. They would be given a minute to venture forward before the "hounds" gave chase a minute after.

"Alright, gentlemen!" the announcer called out, stepping out of the way of the "hares" as they were ready to flee. "GO!"

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OOC:
Post your hounds and hares arriving/already there one time. When everyone has done so, I'll post again to indicate the women give chase, and then feel free to post at your leisure! This is also based in Winter, the night before Yule.

[Eleesa Demarais]

Was it wrong of her to participate in this little game? She remembered having so much fun during it, but after a while, she had stopped once she was wed to Edward. He would always participate...but not with her. She was left on the sidelines, watching as every eligible floozy would give chase with their giggling, in hopes of making it into his bed. The event hadn't originally been intended solely as a "mating dance", but young lovers or potentials loved to use it to their advantage.

So where did that leave her? Bright eyes wandered to the faces of all the men as the councilor explained the game and rules. Eleesa would not deny that the young woman in her, who had been forced to remain so dormant, was suddenly breaking through her shackles. She glanced to her three ladies around her, knowing they were eager and excited, probably already narrowing down who they intended to chase down. Alice and Avalynn were a mystery, but she couldn't help but wonder if Anemone had eyes for Lucian deGrey, despite her current plight.

The idea brought such a smile to her face, and when her gaze found Lucian for a moment, it was quickly drifting along his other brothers until she settled upon Triston in particular. She had no doubt that others intended to "hunt him down" during this race for he was one of the most eligible bachelors in the kingdom. To be honest, she could not quite figure out why he was still unwed.

Her heart was pounding within her chest as the men all lined up, and before she could gather her wits, they were sent off into a sprint to try and hide, to try and make it difficult for the women to find them. Without truly realizing it, the queen rose up onto her toes, stretching her neck to see over the stampede of men in order to try and pinpoint which direction that certain deGrey had gone.

[Lunari]

Why was she doing this? This was such a stupid tradition as there were other and better things they could all be doing besides running through mud and snow for what...a kiss? Margery could have that whenever she wanted and didn't have to exert herself in the process. So, while all these women around her giggled and gossiped, the duchess was rolling her eyes with a sigh.

That was when she realized the queen- sorry, former queen- was among the "hounds". And who did she seem to be so transfixed upon? Following the woman's gaze, Margery found the deGrey men. Glossing over William with another light sigh, she realized Eleesa seemed to be particularly interested in Triston.

Oh, she shouldn't...but she really wanted to. And that is, not go after Will which would have been expected of her (being his betrothed and all), but to snatch Triston first- the deGrey she should have aimed for when Edward hadn't turned out the way she planned. Suddenly, Margery was filled with renewed vigor and couldn't seem to wipe the smile from her face.

[Aric Demarais]

The prince couldn't remember the last time he had participated in this game. Even before Maria, it had never really been something he enjoyed doing but would on occasion. This year, however, he was actually excited for it, if only because he knew who would be chasing after him.

Then again, Alexandria had appeared to be rather charmed by his cousins, so she might be hell-bent on getting a kiss from them instead.

The thought made him grin at himself as the group gathered, and he leaned in close to his wife to whisper in her ear, "I would say that I'll run slow so you can catch up, but-" Lips pressed a quick kiss against her cheek and he laughed. "I kind of want to see you work for it now." She'd probably swat at him or look at him in exasperation, but Aric was quick to drift away from her side and rush to the starting line, a bit of a bounce in his step. Maybe this was almost childish or better suited for the "young lovers" but there was no way in hell he was waiting this one out again. Now, hopefully he wouldn't lose steam. Aric wasn't claiming that he was old, per say, but he also wasn't in his prime. It had been awhile since he had to run anywhere.

He stepped up next to Stefan, grinning wildly at the tall man. "Make sure you duck, my friend...or they'll spot you from a mile away." Aric chuckled before he was reaching forward and yanking Wesley back who was anxiously bouncing in front of him. "Hey, stay behind the line!" Someone seemed to be in a hurry.

When they were given the go ahead, the men were off in a loud stampede. Once they passed the poles, they began to disperse in all different directions to try and find a good place to hide... or just a direction to keep running in. Aric immediately veered off to the right, his long legs carrying him forward with surprising speed.

[Wesley deGrey]

Damn right he was anxious. This was a competition, and that meant he had to win. Despite the cold, he had gotten rid of his jacket and was rolling up his sleeves as the councilor was explaining the rules. His tongue was pressing hard against the back of his teeth while he tried not to laugh, tried not to smile because he knew what was coming- that one little tidbit he hadn't told Helene about. The "prize" awarded should a hound catch her hare.

'...is to try and steal a kiss.' In that exact moment, Wesley threw a look over his shoulder to spot Lady Hewitt in the crowd of women, seeking her eyes. In that very moment, his mouth was curling up in that usual, wry grin, communicating without having to utter a word. That was her real challenge. Not the bet they made to see who could outwit who. Oh no, that was far too easy and indeed she had been rather disappointed that, to pay off her "debt", he requested she attend the chase. Now, the challenge was to either lose this hunt and their bet...or get a little something she hadn't intended upon.

Game, set, match.

The sailor appeared thoroughly pleased with himself before looking away, already inching his way passed the line before Aric was yanking him back. Shane was slipping up beside him and Wesley gave him a quick pat on the shoulder. "Good luck, gentlemen!" he announced before, once given the word, he pushed off into a mad sprint.

In his crazed dash, Wesley shoved Lucian and Shane out of his way, deciding to run forward instead of off to the side. He intended on heading towards the small river that ran through the palace grounds.

[William deGrey]

Honestly, he didn't know why he was bothering to do this, either. Maybe it was because all his brothers and Aric were there and it might be awhile until it ever happened again. Plus, it was harmless fun and he could probably use the exercise. At least, he wouldn't have to work too hard, right? Considering his own fiancee should be trying to find him?

Things were still rocky between him and Margery, leaving him in a very bad place inside his head. Will had been wondering about many things, but it all kept going right back to the fact that he was selfish. He was lonely. And he knew it was a stupid excuse. None of this had been shared with any of his brother's because they only ever saw the one side of it, so there was no point.

Regardless of these quiet thoughts, the eldest deGrey still smiled, knowing that every one of this brothers probably had a hound or two that wanted to chase them. Truly, it was how it always went, and it was a wonder how William didn't develop some sort of complex. He simply accepted it, maybe because he had had someone who looked at him the way a devoted lover did, so he had once been good enough for someone.

That was still something, right?

Blinking these thoughts away, he prepared to run. And once the councilor yelled to go, he was off in a second, suddenly willing to prove that, despite being older, he could be just as fast (if not faster) than his siblings.

[Shane O'Sullivan]

Not one to really attend many events (if only because he was often out at sea), the son of Lord O'Sullivan, a Marquess of Tresteria, found himself among the gathering "hares" for this annual chase. Looking around, he didn't recognize anyone but Wesley and the other deGrey brothers, Aric, and some of the women looked familiar. And most of them, dare he think, were quite lovely. Shane couldn't help but wonder if he'd caught any of their eyes, considering he hadn't had a chance to actually converse with any one of them before this.

He found himself flashing that charming grin as bright eyes swept across all their faces when Wesley swatted at his arm to pay attention. Guess they were about to start. Facing forward, he hunched into a ready stance, prepared to run off as fast as he could. When the councilman yelled for them to go, he pushed off into a sprint, only for that idiot Wes to shove him and make him skid off balance.

"Oi! I'll remember that!" he called after him deciding to turn on his heel and rush off towards the left. The trees were the thickest there, so that might be the best place to go.

[Maddox Sharpe]

While most men were jumping at the line, overly eager to get ready to run and hide, there was on man... One Councilman, who took his sweet ass time going to line up. It had been years, since Maddox Sharpe had participated in any such event, but this year was different. There was something in the air, call it change if you will, and it was that feeling, as well as some persistence from some of the other council members, that made him participate.

His blue eyes scanned over the "hounds" and found several lovely ladies. He offered a few of them a smile, and then his eyes landed on his Queen. She was participating? Interesting. He glanced and at his fellow hares to see who she had her eyes on, and found Triston deGrey, who appeared to be the man. More interesting. There was talk already about finding a suitable man for her to marry who would become regent until little Edward could become king. Sharpe found himself smirking, as he readied himself with the others, and as soon as they were told to go, He took off as fast as he dared to make it look like he was infact "giving an effort". When he reached the trees, he went off towards the left.

[Rhysand Sellar]

Rhysand sighed and ran his hand through his hair, pushing it back out of his face as he waited for the 'hunt' to begin. He felt ridiculous, participating in all this. He may have a pretty face, at least according to some of his fellow soldiers, but he'd never spent much time around women, honestly. He hadn't any clue if anyone would even bother to catch him in all this, let alone ask for the prize of a kiss, but he'd been told he needed to be here, and he was nothing if not a soldier that followed orders.

He rolled his shoulders and fell to a racer's starting stance along with a few of the others as the councilor began to speak, then took off towards a copse of trees on the left. He thought perhaps a bit of cover might be useful, although he didn't go straight into the trees; he followed them out a little further than the others before vanishing into their shade.

[Anemone Sellar]

Anemone shifted anxiously from foot to foot as she waited for things to get started. In the past, she'd always thought the chase was a lot of fun, and she'd enjoyed watching her sisters participate when she was younger. Last year had been the first time she'd taken part on her own, although she hadn't actually managed to catch anyone. She'd never had anyone she actually wanted to chase before, either. This year...well, she wasn't entirely sure how she felt.

She knew with her current situation, her whole life was in question. Whether or not she'd be able to stay here, whether she'd be able to be married and have a family someday, whether she'd see any of her friends again... All of it could be gone in an instant if it was decided that she was too much of a blemish on the late king's reputation.

And yet...

Even in such a large crowd, there was a certain 'hare' that her eyes kept drifting towards, even as she told herself it was a bad idea. After they'd danced the other day, and he'd been so kind, she couldn't help but think that maybe Lucian deGrey wouldn't mind being caught. Was she being presumptuous? Possibly. But if he seemed in any way unhappy, she'd simply lose him on purpose, or kiss his cheek rather than his lips. Simple. After all, it was only a game, so of course, she shouldn't take it too seriously...

[Helene Hewitt]

Helene didn't look it, but on the inside she was near giddy with excitement. She'd convinced Mari to go with her to the festivities, under the pretense that Mari was to be her witness to say that she had fulfilled her debt in showing up and participating in the silly chase event a certain Lord had insisted on her attending. All she had to do was play the stupid game, and her debt would be filled. How hard could it be?From what she'd heard stories about, they'd be running all over the place. And Helene was a prepper, she had thought this through. She'd worn pants secretly under her skirts for easier movement but to also help keep her warm. She didn't want to have to worry about any possible indecencies that came with running with skirts, and Helene planned to run. 

She stood with the other hares and glanced at Mari. "Let's have fun yes?" She asked her sister. They never got to have fun, and if Helene only had six months to marry, then she was going to have as much fun before than as possible. She smiled at Mari before she looked over to the group of forming men, looking for a particular one, but couldn't see him. What she did see, made her do a double take and she felt a chill go down her spine. He was standing, off to the side, no doubt chatting with his friends, as his face lit and laughed at something said. A few girls called out to him, and he turned and grinned, waving over at them. Clarence Hewitt. Helene's stomach rolled at seeing her former husbands cousin. It was not the good kind of stomach roll either. "Mari, stay away from him." Helene whispered, pointing the man out. She'd only met Clarence once, at Helene and Stephen's party, but Helene knew him far too well. 

Helene's mood changed instantly when the announcer began to explain the rules and Helene listened intently. Wanting to make sure she understood the game. The prize, should a hound catch her hare...is to try and steal a kiss. In that moment she could practically feel his eyes on her, and it didn't take long for Helene to finally spot Wesley deGrey and that wry smile of his. She read his look loud and clear. This, was the debt he wanted paid. The challenge he'd thrown down. She had to give him credit. She'd told him to make it good, and he'd left out the tiniest, but most important detail about this chase. "Oh I'm gonna kill him." She whispered out under her breath. There was nothing Helene hated more than losing. Worse, to be thought of as a quitter. She was a very prideful woman, and she would not hurt her pride by refusing to play this game. She was a lady of her word, she'd told him she'd catch him and she would. 

She began to roll up her sleeves as the men readied themselves. "Have fun dear." Helene told Mari with a smile, as her competitive side showed herself and she began to move herself to the front of the line of hounds. It wasn't a hare she was going to try and catch, it was a fox. Helene's dark eyes zeroed in Wesley deGrey. Not letting him out of her sight for nothing.

[Marinette Roquefort]

Marinette stood beside her sister with her hands clasped tightly behind her back--one hand gripping the wrist of the other so tightly that her knuckles were white and the hatch marks of scars that covered the palm of her free hand stood out in stark contrast to the pink of her palms where they usually were not visible. She was doing her best to be calm. She was supposed to be having fun, after all.

She thought it was a little funny if she were to admit it to herself, that her sister was threatening to murder the poor man. She'd known from the beginning what the prize was in this chase, but it seemed that Helene hadn't. Well, Marinette always had been the sister who paid more attention to instructions. Better still, Marinette knew exactly whose life Helene was threatening, so she had no concern at all for his wellbeing--her sister may sound angry now, but she would enjoy the competition. She always did like that sort of thing.

Marinette, on the other hand, hadn't the slightest hope of catching anyone at all, and unlike her sister, she certainly wasn't after a kiss from someone specific. Being taller than most, Marinette didn't have to lean or stand on her toes to glance surreptitiously at the crowd. There were several handsome men in the crowd of hares, but she also knew there were several more lovely, more eligible, and more athletic women among the hounds who would be certain to find their targets easily. Still, she did see a few familiar faces among them; she was actually quite glad to see the other deGrey brothers among them as well. It almost returned the smile to her face, seeing them gathered like that--it was nice to know that other siblings banded together the way she and Helene did. She was a little surprised to see Olivia's father among them since she knew he was engaged, but she checked the crowd of women, and sure enough, there was the 'devil woman,' grinning like a jackal. Something about her expression struck Marinette as odd, and her own face fell from anxious to concerned.

She hardly heard Helene tell her to have fun, she just nodded absently as she continued to watch Margery from the back of the group.

[Alexandria Eveleigh- Demarais]

This was such a strange custom. She had never heard of a game like this before, and she had Aric explain it to her several times. "I have to chase you? For a kiss? But can't I just kiss you anyway?" She had questioned him. But apparently, that wasn't the point, and Aric seemed strangely excited about this, so she would participate if only for him and for a good laugh.

Was Aric so sure that she would chase after him? He did have four very handsome cousins who had been so kind to her, after all. Was the rule that she could only capture one hare for a kiss?

Her bright blue eyes narrowed on Aric as he leaned in and whispered to her. Her lips formed a wide smirk and she laughed, nudging him away from her. "Don't underestimate me, my husband..." Did the man forget that she had actually fought in the last Aralore war? She could be rather quick.

She watched Aric as he made his way to the starting line and she couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of nervousness about this whole thing. What if another girl had their eyes on her husband and caught him before she did?

[Avalynn O'Shea]

There was so much excitement bubbling up within her at the moment as she stood gathered in the group with the other ladies who would be participating as hounds. She was trying not to jump up and down with that pent up excitement she held. She grabbed hold of Anemone's arm and gently squeezed it. "Ahhhh! I am so excited!!!" She leaned into her and whispered somewhat quietly. "Do you have your eyes on anyone? Perhaps the young deGrey brother who you danced with?" She grinned widely and then stood up straight, glancing around at the other men that were gathered around. She had no idea who she would go after.

She had enjoyed dancing with Wesley the night of the funeral, but there were so many other good looking men in the group. It would truly just be a matter of who she could catch!

Coming prepared to run, Avalynn made sure to wear fitted pants underneath her skirts, along with a pair of boots because of the snow and mud she would surely be running through. Propriety and being clean and well kept was out of the picture today. She was ready to fight for her catch!

[Claire Beauchard]

Claire checked, and double-checked, and triple checked, that there was no booger hanging out of her nose before she'd left her room that morning after a sneezing fit had taken her over. She was finally feeling better after the several days of bedrest she'd had, and was eager to partake in the Yule events here in Tresteria. She'd had to dress extra warm as she got cold far too easily, and looked like a tiny little snowwoman with her several layers. She had a large fluffy white scarf wrapped around her neck and part of her face.

She stood close to Lady Alexandria, but gave her and king Aric their privacy. Not wanting to make it look obvious that Claire was clearly going to follow Alexandria around the entire time. Her eyes wandered around, looking at everyone else's excitement. She couldn't help but feed off the energy and look at the hares that were there. Alexandria would go after her husband of course, and Claire had half a mind to possibly ensure that no other woman dared to go after her Queen's man, but also...

He stuck out like a sore thumb. You could pick Stefan out in a crowd from a mile away, and Claire bit her bottom lip, hidden by her scarf as she looked at him. He'd been so nice the other day, and she hadn't been able to thank him properly yet with her being sick, and maybe, just maybe if she caught him it would give her that one on one uninterrupted time to thank him? She had to catch him first though. He was a giant, with long quick strides, that Claire would have to work double time to even keep up with him at a walking pace. And they were supposed to run? The hares got a head start? It was certainly wishful thinking. Not to mention, running sometimes made it hard for Claire to breathe, but she'd try! If Alexandria was playing she could too!

When the announcer explained the rules, her face turned bright pink. Oh nooooo. If managed to catch Stefan she'd ask that her prize would be for him to listen her long enough to say thank you. That was it. She remembered Cassie and Teagan talking about kissing once and Cassie had mentioned something about using your tongue, and Claire's face turned even redder as she stood there as she recalled the memory. She wrapped her arms around herself, and once King Aric left, she quickly slid over to Alex's side. "No one would dare go after King Aric with you here your Majesty." She leaned in and whispered to her. Her words muffled by the scarf. Alex might not be able to see the smile, but Claire's eyes would show that she was.