Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Jun 7, 2020 21:07:16 GMT -5
Helene turned her head to catch that grin of his again. Seeing how it reached his eyes and caused them to light up. She didn't think it was possible for them to be a brighter blue, but apparently it was. "I think I'm good on mud for a while." She said with a smirk before she tilted her head back and laughed as he said he'd make bets with her any day. "You're going to regret that Wesley deGrey." She told him. She giggled then and looked down at her feet. "I'm probably going to be a fool for saying I look forward to the next one." She mused.
She did though, quite a bit actually. It surprised her honestly at how much she looked forward to silly bets. Maybe it was because she'd get to see him again. "Something tells me I won this round, but I might not be so lucky with the next one." Helene said turning to look up at him. A glint of mischief in her eyes. "Same stakes as last time. Another secret." She declared. Yes, she liked this. There was a bit of a pep in her step as they walked. "Any idea how the others are fairing?" She asked. Suddenly curious about how Mari was doing. Who was she going after? Maybe Mari had just decided to go on a walk and then head back to the castle? Helene suddenly felt bad at abandoning her sister so suddenly. But she had a bet to win! She glanced at Wesley out of the corner of her eye. She certainly was not going to lose either.
She was about to voice her concerns for Mari when a voice startled her. "Helene?!" She was both thankful and loathed the mud on her face in that moment, as the blood drained from her face and a cold shiver went down her spine. "Ah shit..." She muttered under her breath. The hand that was on Wesley's waist tightened as she turned to see Clarence Hewitt standing near a tree far off to their right. His hound near his side. "Helene is that you?" He called. She put on a fake sheepish smile and stopped walking, turning to face him, but didn't pull away from Wesley. "Fell in the mud. It was a bit slick. How are you Clarence?" She asked. She could see his weak smile as he looked her up and down with those scrutinizing eyes he'd inherited from his mother. "I'm fine thank you for asking." He said. He glanced over at Wesley then who Helene knew didn't look much better then she did. She watched Clarence's eyes drift toward where their arms where still around each other, and her hold on the deGrey only tightened more.
"Wesley deGrey, Clarence Hewitt." Helene quickly gave the introduction. Recognition seemed to flit across Clarence's face, and he smiled that ever charming smile that seemed to make the ladies swoon. Well, not this lady. "My Lord." Clarence gave a small bow. "My Husbands cousin." she murmured loud enough for Wesley to hear and know the relation. "Mother told me she stopped by to tell you the news, how is your hunt going?" He asked. Helene's hold on Wesley was now probably near painful, and her body had gone tense despite how calm she appeared. "It continues." She said with a nervous laugh. That just seemed to make Clarence grin wider and it made her skin crawl. "Then I wish you luck. If I can be any help, please, let me know." He told her. Helene was starting to find it difficult to breath in that moment, but she managed to keep her calm demeanor. "I will, have a nice rest of your day Clarence." She said, nodding her head at him. He raised his hand and waved, before he turned to the lady at his side. "Go, go, go." Helene said hurriedly under breath, practically pulling Wesley away from the man at as quick of a pace as she could get away with while still being polite.
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Soleil
32
Single
Council Member of Tresterian court
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Triston deGrey on Jun 8, 2020 21:58:13 GMT -5
Triston continued to run, not really knowing where to go, but he ran wherever his feet would take him to. That is until he heard the banshee scream that startled him to a stop. It did not sound like a fun kind of scream as if someone had been caught--it sounded like an in-trouble kind of scream, so he began to backtrack, back into the direction of the scream, hoping whomever it came from was okay.
Little did he know, he should have just kept running because it was from the mouth of Margery. For all he knew, it could have been a trap--but he was too good of a person to think that--to not do anything about it. Because what if it was Eleesa and something had happened to her?
He ran quickly towards the direction the scream had come in until he spotted her. Eleesa, just casually walking through the woods, alone. He came to a halt and just stood there as if frozen in a slight panic. Maybe she would not notice him--she seemed distracted. But he kind of wanted her to notice him. What if she wasn't after him, though? Triston stood quiet and just watched her, feeling rather awkward.
What was that scream? He had already forgotten about it.
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Soleil
29
Single
Lieutenant of the Tresterian Army : Cavalry
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Nathaniel Starke on Jun 8, 2020 22:20:58 GMT -5
Nathaniel smirked as Alice dismissed his apology, and he shrugged his shoulders. "I should not have had my legs out like that... But I was comfortable and..." He trailed off, not really knowing what to say to finish his sentence, so he just ended it there.
He did not run, though. In his mind, he had been caught now and there was no reason to run--especially not when a beautiful looking woman was standing right in front of him. Nathaniel didn't often smile, most of the time he wore a serious expression, it was hard for him to display his emotion even if he was happy. When he did smile, it almost looked like he was forcing it. Unless he was laughing or smiling deeply.
He shook his head. "Don't be embarrassed. Would it help if you trip me and I fall on my face?"
Nathaniel finally did let out a small laugh as she admitted she wasn't intending to catch a hare. "Well, you have caught one...Accidentally? Hopefully you are not too disappointed." He had somewhat heard the disappointment in her voice. Nathaniel smirked and cleared his throat, scratching the back of his neck. This was rather awkward-- The whole game. Be caught by a lady and then wait to see if she really wanted to claim her prize of a kiss?
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Lunari
28
Widow of Edward Demarais
Former Queen of Tresteria
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Eleesa Demarais on Jun 8, 2020 22:24:35 GMT -5
Pulling up the collar of that fitted coat, Eleesa drew in a slow, deep breath of the chilled, wintry air before letting it out slowly. It was so quiet and peaceful out here, a place where judging eyes could not see her, where she did not have to hear the poorly whispered words behind her back. It was lonely, but it was the first time in a long time where she could have this kind of moment to simply do nothing. Just walk.
The shriek echoed from somewhere in the forest and it swiftly pulled her out of this reverie, a hand flying to her heart as she jumped. Eleesa whirled around trying to pinpoint where it had come from, but it had quickly died on the air. Suddenly, being alone didn't feel like such a comfort, and none of her ladies were nearby either.
Feeling her heart pounding inside her chest from the fright, the queen drew in another slow breath, releasing it as she tilted her face towards the canopy, gazing up at the rays of sunshine as it poked through the leaves. It's just a game, that was all. Nothing was coming to harm her. She was fine, she was safe.
There was nothing but the soft crunching of snow beneath her boots as she continued to make her way back in the direction of the castle, until movement from the corner of her eye had her pausing once more. When she turned, Eleesa came to find Triston standing there a short distance away and it immediately took her breath away. All she could do was stand there and stare, knowing she was supposed to pursue. Something was keeping her rooted where she was.
Fingers were curling into the front of her skirts, contemplating saying something, perhaps to inquire whether he was already caught, wondering if she should just turn away. But after a long, agonizing moment of silence, she thought to hell with it. The surprise washed away from her features then where a smirk finally curled up one corner of her mouth. With her hands still gripping onto the front of her dress, she was able to hike up the hem and rush towards him.
She had a hare to catch.
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Lux
22
Recently Divorced
Lady in waiting/Spy
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Alice Calder on Jun 8, 2020 22:36:47 GMT -5
Crossing her arms over her chest, Alice let the faintest hint of a real smile cover her lips. "Either way, I'm sorry to have disturbed you." She said, swaying softly to the side before stilling herself again. At the offer of her tripping him, Alice laughed at the image that came into her mind, unable to contain herself. "No, no. I think the mental picture will do just fine." She said with a sly grin. "Besides, it would be a little less fun if it were intentional." She winked.
She hated to admit that she liked his laugh. It was.. different than the giggling girls she was more accustomed to. He seemed a little unnerved by their interaction, however, which was a stark contrast to Alice's nonchalance. Not the type to let awkwardness linger in the air, Alice attempted to break the ice. "I suppose before I claim my prize, I'd like to have your name first." She rolled her eyes, though there was a lightness in her tone. "Alice Calder, of the DeLeon family, lady in waiting to Queen Eleesa." She extended her hand, placing the other behind her back. It was perhaps an overly formal greeting, but it was the one she always used when greeting anyone new.
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Lunari
34
Widower
Tresterian Ambassador
Tier 2 Character
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Post by William deGrey on Jun 8, 2020 22:50:27 GMT -5
At this point, he was beyond anger. He knew this would happen- he wasn't an idiot. He was only a fool for allowing it to continue on for as long as it had. And soon enough, the entire castle was going to be in his business because Margery wouldn't be able to keep her mouth shut. She might even weave some lie to make the entire thing worse and somehow make him look like the bad guy.
Why was he such a fool?
His dark eyes were tired when they looked back to Marinette, almost surprised to hear those stern words. For a second, he almost didn't want to argue, even if he wasn't blaming her for any of this. Well, perhaps just enough to make a mess of things...but silently, Will would not deny that it had been amusing to see Margery coated in mud and all distraught. Were this situation not so dire, he might have laughed.
Yet it was anything but funny, and he could tell Lady Roguefort felt horrible for it. Just as horrible as he felt for subjecting all those he loved to that devil woman. He shouldn't have allowed the desperation and loneliness get that far, he knew, and he'd be apologizing profusely for it in the upcoming days.
When she was apologizing, William finally turned to face her completely, a wave of concern washing over him. "No, please, do not apologize. I...appreciate your concern, I do." The eldest deGrey was struggling to find words now, frustrated with Margery while honestly surprised at this woman, someone he barely knew, being so concerned for his daughter and this whole situation. To some, it could seem like she was sticking her nose in where it didn't belong, yet William didn't seem to see it that way. Maybe because it had been enough for him to fully see what he had been refusing to.
"Perhaps you should have went about it with less-" His attention drifted to the mud, his brow furrowing in thought before there was the tiniest flicker of humor in his eyes. "Enthusiasm, yes..." Will's shoulders rose in the barest of laughs, but it was sincere regardless. "But not many people would stick up for others like this, my lady." His brothers had told him nearly every day, but it was a whole different thing when someone outside your circle said or did something to prove to you that you were oblivious.
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Soleil
28
Married to Aric Demarais
Queen of Aralore
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Alexandria Eveleigh- Demarais on Jun 8, 2020 22:52:29 GMT -5
Alexandria nodded to her lady when she had asked if she remembered when she excused herself for not feeling well. As she continued to tell the story, she frowned, a bit worried that Claire had gotten dizzy and was by herself.
But there was slight relief when she told her Stefan had been there and helped her. She smiled faintly and nodded again. "Well, that's good... I'm glad he found you and was able to help you." She giggled softly at Claire's agreeing with her that they would have a fun adventure. And she fell silent again when she continued talking about Stefan and wanting to thank him. Her smile grew into a grin and she looked at Claire with a curious glance. "And do you have plans on kissing him if you catch him? That is the rule of the game, is it not?" She gently teased her.
At her comment of Aric, Alexandria laughed. "No? You haven't?" She grinned and shrugged her shoulders. There had been several times where she did see Aric run, or climb over a table to get to her. "Why did you not think he could move that fast? He's not that old..." She laughed. "He is quite capable..." She trailed off slightly, pausing as a mischievous smile touched her lips. "Of a lot of things, actually..." It was obvious that Alexandria admired her husband quite a bit.
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Lunari
30
Secretly engaged.
Head of deGrey Trading Co.
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Wesley deGrey on Jun 8, 2020 23:16:35 GMT -5
"I never regret anything," he told her quickly. Although he laughed, it was true. Wesley didn't always do everything just on a whim, and if he did, he often didn't regret it regardless. Even if he thought long and hard on something, he did so because it was finite. Despite what others might think, he didn't just go into things blindly- serious or ridiculous. "But you are a wise fool for saying that, yes." Another soft laugh, he found that he was still grinning at the fact that there would somehow be a next time. There might have been the smallest bit of hope in those blue eyes, too.
Although he had assumed much of this outcome, Helene still turned out to be a surprise. Not just any noblewoman would, quite literally, throw herself at a man just to prove she was capable and to win a verbal bet. It was certainly...something, he'll say that much. Not out loud, of course. "Another secret? Alright, then..." he replied, having almost missed what she was saying while he had been too absorbed in his own thoughts.
The other voice snapped him out of this happy reverie, and when he heard Helene's muttered curse, his attention drifted from her to find the gentleman standing not terribly far. He and his lady weren't covered in mud and Wes already deemed that they were playing this game all wrong. While this was humorous in his head, he soon came to realize that this wasn't going to be a pleasant conversation...and perhaps that was because Helene's fingers were beginning to dig deeper and deeper into his waist. Something was wrong, there was something about this man that was making her stand on edge.
As Clarence's eyes drifted and "examined", that was when his own hand fell from Helene's arm to rest against her waist. Wesley was unable to keep the wry grin from his features, which widened into a forced smile when they were introduced. He would say nothing though, only nodding his head in acknowledgement because he was too preoccupied with Helene's near painful grip and her conversation with...her husband's cousin. At the mention of a hunt, he could only assume the man meant this chase. And clearly, it had gone well.
Bidding Lord Hewitt and his lady friend goodbye, he was being ushered away by his own. Something told him to keep her securely against his side, even as they rushed away...but after a good distance and surrounded by a thicket of trees, he would stop their frantic pace and shift her to face him. Wesley's smile was gone. "What was that?" He had the nail marks in his skin to prove that it wasn't just unpleasant conversation. There was something else there.
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Tendy
20
Single
Lady in Waiting
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Claire Beauchard on Jun 9, 2020 14:00:16 GMT -5
Claire nodded shyly, thinking she had been really lucky that it had been Stefan to help her and not someone else in that hallway. The whole thing was super embarrassing, but not as embarrassing as the rogue booger had been.
At Alexandria's question of whether or she had plans to kiss him, Claire practically did a full body shake, as she shook her head no. The thought of kissing Stefan filled her stomach with a mix of butterflies and anxiety. Especially after the talk Cassie had told her she needed to use tongue. Use tongue for what?! She had thought. For kissing?! Claire grew mortified at the idea. Sure she wanted to kiss Stefan...Maybe...He was a very handsome man in a rugged luscious locks kind of way. But Claire didn't think he'd want to kiss her. She was a snotty nosed small girl who barley made it up to his chest. She wasn't pretty, or remarkable, or even rememberable in the slightest. She was just...Claire.
"U-u-um, I just wanna thank him. I'll take that as my prize." She said. She was happy with that. She glanced up at Alexandra and smiled. Glad to see her laughing. "I don't think he's old! I just-" Claire began to giggle. "Haven't seen him very active." She giggled again. Her giggles trailed off and she glanced up at Alexandria when she said he was capable and her eyes grew the size of saucers. Claire might not have any experience in the ways of the bedroom, but Cassie and Teagan certainly talked about it. She was sharp when she wanted to be. She could feel her face turning red, and she grew very flustered in that moment, bot knowing what say. She looked down at her feet, and gave a small shake of her head as she laughed.
It was then the scream filled the air. Claire didn't know what direction it had come from, but it was loud, and sounded like a Banshee as it echoed around in the woods. It started her so much, she gave her own scream of alarm as a reflex, her legs felt like jello and she clung to Alexandria, as she looked around rapidly. "W-what was that?!" She said alarmed. Was there ghosts in these woods? Was there an intruder? It was just her and Alexandria out here as far as she knew. What if it was intruders?! King Aric at least had Stefan, and Queen Alexandria? Well Queen Alexandria had Claire who barely came up to her shoulder. Claire wasn't about to let anyone take her Queen though. She was bound and determined to protect her from intruders and ghosts. Letting go of Alexandria, Claire hurried forward to one of the bases of the near by tree's, and when she found what she was looking for, she heaved it up. You'll do as a fine sword. She thought as she picked the large stick up. "Don't worry Queen Alexandria! I'll protect you from possible intruders or ghosts!" Claire declared, determination crossed her brow as she returned to her queens side. Primed and at the ready to swing her stick at any who dared to wish her Queen harm.
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Tendy
27
Widowed
Noble
Tier 3 Character
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Post by Helene Hewitt on Jun 9, 2020 14:45:27 GMT -5
Helene didn't actually allow herself to breathe until they were well and gone away from Clarence. Mother told me she stopped by to tell you the news, how is your hunt going? It wasn't. That was the problem. She had until summer to find and marry a husband if she wanted to keep Stephens lands, and for Mari's sake, Helene should have jumped right now her search. Knowing if she didn't Mari would return to that monster should have been enough incentive, but...Helene was tired. She was growing so very tired of constantly trying to stay one step ahead of her father. Of trying to please him and not give him a reason to harm Mari or her. Living in a constant state of worry was not living. Living in a state of fear constantly was not living. It was a prison sentence. One she constantly wondered why she deserved. Seeing Clarence just now had to be the universe telling her what was at stake. That she shouldn't be rolling around in the mud with this sailor. She needed to take this very seriously.
Wesley stopped them then, bringing her in front of him, and she finally let him go, wrapping her arms around herself as if she was throwing up her protective barriers. She was in a way, realizing how hard she'd held onto him. She winced. "Sorry about that." She murmured softly. She took a deep breath, willing her frantic heart to clam. Helene was calm. Always calm. Poised, responsible, she had to keep it together. She took another deep breath before she lifted her head to meet Welsey's eyes. Seeing how serious he had become reminded her of the same look he'd had when they were in her kitchen. Talking about how the past needed to be killed to move on to the future and present. "The past." She responded quietly. "Or part of it." She took another deep breath, trying to figure out how much to tell him that wouldn't give much away. She quickly found herself in a dilemma, and now had to think about how to get herself out of it. "I'm not the biggest fan of my husbands family, let's just leave it at that." She said. It was the truth at least. She wasn't. In fact she despised them all.
"I'm sorry about," She waved in Clarence's direction. "That. It's fine, I'm fine." She said more for herself then his sake. "We need to get back to the castle before we catch our death of cold. Don't worry about it." She sighed, giving him a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Leave it to Clarence to be a kill joy and ruin the good mood she'd been in.
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Magpie
26
Unmarried
Noblewoman
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Marinette Roquefort on Jun 9, 2020 19:21:04 GMT -5
Marinette stared at William, bewildered, as he asked her not to apologize. But why shouldn't she? This was clearly her fault, even he couldn't deny that, could he? She'd made a terrible mess of things. She opened her mouth to argue, thought better of it, then closed it. She could see that he was having a hard time putting his thoughts to words, so she stayed silent, watching him with wide brown eyes.
When he referred to her antics as "enthusiasm," even she couldn't help being amused as she followed his gaze to the mess she and Margery had created. One side of her mouth curled into a crooked smirk as she remembered the sick slap of Margery's face hitting the mud. Enthusiasm was certainly one way to put it. She fought the smile, still feeling like she ought to be guilty, even as he praised her for standing up for him. She still didn't see how that could be true--surely no one with any heart would be able to stand by and let that happen, could they? His own brothers had already made their attempts at convincing him, likely in more graceful ways than she.
"Believe it or not, that was my attempt at being covert!" she confessed. "I had hoped to simply knock her out of the game without confronting her directly...but once she recognized me, I was done for." She shook her head. "But thank you. It is good to know that you won't resent me terribly. I should very much prefer to keep in your--and Olivia's--good graces." She smiled warmly at him in spite of herself and nodded her head back in the direction of the castle.
"I suppose we should make our way back to the others, hm?" she suggested, "I'm sure the other hounds have claimed their prizes by now."
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Lunari
30
Secretly engaged.
Head of deGrey Trading Co.
Tier 1 Character
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Post by Wesley deGrey on Jun 9, 2020 19:28:40 GMT -5
Helene was lying. At least, it was difficult for him to believe that she was fine after that. Despite the tone she had used to speak, her whole body had been tense; he had felt it, felt the way her fingers had curled. Wesley could suppose that not everyone possibly got along with their in-laws, but there was something in Clarence's sickly sweet smile and pleasantness that felt...off. He wondered if he would have felt the same distrust from the man if Helene hadn't been blatantly annoyed with his presence.
He shook his head at her apology. There was no need for it, but he didn't voice this. As she seemed to gather herself together, to breathe, to shake off whatever the hell just went down, he was watching her intently as if her face would give away some sort of clue as to why this had affected her so. He desperately wanted to ask, but he was still biting his tongue and he was getting to the point of wondering if he should ignore the logical part of his brain. Since when did he ever listen to it?
'The past.' He hadn't realized he was clenching his teeth until his jaws became sore. "Are you really...fine?" The words just came out before he could stop them. Helene was attempting to smile but it wasn't the usual one that crinkled the corners of those dark eyes and made them glint with life. They were devoid of their mischief, their spark. And he didn't like it.
Wesley only began to walk again because he really didn't want either of them catching a cold. He was feeling the chill more and more, but he was still watching her as they went. He shouldn't care, he shouldn't wonder or be curious about it...but there he was, questioning something he wasn't even a part of.
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Lunari
34
Widower
Tresterian Ambassador
Tier 2 Character
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Post by William deGrey on Jun 9, 2020 19:54:57 GMT -5
William understood where she was coming from. Of course, she was probably wrong for doing this, and part of him knew that he should be upset or annoyed or telling her she had been ridiculous. But, had she really been any worse than Margery, than himself with this whole thing? Even after what happened (and what thankfully didn't happen) in the marketplace, he was somewhat willing to give Margery another chance. That was insane, that was desperation, and he should have known better.
Maybe he shouldn't have let Marinette off so easily, yet she had been the last straw, the last thing to finally make him crack. It hurt, but it was in no way negative, at least not in regards to her. He had needed this, needed something to get through his thick head. Now, he just needed the gall to end this with Margery and truly do so.
He noted the quirk of her mouth and he fought to keep the amusement from his face. Deep down, he knew he shouldn't laugh or find any of this funny whatsoever...but when she confessed that this had been some attempt at being sneaky, the deGrey actually burst out into short laughter. Maybe he finally snapped, but he couldn't help himself. "My apologies, my lady-" he managed to say once the chuckles slowly subsided, hoping she didn't think he was laughing at her. "Maybe I shouldn't find this humorous, but...I can't be mad. Maybe...I'm almost relieved?" Now he was probably saying too much and she wouldn't want to hear the jumbled thoughts knocking around in his head.
"I wouldn't advise trying this again, however, as much as my daughter will be delighted to hear of it." That made him cringe. Perhaps telling the girl what just happened wouldn't be the best of ideas- the entire kingdom would know by the end of the night, and William rather keep this low-key if at all possible.
No, it wasn't going to be possible at all, was it?
"She thinks highly of you and your sister," he added. "Keeps going on and on about her day at the market...and there are ribbons everywhere in the castle." He smirked lightly, a glint in his eyes before his expression sobered. Will was just thinking about how he had let this engagement go on longer than it should have. Was he that bad of a father?
When Marinette mentioned heading back, his attention drifted in the direction of the castle before looking at her in mild curiosity. "And what of you? Do you not wish to catch a hare?" he inquired. Not everyone liked this foolish game, but it could prove entertaining enough. William offered his arm to her in order to further help her from the mud, as well as to escort her if she desired it.
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Post by Elyscia Demarais on Jun 9, 2020 20:30:47 GMT -5
Elyscia finally caught her breath and she continued to glance around the clearing, wondering which direction she should go in. She could hear others nearby and wondered if a lot of the hares had already been caught and she was too slow in finding one.
Her back had been turned when Rhysand burst out of the shed, which had startled her enough to get a low shriek out of her. She quickly turned, instantly pressing her hand against her chest to steady her racing heart. She grinned softly as she watched him and he admitted it had been a spider that frightened him. She couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her and she quickly raised a hand to her lips, making a locking motion, indicating she would not tell anyone. “You have my word, my lord…”
Elyscia took a few steps closer to the man but was cautious. “Did you kill it, at least? I’m not coming near you if you still might have it on you…” She was not a fan of spiders either. A couple more steps were taken and she reached out and touched his shoulder, gently brushing him off in case there was a spider still on him. “I caught you!” She grinned, giggling lightly. “I’m Elyscia Demarais.”
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Soleil
22
Single
Lady in Waiting to Eleesa
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Avalynn O'Shea on Jun 9, 2020 20:37:42 GMT -5
She had been almost to him until the bloody banshee startled her and caused her to lose her footing. Thankfully, she had been able to hold on long enough until Shane could grab her hand and pulled her up to safety. Her fingers had begun to slip as she was losing her grip. A sigh of relief escaped her lips and with her free hand and her feet, she climbed with his help until she was seated on the thick branch.
Avalynn leaned her back against the trunk of the tree and her legs straddled the branch. Again, she was thankful for the leggings she had decided to wear underneath her dress. She held onto the branch in front of her as she caught her breath and tried to steady herself. As he sat to face her, his knees nearly touching her own, she looked up at him when he spoke, her eyes narrowing at him, but she grinned and laughed. “Do not dare a lady to do something and not expect her to actually do it!” She gave him a playfully stern look. “Especially me!” Avalynn completely understood that this man knew nothing about her, so how would he have known not to dare her? Well, now he knew.
Now that they were face to face, bright blue eyes studied him for a quick moment. This was rather awkward and embarrassing. More so than she imagined it would be. Why was this game a stupid tradition every year? And every year she had felt awkward when she caught her hare and had to decide whether or not to kiss him. Yet, she still did it every year. Avalynn finally laughed and shook her head. “What in the bloody hell was that scream?!”
She glanced around the wooded area to see if she could see anything from this view. There were figures off in the distance, but they were too far to make anything out. Her gaze moved back to him again and she smirked. “And regardless… I think I deserve something for risking my neck for you… Don’t you think?” She raised a brow, giving him a daring look.
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