A Party

[Esterlen 4499]

Hadrien de Sarkozy slowly removes his hand from Bran's shoulder and inhales deeply, maintaining his smirk.

 

"If it isn't the Chivay charmer himself! A pleasure as always, of course. I do so adore that fur of your garb." He folds his arms across his chest pensively. He shrugs in a gesture of apparent unknowing, a twinkle in his eye that might have belied his true emotions.

 

"My tailor is very accomplished, though. I ought to pay him more. As for the wine, they say it's made from special grapes - well, that's what I'm told at least. It's far too hard to get it imported these days." 

 

He looks down to his empty left hand, noticeably lacking a goblet, before glancing to Thomas frantically, his face losing its apparent joy and his voice lowered to a softer tone.

 

"Is she attending? Do you know? Is the Grand Justice?"

[Stevie 1598]

With a slight roll of his shoulders the bearded Marshal shrugs, chuckling as he takes another steady sip from his goblet, a shifting of his Adam's apple helping to trickle the rich drink down his throat, "Well, wotevah it is ye do to this drink, don't stop doin' it. An' I'm well aware of the shortage; more of the reason why I've removed it from the party's selection an' instead keep a private reserve fer myself."

 

Showing a toothy grin at his remark, his sighs at Hadrien's next flurry of inquiries, bringing a palm up before him to calm the anxious Baron, "Easy, easy..." calls Thomas, panning his hand back down to his side.

 

He pause, glancing down to his pendant for a moment before finally purses his lips, speaking, "I'm not sure... I'm afraid neither the Grand Justice or the lady 'ave replied... but then again, the workings of the Grand Justice are surely somefink to take precedence over an official reply to a parteh. I'm sure 'e'll arrive, along wiff the lady."

 

Showing a faint smile he nods to him, giving a reassuring pat to his shoulder, waving his goblet over to the rest of the hall, the chatting circles of guests all keeping themselves busy, "But enjoy the party fer now. I'll inform you when they arrive - but I'm sure I won't need too. The ever watchful eyes of the Baron de Sarkozy will surely spot them out before I do. But drink, eat, an' 'ave fun. Go on, I'm sure ye want to mingle wiff the ovah guests."

 

He waves the Baron onwards with a gentle sway of his goblet, an even gentler pat on his shoulder blade giving him some positive ushering. The party was as lively as ever, an occasional cry of laughter coming from an amused noble sounds from the end of the hall, echoing about and blending with the troubadours' music. Thomas turns his head back towards the two Valois woman, taking a step forward to position himself beside Bran to face the two, the faint smile he showed before replaced by his old warm one as he takes another sip from his goblet, the dark liquid waning in abundance, leaving a stain of maroon around the cups' inner silver.

[Jibuis Winterborn (Vinnie) 72]

 

Isabella Valois arrives as a latecomer, on her black horse. Entering the hall she spots Rose and Jullius and walks over towards them.

 

Sorry about being late, There was some dead body on the beach and i decided to clean it up. 

 

Good evening, Rose. and hello Jullius.

 

*She really wonders why Rose and Jullius are so close to each other, but shrugs it off*

[Z3r05t4r 855]

The hall is filled with laughter and speech and nobody truly recognizes the arrival of another guest, directly after Isabella Valois. Snow on his shoulderplates, Godwein makes a brief entrance, glancing about.

 

He wears green tabard with the crest of the Stafyr banner woven in gold. As for that, his usual chainmail, shoulderplates, gauntlets and reinforced boots are worn as well, yet instead of the usual Iron plating, he took the liberty of replacing everything with silver, shining brightly as he steps through the attended guests, taking a cup of Auvergnian wine to sip on. The thick air brushes around Godwein's face, with the pale blueish-grey mushroom covering a good part of it, pulsing as usual, slow and thoughtfully. To finish his outfit, he has taken the liberty of putting on the copper crown of his house, as a decent additional touch, he thought.

 

Remaining rather composed and observing the present guests, he takes a seat at an empty table and begins to dine alone. Thoughtful his expression is, yet he glances up on a regular basis, awaiting to be spoken to.

[Chikachu 402]

_{"Isabella! Love! We'll be fashionably late as it is, if this goes on much longer we'll border on rudely late, and that is certainly not how I'd like to attend my first party as your husband."}

_{Artorus Elendil II chuckled lightly, pacing slightly in the foyer as he awaited his wife to come down the stairs. He had to confess, he was nervous, but it came with the territory. This would likely be the first time he saw his family since he was married, and that could end disasterously. Still, he had determined to be nothing but polite to everyone there, and he would tread very carefully.}

_{Artorus turned to see Isabella coming down carefully, looking properly beautiful, as she always did, and he smiled, "I really don't see what all the fuss was about, you look lovely," he said with a laugh.}

_{"Is it really neccessary for us to attend?" Isabella asked quietly, "So many nobles... and so few of them with high opinions of Adunians or Elendils."}

_{Artorus' smile wavered a bit, but he forced it to stay in place, approaching his wife and offering her a hand to help her down the remaining steps. Carefully he kissed her cheek. "If we are going to change anyone's opinion, we are going to have to put ourselves out there. I am on at least moderately friendly terms with the Chivays. I have nothing but respect for them and the way that they do things. They are proper hosts, and they will keep everyone else civil. We have nothing to worry about."}

_{Isabella sighed, but followed Artorus carefully as they went to the horses, Artorus helping Isabella on her own before climbing onto his and they set off. Artorus tried not to think much during the traveling, prefering to keep his eyes on the road, until they arrived at the keep. Everything looked fantastic, and Artorus smiled as they dismounted. Isabella was quiet, her eyes downcast, but as Artorus led her into the hall and they were announced, he kept a very polite smile on his face, nodding to the nobles he knew and those he didn't equally. He kept his eyes gently, but examined everyone in the hall, noticing his rather rambunctious family first, and quickly steering away, noticing Thomas Chivay instead, with the Valois and Julius.}

_{His smile brightened a bit and he approached them, bowing politely, "Lord Chivay, Lady Countess, Lady Duchess, Sir Volsung." His smile brightened a bit, "Baron," He turned his attention to Lord Chivay particularly, keeping his smile, "The place looks fantastic, it is quite the pleasure to see inside. It's quite a pleasure to be inside at all, let alone among such wonderful display. I must confess I didn't know the Chivay's had the eye for decorating as well as their skill in leading the Rose. I am glad to be shown the truth."}

[Redbaron™ 690]

Lancel leans over towards Lynesse after spotting Isabella, his face slightly twisting in distgust 

 

"They invited Elendils... maybe it's for the men's entertainment later in the night.  If they can drink enough for that to seem attractive..."

 

He then sighs as his eyes leave Isabella, looking over for Vyr or something to announce them still.

[Warwick 12]

Aureas continues his easy pace through the crowd, murmuring soft greetings to the few who recognized him. He eventually comes to halt behind Thomas Chivay and scans the crowd, seeming to adjust his cuff and reassures himself that the dagger hidden within his sleeve remained. He plasters an easy smile on his face, ready to be acknowledged, but more prepared to be ignored. Aureas winks at Bran over Thomas' shoulder, before returning his attention to the gathering.

[Jarkarll 314]

A smile slowly encroached on Bran’s face as Hadrien placed his hand on his shoulder, raising his own to greet him. “Hadrien! Ye made it! The festivities are going well, I’m just not...” looking down to the glass as the wine swishes to and fro he frowns, “... much of a man for wine. It’s a little bitter, though ah- ahem- I’m glad you made it.”

A servant aimlessly walking in between the groups approaches the clique; Bran swiftly places the glass on the silver platter as he passes, turning around again to speak he blinks, “Hadr-.” stopping mid sentence and watching Hadrien being ushered away by Thomas, shrugging there after he quarter turns to greet the newest additions to the clique.

Some time later as Thomas approaches the group once again, Bran smiles and gestures toward Rose. “Perhaps the two of ye can be introduced properly, ja?
 

[Gemmylou 484]

Isabella stayed at her new husbands side, her hand held tight in his. She felt sick to be near so many who, if given the chance, would have her dead in a heartbeat. Inside she felt like she had walked right into a lions pit but on the outside, she gave of a polite smile to any she made eye contact with. Isabella noticed her new "in-laws", if she could call them that, and averted her gaze, not wanting to deal with them unless she had to. She could feel every pair of eyes watching her and even though no hostile remarks were thrown her way, she could hear them screaming in her ears. As they approached Lord Chivay and his guests, she gave a polite curtsy and smile, acting as normal as she could. 

 

"The place looks fantastic, it is quite the pleasure to see inside. It's quite a pleasure to be inside at all, let alone among such wonderful display. I must confess I didn't know the Chivay's had the eye for decorating as well as their skill in leading the Rose. I am glad to be shown the truth." Artorus said and Isabella took a careful breath, speaking calmly in return.  

"Of course, thank you for your invitation, My Lord. The decorations look magnificent indeed. We are most gracious to be here." She smiled and kept a calm face, nervously waiting for any brutal response she might get. 

[Peter Chivay 2494]

A heavy sound of horse patter is heard outside the castle gates, it appears someone else is arriving to the party. After a short time, the sound grows louder, followed by the neys of horses and the faint clank of metal. A familiar tone is heard over the muck of sounds.

 

The strangers contingent consists of around one hundred soldiers, all armed to the teeth and mounted atop horses. The one closest to head adorns a Red Sash and a small medal. That of a squire of Oren. Ceasing their gallop and noises, they finally allow the man at the helm to speak.

 

 

Flipping up his visor finally, a familiar face is seen. That of Peter Chivay. The face is chiseled and hard, the skin rough from aging and years of battle and stress. Through the visor, a faint peak of blonde hair is seen, sprinkled with a grey hue of hair that would only be visible when the helmet was removed. 

 

"Aye Temp! I 'ope I ain't too late teh' deh' party! Oren isn't goin' teh' patrol itself!"

 

A hard chuckle is emitted from the crowd of men behind Peter, only to be silenced when the gauntlet of Peter lifts into the air with a tight fist.

 

"Now, if ye' please. I'll enter."

 

 

Peter takes in a short breath after speaking, his armor rustling as he shakes off any nerves. In front of Peter stands a large gate, guarded thoroughly by a group of Roses, headed by the most revered Decurion Temp Thersist. Suddenly  Peter sees a glimmer of light through the gate. The reflection of Temp's glorious forehead through the gate's teeth. 

 

"Of course ser. One moment."

 

Returning with a nod, Peter awaits the gates to be opened. *Click*Clank*Click*Clank* The mechanism to the gate working its way slowly to the peak of the gatehouse. A sound all too familiar to the Knight Commander. *Ding* the final locking of the mechanism is heard, soon following, the galloping noises of the horses once previously heard.

 

 

Dismounting his horse, Peter allows his squire to remove his helmet from his head. Glancing around the grounds, Peter makes a final statement before motioning his squire to follow him.

 

"Where deh' 'ell did eh' put my fanceh' clothes?"

[ski_king3 0]

Rose listens to the various exchanges going on around her, giving a look of minor annoyance while Hadrien is in their company. As Bran finishes speaking, she gives him a warm smile before turning her attention to Thomas. "It's a pleasure to officially meet you, Thomas." She maintains a warm smile, as well as giving Thomas a polite nod. "However, we did meet once before, in the White Rose camp. Nevertheless, it is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance."

 

Rose spots one of the many servants floating around, giving out drinks. She waves her hand at him, and the servant approaches them at a brisk pace. As he reaches the group, he stops, lowering a tray with a number of glasses of Auvergnian, as well as several elegant mugs containing what could only be the Chivay brew. She glances momentarily at Bran before removing two mugs. She holds one of the mugs out to Bran, handing it to him, and looks back to the rest of their little group. "Would anyone else care for a drink?"

[cruzazul 2815]

Chrestienne turns to Thomas, giving him a brief nod and a small, yet warm smile. Her drink swishing around her hand as she answers, "This is absolutely outstanding Thomas. Your decor and the atmosphere in general is breathtaking." Sipping the last few drops of her wine she sighs, putting it back onto a plate the servant carries.

 

Taking a few moments to scan around she sees Rose again offering drinks. As she steps over to her, licking her lips excitedly she raises a hand slowly, "I'll have one sister."

[ski_king3 0]

Rose glances back at the tray, hesitating for a moment before taking a glass of wine in her free hand. She hands the glass to her sister before turning back to the servant. "Thank you. Unless Thomas would like some, I believe we're good on the drink."

[Leric 1097]

Looks about the room, watching from his dimly lit side of the wall and continues to sip his cider. Frowns, seeing Peter as the entry with a squire and mumbling a bit himself "When'd he bloddy get another?" he sighs, barely seeing the couple of Isabella and Artorus out of the corner of his eye, his expression instantly turns to a frown, extremely curious why they were invited. He adjusts his belt, straightens his shirt and looks about once more, making sure the Elendil couple does not run into Hadrien.

[Stevie 1598]

Thomas grins widely, nodding as Hadrien makes his way off to the other various circles. He turns back to his own now, smiling to Rose as he gives a more formal bow.

 

"However, we did meet once before, in the White Rose camp. Nevertheless, it is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance."

 

"Then let us make it official. Lord Marquis Thomas Chivay, Grand Marshal of Oren. A pleasure, Lady Rose." He inclines his head up to her, smiling warmly as he straightens his posture, the hanging pendant and coat meeting a quick ruffle and fix from the marshal. Turning his head now to her sister, he nods gratitude to Chrestienne, giving a small rise of his goblet to her.

 

"This is absolutely outstanding Thomas. Your decor and the atmosphere in general is breathtaking."

 

"Many fanks, Lady Chrestienne. We put much work into the Keep fer the propah renovations. Spared no expenses, an' I enjoy its final look. The Auvergnian wine is certainly a guest favorite. I toast the Valois' success in wines." He chuckles, lowering his glass to take a sip from the goblet, savoring the taste after a few claps of his lips.

 

Turning his head a bit, he notices Artorus, blinking a moment as he raises a brow indiscreetly, plastering a smile on his face as he approaches, searching the heads and shoulders of the other guests with striking cobalt blue eyes. He finally spots Hadrien, who is fast approaching as well, weaving through the cliques towards him, a dead set glare on his face. Meeting the Baron's gaze with his own, he gives a calm gesture of his hand - a flick of his wrist and a point away. 

 

I must confess I didn't know the Chivay's had the eye for decorating as well as their skill in leading the Rose. I am glad to be shown the truth."

 

Thomas clears his throat, turning his attention back to Artorus, giving a wide smile, but not the usual one his face was used too. This smile was more devious, more cynical. 

 

"Lord Artorus... wot an... unexpected surprise..." he twirls the goblet with a roll of his wrist, continuing with a slight incline of his head, "I don't fink I remembah sendin' an invitation to a Lord Artorus or 'is Lady Isabella..." It was by this time Hadrien had approached behind the clique, standing firm with that same glare.