Welcome

[Uther Pendragon]

It was a rare occasion in which everyone in Camelot city would get together and celibrate, servants were treated to a day off, food prepared well in advance and left out on a large dining table the afternoon of the event. The upper class would eat here, eat the good food and dine and talk to each other, speeches would be made and prayers to the gods that this year's delight in good crops would prove successful. Then, tables were moved away and the King's favoured bard would take the stage and provide music for the greatest of balls. Bright colours, decorations and great music. It was the one time in a year where there was no politics, only celebrations. It was also Igraine's favourite time of year, and it was a thought that weighed heavy on his mind as he got himself dressed. However, for the sake of one day he could put bitterness behind him long enough to enjoy one night among friends and help.
He dressed in a long cloak of deep red, and a tunic and breeches in black. His crown glinted on his head like a perminent reminder to everyone, no matter what day it was, he was still their superior.

The feast started and he sat at the head of the table, Arthur on one side and Morgana on the other, the many tables around the main held the personal servants to the nobles. With a heavy heart he stood, after the prayers.
"My fine guests, may I thank you for joining us here today to celebrate the coming of Spring. May it bring us a good year, may of stomaches be full of only the best food and may we live healthy. But, today I ask you here not to just celebrate this special season, it is to ask you to raise in toast to our most noble guests." He stopped and turned slowly to the Irick family, it took all his will not to hide his disgust. "To King Eunan and his beautiful wife, thank you for joining us in Camelot and let me extend my hopes that Irick will grow as fruitful as Camelot this year."

He wished for nothing more for it to burn down to the ground, but they were allies now, and as much as his bitter distrust for him, he would treat them with respect, he had manners after all. He sat back down and shared a look with his son before announcing it was time to eat.

-X-

The feast finished after an hour of painful conversation and the music from the bard and his musicians warmed them. He was already slightly drunk, having swallowed a good percentage of the red wine provided on his table. Ironic after he had told both Arthur and Morgana not to do the same thing that morning. However, he was sharing his home with a man he hated and pretending to celibrate when the whole city was under seige by that cruel witch who had stollen the life of his beloved wife.

He stood again, amazed he could keep his posture. "My friends! Let us stand whilst they ready the hall for your enjoyment."

He hated this day, truely he did and yet he smiled the whole time and grabbed Arthur's arm as five servant boys jumped up to pull the main table away. "Dance with every noble women in the hall, including the Queen. Do not let me hear of you disobeying or you will be in trouble, is that understood?" He let him go and indicated to the guard to allow the lower class townspeople entry, he himself strolled across the room and sat on his throne beside the bard, letting his thoughts take over and remembering some distant time when he himself had been the Prince at this festival. How times changed...

[Mary]

Mary was swept through the door in the waves of laughing townspeople, clasping her oldest brother's arm tightly in the wave of people. The Royals and Nobles had been here already, eating and drinking the food the kitchens had been slaving over all week. Mary had popped in a few times, and the smell alone had made her mouth water.

Not that she wasn't happy with her night so far, of course. The Lucrell's had filled their cottage with friends - most of the street had crowded into the small house, pressed shoulder to shoulder, eating and drinking and laughing. Mary had invited quite a few people from the castle to the initial celebration, and together they tumbled through the doors as the guards heaved them open.

The Spring festival was always beautiful. The decorations were lavish, and the tables had been cleared to open up the Ballroom to the swarms of people. The King's throne stood by the musician platform, where an upbeat tune was already being started up. The whole space was an explosion of colour, and the tanging scent of wine was already detectable in the air. Mary felt her wide grin unfurl, gripping her brothers arm tighter as they barrelled towards the dancefloor.

Mary's scarlet curls bounced over her shoulders, and russet skirts billowed outwards as she half ran, half fell into position. Already, the floor was crowded, and William seemed to have swapped her for a young blonde who lived a few streets down. Mary rolled her eyes, but then one of the men from the kitchen took his place, and she grinned and waved over the space seperating them. Mary stood in the line of women, facing the men as the music started up, her bright head of hair flaming as, in unison, the women fluttered into low curtseys.

The dance was playful, the couples weaving easily through each other. Mary threw her head back in a peal of laughter, watching her partner once again stumble over his large feet as they clasped hands and whirled around. It was a shame Robert hadn't been able to make it - he always enjoyed these kind of events.

As the music petered to a gentle end, Mary bobbed into a curtsey to the kitchen worker, clasping her skirts in her chapped hands and grinning broadly before allowing herself to be tugged back into the crowd for conversation. A tankard of wine was pushed into her hands, and she eagerly joined in with the meaningless, happy chatter. Occasionally, she would glance over the heads of the crowd, shooting a smile in the direction of the musician's platform.

It wasn't long before she recognised someone through the crowd. Mary smiled and waved to the familiar face, detaching herself from the group of gossiping servants and edging towards them. Her greeting wormed over the heads of the crowd, rising over the continuous roar of chat and laughter as she slipped closer...

"Having fun?"

[Queen Clare]

It had only been a few hours yet she was already feeling the faint smarting of fatigue envelop her as her fingers absently flirted with the rim of her goblet. There had been gracious speeches and prayers accompanied with a rich array of food that seemed to stretch on into the ominous horizon. Of course with such a tight strait as the one clasped around her chest she could merely consume no more than a small palm sized portion, much to the behest of the servants that seemed intent on shooting the young monarch savage glares all through the evening.

She had been befitted with all of the fashions she was so fabled for; rich, smokey plum silks adorning her lithe body, skirts pluming abruptly from her waist in cascades of everlasting material. She had of course left her hair long, despite the formalities dictating otherwise with a lavish spring coronet, flowered garnets clasped into her tresses. Under orders of Nan she had clasped her now favoured necklace from Eunan around her neck; the sapphire jewels almost garish against those that were favoured amongst the lesser nobles. In all, she looked as every Queen and every spring goddess should, each meticulously planned aspect of her appearance, groomed to within an inch of her life, much to the Queen’s own disdain.

Yet here she sat, after hours of preparation, simply alone and encased in self imposed exile as young couples in the first blooms of love, bounded around her. Fingers winding around the stem of the ornate silver goblet a sigh wormed through her lips; the tension that mounted the air was palpable. Those that dared look at herself and Eunan held such disdain for their presence it almost broke her already shattered heart to even sit with such a false sense of joy. Even Uther, it appeared, held a venomous contempt for the young royals that to sit idly in his court felt a travesty.. She had nearly feigned illness and shut herself away yet her pride, no matter how fractured, wouldn’t let her.

Today, she absently reminded herself, was not about herself and her almost romance, it was about revelling in the company of her supposed friends and relishing her husband’s charm not feeling so utterly soured by the recent days events. Sighing she brought a hand to rub over her face before settling back into her chair, head lolling against the wooden panelling as music, soft and gentle began to fill her ears and a smile wormed its way onto her face before falling away as she absently saw a dance tentatively beginning. Her smile furled onto her face once more as she glanced to her husband and she narrowed her eyes, spare hand cautiously inter twining with Eunan’s as vivid memories of her long since lost, youth flitted past her mind.

‘Majesty do you so remember when we danced as that? It seems so very long ago.’ She grinned, face turned toward her husband’s as she tentatively released his hand and raised the crimson wine to her lips once more, much to Nan’s disapproval, judging by her glare. She smirked, she must remember the previous ball her mistress had attended and Clare’s smile widened a fraction at the thought. Cautiously clearing her throat her eyes scanned the crowds as townspeople flooded the ball room.

The glares that had infected the air had quelled as most were focused on their tankards and Clare herself felt her body warm as another sip of calming liquid pooled in her chest and she settled back against her chair. The music picked up a beat as couples flooded the wooden floor, oceans of majestic colours igniting the hall in a band of everlasting beauty. Pulling at her own bodice she heaved herself from her seated position as Nan and Madge swept into deep curtsies and she turned to face her husband, lips contorted in a devilish smile as she inclined her head carefully, eyes gleaming a furious sapphire as topaz streams of light abounded the room and she in turn fell into a fleeting curtsy.

‘I should think I’ll socialise Sire, if you had no opposition?’ Raising her eyebrows poignantly, her eyes fleeting traversed the head table as the solemn king sat alone with only the bards joyous music to keep him company. ‘Perhaps I shall go find some women to converse with? Clare's eyes cautiously scanned around the packed room, heaving to the rafters as her eyes settled upon a lone figure.

This post has been edited by Queen Clare on Apr 6 2009, 04:52 PM

[Rhiannon]

Once the invitation to the Spring Festival arrived at the Lusk estate, everyone went crazy and excited at the idea of the annual ball that King Uther Pendragon held in Camelot. Rhiannon loved going to the annual Spring Festival, it was always fun and enjoyable. Rhiannon’s mother dragged her and Aurelia off to get new dresses to wear. She found a very nice and soft yellow colored dressed with green and white trimmings. She fell in love with the soft color and the cut of the dress; she bought it in an instant. However the next day had Earl Jared visit and heard about said dress. He disapproved of the dress entirely: the color, the cut, and how it covered Rhiannon’s shoulder. So, he demanded she wear something more “fiery” and “passionate” for Rhiannon to wear. Her parents approved with a hesitant.

She was now wearing the dress Earl Jared picked out for his fiancé. It was maroon red and yellow. The tight red corset kept Rhiannon was breathing properly, making it hard to talked and converse. The silk and fine skirt wrapped around her legs, pooling at her feet. Yellow silk draped from her red sleeves, covering much of her hands. Along the edge of the skirt and corset were yellow flowers decorating around it. Her shoulders were bare and out in the open, the bare skin was dangerously low. But Jared didn’t care if Rhiannon looked like a woman…well, well known to the bed chamber. Why did Jared made such a fuss over her choice of clothing when he wasn't going to show up.

Throughout the feast, Rhiannon sat next to her family family. Despite being in the same room with them, Rhiannon felt that they were worlds apart from her. No in her family other then Taran actually got her as a person. Too bad she didn't sit next to him. She barely ate her food, keeping her head down and her eyes lowered. The tables were being pushed back and the guests were lifted from their seats.

It was time for some dancing, and if she was in a right mood and able to breath in the ridicules corset, she would have grabbed her brother for a dance. Rhiannon let out the breath she had been holding in since they arrived, her chest straining against her clothing. She mentally wished Jared harm just for his choice of clothing. She moved away from her family and sat down on the wooden bench against the wall. She leaned back, closing her eyes and listen to the sound of the music.

This post has been edited by Rhiannon on Apr 9 2009, 11:33 PM

[Elizabeth]

Elizabeth hastily made her way through the courtyard, running towards the castle as fast as she could without attracting too much attention. She had skipped the feast, not having seen the pleasure in attending when she knew very little people. She was, however, determined to attend the rest of the ball. After all, it wasn't everyday that she had the opportunity to attend an event such as this, and she had been told so much about Camelots famous balls from Queen Clare that she felt obliged to make an appearance.

The castle gates seem to tower over her, making her more anxious about being confronted by Camelots royalty. She sighed heavily, adjusting her hair and brusing down her gown, the emerald silk running through her fingertips like water. Her hair tumbled down her shoulders, a few pieces pinned behind her head but otherwise in its naturally wavy state. It stood out, like a smearing of charcoal against the pale skin of her chest as it surrounded a gold set emerald that hung heavily around her neck. She bit her lip, anxiously entering through the castle gates.

After showing her invitation to the many guards, she had found herself entering the Ball Room of Camelot Castle. She forced her way through the crowd, trying desperately to hide how unpunctual she had been. She doubted whether anyone would notice that she hadn't been here for the feast but it was easier to sneak in and hide amongst the many people as to avoid attracting attention.

Skirts plummeted around her as she made her way across the hall. She scanned the area, taking in the beautiful architecture with its many decorative arches and stained glass windows. There was an explosion of colour around her as noblewoman weaved between her, their many coloured gowns merging into a patchwork of silks and satin. A little light fell in through the window, casting decorative patterns across the floor. Elizabeth marvelled at the sight before her, pleased that she had taken it upon herself to attend.

Obtaining a goblet of wine, she absently drummed her fingers against it's cold surface as she studied her surroundings once more. The music was lively and many people had taken it upon themselves to dance. She, however, was more concentrated on finding someone she knew. She only prayed that Alec or Simon attended or she would no doubt find herself alone for the majority of the evening.

She took a sip of the liquid, feeling it slide smoothly down her throat and refreshing her whole body. She would have to be careful, she knew that she didn't cope well with wine... Bending down, she took a seat in a nearby chair as she examined the many people around her. Her back straightened as she tried desperately to look presentable. The tightly fitted gown of hers had rouched and created waves of ruffled fabric as she took a seat. The light hit the silk, casting shadows over the material as she moved.

She tore her eyes away from her gown before glancing up into the crowd of people in the room. As one dance finished, the people silently moved to seek a new position and, as they did so, Elizabeth caught sight of someone she recognised...

This post has been edited by Elizabeth on Apr 6 2009, 03:07 PM

[Queen Clare]

Tentatively Clare inclined her head to Eunan before sauntering from the royal canopy, Nan and Madge cautiously following suit as she ambled throughout the crowds, a jovial grin on her face. The dying embers of day filtered through the majestic glass shrouding the east wall and she sighed, eyes absently scanning the masses for anybody with whom she could converse, even for a moment.

Her eye fluttered over the townspeople, faintly noticing the rash of crimson curls adorning the laundry maid’s head. She supposed of all the people pawing over her, Mary’s conversation would be best but she could readily feel Eunan’s gaze burning, searing the tender flesh of her neck, perhaps she’d talk to her later; meanwhile she would find some more suitable company.

It was odd, she mused, how one woman could create so many fervent enemies from friends in such a short space of time and she felt a groan worm through her lips as her eyes rested on the darkened crown of hair. A twinge of jealousy smarted her vision as she critically studied Elizabeth’s appearance, fingers flirting with her own flowered crown suddenly feeling so utterly foolish. The woman looked breathtaking and Clare’s jaw tightened, shooting an authoritive glance at her uniformly clad ladies she inclined her head toward the young woman before her. With a tight smirk her eyes narrowed and she tentatively glided over the hum of the room, smoked plum skirts traversing the area nimbly as she stood before the young lady of Maldon with a cold look angled upon her face.

‘Lady Elizabeth, I do so apologise for not visiting your good self sooner. I have been busy with preparations for the treaty and my husband’s unexpected arrival.’ Her voice was even and falsely pleasant as they echoed around the immediate area. A smirk tugged playfully at the corner of her mouth as she fell into a vacated seat left strewn about the heaving room.

Her hands cupped the crimson filled goblet that her ladies presented her with as they stood demurely behind their mistress. Their eyes curiously scanning Elizabeth as Clare herself took a lavish sip, eyes dangerously narrowed as she gestured imperiously around the room. ‘Beautiful is it not? Uther has truly out done himself and might I simply add that you, yourself are look unequivocally majestic Elizabeth.’

A slow grin wormed onto her face as she stared stoically straight ahead, Elizabeth sat next to her as her fingers furled around the silvered goblet and with an imperious inclination of her hand, Nan and Madge were gone; leaving only the two headstrong women. She wasn’t angry at Elizabeth, she had little cause to be, but perhaps she was disappointed with such an abrupt turnaround. The young woman had appeared repulsed by what she’d done, what she said. In truth, it was overtly unfair of Elizabeth; she hadn’t afforded herself a single chance to readily explain everything and in truth she no doubt did look like a monster.

Still, despite that, Clare had waited in her chamber’s near everyday for her company, pining for some form of female companionship besides that of her ladies. Elizabeth was so exceedingly similar in both mannerisms and physicality that perhaps they couldn’t stand to be within such close proximity. She smirked at the thought as her eyes focused upon a lone figure across from herself, an etching of familiarity tainting the woman’s features as Clare herself squinted.

Cupping her near drained goblet to her face, eyes trained on the vaguely familiar woman before her, she let a sigh taint the air. From the corner of her eye she noticed Nan’s wary glare and allowed to flutter shut in weariness as her head lolled back against the wooden chair and she absently groaned. Tonight, despite the false sense of joy that filled her face and tainted the air, was already souring her fragile mood and she carefully ripped her eyes open and tore her gaze toward Elizabeth, face still back against the chair. ‘Do you hate me Elizabeth? F...For what you think did?’ Her eyes and face were frank, voice wholly pleading as she looked on with disdain.

[Simon]

Simon's grinned, accepting a tankard of crimson wine from a passing man before plunging back into conversation. He hadn't been planning on attending tonight's festivities - Alec's ever changing attitude hadn't quite left him in the right mood. But here he was. A last minute decision which he couldn't find it in him to regret.

The food had been magnificent, throwing a shadow over the meal he had shared with Morgana, and certainly any meal he had eaten in the Golden Arrow. He had eaten probably more than his fair share, so when the tables had been cleared away he had found himself pleasantly full.

Now he stood in a small group of Nobles, cradling his tankard of wine in the bulging Ballroom. The decorations hanging from the ceiling, beautiful as they were, only made the gigantic room seem more crowded. Bodies pressed in from all angles, a symphony of pluming skirts and colours. Simon tried his best to concentrate on the people before him. Four women and another man - the ratio of the guests seemed to be in Simon's favor tonight.

Simon absently tugged at his sleeve, adjusting the snowy linen shirt. He was too warm. After all, over the top he wore a midnight blue doublet, buttoned neatly and with a light silver edging. These were the clothes kept tucked at the bottom of his trunk, folded carefully for a time when they were needed. They had been gathering dust these last few weeks, but with a bit of help from the maids at the Arrow they had cleaned up well enough. Teamed with ivory skin and shining, dishevelled chestnut hair, he fitted neatly into the collection of Nobles. Even now he could feel the familiar pinpricks of female gazes on the side of his face.

Simon looked over his shoulder, scanning the crowd as the other gentleman continued to drone on about his son, who was apparently training to be a Knight. The oldest Clare nodded in the right places, making noncommmital noises whenever he took a breath. Finally, from the corner of his eye, he noticed two women seated a short distance away. The younger drowning in pluming emerald silk and a head of coffee coloured curls, the elder surrounded by endless yards of plum, adorned with lavish jewels and raven waves.

Simon hadn't seen Elizabeth since the infamous kiss, which in itself was surprising, seeing as they lived yards from each other. And as for the Queen of Irick... well, he hadn't seen her since the Stables incident. His right hand flexed, the pattern of scars decorating his knuckles still firmly in place. Two pairs of dark eyes flickered in his direction, and Simon shot his trademark smile towards them. For some unknown reason, his stomach contracted with nerves.

He inclinced his upper body towards the Queen, a mark of respect through the rippling crowds. Simon then rose slightly, sending Elizabeth a shallower bow and a wide grin, raising his tankard to her briefly before turning quickly back to the small group.

To his hidden delight, he realised the other man had ambled away, his broad shoulders swallowed by the other guests and leaving Simon alone with the three young women. He lifted the goblet to his lips, smiling slightly, before leaning back in to immerse them once again in charming conversation... He hoped to get something from tonight, after all...

Over their shoulders he noticed a girl sitting alone, dressed in a crimson dress edged with yellow silk. Her pale shoulders were bare. Simon's attention was held by the small figure for a moment, before the soft hand of one of the women landed on his forearm and he forced a low smile, his gaze flickering back to his immediate surroundings...

This post has been edited by Simon on Apr 7 2009, 10:40 AM

[Kadeligh]

Kadeligh had been glad that she'd recieved an invitation for the Spring Festival, she found herself wondering what would have happened if she'd gone home to her father. She'd already sent word to him that she intended to stay a while longer, and although no answer had returned, she was content in believing that her father saw no problem with her absence. And if he did, then Kadeligh would return home, but for now she was going to enjoy herself at the festival.

Sitting beside her brother, she began to spend time conversing with him and finding out what had happened whilst she'd been at home with their father. It had been the first time that the two had really sat down and talked. Bedivere had been so busy with his duties, and she had been busy seeing old friends and meeting new people. But now, the two of them had the oppurtunity to pause their lives and actually talk to one another. The two were very close, and it was a shame that their meeting had been left for such a long time. It seemed her brother had been one of the knights to get injured a while back, and a quick panic of worry entered Kadeligh. Though she was proud of her brother, she often worried for his safety, and to hear that he had been wounded was not the easiest thing for her. But she tried to count her blessings, he was alive at least and luckily his injuries hadn't been too severe.

As prayers were said and the food was served, Kadeligh began to look at who else was here. She could see those she knew like Queen Clare, Uther, Arthur, Morgana, but there were many faces she didn't know. And she hoped that during the festival, she might become better aquainted with other nobles. After all, if she did decide to stay in Camelot, she would need to know more people, otherwise what would be the point in living here? It would also be good to socialise more with people of the same standing as her. Back at home, she tended to interact with those less fortunate then her, and that was because there was no one else really. Sure, she wasn't the only noble in her small vilage, but the others had been so.... flamoyant with their status. And Kadeligh had never gotten along with them. But so far, those she'd met in Camelot were different, so she was looking forward to the dance.

Finally, Uther announced that the tables would be taken away and music began. Standing up, she pecked her brother on the cheek and excused herself. She wanted to talk to Queen Clare, she hadn't seen her in a long time. Promising her brother a dance she began to walk in the direction of Clare. She hoped that she wouldn't just dance with her brother. Not only would it be odd, but rather insulting. But there was still plenty of time, so she didn't need to worry. Approaching Clare, she smiled and curstyed. "It has been a while since I saw you last, how are you?"

[Elizabeth]

Elizabeth sighed, noting that Clare had decided to approach. She really did not need this right now, but they were in public and she would have to show the woman some respect as much as she disliked it. Today was not a day where she had woken up wanting to be hanged at the pleasure of the royal Queen Clare of Irick. Anyway, her liking for the woman may have deteriorated but she still had some manners.

‘Lady Elizabeth, I do so apologise for not visiting your good self sooner. I have been busy with preparations for the treaty and my husband’s unexpected arrival.’

Elizabeth could not deny that she had picked up on the womans cold stare and false pleasance in her voice. She gave a spiteful smile, trying desperately to look even a fraction friendly but it had not worked overly well. In all honesty, she was very glad that she had not visited the woman sooner. Their last meeting had hardly gone to plan and now, everytime Elizabeth's hazel gaze met Clare's, she felt truly uncomfortable. How anyone could do what she did was beyond her.

"There is no need to apologise, Your Highness. I too have been extremely busy. May we just be glad that we have been given this opportunity to catch up," she answered, her sarcasm hidden beneath a pleasant tone and sweet smile. She was not trying to be rude in any sense as the last thing she needed was a fight. In all honesty, Elizabeth still respected Clare in some ways but these seemed to be overshadowed by other matters.

Elizabeth took another sip from her goblet, praying that she could find an excuse to leave this womans company soon. She threw her head backwards slightly, listening to the delightful music as Clare continued to create conversation between them.

‘Beautiful is it not? Uther has truly out done himself and might I simply add that you, yourself are look unequivocally majestic Elizabeth.’

Elizabeth glanced around the room, choosing to ignore the stares that Clare's ladies seem to be giving her. It was truly beautiful, Elizabeth could not deny it. She turned back to Clare and gave a forced smile, nodding lightly to show her thanks at the womans compliment. She could not, however, determine whether it was geniune or whether she had mustered it merely to make Elizabeth feel uncomfortable. Either way she would reply with courtesy.

"Thank you, Your Highness. It seems everyone looks particularly majestic today." She smiled coldly, tearing her eyes from Clare and glancing back at her surroundings. Clare looked stunning today, as she had done the day she had met her in the competition platform, and yet Elizabeth could not bring herself to say this. She feared it may have sounded like an insult if she had done. Anyway, she was unsure as to whether she wanted to be nice to this woman. As far as Elizabeth was concerned she did not deserve the respect that she was given, even if society permitted it.

She scanned the surroundings, Clare's presence beside her growing more and more unnerving. In the crowd of people her gaze fixed on Simon. She rolled her eyes, not particularly wanting to have to deal with what had happened last time they had met. Still, for now he seemed to be preoccupied and for that Elizabeth was truely grateful. He dropped into a shallow bow and shot Elizabeth a wide grin before raising his tankard to her brieftly. She grinned back, finding that Simons grin always seemed to be infectious, and lifted her goblet in return, nodding slightly as she did so.

‘Do you hate me Elizabeth? F...For what you think did?’

Elizabeth felt Clares gaze turn back towards her and Elizabeth turned her head to meet her gaze once more. She paused for a moment, contemplating her answer. Did she hate her? No, of course not but she hardly wanted to say how she did feel even if it was not quite as severe as hatred. "What I think you did? Do you mean to suggest that you did not do it?" She bit her lip, unsure as to whether she has sounded rude or not.

[Queen Clare]

Clare’s eyes absently scanned around the hall that appeared long since packed, heaving and shuddering with the forced effort to contain the volume of courtiers that flooded the banquet. A small smile furled absently at the corners of her lips as a familiar face dipped into a shallow bow and she sent a melodic laugh ring around the immediate area as she inclined her head toward the man, eyes narrowing as he sent a broad grin toward Elizabeth, raising her eyebrows she ripped her gaze to the young woman. She was a little surprised when her company challengingly tipped her head to meet her glance as she paused, words tentative as they echoed around Clare’s head.

‘What I think you did? Do you mean to suggest that you did not do it?’

She narrowed her eyes, a smirk contorted unpleasantly on her lips as she tore her gaze back to the crowd before her; raising her goblet once more, sighing in contentment as the crimson liquid flooded her chest with warmth. A small sigh escaped her lips as her head lolled once more against the wooden back of the chair. She had been a fool of even bringing up the tentative subject of Sybilla and her face hardened, a blank canvass pooling over her features as she took a breath, eyes still trained ahead, refusing to meet Elizabeth’s.

‘That is not what I meant; I had her sent away, but you stormed off in petulance before I had an appropriate chance to explain and even after that you abstained from visiting me, again out of a tantrum.’ She sneered, eyes narrowing as she drew a sharp breath, finally snapping her head back toward Elizabeth; gaze wholly deadly as she leaned in close. Taking another lavish sip of soothing wine she raised two fingers imperiously, silencing her company, eyes and face returning to center. She was being overtly rude yet she couldn't readily care; the girl's impudence ignited the fire that was so ebbing from her life.

’We shan’t talk of this anymore Elizabeth, now is not the time.’ Her eyes cautiously took toward the royal canopy and her husband as bitter thoughts cascaded before her eyes. At the present moment, what with his kingdom decidedly bare of an heir, she wasn’t overtly sure whether he’d favour herself over the brat. She turned her face fully back to Elizabeth once more, eyes and face softening as she inclined her head. She raised her eyebrows im amusement, tipping her head on an angle as she let a compressed breath as a flutter of material broke her from her self imposed reverie.

Her eyes widened in surprise, all the mounting tension that had shrouded the discussion was shattered and a jovial smile flitted upon to her face as Kadeligh curtsied and she found all ill feeling ebb from her muscles. Inclining her head as Kadeligh recognized her and she gestured to the spare seat to her left as the woman’s melodic voice filled her ears. ‘It has been a while since I saw you last, how are you?’ Clare’s smile widened as she bit her lip, breathing slowing as she met the blonde’s gaze. ‘I am well thank you Lady Sewell and yourself? I apologise for not visiting you sooner, I have been exceedingly busy. Lady Elizabeth can attest to that.’

Clare tipped her head to the woman toward her right, not sparing a glance at Elizabeth as she gestured in her direction. ‘Lady Sewell might I present the Lady Elizabeth of Maldon, we were just discussing how effortlessly beautiful everything is, do you not agree?’ Raising her eyebrows at Kadeligh, her smile fell into a pleasant quirk of the lips as she focused her attentions once more on the woman sat across from her, eyes narrowing intensely. The wave of familiarity was irking her, she simply couldn’t place the lithe figure anywhere yet she was fervently sure she had glanced upon those features once before. Quirking her eyes back up she took a lasting sip of her wine before discarding the goblet onto the table besides her, eyes still trained upon the lone figure.

She was exceptionally fair and yet appeared more than a little uncomfortable with the attention her provocative attire was fashioning. This fretting was no doubt, not helping her decidedly temperamental moods yet she couldn’t let the ill ease quell in her chest. Sighing, she bit her lip, brow furrowed at the woman whom she simply couldn’t place. Fleetingly glancing at both women she quirked her eyebrows and centred her face once more.

‘Do either of you ladies now whom that is?’ She inclined her hand toward the woman before adding to herself; ‘I know her face from somewhere, I swear it.’

[Alec]

The entire day had been spent preparing for the ball, and it would appear that the great lengths of effort that Alec had gone to had been very well worth it. After all, the sheer amount of money that he had spent on the preparations of his own looks was more than likely enough to force both Simon and his father to simultaneously groan with how much lighter it must have made both of their pockets. However, he had always been one to enjoy spending money on luxuries such as his looks, and he had spent as much money as he possibly could.

With the money that Simon had oddly generously given him for that occasion, he’d spent all of it within just an hour of receiving it. The first thing that he had bought was a groom, or hired one at the very least. Camelot seemed to be full of them on that day, being as there was a major event for all. This man, who was from France he soon noticed, was one of the best there to be hired, if not the very best. Despite hailing from a very small area, the family was rich beyond unbelievable measures and so he would only have the best presented to him. It soon became apparent that the man was very good indeed, as every single thing that he was bought for was soon accomplished. His hair had been given a fresh trim and wash, making the dark hair fall about his head perfectly and was as soft as it had ever been. His face looked resplendent as well, for the bruises and cuts had healed and the man made sure that it was washed well. The other thing he managed to do was make his teeth shine ever the more whitely than they had before, and all in all his appearance just looked magnificent.

Once all that was done, the choosing of outfits begun, and as opposed to merely wearing something that had been gathering dust in his trunk like he was sure Simon had done, he had gone to an extra degree and made sure that some maids brought some very good premade outfits for him to choose from to wear to the event. Once they had arrived, he was overcome with a mass of outfits in all imaginable colours. It took him around two hours to really settle on what he wanted, but in the end he reckoned that he had made the right decision indeed. The groom seemed pleased with the finished look of him anyway, and being as he was the expert in making sure that the young noble men of Camelot looked magnificent, it was safe to say that his opinion was very much valued.

The outfit that he wore to the ball was somewhat unusual for him. Where he usually favoured darker colours in purple, grey and black, he had chosen a much different style. Despite the fact there was a beautiful array of black and purple outfits to select from; the one that really caught his eye was a shining white one. It was pure white as well, not just a cream or some other disgusting white of that sort which would have revolted him. However, this whit was very nice indeed and had gold trim around the hems of the sleeves and the trousers just above where his boots would come. Adorned with a few golden rings, he looked every part the wealthy son of a noble and was proud of it. Needless to say, he was very much looking forward to the ball.

Although the past few weeks had depressed him more than he ever thought he could be depressed with the mugging and Simon’s behaviour, he was feeling happier. He had forgiven Simon for anything that he had done, and was willing to try and be pleasant to the man as he was his brother after all who looked after and protected him at every possible turn. It only seemed fair as a result that he should have put the effort in to at least try and get their relationship back on track in the way it should have been. Being as the spring festival was a happy time, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so.

Initially, the banquet was a good one until the prayers started. For them, he couldn’t really care to consider nor the introduction of the monarchs of Irick. Despite knowing Clare more than he would care to, he didn’t see the need in learning of Camelot’s politics or thanking God for food. Saying that though, the food was delicious and he supposed he shouldn’t have eaten any more than he should of considering the great lengths he had strived to make sure his teeth were perfectly white. However, he doubted eating would very much make a difference to their appearance.

Once the banquet had ended, he looked eagerly around for someone that he might have known as the masses of peasants began to flood into the hall. It was a beautiful site really, to see all the bright colours of the dresses flash by as women danced with their partners. The decorations were simply magnificent as well, and the whole scene was one of splendour. Still, he would have preferred to see someone he actually knew, as he had not seen Simon since the banquet had begun or indeed that whole day. He was far too busy making sure he looked good to worry about what Simon was doing.

When at least he saw his brother, he sighed heavily at the scene. His brother surrounded by four beautiful women was never a good thing, as that only ever meant that he would be lacking in attention received. That would simply not do of course, and he would make sure that he would get the attention he deserved. After all, back in Kirkwall, it was a common occurrence for him to go get his brother away from women so that he would either talk to him or play with a ball in their younger years.

Strolling over with pride, he soon noticed actually that since the cuts had gone, he had regained his youthful and eager looks which so many people found endearing. He was no longer the miserable and conflicted boy, but just the vain, lazy and slightly selfish one that he had been before. Stepping to their side, he noticed the women give him various annoyed looks as he disturbed whatever they were getting up to. Of course, he could have a good guess what they had in mind but being as Simon was his brother, he hardly wanted to know. That would just seem wrong on so many levels.

‘’Can I talk to you tonight? Or did you want me to go find someone else?’’ Alec asked pleasantly, hoping that would show he was trying to call a truce for their rather volatile relationship.

[Simon]

Simon was just laughing at some half-constructed annecdote when a slightly smaller figure wormed his way through the crowd, coming to a rest at his side. Simon glanced away from his company, glancing down to see Alec standing with his chin tilted proudly. His younger brother had clearly managed to spend every scrap of the money Simon had given him, dressed as he was in a tunic of shining white, every inch of him prefectly groomed within an inch of his life.

Simon almost grinned at the sight of him, but hid it by taking another sip of his wine. To his greater amusement, he noticed the young women surrounding him were also looking at Alec with vague irritation. Still, swallowing the rich, fruity liquid, Simon glanced back at his younger brother, who was looking up at him through the bright eyes that were almost identical to his own.

'’Can I talk to you tonight? Or did you want me to go find someone else?’’

Occasionally, Simon would understand why people had often described Alec as 'adorable'. When he wanted to, Alec could be quite pleasant company. From the looks of things, he had chosen tonight to make an effort, and with their relationship as strained as it was, that could only be a good thing. Simon smiled widely down on him, resisting an urge to rumple his brothers carefully tended locks. Perhaps it was the wine, or the company he had managed to secure, or the dancing and crowds of people, but he suddenly found himself in an amazingly good mood.

"Of course you can," he grinned. Clasping a reassuring hand over Alec's shoulder, he pulled him into the group of women, gesturing to them each in turn. "Lady Helena, Lady Anne, Lady Martha... May I present my youngest brother, Alec Clare."

He gave himself a small smile, glancing over his shoulder while Alec made his introductions. Elizabeth and the Queen of Irick still seemed deep in conversation, but they had now been joined by a third woman. He could only see the back of her head, but she was blonde, which couldn't be a bad thing.

Turning back to the group, Simon inclinced his head to the women. "Would you please excuse us, Ladies?" He nodded, turning his attention to the blonde woman to his right. "Helena, would you do me the honour of a dance later?"

The girl smiled and nodded, her cheeks becoming pleasantly rosy as Simon treated her to his infamous grin, touching Alec's shoulder again and turning away. Striding to a man carrying a silver tray, Simon placed his empty tankard down, refused another, and turned to face his sibling. They were stood by a window, and crowds crushed in from all sides, the sounds of laughter and talking filling the Ballroom completely.

"So.." Simon asked, his voice vaguely teasing, but not unkind. If Alec was going to make an effort, so should he. "I'm guessing you spent all that money?"

[Alec]

A smile quickly unfurled on his plump lips as Simon said that it would be fine to talk to him, and he displayed the teeth that he had spent so much money on to make white. He was just really pleased however that Simon had decided to talk to him, as he wouldn’t have been surprised at all if he would have refused due to the company of women and the fact that 9 times out of ten their conversations turned into arguments at that moment. However, that was evidently not the case this time around and he couldn’t help but go into a very good mood indeed because of it.

‘’Hello’’ he vaguely said to the women who his brother had just introduced him to, noticing that now that they knew he was actually kind of sweet they had not been so irritated by his interrupting in their chatting with his brother. They actually seemed decent really, and compared to some of the other liaisons that his brother had had with women, they were perfect. In fact, he would have much rather he spent time with some of these women than he with a lot of who he liked.

Speaking of dodgy liaisons his brother had, a worry that Beth may have been attending the ball filled his mind, and he gulped uneasily. He was in such a good mood that he wouldn’t be able to stand her wrecking it with her presence, like she surely would. Of course, if he did see a flash of blonde hair and her familiar features, he would ignore her. He didn’t need to get into any argument when it looked like his brother was going to be kind to him. Not that he was ever unkind, but it looked like their relationship would merge into friendship once more that night and he didn’t want to put it into jeopardy at all.

However, he did very much want to see Elizabeth there, and see what she was wearing. Despite how shallow that would have sounded, he did actually want to see her to enjoy the girl’s company as well, being as he usually did. He supposed that they would have to discuss the possibility of her accompanying them to Kirkwall some time as well, but that could wait for the time being. After all, if Simon didn’t like the idea then that would have ruined any fresh start he was hoping for entirely.

As Simon asked to be excused, and offered Helena dance, Alec rolled his eyes in a brotherly teasing way, hoping that Simon wouldn’t see it. Besides, he didn’t understand why he wanted Helena anyway, as Lady Martha was far better looking, but then he did like Beth so he obviously had rather poor tastes at times. Also, he guessed that he could ask her for a dance himself as the night progressed, and he would hazard a guess she would oblige. He did look brilliant after all.

Following his brother like he always did, he soon grabbed a silver goblet with wine in it off of one of the servants who were unfortunate not to have had the day off. He felt a bit sorry for them really, being as they couldn’t enjoy the evening like everyone else was, but then the atmosphere was lovely so he doubted it mattered very much at all. It was perhaps the liveliest he had ever seen Camelot on mass, and he was going to enjoy every last moment of it.

Alec raised his eyebrow as Simon’s question, and nodded. It was fair to say that he was broke now, and he didn’t have as much money as one of the peasants. Of course, Simon and his father had much more to give to him, but that wasn’t his really. Obviously he wouldn’t complain however, as money was money and even if he wasn’t obsessed with it like some men were, he still liked it all the same when he could use it to improve his own appearance.

‘’Yeah, I did. But I spent it well don’t you think? I’m the best looking man in this place’’ he replied, rather cockily. ‘’You look great as well though. You would have beaten me as well if you would have bought the services of a groom and some new clothes. Oh well though,, maybe the next ball you should do that.’’

[Elizabeth]

‘That is not what I meant; I had her sent away, but you stormed off in petulance before I had an appropriate chance to explain and even after that you abstained from visiting me, again out of a tantrum.’

Elizabeth jaw dropped. Why did the woman insist on being so infuriating! Her words were true in some senses, maybe Elizabeth should have listened to what she had to say, but there was no reason for her to be openly rude about it! She narrowed her eyes and glared at Clare, opening her mouth to retaliate only to be silenced by two fingers that she held in front of her face. Elizabeth furrowed her brows and shook her head, utterly bewildered as to how she could be so rude. She inhaled heavily, desperately trying to calm herself and the anger that was bubbling in the pits of her stomach. Slowly her frown faltered, the wrinkle in her forehead smoothing out, as she gave a small smile. She wasn't going to give Clare the satisfaction of seeing her angry, and anyway the last thing Elizabeth wanted was a fight.

’We shan’t talk of this anymore Elizabeth, now is not the time.’

Clare turned to look at Elizabeth, her features suddenly softening. Elizabeth breathed a heavy sigh of relief and inclined her head towards the other, her brown locks falling over her shoulders as she did so. As much as Elizabeth disliked what this woman had done, she could not deny that part of her wholly respected her. Had she not known what Clare had done, Elizabeth was sure that she would have greatly appreciated her company. It would have made a change to have a female to talk to.

A blonde girl approached the two of them and Elizabeth breathed another sigh of relief. The anger within her stomach slowly died, only to be replaced with pure curiousity as she curtsied towards Queen Clare. Elizabeth studied the woman. She had not seen her before but she looked liked pleasant company.

‘Lady Sewell might I present the Lady Elizabeth of Maldon, we were just discussing how effortlessly beautiful everything is, do you not agree?’

"It's a pleasure." Elizabeth smiled in the ladys direction, trying desperately to ignore the fact that Clare had not even looked at her. Who was acting childish now? Elizabeth felt a smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth but she dared not say anything, not while there were so many people around. She really did not fancy getting into trouble today.

Elizabeth tore her eyes from the two woman to her left and glanced back around the hall, scanning for anyone she recognised. There were huge numbers of people and she found herself moving her head from side to side in an attempt to see around the crowds. She found her eyes turning back to Simon who had now been joined by Alec. A huge grin spread over her face as she made a mental note to find him later in the evening. Now, however, she could hear Clares voice ringing authoritatively beside her and she snapped her head back around, inclining it to the right as she listened.

‘Do either of you ladies now whom that is?’

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes and followed Clare's hands. Her gaze fell upon a young woman whom she had been acquainted with merely days before. She looked rather uncomfortable and Elizabeth sighed heavily, nodding slightly in answer to Clare's question but refusing to look at her.

"That," she answered, eyes still fixed on the lone figure opposite, "is Lady Rhiannon Lusk."

[Simon]

‘’Yeah, I did. But I spent it well don’t you think? I’m the best looking man in this place’’

The older man scoffed at the cockiness embedded in his brother's tone. Alec really was unbelievable. Simon crossed his arms, scanning the room. There were a lot of people here, including the Prince Arthur and the King of Irick. Although Alec had obviously made an effort - the sun gleamed through the window in his carefully aranged locks of hair, and he really did have a good, if slightly excentric taste in clothes - he was still young in many ways. Simon didn't think he had to worry about Alec's competition right yet.

"That's a big claim you're making there," he grinned, nodding through the crowds to where the King's family stood. "You've got some stiff competition."

’You look great as well though... Oh well though... maybe the next ball you should do that.’’

"Wow." Simon raised one thick eyebrow sarcastically. "Thanks?" He was just opening his mouth to give a cutting reply back, probably focusing on Alec's continuing lack of a growth spurt, when someone waved at him over his little brother's shoulder. For a moment, Simon's attention was caught, then a slightly wicked smile wormed its way onto his features, and sharp blue eyes flicked back to Alec.

"Right. You're going to have to excuse me," he smiled, "I owe someone a dance." With a wide smile, Simon clapped a large, reassuring hand over Alec's slender shoulder, his pale skin merging with the snowy material. "Elizabeth's over there," he smiled, nodding through the crowd where a flash of emerald could just be seen. "You should go talk to her. I'll be back in a while."

At the words, Simon felt a shiver of guilt pass through him. But as far as Alec was concerned, Simon had never spoken to ELizabeth alone, and the oldest brother was happy to keep things that way. Giving Alec's shoulder a gentle squeeze, Simon turned away and plunged into the surging crowd.

It didn't take long for him to reach Helena's side, and the blonde titled her head playfully as the oldest Clare son offered her his arm. Her small hand nestled in the crook of his elbow, Simon led her to the dancefloor, where a small army of couples were whirling into position. The music started off, and Simon answered her billowing curtsey with a bow of his own, before stepping forward to take her hand in his, blue eyes remaining locked with his partners.


This post has been edited by Simon on Apr 11 2009, 10:42 PM