Duty Comes First

You'd have thought people would have gotten tired by now

Even you? Now that is a miracle indeed. Is it because some beautiful woman has swept you off your feet?

crashandbreak

Maybe so. What would you do to find out, hmm?

Oh, really? Well, you've certainly gained my curiosity now. Hm, I'd promise to try not to nag you? And maybe I could create a distraction for you from mother and father if you wanted to find some alone time with your lady. She laughs.

#Colton

Yes, we did, father.. But, I don’t know if I can do it. I.. I’m terrified, I’m not ready for this. No, you’re right. Forget I brought the matter up. I’m just being selfish.

king-abrahamson

This is a matter better discussed in private. Remember your place, Demelza. Go. Enjoy the party and be with your friends.

#Kol #//and now she is going off to her room to cry #poor baby ;P

You're right. I should not speak my mind so freely. My apologies, father. I think I'm a little tired of the festivities for the moment, however. I'll be in my chambers if you need me.

king-abrahamson

Well, I cannot argue with that. For once I can barely see a frown in the room. The festivities have surely lightened everyone’s mood. Father, I do not feel ready. And I do not know Callum very well - or, at all, really. Couldn’t you.. Couldn’t you try to reconsider?...

Yes, we did, father.. But, I don't know if I can do it. I.. I'm terrified, I'm not ready for this. No, you're right. Forget I brought the matter up. I'm just being selfish.

#Kol

king-abrahamson

But, at least we would have fun in the process? It would be a much more interesting way to spend our money than some dreary castle repairs. If slightly less necessary.

Uh.. Nothing, Father. Just that, well, I do not quite feel mature enough to marry. It is a daunting...

#Kol #//it's fine!#sorry for mobile repky

Well, I cannot argue with that. For once I can barely see a frown in the room. The festivities have surely lightened everyone's mood. Father, I do not feel ready. And I do not know Callum very well - or, at all, really. Couldn't you.. Couldn't you try to reconsider? Please?

You'd have thought people would have gotten tired by now

But still the ballroom is full to the brim. It’s quite amusing.

crashandbreak

You kidding me. Even I started liking this all.

#Colton #//sorry I'm on mobile!

Even you? Now that is a miracle indeed. Is it because some beautiful woman has swept you off your feet?

You'd have thought people would have gotten tired by now

But still the ballroom is full to the brim. It's quite amusing.

#strongstart

shimmeringinferno-blog-blog

A Window's Ledge ll Demelza & John

John had disappeared through the night. He avoided the floor as he knew that his brother was there. John liked celebration as much as he liked both women and wine, but sometimes he just couldn’t handle the combination of all of this together. He needed a breath without anyone hovering above his head. John knew exactly what Kinsey would say, as he had said it in the past. ‘honor our house, John’ or even accurately ‘You are dishonoring our house, John’, the thought was already embedded in John mind. He had grabbed himself a cup of wine as he made his way out, the Ale was good, but John preferred something a much more delicate taste. It seems delicate things has become that of his wanting lately. He smirked, the thought brought him this warmth yet tickling sensation down his spine. As he made his way away from the center of the celebration, he stumbled from room to room. Some doors he had opened which he shouldn’t have as the vision of naked bodies was not something he was currently searching for. John made his way further down the hallway, not knowing what way exactly he could make, but his feet did not stop moving.

In reality, this week long celebration was the only week he could actually have to himself. The only time John could actually do what he pleased without fearing for anyone’s judgment or specific duties. Sure, John knew that his ambition to be elevated would never be submerged underneath fleeting parties, yet, he couldn’t help to make this time count. Perhaps, John just needed time to think what next step he could take. The world was far more complicated compared to it was last few months. Before all of this all he had was his ambitions and what he needed to do, only him to worry about. But, everything had shifted. There was Lilith in his mind then, he needed to worry for her. Kinsey would probably rip her reputation to shreds if he knew what John had done, and she had let him do. He should not be courting her, that was true, for she was a girl with no name. “Fuck all the names,” He muttered, sipping the wine when he felt slightly irritated. There was a door that was slightly opened not far in front of him, John frowned, but then it turned into a small smile, maybe he could have a minute alone there. When he was closer he could hear murmurs, a voice of a…woman. A woman who was crying. Thinking the worst, John pushed the door open, panic, suspecting it to be the woman he was worrying about. A slight glad breath rushed from his chest, but then he remain concerned, it was… the princess. “Princess?” He called softly.

#john #//sorry this took so long!

Demelza did not notice the presence of another in the room until John's voice spoke out and she felt herself jump from shock. She had been lost in her own thoughts, but quickly turned her head to the side to take in the sight of the man, silhouetted by the light from the doorway. "I, uh- my apologies." Quickly, she wiped the tear drops from her cheeks, and almost instantly it was as if they had never been there at all, a well-trained mask of a smile returning to the Princess's features. She raised her eyebrows, before turning her head head back to the view of the Capital before her.

"John Holck," she recognised him from other festivities, but she had never spoken to him, of course. In fact, all she had heard of him was mainly from his brother's mouth, who had not cast him in a particularly good light - yet, Demelza assumed that was more because of the problems in their relationship. "I've heard much about you, from your brother." There was a small smile on her lips, an almost amused look on her face. Kinsey did intrigue her, though she wasn't sure why.

"Come over here," She moved her skirts so there was space for him to sit on the window ledge, shuffling to one side so he could sit beside her. "It's a wonderful sight." That was true. It was one she would never grow tired of. There were lights flickering from buildings below, making the scene seem as if it were dancing with the flames.

"What brings you here, Sir Holck?"

A Window's Ledge ll Demelza &

Demelza had grown to know the castle well. Seventeen years of learning the ins and outs of every corridor, every twist and turn had come to serve her well. When she was ten, she first discovered the small, unused room she had hidden away in for the past hour. It was not the room that was particularly exciting - just a square box with bare brick walls and cold stone floors - but the window which encompassed one of the walls. It was a huge arch of iron carved into the grey wall, the panes of glass long since lost, but the hole left behind gave an almost endless view of the Capital below. Every twisting road, every grand house and pleasant inn was visible (if in ant-like size) to the young girl.

Since a child version of Demelza had made the discovery, it had quickly become one of her favourite places to think. From that window she could see every place she'd never truly be able to experience - every tavern filled with drunks but full of chatter and laughter; every humble home, over-brimming with the warmth of family and simple lives of little duty. Whenever she was upset, or whenever the chores of a princess became too much for her to bear, she would sit upon the window ledge she had found, allow the wind to blow her hair in billows and take in every piece of normality beneath her. It made her feel better.

So, after hours of dancing and endless chatter and congratulations for her engagement, Demelza had decided it was time to move through the hallways of the castle, to the ledge she had claimed as her own. As always, she removed her shoes and hopped onto the slab of stone, being careful not to tear her dress. The winds were icier than usual, what with the promise of winter, and after only a few minutes she felt herself shivering and her teeth chattering. It didn't matter. She watched the city she had grown to love by gazing from afar, and then a sudden realisation hit her. Soon, this would not be her view anymore. Not much longer, and the intricate architecture and high buildings would be replaced by an endless view of blue sea and ships. By a city she knew barely anything about. Then, she realised, she was terrified.

Demelza had never cried about her engagement. It was something she had accepted and pushed to the back of her mind, convinced herself that some mishap would present itself along the way and perhaps it would never happen after all. That was a fantasy, she knew. She also knew that it was her duty to do whatever her family asked of her, but that also did not mean she had to be happy about it. The warm tears down her cheeks were almost a shock, it had been so long since she had cried for anything, having become an expert at composure under her mother's guidance.

"A princess doesn't cry," She murmured to herself in the darkness, the golden cascade of hair the only thing visible in the moonlight, "A princess does not cry."

#strongstart #//this got a bit lengthy #but here have a para

Did--was there someone there a moment ago?

There is nothing here that does not make me uncomfortable. On the field, in battle, I know my place—like you know how to dance, perhaps.

No, I am not close to any of my brothers or sisters. It is just what it is. And, and even if there was a lady whose heart I wanted to win, it would be just as likely that I would be decided for another house—and that would be to do dishonorably by both women. And besides that, it is all speculation—castles in the air—there is no one, either way.

Ah, well, perhaps I should reword my phrase. I am sorry if I made you any more uncomfortable. There are gardens towards the back of the castle if you wish to have an escape from the crowds for a while, I often sneak out during festivities like this when I need a breather.

Do you not wish to be? But, does that not upset you? That your fate must be decided by someone other than yourself? True, your duty is your duty and you must obey, but would you not even be disheartened? Yes, but the point is, that there might be one day. Love is not something you can predict - or so I've heard. You never know.

#kinsey

Did you see the lanterns hanging?

Yes I am Demelza, it was wonderful to be invited. I didn’t think I would ever come to an event like this. It’s marvelous

Of course you were invited! I am glad you are enjoying it. Hopefully it has given you a good impression of the Capital, and there haven't been many drunks enjoying the festivities too much.

#lilith

Did you see the lanterns hanging?

She has excellent taste, I wish I knew how she got them to hang like little stars, even and perfect.

I'm sure she'd be more than happy to inform you, if you can find her amongst the crowds. She takes great pride in such things, and will be overjoyed to hear your praise. I trust you are having a good time?

#lilith

Did--was there someone there a moment ago?

Ah. Thank you. He does not repeat the attempt, but nods his head, respectfully. He fidgets.

Only a little. I seldom see either of them. What sort of incident was that? Highwaymen? I just dealt with such scum—they were trying to flee the mountain lands, but I rode them down. Even the worthy ones are not a match for the littlest sliver of my forces.

Does happiness really matter so much? If one is fulfilling one’s purpose, then that should be enough to be contented with. Kinsey grimaces, thinking of Lord and Lady Holck.

My apologies. I did not wish to make you uncomfortable.

Ah, that is sad. And you are not close to that brother of yours, either? John, I think you said. Yes, highwaymen, or something of the sort. The men you train must be highly skilled, and I assume you are then, too. Especially since you have trained for so long, as you said.

Perhaps you are right.. but, do you not believe you have a duty to yourself, also? It will be a miserable life to be married to someone whom you don't even know, never mind care for. She sighs, glancing away from Kinsey. But, duty comes first.

#kinsey

Did you see the lanterns hanging?

I hadn’t noticed them before today

Something my mother picked out, most probably. They are rather beautiful.

#lilith

Did--was there someone there a moment ago?

Caught off-guard, Kinsey tries to smile, instinctively obeying an order as if Demelza was a commander. He cannot quite seem to do it. He abandons the effort, instead focusing on something he does understand.

A knife would be a more practical weapon for a high-born lady. There are shieldmaidens in the world, who ride into battle swords drawn, but they are, like me, trained from youth to do such things. No one would send a princess to a battlefield, but conceivably danger might come to her. My sisters can defend themselves, if need be.

Sewing and those skills must be useful in their places, but I cannot imagine myself trying to dance outside of Strongholm. I am unlikely to win any lady’s heart—I am unlikely to need to. You understand. Your own marriage is arranged.

#kinsey #kinsey holck of ironscowl #I like it

At his smile - or, at least, his attempt - Demelza cannot help but beam back with enthusiasm, letting out a small cheer. You see? It most certainly looks better on you than your frown.

That goes to show how little I know of fighting. I have always been reliant on my guards, but I had an incident on the road just a few days ago which made me realise how defenceless I am without them. Did you help teach your sisters?

At the mention of her engagement, her smile falters for a moment. Trust me, a marriage is much better when the pair at least make an attempt at finding love. You would be happier for it, even if your marriage was a thing of politics. I'm sure if you put your mind to it you could win some lady's heart.

crashandbreak

Oh no! You found out my secret! He fakes a terrified gasp. widening his yes until he’d join her in her laughter.

Father would die of embarrassment and our ancestors will turn around in their graves, oh dear.

It was only a matter of time, dear brother. But since you are so fond of them I shall not spread your little secret. Wouldn't want to tarnish your reputation, now, would I?

Oh, well. Personally, I do not think it would be a bad way to disrespect our anscestors. There could be worse.

#colton

Did--was there someone there a moment ago?

He stumbles every so often, but missteps become fewer and far in between. As she says, he’s picking it up; it is not so different from footwork. Kinsey frowns, deep in concentration. Praise of any sort discomfited him, and he was not quite sure he wanted to pursue any such ‘potential.’

My father put a sword in my hand the moment I could walk and hold it at the same time. Perhaps even before. That was everything—is everything, still. You are right. When I am finished with my duties to my house, I have no time for anything like this.

#kinsey #// always the frowny face

At the concentrated frown on his face, Demelza cannot help but laugh to herself. Though, her dancing never skips a beat despite her distraction, the skill which had become like second nature since childhood.

You are always so serious, Sir. Perhaps you should try a smile for once, who knows? It may suit you. It would certainly be a sight to see.

Well, it sounds much more interesting than learning to sew and be a lady. I'd have liked to have learnt even a small part of the art of combat, even just to defend myself, but it was never seen as proper for a princess. Perhaps one day we should trade skills. I could teach you to dance, if you were to help me hold a sword. Although, I'm not sure where you'd find dancing useful - maybe to win the heart of some lady?

Did--was there someone there a moment ago?

Kinsey struggles to follow her lead, lagging a few steps behind her until he manages to pick up, with great difficulty, the pattern. He grimaces, feeling, for the first time in his life, ungainly and awkward. His hands rest uneasily and as lightly as possible where she has placed them.

It is still not easy. How—how do you move so quickly? Does everyone here know this dance?