{libation: chapter two/4} helena, samuel, and nicholas
Nicholas: Honestly, Sammie--*shushes him and rolls his eyes*
Samuel: *nose wrinkles; he stops trying to overhear what the council were saying through the door were saying* Do not shush me! *attempt at a withering glare, a bit tempered by the chocolate on his lips, from his armful of stolen kitchen goodies.*
Nicholas: Ooh-oh, I apologize. *amused, forgetting about the council meeting too momentarily, * Practicing your Lords tone are you?
Samuel: Why? *narrow eyed still*
Nicholas: You sounded like Dad.
Samuel: *instant smiles* Really?
Nicholas: *smirk* Spitting image. If Dad looked like a chipmunk while did i-ow! *Samuel had stepped on his toes.*
Samuel: Why Nicholas, you poor dear -- *brushes off his shoulder while Nicholas lifts his toes and glowers, rubbing them* -were you hurt by a chipmunk?
Nicholas: *face breaks into a smile, snorting once though a laugh* All right, nice one Sammie. *He lifts his hand for Samuel to shake.* Bygones?
Samuel: *Beaming, he shakes it and only then realizes how loud they'd been when they hear "might have known! Not back five minutes!" In Cook's booming voice behind them, and he pinks,* Run!
Nicholas: I said to be quiet! *grabbing his brother's hand and careening off with him,* only to come to a sudden stop face to face with his cousin Helena Faye.* Oh!
Helena: *Her parents had hugged her for what seemed like an eternity and didn't want to let her go. Vlad reminded them that breath was necessary to survival, and even then, her dad just hugged her tighter for a moment before reluctantly letting her go. Honestly, a part of her didn't want to. It felt good to be back at home, and she wanted to spend time with them but running a county and a court did leave limited time together. Even still, they had all promised time together later on the day, and Helena had already told them to prepare themselves because dinner was going to be spent by her discussing her Quidditch matches play by play (she had been the lead scorer, not only of her team but the entire teams. Even still, Ravenclaw came second to Slytherin, the cheeky buggers. Wishing Rosie and Liam were there (but knowing they were with their siblings and Adelina at home, George joining them later) she walked the hallways of her home, both glad and nervous to be back. So much had occurred in so little time. Her father looked like he had aged 7 years, though she had not the heart to tell him. People were decidedly meaner, and some blatantly disrespectful. Helena was better than that, though. She didn't give in to petty insults whispered behind gloved hands. Stopping suddenly when she was about to round a corner, she put a hand over her heart on her new dress (a welcome home present, which looked wonderful on her, much to her pleasure), having been startled. Seeing her cousins, she exhaled and then rolled her eyes. They looked as guilty as a cat caught with a mouse in its mouth.* Oh, what trouble have you two gotten into -now-?
Nicholas: None. *Instantly imploring, he winks at her. It was true: they were not currently in any trouble as they had not been caught. Well caught by anyone but their girl cousin who -- actually maybe he should rephrase this. She might hurt him.*
Samuel: Hi Helena! *he waves, but is indignant* No trouble - we promised Mum and Dad we'd behave. *as he's stuffing the pastries in his coat, he hears a loud 'stay out of my kitchen!'*
Nicholas: *corrects* Some.
Samuel: Not much. It's okay though, we did not break the promise.
Nicholas: *nods* Cause Dad said 'mostly' when Mum was not looking.
Samuel: *mouth full* He-pf-did, yeah *swallows hard; Helena was a lady, he shouldn't talk such in front of her*-- do you want one? *Holding out a chocolate muffin, thinking what his Dad had said about respecting ladies. Only right that moment when he thought of his father, he just thought about being squeezed so tightly he couldn't breathe.*
Nicholas: And -*finishing*- if Sammie could keep quiet, it would have been none.
Samuel: Oi, you spoke first.
Nicholas: I wanted to hear!
Helena: Right. *her countering reply was just as quick, her eyebrows raised in disbelief and her mouth curled in amusement. Turning to Sammy- oh, she corrected herself it was -Samuel- she smiled and waved too* Hi, Samuel. *With treats in his hands en route to his pockets. The distant shout of Cook reached her ears and it only widened her grin. Oh, what idiots boys could be, especially boys related to her.* That sounds like uncle. *Her parents weren't pleased with him, that much she knew and had inferred by herself without having to be informed, but the last thing she wanted was dispute. Well, that was the last thing she wanted now, the first thing she wanted-* You're a mind reader and a darling, Samuel, thank you. *She beamed as she took the muffin and tore off a piece between her fingers and popped it in her mouth. Delicious. Ears picking up something of interest besides usual sibling quips, she tilted her head and then asked* Hear what?
Nicholas: *Beaming in smug pride and agreement, he said lightly,* Of course. Dad trusts us. Mum just frets.
Samuel: *giggles as he finishes off the muffin* Whose being lordly and posh now, Nicholas?
Nicholas: *shrugs* Just was true. How come I don't get one?
*points at the muffin*
Samuel: Helena is nice to me. *teasing, prim like his mother*
Nicholas: I'm not supposed to be nice, I'm your brother. *in the same teasing tone that rather sounds like his father*
Samuel: Rude. *goes to give Helena another one and then straightens with the secret, dropping his voice to a whisper,* The Council is meeting- we saw them go in and well, it looked like Lord Stuart was going to either strangle Lord Estbury --
Nicholas: *snort* Or have his head explode.
Samuel: And we were going to leave but there were raised voices - something about security for the Hogwarts Express - did you notice anything? *sidetracked*
Nicholas: *imploring importantly* As we wanted to keep heads from exploding, we were keeping watch.
Helena: *Mothers usually fret, Helena thought. But fathers fret too, especially with their daughters. For example, while her mother had commented at how great the dress had ended up fitting her, her father had asked before leaving for a meeting if it was absolutely necessary for her to wear a corset. Honestly, just because he was off committing sins at 15, doesn't mean she was. Actually, if he thought she was, she would never be allowed out of her chambers. Merlin, them having found that book had been embarrassing enough. She took another piece of the muffin in her mouth, licking a bit of chocolate off her nail before she straightened up, her eyes wide* You could hear?! *It was in a panicked whisper, and she had to remind herself to stop frowning.* What happened to the wards? Dad put them up himself- no one is supposed to hear...*As interesting as an almost murderous George was (alright, interesting was not the correct choice of words), she was decidedly distracted* Was anybody else around you? Listening? We have to go check. *She put the half eaten muffin in Nicholas' hand and then started moving past them.*
Nicholas: *His brows furrowed - oh, right - but his shoulders just shrugged.* Dunno. Maybe he yelled before they got them up.
Samuel: *snorts, eye rolls* She just said the wards were already up dear brother-
Nicholas: Oh all right, you're so clever -you- tell me.
Samuel: *at once* Seal must be broken. *taking Helena's hand and following her, not certain why she was so startled. If the ward was down it was good, wasn't it? They could overhear now!*
Nicholas: *Following both reluctantly and confused he added,* The seal?
Samuel: Yeah - *over his shoulder* the wards don't prevent someone inside hearing what's going on outside if the door is open, right? And what are you doing in Charms anyways?
Nicholas: No one else was there...that we saw. *non deterred or insulted,* And usually, playing pranks on the - oi what year are you again?
Samuel: *shoots him a glare*
Nicholas: Anyway, the door was closed.
Samuel: That one was. *whispering now as they rounded the corner* Maybe another bit was open and brokensomewhere. *This was fun; it was like one of Jane's mystery novels, or those one Dad read aloud.*
Helena: *Walking with Samuel hand in hand, while Nicholas trailed along a few steps behind them, she realized she could close her eyes and still know where she was. She had that much knowledge of her home, and spent nearly all her time exploring. Court was crowded now especially during the summer but years ago, in the random months, the loud noises quieted to a dull roar. Oh, it was never truly quiet, and she loved it that way, but enough that actual peace could be achieved. No longer, was the sad thought that crossed her mind for a brief moment. Focusing again on her cousins, she took in the facts. The door was closed, but they could hear the councillors inside yelling, (men of such high positions would just say that they were in an enthusiastic discussion but Helena knew the truth) and no one was -visibly- there. Reaching outside the doors, she strained her ears. Either the councillors had calmed down or the wards were back in place. She took out her wand.* Homenum Revelio. *Only three, the three of them. Frowning briefly, she put her wand behind her ear for a moment until she was sure she didn't have to use it again. She spoke in a whisper* Where were you two standing?
Samuel: *He followed every motion of her wand, determined to learn while Nicholas double checked that Cook had not come back. Distracted, he leaned to whisper,* You shouldn't put your wand there - *in a low, worried voice,* - you might lose your ear.
Nicholas: Stop listening to Charles and Rick -*just as distracted, as he strains his ears to see if he could hear* - start listening here. *nose twitches as Samuel sticks his tongue out on him*
Samuel: *He was glad Dad wasn't in that room. He didn't want him to be mad - he and Mum were upset enough. Just the mention of Rick had made him frown, wondering if they were supposed to mention him and then wondering well - what they were supposed to do if they weren't to mention him: he was their cousin! Pushing the thought off he tugged on Helena's hand.* Oooover here. *indicating quiet to Nicholas*
Nicholas: *nodding and indicating his own silence as they approach the side with the tapestry, he paused suddenly: the tapestry. Turning to Helena he hissed - it was her home after all -* Is there a secret passage thatgoes in there?
Samuel: *Why wouldn't they spell that too? Pausing very suddenly as in one particular spot he hears Lord Baudet's drawl as if he was standing next to him, he realizes he's hidden behind the tapestry and a book case if he needed to be - and blinks. He makes a disgusted face.* Ugh. He is worse than Binns. I am going to fall asleep. *He wondered if there was a way he could get Lord Stuart to talk again: his argument had been much more entertaining, even if Samuel didn't get a word of it. Nicholas didn't need to know that of course.*
Nicholas: *gleefully, even as he nods in agreement whispering,* Well it's a small hole anyway...it's probably a mistake Lena.
Helena: *She smiled fondly at her younger cousin, restraining a giggle by biting on her bottom lip. She whispered back* I'll be fine, it's only for a little. *He follows Nicholas and Samuel's tugging hand to the spot they were in, straining her ears. Still, couldn't hear anything. Until, oh! There it was. She frowned, now thinking about the hidden passages in the room- it was behind the book case, after pulling out the right books in the right order and then pushing them back in the correct (but different than the previous) order. But her dad knew all about the secret passages- he was the one that taught them it. She licked her lips and then sighed.* It could be. -Or- someone dug a hole into the wards into a spot right beside the passage to overhear council meetings- official business that neither of you *whacks them both* are privy to and whoever did this much less! *She was still whispering* Either way, I'm telling father about this later.
Nicholas: He-- ow! *He fake-shouts it, wiggling both eyebrows even through his false indignation.* This is the thanks we get for finding it for you!?
Samuel: *tiny bit worriedly* But if you tell him...Uncle will know we were listening...
Nicholas: *Shrugs* Why would anyone do that anyway? I mean it's all wedding preparations and tax collection and ordering things to take the court for Devon and *eye rolls* Baudet sermon--God, I am so glad I'm not going to deal with this.
Samuel: *reminds teasingly as Nicholas sticks his hand in his pocket,* Jane would yell at you.
Nicholas: For taking the Lord's name in vain? *snorts* Which she does daily.
Samuel: Well it's not about -her- though. *brows furrow as he thinks hard, and looks back at Helena,* Why is Lord Ricard in there, do you know? I thought he was sacked. *Dad had been celebrating that.*
Helena: No, that was the punishment for eavesdropping. The thanks is this *she kisses both of them on the cheek, grinning, knowing how much both of them disliked it.* Father won't be angry, don't worry. He'll probably send you treats to thank you, really. *And if he didn't well, she would, and pretend it was him. Mum did it all the time whenever Father forgot to send his thank you notes (which was all the time, and purposefully.)* Yes, well it's all that -now-. But what when the rest leave and Father and George are the only ones there? I guarantee you it's not talk of wedding preparations. *Well, she thought a little prematurely, not yet. But wouldn't it be wonderful if Vlad and Alysa made it the whole way? She'd love to have Alysa as a sister- but right, much too premature. Looking puzzled for a moment at Samuel's question before answering* Well, officially it's to save him face, show how generous Father really is...*she smirks briefly then before adding coolly* Personally, I think it a rather embarrassing punishment knowing you have to sit there as an observer, with no longer any power or influence. About as good as moss to a tree. *In her opinion, Lord Ricard deserved much worse, but they were the civilized people here; they didn't hang men in secret. She was so angry, she could punch something.*
Samuel: Treats? *hopeful, his ears had perked up.* In that case can you tell him I really prefer raspberries? Though I would be of course happy with any berry --
Nicholas: Oh honestly, Samuel. *He roles his eyes, though his gaze darts to the office door again, brow furrowing. He didn't get the punishment. The man had directly defied uncle - killed a man. Sure he was guilty, but Dad would have helped him steal too. Not that he would ever need to be so common -- but that wasn't the point.* If he wants to punish him, why doesn't Uncle just run him through himself? Save everyone the trouble. *He shrugged. But then, that was a Knights solution he supposed.*
Samuel: *speaking up eyes fixed on Helena* It's because if he does that then he's said it's alright to execute someone for honest mistakes or helping their child. *tilts his head, eyes narrowed in thought* Right?
Nicholas: *snorts, though in truth he had not thought about it that way before* You really think it was a mistake, Sammie.
Samuel: No. *at once.* No, because he's not stupid - *wrinkles his nose*- and everyone knows Uncle Damocles hasn't killed a single person in eighteen years. Not in an execution, and not in war either - when he had Etienne at sword point after the man had killed his friend and knight commander he let him live. Said he couldn't seek victory over peace. *nodding slowly, eyes still on Helena* It wasn't a mistake.
Nicholas: *Impressed - damn his brother had clearly been reading mother's books - he furrows his brow.* So all right, then we're back to the man willingly committing treason. That actually -is- a hanging offense.
Samuel: *shrugs a shoulder, saying crisply,* Yes and Lord Ricard has a son -- two actually. How well do you think they would serve the man who killed their father? *Only now does he look at Nicholas, saying with clear eyes and a shrewd wit for his twelve years,* If they hurt Father like that, what would you do?
Nicholas: *uncomfortable with the truth but at that, he simply snorts* Dad would kill them himself.
Samuel: Kill Uncle?
Nicholas: No, of course not Sammie, stop twisting my words.
Samuel: *grins wider, suddenly looking very young - pleased to have flummoxed his brother.* I'm just saying it's complicated.
Nicholas: *petulantly, but smirking too* Still, he couldn't cause more trouble himself if he were dead. Problem solved.
Samuel: *snorts* Well yes that is an attractive thought.
Nicholas: Here here. *looking at Helena curiously, he adds,* Why, what do you think Lord Stuart and Uncle are going to discuss? We could take bets. *wiggling his eyebrows* Otherwise, let's talk of something happier.
Samuel: *brightly - happily* Quidditch?
Nicholas: *instant smirk* Oh yes. *pauses then looks at Helena.* Sorry dear cousin - is that last match still a sore topic?
Helena: Of course, Samuel. *Her smile however, gave away quickly as Nicholas proposed his own form of punishment.* Yes, that'll solve all our problems, won't it, Nicholas? More death.
*Merlin, she couldn't believe her cousin could be that thick. She started moving away from there, lest they all get caught whenever the council session ended. She was much more proud of her other cousin, Samuel. She nodded, though she agreed that a mistake by that cruel old man it was not. He knew exactly what had happened...Vlad had told her. Vlad told her everything. As big of a prat as his brother was, he always included her. Beaming, she put an arm around Sammy (because bugger it, he was Sammy to her, even if he did insist on his full name) and squeezed him tight.* You're my favorite cousin, Samuel. And you're absolutely right.
*She felt like she had a switch at the moment, and whenever she turned from one cousin to the next, it was a completely different expression. But, Merlin, was Nicholas infuriating sometimes.* The man was found with maps in his possession, how exactly does that qualify as treason? *She had to be careful of how much she frowned. Genetics had already proven that her face would remember each and every frown, and mark a line for every time until one day the line wouldn't go away.
Oh, but there she was getting ahead of herself again. It was a common thing for her, something Rosie frequently teased her about, that she lived half in the present and in a future she devised in her own mind. At that moment it was because she didn't want to be 15, she felt so helpless at that age, so "in the way." All these people around her were making history: her father, her mother, her aunt, her cousin Leah, the councilmen, Jane was writing a book, but she felt as much as spectator as Ricard must be feeling in that room. She just wanted to be useful. Alas, she was 15, she was a "child", someone to be taken care of and protected. Oh god, the frown lines were going to take over.*
An attractive thought? I'm surrounded by neanderthals. *Well, Brackners but she frequently got those mixed up.* Matters of state. *She replied easily, leaving off the silent "which do not concern you" because technically speaking, they didn't concern her either. But she would learn, and she didn't need to spy in order to obtain that information either. Brightening at the change of topic, the switch flicked again and she glared at Nicholas, smacking his arm.* No, but your arm will be one once I'm through with it. You know perfectly well the only reason we lost that match is because the Slytherin team are all bunch of cheats!
Nicholas: *He frowns, a bit irritated: no of course death wouldn't solve anything, it wasn't about solving it -- it was about justice. Daniel Bridges hadn't deserved to die - but Ricard did, Ricard had taken the law unto himself and committed murder, behind his Lord's back -- in what universe was his own death not considered justice?
Though he did...kind of see how it could create issues. Oh bloody bugger. He furrowed his brow, brought both hands up and rubbed against his cheeks. By the time he had dropped them, he was back to his easy smirk and just laughed as Helena had suddenly launched her arms around Samuel. Putting both hands over his heart he said lightly, playful* You're -favorite-!? Now see Helena you've crushed me, absolutely crushed me--
Samuel: *going bright pink and still rubbing his cheek with the ghost of her earlier kiss and let her hug him. (If you tried to pry Jane off, she just hugged tighter).* Love you too, Helena...*pinking further and then looks at Nicholas.* You're just jealous.
Nicholas: Oh I admit it! *both hands go up insurrender, imploring happily - now as they moved away together from the council,* I've lost the will to go on in fact! Carry on without me --
Samuel: You're so full of it. *And yet he's giggling like mad, watching his brother mime his inability to walk, see him moving towards the chair. He was grateful for the distraction: Helena's comment had brought up the thought that not all of his cousins were allowed to see him.
He knew Nicholas had to have thought it too - they talked about it, they were going to go to town together to see Rick and meet the girl. Anytime it had come up in school, Nicholas had usually given them hell that he tried to imitate for those people prying into their family- usually Nicholas had had incriminating evidence on the offender too. He was so good. Right this second however, he was more grateful for his brother's arrogant wit.*
Nicholas: *collapsing into the nearest chair limp, he looks at Helena and added lightly,* Oh come on cousin, I'll admit that one move of Skander's was rotten, you hug me, bygones?
Helena: *Oh, please. She held back a snort and smiled instead. If anything could "crush" Nicholas, it was not her supposed preference for his brother. He was such an over dramatic actor, joking and teasing with no end. As he implored for them to go on without her, she did just that, with a bright smile on her lips.* Come along, Samuel. *She was teasing as well, and didn't get far before she turned around to look at him again. Well, that, and he had brought up Quidditch to taunt her and you simply didn't do that.* -One- move? Skander is a right foul git, who he thinks he's oh-so-smart and oh-so-handsome with perfect hair and loyal followers-- he's the biggest prat of them all. *She did not like Skander, or the way he taunted her after games. Git.* But, lucky for you, I am all about making peace. *She smiled and then hugged him tightly.* Next year though? You're all going down.
Nicholas: *Chuckling through her 'apology,' he found himself beaming in pride of his cousin. Good. She shouldn't break easily just because of a wounded boy; he would end up having to break kneecaps that way.* Yeah, all right - I'll believe it when I see it, Lena. *After hugging her back tightly, he mussed her hair and hopped up.* Where's that prat brother of yours anyway? Shouldn't you be on constant ego patrol since he has been woefully without you?
Samuel: *brightly* He and Ron are on the field.
Nicholas: ...are you psychic now, Sammy?
Samuel: *overtop the muffin he was munching down, he shakes his head* You can see them through the window - look. *gestures with his head; he wasn't about to stop eating just because his brother was blind* Got someone else with them but I don't know who.
Helena: You'll have a front row seat. *If only the head of house made her captain, then she'd show them. She had great ideas, but the problem with her Ravenclaw teammates is that they all thought they had good ideas. And she knew perfectly well why she wouldn't be given the position, even though she was the best chaser at the school- misogyny. And if by some miracle she did get captain, she'd just be accused of making her daddy buy the position for her. She saw a bludger colliding with Skander's face and immediately felt better. Well, until Nicholas messed with her hair. Swatting his hand away with a sound of protest, she took the wand behind her ear and quickly fixed her hair again. Boys.* He ran away from me precisely because of that, I expect. *No, he had training, she knew. But there would be plenty of time to ego deflate later. Perking her head up in interest, she looked out the window.* Oh, I haven't said hello to cousin Ron yet...who -is- that? *She gets closer to the window.*
Nicholas: *grinning widely as she pushes him off, he stays seated himself rubbing at his cheek. Musing aloud,* I could use a fight... *One more year. Then he could leave school and become a squire. He ran his hand through his hair, fixing it and then got up to look himself. Then he frowned.* Oh -- isn't that the Courtenay's sigil he's wearing?
Samuel: *immediately* Courtenay, the foremost house in Devon?
Nicholas: Well, didn't the younger brother come to officially invite...?
Samuel: Leander.
Nicholas: Sometimes, you know, that memory of yours is a bit annoying.
Samuel: *nondeterred* Leander doesn't fight though.
Nicholas: He would have had an escort though.
Helena: Lady Cox's younger brother, that's right. *Yes, all the preparations were being put in place to travel to Devon after Lord Joseph and Etta's wedding. The shock of the union had worn off by now though- it had been on the cover of the prophet for so long it was almost old news, but then the wedding itself would surely make the front page, and again the affairs at the Devon court.* Actually, now that you mention it, father might have given Vlad the duty of entertaining Leander. *rolls eyes* Of course, he believes that everyone's idea of entertainment is swinging a sword around. *She shook her head before catching another look at then commenting with a small smile* He's quite handsome.
Nicholas: *instantly frowns and scoffs* His handsomeness isn't protecting him from your brother's steel. *nodding importantly*
Samuel: He'd still beat you. *abruptly, with a tiny little smirk.*
Nicholas: That wasn't the point.
Samuel: Still true.
Nicholas: Samuel-
Samuel: *over top him* Helena, are you going to Devon too? *wrinkling his eyebrows* I know that Vlad has too but I don't think we are...
Nicholas: We are. *turns back to him* Dad and Mum are both going, so we're going. *flatly* United family.
Samuel: *a bit wary* ...Uncle Cyrus and Aunt Ara too?
Nicholas: *just frowns; finding himself speechless*
Helena: *She rolled her eyes at how immediate that protective comment came out. It was a wonder to her sometimes. She felt sorry for Jane, now that she had the rest of her brothers back and twice as much annoyance over seeing Malcolm. She said nothing more on the subject of Leander Courtenay and then nodded.* I am, well, I think so. Mother and Vlad are both going, who would I stay behind with? Besides, -I- want to go. I'm not missing those political debates, not on my life. *So what if she didn't vote? It was still interesting to her. Biting her bottom lip a moment as Nicholas and Samuel reached an uncomfortable silence about their family, Helena couldn't help but to ask.* Have you seen them yet?...How are they?
Samuel: *Not one to ever be left out, he adds pointedly,* I want to go as well.
Nicholas: *Well, he supposed that made sense - but he frowned deeper anyway. The politics would be boring. At least Dad and Charles and Jane would be there (though God knew she would be with Malcolm). Breathing heavily out in a frustrated exhale,* We haven't been to see them. I'm sure they're fine.
Samuel: *Are not, he wanted to say: just because they hadn't seen them was...actually, it was even more proof! Before when they came home all of the family would have dinner - he even got a glass of wine last time. Instead he turned to Helena to interject,* We want to see Rick. We were going to go - did you want to come?
Nicholas: *exhale* Samuel...I think we shouldn't overwhelm Rick. *And it was a private family matter. Lena was there cousin; but she wasn't Rick's.*
Samuel: Oh. Right. *pause and then adds lighter* We'll tell them you asked though!
Nicholas: Them?
Samuel: Lucy. *pause, faltering* We're meeting her too aren't we?
Nicholas: I suppose we are. *shrugs, brows stillfurrowed.*
Samuel: *nodding, ignoring his brother's discomfort and turns back to Lena.* Did you hear he's founding a bank? *Proudly. He could still be proud of him, right?* Uncle gave him the job -personally.-
Nicholas: *snorts; but he smirks too, glad to have a happier subject with Rick. He missed his cousin. And Jane said Lucy was nice too - well wicked, but nice. That fit.*
Helena: *Fine was rarely fine, she wanted to interject but she knew Nicholas was just trying to keep his family's privacy. After all, Ara and Cyrus weren't -her- uncle and aunt. She doubted it was okay, but she kept from making another comment lest she think she was gossiping.* I couldn't possibly interject- *right, just as Nicholas had said.* Just tell him and Lucy I said hi. I remember her, she calmed down Luna one time after a wildcat startled her. *Her horse was not the bravest of creatures, but even the bravest would have panicked at the sight of a panther. She had barely been able to get her back to the stables, and then her mother had reprimanded her for going so far in the forest without company. That had been around Christmas time.* She's nice. *Good lord, she just hoped that neither of them said anything even accidentally insulting about Lucy. Though, if she was being honest, she was more worried about Nicholas at that front.* Vlad told me! It's wonderful news. He's always been smart, a prat -and I say that with affection- but brilliant. The bank is going to do wonders for us and the town.
Samuel: *smiling suddenly; unable to deny he was rather hungry for information on Lucy* You met her?
Nicholas: *remembering that Christmas - the festivities - he chuckles,* When you went into the forest and the heavy artillery nearly got us all in the blast? *All right, so their Aunt Maeve was a formidable woman-/he could not resist teasing her. Winking at her as he came away from the window, he added simply,* I think I -will- go challenge Courtenay...
Samuel: *rolling his eyes at his brother even as he pats the muffin crumbs off his shoulder, happily turning back to Helena and nodding.* Oh he is a prat, but that was what I thought! And it's such a big honor. I wonder if I could help at all. Though truthfully - Nicholas wait up! *He stilled, walking up after him as he finished his thought,* I would rather work in the law than money.
Nicholas: *amused, adding easily* Always were the odd one weren't you? A Brackner fond of words.
Helena: *She giggled behind her hand and then nodded* Right, that time. *Because of course, Vlad had gotten yelled at too for not keeping an eye on her as a big brother was supposed to do, and unfortunately for Charles, Nicholas, Ronald, Leigh, and Malcolm- they had been standing too close to the impact radius.* Briefly, mum was rather anxious to get me in private so she could chew my ear out but *she nodded, smiling* she seemed really likable, really pretty too. *Turning then to Nicholas, she sighed.* Oh for heaven's sake- *He wouldn't would he? That was just smack talk, it had to be. She nearly hugged Sammy again, for being as exasperated with hi brother as she was.* It is. Father trusts him enough to give him full reign on this- that's one of the biggest honors here. *She was a little smug saying so but it was true. Turning as Nicholas did indeed start walking, she grabbed her skirts and and moved after him as well.* I think you'd make an excellent lawyer, Samuel. *She released her skirts again as she caught up.* You're more than clever enough. Nicholas, don't. If you want a fight, challenge Vlad. Leander Courtenay is our -guest- and if you hurt him we'll have a political crisis on our hands. *drops her voice to a whisper for her next words* You know what they say about the Lord of Devon.
Nicholas: *Bemused, an eyebrow wiggles over his simple smirk,* Oh, I never doubted she was pretty. *Of course she was. Rick may apparently be filled with surprises - but there was no way he'd changed entirely. Of that, at least, he didn't blame him.*
Samuel: Of course he has free reign. *He juts his chin out even as he struggles to keep up with him.* It was his proposal. *And he was a Brackner. Or well. Not anymore...Samuel lost himself in thought a moment, rubbing chocolate off his lip. He was only distracted by Helena's compliment, and smirked himself.* Thanks, Lena.
Nicholas: *Bristling at the implication he'd back down from fear (and okay maybe he didn't want to fight Vlad - he was three years older! He could challenge him later. When it was less deadly.) -- he stopped walking and said simply.* Helena, they say that about every Lord at some point. *bit quieter* Worse than that right now about your father.
Samuel: *lost, frustrated- he spins right to Helena* What do they say about the Lord of Devon?
Helena: *Boys. She rolled her eyes, briefly annoyed. Honestly, she was glad she was related to all these Brackner and Faye boys, simply because she'd never have to be the subject of one of their vulgarities.* I've sneaked a peak at the documents too, Rick's quite talented.* She remembered when she thought him no more than an arrogant sword swinging prat. How much some things changed.* You're welcome. *She had not been so smart at his age...well, no, that was a lie, yes she had been. Frowning at the reminder of her father's good name being tarnished by vicious slandering comments, she shrugged and then pointed out* But they say it about him the most, and it's still wise to be cautious, so please go easy on him? *He turns back to Samuel, saying softly* That he's a cruel, violent and evil man, who...*thinks of a less crass way to say it* Who forces himself on women. And keeps to the archaic tradition of a Lord's right to the first night- it's barbaric. Gossip or not, we don't wanna risk his wrath by bruising his little brother.
