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✫title: the artistxx✫wealth: ninexx✫kingdom: nearonxx✫tags: theodoreAnnalise continued to lazily swirl the champagne around in the crystal flute as Theodore fell quiet, most likely having sunken into his thoughtful mind. She had never been a heavy drinker, but she had to admit, the drink was pleasing to her tastebuds. She made a mental note to get the details on the drink later that night; it would make a fine addition to their collection for their next big event. She finished the drink just as he opened his mouth to speak once more, and leaned past him to drop her empty glass on the platter one of the servants was carrying. Nodding her thanks towards him, she shuffled back to give Theo his room once more. If she hadn't known him, she'd feel much more awkward, but it was just Theo. She felt as comfortable around him as she did with her own family.
"If only it was that easy," she sighed in an almost dream-like manner.
"Unless I am wedded or you are my brother, I do not believe my family would let me off the hook that easily. However, with the alliance, they have little to protest for if I were to say I was taking a trip to Arkley. Oh, to be a man. You can go anywhere, it's so unfair!" Despite her dramatics, though, Annalise truly was excited for Theodore. He was a grown man now, with as much freedom as he so desired at the tips of his fingers. Unlike herself, he could go wherever, whenever, with little requirements to follow through with. Theodore didn't really seem spontaneous enough to do that often, but perhaps he'd take the teasing conversation and turn it into something grand. He was a kind soul, a pleaser, but surely a change in scenery would do him as good as it would for anything else.
"As long as you write to me, I will be happy. Perhaps you can recommend the best places to travel. I am counting on you, now." A twinkle in her eye sparked with the comment on her dramatics.
"Extravagent personality sounds so enriching when you say it, though I think I would go off-script one too many times to keep me in a play. I would do something grand. Follow in Marie de Gouges' footsteps, perhaps, and write a play instead. Though, that seems to be more up your alley than mine. You're much more intellectual and-" she waved a hand from his chin to his ankles-
"rational. You can consider me as little more than a little woman with dreams far too wide to accomplish. Dreams you, Mr. Lefeuvret, can accomplish, which is exactly why you, little bird, need to spread your wings and fly." A curt nod of the head concluded her playful, miniature speech. Theodore could do as he pleased and she had nothing that could force him to do anything he didn't wish for. She simply liked to kittenishly remind him of his freedom against her own. It didn't bother her much anymore, either. In fact, she was always excited to get an update on what her male friends did and do. It was refreshing, really.
She leaned back ever-so-slightly with wide eyes, as if he had just spoken something outrageous, upon returning to her comment on the art she was to create for her family.
"Theodore Lefeuvret, you do not know my father. One wrong mistake and the only thing that will be hung on that empty spot will be my head." Her tone did not waver and a smile did not dare to make an appearance on her face, but she was sure Theo knew her well enough to know she was only joking. Her father was strict, yes, and strived for nothing less than perfection, but Annie sensed he would be a bit less stern with her abilities. Though, on the contrary, he didn't pay for those painting lessons for nothing. She had yet to decide if it was a lose-lose situation or not. She waved off his comment on marriage.
"Unlike yourself, I am quite sure my parents have a man waiting at home for me if I do not return with one by the end of this trip." Her tone was light, but it lacked the humour that danced in her vocal cords moments earlier.
"One can never enjoy a get-away trip without any jobs to fulfill. I will put my offer aside, but I must tell you, my matchmaking skills are quite extraordinary. If you wish not for a lass, that is fine, but I must introduce you to my dear friend later! I have yet to scope her out here." Her eyes skimmed over him, almost in a suspicious manner, at his comment, but her attempt to hide a smile was no use. Despite her delight, however, she still whipped her card out as if it was a chore. Her gaze caught sight of the two other names that had been messily scribbled on the inside of the paper, and neither guilt nor pride flashed across her face.
"As I said, my parents have little intentions of letting me leave on my own," she sighed before he had a chance to say anything. She lifted a hand so he could grasp the pen that dangled against her wrist.
Oft in the Stilly Night had begun to play, a song Annie only knew because Aretha had attempted it on the piano years ago. Annalise had never enjoyed singing, but she was no stranger to scoping out talent. The opera singer's tone was beautiful, it was almost envious. Still, Annie did not focus so much on the woman, but Theodore, who stood before her. It was just like old times, with a slight hint of a greater amount of maturity. Teasing, yes, but with respect. She'd miss those days when they were to grow up and go their own ways.
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♚title: the ghost xx♚wealth: fivexx♚kingdom: arkleyxx♚tags: louisePeople had always been an interesting subject to study. From the way their face portrayed a certain emotion to how they held their posture, it was always a mystery to dig deep into. Louise oddly reminded Lauren of a lioness- strong and independent, with an admirable grace to her and a need for success, though never through force. She seemed to always be watching, like a hawk, though not yet ready to swoop down and startle her prey. Her calmness reflected on a dove's, peaceful and tranquil, though with enough power to hold her ground, like an eagle. Lauren's caregiver had always made references to animals, and Louise's attitude seemed to fit into every category of the animal kingdom. It was captivating, really. Perhaps this was simply because Lauren hadn't had a decent amount of social interaction with someone new for quite some time, or maybe she really was different than those he had come across. He couldn't quite place a finger on what exactly it was that kept drawing him in. It was startling, really, for his intentions all along was to avoid people, especially women. He had found himself doing exactly the opposite, and so quickly, too. He supposed he still had a lot to tackle when it came to following through with his original intents.
A raise of the brow was his response as she quickly caught onto his hesitation. A people-reader, she was. Sensitive, aware. Lauren was almost positive that the only withdrawal he had shown was the extra second he had taken before responding. She was quick, that was for sure.
"I will admit," he voiced lowly,
"That from where I am from, women are not often to introduce themselves with anything less than a dramatic title. It was simply a change that I hadn't expected. Louise is perfectly suiting." He wished not to offend her. Now that it had settled in his mind, Lauren was okay calling her by what she wished. He wished for the same, anyway, so why selfishly turn that around? He knew some men- especially the snobby business-involved ones of Arkley- would take control and demand for what they wished to Louise, but Lauren found those people nothing more than ridiculous and overdramatic. It was never too difficult to follow through with a woman's request. After all, they were human, too.
His dark eyes grazed over her once more at her response to his apologies, but this time, it wasn't nearly as much of a surprise as it had been the first time. Although it had only been a few minutes, Lauren had already begun to get a semi-decent idea of who Louise Cowen was.
Though he was not from Nearon, he knew well of Squalls End. How could one not be familiar with the name? Like Arkley, Nearon had pockets of wealth, and Squalls End was one of the major cities. He had suspected she was from a good amount of money, given the velvet dress that was perfectly snug against her figure, and even just the way she spoke, but it was evident that she was not too delighted over the fact. Unlike some people who surely snapped at the opportunity to bombard Louise with every imaginable question regarding her hometown and whatever business her family was involved with, Lauren gave nothing more than a slow nod of his head. There was a hint of disgust in her tone when she spoke, suggesting she was not too fond of the place, or something linked to it. Lauren understood that all too well, if that were the case. If she wished to speak more on the subject, he hoped his quietness would grant her plenty of time to do so. He wasn't going to push that on her.
"I believe you are the first Nearon citizen I have spoken to in quite some time," he mused thoughtfully.
"I live in Bryant, Arkley, though I was born in Rensteigh. If you know anything of Rensteigh, I hope you can conclude that I am far from those obsessive businessmen." In all honesty, Bryant was not much better, but there were much less crime and hatred that sprawled over the streets. It was also fairly comfortable in terms of wealth, and did not have a reputation for success and money the way Squalls End did. It was almost a mystery, a place full of secrets, in which its citizens were the only ones with the keys to access its answers.
His eyes flitted back over to the main part of the ballroom as more couples joined the floor. Unlike some, the twirling and giggling did not get his heart racing. Instead, he rocked from the balls of his feet to his heels to distribute his weight evenly, as if he had little intentions of moving closer anytime soon. He nodded his head once to the beaming couples.
"You may not be fond of a ball, but surely you have a full card already?" Raising a brow in slight amusement to show he was merely teasing, Lauren returned his gaze onto the attractive women.
"I sense men will soon be begging for a woman like yourself to join them out there."──────
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♢title: the anthurium xx♢wealth: threexx♢kingdom: nearonxx♢tags: danielThe exquisite music that hummed in the background of their conversation reminded Elliott of home, of when his mother would spoon-feed them fantasy stories whilst his father sang gently to himself in the distance. Although this was very much
not home, nor did it have even a similar atmosphere to Cosben's, it had an alike calmness to it, with disregards to the swirling hoop skirts and twirling bodies, and that settled Elliott. He still knew he would much rather be at home, assorting his mother's newest floral collection or even laying out the heaps of fish his father had collected from his fishing trip earlier that day, but he was beginning to suspect he would be alright for the rest of the night. He had already begun to fret over the future's events, for they had been offered a few nights at the Onryx, but Elliott knew he had to take one thing at a time. It was never easy, for his mind was far too busy and had a strong desire for a laid-out schedule to simply sit back and enjoy what the days would bring forth to him, but he would make it work. If anything, perhaps he could muster up enough courage to get some more information on what it was they were to experience at the grand house. The Kings' workers were undoubtedly strong and a bit frightening to approach, given their sturdy stance and grim expressions, but everyone had a softer side somewhere inside of them. As long as Elliott's worries didn't come across as too feminine, for he had been told various times by community men that although true to his emotions, he was to hide them, everything would be alright. He supposed he was going to have to think over what to say before he did anything further.
He couldn't help but feel a bit stupid when Daniel openly revealed his hometown. Elliott knew of Eldury. It was a bit closer to the Onryx's area than Cosben, near the bordered lake and shouldering rivers, for his father and the company he worked for sometimes took a trip out that way. Relief swelled over his features, though Elliott knew it wasn't very noticeable with his mask. Although he was not afraid to let his emotions express freely, he couldn't help but feel slightly glad that he had something to cover up most of his appearance. It was always harder being himself around complete strangers.
"I have heard of that place," he murmured.
"My father has taken a few trips out your way for his work." He did not bother adding aloud that that town struggled nearly as much as Cosben, if not more. Daniel Bishop was not as wealthy as Elliott had originally suspected, then. It was comforting, for Elliott didn't feel he had to act nearly as high-end and respectful, though that did not mean he was going to drop all of his manners right there. Wealthy people made him feel a bit restless. Those who were on his level came across as more of a human being than a gold-bathing God.
"No, I've only ever made a trip to Kinsbery once. It's rather loud, I cannot say it is somewhere I wish to settle in anytime soon." That was the truth, too. Elliott's family had always been very comfortable where they were, both money-wise and literal comfort. The people were friendly, though not overbearing, and it never seemed to be a competition. The support within the walls of Cosben was immensely dense. He couldn't say the same for the larger cities.
"Do you have any immediate connections with the royal family, sir? Or was your invite simply a spontaneous surprise?"
