Keeping a Promise... of Mischief

[Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles]

True to her word, Elise applied herself in her off time to crafting the gown for Lady Rosalie, one that would stand up to tree-climbing, wooded paths and other forms of mischief for which the taller, golden lady was inclined. She'd had to borrow one of Rosalie's existing gowns from Lady Natalie to gain measurements to fit the young lady, but she was a resourceful soul, one with fast fingers. It didn't hurt that she put her lady's maid to work as well, as the woman was excellent at sewing fine seams and prepared for just about anything her young lady asked of her. 

Needless to say, Vela was a well-rewarded lady's maid, the only one who'd lasted more than a few months in service to the Lady Elise. Careful to treasure the woman, the little Countess knew she was a handful, but Vela was the soul of patience, understanding and good humor. Elise thanked God nightly for her, making sure she received plenty of thanks, gifts and exquisite politeness. 

Between the two, the dress was accomplished in a few days, the fabric taken from Elise's own supply. It was a tried and true weave, one that had been used previously in a riding habit, knowing her own tendency to ride through the woods with Frederick, always hard on a habit. If this could not stand up to Rosalie's antics, then she'd have a genuine challenge on her hands! Not a bad thing, but she had a promise to keep. The gown had little in the way of adornments - they just got in the way - but it was of a cut that would display Rosalie's excellent figure and move gracefully about her without binding up the legs. The sleeves were fitted to prevent catching or snags, and there was a lace fichu if Rosalie wanted it for modesty, but the neckline was not so low as to be inappropriate. Just... distracting, if needed.

Crafted of that silvery-green that Elise loved, she reinforced the skirt's hems and cut it a half-inch short than normal for greater freedom of movement. The bodice had hidden rivets for the lacing as well, so that Rosalie could not be hung up on her laces. Once the rough basting was done, Elise finished the sewing herself with waxed thread for extra strength, setting the waist just above her hips for a smoother fit. Deeming it work well done, Elise could not wait to show it to her. 

Thanking Vela with a hug and the promise that she had the rest of the day and night off, she scooped up the gown and darted out of the pavilion she shared with her brother to seek out Rosalie, newly returned to the camp, she knew. But where to find her? Elise could not very well stand in the center and holler for her. Thus, the search began... 

Where was the lady of mischief?


Lady Rosalie St. Claire

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Rosalie, indeed, was not at the grounds up until a few hours or so ago, so any hollering that may have been done in attempts to locate her would’ve been quite useless. Having ridden back to the festival grounds as personal courier for the Princess Emmaline, the first order of business had been visiting the Royal pavilion and delivering the message directly to the King, and after that, she chose her time well in taking care of the horse she arrived in. Now time came for the additional exploring she had some room for, considering the reply was safely tucked into the saddle’s messenger bag, well out of trouble she could find herself in without even trying.

Amused with herself, Rose glanced this way and that before deciding a leisurely pace was in order and some fun along the way as well, that is if she could manage it. Thankfully she wasn’t needed to look for ideas long, as the second encounter with Treniatan lady proved to be rather fortunate – in that she hadn’t ran into her at all. As it was, she halted right before she walked into the other young lady, a grin blossoming on her face soon as she was within the other’s sight.

“Lady Elisabeta, what a pleasant surprise,” she greeted, a curtsy as appropriate to the other’s station sketched out before she folded her hands in front of her, a sunny grin ready for this unexpected friend of hers. “May I ask what you’re up to this fine day?” Having been away from the grounds for some time and not keeping up with the most recent events, Rosalie was not going to make any assumptions for the time being. With this one, as prone to mischief as herself, nothing could be certain, and the earlier warning to behave was half-listened to but taken into account. At least, tree climbing hadn’t happened while she had been in Triadon, though if she considered her most recent adventures, the days certainly were just as eventful.


Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles

[Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles]

Timing was everything, and thankfully, Elise's was good today. Spotting the very person she was trying to find, her face brightened as she smiled, a hand shooting up in a wave to catch Rosalie's attention. The gown remained neatly draped over her other arm. "The pleasant surprise is mine, Lady Rosalie!" She returned the curtsy promptly. "As for what I am up to, I have been looking for you. I have finished your gown, as promised. Is there a place we can go where I might show it to you and perhaps have you try it on? The measurements I took are an approximation."

She was full of chatter and questions, but she could wait until they were in a place where the floodgates could open unchecked and without too much fear of eavesdropping. Elise knew that even two chattering girls could reveal too much if they weren't careful about it, and she did not want Rosalie to get into any trouble if it could be prevented. The bright smile lingered as she added, "That is, if I am not interrupting something more important?"

Lady Rosalie St. Claire

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Eyes lightning up as she noticed the swath of fabric draped over the other young woman’s gown, Rosalie hummed in thought, considering. “Well, there’re always the St. Claire pavilions, I don’t think anyone would begrudge me some space.” A grin on her face, she started in the direction she clearly recalled. “I have, in fact, just finished the task I’ve been appointed, so I’m at your services for the next….hour or so.” Spreading her arms then indicating for the other lady to follow her, Rose glanced toward Lady Elisabeta with a sunny grin. “At least, so I believe, though I doubt I’ll get into too much trouble otherwise.”

Because really, how long it was going to take to measure a gown and test it out should measurements be proved correct and the gown suited to her figure? At this, she was really like any other lady, complete with the love of all things bright and shiny, as well as occasional new dress. This one, though, was going to be especially treasured, considering its functional abilities, though for a bit she could admire the silvery-green fabric – and desist with the chatter until they reached the pavilions in question. Too much of it just wouldn’t do where things could be overheard, after all, but she hoped her new acquaintance had more news to share than she let on, and that was just as important as checking the dress out was.


Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles

[Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles]

Following along, she laughed. "Then I am most pleased to have caught you. I'm eager for you to try this on and tell me what you think. I am sure there will need to be some adjustments made, but it deserves a test, don't you think?" Elise gladly skipped alongside, then grinned. "Oh, I don't know. A great deal can take place within an hour's time if you're skilled enough." And in her mind, an hour was more than enough time to test the full extent of the gown, find mischief and resolve it before Rosalie had to return to Triadon.

As for the news, she had plenty, but Elise was also discreet enough to wait until they were in the pavilions to divulge it. Smiling as they hurried along, she pointed. "Will that one do?" She had no idea just how many pavilions the St. Claires held in possession, but the closest unoccupied one would surely suffice, wouldn't it?

Lady Rosalie St. Claire

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Laughing along at the mention of possibilities, Rosalie nodded and slipped into the closest pavilion, holding the flap for her companion and thankful it proved to be empty of people for the time being. She could be quick about making changes of clothes, even if she did require some help with the laces, so it could be helpful here. “Luck seems to be on our side today, my lady, and a test could be of help if you don’t mind and believe your dress can handle the fun? I have just the tree in mind where we can safely test it.” The tree in question, a large, sprawling creation of nature was by the lake in more or less abandoned by humans spot, which had become her favorite to hide on, a branch helpfully stretching over the lake if she recalled it correctly. Having climbed it many a time, as her repaired gowns would attest, Rose knew all ins and outs of the tree and was fairly certain that the branches could handle the weight of two curious and eager young ladies.

Glancing around, she grinned in delight at seeing the screen that usually supported just the endeavor, and held her hands out for the gown in question. She could be a tad impatient, but again, she had yet to find a young lady who could resist the lure of new gown when faced with it in the first place. “Would you mind helping me?” The lacing usually was the only thing that gave her trouble, but she hoped it wouldn’t be the case here.


Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles

[Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles]

Glad to be out of public sight with the gown she carefully crafted, Elise nodded. "If you have the time and an idea to test it, I'd like to see it. And of course, I don't mind helping. Come, turn your back so I can tend to your laces." She draped the new dress over the screen gently, then crooked a finger at Rosalie before twirling it to indicate she should turn around. "Trees? I might have to try climbing it, though it has been months since I last did so." Elise pulled a wry face. "You might say the Archduchess does not approve of such behavior."

Then again, there were a great many fun activities of which her mother did not approve, and that seldom (if ever) stopped Elise. It didn't usually slow her down either. And hadn't she worn a more simple gown herself in anticipation of just such an opportunity? Frederick might not be happy with her, but she could get around her brother.

"I didn't know if you wore a corset, so I didn't put stays in it. I didn't think you'd want them either way, they make a bodice too stiff for bending." She chattered on, fingers nimbly loosening Rosalie's laces so she could shed the gown she wore. Stepping back to give Rosalie room, Elise picked up the new gown to help her slip it over her head and down her body.

Lady Rosalie St. Claire

[Sir Christopher de Winter]

The summons calling him to Twinport arrived yesterday, and by this time, Chris managed to take leave of his siblings, making certain they remained in good hands and taking Jasen’s promise to take it easy for a few days. Of course, the threat to sit on him the next time he moved probably had something to do with it, but the two of them were as stubborn as the others, thus the search for extra help in form of their vassal. Thankfully, it didn’t look like Dominic was planning on side trips and Chris could only hope the man would not mind light guarding duty while he was around the place.

Amused at the thoughts, the knight finished packing his saddlebags for the journey ahead, alerted the small group traveling with him of estimated time of departure, and moved in search of the older man throughout the grounds, hoping he was easily found. The Haltire pavilion was the most obvious place to look, and he went there, a discreet enquiry for the lord’s whereabouts asked of the guards on duty. While he waited, he glanced around to take in the surroundings, noting that the pavilion was conveniently close to their own and not bothering to hide an amused smile at the thought. There was no suspicion to the Halton Lord, thankfully for all of them, which made him rest easy that his siblings would indeed be in good hands.


Lord Dominic Halton

[Lord Dominic Halton]

Concerned for his liege's well-being as well as the Lady Katalin's, Dominic had been quietly diligent in beginning inquiries. Something was damned rotten when Marbury, that most inoffensive of men, attempted to poison their Duke, not that Dominic truly believed the old Earl had done any such thing. Too many questions without answers roiled in his mind, compelling him to start seeking those answers when Christopher came to find him.

He was in his pavilion as expected, seated at the small table with pen, ink and parchment to make a list of the questions he needed and wanted answered. Informed that Sir Christopher was without, Dominic corked his ink and stood, shuffling the papers to conceal the list before he ventured out into the sun and light to speak with the knight.


Sir Christopher de Winter

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Laughing in amusement at the words, she didn’t fail to note the title given to the young lady’s mother, ensuring Rosalie’s certainty about her newest friend’s not being all well in the family. Then again, perhaps those Demerian nobles close to each other were a rarity, and some had been made so through tragedy of losses, so she wouldn’t wish such on her companion. “Worry not, the climb is easy and the branches are sturdy and comfortable – or at least they are for one. Whether it is so for two, I believe we shall find out if you’re amenable?” If the young lady was truly cut from the same cloth as she and their gowns, they should have no trouble in doing so. At least, such was her hope.

Stepping up and turning around so the lady’s fingers could help her with the laces at the back once she dressed, Rosalie waited a beat for the other to step back, before slowly turning in place to demonstrate the work to the seamstress. The gown fit her well, and she moved around, feeling the sleeves and waist, humming in pleasure at the feel of the material. “I do tend to wear a corset to keep my posture in check, especially so for formal events,” she nodded, knowing that lady Elisabeta got a flash of it while she was changing gowns. “This feels marvelous. How do I look?” Spreading her arms out to indicate she was ready for inspection promised earlier, Rose gave herself a once-over as well. From what she could see and feel, the gown fit her like a glove, but she needed the seamstress’s opinion, as well, and the other lady was in the better position to notice anything that might be adjusted.


Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles

[Sir Christopher de Winter]

Giving a quiet nod to himself at the emergence of the Halton lord from the pavilion as he expected, Chris allowed himself a mildly guilty expression to come up as he noted the stained by ink fingers. Like his elder sibling, Dominic seemed to be busy with things demanding his attention and he was uncertain whether a break was welcome or not.

“I’m sorry if I distracted you from anything, my friend, but perhaps you’d chance a walk?” A hand indicated the general direction around the pavilions, their roads more or less busy at this hour, so their presence was going to be noticed. Hopefully, though, their conversation would unlikely to be overheard, as he intended on moving until they were in more or less safe place for serious one, but generics could be exchanged on the way. “I plan for the lake and back.” The shortcut he’d seen earlier and intended to use for this stroll would be of use to them here if the other was anxious to get back to whichever task he was taken from.


Lord Dominic Halton

[Lord Dominic Halton]

The fresh air was welcome to him, not one to spend hours with pen, ink and parchments but his brother had sent a sheaf of notes, requests and proposals that required his attention. A 'mere baron' still had plenty of administrative duties to attend to, even at a distance, and Dominic took his responsibilities seriously. Still, too much was enough and he welcomed the distraction presented to him in the form of Sir Christopher. Joining him, he noted the expression and chuckled. "Please, don't apologize. I'd love to be distracted. Maybe it'll give me some fresh inspiration for the problems that have been set before me."

Indicating for Christopher to lead the way, Dominic gladly fell into step beside him. The walk would do him good, and he had a feeling there was something on Christopher's mind. If the man wasn't standing his duty, but had come looking for him, then something was about to be revealed.


Sir Christopher de Winter

[Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles]

Once she laced Rosalie into the gown, Elise stepped back to survey her handiwork. A step to the left had her twitching the skirt a little, then shifting the bodice slightly before she was satisfied with the fit and the look of the lady in the gown she'd just sewn. A critical gleam rested in her eyes as she did not immediately answer, indicating Rosalie should twirl in it, get a feel for the way the fabric moved and felt. "On first glance, I'd say you look wonderful, but how does it feel? Move around, test it, see how you like it. If there needs to be some adjustments, I can make them."

She was rather proud of her efforts right off the cuff, especially with the fabric. It fell modestly just a hair past Rosalie's ankles, fully covering her but without the restrictions of a skirt that brushed the ground to tangle her feet. Though it was cut full, it held its bell-like shape so that she could move her legs freely and not trip. But Rosalie would have to put it to the true test.

Lady Rosalie St. Claire

[Sir Christopher de Winter]

An eyebrow involuntarily went up at the mention of problems, Christopher wondering whether the man himself busied with more than he could handle. He had, however, left it up to his friend whether or not to indulge his curiosity on the matter and focused on the ones he felt could be divulged.

“I am called to Twinport to assist my fellow knight and tournament preparations,” he spoke without preamble, as they walked along the path toward the lake that he favored. “I know not how long I’ll be away, perhaps until the Court reunites with us at the Joust. The others are already aware that our plans will have to be moved accordingly.” Being within same pavilion as his siblings some of the times allowed Chris a chance for conversation with them prior to this one. In his opinion, it was all to the good, as it allowed him and his group for a quick getaway once everything was settled. That was going to come soon enough, as well.


Lord Dominic Halton

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Twirling around as indicated, which she didn’t mind at all, Rose allowed herself to return the gleam in the other young lady’s eyes with one of her own. “It feels like it fits,” she confirmed, moving around and doing the same with her arms, noting slightly tighter fit to the sleeves than was normal. Then again, thus was the fashion trend lately, and Rosalie had to wonder whether her fellow mischief-maker didn’t get into some lady’s gowns. She had no idea of the other’s acquaintances, after all, or what Lady Elisabeta was up to during her absence. Surveying the gown anew, her eyes lit up as soon as she realized she knew just the way to test it properly, at least as far as the pair of them were concerned.

“I know just the place to test it, too,” she confided in a lowered tone of voice, a look of conspiracy crossing her face at the thought. Quickly but carefully bundling up the gown she came in as preparation to pack it into one of her saddlebags, she gave a mischievous grin. “If you’d like to come along, you’re more than welcome to.” The suggestion offered, she waited a beat to see what the other young lady was going to do and left the tent, figuring she’d use the minutes Lady Elisabeta’d take catching up to store her gown. She was going to need that afterward, after all.


Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles