Admiration and Confidence

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

The move to Twinport had been a rather painless endeavor. Certainly, it took a good while since one had to move their clothing, general belongings and make arrangements for their stay in Twinport. Even though they were blood cousins to the St. Claires, the de Lacs would not be residing within the Keep. There was only so much room and the ducal families took precedence. Thus, Laurent made arrangements for the de Lacs to stay within one of the nicer inns in the city. They had the money and he was certainly tired of staying within a pavilion, so why not stay some place nice?

Rumors were swirling about the place nearly as soon as they arrived in the city. Lady Marisa de Vere was the acting lady of the Keep, handling all of the duties typically assigned to such a role. There had apparently been some confusion and difficulty in the first several days in which the servants rebelled against her leadership, but Laurent saw no real evidence of such. Thus, Laurent found it difficult to take such rumors seriously. Insubordination within the St. Claire household? That was simply unheard of!

Rather than listen to the gossip being flung this way and that, Laurent opted to visit the city's thriving marketplace. With the influx of courtiers, the merchants and shopkeepers were hawking their wares with greater vim and vigor. Voices, both high and low, filled the air along with the smells, sights and other sounds associated with a bustling place. He smiled. It was a good sight to see.

He soon spied another lovely sight: the Princess of Demeria. She was here?! How interesting! Remembering the recent conversation with his sister, he strove forward with a friendly confidence to get closer to her. "Your Highness!"

Princess Emmaline Carlisle

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

So far, returning to the Court's proximity was fairly painless. The majority of the courtiers were distracted by the news of her brother's appointment as Regent of Demeria, of the meeting between the Kings, and the capture of Prince Nikolai. The latest thrill came with the report that there was to be a formal interrogation of the Prince in the presence of his father the King, and that his fate was all but sealed. Emma gladly ignored any such talk, instead taking to the markets to see what was newly imported to the realm from Linten, Treniata and the like.

She walked with her ladies, stopping to chat or smile at those who offered wares for inspection, but not halting until she was hailed by a clear, male voice. Pausing, Emma turned to see the new Earl of Pescadin bearing down on her, a pleasant smile forming on her lips in greeting. "Good day, Lord de Lac. A pleasure to see you again. Come to enjoy the markets as well?" There was certainly a feast for the senses surrounding them; she had already spotted a particularly pretty pair of slippers she wanted to get for Rosalie, and a hair-clip for Natalie.


Lord Laurent de Lac

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

"Your Highness," he repeated and remembered to give her a respectful bow. "Greetings to you, and may I say that is also good to see you. You are looking very well, and .." he smiled and stopped himself. He did not want to hit her too heavy just in the first few seconds of their conversation. He wished to speak with her, not scare her off. Lisette would never hear the end of it, and nor would he.

"I see that you are taking the opportunity to enjoy what Twinport has to offer. Its markets are the selling point, I feel, though it does have some lovely shoreline to be explored. It's a little more lively than the shoreline of Lake Triadon."

Princess Emmaline Carlisle

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Emma could almost see Lord de Lac restrain himself, like a horse eager to break out into a gallop but knowing the way was not smooth enough to allow for it yet. Whether that was his natural tendency or just an effort on his part to be sensitive to her recent turmoil, she was not certain, but the result served to amuse her no less. "It's been some time since I was last able to visit Twinport, and I do recall that it was often more... how shall we say, lively? Than the lakeshore or a good many cities within Demeria? Whether that's strictly the market or the shoreline, I'll leave you to decide."

Dark eyes sparkled at him; the heavy fog of depression and self-doubt was finally beginning to lift, restoring Emma's normal equilibrium and ability to handle wearing a public face. To test that, she boldly reached to touch his arm with the intention of taking it. "Perhaps you would be so kind as to join me? That is," she added lightly, "if I am not keeping you from more important business in the markets?"


Lord Laurent de Lac

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

Indeed, Laurent was trying to be sensitive to her recent... predicament. Having one's betrothed flee the capital would severely bruise anyone's ego. Indeed, it reminded him somewhat of what his dear twin went through. Rupert the Younger had been far more cruel to Lisette than Prince Nikolai had been to Emmaline, but the end result was still the same: public humiliation. Neither of the ladies deserved that in the slightest. Indeed, to this day, Laurent still felt a kernel of anger... even if he kept it tightly suppressed for the good of all involved. Anger was such a toxic emotion. Her comment about Twinport, however, brought a bright smile to his lips. "Either way, I hope you find that that liveliness is ultimately a good thing."

Laurent glanced down to see her gentle hand taking his arm, the smile on his face staying in place. The Princess desired an escort? Then Laurent would happily oblige! "More important business than spending time with a lovely lady such as yourself?" The statement came out of him naturally; he simply couldn't help himself. "Is there something in particular you've been looking for?"

Princess Emmaline Carlisle

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Emmaline was resolved to put the incident behind her, refusing to be pitied any longer. Nikolai had done his damage both to himself and to her, yet he was the one who would feel the effects long after this. It was less a rejection and more a proof of the man's folly, if not madness. In time, all that would be remembered of him was his galactic mistake. "I believe I shall. The next few weeks here will be beyond lively, and that can only be a good thing for the entire Kingdom, from those who make their living here to our visiting guests." And above all, they would see the Carlisles united, looking forward together to a strong future through a family that was about to expand even further with Riordan's betrothal.

Leaving her hand curled around his arm, her smile warmed as he did not pull away; if anything, he seemed to welcome the opportunity. "You are too kind, Lord de Lac, but as for what I am looking for..." Her eyes lowered almost flirtatiously before she replied, "Some scarves for my ladies and me to dispense for our favors, I believe. Are you planning to participate in the joust while we are here?"


Lord Laurent de Lac

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

Laurent nodded thoughtfully at her response, the smile still easily in place. "Oh, beyond lively is right. Apparently, Lady Marisa has several events planned in addition to the Joust. There is to be a feast, troupes will be performing the city and there is to be a ball to celebrate the end of the Joust. Lord St. Claire is also holding the joust to determine just who is worthy of his daughters' hands." Laurent thought it might have been a touch archaic, but he had confidence that his uncle would not just use prowess on the back of a horse as the sole determination for the hand of that which he cherished the most. Or ... maybe he did?

The flirtatious glance downward made him feel a bit giddy, but he kept himself calm. "Scarves, you say? For all of you?" He had to wonder just what kind of scarf she would get for herself, but immediately chided himself gently. Yet, when she posed her question... the smile was a slow one, "Yes, I am, though I have to wonder... how will you dispense your favors?" It was a bold question, but an entirely playful one. "If I am allowed advanced knowledge, of course."


Princess Emmaline Carlisle

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Emma, as a consequence of her new resolution, was enjoying Laurent's attentions, determined to allow herself to be sought after, courted, and paid flattering attention. Aware that there were eyes on her, she smiled softly at the idea of handsome, strong men competing for not only the honor and the favor of their lady, but for her hand, "How romantic... will you be jousting, then? I know the ladies are your cousins, but surely you wish to display your own prowess?" Lifting her lashes, she looked up at him flirtatiously once more, leaning in a little on his arm as a test of the skills she sought to hone. "Ah, a feast. Lord St. Claire has a renowned chef. That should be quite memorable. I will be sure my ladies and I attend, in that case."

They walked along towards the market, a regal stroll in the late summer sunshine. His question made her laugh softly, "Indeed, for all of us. I expect there will be numerous gentlemen clamoring for Lady Rosalie's favor, and of course, there are plenty of gentlemen who look on my Lady Natalie for the jewel that she is." At his question, Emma thought for a moment, then decided to play coy. "How shall I dispense my favor? I will have to watch to see whom I deem most worthy... and who truly deserves it, of course."

Lord Laurent de Lac

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

A part of Laurent could scarcely believe that he was not only escorting the lovely Gem of Demeria, but she was flirting with him, as well. Yet, rather than fluster about like a ten year old schoolboy, Laurent found himself rising smoothly to the occasion. "I will be jousting, yes," he announced with some pride, but refrained from letting his chest puff out too much. "I may not look it, but I have some skill on horseback worth demonstrating." It never hurt to brag a little. "And, yes, the feast will be quite memorable. If you'd like, I can even see about obtaining the menu for you and discussing some of its finer points?

"The St. Claire ladies are quite lovely, indeed. I am amazed that Lord St. Claire does not have more grey hairs upon his head having to keep up with them and fending off would be suitors." He had search his memory for the name of Lady Natalie. "Ah, yes, the Kendall woman. I remember her dresses." And probably other things that were not fit for a gentleman to say! "Aah, and I wonder what you look for to deem one worthy."


Princess Emmaline Carlisle

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Emma knew how to flirt, thanks to Natalie's example and tutelage, though she seldom indulged in the practice of it. However, she had flung that reservation aside and realizing now that there were men who found her unquestionably attractive as a woman, rather than a Princess, she was determined to enjoy herself before her father imposed another disaster of a marriage on her. The Earl of Pescadin was an excellent subject on which to practice her rusty flirting skills. She smiled sweetly at him, amused at his efforts to appear somewhat modest. "I would like that... since I do so enjoy knowing what I will be consuming." That, and she had a curious interest to know how Marisa was handling the challenges.

Privately, she was rather glad that Riordan wouldn't be marrying Lady Julia. The woman frankly intimidated her with her utterly correct behavior and the manner in which she never appeared with a hair out of place. "He is equal to the task, I am sure, though I am intrigued to know how they regard his courtship of Lady Marisa." His question distracted her into thinking, and replying without reservation, "Honesty, to begin with. I have no wish to consort with those who rely on deceit."


Lord Laurent de Lac

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

Well, how could anyone say no to such a sweet and generous look. "Very well, I shall do what I can do." And he would do all he could! "I'm fairly confident there will be a number of delicacies from the sea itself, since Twinport brings in quite a catch daily. It also has several oyster beds in the inlet." He gestured toward where the city met the water. "And clams, too. If you like such things, of course." He couldn't presume to know what she liked, but then he chuckled quietly, "Unfortunately, though oysters are delicious... I'm afraid they are not the most romantic food to share on a meal...especially if you consume them in the shell."

As for the St. Claire girls' thoughts on his uncle's courtship of Lady Marisa, he was hesitant to share his thoughts on the matter. He had never personally met Lady Marisa, and thus should not say anything. That she was a de Vere would likely work against her, however much Laurent was against such prejudices as a rule. "You'll likely have to ask, or ... just observe," he offered with a faint chuckle. But he nodded thoughtfully at her answer to his question. "So, you look for men who are openly honest?"

Princess Emmaline Carlisle

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Clearly he was not immune to the sweet looks and subtle blandishments of feminine wiles. Though she had not precisely set out with the intention to wage a war on his senses, Emma felt some small victory in his concession. Hiding her smile, she listened to him speak with some fair expertise on the bounty of the sea near to Twinport. The idea of consuming oysters raw, however, drew a dainty shudder from her. She had little liking for such items. "I have never truly developed a taste for oysters, I fear. So I shall leave them to those who truly enjoy those fruits of the sea."

She could see his hesitation, not surprised by it. The question had been rather indelicately posed, leaving her unsurprised by his discreet response. Emma knew she shouldn't have asked, accepting his demurral as his response. Observe she would as only Rosalie would likely give her a direct answer if the question was asked to her. The change in subject was a smooth one, bringing her eyes to his. "I've discovered the truth is best, even when it can bring heartache yet the lies cause more pain. Don't you agree?"


Lord Laurent de Lac

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

"But, ah, perhaps you enjoy a different sort of fruit from them. Do you think pearls are pretty?" It was a commodity that proved to be two fold. Not only could oysters prove to be a source of food, but a source of luxury goods. Pearls and mother of pearl were a lovely luxury item that many enjoyed. "I think you'd look rather lovely with a necklace of pearls and some earrings of its mother upon your ears." Perhaps with a cream colored gown...? But Laurent was hardly a fashion expert. He just wanted to see Emma be prettier and prettier.

The question, though, made him frown faintly. "That depends on the nature of the truth. Some truths given can be too harsh," and once again, he was remembering just how cruel Rupert the Younger had been with his sister. It was a truth in the man's eyes that Laurent did not agree with for Laurent saw beauty in his sister every day. "Lies and truths. They are not as clear as one would think."


Princess Emmaline Carlisle

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Did she think pearls were pretty? Was she alive and female? Did he really require an answer to that question? Amused, Emma shot him a look that told him the answer should be abundantly clear to him. He had a sister. "Of course I do, but I have a fondness for jewels, you might say. Pearls are considered a jewel, and they come in such interesting hues. Have you ever happened to see a black pearl?" She enjoyed the greenish-purplish sheen that the black pearl had given off, finding it fascinating.

Touched by the picture he painted, Emma smiled softly. "Then I shall have to select such an outfit and see if it meets your approval." She and Mariana had split most of their mother's jewels, and she had opted for some of the more sedate stones. Pearls, amethysts, garnets and so on. Emma had just such a necklace with a lovely pendant. Natalie could surely select an appropriate gown to match, if she knew her lady in waiting.

His response on truth, however, made her sober a little, remembering the scandal that touched his family. Feeling a twinge of guilt, she nodded and touched his arm lightly. "You are right, but it is natural to go to an opposite extreme for a time. Still, as you say, they both are not so clear as one might hope."


Lord Laurent de Lac