A Welcoming Feast - Tourney Opening

[Lady Marisa de Vere]

The fields had been marked and laid for their respective purposes - feasting area, a place to hold a ball, temporary marketplace, and most importantly, the lists at which men attired in gleaming armor, astride mighty steeds, would charge with lances in hand to display their prowess in the joust. For tonight, however, the Duke of Twinport would host a tremendous feast to welcome his guests to his city and to commence the week-long conclusion of the Summer Festival. Marisa had worked diligently and tirelessly for the last three days to arrange the varied events to cast Twinport in the most effective and favorable light, sparing no effort or expense in that regard.

Now, the field that would host the feast stood ready. The area in which the feast would be served was a ring of poles bearing banners of the varied houses of Demeria or brightly glowing lanterns. Over the area intended for the Royal Family and their foreign guests, an awning festooned with greenery was erected, their table lined with appropriate chairs; the other feast tables held cushioned benches. Each table was laid with a cloth of white, draped with garlands of green ivy and tied with white and gold ribbons, small brass cups with cut-outs casting lacy, flickering patterns on the tablecloths. The places were set with brass chargers and utensils on which stood snowy napkins, as well as sparkling glasses. Much, she was gratified to learn, was collected over years and stored for these types of events by the late Duchess, who had enjoyed entertaining.

Once the scene was set, Marisa devoted herself to seeing that His Grace was prepared to receive his guests and that she made a suitably attired hostess to stand beside him. Selecting a demurely cut gown of sea green, she allowed her hair to be arranged with a bandeau of pearls; pearls made up her jewelry as she went to join Daven down in the field in anticipation of their first guests. Surveying the field, she nodded in satisfaction. Good work had been done by all, and she intended to thank the servants for their diligence.

For now, the fun was about to begin.




Lord Daven St. Claire, King Sedrick Carlisle, Prince Riordan Carlisle, Prince Tristan Carlisle, Princess Emmaline Carlisle, Lady Mariana Jardinier, Lord Hadrian Jardinier, Lady Samantha Rose, Lord Jasen de Winter, Sir Christopher de Winter, Lord Sebastian de Winter, Lady Carissa de Vere, Lady Katalin de Winter, Lord Nicholas Remington, Lady Kathryn Remington, Lord Spencer Lancaster, Lady Selena Lancaster, Prince Demetri Fyodorov, King Anatoli Fyodorov, Princess Katya Fyodorov, Princess Anastasia Fyodorov, Lord Frederick von Arles, @elisabeta, Lord Alejandro Cerevotos, Lord Alejo Cataluña, Lady Catalina Luña, Lady Julia St. Claire, Lady Rosalie St. Claire, Lady Natalie Kendall, Lord Laurent de Lac, Lady Lisette de Lac, Lady Elaina de Lac, Lord Rupert de Vere, Lady Vivianne Trevelyan, Lady Serah Lancaster, Lady Fiona Lancaster, Lady Tamara Fontaine, Lord Dominic Halton

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

Daven enjoyed the end result of hosting grand events, but he hated the days leading up to them. Twinkeep had been a study in controlled chaos and tension. William had proved to be more difficult than Daven had planned, August was roaring more than he typically did, and servants were running willy-nilly with everything that needed to be prepared. The city of Twinport itself had been much the same way, especially as Daven spent several daytime hours visiting with merchants, innkeepers and stable keeps to ensure they were ready for the influx. It had been a great deal of stressful work, but both Marisa's hard work and pleasant company made it far easier. The woman was performing superbly, but the test was not over yet.

The color scheme for the Dragon of St. Claire was green. The fine doublet and matching trousers were made of dark green had a light silver trim to signify his house's colors. The doublet, thanks to his daughters and Marisa, was properly fitted about the neck so that he would refrain from tugging at it in a most ungentlemanly manner. His blonde hair, though thinning slightly, was styled nicely and his beard was trimmed. One could even say that he man looked handsome, if not rather lordly.

As he prepared for the influx of guests, he was reminding himself to be courteous and polite to all. It would all be over in several hours. Keen eyes were not only keep an eye out for his daughters, but for the hostess, as well. Marisa had done a good job, and he did hope that nothing would come along to spoil it.

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

As Daven was her favorite uncle, Lisette made a point of attending nd being timely to support him. While she had her doubts about the Lady Marisa as a suitable choice over her cousin, she also wanted him to be happy. If there was a way for both Daven and Julia to be happy, so much the better, but for now, it was the feast. Knowing her uncle's cook and his vast repertoire of skills, the repast would be truly a gourmand experience, one not to be missed. That alone would ensure Laurent's presence, but she was not so convinced of Elaina. A quiet request, however, urged their younger sibling to join the twins in the clearing earmarked for the evening's event.

Free of her mother's overbearing insistence, Lisette chose a gown of a deep wine hue, one that set off her subtle coloring well. It was cut simply but well, conforming to the soft, discreet curves of her figure. Allowing her maid to dress her hair, the girl had opted to confine the sandy brown in a pearl-studded net with a band of matching silk with pearl flowers set with garnet centers. A pretty pair of dainty pearl drops danced from garnets in her ears and a pearl and garnet pendant glowed at the hollow of her throat. Satisfied that she looked almost pretty, she stepped into the clearing to greet her host... and his hostess. "Good evening, Uncle." Lisette was proud of how distinguished he looked, smiling up at him. "You look wonderful!"


Lord Daven St. Claire

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Resisting the urge to make a fashionably late entrance - Emma wasn't feeling that dramatic yet - she led her ladies into the clearing to join those already present. Attired in a gown of sapphire blue trimmed in gold, her dark hair drawn away from her face to tumble down her back and crowned with a delicate gold and sapphire tiara, she swept in with a smile on her lips. The gown was one of Natalie's design, cut to frame her shoulders and dip a little lower than usual for her, a gown guaranteed to attract eyes, especially male eyes. A simple sapphire and gold necklace circled her throat as she paused, surveying the scene before her.

Lady Marisa was not yet present, but no surprise; she obviously intended to make an entrance of her own and justifiably so. Emma took note of the myriad little details that turned a plain, ordinary field into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. They might be dining out of doors, but the setting was as elegant and refined as any grand hall. Pleasantly surprised, she came forward to greet the Duke and the young woman with him, recognizing her as Lord de Lac's sister. "Good evening, Your Grace, my lady."


Lord Daven St. Claire, Lady Lisette de Lac, Lady Natalie Kendall, Lady Rosalie St. Claire

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Rosalie wandered into the clearing in a gown of pale cream edged with forest green pattern, her hair half-up in a simple style. It had been tough to stay still throughout all the fittings, but she was certain it’d be a good impression in the end and would see it now. Recognition bloomed on her face soon enough as she noticed the gathering group of nobles, and she twirled over to her father and cousin, a twinkle to her eye visible from where she was. She was enjoying being home and it was a good break from both the festival and Triadon, where she was going to go later.

“Your Highness, Father, cousin,” she greeted with a beaming grin, thankful both were already present and grinning toward the Princess as she came to her side for now. A hug was given to both Daven and Lisette, before she gave her father a playful smile. “Is there anywhere my help is needed?” She could see Lady Marisa was not there yet, but she also could see the effort that went into decorating the clearing. Perhaps, she was right in making her acquaintance when she had, but this would be a chance to see how things fell together – if it happened. Rosalie was, of course, not the one to miss such an opportunity when it presented itself, such as now.


Lord Daven St. Claire, Princess Emmaline Carlisle, Lady Lisette de Lac

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Tris had timed himself to the feast at Twinport to be the next after his sister, joining those already there while the rest were gathering. Like Emma, he chose shades of rich blue for his costume, though his lacked the red and was decorated in gold. For the moment, he was quiet, taking in the clearing with curious eyes, long enough to reach Emma’s side.

“Your Grace, my ladies, good evening,” he greeted, taking in those present, before he smiled toward his sister, coming up next to her for the time being. “Hello, Emma. You seem better now. Are you?” He hoped she was, for it would mean his sister was going to actually enjoy herself this time. Given the colors and style she picked, though, he had no doubt this was as much, but a confirmation never hurt.


Lord Daven St. Claire, Princess Emmaline Carlisle

[Lady Marisa de Vere]

Emerging from the trees in which she had helped the servants to establish a staging area to aid them in efficiently serving the feast, Marisa was pleased to see a number of their guests arriving, especially the younger royals. An especial coup, in a way, considering how reclusive the Princess Emmaline had been, and with her, Marisa noted Lady Rosalie. Approaching where the cluster of people stood, she made a point of smoothing the sea green silk and ensuring her dark hair was correct.

Curtsying first to the Princess and young Prince, she smiled before taking her place beside Daven. "Good evening, Your Highnesses, Lady Rosalie." The other young lady she did not know very well. "Welcome, my lady. I don't believe I have had the pleasure?" She glanced to Daven, as it was clear he knew the young lady."

Lord Daven St. Claire, Lady Lisette de Lac, Lady Rosalie St. Claire, Princess Emmaline Carlisle, Prince Tristan Carlisle

[Lady Julia St. Claire]

Julia returned to Twinport with the Court, as expected of a dutiful daughter, with Cecelia in tow. Rosalie was with the Princess, arriving with the Royal entourage. All four of the Dragon's daughters were anticipated to join their father at this event, knowing it was the pre-cursor to the tournament at which he would begin to contemplate potential spouses for his golden-haired daughters. She was not particularly pleased about the prospect of being placed on the auction block, so to speak, but circumstances had likely forced her father's hand on her behalf, as well as Rosalie's. Sighing, she departed her chamber to descend to the field in order to attend the feast. If she was to be placed on the block, Julia would do so with her chin held high and looking her best.

Choosing a forest green gown, the hue was dramatic and deliberately chosen. Cut a little more daringly than usual, Julia instructed her maid to put her hair up, using the emerald combs that had belonged to her mother, along with the necklace of gold filigree and emerald drops that circled her throat. Dignity could often rival beauty, and tonight, she intended to achieve both. Satisfied with her appearance, she approached the field with quiet, regal grace and stood on the edge for several minutes to survey the scene laid before her. Privately, she had to concede that Marisa had risen to the challenge set before her and arranged an elegant area that would prove a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. A faint smile touched her lips; perhaps she underestimated the woman. If the rest of the week transpired this way, then she would concede to her father's desire to marry her.

The loss hurt, but perhaps there were still options for her. Doing the right thing was incredibly difficult, yet she knew that she had to do it. Gathering her skirts, she went to join the others and greet their hosts.

[Lord Spencer Lancaster]

The Duke of Indigane was next to arrive in the company of the lovely Princess Fiona. Honored to stand as her escort, he stood straight, elegantly attired in a simple, yet formal tunic in Lancaster colors that complemented his lady's attire. Wearing a smile, he had bestowed a pretty little nosegay on his lady and carried another to gift to his hostess, along with a bottle of very fine ale for Daven. Rivals as the two might be, Spencer looked on his fellow duke as a friend and knew the rules of hospitality intimately. A familiar blonde form ahead told him that the Lady Julia was on her way to the evening feast as well, putting to rest a minor concern that the Dragon's daughters might not attend.

Glancing to his companion, he smiled, covering her hand with his. "You look lovely this evening. Are you looking forward to seeing your latest protégée shine, my lady?" He himself was curious to see how well Lady Marisa fared under the pressures of short notice and elaborate expectations.



Lady Fiona Lancaster

[Lady Fiona Lancaster]

The two of them had better friends now that they had dispensed with their mutual irritation in a purely manly fashion. Honestly, brawling like a couple of common sailors was something that they should have risen above. Fiona was still curious just why, however, Spencer had laid his fist upon Daven... he would not tell her. Yet, that was in the past, and they had apparently made their points to each other keenly. Instead, Fiona opted to focus on the pleasure of the forthcoming evening.

The woman was garbed in an elegant and becoming gown of deep red laced with gold. To lend to the theme, she wear a chaplet of gold and studded rubies weaved into her lengthy hair. Indeed, she looked everything like a royal princess should. Though she knew she looked rather resplendent, she still looked demure in the face of Spencer's compliments. It felt good to hear them from him. Lifting her head finally, she smiled at him warmly. "I am, truly. To see her styled as Duchess of Twinport would be quite the accomplishment."

As they arrived, Fiona cast a critical look over the setting before them. The inspection lasted for a few moments before she finally nodded in approval. "And I think she has done well, but let's see how she handles the beast that is Court, hm?" A hand reached up to quickly smooth out his collar before anyone noticed.


Lord Spencer Lancaster

[Lady Carissa de Vere]

Carissa decided to forego any escort to the feast this evening, though she extended an invitation to the de Winter family to join her if they were inclined to attend. Her uncle was also invited to join them if he felt socially inclined. Joining the steady throng of people that moved along the path that led to the field where the feast was to be held, she displayed no haste in her stroll. There were plenty of people waiting to greet the Duke and his likely intended bride, and she wanted a chance to observe Marisa without being noticed. If the girl had failed her test as the prospective bride of Daven St. Claire, then she wanted to know.

Wearing one of her preferred gowns of golden satin, her chestnut hair tumbled down her back and over bared, pale shoulders, her blue eyes were keenly focused on the clustered people who had already arrived. A faint smile touched her lips to see the Iron Princess enjoying the courteous escort of the dapper Duke of Indigane, though a brow rose to note the subtle changes in Princess Emmaline and the protective manner displayed by her younger brother. That might prove to be entertaining, the moreso since she failed to spot Rupert hovering in the shadows nearby. Interesting indeed. She would have to see what happened there.

For now, she hung back, content to watch and to wait to see if the de Winters would join her for the feast.


Lord Jasen de Winter, Lord Rupert de Vere, Sir Christopher de Winter, Lord Sebastian de Winter, Lady Katalin de Winter

[Princess Anastasia Fyodorov]

Anastasia put aside her reservations on attending the feast. Peace had been made as much as possible between the Tsar and the King, and Nikolai now sat in the Duke's dungeons, awaiting their interrogation before he received the full brunt of their father's displeasure. Deciding that it was time to put the best foot forward, she obtained a few little gifts for the Duke, his hostess and his daughters to smooth their way and proceeded to bully her family shamelessly into some of their more fine attire. Following her own instructions, Anya deliberately chose a gown of ice white, her dark hair elegantly arranged in an upsweep that left her neck and the curves of her shoulders bare, pearls glowing against the dark tresses.

A deceptively simple pendant of sapphire ringed in icy diamonds rested at the hollow of her throat, the white of her gown broken by the sash of sapphire blue with its embroidered gold stars that marked her as a member of the Sarkozsy royal family. Anya hoped that she looked every inch the regal Princess Royal as she went to urge her brother, sister and father into readiness so they could join the other guests.

A quick clap of her gloved hands hopefully gained their attention. "Come, my family, or we shall be most rudely tardy. You have all primped enough, let us go already!"



Prince Demetri Fyodorov, King Anatoli Fyodorov, Princess Katya Fyodorov

[Lord Daven St. Claire]

The guests came much the arrival of the high tide, bringing people awash the sea of green grass upon which the festivities were being held. The urge to grumble and retreat to the outskirts of the engagement was even stronger. Yet, he reminded himself that he had to put on a good face for the St. Claires and Twinport. Fortunately, the first two to reach him were a pair of ladies that he found most agreeable. Thus, it was easy for a small smile to form. "Good evening, niece," he rumbled to her before he made an effort to casually shrug off her compliment. "Oh, this? The collar is finally comfortable, I can say that much. But... thank you." He at least remembered to be polite.

"Your Highness," he greeted her with a light bow, "A pleasure to see you and I hope you enjoy your evening. Rosalie," and then the same greeting was issued to Tristan before he turned to notice Marisa had joined them. Thank goodness for that, since he rather hated the idea of having to face all of these people by himself. "Lady Marisa, may I introduce you to my niece, the Lady Lisette de Lac." He remembered the bad blood between the de Lacs and the de Veres, but he hoped that could be set aside for one evening.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted his eldest daughter arrive. How much she looked like her mother in that instance... but then, so did Rosalie.


Lady Julia St. Claire, Lady Rosalie St. Claire, Princess Emmaline Carlisle, Lady Lisette de Lac, Prince Tristan Carlisle

[Lord Jasen de Winter]

Knowing where his brother’s concerns lay, Jasen was addressing them in a quiet voice, as he and Christopher walked toward the clearing for the welcome feast of the tournament. He was of belief that he could convince his brother to lay the worries aside, at least for some time, but was uncertain whether he was convincing or not. Chris was hard to read at best of times, and now, in light blue and silver, like Jasen, and quiet as was his habit. “We will be fine,” Jasen murmured, a light hand on the younger man’s shoulder. He knew not how reassuring it was, however.

Thus, he remained by his brother’s side and staying at the edges of the gathering, though his eyes found one of his allies and a bow of his head greeted the rest of those he knew. Like them, Lady Carissa was hanging back from the group, and he moved to join her, trusting his brother would follow. “Lady Carissa, good evening. Our thanks for your invitation.” He slightly turned to include his brother into their conversation as he spoke. “Chris, I’m uncertain if you had the pleasure of meeting Lady Carissa de Vere before.” In the last few months, the odd hours of their schedule made certain of Jasen’s lacking knowledge of whom his siblings met. He suspected he would find out here – as he would whether Katalin and Sebastian would join them. He left this up to them for this time.


Lady Carissa de Vere

[Lady Mariana Jardinier]

The days of pretending to be invisible were over for good. It was true that Mariana was troubled by the changes that were taking place, but her husband’s and siblings’s support had given her much needed confidence to take that step. Mariana swept into the clearing with her head held high and her warm, gentle smile upon her face to greet those present dressed in a gown of bright red decorated with gold and pearls and her hair held back by the gold threaded net. Like her younger siblings, both of whom were already there and seemed to be well, this was a change for her, a good one, and she was glad she allowed Emma to convince her of its necessity.

Her eyes moved through the gathering as she paused minutely, the last remains of years of uncertainty too deeply ingrained to be shaken off easily. Then her eyes lit upon the Lancasters, it coming to her mind that it was far too long since she spoke with either of the pair.

“Good evening, Your Graces,” she greeted once she approached them, a curtsy appropriate to each’s station given once she had. “I hope I did not interrupt?” She fought against a look of mischief toward her younger sister, thankful for mild apprehension she was still feeling in that the mischief remained hopefully hidden because of apprehension she felt. Perhaps their ideas on meddling here, from what she could see, were not needed, and so much the better for it.


Lord Spencer Lancaster, Lady Fiona Lancaster