The Spring Hunt - Day Two [4/21 - OPEN]

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

He was in a foul humour this morning, thanks entirely to the Duke of Twinport. Curse his dragon-like ability to hunt, taking the prize stag Sedrick had culled out for himself. But no, Daven St. Claire was showing off for a mere female and in the process, showing up his King. Why, he ought to...

Sedrick caught himself in mid-thought, giving his head a firm, clearing shake. What was wrong with him lately? He ought to be pleased and proud that an impressive buck had been taken down by one of his closest vassals, rather than resenting Daven's luck. As he mounted up, he sighed. Perhaps he was getting older, though certainly he did not feel like it lately. Calling for his bow, the hounds and his guests, the King forced a smile onto his features. "A prize for the lord or lady," as he noticed the ladies who bravely joined their pack, "who takes the most quail today! I've a yen for quail pie."

With a regal nod to each, he turned first to Prince Nikolai, then to Duke Frederick and Riordan. "What say you, gentlemen? Shall we place a little wager on the day's outcome? I look forward to spending the day, seeing each of you shoot, though my coin must rest, I think," his gaze rested purposefully on Riordan with a tilt of his head, "on my son to take the day's honours. Are we agreed?"

He strove to keep a tight rein on the throbbing pain in his head and an even more rigid clamp on the dark thoughts that threatened to claw their way out through his mouth to spew like venom over the assorted nobles and guests. Sedrick was still King, and he intended to present himself as such despite the pain and price it would cost him.

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

Frederick, no doubt to Sedrick's pleasure, was completely ignorant of the goings on involving the King's deteriorating mental state. While he did normally make it a habit to keep an ear out regarding rumors, he did not want to appear rude in a foreign court and stick his nose in places that it most certainly did not belong. Thus, he opted to remain as pleasant as possible, reveal very little about himself, and focus on the purpose of the event: hunting. Hunting, to him, was not exactly a social event since large groups of people tended to scare off prey. However, he was not going to scoff at a clearly honored tradition.

Astride his horse, he was bedecked in clothing suited to his station, but clearly styled for hunting. Breeches of dark brown with matching leather boots, a deep green doublet with a matching tunic and rough gloves. The bow was upon his back along with a quiver of arrows both fine, and clearly used. In addition, he had a pair of hunting knifes upon his belt, along with a small pouch that contained various other tools for the trade. No one could question whether or not Frederick was a hunter.

He looked over toward the Crown Prince with a smile. "I agree with Your Majesty, ja," the voice was heavily accented, but he did his best to speak as clearly as he possibly could. The voice was a soothing baritone, which helped smooth out the rough edges prone to his native tongue. "Quail are unique challenge, for they are quick to fly and small in form. They're quite good at hiding, too." Already, he was looking about their surroundings, his eyes narrowing for any dens or signs of the small fowl.

[Lady Serah Lancaster]

For Serah Lancaster, spite was a fantastic reason to explain a good many of her decisions, especially where her mother was concerned. Growing up as the disappointing, imperfect daughter of the Iron Princess - good triad, who thought up these monikers? - she was accustomed to doing as she pleased for no more reason than because she was not supposed to. There were probably other reasons, deep seeded reasons best not explored for why she disobeyed so frequently, but for now, it was enough to label the reason as 'spite' and let it go at that.

She was firmly told to remain behind in Triadon, therefore Serah accompanied one of the ladies of the court to Meirin with her hunter, her bow and a quiver full of fowling arrows. Emerging from the pavilion in her brown velvet habit, the hat set at a flirtatious angle, she allowed one of the grooms to assist her in mounting before setting off to join the King's party. There were faces of importance surrounding him, making for some very interesting tidbits for gleaning. Perhaps she would use some of them on her mother. For now, it was enough to be out in the fresh air, looking forward to a day of riding, enjoying the company of others and savoring the pleasure of doing the forbidden.

If she was very lucky, she'd avoid her mother until they returned to Triadon with Fiona none the wiser.

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Tristan had no idea why he was on the hunt this time. After all, he successfully skipped day one by getting to know Cousin Edward, whom he hadn’t met before, at least he didn’t think he had. Now, though, he was set on trying his luck with a bow. Sword was more preferred for him, but not let it be said that the Prince wasn’t set on trying. At least hiding was something he was good at, so the youth considered it a fine opportunity to practice more of his skills here. Riding up to the group in general, Tristan considered his choice of clothes – a nondescript set that wouldn’t get in his way nor alert anyone that he was around, unless they specifically looked for him.

Bowing politely in direction of his father and sibling, though he wasn’t certain that they noticed his presence, Tristan stopped his horse next to his cousin with a slight grin. “Lady Serah, a lovely day for a quail hunt, is it not?” He murmured quietly, eyes amused with the challenge. “Think you we can stay unnoticed by our respective relatives till the end of the hunt?” To him, the more challenge was to stay unnoticed and to find the nests than to shoot too many birds to carry. Perhaps he’d even have an accomplice on this hunt, but if not, he was certain he would be able to manage on his own. For now, all they had to do was to wait for the signal to begin the hunt – then he could well separate from the group should there be need to do so.

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

Riordan was not the biggest fan of hunting, truth be told, but he went to support his father and the family. He was of the opinion that the huntsman could do their jobs perfectly well in keeping the kingdom fed with venison, quail and other wild game that certain lords had developed a taste for. Riordan was particularly fond of rabbit, finding the meat quite savory and satisfying. Dressed in clothes suitable for a hunt, he had his own bow strapped to his back as he listened to the lords place their wagers. Riordan was mildly surprised Sedrick had chosen him, but he hid such surprise.

"You do me honor, Father. I shan't disappoint you," he bowed his head to the King and then looked over toward the foreign duke. He was an interest man to say the least, but he had not yet had much chance to meet with him. "They jump up when we least expect it, right? Are they your preferred game, my lord?" A glance over his shoulder was cast toward Tristan and Serah. ... When had Serah arrived? Hmm.

[Prince Nikolai Fyodorov]

Hunting quail was not an easy task, if Nikolai remembered correctly, but he was willing to take on the challenge, especially if the king placed a wager on the outcome. Proving himself in hunting skill might not be so successful, as he had never been good at hunting birds. Still, he was all for indulging the king in this matter. "I am willing to wager," Nikolai said, "and I wish the best of luck to my opponents."

Perhaps hunting quails would work better two by two, so they might help each other, and Nikolai wondered if he should ask a noble or simply rely on one of his men to assist him. As he mused over this, he heard another foreigner speak and it caught his attention. Another foreigner was intriguing. "Agreed. One must have keen eyes and quick reflexes to catch the creature," he said. "Shall we pair our skills together, Lord Frederick?"

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

Listening to the exchange made him smile, intrigued to see how the wager would pan out over the day. Sedrick looked between his sons, a brow lifting at his pale little cousin's presence - did her mother know she was here? - before he spoke up once more. "A fitting wager, I believe. Our guests versus the pride of Demeria. What do you think, my sons?" He reached over, clapping Tristan on the shoulder before giving him a look full of challenge. "Do you think you are equal to the challenge?"

[Lady Serah Lancaster]

Her eyes went wide to catch the King's gaze, inwardly groaning. This was not good; that meant cousin Sedrick would feel all but obligated to inform her mother that she'd deliberately defied her instruction to remain in Triadon. Oh well, if she was to be exposed, Serah intended to go down with all flags flying. Nudging her hunter closer, she inquired silkily, "I will accept that wager, Your Majesty, and if you are willing to permit me to represent the other side of the family, offer myself into the fray."

Yes, Fiona would be shocked, dismayed - nay, horrified - at her daughter's unmitigated boldness, but that was her Lancaster blood triumphing over the more sedate Carlisle. Her father was looking down on her and smiling, if she knew Martin Lancaster's shade at all. "What say you, gentlemen? Are mere girls not allowed?"

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Oh, darn it all, spotted first by Riordan, then by his father, of all the people. Snorting at the failing attempt at sneaking during the meet-up, Tristan quirked an eyebrow up at the challengers. “Well, Father, I don’t promise to be as splendid a shot as Riordan here is, but I will do my best to try being at least something of a challenge,” he rationalized, and grinned toward the Lady Serah, who decided she would join them in such. “Just don’t be too surprised if I come last. Sword is my better weapon of choice than a bow, after all.” And that, both his father and brother should know very well indeed, considering a few practice bouts in which the elder was triumphing over the younger more often than not. Still, perhaps he’d be able to come out of this somewhat alive.

“I could use a partner if anyone is willing to join me,” he added with a hand through his hair and making sure that his quiver was indeed present. There was nothing more embarrassing than reaching behind himself only to find he had no quiver or had it half-full, after all, and he grinned encouragement to the girl when she offered to participate in the challenge his father had given. That she was bold enough to do so made her an interesting character to him, and he wondered what else Lady Serah could do that her mother was unaware of. Casting a pleading look not to say anything to great-aunt Fiona about this if they could avoid it toward his father and brother, Tris found himself enjoying the starting event. For all he knew, it would be a challenge enough, both to himself and his skills, and if anything, he could always use some practice.

[Prince Riordan Carlisle]

"Perhaps you could fling your blade at them, Brother," Riordan teased, but with good nature and intention. "That should fell them just as quickly as any arrow to the heart. Even more so, I would be quite impressed to see such a sight," a chuckle escaped him before his gaze shifted toward Fiona's little daughter. Serah was so unlike her mother that he had to wonder just what had happened during her upbringing. In truth, Riordan found it to be a relief; his great aunt could ever be a tremendously annoying thorn. Riordan had a feeling his father would agree with Riordan's assessment on that count!

Riordan gave Serah an amused look. "You have my curiosity and attention," he looked toward his father first and then the others. "I say we give her the chance the display her skill." He was about to suggest that she be paired with Tristan, but he did not want to overstep his bounds. After all, this was his father's hunt, and he knew how much he enjoyed such sport.

[King Sedrick Carlisle]

He caught the identical looks from his son and his cousin, ones that pled with him not to divulge Serah's presence to Fiona. Trusting that Fiona led the ladies in the other direction, Sedrick was openly amused at his cousin's boldness. She was small, pale, delicate-seeming, but the more he'd watched her, the more he was convinced she was nothing of the sort. "If you feel equal to the challenge, Lady Serah, then who am I to deny you an opportunity to show what one of our ladies can do? Providing, of course," he shifted his gaze to rest on the Prince and the Grand Duke, "neither of you gentlemen object?"

As he waited for their responses, a speculative look crossed his face, a spark of an idea coming to his mind. "Partner with Tristan, Lady Serah, if you would, please? I believe the two of you will make an excellent team pending our guests' approval."

Prince Nikolai Fyodorov

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

Frederick had seen the pale blonde woman before, his eyes narrowing at her slightly to confirm her facial features. A light smile passed over his lips, "Oh, no. I offer no objections. In my country, it is expected that everyone does their part with their greatest strengths. Besides, the more bows and blades to the cause, the better. We do have a great many to feed, no?" A smile formed as he nodded toward the Lady Serah, but was careful not to let his eyes linger overly long. There were too many damnably watchful people here as it was!