Beauty in All Forms ( 4/22, Fred and Serah, C )

[Lady Serah Lancaster]

Oh, he was skilled with words. Serah felt her guard alerted by the easy manner in which he delivered those sly little compliments. This was not a man to underestimate and she already had. Twice. She didn't intend to make that mistake again, not when he so skillfully caught her out. "At our core, yes, we may be animals, but it could also be argued that it is our ability to think, reason and conquer animal instinct that sets us apart from the animals." He had started this discussion, she strove to meet and match him on it, a pale brow lifting towards her hairline. "You have yet to see an ermine, then. The soft white fur tipped with black makes my hair look flat and dull in comparison."

Having tidily dismissed that effort to flatter her, she smiled a little. "I am able to hunt and indeed took a number of quail today, but that wasn't my priority or reason for being out. It is a lovely day, I am out of the city, and during the ride, I was able to explore more of these woods, something I don't often receive the opportunity to do. I'd rather enjoy my surroundings than focus on taking down my prey when I can." Serah regarded him then. "Something I think you can understand very well."

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

And Frederick had learned a lesson himself about Serah Lancaster. She did not much care for compliments regarding her beauty, but she did not appear to be insulted by them, either. This was something he had noticed in observing the women of Demeria. Demerian woman desired to look attractive if they could, but they did not wish that to be their sole virtue. The nobles, he noticed, wanted their minds and other qualities admired in equal share. A valuable lesson for a man such as himself. "Ah. The ermine, I had forgotten about hat particular creature, but thank you for reminding me. Regardless, I would not sell yourself short, either." He was, however, impressed.

"Yes, it is something I understand very well," a slow nod was given before he clearly thought on something, eyeing her, "If you would like, I can take you out the next time you desire to go hunting. I can teach you what I know of these forests, for they are not all that dissimilar to the forest back home. Many plants have useful properties, as do mushrooms," to show this, he pulled one out and offered it to her. "Quite delicious, even uncooked, if you'd care to try one."

[Lady Serah Lancaster]

She wasn't one to think of beauty being her virtue, not when faced like women like her cousin Emma, her mother, Mariana, even Lynesse and Julia St. Claire. They were deemed the great beauties of court, not Serah. Serah much preferred to advance the virtues of information, observation, perception and the fine art of political maneuvering. Her father made a point of honing her mind despite her mother's efforts, and she'd been an eager student indeed. "Your kindness is appreciated, Your Grace," but unnecessary, her tone implied.

Walking beside him was still comfortable despite the occasional comments that set her on her guard. "I'd like that. Any opportunity I have to leave Triadon, no matter how brief, is welcome. My... That is, the King offers his hunting lodge for his guests. If you'd like to make use of it, I'm sure arrangements can be made. I'd like to learn better how to navigate the woods and what is in them." She looked back towards him, inquiring lightly, "Do you like to ride?"

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

While Frederick would appreciate her desire to be appreciated for her intelligence, there was no shame in being appreciated for her physically attractiveness. No, Serah was not the most curvaceous woman in the court, but it was the creamy smooth skin that got his attention. Oh, certainly, there was an attraction to his mind, but Frederick was not afraid of his animal side like so many people in his life were. The vast majority of relationships between males and females began on attractiveness of some sort, but it was usually physical. Anyone who denied this was denying the nature of humans, and thus animals. "I'm glad," he smiled, "Because I enjoy giving compliments not just for beauty but brains, as well."

He cleared his throat quietly, and then nodded, "I do like to ride, very much. It's a very freeing and open experience that promises to relax and educate you." At the offer of using the hunting lodge, his eyebrows raised noticeably. "That would be quite a treat, my Lady. And it would put us some distance from Triadon, no?" Not a bad prospect, indeed!

[Lady Serah Lancaster]

She wasn't sure if he was poking fun at her with that comment, a sidelong glance taken at his face to examine the smile he wore. This Treniatan was a tricky fellow indeed, but Serah appreciated his understated wit and sly humour. Her own smile bloomed across her features then, for once not demurring against the fulsome compliment. "In that case, Your Grace, you are a most welcome and refreshing guest to the court of Demeria. Our gentlemen might benefit from time spent in your excellent company." Serah might not play the game of courtiers, but she unquestionably knew how it was played.

Nibbling on the mushroom, the walk did not seem that lengthy to her, enjoying the chance to stretch her legs after a day in the saddle. "So it is. Perhaps that is why I am so fond of it myself. I prefer to ride out at dawn. It is a wonder to see the world coming awake, I think." Serah finished the mushroom off, finding its earthy taste surprisingly pleasant. "It would. Meirin are the lands held by my side of the family."

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

Pleased to see her accept the compliment for what it was, he chuckled quietly at the comment that he was a gentleman of t he Court. "But, alas, Lady Serah, I am but myself and no one else. I would not know how to be anyone else, and what you see..." he leaned closer to her, his eyes taking another playful touch, "is what you get. Whether that is for better or worse, you will have to find out and decide." Frederick was actually a bit surprised at himself. Had he actually ever been quite this flirtatious with a woman before? Probably not, but he was having fun all the same!

"Ah, yes, especially in spring and summer. Watching the flowers open up can be a treat in and of itself," he nodded thoughtfully, "I will be here for some time. I will gladly help you arrange it. Will any of your family like to come along?"

[Lady Serah Lancaster]

She blinked, finding him closing the distance between them, blue eyes meeting his hazel and widening a little as he spoke. What she saw wasn't half of what he was truly was, but time was needed to peel away the myriad layers. He was like an onion, layer after layer that peeled away to reveal another. "So I will have to, Your Grace," Serah managed to reply in an almost even tone of voice. "But I also believe you'll show me what you want me to see of you."

She wasn't flirting per se, but gauging him, and how bold he intended to be. He changed abruptly on her, retreating back into propriety to leave her confused in his wake. Any of her family? Her mind immediately thought of her mother and she cringed. "Ah... perhaps a cousin, I am not sure."

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

Oh, but she should join in the flirting game! It was ever so much fun, especially when it came to keeping individuals on their toes. Then again, he didn't exactly take pleasure on keeping Serah on edge, but at the same time, he could there was a part of her that was fascinated by the exchange all the same. "Ah, very true. Then again, I could say that there is a great deal of I wish to show you. Such things take time, of course."

At her answer about the hunting lodge, he smiled at her, "I was merely asking for your security, my lady. I know the importance of maintaining appearances and propriety. I would not wish to come to your country and be openly accused of stealing you away." At least... not openly.

[Lady Serah Lancaster]

Time wasn't on her side, she knew that. The minute her mother discovered she was in the hunting camp, hell would break loose. Serah was in direct defiance of her mother's instructions to remain in Triadon, glancing ahead to gauge how close they were to the camp. She would have to lead her hunter around and then slip back into the pavilion in which she was staying to avoid detection. "Time indeed. The question is, will your stay allow you to take so much time as that?" Simple enough question, she believed.

At his mention of security, appearances and propriety, she shrugged. "I doubt anyone would ever consider you would do that where I am concerned. They're more likely to put it down to one of my more rebellious spells and wait for my return." Serah paused then, taking a second, better look. "You wouldn't steal anyone away, would you?" The thought had its merits, even if it was a basis for war.

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

"The length of my stay is unknown at this time, but you can be rest assured that it it will not be too short, nor will it be too long. It will be just the right length," the question was probably too vague for her, but in all truth, it was her second question that interested him far more.

"Oh, that very much depends,"he looked over to her, "On just how willing a captive you would be, and just how much trouble we would get into. Play our cards just right, and it will be passed off as a carefree moment between two nobles. However, if anyone were to react poorly, then I have a feeling the repercussions would be most severe. So, I am curious, just how would you respond to being my captive? You can be rest assured that you would be treated very well if that were the case."

[Lady Serah Lancaster]

The question hadn't been vague, but his answer certainly was. Then again, he seemed to pride himself on providing just enough answers to draw her along without losing her interest or committing to anything terribly specific. A nod was all she replied to his words, feeling his gaze land upon her to turn her eyes back to his.

"Oh, the trouble would be... debatable. Some might consider you had the worse end of the deal and be grateful to see the last of me. Others might make a token protest. As for how willing I am, I suppose that depends on the manner of captivity." She smiled sweetly back at him. "I had no question of my treatment, but more how I would be taken, where I would be kept and what might ensue."

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

Serah's answer struck him as interesting, for it was rather revealing in it is own way. No one wanted her stay within Demeria? He couldn't imagine why, but he didn't pry into it. After all, it was none of his business and he did not want to be deemed a nosy, busybody foreigner. That didn't mean he wasn't curious, though! "Ah, but shouldn't the manner of your taking be a surprise? You can be rest assured, at least, that I would be gentle. As for where? My homelands, where you'd be free to explore and go as you wish. What might happen? An enjoyment of life and being treated with respect by your host."

A very odd kidnapper, Frederick would be. Steal her away from her home, only to grant her a lavish and comfortable life style that would be different than what she experienced here in Demeria. He had to wonder just how knowledgeable she was on the Treniatans and their way of life.

[Lady Serah Lancaster]

He was new to the realm and to the conflicts that divided the Carlisle family. He obviously had not yet met her mother or observed their interaction. Once Frederick saw, he would fully understand. It was a situation Serah was in no great hurry to reveal to him, yet it told a poignant tale indeed. A few questions asked discreetly of the right people would garner him all the information he needed, not that she intended to reveal the suggestion to him.

"A surprise could be nice," mused aloud, she nodded thoughtfully. "I should like to see Treniata and your home. I've never before left Demeria, and I am very interested to see how much better it could be in other places." Serah smiled faintly with the prospect of such freedom and welcome. "You are proving a very wicked man, Your Grace, setting such temptations before me. Or is that merely to ensure that I am indeed a willing abductee?"

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

"It certainly would make the abduction process much easier on me," he chuckled warmly in amusement, "And I would not have to be like the bogeyman, offering sweets and baubles to draw you into my little trap. I think I'm a little too handsome, and," he sniffed at himself, finding his own natural musk and sweat drifting into his nose. "Mm, just a little too sweet smelling to be your bogeyman. I'm afraid I have to be a nice man about it."

This was turning out to be a rather pleasant surprise, he had to admit. Most of the women he had encountered had been dull, though the countries had their own particular gems. However, he was enjoying the witty and fun exchange between the two of them. She was proving to be quite the little blossom in a field of green, indeed.

[Lady Serah Lancaster]

His depiction of himself had her laughing without reserve, making the hunter dance a little before she soothed him with a low murmur and a pass of gloved hand over the glossy neck. "Bogeyman is not a word I know. I can surmise the meaning, of course, from your context, but I take it the word has a very negative connotation in Treniata?" She looked over to him with a swift smile, her brows arching. "But the real question I must pose is, what do you consider nice, Your Grace?"