Welcome Escape

[Lady Natalie Kendall]

"Do you suppose there are laws regarding public nudity?" Natalie's turned large and innocent, gazing at her inquiringly and there was a certain twinkle to her eye. She had noticed the tears earlier, but did not comment on them. This was not a day for tears, but a day for fun. A welcome escape from the challenges of royal life. "You do know me. Sometimes I can't help but show off everything I have. You should have seen me when I was younger. I was incorrigible."

The expression drew more serious as she thought seriously on Emma's question. "I can believe that," she gave an understanding nod, "It's rare that such a perfect meld of personalities can occur. From what I have observed, he is a good man, but still getting comfortable with his role. I believe he is exploring as much as you are."

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

"Natalie!" Emma gaped at her, openly shocked at the suggestion that Natalie would flaunt her naked body public. Her eyes were wide... until she realized that Natalie said it purposely to shock and then amuse. A laugh pealed free before she shook her head, bemused at the uninhibited nature of her lady in waiting. "There's a limit, my friend. Leave some mystery to yourself... and what is this when you were younger nonsense? You're incorrigible now!"

The first scents of trees and the lake began to tease her senses, alerting Emma that they were not far now from the lake and the road that led to the more private area that was set aside for the Carlisle family's purposes. Glancing over, she nodded thoughtfully to what was said. "He seems very serious by nature... like he doesn't laugh enough. I wonder if that could be changed, or if it's a cultural peculiarity."

[Lady Natalie Kendall]

Needless to say, Natalie was quite pleased when she received a shocked reaction from her friend. "Oh, don't worry. Even if I were to prance about the castle naked as the day I was born, there would still be plenty of mystery about me. It would make people wonder. If she is that open with her body, what else is she open about? And more important, what does she have to hide? Is it all a distraction?" She arched a brow in amusement. "I daresay I may never find a man or woman that fully understands me. Though," her eyes twinkled at her, "You're coming along nicely."

Oh, good, they were almost to the lake. She could feel the water in the air, growing more excited. "Yes, I agree. Fortunately, it is my belief that every person can laugh, you just have to put them in just the right situation. Why, I imagine even the Dragon of St. Claire could laugh." ... Maybe?

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Deeming it a good thing that she understood Natalie better than most, Emma shot her friend an amused look. "Been thinking about that, have you? Your answer came far too swiftly to be impulse or first thought. Still, you're probably right, but let's not test your theory any time soon, please? I doubt either Court is ready for the appearance of a completely nude lady." Emma knew she wasn't! "Oh, you're not that bad. You just like testing boundaries." That was the key to understanding Natalie - she was a free spirit, one who chafed under restrictions and enjoyed flirting with the edges of impropriety.

Glancing over, she saw the look of anticipation on Natalie's face and smiled gently. "I'm sure it's happened, not that I've ever been witness to it. I did manage to make him smile while we were in Meirin, so I consider that a plus."

[Lady Natalie Kendall]

"I'd hardly like to give your father or anyone else in Court a heart attack. It may be far too much for us to handle at the moment," she chuckled and then nodded appreciatively. "Very well, you have my word that I shall behave myself for the time being. Though, I am thinking of wearing some more daring gowns. Lady Marisa was rather inspiring, I think, during the Masque. I don't think anyone can deny she got exactly what she wanted." Ah, gossip could be so much fun, even if some people frowned upon it

"Oh, I have a feeling that he silences anyone who witnesses such a laugh," she nodded sagely, and then smiled in encouragement. "Good! That's good. I would take that as a very positive sign." They were getting closer to the lake and she let out a content sigh. "Lovely as always."

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

"I would never dream of dictating your wardrobe, my lady," she replied affectionately, secretly admiring Natalie's daring (and her figure, of course) when it came to gowns. "Far be it from me to deny you the opportunity to behave in a flirtatious, provocative or daring manner." Her eyes met Natalie's, proof that she was teasing in the sparkle the dark eyes contained. "Besides, I get to enjoy the impact and the stir you create without being responsible for it."

Looking ahead, her features softened to see the lake, shimmering blue and inviting in the distance. "I'll miss this... but I wonder what the shores are like in Sarkozsy."

[Lady Natalie Kendall]

"I could still teach you, my dear," she gave her a playful wink. "We can stun the courts together." After all, Emma did have a rather lovely figure! "Though, I can't fault you for wanting to be the casual observer. One could even say you get to live vicariously through me." Indeed, that sparked a rather wicked idea in the back of her mind, but she opted to save it for much later. For now, she wanted to enjoy the scene before them.

"We shall have to find out. Every country has at least one lake, I'm certain, and from what I've heard, Sarkozsy is hardly a desert." Just a frozen wasteland, but there could be frozen lakes! ... Oh, dear. Sliding off her horse, she glanced about before toeing off her shoes to let her toes wriggle in the grass. "Aah." She let out a content breath.

[Prince Nikolai Fyodorov]

The weather was so warm! Nikolai delighted in the sunshine and decided to take advantage of the little free time he had by attempting a trip to the lake. One of the people had mentioned it to him in court and how he wanted to see what the lake in Demeria had to offer.

Given that it was inappropriate to travel by himself, he had his trusted companion Sergei with him. Sergei had an intimidating face, Nik had to admit, but the man was good company regardless. (His singing voice was almost as good as his swordsmanship and he knew which song to sing at precisely the right time.)

They arrived at the lake, tied their horses with a healthy distance to trees so they could both graze upon the grass and drink from the lake when they were thirsty. After they were done with that, then it was time to play.

"The last one in the lake empties the chamber pots," Sergei said and the two men began to race to undress, tossing their clothes from themselves as they removed each piece with abandon. They dashed to the lake, but as it usually happened, it was a tie.

"I suppose we both have to clean them now!" Nikolai splashed Sergei playfully and the two of them chuckled before starting to swim.

They were there for about half an hour when all of a sudden, Nikolai heard voices in the distance. He gestured for Sergei to stay low, but his companion kept to the side and in front of him as a lookout.

Nikolai startled. Was that Emmaline's voice? They were definitely talking about Sarkozsy. Though not in his nature to spy, Nikolai sank underneath the water, just keeping his eyes and nose above the surface.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

"No, it's not a desert. I understand that there is a very lovely summer palace on the shore as well..." A frozen wasteland a good part of the year but no desert. It was surprising to Emma to know that there was a patch of desert within Demeria itself, though she had never paid it a visit. It was deemed too dangerous for her to venture into that expanse of sand and extreme temperatures. "But Nikolai did say that in the main palace, there are hot springs. Will that suffice, do you think?" She was teasing of course, dismounting with fluid ease as she drew her mare's reins over her head to lead her to where she could browse and drink at her ease.

Amused at Natalie's removal of her shoes, Emma smiled to herself, ignorant of the head bobbing in the water to watch them or the second pair of eyes that arrowed onto them. "What's next now that the shoes are gone? The gown itself?" Once her mare was tended, she went to do the same for Natalie's, too responsible a horsewoman to leave the poor beasts untended.

[Lady Natalie Kendall]

"Ooh, a hot spring sounds very enticing, indeed!" Natalie's eyes clearly lit up at this idea, and then she chuckled soundly. "I might enjoy them a little too much, especially if I find some good company for them, as well." "I think every place has its high points and low points. We'll just have to take the time to find out what they are. Does your handsome prince have a handsome brother? I might take it upon him to give me the complete tour." She was such a wicked woman.

"See, you are starting to identify with me very well," she gave the woman a fond grin as she continued to wriggle her toes in the grass. "As you said it yourself, this part of the lake is for you royal types and I do not see any other royal types out here. I say that we take full advantage of it. Besides, when was the last time you've had a good swim?" And with that, she began plucking at the laces to her simple dress. A few moments later, the dress along with the shift underneath it fell to the grass. The woman was as nude as the day she was born. The hat was plucked off her head as she tossed it away playfully.

Turning about, she placed her hand on her hips, clearly having no shame or qualms about standing nude on the shoreline. "Join me. We're due for some fun."

[Prince Nikolai Fyodorov]

Goodness, if any pretty lady told Demetri he was handsome, he would go on about it for days. Nikolai's brother happened to be slightly more vain than Nikolai himself and despite his work in the military, he insisted on covering himself in strong scented oils. Nikolai often overheard soldiers whispering that the enemy would smell Demetri approaching before they saw him and could not disagree with that.

What. What was she doing? Nikolai's mind froze as Natalie began to remove her dress and then it was gone, revealing her bare back and -- a gurgled surprised sound emitted from his mouth, letting in a little water.

He began to stand up to cough, but Sergei was too quick for him, pulling him backwards and standing in front of Nikolai. "Stay down," he murmured and then turned somewhat towards the ladies. "My apologies!" he called, not directly looking at them. "I had no idea anyone was here. I will be off!"

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Natalie never failed to keep Emma on her toes morally and in humor. Seeing that both mares were well tended, she turned back to see her friend and lady in waiting, laughing. “He has spoken of a brother, yes. Demetri, I believe is the second prince’s name. Setting your cap for a Prince, Natalie?” She grinned with laughter in her eyes, all too easily able to picture it. “Try to leave the man alive, please, if you do, hm?” Emma wasn’t concerned over her discretion; Natalie would never do anything to put her in a bind, thankfully.

Toeing her shoes off, Emma wasn’t quite ready to bare all as Natalie did; she still had plenty of inhibitions to halt her, but she lifted her brows at her lady. “You know very well when the last swim was. It was the end of last summer, but don’t expect me to take it all off. I’m leaving my shift on.” She’d worn an equally simple dress, pulling hers off over her head to drape it neatly over a branch. There was no point in being untidy! And she did not want a snake or anything unpleasant taking shelter in her clothing.

Sharing a grin with her friend, she called out, “Come along, slow poke!” Rushing into the water, she spotted the young man and flailed as she tried to come to a halt, failing utterly. With less than princessly grace, she floundered, getting a face full of water as she stared at the man, taking a minute to recognize him. “Sir… Sergei? Wha… what are you doing here?” Emma didn’t dare look back at the very naked Natalie, but she hastily crossed her arms over her wet shift, blushing hotly.

...and what was that behind him?

[Lady Natalie Kendall]

"Oh, but of course, Your Highness. A dead man is of no use to me. All he has to do is keep up with me, and I will take care of the rest. Though, I won't say no to some initiative either," the eyes darkened with humor as she enjoyed the feeling of the sun on her skin. It was heavenly, to say the least. A content sigh escaped her. That ended, though, when Emma ran past her into the water. "Hey!" She called out, and then started moving when several things happened at once.

There was a man there, one she did not immediately recognize. Emma put a name to the face. A man from Sarkozsy, a member of Nikolai's party. However, he was here at the lake, then where was Nikolai? While Emma struggled regain modesty, Natalie continued to move forward and narrowed her eyes in speculation. She did not see the point in covering herself, since there was no doubt in her mind that Sir Sergei had already seen everything.

Thus, Natalie went even further and blocked Emma's body with her own. Natalie may not have any modesty, but she was going to respect Emma's. "Out for a swim alone?" The voice was dubious, but there was humor in her eyes.

[Prince Nikolai Fyodorov]

Warmth from embarrassment spread across Nikolai's face and his stomach churned as he heard Emmaline's voice approach them. He was grateful that Sergei was standing there, because he did not think it was appropriate for his betrothed to see him without his shirt on before their wedding night. Enough was enough. He drew a quiet breath and slipped underneath the water, trying to swim as close to the bottom of the lake as possible so no bubbles would betray his escape.

Sergei heard Nikolai go, of course, as he was right behind him, and hoped that his majesty could make a clean getaway while he distracted the two women. "Your highness," he greeted with a bow. "Forgive my eternal rudeness. I received some free time and decided to swim in the lake. So many people mentioned it to me." Truthful without revealing the whole truth. "I do not wish to disturb you two any more, as much as I would like to." He shot a quick, mischievous smile at Natalie.

[Princess Emmaline Carlisle]

Hands on Natalie's shoulders, Emma peeked around her to give Sergei a strange look. She could have sworn that the man had a larger shadow than that, or something on his back that wasn't there now. Dark eyes narrowed, aware that she was scarlet-faced at being caught in mid-indiscretion. Granted, she had no way of knowing Sergei was there, but that raised a question in her, whispered to Natalie. "I can see people telling him about the lake, but who told him to come here, of all places?" It was not that the royal lodge was unknown, but the odds of Sergei (and whomever else he was hiding) discovering it randomly were slim.

She was aware of poor Natalie shielding her when it probably should have been the reverse, but then Natalie was perfectly comfortable displaying her body. And if the twinkle Emma thought she saw in the man's eyes was any indication, he appreciated the view. Another conquest for her lady in waiting, it seemed. "Ah... that's alright?" The movement of water puzzled her, but it stilled and nothing surfaced; still, Emma couldn't shake the feeling she was missing something important about the situation.