The Time has Come

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

There was a great deal to love about de Lac. The smell of the sea, the fresh food from its waters, the waves that crashed against the rocks and the breeze that beat back even the hottest of days. The people were of the sea and salt through and through. A hardy people that were strong against the treachery of the sea. Laurent loved it. For the longest time, he could scarcely imagine calling another place home. Where else would he experience the sure comfort of seeing the strong light from the top of Pescadin Keep? Yet, he knew that all good things had to come to an end.

Perhaps it would not be so dire as all that. As lovely and comfortable de Lac was to the siblings, Laurent believed that it was time for them to make their appearance in Triadon. Triadon was the center of politics and life in the Kingdom. De Lac, in his opinion, had a great deal to offer not only to their liege lord, but to the King, as well. In addition to making themselves heard, Laurent knew that it was nigh time they selected spouses to further their cause. Ari especially needed a wife for Laurent wanted the de Lac line to continue. 

Finally, if going to Triadon could get them away from their meddling mother, then so much the better. Veronica St. Claire was on the verge of making their lives practically miserable. Thus, Laurent called a little meeting for the siblings present in de Lac. A nice lunch out on a terrace that granted them a lovely view of the sea. True, the sea had been where their father had passed, but Laurent did not blame the waters for such. Lisette was also growing more comfortable with gazing upon the sea, as well.

Already at the dinner to make sure everything was perfect, Laurent went ahead and poured himself a glass of light wine. A sip was taken and savored. "Ah, by the Triad, what a lovely day it is." A perfectly natural grin formed on his lips. "I would say I'd want every day like this, but then I may take it for granted.  Stormy days make the nice days all the better." Who was he talking to? Probably just himself, but that was just one of Laurent's lovable quirks.



Lady Lisette de Lac, Lord Aristide de Lac

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

"To whom are you talking, Laurent?"

His twin joined him on the terrace, but stayed well away from the rail. The view was good enough from where she stood nearer to the solid, safe walls of the keep, her eyes flickering over the broad, sparkling expanse of blue water before resting on Laurent as he stood with wine in hand. Chances were good that he spoke to thin air and himself, but that was nothing particularly unusual - Laurent was a born talker, barely able to hold his peace for more than a few minutes, a very marked contrast to his often taciturn twin sister. Sun to her Moon, indeed.

Lisette stepped to one side, pouring herself a glass of the wine to bolster her nerves. She was still anxious about leaving the keep, even to the relative safety of the terrace. Aristide had not yet arrived, presumably busy with matters of the Earldom, but would join them as soon as he was able. There was no point in asking what Laurent's agenda was; he wouldn't tell her until all three were seated and the meal served, so Lisette did not trouble herself to pry it out of her twin.

Wearing a gown of dark rose, her brown hair dressed in a tumble of loose waves from a clip at her crown, she eschewed the necklace her mother attempted to force on her. It was, in her opinion, too heavy, too formal, too... much for her personal style. The gown was enough of a compromise to please her mother, despite her disdain for the hue. Pink was for innocent little girls... and she was neither innocent nor a little girl any more, thanks to Rupert de Vere the younger and the Lintenese pirates.

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

Hearing his twin's voice behind him made him smile all the more. "Well, now I am talking to you." To whom was he speaking before? It matters not. Turning about, the smile grew and he made his approach. A gentle kiss was placed upon her cheek. His eyes scanned over her attire. He thought she hated that color, but then why was she wearing it? Ah, of course. Mother. Regardless, he did strive to offer her a compliment, "You're looking very nice today," even if pink was not exactly her color.

"I got the cook to make your favorite for lunch," he announced with another smile. Having grown up next to the ocean, Laurent had a love for the food of the sea, particularly the mussels. While the texture left something to be desired, the flavor was quite enjoyable. However, that did not compare to his true favorite: scallops. It was a pity Triadon was not likely to have much seafood, but he would cope. Perhaps the fish of the lake was palatable.

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

The truth was, she hated pink. It was a frothy, frilly color that didn't suit her sallow complexion or her eyes and made her feel like the ugly child she'd once been. However, in order to keep domestic tranquility as much as possible, Lisette found it easier to indulge her mother in the daily choice of her gowns. It kept Veronica smiling, calm and less likely to speak to her daughter with cold dismissal, a tone that never failed to cut deeply.

Smiling at her twin, she shook her head. Laurent was always a smooth, even glib talker, and he had a definite talent for offering kind words without sounding condescending. "I look awful and I know it, but thank you. Maybe one of these days, Mother will allow me to choose my own clothing." True, hell would likely freeze over first, but Lisette could hope. "You looked like the hero of a tale, standing at the rail like that." The words were meant; Lisette had nothing but love and pride for her twin. He had the blessings of looks, charm, intelligence and charisma. How could she not be proud of him?

Sipping her wine, she lifted her brows. "You persuaded Cook to make lobster puffs?" That was no easy task, Cook fussed about the highly educated and developed palates of the de Lac children, but never failed to impress. And she had such a weakness for the light, butter-rich savory puffs. "How? And is Aristide to join us?"

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

Laurent was apparently not the only one skilled with words. The returned compliment made him smile. "All I'd need is a sword in hand and a stirring proclamation, no?" He winked at her. "I would not worry about these dresses for much longer, sweet sister. I believe we'll have the opportunity to get you in far more becoming gowns. Perhaps something in a gold or yellow? It's been too long since I've last spoiled you, hasn't it?" Granted, he had just given her the gift of her favorite meal and a nice little comb a few weeks ago, but that wasn't going to stop Laurent. Oh no.

"Ah, you see. Cook has been wanting at least one more hand in the kitchen, but the steward has been dreadfully stingy with funds, as you well know, having to run this very household. I managed to have the steward loosen his purse strings with the appropriate gift or two. I must say, he is enjoying his new artwork in his office." A wink was given to her. "Cook was only too happy to return the favor."

At the question of Aristide, he laughed, "He'd better or he's not going to have any lobster puffs!" He drew a bit more serious, "Yes, he should be here any moment."

[Lord Aristide de Lac]

Aristide should have known that today was to be a very bad day as soon as he woke up and stubbed his toe after he rose out of bed. Meetings were especially boring and the only bright spot in the darkness was flirting with a maid who happened to be cleaning the windowsills.

He continued the conversation and his charm (or the fact that she desperately needed excitement in her life) worked on her so well that half an hour later, they retreated to his chambers for a good time. A minute after they had finished, sweating and regaining their breaths, Veronica de Lac entered Aristide's chambers without announcing herself first.

Needless to say, much chastising followed after that. She insulted the maid with such scorn that the poor woman dressed and ran away quite hurriedly, and then Veronica focused her irritation upon her son.

"I did not raise you to be a disgrace to your house by sleeping with whores." Veronica tossed his shirt at him. "Get up now. It is time to eat dinner as a family."

He slipped on his clothes underneath the sheets and pulled himself out of bed with a sigh. "She is not a whore, mother," he stated. "Her name is Lila and she is quite entertaining. Lovely smile."

Veronica narrowed her gaze at her son. "I do not care; she is still a commoner. Do you know how quickly rumors spread in this household? Your father is turning in his grave at your disgraceful behavior. You are running this house into the ground with your hedonistic, irresponsible actions!"

"I am only having a little fun," retorted Aristide as the two walked down the hallway to the dining hall. "What I choose to do in my leisure time is my own business, as I am a grown man."

Veronica scoffed. "Hardly. I have seen thirteen-year-old boys with more sense than you," she stated as she nodded for the servant to open the dining hall doors. "Goodness knows what might happen if I were not around."

"People might actually be happy," Aristide said in the hopes that his remark was biting enough to have an effect. It did -- her face crinkled in the displeasure and disappointment he knew so well. "I am still adjusting to the head of household position."

"Adjusting does not entail you bedding everything in skirts." Veronica's voice was cold as she made her way to the table. "That excuse will not hold water any longer. It is time to stop fooling around and to do something useful!" Her gaze caught the twins outside and she raised her voice. "Laurent, Lisette, it is dinner time. Come to the table now!"

Aristide grit his teeth, sat at the table, and willed for the chair to break underneath his mother's large rear end.

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

Lisette smiled, shaking her head. "You spoil me far too much. If Mother ever found out... we would never hear the end of it." Triad knew that Veronica de Lac had her opinions on such things, though it wasn't worth rehashing now. "But I do love the comb you gave me." A hand rose to touch it, gleaming in the soft brown hair where she wore it proudly. It was a delicate filigree of brass and malachite that glowed warmly in flower form, now her most favorite adornment.

Before she could say anything else, their mother's stentorian tones rang out, prompting her daughter to wince. The peace and quiet had been too good to last, especially where Mother was concerned. And her demand meant if they did not obey with alacrity, they all would pay for it. Touching her twin's arm, Lisette whispered, "Quick, give me your arm so we look proper. Let's not give her more to scold about."

[Lord Aristide de Lac]

Aristide never wished ill on his siblings, but right now, he was grateful for anything that distracted his mother from berating him. She had no need to repeat herself when he heard her the first time (or the first dozen). He gave the twins an apologetic look as they came in from the terrace, one he usually offered when he had irritated their mother. The offspring of Veronica de Lac had had so much experience with her temper that they had developed their own secret languages of looks and subtle gestures.

"Good to see you both, dear brother and sister," Aristide greeted with a smile that was able to appear cheerful now that he was in the company of the twins.

Veronica inspected their entrance with pursed lips. "Back straighter, Lisette," she chided. "Laurent, check that your hair is not mussed before you eat a meal." She waited until her children were seated before she gestured for herself to be served first, as a little dig to Aristide. "Laurent, your brother is out of control. I insist you keep a closer eye on him."

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

"Oh, hell, I thought that distraction would have kept her busy for a few more hours," he winced when he heard his mother. In truth, Laurent had been hoping for a more private discussion with siblings, but that was apparently not going to happen. Straightening, he not only encouraged Lisette's hand upon her arm, but he even escorted her to the table and pulled out a seat for her. Once Lisette was seated, Laurent took his own seat.

"I'm afraid if I keep any closer eye on him, I may have to share a bed with him," it was a cheeky statement, but he said it with such a disarmingly amusing smile that it was obviously a tease. "Besides, I've noticed several improvements in the house since he'd assumed the mantle of responsibility. The morale of the staff has improved, the vassals are responding positively with him and he gets on splendidly with the mayor of the town. That man is so irascible that I thought no one would be able to get through to him, but Ari certainly did."

A smile formed as he took another sip of wine, and waited patiently to be served.

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

"We're not that lucky," she muttered darkly as she pasted a sickeningly sweet smile on her face, aware that her mother would survey their entrance critically. Veronica de Lac viewed everything critically. Nothing, as far as her daughter could tell, made her happy. Stiffening her spine rather than argue with her mother (however tempting), she allowed Laurent to seat her, her eyes focused on her plate but the ears were wide open.

Inwardly, Lisette winced at Veronica's demand of Laurent, and his subsequent response. That was going to set her off all the more, but if she stormed out, the meal might be salvaged. Stealing a look at her twin, she winked slyly in encouragement. No one, but no one, enraged their mother like Laurent in full charm mode.

[Lord Aristide de Lac]

Aristide quickly smiled at Laurent before their mother noticed, grateful for the support. Although he was capable of standing up to Veronica, having his siblings backing him kept him going.

He served his own food, giving a small smile to George Calton, the servant. george smiled in return and poured Ari a glass of wine, mouthing, "You're going to need it."

While this exchange happened, Veronica watched the two of them to see if there was any validity to Laurent's words. Perhaps Laurent had a point, though she did not want to admit it. "It is a miracle has improved at all, giving his inclination to bed a maid every other day," she stated with a sniff. She knew what her children were doing and they thought they were so clever. Lisette and Thomas were not as misbehave, only because they kept their mouth shut.

"What sort of example are you setting for your younger siblings?" she wanted to know.

"They're fine," insisted Ari. "Laurent and Thomas are upstanding men."

"Finding wives who will tolerate them is no trouble at all," Veronica snapped. "With you, I must work hard indeed."

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

"Mother, please." Lisette spoke plaintively in the wake of Veronica's sharp tone. While she seldom attempted to rebuke their mother, there were times when she felt Veronica went too far. "It is inappropriate for me to hear such indelicate remarks." A bold reminder of her mother's own words that ladies did not discuss the indiscretions of men, much less before what Veronica termed 'youthful, impressionable ladies.' It wasn't likely to divert Veronica from her efforts to shame her oldest son, except to focus that venom on herself.

Swallowing nervously, the only de Lac daughter held a healthy fear of her virago of a mother, but flanked by her twin and Aristide, Lisette found some courage. She was frankly wearied half to death of listening to Veronica's snide remarks about Ari's tendency towards hedonism, but who could blame him when they had her for a mother?! Stealing a glance at Laurent, the hazel eyes apologized; she'd probably made things worse but enough was enough.

Lisette refused to lose her appetite when lobster puffs were being served. Clearing her throat delicately, she strove to change the subject. "What is the wine for today's meal, George? I am sure it is up to your impeccable palate." She smiled at the servant, one who had served their family faithfully and well for a number of years.

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

"Oh, we do not need such things as miracles, mother," Laurent replied glibly before taking another sip of wine, setting the glass down for a moment, eyeing Ari speculatively for a long moment. Lisette had done her duty in reminding their mother the rules of propriety at the dinner table. Veronica, unfortunately, was a St. Claire to the core and propriety was not a common trait among the dragons. Fortunately, Laurent held no ill will toward his uncle or his cousins on the matter. They were who they were, after all.

"Besides, who said you had to work alone?" Laurent shifted his gaze toward his mother and then offered a warm smile. "You've worked so hard to provide the best for us, and it's rather unfair for you to continue doing so alone. Let me help you. I think I've adequately shown myself to be a good judge of character, especially when it matters. I think you and I can both agree that not just any woman will be suitable for Ari. Isn't that right, brother?" Laurent looked toward him, then. Really, he was trying to get Veronica's attention off of his siblings and solely onto him.

Laurent had dealt with Veronica for years and knew exactly how to deal with her. Lisette ended up being so hurt by Veronica's harsh words and Ari usually grew despondent. Laurent hated seeing it. He had discovered a way to cope with his mother many years ago thanks to his father, may he rest in eternal peace. Laurent smiled at Lisette. The apology was not necessary.

[Lord Aristide de Lac]

Veronica focused her harsh blue eyes upon her only daughter. While yes, she had stated as such to Lisette in the past, she was not in the mood for someone using her own words against her. "It is none of your business, Lisette," she snapped. Aristide was the fool and she intended to cause him to regret his behavior if she had to work all night.

George returned the smile with a soft one. "A very light and refreshing white wine, my lady. It has more of a spicy aftertaste, which will only enhance the lobster puffs. I hope it is to your liking."

Laurent spoke and Veronica tapped her fingernails against the table as her son's nonchalant manner irritated her to no end. This was a serious matter and he was like a crippled man attempting to lead the blind. "You know nothing of de Lac," she stated, "as you are unripe in the matters of appropriate alliances. I am a woman and I am the only one with enough experience to determine his wife."

"Damn you, mother, I do not want to be married!" Aristide stated after he ate a piece of his lobster puff. "Leave me be!"

"You will be married," Veronica retorted, "and produce a legitimate heir. I will not have any bastards of yours walking around!"

"One bitch de Lac is all we need." Aristide spoke without thinking and Veronica stood to slap him across the face.

She was fuming. "Leave. Now."

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

Lisette tried not to let her misery show in her eyes as she nodded to George and offered her glass to be filled. Right now, she felt the need to down the contents without so much as tasting them, but that would be an insult to the wine and George's care in selecting it. "I am sure it will be, George. You have unequalled skill in choosing precisely the right wine to match the meal." She grimaced at her mother's retort to Laurent, biting the inside of her cheek against the desire to lash out at Veronica for the manner in which she addressed her children.

Aristide, however, felt no such restraint and when her mother slapped him, Lisettle flinched. Forcing her gaze up from her plate, she debated what to say or do, knowing that once Veronica's ire was raised, punishment would rain down on them all. When she spoke, it was almost a whisper, but there was a tiny thread of steel to her tone. "Perhaps you should be the one to excuse yourself, Mother. You are clearly overwrought.."