Words abound

[Lord Alejo Cataluña]

Sometime prior to the archery tournament, Alejo figured he and his wife could use some quiet away from the pavilion, thus the invitation to take a walk with him by the lake, and still within the round of the festival. The foxes having been left on the ship as a precaution, for he had no real idea to how people would react to the presence of pet foxes, they had ventured alone, though they were both armed and veritable force for anyone attempting an attack. The place he chose was fairly open, so they would likely be able to see, and weather fair – it was their luck that it held so for the entire festival so far, though perhaps some rain wouldn’t hurt anyone.

Deciding that it was God’s will whether there shall be weather changes or more companions on their walk, Alejo glanced toward Catalina, slightly amused with everything. “What think you so far?” He asked in their native language, knowing well that the question could encircle quite the broad subject, their conversation with Lord Alejandro included. They had taken to wandering here and there, particularly since there was nowhere in importance they had to be just yet, so their time was their own, and for once, it suited Alejo just fine. There were things to talk about, and he’d rather do it without extra ears…the ones that could be prevented, that was.


Lady Catalina Luña

[Lady Catalina Luña]

Catalina was quite excited to have signed herself up for the tournament even if she did provide amusement for the crew due to her small size when compared to the bow she used. Of course Catalina welcomed the chance to spend some time alone with her husband. The children were being kept well entertained by the crew and doing their own chores. One would not think the woman to be armed and dangerous at the mere look of her, her weapons well hidden admist her attire. Long, black hair tumbling loose around her shoulders set off the flowing, Linten gown that she was wearing. Curious eyes taking in the sights and Catalinas nose twitching slightly as she looked around.

"I think I would not mind a swim in their lake," she replied in Lintenese, eying the beautiful blue of the lake. "I am not quite sure what to think so far. I like it though but of course it is nothing like home," she murmured, thinking of their homestead and finding herself missing it. "I do want to help them though. Through your hard work, you have uncovered many things," she stated proudly. Whether these people knew it or not, her husband had undergone many dangers to be able to provide the sort of information that he had on him. "But for now, let us have fun." She decided with a firm nod and a smile full of mischief. "We could hold a Linten style party or suggest it to Lord Alejandro." Moving ahead of him, she stood in front of him and held her hand out to him. "Come, My Lord Love, dance with me," she teased before singing the start of a popular Linten love song.

[Lord Alejo Cataluña]

Alejo stifled a laugh at the familiar sight of slightly twitching nose as his wife looked around, taking in the sights. There was, indeed, much to look for in terms of unfamiliarity, and the lake was appreciated after days at sea – its waters being much calmer for now. “Of course you won’t mind a swim, lady love, you’re too used to doing so on board the Reliant,” he teased her gently in the same language, for right now there were no others present yet. It would be easy enough to switch, though, should they be surprised, for to him the day was a good one to miss anything.

“Hm, yes, no place like home, is there?” He asked, amused at her more than anything. The suggestion of having fun, for one, was amusing, as was the mere thought of his wife standing with that monster of a bow she tended to use. Well, it looked of monstrous height next to her small figure, though any man would be able to manage it with fair ease. Snickering at the thought of a party, he quirked an eyebrow up at the suggestion. “Do you think His Lordship will protest too much if we borrowed his ship for the party?” He countered, more amused than anything. He wasn’t sure either of them would be able to allow their children be involved just yet, and their ship was the safest place for them and the fox ‘guards’ which usually played with them.

“Oh, all right, My Lady, as you wish,” he teased, recognizing the tune almost right off and coming to join her in the dance. The steps were simple enough to keep up with her, and he didn’t really sing along, for he knew well enough that his voice couldn’t handle anything but the sea chants, and of course, those weren’t the song being sung right now. Thankfully for the pair of them, Catalina’s voice more than made up for lack of his own, which was amusing enough, considering their rather dubious courtship.


Lady Catalina Luña

[Lady Catalina Luña]

Catalina gave a sheepish grin at the teasing. Indeed, it was not a rare sight at all to see the wife of the Reliant captain jumping off of the boat for a swim when they were in safe enough waters. Their way of life suited her wild and passionate nature. Being a land locked, high ranking nobleman's wife, as her father had hoped for her, would never have suited her at all. She was far too spirited and Alejo complemented her nature perfectly with his.

"Yes, but our ship is home too, no?" She asked, smiling softly at his amusement with her. "I do not know about that, my heart, but it would not be a good idea," she snickered, picturing how such an event would unfold in her head.

Taking his hands in hers, Catalina enjoyed her dance with her husband and was relieved when he did not sing. Remembering his courtship of her in amusement, which had included serenades in his awful singing voice, Catalina had to giggle. "Not on our ships, but somewhere where there would be room for dancing and merriment," she mused. "Judging from appearances, a lot of these people need a night to forget their woes. And we might pick up allies."

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

Wasn't that just darling? Husband and wife, blissful as they could be and enjoying their matrimony. He would need to be gagged with a spoon if he continued to witness such. Rupert was not exactly the most romantically inclined gentleman in the Court of Demeria, not having the heart or stomach for such displays. Then again, he had never been with a woman he loved, either. His former wife had been a nightmare, may she rot in her grave. The thought of it made him smile, silently thanking the one who solved that particular headache for him.

Rupert had been trailing after the couple since they left the lake, making certain not to be spotted by them. It wasn't that he didn't trust them, per se. It was just that he didn't trust them. Strange logic, but it worked in Rupert's mind. The Lintenese were notoriously passionate in their ways, but they could also be just as fickle. How could they be trusted? What were their real intentions in Demeria? Did they want to help them solve the problem of the smugglers, or was it all just an elaborate ruse?

Rupert intended to find out. Emerging from behind the trees at least, he decided to make his approach. "It's always heartwarming to see two lovely people such as yourself enjoying one of the true gems of Demeria." A hand extended toward the lake in question.

Lord Alejo Cataluña, Lady Catalina Luña

[Lord Alejo Cataluña]

Snickering at Catalina’s sheepish look, Alejo matched her pace with his for the time being. “Indeed, so perhaps we’ll shelve the location until we can get approval for such a venue. Perhaps the lakeshore, there certainly seems enough room here to keep the entire festival going, though you’re right about forgetting the tension.” Imagining for a moment the looks on the faces of Demerian nobility, as well as the expression the Lord Alejandro might have at the very thought, Alejo stifled a laugh, particularly as he became aware at the newest addition to their pair.

He had to admit that he was more focused on his partner than his surroundings, though he hid his startlement well enough, instead glancing toward the lord that was now approaching them with a look of curiosity. Not many nobles present found themselves brave enough to approach the pair from Linten yet, or such was Alejo’s opinion, so for the time being he’d been unhindered in his exploration. “Indeed, My Lord, this place is one of such treasures of your country,” he responded, having slipped from his language to that of this country. “I trust you’re enjoying the weather and such lovely surroundings yourself?” Small talk, perhaps, but it would give him an opportunity to see who this man was, if such would be allowed by the other, as well as to make a minute gesture of allowing his hand to fall to his side instead of going for a sword at the sudden approach of the other. He had to give it to the man, whoever he was he was good at sudden appearances. Time was going to tell whether the intent was good or ill, however, and he wasn’t going to make any rash decisions just yet.


Lady Catalina Luña, Lord Rupert de Vere

[Lady Catalina Luña]

"Good of you to finally join us, my Lord," Catalina greeted as one of the many Demerian lords approached them. Catalina was about as skilled as this man seemed to be at stealth which had him winning a little smidgen of her respect. He was obviously a man of great skill and even her ears had heard of this Lord. She had been less distracted than her husband had been, second nature to her due to being the rare noble that actually raised their own children. Add to that the fact that she was the partner of a man that often infiltrated the enemy camps, so to speak, she was one hard woman to get things past. Adopting the role of a quiet wife that she was practically expecting the other to see through, she listened as her husband responded to Lord Rupert. Many times she was overlooked, if she was now, that would say something about this Lord Rupert. Catalina had the sense that he would not which was winning Demeria many merits for the otherwise skeptical Lintenese woman.

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

The man was surprised but the woman was not. Interesting, very interesting. Rupert took a moment to admire the woman's natural beauty. Lintenese women certainly were rather striking, but he preferred the taste of Demerian females. They were just some familiar and comfortable about them. Yet, that was not why he approached them. Rupert was not exactly a flirt. He preferred to get to know people, especially if they were natives. "Oh, finally, you say? I didn't know I had been invited. Shame on me for not being aware," he quipped in the lady's direction and then smiled at the man. "Indeed, but I have a feeling small talk does not befit people of our stature."

He then bowed to present himself, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Rupert de Vere, humble servant of the King on his Council. Do I have the privilege of becoming acquainted with Lord and Lady Luña?"

[Lord Alejo Cataluña]

Amused to the questions that followed, Alejo glanced toward his wife, slightly surprised that she wasn’t as distracted as he had been in new surroundings. Of course, he knew Catalina was a highly observant woman, but she still gave him surprises. Bowing in same manner to return the courtesy of presentation, he curiously glanced at the man. “My lady is more observant than I happen to be at the moment, so quite possible she spotted you before you made your presence known,” he quipped, inordinately proud of his wife’s observational skills. He relaxed too much it seemed like, and perhaps it was a wrong thing to do.

“You’re speaking with the right people, My Lord. I am Alejo Cataluna, and this is my wife, Catalina. To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?” There were several ways to understand the words ‘humble servant of the King’ after all, though he didn’t wish to make an observation until a hint was given otherwise and it became a danger to him and his. For now, however, he would hold his peace, and see how their discussion went. If anything, it could be most productive.