Surprise, Surprise!

[Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles]

Triadon had been all too quiet when she arrived, expecting to find her brother in the city. Informed otherwise, that the Court relocated for the Festival, Elise recovered her wits, thanked the castle majordomo and accepted his offer of a groom to guide her down to the lake. Waving off the additional suggestion that he send a footman ahead to warn the Grand Duke of his sister's imminent arrival, she dimpled up at the man and declared that she wanted to surprise her brother. Fortunately for her, the man wasn't immune to her charm and agreed, thanks in no small part to the coin she slipped into his hand, she was sure.

Now, several hours and a carriage ride south later, Elise approached the lakeside camp with interest alive in her eyes as they drank in the sights. So many pavilions, each flying a brightly hued pennon that fluttered in the breeze, declaring that those housed inside were of equal or greater rank than herself, but so far she hadn't spotted the crest of von Arles. Frederick had to be here somewhere. 

Hoping to find someone who could direct her, she put on her most appealing face and let her eyes widen a little with a forlorn, lost expression on her face. It made her look somewhat younger than she was, and inevitably drew a soft heart to her aid. Being a stranger in a strange land, Elise was prepared to use every charm or every wile to her advantage. Who would be the first to succumb? Time would tell...

Lady Rosalie St. Claire, Lord Frederick von Arles

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Rosalie tripped over the grass again and muttered petulantly under her breath. Today was not her day, and she was hoping for something fun to come along soon, or she’ll find herself climbing the walls. Well, the tent walls weren’t suitable for climbing at all, so she’ll have to find an alternative to it. Honestly, who in their right minds left the grass this high? The grass itself?

Muttering under her breath some more, Rose darted as far away from the camp as she would dare, and stumbled again, entirely not on purpose. The gown she was wearing was entirely too long and who came up with train skirts, again? Thankfully, she spotted the shape of a human not too far away and avoided stumbling into them, just because she’d been stumbling all along this day around. The human – upon approach, discovered to be a girl about her own age who looked entirely too innocent for her own good, seemed to be lost if her expression was anything to go by, and Rosalie knew just what to do in this case. Or rather, she saw entertainment where there was none just mere minutes ago.

Case to point, she put on her most welcoming expression, though she was fighting amusement all the way, as well as a wish to fidget and beam as was her due. Right, where were her manners again? “Hello, My Lady,” she greeted with a bright smile that came as naturally as fidgeting in place did to her. “Did you get lost?” The inquiry hopefully would start them off somewhere, and be as good a starter of a conversation as any she could manage.


Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles

[Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles]

One look at the blonde young lady who approached her told Elise she might just have found a kindred spirit. She could see laughter in the girl's eyes and her own smile beamed out bright as the sun. When she spoke, the accent marring her words betrayed her as a Treniatan as she bobbed a polite little curtsey. "Yes, I believe that I am, my lady. Perhaps you could help me? You see, I have come to meet my brother, a most handsome and charming man, and maybe you know him? He stands quite tall, he stands out in crowds. Do you know him?"

She deliberately didn't let Frederick's name fall from her lips, determined to enjoy herself in this first real interaction with a member of the Court of Demeria. Besides, Frederick was her favorite brother and deserved to be lauded by an adoring younger sister, especially for letting her tag along on this rather important mission of his. A quick look around gave her some notion as to the variety of people who were present, but there was something... off about the young lady with whom she spoke. The clothing didn't strike her as entirely right, bringing her attention fully to bear on her while she tried to reason out what it was.


Lady Rosalie St. Claire

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

“Hmm, mmm…” Rose thoughtfully circled the young lady in question, wondering if she knew the gentleman the other was describing. Considering she claimed blood relation, they had to look somewhat alike, yet Rose was well aware that not all siblings shared such clear identification. The young lady’s accent, fortunately, gave her a clue as to who the brother might be, but Rose decided she’ll have some fun with it.

“You know, there are quite a few young men at the festival grounds who answer your description, my lady,” she chirped, deciding to enjoy herself to the fullest and her twinkling eyes likely giving away that she was pulling the lady’s proverbial leg. “There’s Prince Riordan, but I think blond hair run in the family, besides, both his sisters are at the festival at the moment. Then there’s Prince Demetri, also with two sisters. I truly don’t know if His Highness has any other sisters who might be running late, and you don’t sound like you’re from Sarkoszy.”

Trailing off again, Rosalie circled the young woman in the opposite direction, tapping her finger on her chin. “You certainly don’t have the look of Ixo delegate around you, and, no, you don’t sound like a Linten representative, either.” Beaming as a possible answer occurred to her, the young woman snapped her fingers. “Perhaps, a von Arles of Treniata? You certainly have Lord Frederick’s looks, and he sounds charming enough to fit your description.” Making her eyes look a bit wider in anticipation of the answer, Rose curiously studied the girl, keeping her mental fingers crossed that the stranger won’t be offended by her. She was having entirely too much fun here, and the girl so far seemed like a kindred spirit, though she would probably learn otherwise if it wasn't so soon enough.


Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles

[Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles]

Elise stood her ground, amusement playing at the corners of her mouth, threatening to tug them into a broad smile, if not a laugh. Her eyes sparkled with merriment as she met the other's twinkling blue, finding indeed a kindred spirit within this lovely blonde lady. "You are most perceptive, my lady," she teased. "I do not think I could be mistaken for one of the islanders, and though I may speak the language of Sarkozsy, it is not my mother tongue." Laughing softly, she bowed her head in concession. "You have me well named. I am indeed of House von Arles, and the Grand Duke Frederick is my elder brother. You are acquainted with him, no?"

That was Frederick, though. Friends made wherever he went, but he wasn't the conquesting kind, thankfully. They left that to their kingly cousin and his brood. And charming as the day was long. A hint of pride sounded in her voice when she spoke of her sibling, but that was the adoring younger sister in her. Offended she definitely was not, a hand offered to the other. "Elisabeta von Arles, at your service, my lady."

Lady Rosalie St. Claire

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Rosalie laughed along with the young lady, her own eyes shining in amusement at the reply full of teasing undertone. If she didn’t know better, she was the one being having fun at, but at this point, she hadn’t minded at all. At least her day was looking up from the sad part it had been. “Sad to say, there is only one Treniatan House present in Demeria right now, that being your own, but I had, indeed, a chance to meet your brother, my lady. Granted, it was brief, but it certainly gave me an image of him I’m unlikely to forget soon.”

Amused as she caught a hint of pride in the other girl’s voice whenever she spoke of her brother, Rosalie curtsied before shaking the offered hand and returning the introduction with her own name. “Rosalie St. Claire, at yours, my lady – and it seems to me that you’re in need of it.” Eyes twinkling in merriment, she grinned. “I know not your brother’s exact location upon the festival grounds, but I surely can lead you there and point out Treniatan pavilion. With each tent representing the Houses it keeps, it should be easy enough to find.” Unable to hide a grin, she continued. “Is Lord Frederick aware of your arrival, or would you like to surprise him?”


Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles

[Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles]

"Well met, Lady Rosalie of Demeria," Elise replied and shook the hand, pleased to see the girl (of about her own age, if she was any judge) had a sense of humor she wasn't afraid to use. "And grateful I am that you are. I did not think this festival would be so large, but as you see, I am hopelessly lost." She spread her hands in laughing self-deprecation. "Frederick is the hunter, able to find his way anywhere and anyhow. I fear I lack so much of what makes him the best of us." Always pleased to sing her brother's praises, she grinned.

"Lead the way, if you please. Had I thought to look up, I might have figured that out for myself, but then I would not have met you. A grave disappointment this would be, I believe." Her eyes reflected her good mood as her grin turned wicked. "Oh, surprise him to be sure. He has no inkling that I have come. I think. I hope. Shall we seek him out to discover the truth?"


Lady Rosalie St. Claire

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

“Oh, it would be, you managed to make my day a little less gloomy than it had been, my lady.” A grin and a grand gesture that was probably over the top as she waved her hand toward the grounds. “Shall we? I promise I managed to learn enough grounds between my father’s pavilion and this edge. There’s this lovely tree nearby, for example, perfect for things like relaxing... beneath it.”

Remembering she was talking to a stranger, Rosalie blinked and managed to change the wording of her sentence at the last minute, even as she led the way into the festival grounds and among the brightly colored tents. She didn’t know just how this girl was for tree climbing, and certainly didn’t want to give away that it was something she did on occasion. For now, she was grateful for the tents, which were a clear indicator to their present location. Unable to help a giggle at the lady’s returned grin, she shook her head. “Surely you aren’t that bad with finding things and places?” She could probably believe that, maybe, but somehow, she didn’t think so.

Rosalie then cocked her head to the side and glanced around the grounds. “Well, the pavilion certainly can be seen already, but I cannot see inside it.” Wandering toward Treniatan pavilion at a leisure pace, an idea made her eyes light up. “Are you up for a bit of fun?” She asked, wondering if the other young lady wouldn’t mind it. “We can deliver a present to the pavilion and your brother if he’s there, then we'll probably know if he knew of your arrival or not.” Waiting to see what the other young lady thought of it, she lightly tapped her slippered foot on the ground. They could certainly have some fun with it, and she believed that Lord Frederick would not mind this kind of fun. Hopefully.


Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles

[Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles]

Her first real meeting of a Demerian was going well! Elise managed to find someone just like her, down to the same grand gestures and playful tendency towards drama. A nod suggested Rosalie lead the way, but she heard the pause and smiled to herself. "Only beneath the tree? Some trees are worth relaxing in, wouldn't you say? And the views from within the trees are often so much more... broad and better." She'd climbed her share of trees with Frederick and Erwin, and to this day, occasionally did so. Trees made for fine hiding places when she was in the mood to avoid one of her mother's scoldings. The Archduchess (as Elise often thought of her mother) seldom remembered to look up.

Was she that bad? Of course not, but playing at it was far more fun. "Well, I would say that I can't track a falcon on a cloudy day, but I'm sure if I'd tried a little harder I could have found him. On the other hand, then I wouldn't have met you or reduced the gloom of your day, and that would be a genuine tragedy, wouldn't it?" And she'd probably not have found a potential friend cut from the same cloth as she. That was the real tragedy!

"Oh pish. If he's not there," she shrugged, "then we can wait inside. Frederick is thankfully a very tidy man so he won't have left clothes and boots and weapons everywhere." In that regard, her brother was very Treniatan, thankfully. The last thing she wanted to do was trip over his breeches or worse, the clothing of his latest conquest. Elise was sure he'd made some; he was a man of some passion and passions needed sating. "Let's go, then!" Taking Rosalie boldly by the hand, Elise tugged her along, one hand picking up her skirts to prevent tripping and thus falling flat on her face. Dark hair streamed behind her, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes and a flush staining her cheeks.

She had missed her brother terribly, after all.

Lady Rosalie St. Claire

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Rosalie laughed, giving up on hiding anything from this young lady. She was caught entirely too easily with her tree, so she probably would with everything else, considering Lady Elisabeta seemed to be cut from the same cloth. “Quite right,” she nodded, flapping her hands. “Though you’re unlikely to hear me admitting it next to my older sisters.”

Eyes twinkling toward the other, Rosalie giggled again as she was tugged along, amused than anything else. “Of course, it just wouldn’t do!” She agreed easily, as they both neared the pavilion. “And why would we want to track a falcon, my lady? We probably should just try looking for your brother first!” She didn’t mind the bold gesture, for once happy that she managed to find a like mind by sheer dumb luck of running into its owner.

Deciding she might as well announce their presence before the younger girl did, Rosalie raised her voice a notch to be hopefully heard in the pavilion as well, if there was a living soul present. “Hello? Is anyone in the pavilion?” Of course, she hoped Lord Frederick himself was, but Rosalie didn’t delude herself with such matters. It was slightly difficult to remain in one place when there was such a large ground to cover, so their chances were slim to none. Winking at the young lady, she quickly waved her hand behind the tent’s entrance, so that the other visitor wouldn’t be seen right away. She trusted Lady Elisabeta to know exactly when to show herself should they be in luck and their search target, in fact, be inside instead of out, and not behind them, which would be the absolute worst place for him to be right now.


Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles, Lord Frederick von Arles

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

Frederick's day had been rather typical. He woke up, he cleaned what was necessary, he ate breakfast and then got dressed for the day. Some correspondence from home had arrived that required answering. The King, his Uncle, wished to know how his journey to Demeria was fairing and if there was any news. Frederick had been frank in his answer to his liege and also indicated that he was considering a betrothal to Lady Serah Lancaster. He wished for the King's thoughts and, hopefully, his blessing on the matter. Frederick realized he'd have to explain the situation to his parents separately. He had a feeling they'd be relieved he was finally seeking a wife.

Once the various letters had been written, he came and went from his pavilion as he desired. When the pair of ladies had arrived, he was not present. Indeed, none of his staff happened to present at that particular moment. He was off touring the grounds. One was doing his laundry. The other was sending off his letters.

Thus, it seemed he ended up in the absolute worst place... for them, that is. He found the question amusing. "Not at present, no," he answered behind them. He had been returning to change out his boots. They were rather uncomfortable. Since their backs were to them, he did not immediately recognize them.

Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles, Lady Rosalie St. Claire

[Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles]

Leave it to Frederick not only not to be where he was supposed to, but to appear at the least opportune moment. Her brother had a positive gift for it, Elise knew, her smile blooming brilliantly across her face before she slid discreetly behind the taller, golden Rosalie. It wasn't quite time for her to surprise him. A light poke told Rosalie she was there, and urged her to fabricate some tale of why she was looking for him.

Elise grinned to herself, preparing some sort of witty, cutting remark to deliver with the surprise.


Lady Rosalie St. Claire

[Lady Rosalie St. Claire]

Rosalie jumped a little, both at the sudden voice from behind them, and at the poke from behind her, before giving a sunny grin as she turned to face the man himself. It was quite apparent to her that the young lady she was ‘delivering’ used the minute and the way they were standing to dart behind her back, and apparently Rosalie herself was a good enough hiding place.

“Good day, Lord Frederick, you’re just the man we’ve been looking for,” she chirped brightly, managing a slight curtsy and an equally light elbow jab aimed behind her to inform the man’s sister precisely of what she thought of the other’s method of hiding at the same time. The other young lady would poke her head out sooner or later, but she needed time to come up with some sort of the story, and this seemed like a good opening, anyway, she just hoped the man remembered who she was.


Lord Frederick von Arles, Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles

[Lord Frederick von Arles]

Frederick remembered her. He bantered with her during the archery tournament. She was giggly, but witty. Both qualities that could be refreshing in a Court such as Demeria's. "Ah, Lady Rosalie. How lovely to see you again. I hope you're doing well, but you'll forgive me if I press right into the point. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? And," he raised a finger and smiled playfully, "Who is we? I see one, but not another."

If they wished to play games, Frederick was all for it, but he enjoyed being familiar with the rules before participating. After all, he had to demonstrate his skill somehow!

Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles, Lady Rosalie St. Claire

[Lady Hilda Elisabeta von Arles]

"Why, we," a voice purred from behind the taller, golden Rosalie after she recovered her breath thanks to an elbow delivered to her midsection, then stepped around her to reveal herself, "is Lady Rosalie and my little self. I intended it to be a proper surprise, but you spoiled it, Frederick! Why are you never where you are supposed to be?" A small foot stamped her displeasure, completely belied by the glimmer in her eyes as she mockingly glared up at her brother with her hands at her hips.


Lord Frederick von Arles, Lady Rosalie St. Claire