A light on the lady

[Lady Selena Lancaster]

"Everyone needs someone to distract them from their troubles occasionally. I'm glad to know you do that for them. Things have been entirely too somber of late that some relief is needed wherever we can find it." In that regard, they were of one mind, precisely why Selena invited Riordan to join her for the ride they'd taken. It sufficiently distracted him for a time, allowing him to relax and simply be himself without pressure or demands. "I noticed you were able to persuade Princess Emma to go for a ride prior to her departure for Triadon. That must have been an enjoyable time for you both."

The discussion of potential meeting with the Sarkozsy princess was her focus in that minute, a nod agreeing to his proposal. "I would greatly appreciate that; you have more access to Her Highness and her schedule than I, and she might accept the invitation with more alacrity if you are there to break the ice between us. Thank you." She could make herself available as needed; one answered to royalty, even foreign.

"Under the circumstances," she pointed out quietly, reaching for her mug of cold tea, "I do not know that anyone can be blamed for wishing to put this site behind them. Unhappy times make for unpleasant memories. The sooner they are banished in favor of more pleasant climes, the better. As for Twinport," Selena smiled faintly, "I imagine there are a number of potential reasons for the choice. The Duke is currently courting a rather young lady. This is an excellent test to see if she is capable of running a ducal household hosting a royal progress, for one. And he has four daughters in need of husbands, Your Highness. The cream of Demeria's nobility will be attending." Doubting more needed to be said, she examined his face, confident he would take her meaning.


Prince Tristan Carlisle

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

So, they weren’t as unnoticed in their pseudo-escape as Tristan hoped they had been, but perhaps it was for the best that they were not. “Yes, it had been, both of us managed to enjoy it despite the goings-on at the time.” A grin lit up his features at the thought. He missed Emma, but she needed time to herself as well, so the least he could do was give it to her. “Though I do wish it wasn’t all I’m good at. Here’s hoping I’ll be able to manage to do more than that.” Saluting the lady across from him with his fork, Tris took its contents into his mouth, chewing as he considered her next words and nodding to show he heard the words about Katya. He would have to look into that soon-ish if both of them could manage it. Of course it made sense, and Twinport was quite capable of hosting a joust, but it was rather abrupt to him.

“Wonder if it’s more one than the other, though,” he mused, once he finished his forkful. “And who really is going to be in charge. This is going to bring some changes to St. Claires, that’s for certain.” Far as he was aware, there were a number of ladies whom Selena could be talking about, several of them ambitious enough to try for the hand of the Duke – but he was mildly surprised that it didn’t seem to be Lady Julia, whom he was expecting to take charge. Deciding it was something he needed to take into account as he learned, Tris kept quiet on the matter for the time being, waiting to see if Selena had anything to add to the thoughts first.


Lady Selena Lancaster

[Lady Selena Lancaster]

Little went unnoticed when amidst the court; there were eyes and ears and mouths everywhere. If one wanted information, one simply had to wait and it would eventually come around. Selena did not make a point to cultivate gossip about the royal family and their comings and goings, but when information presented itself, she did not refuse it either. "I think you are still discovering where your talents lie, Tris," she pointed out gently. "And testing them out, seeing what succeeds better than others. Give yourself some time and a chance, you may discover quite a lot to manage in yourself."

Applying herself to the meal, Selena listened to him speak on the relocation and the diverted joust, her brow lifting as he spoke of changes to the St. Claires. "I think it's fair to say that change is in the winds, my friend, for all of us. Changes to traditions," she indicated herself, "changes in families and upcoming alliances. The next generation, meaning we happy lot," she smiled, "is getting ready to take their places, and finding where those places might be. Your brother, you, my cousins, and so on. Change can be a good thing, though. Unless you find there's too many changes going on?"

Prince Tristan Carlisle

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

A thoughtful look was given to his fork while he was listening. Selena was making a lot of sense, but he too had his doubts from time to time and was uncertain how he was going to settle. “I guess I’ll just have to wait and see,” he nodded, speaking in between the bites of food and his own thoughts. There was time and place for everything, after all, and he was just discovering his strengths and weaknesses as was apparent to just about anyone who chanced across him this time around. While he didn’t particularly want to consider it, he’d have to see what he was doing wrong sooner or later, and better sooner.

She was right to say there were a lot of changes taking place, as well. At least they were going to take them prepared, that was something. “Us happy lot are at least prepared for them, when it could have been worse,” he pointed out, pointing at her with his fork. “Imagine getting thrown into them headfirst and seeing whether we can swim in them or sink like stones.” He had an inkling that many of them, including the lords and ladies just stepping into their shoes like he was had been prepared for it in theory, and just needed the practice to adapt. “Consider it practice for when we actually going to be needed, my lady.” The teasing tone he adapted made to show he was both serious and not, or so he hoped.


Lady Selena Lancaster

[Lady Selena Lancaster]

The meal continued unhindered by the solemnity of the discussion, allowing Selena an opportunity to learn how to gauge Tristan's reactions. He had doubts, that she could see, and uncertainty, both of which were normal regardless of situation. She was not so much older that she did not understand where he sat or the conundrums facing him. Hearing his remark, she nodded. "That's reasonably all anyone can do. I'm still doing the same myself, and hoping not to make too many mistakes along the way."

Nudging her plate away due to a feeling of satiation, she drew the glass of water closer as they discussed the changes. "True. I'd rather not be taken entirely by surprise, but even if you see them coming, there's still handling them. It won't always be graceful, unfortunately, but I have to agree. It's good practice for when those times come when we are caught off-guard." Amused, she saluted him with her glass. "Speaking of changes, are you intending to enter the joust at Twinport?" Selena appreciated the teasing tone, considering it a favorable sign that Tristan was growing more comfortable with her.

Prince Tristan Carlisle

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Like, he thought, Selena was doing, Tris was attempting to gauge her general character, even if he had a slightly difficult time of it due to the lady remaining an unknown thanks to this being first actual conversation between them. True, they crossed paths before from time to time, it being unavoidable when one was at Court, but not in this setting, and her reminding him of hoping not to make a lot of mistakes had him wince then grin. He honestly forgot she wasn’t that old, the air around her giving him an image of too somber for her own good young lady. “Indeed, and I do hope we will be able to help each other should the other be within reach?” Venturing it as a question, he mentally crossed his fingers, hoping he wasn’t stepping on any proverbial tails. It was the last thing he wanted to do, after all.

Grinning as she saluted him with her glass as she spoke, Tris saluted back with his fork, applying himself to the rest of the meal before speaking, buying time before responding. “All the better for us that it’s slow, don’t you think? Best be graceless now and be able to defer it to age and relative inexperience than make a giant mistake later.” At least that was his viewpoint for the time being, and he had no doubt he’d have time to regret it before long. As for the tourney, he had to think about it before answering. “Perhaps I will, it will give me practice for the future against more skilled opponents.” An amused look was given her way as he considered his skill level, admittedly rusty in face of more experienced opponents. Far it be from him to miss an opportunity to see what else he could learn in such a way.


Lady Selena Lancaster

[Lady Selena Lancaster]

Her training and composure often meant others mistook her for a more advanced age, yet Selena was only nineteen years old, a scant three years senior to the Prince across from her. In many respects, Selena was the epitome of a Lancaster- the penultimate courtier and gracious, if aloof lady. His concern was legion, and certainly understandable. When Tristan posed his question, she smiled easily. "Of course. We will be family as well as working to be friends, and I am sure I will need your help. There is a great deal for me to learn now. If I can be of help to you, you have only to give me a sign." Her words were offered sincerely; learning to navigate the court was no easy task for anyone, royal or noble.

The fork salute made Selena laugh again, shaking her head. "I agree, but I think it's best to be honest, Tristan. We're going to make plenty of mistakes, small and large, no matter what our age. I don't know about you, but there's only so much that can be taught without experience. So many situations we've never had to deal with or face. I won't be perfect, and every day, I'll probably learn something new. So will you, no?" The mention of the joust had her nodding. "Plus," she added teasingly, "you do have a lovely lady from whom to obtain a favor. She will be very proud of your showing, I am sure."

Prince Tristan Carlisle

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Tris inclined his head in agreement, listening to Selena as she spoke. Indeed she’d have to adjust to her new position as well, and while she seemed to give an air of perfect courtier, he now was well and truly reminded that she wasn’t that much older than him, and position in which she now found herself was bound to bring difficulties. “Of course, all you need to do is ask.” He had been raised a royal, and was grateful he was not in Riordan’s shoes at the moment despite there being tense few days where it looked like he might be.

Nodding in agreement, Tris found himself flushing again at the next words, well aware he was being teased and not minding it in the least. “And you of course have someone to bestow yours on, do you not?” He teased back despite the red face. He was going to get that blush under control sooner or later, and he suspected it be the latter if the negotiations went how he wished they would. That his brother was going to participate in it was yet a question, but Selena was probably going to confirm it to him soon enough.


Lady Selena Lancaster

[Lady Selena Lancaster]

Relieved that her efforts to remind him that she was entirely imperfect and therefore disposed to make mistakes in the same line as he, she hoped it would serve as a kind of bond between them. Selena had spoken no less than truth in saying that they would learn much as they went along. Having an ally in Tristan was precisely what she'd hoped, her smile warming. "Thank you, I feel much better for knowing that we will be able to work together and become friends." She did not feel quite so reassured on the points of Princess Emma or Lady Mariana, the next two on her agenda where the Carlisle family was concerned.

Seeing the flush, she knew she'd hit a sensitive topic, laughing softly as he turned it back on. "Ah, but that is only if Riordan competes... and I am sure there are plenty who would be all too pleased to bestow their favors on him. I can only hope he accepts mine." Her dark eyes twinkled playfully at him, enjoying the gentle teasing. "Still, it will be exciting to watch. There has not been such a joust in a long time, and I've heard tales of greatness often come from these events."

Prince Tristan Carlisle

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Nodding and smiling back, Tris was relieved at the accord reached. Where Mariana’s and Emma’s opinions lay remained to be seen, but he wasn’t going to convince his sisters of feeling the way they needed to oblige if they did not felt like doing so. Instead he’d focus on his own goals, which were blessedly unclear and seemed to remain this way. And wasn’t that the frustrating thought.

A laugh was surprised out of him at the playful words concerning the tourney. “Yes it will, and perhaps he will. A duty to represent our kingdom in part, and inability to resist showing off, I think.” In larger part, it was his opinion. As for his own tournament fame, however, time would tell. “I hope my part in it will be merely that of the best jouster on the field, if that,” he hedged with amusement, knowing full well the lady was aware of problems plaguing the Court as of late. Perhaps he was overly cautious, but he thought time would tell whether he was wrong with that.


Lady Selena Lancaster

[Lady Selena Lancaster]

Families were neither expanded nor forged overnight, Selena remained aware, but she felt confident that she could find her place among the Carlisles with time and patience. Aware that the Lady Mariana was in the encampment while Princess Emmaline returned to Triadon, it would give her an opportunity to win over the eldest and youngest of the siblings. In the process, she hoped it would forge them into a cohesive unit. In light of what Riordan revealed to her, Selena felt that would only serve him well.

Hearing him laugh, her smile warmed. "Perhaps, and would you expect otherwise? Despite his reform, Riordan is still very much himself and I believe this may be an excellent chance for him to show he has found balance in himself." Sobering a little, she nodded to his words regarding the part of best jouster would be best. "I feel confident it will be so; precautions and preparations are being made to ensure it. I thought to go and watch those who are practicing - do you intend to try so yourself?"

Prince Tristan Carlisle

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

If he thought of it, as he would later in the day, it was giving an in for him as well, though which sort of ‘in’ he had yet to discover. For now, Tris took a long drink from his glass, thinking. “I hope it will be, too. Well, we’ll see sooner or later, won’t we?” And hoping that both his sisters would be able to come to some sort of decision, as his brother already seemed to have concerning Lady Selena. Where he stood, he had yet to find, though the offer of friendship was a good start to figuring things out.

As to the tournament, he thoughtfully looked around before meeting the lady’s eyes again. “Yes, I was hoping to get in a round or two myself later today, so perhaps we should be able to meet up then and there if you find yourself with a free minute to be able to do so?” He could recall an errand he was probably keeping Lady Selena from, and the ‘later’ time would allow both of them to finish whatever they have planned before the evening hour. At least, that was the plan he had in mind, whether it was so for her remained to be seen.


Lady Selena Lancaster