A Contrast of Sisters

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

The Festival had been nothing if not... unusual this year. Persuaded to attend by her twin, Lisette was enjoying herself for the most part. Thankfully, the scandal that haunted her had been amply and swiftly replaced by the scandal involving the Sarkozsy Crown Prince and Princess Emmaline, freeing her up to simply be and relax, especially when she learned that Lord Rupert returned to Triadon with the Princess. There was something about the man that put her back up and made her nervous despite Laurent's frequent reminders not to let him get under her skin. Easier said than done, of course.

Wondering just where her sister Elaina had gotten to and more, what she was up to, Lisette decided to drag Laurent along for a walk in search of their flame-haired spitfire of a sister. It wasn't a question of mistrust or doubt, but genuine curiosity about who Elaina was keeping company with and whether she was doing well. Amazing how a family that occupied a single pavilion could manage to evade each other, even without intentions! True, she saw her sister return to the pavilion at a decent hour to sleep, but Elaina was far earlier a riser than she herself was, and often was already out when Lisette pried her eyes open. 

That said, she wasn't searching very hard for Elaina, but walking along with her twin, keeping an eye out for the impish form with their father's eyes and bright hair. Deciding to veer towards where the horses were kept, something told Lisette that was a good place to begin looking for their sister... one who was as unlike her as Laurent was. 


Lady Elaina de Lac, Lord Laurent de Lac

[Lady Elaina de Lac]

Elaina was enjoying her time here at the summer festival. She did not mind dirty hems or grass stains that most of the other young ladies quietly grumbled about, it was simply fascinating to be having the festival in what she thought of as the wilderness. To her dismay, she had not seen very many wildlife. Other than ducks and other birds on the lake, that was. Scandals were the last thing to interest Elaina de Lac. Oh sure, she oohed and aahed about the Sarkozsy Crown Princes disappearance but she felt the princess was better off. The man had seemed dreadfully dull from what she had seen and heard of him.


Day after day, she flitted about in exploration of the grounds and everything around them. She had not had the freedom to do so under her mothers stern eye so she was doing everything she had ever been denied now that she had the chance to do so. As it was, her sister was veering to the right place as Elaina returned from a leisurely ride that had consisted of herself and a guard for safety and propriety reasons. Choosing to groom her own mount instead of letting the servant in charge of caring for the horses do so, the fiery haired lass likely looked like a stable boy, if not for the gown.

Lady Lisette de Lac

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

It was impossible to miss Lisette's improved mood. He couldn't help but wonder if it was due to the distracting nature of the recent scandal and the fact that Lord Rupert had made his return to Triadon with the Princess. He wondered what that was about, but it didn't take very long for him to stop wondering. The man was Master of Intelligence. He came and went like shadows often did. Even though he had counseled Lisette into giving the man a chance, he was a little... cautious of him. Shadowy figures always put him on his guard.

But that was only because of his ridiculously sunny natures.

"So, I've heard something interesting. I overheard the royal cooks discussing some recipe they received from the Duke of Loria regarding suckling pigs." Laurent had mixed feelings about the dish, but he did quietly enjoy the tender meat it provided. "The list of herbs were annoying them, I think. I have to wonder if he is planning on hosting some sort of meal to introduce the court to Lintenese cuisine. Not that we're strangers to it, of course." And where was that little Elaina? He looked about for her.

Lady Lisette de Lac

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

Whatever the reasons were, she appreciated that Laurent wasn't prying. He wanted to know, of that she was sure, but at least he wasn't attempting to ferret out the reason and jeopardize her lovely mood. A day where Lisette smiled of her own volition was one to be treasured, her family often said. They did not happen often. Listening to her twin, she shot him an odd look. "Who on earth is the Duke of Loria, and what were the herbs? If they're too problematic, we may be able to help them since Ari brought the chest along."

They were headed towards the picket lines when she spotted the bright head and nudged her twin to indicate the lodestone to which they should be drawn. The pace was a strolling one, in no particular hurry - she knew Elaina would want to tend her horse's needs personally, giving them ample time in which to catch up with their sister. Just to be sure, though, Lisette called ahead, "Elaina? Where are you?"

Lady Elaina de Lac

[Lady Elaina de Lac]

Elaina was still lost in her own little world but was soon roused out of it by the call of her sister. The girl moved out into the open and smiled at her siblings as they made their approach. Their movements weren't urgent so Elaina assumed that they were simply out for leisure. "Over here, Lisette. I've just been for a ride," she informed the pair of twins. Her eyes twinkled with their usual mischief though she wasn't up to anything at the moment other than amusing herself with her personal brands of entertainment. In her opinion, they were well overdue for some fun times and hopefully Lisette would allow herself a bit of mischief as well. What sort Elaina could not think of right then but she was sure it would happen eventually.
Lord Laurent de Lac Lady Lisette de Lac

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

Laurent did a double take when he heard his younger sister's voice, not realizing that she had been so close by. "There you are, you little troublemaker you." He made his approach and placed a brotherly kiss to her cheek and looked her over. Everything seemed to be in order. "A ride, hm? And just where were you riding? And I trust that you have been keeping yourself firmly out of trouble?"

The man did his best to look intimidating and authoritative. Yet, he was failing miserably. He was such a naturally happy person that it did not settle well on his general appearance.

Lady Lisette de Lac, Lady Elaina de Lac

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

She followed Laurent to where their sister was standing, a small smile greeting her. In all truth, Lisette wasn't surprised to see Elaina in this place at this time. If there were horses, chances were good that Elaina was nearby. "Of course she wasn't," she replied teasingly, "where's the fun in being good all of the time? So long as no one got hurt, of course."

Amused at Laurent's efforts to look stern and patriarchal, she shook her head. It didn't suit him one bit, not when he was nothing more than pure sunshine. It could be rather annoying. Still... an Earl should at least be somewhat more serious.


Lord Laurent de Lac, Lady Elaina de Lac

[Lady Elaina de Lac]

Elaina granted her brother a bright smile as he made his approach. "By the lake. And yes, most unfortunately. Let's hope that changes as the day goes on," she was teasing, obviously. Then again, what others considered 'trouble' and what Elaina considered 'trouble' were different things entirely. "Exactly," her eyes twinkled in mischief as she voiced her agreement of Lisettes words, despite the fact they were said in jest.

And that authoritative look held no effect on the redhead. She found it most amusing. Lisette was the one with the most ability to corral the high-spirited De Lac girl, not that she would ever let Lisette know this. "Are you both out for a stroll?" She asked curiously.

Lord Laurent de Lac Lady Lisette de Lac

[Lord Laurent de Lac]

"Changes?! Changes in what way?" And then he realized that she was merely teasing him. Laurent felt a bit silly in that moment. He cleared his throat, "I mean, er..." He glanced toward his sister, wondering if she would provide for him an out. He didn't really expect one. "Yes. Of course. We should all have a good bout of fun. As long as you don't get in trouble. Or if a man acts ungentlemanly." Laurent was taking the protective brother schtick a bit far now.

"We were discussing suckling pig!" It was the perfect distraction from him looking a bit foolish, "And having a stroll, yes. Apparently, the Duc of Loria is providing some recipes for the upcoming events. A rather curious man, I have to admit. Have either of you met the man yet?" His eyebrows rose, glancing between the two of them.

Lady Elaina de Lac, Lady Lisette de Lac

[Lady Lisette de Lac]

He might be the eldest brother and lord of the House now, but the two young ladies were more than capable of looking after themselves! Lisette rolled her eyes in amusement, knowing that neither she nor Elaina were all that likely to take his words seriously or heed much in the way of counsel. Meeting her twin's eyes, she smiled sweetly at him, making it abundantly clear that he was entirely on his own in this one. Sure enough, Laurent handled it adroitly, making her laugh quietly.

"You know how our brother is, Elaina. Always looking for the newest delicacy to be offered and the recipe to accompany it." Her eyes twinkled impishly at their brother, but the question made her pause to inquire, "Who? That is not one of the Demerian dukes, but where is he from? And how do you know him?"


Lord Laurent de Lac, Lady Elaina de Lac