Strangers on the grounds

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Daylight found Tristan wandering through the grounds observing the goings on of the festival. There were clear signs of numerous preparations for moving places now, though it seemed like one or two lords and ladies had just arrived and were still doing the opposite. He had a moment’s pity for their hastiness, as the pavilions would be taken down soon enough in favor of move to Twinport, and who knew where they would be situated. While he’d be glad for a change in scene, he knew better than to follow the rumors concerning it.

Pausing, Tris gave a slow glance around, noting unfamiliar colors of one of the pavilions. Curiosity taking the better of him, he wandered closer, though not intruding on the grounds of it yet. He wasn’t aware if there were any new arrivals lately, and perhaps missed it entirely. Well, then, there was plenty of time to find out who they were and what purpose they held at the festival grounds, and now could be as good as any to do so.


Lady Kathryn Remington

[Lady Kathryn Remington]

Their arrival was quiet, unannounced but that gave them a chance to settle in and take some bearings, as Nicholas phrased it. Working up the courage to emerge from their pavilion had not been easy, but nothing could be seen, learned or experienced from within a tent. She wanted this deep down, so Kathryn plucked up herself up to take herself outside. The sunshine would be good for her, and so would the air. So long as she did not venture too far, surely no harm could come to her. She had seen plenty of soldiers on patrol and the like, and she was curious about the people of Demeria.

Ensuring she looked well enough, she opened the flap and stepped outside, her eyes roaming the area with that first brave gesture. Nicholas was elsewhere, but would return soon enough, she knew. She wanted to be returned before he had cause to worry, but before she could go any further, Kathryn noticed a young man coming closer. Unknown to her, of course, but she offered a shy smile, wondering what he might want. "Good day to you," was the softly offered greeting.

Prince Tristan Carlisle

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

The blond-haired young woman emerging from the pavilion was noticed before her speaking up, but he chose not to comment on slight hesitation. If the ground was new, hesitation was only to be expected, and it seemed as such, for he had yet to recognize the arms displayed on the pavilion. “And to you, as well, my lady,” he returned, a bow of greeting offered at her words. “I trust you’re settling in all right?” From the view he had of the pavilion, it was a recent standing, and the people around it were so far unfamiliar.

There was familiarity to the crest, and Tris was attempting to recall where he had seen it while keeping up the attempt at conversation. “Might I guess you hail from Montenoire?” He ventured, once he more or less placed the colors, wondering what the island people had need for that Demeria could offer. It had been a while since he heard of them, but perhaps it was time to reopen negotiations. Who knew, it might be of use.


Lady Kathryn Remington

[Lady Kathryn Remington]

All of the faces she saw were unfamiliar to her, rousing her instinct to retreat but she made herself stand fast and face the young man as he came closer. The return of her greeting eased Kathryn a little, as did the gentlemanly question posed. She nodded, replying in kind, "We are, thank you. Ah..." a glance at the pavilion had her smiling a little sheepishly. "New arrivals, as you can tell.."

No surprise that he recognized her as foreign, but she blushed a little to know she wore her homeland so plainly to be see. "Yes, my lord. We are from Montenoire. I am Kathryn Remington. My brother Nicholas is shortly to return, as he's gone to seek an audience with the royal family so we may present ourselves properly." She added a little curtsy for politeness's sake.

Prince Tristan Carlisle

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

He could, indeed, tell they were, and the introduction helped him to recall information necessary for the Island. There had been a few grumbles about the people who settled there, but Tris himself found them odd and unnecessary. People lived where they did, and he saw no sense in restraining it. The slightly sheepish smile was met with his reassuring one before he noted the name to go with the new face.

“A pleasure to meet you, my lady. I am Tristan Carlisle, prince of Demeria.” He couldn’t help but be amused. Had he shown up slightly earlier, he likely would’ve met both siblings and would have been able to give directions to the Carlisle pavilions. “May I ask what brings you here?” He couldn't help but be slightly curious, for the festival looked more and more like a gathering of various delegations hoping to gain allies. So far in his opinion it was one of the most unusual festivals to date, and seemed to become more so as time went on.


Lady Kathryn Remington

[Lady Kathryn Remington]

The peoples of the Island had been there for close to twenty generations now - were memories really so long as that? Kathryn did not think of herself as Demerian or Sarkozsian, but of Montenoire. The island was her home, her family's home and had been for centuries. She relaxed visibly with the appearance of his reassuring smile, her eyes resting calmly on his face until he revealed his identity.

If she had voice to emit a sound, she surely would squeak in distress. Realizing she faced one of the royal family, Kathryn hastily dropped a curtsy, her head bowing. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I didn't realize... I..." Oh, awkward! Too bad the ground wouldn't conveniently open and swallow her whole to spare her the embarrassment. Blushing now with chagrin, she cleared her throat and answered quietly, "Our father sent us in the hopes of establishing some trade with Demeria, and..." She bit back the rest of it, not wanting to speak of something so personal. "And open talks, perhaps."

Prince Tristan Carlisle

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Perhaps he should’ve kept his title hidden, after all, but he had no knowledge to how such a step would’ve been interpreted by the Montenoire people. Yet it seemed like it would’ve been of help with this particular lady, who seemed to become rather flustered as the result. Raising his hands to hopefully stop her from being even more so, Tris gave a sheepish grin, bowing in return of her curtsy. “It’s all right, Lady Kathryn. I didn’t exactly announce my arrival aside from stating curiosity, my apologies if this startled you.”

Keeping his tone of voice warm and even in hopes this step would help calming her down, he slightly tilted his head to the side, listening with a slight smile. “Perhaps you’ll find my father amenable to your quest, for allies are always looked forward to. I believe a formal Court would be gathered soon enough, which should help you with the opening of talks, unless something happens sooner.” He had no idea when his father planned on announcing Riordan’s betrothal, but that it was going to happen soon enough was no mistake. They all agreed, after all, that the Court could use some good news, and that could well be it, however off tradition it was.


Lady Kathryn Remington

[Lord Nicholas Remington]

"Kathryn! Kathryn!" A voice was calling out over the land and the sound of rapid footfalls were making their approach. Nicholas was not exactly running, but he wasn't walking at a stately pace. He had something exciting to share with his sister. "The people you see here, dear sister, you would not believe. The women, the men..." All were incredibly fascinating to him. As he made his approach, Nicholas's features became more readily apparent to Tristan. Nicholas was a tall and well built young man with a head of thick black hair and piercing blue eyes. Indeed, one would never guess Kathryn and Nicholas were twin siblings.

"I saw this lovely specimen of a woman walking through the grounds. A little taller than you, deep brown hair, pale skin and one of the pretty smiles I've ever seen. I think she's Sarkozsian, judging from her accent and manner. She had a bow on her back, too. I think I'm going to have to make myself known to her," a rakish grin flashed across his features.

It was only then that he realized she had a visitor. "Oh. Hello, good sir."

Prince Tristan Carlisle, Lady Kathryn Remington

[Lady Kathryn Remington]

Before she could reply to the Prince, the sound of her twin's voice interrupted, bringing her attention to bear on him as he approached at speed. She blinked to see the excited look on his face, bracing herself for the onslaught of words. When Nicholas was on a tear, words gushed in a flood from his lips and this time was no different. Flushing again, she cleared her throat with a pointed look towards her companion, her tone stern. "I think you need to take a breath, brother."

Kathryn smiled awkwardly, continuing, "Forgive my brother, Your Highness, he tends to be... eager when we are in a new place. Brother," she tugged at his arm to make sure she really had his attention, "please allow me to introduce one of our hosts. Prince Tristan Carlisle, this handsome and charming fellow is my brother, Lord Nicholas Remington."

Prince Tristan Carlisle, Lord Nicholas Remington

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

Slightly amused by the newest arrival, Tris quirked a curious eyebrow at the pair, noting that at the first glance they were nothing alike. Then again, neither were he and his siblings, even if he did share the hair and eye color with his eldest sibling. The man’s description made him resist shaking his head and silently wish him luck dealing with the girl in question, as well. Waiting for the siblings to finish speaking, he spoke up after Lady Kathryn finished with her introductions.

“Well met, my lord. I trust you found my father’s pavilion without much trouble?” A bow was given as accorded the title he suspected the young man carried, though it was up to Lord Nicholas to confirm or deny the possibility, used to hide a brief expression of amusement. The man certainly had no difficulty finding his own pavilion, but whether he succeeded in doing the same with Carlisles' or ended up by Sarkozsy's was a question. It seemed like out of the two, as well, Lord Nicholas was more outspoken than his sister, who nonetheless seemed to be carrying an equal weight despite her seeming shyness. How very curious, indeed.


Lord Nicholas Remington, Lady Kathryn Remington

[Lord Nicholas Remington]

"Ah," he faltered, especially once he realized this was a Prince of the land, and took a moment to answer the question. "No, I have not, Your Highness." In truth, he hadn't really been looking for it as he had been just a bit too distracted for his own good. Fortunately, the Prince did not need to be privy to that particular piece of information. "I am still getting familiar with the general layout of the place." That much was the truth, at least!

A glance was spared toward Kathryn, noticing that she had been shy with the young man but holding her own nonetheless. That made him feel a surge of pride. He knew she was capable of speaking with others, even if she preferred more carefully controlled settings rather than random encounters. "You have a truly lovely country, if I may say so, Your Highness."

Prince Tristan Carlisle, Lady Kathryn Remington

[Lady Kathryn Remington]

Relieved that the awkward moment was hastily being smoothed over, Kathryn felt more at ease for Nicholas's presence, relaxing visibly as her twin spoke with the Prince. Her smile rested calmly on her face as she nodded in agreement with her twin's words. "Thankfully, the lay out is very logical, and so far, everyone has been very kind in assisting with directions and guidance," she added softly. Certainly she'd have been terribly lost by now if not for that kindness and a knight willing to play escort.

Feeling his glance, she met his gaze reassuringly. Shyness was a trait that could be conquered, even when taken by surprise, and she hoped she displayed the manners of a true Remington to the best. "I must agree with my brother. I have never seen its like before."

Prince Tristan Carlisle

[Prince Tristan Carlisle]

It was curious how the demeanor of one could change depending on those introduced to them, and Tris was barely hiding amusement at the thought. Hopefully he wasn’t as transparent as others, but managed to conceal it with slightly lowered eyes and a glance around, himself appreciative of their country. “Thank you, it has plenty of beautiful places. I hope you’ll be able to see some of them during your stay here.” Having no idea how long this stay would continue for Montenoire delegation, he was cautious at the time, though there was at least the festival grounds he could show them.

A look of amusement slipped through despite his best efforts, as he grinned at the words recalled. “I could perhaps lend a hand in learning the grounds should you need it, and show where my family is stationed along the way,” he offered, knowing he could do as much. “It may be for a short while, but you may be able to catch an audience with Father should you require it.” Here, he was mostly keeping in mind the growing possibility of the festival’s move, as it was growing more likely. First, though, he’d see how much was known of it by the newcomers.


Lord Nicholas Remington, Lady Kathryn Remington

[Lord Nicholas Remington]

"We plan on being here for a time so perhaps we will take you up on your advice. If you had to choose, Your Highness, where would you start in a tour of the country?" Nicholas felt it revealed a bit of the person if you asked them what they loved about their country. Everyone had a little thing about their home that they loved. What was Tristan's? Nicholas preferred the innocent questions to the nosy ones.

"Your offer is very kind, thank you. I believe we can take you up on it should you have the time. It'd be good to stretch the legs," and he knew Kathryn would appreciate the fresh air. With her twin brother at her side, he could provide her with a sensation of security and he could get to see more of these fascinating people.

Lady Kathryn Remington

[Lady Kathryn Remington]

Grateful that Nicholas had genially taken charge of the situation, Kathryn was content to stand beside him and listen with interest. This was all a grand new adventure for her, so much to be seen and learned, that she hardly knew where to begin. "Yes please, Your Highness," she added to her twin's words, a shy smile thanking him for his kindness to two virtual strangers. True, they had yet to be formally presented to the King and offer their credentials for inspection, but this was a lovely beginning. "The lakeside seems quite lovely as well."

That said, she slipped her hand into her brother's and regarded the Prince attentively.

Prince Tristan Carlisle