Reflection in the water

[Lady Belinda Lancaster]

The lake, as Belinda was quickly discovering, could easily serve as one giant mirror. Of course it could sound highly pretentious, and that was the last thing she was, or so she was convinced. Currently, though, said young lady was found, a few days after arriving and settling in, at the lakeshore, having the entire lake at her disposal in precisely the said function.

Taking a seat on of the boulders close by the water’s edge afforded her quite the view of her own features, which was precisely what she was distracted with observing. One would have thought she would take a moment or two to discover her surroundings first, but Bella was not that type of lady. A mirror reflection was more to her liking, especially if said reflection belonged to her and no one else, or if the others were using it to cast admiring glances her way.

As it happened, a casual glance at the water’s surface, so far untroubled by stray breezes, had her pausing and fiddling with her hair to place it back into its proper order, and toeing the ground to see how her skirts would sway around her figure – this time, one of the gowns the darker shade of blue with rich red detailing on the hem and seams. This thorough distraction anywhere but out on the open was probably fine, but being where she was? It probably was not a good idea, but in her opinion, the nature-given "mirror" had more uses for her than just about anything else at the lake, including her surroundings. Could anything else, perhaps, catch her attention as thoroughly?


Lord Nicholas Remington

[Lord Nicholas Remington]

So many fascinating people to see with so little time! The Demerian Court was quite fascinating, but he had to firmly remind himself that he was not here to just play. They had to find better medicines for Kathryn. They had to establish formal ties with other nations. But that didn't mean Nicholas was precluded from having at least a little fun. To be fair, the island of Montenoire had its bevy of beauties, but it was nice to see fresh faces and bodies. Indeed, he had scene a plethora!

The lake was another place of interest for him. The island did not have very large lakes and it was interesting to see so much freshwater in one place. From his studies, he recalled that Demeria had several rivers going throughout the entire land, and thus it was not so surprising they would have at least one large lake. It was pretty and fascinating to look at. He also wondered what was on the island in the middle. Perhaps he would venture out there someday.

On this particular day, he was taking a walk along the shoreline and he spotted another lovely creature. This one had a head of golden hair, but he could not make out her face. It was clear that she was gazing upon it in the lake surface. Hmm. It was time to investigate. The man was wearing somewhat fine clothing. It displayed his house colors, but at the same time, it was clearly designed for ease of movement and exploration. Fortunately, the head of black hair, the bright blue eyes and smile would distract anyone from that.

"Fishing for something, my lady?" The question was a tease.

Lady Belinda Lancaster

[Lady Belinda Lancaster]

Fishing? Why-ever would she want to do that? Pulled from her distraction of a reflection by a voice that did not sound familiar, she gave a thoughtful look at the young man who came upon her without her notice. “Why would you think so, my lord?” The question asked was in the same tone as his, as she curiously studied the newcomer.

Not the one from Demeria’s nobles, at least she didn’t recognize the face. Then again, there were several present whom she didn’t have a chance to meet, so Bella wasn’t putting much credit on that. He was rather handsome, if one could be bothered by considering those things, but certainly no one of Lancaster – despite wearing colors similar to hers to a point, as well as having the coloring similar to that of her cousin Selena.

“Perhaps the better question would be if you were planning on fishing,” she mused, curious despite herself. It was, after all, one of the things to do at the lake, aside from having serious conversation, but he didn’t seem to be in search of such, nor was he ready for swimming, though that could be arranged. No, she was going to wait and see first what he was up to. The swim could wait for the time being.


Lord Nicholas Remington

[Lord Nicholas Remington]

For a moment, he had to think if she was taking him all too literally. The joke may have been too subtle. That would not be a surprise to him. Kathryn had told him frequently that he was too proud of his cleverness and it showed. This may be one of those times. Thus, he waved his hand with a chuckle. "Fear not, my lady, it was a poor attempt at a joke. You were striving to improve your appearance and I thought, perhaps, you were fishing for a better look... not that I think you need it."

Completing his approach, he swept into a graceful bow, "Nicholas Remington, at your service, my lady. What services I can provide are many. The price for them," he straightened with a sly smile, "Well, that is, like all things in life, negotiable." The young man was feeling playful today. There had not been nearly as many opportunities for play back home.

Lady Belinda Lancaster

[Lady Belinda Lancaster]

Blinking in mild confusion as the situation cleared up, Belinda shook her head, focusing on the here and now instead of the water surface. She fully blamed the water for getting her so distracted, and decided she most certainly did not need it to do so. “My apologies for misunderstanding, my lord.” A smile in appreciation of the compliment given was turned back to him, as she watched him in curiosity, the more so at the introduction that followed. A foreigner, and newly arrived, it looked like, so perhaps did not have a chance for meeting more than a few people. Help or hindrance? Time was going to tell.

Sweeping into a curtsy no less elegant than the bow he gave, she returned his smile with hers. “Belinda Lancaster, at yours, my lord.” Perhaps negotiable price for services was something to consider as well. “Might I ask if you are one of more recent arrivals yourself?” That she had been one was no doubt, for she still looked about with more curiosity than was probably necessary for someone familiar with the festival grounds, but she’d clarify if needed.


Lord Nicholas Remington

[Lord Nicholas Remington]

"You may ask," he replied smoothly, being cheeky with the young woman. He let a brief smile pass between them before he smiled more gamely and answered her question, "I am, yes. My sister and I are recently arrived from Montenoire." It would be curious to see her reaction to that particular piece of news. According to his father, it had been some time since a person from his island had visited Demeria for any length of time.

"Lady Belinda," he tasted the name on his tongue and found that enjoyed the sound of it. "A lovely name," he complimented before casually moving on, "I believe I have heard of your family across the waters. You deal in inks, do you not? And parchment? Indigo, I believe." And hence the name of their duchy seat of Indigane.

Lady Belinda Lancaster

[Lady Belinda Lancaster]

Grinning outright at the young man’s tone, Belinda lowered her eyelashes in agreement. “Indeed we do, you’ve done your research it seems.” Though if the man wished to form trade agreements, he’d have to discuss it with her uncle. She had no clue how the man was in expanding trade policies and what was currently in place. As for her, she had to pause in her attempt to recall Montenoire.

“Ah, the island with a mix of every nation and particularly powerful fleet, is it not? It makes me wonder what brings you to Demeria, my lord, though I’m sure you were asked that many a time already.” A slight smile was given at the thought. “Do forgive my curiosity, but Montenoire's people have been rare visitors.” In fact, she couldn’t recall last such occasion, but again, perhaps it wasn't recent.


Lord Nicholas Remington

[Lord Nicholas Remington]

"A necessary evil, I'm afraid. It's both interesting and can potentially be dull," he raised his hand, "Not that I am saying your family is dull, but sitting there and learning through the histories of several families can be quite tiresome. Yet, here it is, proving itself useful. I suppose I should thank my father for plunking me into a seat and forcing me to pay attention." The smile on his lips grew.

"You are correct, that is us. We have a little bit of everything on our little island. I'm sure we have some common ancestor if you and I were to look back far enough. And do not apologize for your curiosity. It's the sign of an active mind. You do not strike as a lovely lady that simply sets aside and let's the world pass her by. Am I right?" Nicholas was studying her in a subtle manner. Why? Because she was pretty look at, of course.

Lady Belinda Lancaster

[Lady Belinda Lancaster]

“Indeed, especially when it comes to nations that rarely come in contact.” Demurely lowered eyelashes hid eyes studying him in turn as he spoke. “I would have to thank my uncle for insisting upon all of our abilities to recall necessary learned word.” However annoying it had been she do so, for it cut into her fun. Ah well, if she wished to gain something, she must give, and thus she had.

As to his other question, Belinda merely gave a pleased smile. He was certainly good with compliments, but was there anything else there? “You might be.” He wasn’t too bad to look at either, if she was honest with herself, and his land was making her curious. “Are you enjoying your stay so far, my lord?” She’d ask why he and his sister were here, but she had a feeling he’d been asked that one time too many, as the visitors were usually so.


Lord Nicholas Remington

[Lord Nicholas Remington]

"It sounds like your uncle and my father would get along just fine." Indeed, he couldn't remember if he had any dealings with Spencer Lancaster. He knew there had been dealings with the St. Claire family, though... hmm. "My father is a bit serious, but very cultured and gentlemanly." He had no idea that he had also just adroitly described the patriarch of the Lancaster clan.

"I am enjoying my stay a great deal, it's filled with fascinating people that are very exciting to meet. You are among them," he promised her and then glanced back out toward the lake for a moment. "Tell me, is the lake safe for swimming?"

Lady Belinda Lancaster

[Lady Belinda Lancaster]

Ah, yes, that description would suit her uncle as well, though as she had recently learned, not all that much. Stifling a giggle at the thought, Belinda affected as serious an expression as she could manage. “Perhaps they will and we should be able to enjoy a match of wits against each other. My uncle is of much the same temper as you just mentioned.” Perhaps that was a necessity of running the land, though Bella never gave it much thought. After all it wouldn’t be her with the worries of that.

The question had an eyebrow going up. Was he thinking of doing so? “Of course, though it’s rarely indulged into. Our lords and ladies are quite proper in their demeanors most of the time, even if there is a wild card or two in the mix.” Not many wished to risk serving extra dishes for local rumor mill, but if the man wasn’t aware of it, she was going to see what came of the question soon enough.


Lord Nicholas Remington

[Lord Nicholas Remington]

"Then I shall have to endeavor to meet your uncle. He sounds like a good man... or maybe I will avoid him because he reminds me too much of my father and I seek to be as far away from him as possible," he stated in a teasing manner. It was hard to tell if Nicholas was being serious merely jesting. Those that knew him well were aware that Nicholas liked to inject small snippets of truth into all of his statements. It made them all the more believable but it left some wondering about his intentions.

"And what kind of card would you say you are? One of the deck or one that prefers to be as wild as the winds as themselves?" There was a twinkle in his eye as he posed the question.

Lady Belinda Lancaster

[Lady Belinda Lancaster]

Amused by the teasing, Bella gave the man a thoughtful, sidelong glance. Perhaps she should introduce him to her uncle, just to see what type of a meeting would be had, but on hindside, she would rather not and see whether he’d manage such a meeting himself. “It is, of course, for you to decide, my lord.” Her words were said in much the same teasing tone Nicholas was using, and he’d have to be the one to see what use he’d be able in them.

As for his other question, she had to grin. Didn’t he just want to know? It was really too bad that she didn’t quite have a clue herself yet. “Perhaps the first, perhaps the second. You might have to find out for yourself, and tell me what you think once you did.”


Lord Nicholas Remington

[Lord Nicholas Remington]

The answer to his card question amused him. "Oh, dear. That just gives me all the more enticement to start playing the game. And when I draw you out of the deck, I have to wonder what will happen. Will you be my lady fortune or will you my misfortune?" It was a play on words, and he was somewhat proud of his clever remark. However, he was careful not to let that show on his face. Arrogance was an unappealing quality and he strove to avoid it.

"Ah, but if I meet your uncle, will I have to be on my best behavior?"

Lady Belinda Lancaster

[Lady Belinda Lancaster]

She delicately shrugged her shoulders, slightly lowering her eyelashes in answer to his question about cards and allowed him to make what he would about it. “I know not, my lord, since I’m not the player of cards.” An utter lie, for she tried her hand at it, exactly five times that she could recall. Then again, perhaps it was not, since there was a different variety of cards game being spoken about now. The man was amusing her, that was for certain, and she hoped the feelings were mutual. “Please be my guest. That would be the only way to find out, would it not, is to start playing?”

The question posed, she lifted a finger to her mouth, all the pretense of considering the question asked. Honestly she was uncertain, but again, she was a relative, however a distant one, thus the rules were slightly different in her case. “I’m afraid so. See, if my uncle’s anything like your father in your understanding, he’d be awfully proper himself, so it should be only natural for you to be the same.” And hopefully she hadn’t put a heel into her mouth with that one.


Lord Nicholas Remington