The seven Duchies of Central Rynmere and their respective baronies, cities, towns, villages, and landmarks each overseen by a Duke of one of the seven noble families and ultimately controlled by the King of Rynmere.
The sun shone through the windows of her room, giving light to the female Krome as she slipped into a strapless gossamer dress the color of soft peach. It was a pretty thing, but not very practical and certainly not something she would have chosen to wander around in her own home. Still, her mother had insisted that she be decent in front of their Endor guests and wear something nice. Velaine figured it was better to choose something feminine on her own rather than make Sophia decide to dress her entirely.
It had been a tiring few trials if she was to be honest. Ever since the day of her betrothal, there wasn’t a time that she could truly spend alone. There was always another tea sitting with Sophia and Maderson. Every time they droll on and on about the wedding that was still so far into the next arc. What’s more infuriating was that Velaine was expected to smile and sit through it all, the older women not bothering to ask her what she might want in her own wedding. Not that the young woman had given it much thought. She had decided to just walk through this fate one step at a time.
Velaine was still in the middle of brushing her hair when she heard the knock upon the door of her chambers. A maid slipped in once the lady told her to enter and bowed deeply. “Lady Velaine, the Baroness Endor has requested for your presence.”
The young woman sighed, but wasn’t entirely surprised. “What for?”
“She says she wishes you to assist her son in some lessons.”
That caused her to raise an eyebrow. That part was unexpected. “What sort of lesson?”
“She did not say, my lady.”
After sending away the servant with her acceptance, the young woman sped up her movements. Velaine had learned the hard way that the two mothers just loved to make a speech about being the proper lady, the good wife.
Only when she was making her way to the common room that Velaine let herself think about her betrothed.
Ever since that morning in the forest, she and Nathaniel had treated one another politely, courteously. They kept their distance, conversing about trivial things that she couldn’t even remember by now. It was a fair effort of acting on both of their parts, considering how indecent they had been in the forest. They had never been left alone either, mostly only meeting during lunches and dinners. They certainly hadn’t acknowledged the fact that they kissed, couldn’t – not with the eyes watching.
Perhaps it was better that way? It had been a rash decision on her part. Saints, what sort of woman Nathaniel would think of her? A lady who kissed a man she barely knew… Shite, maybe it was a good thing that they hadn’t had any time alone.
So deep in thought, Velaine only noticed the sound of music inside the room as she pushed the door open.
Last edited by Velaine Krome on Sat Dec 16, 2017 1:26 am, edited 2 times in total. word count: 519
For the most part, Nathaniel had been left alone since their last encounter within the woods. He had heard Maderson telling Cameron about the discussions that she, Sophia, and Velaine were having about the wedding. All were pertaining to non-manly things like flower arrangements, the reception venue, the invite list, and a slew of other non-important things that women talked about when planning for that 'big day'. Rynmere had very specific traditions and he assumed that for the most part, House Endor and House Krome would respect them. While the woman discussed the many important details, Nathaniel was left to himself in his room. Cameron did not bother his son, knowing full well that if he wanted to talk, they would find a nice secluded place well away from Maderson to do it.
Nathaniel had found himself desperate for one of these father-son conversations and on this particular morning, had sought out his father. Cameron was lazying about in the private sitting area in the suite provided to them by House Krome. Nathaniel had been given a separate room, much to his relieve. His father was pouring over some pamphlets that had been brought to him by the servants of Krome. Most likely news from Andaris, coming several days late by air mail. He looked up when he heard the rustle of clothing only to find himself smiling broadly at his son.
"What brings you here Nate m'boy?" Cameron was the only one that Nathaniel allowed to shorten his name. Maderson made it a point to call him by his full name. After all, that was the name he had been born with so why shouldn't it be used? She hated when Cameron called him Nate.
"Father."
"Something troubling you?"
"It is a minor issue, but I was wondering if we might have a discussion about all of this."
Cameron set the papers on the couch next to him, gesturing towards a cushioned seat nearby. Nathaniel took a seat. "Maderson has always been strong willed. She wants only what is best for you. We both do. So, what is it you want to talk about?"
"Did you ever anticipate that this would happen? Having your only son betrothed to a foreign house?" Why did the concept seem so strange to him? All his life, he had been trained to do things for the good of the house. The conversations on the first night made sense politically. He and Velaine each had something to bring to the table. Nathaniel had the power of iron; nel came with iron. She had beauty and finesse as well as a stone's throw to her duchy. It was a match made in heaven.
"I did. It is how things are Nate. We were born into this life. We can't change it. Are you unhappy with the situati-"
"No! Immortals no..." Nathaniel rarely ever interrupted his father unless he felt very strongly about something. Cameron's eyes grew wide before softening into that all knowing gaze. Clearing his throat, Nathaniel continued on. "It's a powerful match, Lady Krome and I. This will be good for House Endor. Relations will grow stronger with House Krome and subsequently House Andaris. If I recall, Lady Krome's brother is married to Baroness Andaris. Those are good relations to have."
"Someone has been paying attention. Are you sure this is just a political move?"
"Yes." It was a half hearted reply, but he was still not sure what he felt for Velaine. Trials ago he would not have been this gooey mess. Today, it was a completely different story. Had the kiss in the forest changed him that much?
"My little cub is growing up," Cameron chortled before picking up his news again. "By the way, Mother wants you to meet her downstairs in some decent finery. She has a lesson to teach you."
"A what?"
"Pay attention!"
"Ow!" Nathaniel exclaimed, getting the full brunt of the fan against his temple. Apparently the lessons that his father had mentioned were to be on basic etiquette for future galas so that he could introduce his betrothed appropriately. He had already stepped on his mother's toes twice and tripped over his own feet three times. As a man of the mines, this thing called 'dancing' was not for him.
"Again," Maderson hissed.
Nathaniel took a half step back so that he could position the center of gravity a little further back as he dropped into a deep formal bow. One arm was tucked behind his back and the other in the crease of his belly. It was one of the only things he was good at. When he stood up again, he turned ever so slight and offered his mother his arm. It was bent at the elbow so she could lay her hand over his. She provided little comment. With hand over hand, Nathaniel guided her forward as if they were entering a large room. Playing pretend that they were being announced before a room of royalty and nobility. Commoners were not allowed in her fantasy.
"That was better. Now, once you are in the room, what do you do?"
"In my world or yours?"
Thump.
"Mmmf. I will seek out the host and graciously thank him for the invitation to a wonderful gala."
"Correct. Always pay homage to the hand that feeds. If you don't, then it looks poorly on your father an-" Maderson caught sight of Velaine at that moment. Her irritation bounded away and she smiled, waving to the girl excitedly. When Nathaniel managed to organize himself enough to follow his gaze, he paled. Why was Velaine here to watch this idiotic display of formality? "Velaine my dear! Thank you for answering my summons!"
"Mother, what have you done?"
"Oh hush. She is your betrothed. You should learn to dance with your future wife. It is only proper. You shall not go making a fool of yourself in her presence, will you?" The look she offered was pure evil. It clearly found joy in this very moment, having attained a victory over her son.
“Velaine my dear! Thank you for answering my summons!” Maderson greeted as soon as the woman noticed her presence. She could not help but notice how thrilled the older woman was at her arrival. Rather suspicious, really. Meanwhile, Velaine could not help but note the surprise in Nathaniel’s face as he realized who his mother was waving at.
“Of course, baroness. I am more than happy to assist with… the lessons?” the young woman replied with a slight bow of her head. “If you don’t mind me asking, what sort of lesson is this?”
“A lesson on courtly behaviors, of course. It seems like my son needed a few reminders after spending so much in that mine of his.”
The Krome resisted the urge to raise a questioning eyebrow. “I am afraid I may not be much of a help. It had been arcs since I truly present myself in formal courts or parties.” During her time in Ne’haer, there was no need for waltzing or timing the perfect curtsy. How she missed those times.
“All the more reason you two should practice together, dear!” the older Endor exclaimed as she gestured for Velaine to approach. Seemed like there was no getting out of this. “Come over here, dearie. Take my place and hold Nathaniel’s hand. Perhaps he will be less inclined to step someone’s foot if you’re his partner.”
Once Maderson turned her attention away, Velaine shifted her gaze to finally rest on Nathaniel Endor. Ever since their kiss, it had been impossible for her not to notice his rugged good looks. It was like she had turned into an adolescent girl – entirely embarrassing. Fortunately, her body did not go as far as to betray her with a blush. Their interaction that day had certainly complicate things. She couldn’t exactly call him a stranger, not after what they had seen of each other. It was impossible to define and perhaps she should just stop trying.
Should the man meet her eyes, Velaine would simply give him a sympathetic smile and rested her hand on his.
Nathaniel remained very still while Maderson and Velaine shared pleasantries. It appeared to him, for a brief moment, that Velaine was trying to get out of this educational moment as well. Of course, his mother had secured Velaine for the rest of the evening. Especially since Velaine seemed to require practice in Maderson's eyes as well. Baroness Endor had stepped away to fumble with some papers, a checklist he suspected, giving Velaine and him a moment to share a look. Her sympathetic smile was met with a sheepish one. He kept his arm parallel with the floor while she rested her hand upon the back of his.
"It is always a pleasure to see you m'lady," Nathaniel offered, trying to keep it as formal and respectful as he could. He had been plagued with her image in his dreams, so every encounter was incredibly painful for multiple reasons. To endure these etiquette and dance lessons would be a feat all their own. Before he could continue, Maderson swept around to his other side and tapped him on the shoulder with her fan.
"Eyes front, chin up. You are at the top of the stairs of your host's ballroom. Imagine the royal court. You have just been announced as Lord Endor and Lady Krome. Such a strong set of names to be used in a single sentence. Everyone will know you are a pair and that our houses are reinforcing their relationship."
Nathaniel's back tightened and he pretended with all his might to see what his mother was seeing. Instead, the royal court with the tapestry covered walls faded into a lightly snow covered forest where a woman seemed to wait for him...
THWAP. "You are not paying attention! Titania will leave you behind if you daydream boy."
"I know how to be introduced mother. I am sure Lady Krome does as well. Please, get on to something helpful."
Maderson's frowned before turning to Velaine. She had a secret weapon to be put to good use; it came in the form of a beautiful dressed noblewoman. "Lady Titania. Will you be so kind as to teach my son some manners. Speaking to his mother in such a way before his future wife suggests just how much of a heathen he has trained himself to be."
Nathaniel flinched at the words, his shoulder's sinking. Would he ever be able to outrun this brutish conception that everyone had about him? Nathaniel gave a sideways look to Velaine.
As she took her place beside Nathaniel, Velaine couldn’t help but note that Maderson reminded her a bit of her old etiquette tutor. A woman with graying hair and straight back, hovering around her with a fan. Governess Tirza was her name, if she wasn’t mistaken. Velaine spent most of her time in etiquette lessons more than anything else. Her family had been more focused in making sure she was a perfect lady. No other skill or talent mattered.
Needless to say, Velaine had let the knowledge fade away the first chance she got.
It was impossible not to notice when the Endor flinched at his mother’s scolding. Velaine was reminded of how the man had snapped in the forest, when she called him brute. Something sensitive to him then. But why? It was difficult not to be curious about it. And truth be told, the realization made her feel guiltier for insulting him trials ago.
Before she truly considered what she was doing, the young woman ran her thumb across the back of his hand in what she hoped was a reassuring manner. Velaine didn’t look at him though, turned her attention instead to Maderson. She couldn’t decide what to say to please both of them. “I am sure Nathaniel did not mean anything by it, my lady. After all, I have found him to be a perfect gentleman. Although, I have to say I agree with him. I think I might have more trouble dancing than anything else.
The older woman sighed. Velaine couldn’t tell if she was unpleased with her answer. “Very well then.” She circled them, tapping her fan into her hand. “I am sure you at least remember the basic waltz, Lady Titania.”
That she could do. Before the baroness could start pointing out positions, Velaine moved herself to stand in front of her betrothed. With a raised eyebrow, the young woman placed a hand on his broad shoulder. If he hesitated too long, she should probably move his hands to right positions rather than have Maderson ask her to kindly teach her son.
The gentle caress that Velaine provided him was reassuring if not welcomed. It was a subtle gesture, one his mother would not have noticed. His shoulders relaxed a bit and his muscled unwound themselves. He took a relaxed breath as Velaine once again sided with him. Nathaniel, like his mother, noticed the slip up that she made. Maderson would have corrected him, but she was not her child yet. To correct another noble in such a setting might be considered poor taste. Nathaniel was waiting for Maderson to reprimand Velaine but found that she conceded to both of them for now. Instead, she pulled out the next device of torture she would use against her son this trial.
The waltz.
"It looks like you will be able to teach him the basic hand positions. I am going to excuse myself for a moment and find Baroness Sophia. I am sure she would love to accompany me in this endeavor."
Nathaniel watched as Maderson huffed away, her skirts whirling as her shoes stomped the ground. He would certainly hear about this later. Reminded that they were supposed to be learning the waltz, Nathaniel cleared his throat. "Mother is, uh, aggressive. To avoid a scolding from her, I'd advise you call her 'My Baroness' next time. Title means the world to her."
How many times had he been scolded before for that same title mistake? Nathaniel offered a smile before placing his both hand on her hips. Clearly he had little knowledge as to which hand was up and which was down. He was fully prepared to do a modified waltz and wander around the dance floor two-stepping it.
"I meant to say this the other trial," Nathaniel, for some strange reason, felt very awkward in this room. Maybe it was the fact that this woman had done something to him in the forest. Maybe he really was attempting to be good husband material. There was also a slim chance he had forgotten how to be the dirty miner he had grown accustomed too. Getting back to Endor would probably be somewhat of a culture shock to him. "Uh...I'm sorry for my behavior."
Before she could even try to convince Maderson otherwise, the older woman was already walking out the door, seemingly driven to find a partner to further make this whole spectacle worse. Saints, they had been treated like children ever since that first trial and Velaine could not help but wonder how long she would have to bear it. Knowing her luck, the two baroness would probably be breathing down their necks even until after the marriage. The worst part would be the fact that she had to play along.
Velaine couldn’t help wincing at the Endor’s comment. “I can see that. Don’t worry, I’ll keep that in mind.” Glancing at the door, the young woman hoped that their mothers would not arrive too quickly. “Wait till my mother joins our little lesson. It should be fun indeed.”
Nathaniel’s hands rested on her hips and while it was good enough for her, she doubted it was a position one could use when dancing in a ballroom. “Right hand on my back and your left should be holding mine at about chest height.” When he offered his hand, the young woman would take it. She took a deep breath to shake away her own tension. Her old tutor’s silly words suddenly rang inside her head: A man and a woman in a waltz should hold each other comfortably, intimately.
The Krome shook her head at his apology. “No, there’s no need for that.” Her smile slowly turned into a smirk. “I was trying to provoke you that day. I suppose we were both at fault. Besides, it turned out surprisingly well.” His reaction did surprise her, but no real harm was done. And as she said, it wasn’t like she was being nice during that conversation. They were both not the sort of person to back down when confronted. Velaine imagined that would mean a lot of heated arguments in their future. A wolf and a bear, indeed. “I didn’t mean it, you know. You’re not a brute. I’ve met men deserving of the word and you’re not one of them.”
Once they decided to move on from the topic, Velaine glanced down at both of their feet. Even the simplest dance would need quite the teamwork. They would need to learn to work with each other and soon. And she didn’t mean in just dancing. The Krome had plans and whether she liked it or not, Nathaniel would be tangled in it.
Looking into his green eyes, Velaine was unable to stop herself and finally asked, “Do you think this will work? This whole marriage thing... Us?” She had repeated his bold proclaims that day in her mind over and over again, dissecting every word and every tone. It had planted an annoying seed of hope in her heart. “And how are we supposed to get to know each other, really? I don’t think we’ve talked about anything substantial. I don’t even know how old you are.”
It seemed that they were both anxious about this whole ordeal. Having Baroness Sophia on top of his own mother would only stress the both of them out. He sort of hoped that it would take Maderson all trial to locate Sophia. Knowing her sniffer for trouble, he would place money that she would be back soon. His thoughts were pushed away when he began to structure his form. Nathaniel had never been taught to dance; thankfully Velaine seemed to know what she was doing. He lifted his left arm so that he could offer his hand accordingly while drawing his right hand up to just between her shoulder blades while being cognizant not to lift of her dress as he did so. Exposing her legs would probably be inappropriate. Especially since their mother's could appear at any moment.
With his arms situated to form a sturdy box, Nathaniel waited more guidance. Velaine had continued to talk while he organized her arms. That fiasco had turned out well? Did she enjoy the kiss that she had initiated? Nathaniel averted his eyes ever so briefly at the thought. It certainly would be nice to know if she was in as much turmoil over the even as he was. "A lot of people think I am a brute. A true bear. I like to think I am better than that..."
He looked down at his feet as she did. Had he seen his parents perform the waltz before? In his youth, he recalled them dancing in the soft firelight during cold evenings. He was supposed to be asleep, but their giggling had drawn him closer. Maderson and Cameron had also been betrothed to one another. One would never believe that their marriage had been arranged by how they acted in the solitude of their own home. Could he come to find his wife a loving one? Maybe, just maybe, he could even have a romance like his parents. Then again, there were many political marriage that remained just that. Men had bits on the side and women bore children to keep them occupied.
"There are so many variables in that question. Given the recent event, I would like us to work out. Just so I can get to know you more. Then again, if it remains political..." The thought sent a shiver down his spine. It irked him really, but it was a plausible reality. "Let's just keep the hope that we can make this work."
How were they supposed to get to know one another? Normally he sat with men around a table drinking until they could no longer stand. That's how men got to know one another. For women of Endor, they chatted over children and tea or folding laundry. Did the women of Krome hunt or would Velaine prefer pleasantries by the fire?
"Come to Endor," Nathaniel found himself saying. It seemed to catch him off guard. "Come to Endor whenever you can and I'll be happy to show you the real me. We can't get to know one another with our parents around."
His question became hushed as he heard clicks of heels in the hallway. He froze before relaxing again as a maid passed by. At least they had a little more time to converse, just the two of them. "I'm 30 arcs. Old, I know."
For a pair who never danced together before, Velaine had to admit that at least they weren’t standing too awkwardly. “We better learn the steps. After all, you will be the one leading the dance.” She glanced at the door, hoping that her mother wandering somewhere difficult to find. Now that she had the chance, Velaine realized that she really wanted to talk to with her betrothed. Civilly this time.
To be honest, Velaine had always imagined the worst at the thought of arranged marriage. How could she not? She was sick of being groomed and presented like a prized mare. Before she went to Ne’haer, she had no skills to be proud of and no friend to confide in. Purely a doll for her family to play with. The young woman wanted her freedom and not having the opportunity to choose her own life partner was easily the pinnacle of that nightmare.
His words once again tugged at her heartstrings. She was supposed to be better than this. Velaine had sworn to be single-minded in her quest to overthrow her parents, yet she found herself forgetting all about it ever since the Endor came to her home. She shouldn’t care whether or not if they were going to work. This arrangement was just the means to an end – to make sure her house didn’t crumble before she could rise to its head. Yet, it warmed her, knowing that Nathaniel wanted more out of… whatever they were going through right now. That he did not see this whole debacle as something he was forced to do. “I want that too.” Surprisingly.
“Endor?” Velaine asked with a raised eyebrow. The sudden proposal was unexpected, but not unwelcome. Nathaniel had seen her home, perhaps she should go and see his. “I don’t see why not. I am curious about your mines. Though probably more curious about his real you.”
Velaine laughed lightly at Nathaniel’s admittance. “Not that old. I used to imagine that my parents might actually let me marry a man twice my age or worse.” The Endor was nearly a decade older than her then. It wasn’t much of a surprise, really. She had expected him to be much older than her, but putting an actual number to it had made it more real. The young woman wondered if Nathaniel might think she was too childish for him.
Nathaniel looked down at his feet when she mentioned that he was to lead. He sort of vaguely knew that the man was supposed to be guiding the woman across the dance floor, portraying her as the epitome of beauty and finesse as they moved. The swirling gowns and black pants of the ballrooms of his youth had always appeared like spinning colors. He never anticipated there were actual, practiced motions to them. Velaine was right. He was going to have a lot to learn if he was going to make them both look good at the galas they would attend together.
I want that too.
Nathaniel tilted his head so that she might see her face after she said it. It was a surprisingly agreement, but one that he silently welcomed. He said nothing so that he would not make it awkward. Relief flooded him and he continued to relax into his position. He chuckled as he stood there, boxing her in his muscled arms. "The real me can be quite enjoyable. I suppose I can be scary at times, but several of the criminals have come to respect me in the mines. Some might even go as far as to call me a friend. Come to think of it, I wonder what they might say when they find out I'm to be married. Hmmm..."
His chuckle grew into a more manly laugh, although he stifled it the best he could. If there was one thing his mother enjoyed snuffing out, it was fun. Especially with other women. How many times had she walked in on him flirting with a maid he intended to bed that night? Cock blocked by the best. "I am glad that you find me of an appropriate age. If I were much older, that would be disastrous. I would not have my rugged good looks and animalistic charm. Who knows, I might not even have my teeth!"
He gave her a flirtatious look before smiling so that she could confirm that all his teeth were there. "I suppose we should get to learning. Do you know how to waltz? I am not trained in the art of being a gentleman on the dance floor."
