• PM To Join • Footloose (Maebella)

[Virikai Talius]

16th Day of Zi'da,
717th Arc

Occurs Immediately After: Save a Dance for Me

Virikai wasted no time in finding a seat for his partner when they left the Dean to the other guests. Remembering the girl’s earlier discomfort, he made the assumption that her endurance of the high heeled shoes would be lessened each time she stood, and she would need longer to recover. He held the seat, gesturing for her to take a seat, “I much prefer sit down dinners,” he smiled in an attempt to minimise any prideful displays from Maebella, instead of admitting discomfort. “Though much more stuffy and formal, it seems far more civilised to make pleasantries with people over dinner.”

He decided that they would stay where they were for a while, and pulled up a seat to sit down beside the young eídisi, making the return to conversation much easier. “Have you attended many of these events in the past? How are you enjoying the evening so far?”

If he was honest with himself, the Talius scion did not really see a future with the other scholar. She was educated, yes, but Virikai was nearly at his majority. Marriage would not be far off for him, if his father had his way, and he was expected to make an appropriate match, assuming one was not chosen for him. Besides, he didn’t actually care for Maebella. She was no more special than any other young woman he had met. Perhaps more interesting. But not extraordinary.

“Most importantly, though,” he considered slowly, thinking aloud rather than making more conversation, “I have always considered fine food to engender fine company. It brings out the best in people, far better than any alcohol… regardless of how pleasant it tastes.” He glanced around disdainfully. Many of the students were beyond the normal acceptable limits of inebriation. Virikai had never approved of the loosening of the alcohol regulations on the city. It lessened the tone of the night, he felt.

The Ice Prince-

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[Maebella]

By the time they left the Dean, Maebella's feet were throbbing, her flesh seeming to burn in some places but she was willing to grit her teeth and carry on for Virikai's sake. At worst, she could always excuse herself under the pretence of paying a visit to the ladies' room to freshen up. It wouldn't be a complete lie in any case as such a location would probably be the only way she could remove her shoes and perhaps do something about the pain. It was something that she was considering doing soon in any case when her companion found her a seat. She smiled at him, shy but grateful as she sat with as much grace as she could muster in the unfamiliar dress and agony-inducing heels.

Once she was seated, she could feel for the first time just how much the shoes were affecting not only her poor injured feet but also the muscles in her legs. A tension in her calf muscles that she hadn't been aware was there eased, a slight ache entering them. They weren't used to this sort of strain and by trotting around in heels, she was effectively giving herself a workout. Perhaps the Eídisi needed to take better care of her body. It might be advisable to pay a visit to the Viden Academy Fitness Centre at some point to sign up for something. She couldn't imagine doing some sort of strength-building workout but she might sign up for something with a more mental component, a martial art maybe.

The scion began to talk to her about formal dinners but it wasn't a comparison that the young scholar could make as she lacked the experience that he was talking about. She wondered if he would drag her along to such an event if one occurred. More likely, he'd bring along a proper companion. After all, those sorts of occasion weren't for the likes of her. This sort of event was a little less formal, a little less aristocratic so Virikai could get away with having her at his side. After all, she could have attended tonight based on her own connection to the Academy. However, it was highly doubtful that she'd receive to anything truly fancy. She wasn't meant to rub shoulders with true aristocracy, although there seemed to be a number of them here. They had a certain bearing and wore the more expensive types of fabric; they stood out.

"I haven't attended any event like this before," she admitted, white eyes moving across the room, partly in idle curiosity but partly with a purpose. She wanted to see if her grandfather or one of her uncles were here. All the same, she wasn't certain that she could spot them as they'd never been pointed out to her. She knew that her grandfather was well into his nineties, not far from attaining his hundredth arc. "I've had opportunities to come to such things before but I'm relatively anti-social. I didn't know what to expect if I'm honest. The amount of alcohol available surprise me."

Given that she was in pain and generally uncomfortable in this environment, it certainly wasn't the most enjoyable experience for her. She didn't want to say it quite so bluntly, however, in case she offended the scion, making him believe that she wasn't enjoying his company. She wasn't hugely enamoured by him right now but it would be highly ill-advised to declare such a thing. For once, she took the diplomatic route.

"I don't think I particularly enjoy the situation, it leaves me feeling rather ill-at-ease but the company is good, for the most part, barring a certain medical student who decided to turn up his nose at my chosen field of study," Mae explained, shooting a quick sidelong look at the scion as the ghost of a smirk graced her lips.

The young woman's eyes found a pair of Eídisi men, one walking with the aid of a cane and with a silvery hue to his hair, the other seemingly younger although well into adulthood. They appeared to be circulating together, talking softly with one another while they moved between different social groups. They appeared to slowly be making their way towards where herself and Virikai were seated and she wondered. If it was who she suspected then it might be advisable for her to excuse herself and leave her companion to speak to them when they approached. It was possible that they were coming to take a seat and she didn't want to wait to find out. She just had to check first.

"Virikai... those two men there, the Eídisi, are they... who are they?" she asked, a slight anxiety colouring her voice, brows drawing together in sharp frown lines. She didn't want to say the name 'Voren' aloud and give herself away but asking about those particular men might be construed as particularly pointed. The girl had to know though.

Credit to Rose Greenwood

[Virikai Talius]

“Yes, I quite agree,” he murmured, also still allowing his gaze to trail around the room, “The laws on intoxication exist for a reason, and they have had a massive benefit on the safety and productivity of this city.” The Talius Scion turned back to his conversations partner, lips curing upwards into a smile when he heard her attempt at a diplomatic answer. She was learning, that much he was please with. But something about her - and he couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was - that made Virikai think she actually wasn’t enjoying his company.

He considered providing her with another drink, or even some nibbles, and leaving her to return to his mingling… no doubt she would take the opportunity to slip away quietly. “You will find elitist people in all walks of life… and it is far more common in academic circles. Oftimes it is merely in good humour, but on occasion there will be people like Garrett. But most scholars have thick skins, and you managed just fine.”

He had more to ask, genuinely interested in the girl’s potential, especially after watching her flourish in conversation with Hope Dewispe. When he heard a familiar whisper in his mind. “Surely any girl who holds your attention for this long deserves a formal introduction?” Yvithia’s Champion was so accomplished in the mind arts that he was second to only the Immortal of Communication himself. The voice was soft and cold - a constant reminder that Virikai was not a free agent. It was a warning of his approach.

“Hmm?” Virikai tore his gaze away from his father to glance back at Maebella, then followed her own gaze to see the approach of two men. Without hesitation, he stood and inclined his head in recognition, “Lord Voren,” he greeted, plastering a smile onto his face as he tried to focus on the guests presently in front of him, “Lord Orthen, a pleasure to see you both again. I trust you are enjoying the evening.” Assuming Maebella had stood, he would turn, inviting her into the conversation. Had she not stood, he would take her hand in his, ever the outward appearance of a gentleman to those watching, but his hard gaze on hers would be enough of a warning, “May I introduce Mis Maebella Arval, student in the Institute of Arts here at the Academy.”

The Talius scion was not an expert when it came to social interactions; he preferred to manipulate his way through life, rather than taking the time to appreciate the viewpoints of others. That said, the reaction of the Voren heir when he heard the introduction was enough for Virikai to realise they knew her… or knew of her. Even Taelis Voren had shown a flicker of recognition before he managed to school his expression. Virikai’s gaze narrowed ever so slightly, but he did not push further, yet… he was keen to see the introductions unfold. If he learnt nothing tonight, he would do his own private investigations.

The Ice Prince-

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[Maebella]

This hardly seemed to be the appropriate time to mention the first time she'd allowed herself to reach an uncomfortable level of intoxication. It had been her first time trying alcohol, it had not been good and it had involved Caius. She certainly didn't want to think about the Ryn noble right now. Resolutely, she set about squashing all thoughts of the mixed blood and that night in particular, determined to ensure that his memory didn't play havoc with her emotions; Mae had other things to concern herself with at the moment.

"Yes, I suppose I ought to become accustomed to it, but then I haven't been involved in academic circles for very long at all," she murmured. Yes and look at how well you've done in that time. How many people have you managed to make dislike you? she remarked internally, doing her best to ignore that inner voice as well; it was entirely right of course, which was why she didn't want to listen to it. "Thank you though, I appreciate that you think so," she added with a brittle smile, her own self-doubts creeping in once more and mingling with a sense of growing anxiety at the sight of the approaching Eídisi.

The young scholar hardly felt confident in her position and she could only imagine how the two men would view her, especially once her name left Virikai's lips. It was why she fully intended to escape before they got too close but unfortunately, when the scion's gaze followed her own, he got to his feet rather than granting her the information that she'd asked for. It left her in a deeply uncomfortable position, her insides twisting sickeningly as she was forced to rise as well so as not to appear rude although she was slower to do so. Sure enough, her instinct had been correct: it was her grandfather and her eldest uncle.

"Lord Voren, Lord Orthen, a pleasure to make your acquaintances," she murmured with a curtsey although she didn't bow her head entirely, instead allowing her eyes to linger on the pair. Their reaction to her name had been clear to see although her uncle's response had been far more obvious as he gave a start that was bordering on violent. Orthen eyed her face, perhaps searching for some resemblance to his dead sister but Taelis looked through her and past her, focusing on her companion once he'd nodded and murmured a greeting that was politely chilly.

"It is good to circulate," Lord Voren murmured to the Talius scion. "I trust that your evening has been enjoyable as well, Lord Virikai. You'll excuse me but I must sit. I am not as youthful as I once was. However, what I've lost in health, I've gained in experience and knowledge."

She found herself tuning the man out as he began to ask Virikai about his studies, commenting that he'd been speaking to his father. Instead, her focus went to the Voren heir who cleared his throat a little awkwardly before addressing her directly.

"Institute of the Arts, eh? What are you studying, Miss Arval? Literature?" he questioned, leaving her staring at him slightly open-mouthed. If one said they studied in the Institute of Arts, she'd found that people didn't tend to hazard a guess as to your field of study. When they did, she'd found that they considered the performing arts or something more aesthetic. However, the lordling had landed on the right subject with hardly a moment of thought.

"Yes, I study Literature," she replied breathily, mind struggling to consider how the conversation might progress henceforward.

"Ah so you take after your father then. I assume he's enjoying his tenure in Rynmere, but what of your brothers? I suppose their travels keep them occupied, perhaps you don't hear from them often," he commented, drawing a shocked gasp from the young woman. She couldn't believe what he'd just said. The only way that he could know such things about her father and her brothers was if-

"Orthen! I don't mean to drag you away from this young... lady but I thought you might wish to weigh in on this matter that myself and Lord Virikai are discussing," the old Eídisi exclaimed, his voice a little too loud as he purposely interrupted, his look a pointed one as he turned his attention to his son. She hadn't missed the slight amused contempt when he'd referred to her as 'lady' and there had been a distinct lack of capitalisation to it. Perhaps if she'd been in her right mind, she would have been almost willing to call him 'grandfather' just to see his response. Instead, she was caught by what the Voren heir had said.

"You kept tabs on us," the young scholar whispered, her skin feeling as if it was crawling along her frame. They'd gathered information on herself and her family but had never once tried to contact them; they weren't worthy of that. It was a distressing revelation although most of her reaction was kept internal although her eyes were wide and full of pain.

She wasn't sure if her words carried to the elder but the younger man's mouth took a slight downturn before he glanced away, turning his attention to his father and Virikai instead. He'd heard her and he was too ashamed to meet her eye, that much was clear. Mae didn't think she could stay here, not for long in any case. How could she deal with one man who was ready to treat her as if she didn't exist and another who... what? Took an interest in her?

She had to excuse herself and she would unless her companion provided her with good reason to remain. Just a few short words and provided she was let go, she'd trot off to the ladies' room in an effort to calm herself down.

Credit to Rose Greenwood

[Virikai Talius]

There was something akin to disdain when the Voren Lord looked at Maebella, or looked through her… really. He did not think it possible, but he was even more intrigued by the girl now. There was a history there. “I quite Agree, My Lord. I am always glad of the opportunity to catch up with friends and acquaintances.” The Talius heir moved to allow his better the set he had originally been occupying, and indicated that Maebella may retake her own should she wish to.

“Yes, I have returned to my studies, a Certificate in Developmental Neurology. It is challenging, but I am most definitely enjoying it. Though I think my father would have preferred for me to follow a career in Politics.” The eídisi laughed, though he found it challenging to carry on his own conversation when he was trying to listen in on the other once happening next to him. “I cannot where my destiny lies.”

Ah… they knew Maebella’s family, that was a start. It seemed that Taelis was also interested in Maebella’s answers too, for he nodded politely to Virikai, but did not respond, rather engaging with his eldest and drawing everyone into the conversation. His tone was a little too excited, as if trying to hide an embarrassment. Virikai frowned, trying to keep up. Maebella was also uncomfortable. He was clearly missing something.

Despite all of his training, this was a situation even Virikai did not have the tools in his arsenal to manage. It would be highly inappropriate to address the elephant in the room, especially as it would air his complete ignorance. “I have to admit that I am debating pursuing a second degree in Politics, though. It would be fascinating.” He forced out something, trying to continue the conversation as naturally as possible.

It was common knowledge that Virikai Talius preferred to study for the sake of studying. Money was no object for him, and he had never expressed a particular interest in any one field, and he found the idea of actual labour for money beneath him. “I grow impatient, Virikai.” The scion ground his teeth, wishing he could push his father from his mind.

“My Lord Voren, you have an heir,” Virikai smiled conspiratorially at Orthen, “What was your advice to him when he was my age? What advice would you give to use young students looking to make our mark on the world?” Sensing Maebella’s discomfort, if she was still standing, he would wrap his arm around her lower back, if not, his hand would rest behind her shoulder. The intent was to comfort her; she was not alone, but he had seen the way the Vorven Lords looked at her and, even if he did not understand it, he did not appreciate it. The Talius family had a higher standing, and he hoped to use that to his, and Maebella’s benefit.

The Ice Prince-

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[Maebella]

The Eídisi girl couldn't bring herself to sit. Virikai had indicated that she might do so but she wanted to be able to leave at a moment's notice. There was a slight tremble in her limbs, vibrating up her spine so that she felt as if she might shake apart, slowly but surely. It was the way that they looked at her, one cold and contemptuous, the other focused and interested. It seemed impossible that the young man beside her could be missing out on the odd behaviour of the two other aristocrats. She didn't think he could be blind to it but perhaps she was hypersensitive to it all. Maybe she was just seeing these things because she was searching for them while the Talius scion wasn't aware of it.

She kept her gaze carefully lowered, her eyes fixed on the floor so that she didn't have to risk catching any of of their eyes. She didn't know what to make of it all, didn't know how to cope with this new information. Orthen had all but admitted that he'd been keeping an eye on her family and his father's sharp interjection seemed to suggest that he knew about it too, but he didn't want him telling her anything about it. Given the way he was looking through her, she didn't think that Taelis was someone who would have chosen to keep tabs on his daughter's family. Perhaps Maebella was wrong but it just felt as if he would be relatively disinterested in them. After all, he'd cut all ties in the first place so why would that have changed?

A slight jolt went through her when Virikai's hand rested on her back, the tremor briefly increasing in intensity before she relaxed against it, feeling comforted. He knew. He might not know the circumstances but he knew that she was on edge right now and so he was doing the one thing he could do without ruffling feathers. It was a silent form of comfort and she trusted him. If things got to be too much then he'd help her escape this situation, she was sure of it.

"If you wish to make your mark then remember to focus on your education. Marriage is something that can wait. It's better to gain education, carry out research and make a difference rather than wasting yourself upon breeding," Lord Voren explained in answer to Virikai's question. "If a woman wishes to make a difference in that regard then she will likely fail once she has children. Lost potential. A man still has certain responsibilities if he has children that can divide his attention."

"Is that how you viewed your daughter? Was her potential 'wasted'?" she asked softly, watching her grandfather's face closely. Hence, she saw the moment that his white gaze shifted to her, a flicker of fury on his face that was so quickly submerged again.

"I've never had-" Lord Voren began.

"She's dead, Father, but she did exist," Orthen interrupted. "You can't insult her memory when there's such a clear reminder right in front of you. I know why you cut out all mention of her but-"

"Stop talking now, Orthen. Don't make me ask again!" the patriarch snapped, his voice low but full of steel as he rose to his feet, leaning heavily upon his cane.

The man's eyes flitted between Maebella and his father, his face showing signs of strain before he bowed. "My apologies, I misspoke. You'll have to excuse me, Lord Virikai, Miss Arval. I believe that I'll step outside for a few moments."

He offered his arm to his father who shooed him away and the two departed but not before Orthen looked back towards his niece, his expression briefly conflicted before he turned away and they were gone. She laid a hand on Virikai's wrist, trying to shift his hand out of the way so she could sit down, her body resuming its tremor but far more noticeably this time. She twisted her hands together in her lap, swallowing spasmodically. Her face stayed frozen in a frown, her eyes closed.

"I'm sure you have questions but... please... give me a bit or two, Virikai," she whispered.

Credit to Rose Greenwood

[Virikai Talius]

Ah. Right.

Maebella was a descendant of the Voren family. The tension was finally explained. It was clear that the Lord and the scion had not maintained contact with their deceased daughter’s children, even if they had apparently maintained tabs on them. They had not recognised her, and Maebella had only vaguely recognised them - this was not a close family relationship. Virikai’s hand did not move from his companion’s back. On the contrary, he actually shifted closer to the girl as he nodded his head, all the appearance of a well-raised young eídisi listening to his elders.

But this situation was not the same - he was now privy to a private family argument. He could not believe they had gotten worked up enough to start to air this here, in front of a stranger.. and in a place where anyone could listen in. He said nothing, not in response to the Lord Voren’s advice, nor in defence of Maebella - he was silently astounded by this display. “Of course, Lord Orthen.” Virikai replied, recovering quickly as he bowed his head again while the older man stood. “Lord Voren, I look forward to our next meeting.”

Milky eyes watched the pair retreat, barely aware of Maebella removing his hand so that she could sit again. He had thought better of the Voren family. They were well respected scholars and businessmen. He did not know what the daughter had done.. or he granddaughter had done, to deserve being shunned. It had to be a terrible transgression to earn that punishment in Viden… good blood was of little importance to most Videnese. “Take as long as you need,” he replied softly, as he eventually turned to look back at the young woman. He was very curious, but not enough to push Maebella’s limits. If she said nothing, he could do his own investigations.

He would not have had the time to ask anyway, as it turned out. “I asked you to keep the guests happy, not instigate a fight and send a wealthy and influential Lord from the room, boy.” There would be no reprieve for the pair. Verity Talius did not approach the pair, but passed by with a hard look at his son: his final warning. His face wore an expression of polite civility, but Virikai knew better. He steeled himself, prepared for the image he had been rebuilding for himself to be destroyed within ticks if he did not turn this evening around quickly.

“Would you like to remain here?” Virikai asked softly, aware that Maebella was now likely to be suffering both physically and psychologically. There was a moment’s hesitation before he continued, unsure of how to approach his request. “My father had requested to meet you.” He watched his father aware that he did not have long, but there was enough of a grace period. If Maebella was feeling sensitive, then he did not want to bring her over to his father - she would not make the best of impressions. What he did not want, however, was for the man to be forced to come to them.

The Ice Prince-

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[Maebella]

Her mind was a maelstrom of emotions, impossible for her to make sense of because they weren't solid enough to sift through. They seemed to move through her at startling speeds, twisting and changing within her in a way that made it difficult to think properly at all. She'd had too much alcohol, she was under too much strain and now this. It had all compounded into one great mess and the girl wished she could make it go away. Food would help lessen the effects of the alcohol and getting away from here would lessen the strain but she couldn't simply forget the way that man had looked at her, or the fact he'd been willing to deny that his daughter had ever existed. Even time wasn't likely to take away the horror of those things, even if it dulled the edges or allowed the memory to be obscured beneath many more.

Virikai's soft voice, so willing to understand and so willing to give her the necessary distance, was almost enough to push her over the edge into tears. The Eídisi girl was not someone who was often pushed to the point of tears, the response elicited by a truly powerful emotion event or series of events. It always made her feel foolish, expending salt droplets to serve no real purpose. It might provide some release but it didn't make her feel better, something that it was advertised to do. Crying made her feel awful, it left her feeling awful and ultimately, it left her drained, emotionally fragile and with stinging eyes - and that was the best case scenario!

When the scion's dulcet tones came again, her eyes snapped open, clouded orbs shifting to him to find that his attention was divided. Carefully, she followed his gaze, worried that the Vorens had made a return. However, he was looking at a different Eídisi and one whose face was familiar to her, even if she'd never had the chance to meet him: Verity Talius. His next words had her gaze moving sharply back to his. She opened her mouth to ask if now was really the time and then thought better of it. The young man had certain pressures on him this evening and despite her upset, he still had to deal with certain obligations. If he was asking her then there was obviously a purpose behind it. This wasn't a casual invitation. If the Talius patriarch had requested a meeting with her - a scenario that hardly seemed believable - then it would be unwise to refuse him or keep him waiting.

She forced a smile. "I'll be all right, Virikai. I can meet your father now," she murmured, getting to her feet and carefully smoothing down her dress. Her feet protested at being made to stand and walk in the awful heels again but she did her best to ignore them while she carefully fixed the little creases that had developed in the fabric of her garment.

"I'm just going to grab some of those little tartlet things. I've had more alcohol than I'm comfortable with. Would you like some?" the scholar added, moving to the nearest table to collect some of the savoury tarts, which were gone in a mouthful apiece. She felt extremely self-conscious as she ate, trying to make her movements as dainty as possible and trying not to simply stuff the items into her mouth. It was an activity of mere trills before she returned to her partner, bearing food if he'd requested it. With that little errand taken care of, she'd take the aristocrat's arm, inhaling and exhaling deeply as she did her best to prepare herself mentally.

"Lead on, my lord."

Credit to Rose Greenwood

[Virikai Talius]

The girl had incredible resilience, that much was obvious. You could learn a lot about someone if you watched them deal with adversity. She was strong and this, more than anything else, impressed Virikai. Maebella was willing to get up and swim back into the deep end. For him. Without thinking, his arm was out, offering the younger eídisi support as soon as she stood up. “Yes, thank you.” He did not comment on the girl’s eating, only consuming a tart himself. “Ready?” He took the girl’s arm again, heading again into the breach.

“Relax, Miss Arval,” he murmured as he began to guide her through the crowd, “this isn’t an inquisition.” It was a potentially a lie, but he needed Maebella to be calm.

“Father,” he greeted as they approached, forcing a smile onto his face and bowing far more deeply than he had done so for the Lord Voren. “May I have the pleasure of presenting to you Miss Maebella Arval.” As he spoke, he relaxed his arm and, with his spare hand, Maebella’s, gently directing her forward. “Student in the Institute of Arts.”

Even as Virikai spoke, he knew that Verity Talius already knew of her. Something about the calculating gaze, as if he, too, knew more about his partner for the evening than he did. The scion fell silent wishing he knew what his father was thinking. It was only recently that Virikai started to understand where his sister was coming from: as the perfect heir, he could do no wrong. But he had recently fallen from grace, and he didn’t appreciate this new scrutiny.

“Miss Arval. The pleasure is all mine.” His tone and expression indicated that he had very little pleasure in this meeting, though Virikai prayed to Yvithia that Maebella would not pick up on it, though he doubted he would be so lucky. “Yes, I knew your mother well. A bright spirit with an incredible mind. I hear from your lecturers that her gifts have been found in you. It must be true if you have attracted the attentions of my son.”

The Ice Prince-

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[Maebella]

When he asked her to relax, she snorted softly. He was probably just trying to provide comfort but it sounded utterly ludicrous to her ears.

"I'm meeting one of the most important men in all of Viden, no doubt because of my association with you, and you say it isn't an inquisition? Well, we'll see about that, won't we?" the young woman murmured with a soft smile before they drew close enough to be within the Talius patriarch's earshot.

She was under no illusions that there was a great deal of pressure on her shoulders because if she made a poor first impression now, it could be very detrimental not just now but later as well. After all, Verity Talius was a well-respected man in many Videnese circles, including academic ones, and if he chose to comment on her in a negative way to certain persons then her academic career could be seriously damaged. More than though, she wasn't entirely sure how Virikai felt about her or what exactly she thought about him but she didn't want to do anything that might cause their association to come to an end. One wrong word to his father could make that happen.

The scion propelled her gently towards the man once he'd bowed and introduced her. She didn't miss the depth of his bow and so silently praying to Yvithia that she would communicate the respect that she intended, the Eídisi curtsied. It was no easy task to begin with, especially with the heels to compromise her balance but made more difficult by the pain that she was in. All the same, she bowed her head until her chin was touching her chest and then lightly grasping either side of her dress' skirt. Focusing her weight on the front of feet, right foot behind the left, she bent her knees outwards and went as low as she dared without landing in a heap. She returned to her original position with as much grace as she could muster, feeling the tremble in her legs and the painful sting as the shoes' straps dug sharply into her flesh.

The man's expression didn't hold a great deal of approval but in spite of that, she succeeded in smiling, albeit a little shyly. It was for Virikai's sake, she reminded herself, and for her own as well.

"I'm very pleased to have the honour of meeting you, Lord Talius," Mae told him, trying to make herself sound suitably grateful and hoping that she succeeded. His next comment drew a blush from her, even though she could tell that he wasn't well pleased that his son had taken any sort of interest in her. Still, despite his tone, she couldn't help feeling a little flustered by the words themselves. She had never had the opportunity to become accustomed to compliments and as such, they always left her a little awkward. All she could do was ensure that she followed every piece of advice that her companion had given her and have some confidence in herself and what she had to say.

"I've heard great things said about my mother although regrettably I've never had any means of comparison myself. Alas, I only have papers of hers in my possession and those in the Prime Atheneum to gain insight into her mind but it is a poor substitute," she explained softly, careful not to reject the man's comparison outright while also attempting not to come across as being too arrogant. "I've done my best to do her memory justice and strive to improve my own knowledge. She's had some influence on my interest in Linguistics, which provides some aid in my studies of Literature. It is kind for you to say that I may have inherited her gifts but it remains to be seen, my Lord. There's always room for improvement and I have many arcs ahead of me to gain even a fraction of the knowledge that I desire to attain."

Her white eyes flicked briefly to Virikai, wondering if he could offer any sort of support. There was no way that she could bring herself to address the comment pertaining to him. For one thing, she was far too uncertain about how he viewed her to have even the faintest notion of what to say. She didn't want to say one thing and find that she was contradicted by him when he spoke. The young scholar was simply trying to present herself favourably without humiliating herself. If she commented on the scion then she might well destroy all hope of that.

Credit to Rose Greenwood