come one! come all! [odette & suitors]

[Nessie]

Nathan noticed how Adalia looked from him to Christian for some time before making a reply. It also did not escape his notice that Adalia was picking her words very carefully indeed, as though she were trying to calm Christian down...or even comfort him, perhaps. He certainly seemed to need it, what with his stuttering...but surely she needn't go so far as to place her hand on his shoulder like that?

Sir Dunbar knew she meant the gesture to be comforting. But there was something about the whole situation that he found very odd. The way the pair of them looked at each other. The gentle tone of Adalia's voice and the stutter of Christian's.

And the blushing. Good heavens. Nathan had seen enough of blood to last him a lifetime, but he was certain he'd never seen as much rush to a face as when he looked at Nathan, who seemed to be avoiding the princess' gaze and instead focussing his attention on the floor. It was really quite a laughable situation, but Nathan didn't dare act on that thought for fear of the reprimand it would doubtless get him. And he wanted to give a good first impression, to Adalia at least.

"N-N-No, I-I'm a-a-afraid I-I-I'm not, Princess. Y-Y-Y-You see, I made a n-navigational error; I was actually l-l-looking for my - Prince Rian's r-r-room."

Nathan gave a small start at Christian's words, not that they had surprised him much...except for one phrase which he was quick to gloss over. I was actually l-l-looking for my- What had he been going to say? Nathan couldn't help but be suspicious but wasn't about to raise the point. If either of them gleaned from that how adept he was at picking up on minute details they would doubtless be likely to suspect him.

And suspicion was something he didn't need at present.

"U-u-um, but Y-Y-Y-Your Hi-Highness. I hope you won't t-t-think it t-t-too presumptuous of me to - to meet Lady O-O-Odette anyhow s-seeing as I'm a-a-already s-s-standing in l-l-line."

Utterly ridiculous this young esquire may be, but he had a point, at least in Nathan's eyes. He was in line, therefore in all technicality he should be permitted to see Odette. Who knew? Maybe a man like him would be a good match for her.

[Di]

"N-N-No, I-I'm a-a-afraid I-I-I'm not, Princess. Y-Y-Y-You see, I made a n-navigational error; I was actually l-l-looking for my - Prince Rian's r-r-room."

Adalia hesitated, then took the piece of information and pondered on it. The brunette’s gaze fell on the carpet, frowning half-heartedly. Initially, she was glad to have known that her presumption was correct. It would’ve been quite embarrassing on her part that she was able to ascertain the cause of Christian’s fretfulness. But then she thought how unfortunate this must be for the young man. He seemed rather disappointed in himself. After a long moment, she realized that he had flinched from her touch. Adalia gasped and withdrew her hand back to her side, drawing in a long, cautious breath. She hadn't meant to make Christian uncomfortable. Adalia mentally cursed herself for being so disrespectful to his boundaries. Why, oh why, couldn’t she keep her equanimity?

The brunette, shaking her head, set her self-berating aside; there was no time for that. She peered at Christian’s fidgeting, frowned, noting the muddle of his stuttering confused my- for Prince Rian. Curious, she thought, tilting her head, but didn’t mention it. The poor man was already dealing with enough inner turmoil as is. So she quickly smiled on at Christian warmly. “Christian, there’s no need to fret over it. I make those mistakes as well.” It was true. Adalia recalled when Odette first showed her how she handled a horse so gracefully, and the young princess was more than eager to try it herself. However, she had not been aware of the fact that it had taken so long for Odette to hone such skills, and was instantly bucked off one of the wilder horses in her bout of excitement. Adalia flushed lightly at the mere memory; even if it happened such a long time ago, the effect of mortification was just as forceful as the day it happened.

Adalia returned to the true time and giggled embarrassingly, as she had just been caught in a reverie. “I’m sorry. I got caught in thought,” she placed her hand over her mouth to try to prevent another fit of giggles. It was a cheering noise, as though her laughter had broken through any tension in their midst, like the beam of a lighthouse breaking through the thickest of fog.

"U-u-um, but Y-Y-Y-Your Hi-Highness. I hope you won't t-t-think it t-t-too presumptuous of me to - to meet Lady O-O-Odette anyhow s-seeing as I'm a-a-already s-s-standing in l-l-line. S-Seeing as so many men a-a-are here to meet h-h-her, she must b-b-be a k-k-kind p-p-person and p-p-probably better than whom my f-f-father would h-h-have for me."

Adalia shook her head quickly at his doubts. Presumptuous? Not in the least! “No, of course not. It’s understandable that would want to follow through. I would do the same in your position,” Adalia encouraged, beaming brightly. “I think you might take a liking to Odette. She’s very unique,” She added. It was difficult to identify, tangled as it was in a myriad of the other emotions between the young couple. But Adalia couldn’t help but feel that though the recent tension had just dissipated, dread replaced it in their wake, now occupied with crawling up the Princess’s spine. Slowly, painfully it inched up towards the back of her neck. Adalia sighed quietly, disappointed. It wasn’t Christian’s fault, but the mere mention of Odette was enough to weaken Adalia’s spirits. Yes, Odette would be wonderfully suited for Christian. He was a sweet boy, and although very nervous, amiable and easy to get along with. Her parents will adore him, doubtless. And Odette would probably find him likeable as well.

She winced as she found herself envying Odette yet again—she promptly extinguished the beliefs. Adalia glanced into the line of many other patrons they passed. She kept her gaze moving, careful to avoid eye contact. These men obviously did not last more than five minutes, to say the least judging by their enraged and wounded faces. That was somewhat expected, but mostly jarring. Odette was making quick riddance of these men. Adalia turned back to Sir Nathan and Christian, smiling ruefully. “I regret to say that as we’re nearing the door, I must leave you to return to my task.” She curtsied shyly, before glancing at Christian as she retreated from the line. “Perhaps I will see you later, Christian.” It was more of a question than anything, but Adalia profoundly desired a chance to converse with the esquire again. Adalia then tilted her head towards Sir Nathan. He was quite a hospitable presence; she’ll have to make sure to speak of him to her father. “It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Sir Nathan.” She spoke earnestly as she moved towards the door, curtsying in his direction before taking her place by the door to count the suitors allowed to enter Odette’s chamber.

[Mimi]

Christian almost breathed a sigh of relief when Adalia removed her hand. He honestly hoped he hadn't caused any offense. The Silian court was used to his antics, but this one was not, and he knew near next to nothing on Reginien etiquette. Not meeting someone's gaze when speaking could be a much greater offense here than in Silus. Who knew? His father had always told his children that the Reginiens were cowards who didn't deserve the vast land they had. They were heathens, barbarians, fiends, always portrayed as the enemy in some shape or form, but if so, then what had Christian seen so far? Heathens, barbarians, and fiends? Or a kind lady, a polite noble, and a land worthy of praise? It was difficult sometimes for Christian to separate his opinion from those of others. Perhaps that was part of the reason for his uneasiness? Oh dear, either way, he'd made a poor first impression.

Christian shifted his weight around restlessly, keeping his hands locked firmly behind his back as though he could hide his ineptness by hiding his palms. At hearing Adalia's comforting words, however, he chanced an anxious glance at her smiling face and returned an unsure grin of his own. He hoped Miss Odette was as nice as the Princess else he didn't know how he'd survive courting her. After a brief moment, he flicked his eyes back to the ground where he was most comfortable. The ground didn't stare back at him, at least, and couldn't take insult at anything he said or did.

As soon as he set his mind to counting the wrinkles in the rock, a tinkling sound sliced through the air and startled Christian out of his misplaced concentration. ...Though, perhaps "sliced" wasn't exactly the right word. It more so...dawned upon him like the clear ringing of a bell across a country meadow or how the blinking flame of a lighthouse filters through the fog-ridden night to rescue a condemned sailor. If it were tangible, Christian would have inspected it as the foreign mystery it was, but alas, it was fleeting, and almost as soon as Christian noticed it, it was gone again. It left no faint vibrations, no echoes, and Christian...well, he felt almost...deprived which confused him even further. He stared on at Adalia, discreetly though, from the corner of his eyes and almost felt like sighing. How strange! ...Was this what his brother referred to as "going to pieces over a woman"? Because he was quite sure it was Adalia who had caused this...this feeling because she had emitted the sound. But, this...emotion or state of mind or whatever it was...it was his own and not so fleeting; he could lock it away for later inspection which he did. Right then and there was not the time for self discovery. Tilting his head to the side, still perplexed, Christian offered the Princess a weak nod in agreement.

"I-I-I-I-I-I'm s-s-s-sure I w-w-w-will, Your Hi-Highness, i-i-i-i-i-if s-s-s-she's as a-a-a-a-admirable as y-y-y-y-ou've m-m-made h-her out to b-b-b-be."

Christian looked to Sir Nathan before focusing his attention back on the slowly advancing line of men. Unique? Such a word could easily be interpreted in both ways, and for his sake, he hoped Miss Odette's "uniqueness" was more good than...well...dangerous. Oh! He hoped she wasn't a witch. How terrible; people in his country burned witches. (Another not-so-friendly habit Christian secretly conflicted.)

“I regret to say that as we’re nearing the door, I must leave you to return to my task. Perhaps I will see you later, Christian."

Christian's initial friendliness and ease of speech quickly returned, and he almost didn't seem socially awkward. (Almost.)

"Of course, Your Highness. If you don't mind having such humble presence, I would be more than happy to keep your company," he called after her as she moved back towards the door.

He supposed he'd see her again soon enough; in fact, he could still see her, and he'd be up to the door in a few moments' time. Looking about himself lively ("like a dog at the prospect of play" his brother used to say), Christian took a half-turn towards Nathan and asked, "Won't you keep me company, Sir Nathan? Even though you say you aren't here to, um um um, c-c-c-c-court t-t-the L-L-Lady O-O-O-Odette."

Christian blushed again ever so slightly. He couldn't help but stutter at the mention of "courting" and "wooing" and..."women". They were frightening subjects indeed.

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[Nessie]

“It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Sir Nathan.”

And with a curtsy and a smile, the princess retreated to the door. Nathan gave her a bow as she departed, not having caught her words quick enough to make a better reply. His attention returned to Christian, this 'unique' young esquire.

"Won't you keep me company, Sir Nathan? Even though you say you aren't here to, um um um, c-c-c-c-court t-t-the L-L-Lady O-O-O-Odette."

The man's near constant stammering was beginning to grate at Nathan's nerves and in all honesty at this point he would rather go his own way and find another way of killing time. But Christian seemed to need the company and so, despite himself, Nathan decided to stay. Maybe if he steered the topic away from courting and women the stuttering would desist?

"I shall, Christian, as it seems you're in need of it," Nathan replied, with as amiable a smile as he could muster. Now. Change of topic. What to say...what to ask?

"So..." he said, quite lamely and limply, after a pause. "How are you finding Regina thus far...in comparison to Silus?"

Hopefully /that/ wouldn't lead to stuttering.

ooc: Sorry it's so short! D: My muse hates me today!

[Mimi]

Christian hoped he hadn't become a nuisance on the man, asking him to keep him company and what not, but Christian desperately needed some male conversation at the moment. With each step closer to this "Lady Odette's" bedchambers, he could feel the sweat accumulating on his palms and the cold clamminess settling further across his skin. He was a nervous wreck; anyone would be put off by his jittery demeanor, and considering his current devised status, making enemies in a foreign country could very well mean...well, death. Or, at the least, an unpleasant stay.

So, with that single notion in mind, Christian set about returning his body to a dissembled state of normalcy. He wiped his hands against his dirtied breeches, gulped resolutely, and bit back the stuttering. Then, with a dubious smile, he waited patiently for Nathan's response. He was almost certain the noble would decline; most people did. As rumors had it, 'twas because Christian was too "awkward" and "boring" and "inept". Even so, Christian couldn't help but ask. Just in case. Just in case by some miracle, Christian had not come off as off-putting as he thought he did.

"I shall, Christian, as it seems you're in need of it."

Christian's eyes immediately lit up first with a kind of mild and pleasant surprise then with unbridled relief and delight. The noble's acceptance of his invitation had an instant, almost soporific effect; Christian visibly relaxed, but as he did and his taut frame loosened, he was suddenly weary of standing erect and at attention. His bones ached from the exertion of the long journey, and the adrenaline that had kept him on edge so far suddenly drained away. He was just flat out tired. Dead tired, actually, but no matter how exhausted, he still could not quiet the uneasy churning of his stomach nor the rabid beating of his heart. He could hear it in his ears, and for a moment, he was worried Nathan could as well. He studied the man's face, eager for him to start talking again just so their voices could drown out that incessant ba-dum! ba-dum! ba-DUM!

"So...how are you finding Regina thus far...in comparison to Silus?"

Christian beamed at the question. Finally! Something he knew the answer to! Christian mentally patted himself on the back and tried to hide his bubbling excitement. Educating a foreigner on the ways of his country? Well! He was proud to say there was nothing he knew better.

"Regina? It's absolutely lovely! Stunning, really, in comparison to Silus. I wouldn't be wrong in saying the difference is as drastic as that between Heaven and Earth. I...I wouldn't really know how to describe it; you'd have to have visited Silus to understand...and on that note, have you, Sir? Visited Silus, I mean."

Christian looked to Nathan expectantly. Perhaps he had fought in the war and seen Silus that way. What a terrible means of travel, but much to Christian's dismay, it had been the only one available for more than a decade. He hated the thought that war was those soldiers' first and only impression of Silus. Silus was so much more than that - an industrial and agricultural giant, a trade thoroughfare, and the center where all other countries seemed to converge. Maybe it wasn't as beautiful as Regina, but everything came with a price, didn't it?

As the line took another heave forward, Christian blinked in alarm and snapped his head forward. Another wave of men had entered the bedchamber, and if Christian counted correctly, he would be with the next wave. His eyes widened at the revelation, and he gulped loudly, flashing a shaky smile in Princess Adalia's direction. He absently wondered if he would be allowed in, and he lingered for the briefest moment before regaining his bearings. With a sheepish chuckle, he quickly diverted his thoughts back to the conversation at hand, but his thoughts were in a flustered mess all over the place now. He just hoped Nathan wouldn't notice.

outofchocolate;; b'awwwww, issokay, nessie ~ <333 we all have those days D8

OMIGAWWWWDDDDDDDDD. I FINALLLLLLYYYYYY RESPONNNDDDEEDDD TT^TT SORRY IT TOOK FOREVER YOU GUYS. I KNOW I FAIL. /HEADDESK

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