The Castle Court

[renyrain]

"Well, I am most impressed." Said Bella. "I'm Bella, and I'm ever so pleased to meet you."

[Father Luca]

"So how are you enjoying the ball?" asked Father Luca

[Arikain Galarond]

"Brynna's always been quite the actress." Arikain mused. "Always pretending like she's fine with a situation... It's funny really, I'd have thought she'd love being at Court, there are so many people for her to hoodwink.... She used to love acting and stuff, I guess she just grew out of it."

Smiling down at Rose as she took his arm, he lead her over to the King. "It's a bit odd," He whispered to her, "Meeting the ruler of all the Golden Lands. I always expected him to look... I don't know... tougher, maybe. But he seems so... normal! Although looks can be deceiving. I'd never have pictured you as the type to kip underneath a tree..." he winked at her. "Anyway.... Shall we talk to the King?"

[King Thedriol]

The King slowly stopped twilring Brynna around and turned to face Arikain arm in arm with a girl he did not know. " Good evening, Arikain!" He smied. "How goes your business in the cavalry? And who is this lady friend of yours? Might I introduce the Lady Brynna to you?" Doesn't she dance divinely!"

Easily slipping into light-hearted chatter, the king smiled broadly. "So, how can I help the two of you?"

[Lady Brynna Halider]

Brynna smiled thinly at Arikain. She appreciated his coming over, if it would stop her feeling quite so embarrassed, but all the same, she was unsure if it would seem rude to slip off while the King was distracted... And if she was to live at Court, she couldn't risk that.

"My Lord Arikain, Rose." She greeted them, curtseying as was appropriate. She siged, allowing the smell of alocohol and the loud music to drown out her thoughts. She hadn't time to brood, she might as well try to enjoy the party...

[Rose]

Rose waited for Arikain to introduce her to the King, then curtseyed. Brynna came over, and she curtseyed again. She felt safer with both of them there, and the King wasn't particularly intimidating. Still, she didn't want to be the first to speak to the King, but merely smiled at him trying to look much more laid back and calm than she felt. She stood, glad no-one could see her legs trembling under her skirt, she reluctantly let go of Arikains arm so he could bow to the King and Brynna, which was probably a relief to Arikain, seeing as she'd been close to cutting off his blood supply gripping him so tightly...

[Arikain Galarond]

Arikain breathed out in slight relief as Rose released his arm (). It wasn't that he minded her holing it on to ti - it wasn't that at all - but he had been begining to wonder if he'd ever regain the use of his right arm again...
"Your Majesty." He bowed, one arm behind his back. "I'm pleased to introduce Rose... She's from Elidwen." He smiled at her reassuringly. "And I already know Brynna.... We're cousins, my Lord. And I assure you, things are going well with my training in the cavalry..."

He looked over to Rose, hoping she would be OK talking to the King now. He knew it must be difficult meeting royalty for the first time; he was sure he had been equally as nervous at one time.

[Rose]

Rose curtseyed again, glad for Kain's reassuring smile, the King's warmth and the fact that Brynna was nearby. She spoke as politely as she could:

"Your Highness, I am honoured to bring you wishes from the Delore household. I believe my father and mother have been introduced in court before. I have only recently moved from my family home to Calamere and from what I have seen so far, it seems a very beautiful city." she consciously made herself stop talking, aware that if she didn't, she would probably ramble on for some time. Besides, the hard bit was over now. She linked arms again with Arikain, this time without the bonecrushing force () and waited for the King to reply.

[renyrain]

Bella watched as the princess and young man continued to twirl on the dance floor. She realized had never wanted to meet someone so much as the young man in her Entire life.

Bella forgot she was feeling lost and excused herself from Laedra and Father Luca and strolled over to the princess and young man. "May I cut in?" Bella asked. Without waiting for a reply she swooped in and began to dance with the young man. "Hello, I'm Bellalee. You can call me Bella. What's your name?"

[Liam]

Liam gazed dissapontedly after the princess as she skurried off the floor. When the girl in his arms introduced herself he gazed he turned his attention back to the dancing.

"They call me Liam." He replied, and began to twirl his new partner.

[renyrain]

"That's a lovely name." said Bella. She was positively thrilled with this new dance Liam was leading her in. "How long have you been in Calemere?"

[Liam]

"Actually, I just arrived this morning. I haven't even unpacked."

Bella seemed to be enjoying his native dancing, so he began more elaborate moves. Now they were both weaving about the dance floor. Liam was amazed at how well she responded to his lead. He lifted her into the air before he realized she might not like such an action.

[renyrain]

Bella felt spectacular twirling around the dance floor. She could have danced forever. As Liam lifted Bella into the air she felt like she could fly.

When she touched the the ground she said. "You are the most wonderful dancer I've ever met."

[Liam]

Liam blushed at the compliment.

"That's how we all dance where I'm from. It's a grand sight to see several couples dancing at once. Your a beautiful dancer as well."

[Father Luca]

Father Luca smiled as Bella left and watched her dance with Liam before turning his attention to the King who was coversing with some of the guests, he walked over, "Hello your highness," said Father Luca, he hadn't spoken to the King since he and Cody presented him with the staff, "I decided to come and see how the ball was," he said since he had left the room he was staying in the castle to stay at the ball for a while.

[Lady Brynna Halider]

Brynna nodded when the Father came over and introduced himself, and she smiled at Arikain and Rose. "It is true, Arikain and I are cousins." She said to the King.

Smiling as she saw that Rose and Arikain had linked arms, she assumed they had settle any dispute they may - or may not - have had when she had accidentally interrupted thei evening in the Library. Smoothing out her skirts, she said, "Excuse me, My Lord." and went back to hovering at the edge of the room.

[renyrain]

"Thank you."said Bella, she knew the song would end soon and she didn't want to stop talking with Liam. As the song stopped Bella asked "Would you like to talk somewhere?"

[Liam]

Liam nodded to his new companion and with one anguished glance at the princess they exited the court room.

(I'm heding for the balcoies. reny, you can post there.)

[thefrozenhearted]

Darhin walked inside the large courtroom, it was far large and grander then what he originally imagined, there were beautiful decrations on every wall, coving the floor in rich yellows, reds, and blues. Up near where the king sat, dark soft purples outlinned the seat and walls, the color of royalty displayed at its finest. The king himself seemed to be having a great time, talking to many of the people there, people he knew, and perhaps some he didn't know.

He wish he could say the same, all around him people were talking and laughing, but he knew none of thier faces, nor any of the people, he wondered if he would see Cien or Cody...he wasn't sure if Karei was going to attend the ball or not, he never asked her...

Walking among the people he saw that many of them had already started dancing. He use to know how to dance, but that was years ago, he couldn't remember any of the steps. Looking around he realized it didn't matter if he didn't know how to dance or not, he couldn't see anyone he recognized thorugh this mass of people.

[Kuna]

Kuna smiled whilst watching Liam and another girl wander off. She missed his company but it wasn't too bigger problem for now. She was greeted by many different people everyone just as keen to talk to her as the next. Walking over to her father she whispered in his ear.
"I'm going to go now. Is that ok with you?"