675-07-19 - Hunting for Allies

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Hunting for Allies
Summary: Princess Barbeta and Lord Erek Ivounel find they are persuing the same deer.
Who: Erek Ivounel and Barbeta Brais
References: re:Livessa Ivounel, re:Argon Brais, re:Barret Brais, re:Alajos Fennim, re:Baldwin Ivounel
When: July 19th, 675
Related Logs: 675-07-20 - Betrothal Tourney.
Date of RP: 19-23/07/2014
Where: Deep Woods, Duchy of Woriscant
Room Desc: Huge beech trees that have grown here for more than 500 years shield the road ahead from almost any light of the sun during the day, with thick branches supporting a roof of leaves that will cause a light greenish shimmer. With an occasional breeze there will be a light rustle now and then, as well as some twig breaking beneath the careless step of a boar approaching. But apart from that, there is an almost unearthly tranquility, a strange sense of protection, that may be the reason the clearing close by is the sacred place reserved for marriage rites of the better Commoner and higher Nobility alike.


Invitations had been sent out all over the kingdom of Two Rivers, to celebrate the betrothal of the Duke of Woriscant to the King's niece. And many nobles have already arrived in the duchy. Even though the grand joust and feast are scheduled for the next day, there is already some minor but no less exciting diversion planned for today, as Duke Alajos has given his permission for the noble guests to hunt in his woods - the best hunting grounds in all of the kingdom.

And so a certain steward of Castle Equitaine enjoys a bit of leisure from his usual tasks and is on his way, ahorse, with a bow and a quiver with arrows. He rides in the company of three others - his son Baldwin is notably absent though, perhaps because he is training for the joust.

Lord Erek raises his hand as they reach a clearing, and pulls the reins of his horse. He dismounts then, taking care not to make too much noise. The others follow his example. The clearing is not exactly flat, it is scattered with larger rocks here and there that are overgrown with green moss, offering a most welcome cover for those who seek to hunt down such a fine deer as the one grazing there in the distance.

Even if the young princess is not a fan of such useless spend of money like betrothal feasts, she was not able to miss a chance of a good hunting trip in the best lands for such leisure.

Of course, there are many people, who are in the need of the money, spent for such tournaments, and Barbeta didn't enjoy the company of Duke Alajos, when she met him, however, her eyes sparkle with joy and eagerness, when she arrives closer to the clearing together with her escort.

It happens that they come from another side of the forest. So, being sure, that they are alone, Barbie gives order to her company to freeze. She gets down from her Dragon.

The girl sighs, leaning to gather the skirt of her gown, which would make unwelcomed sound, sweeping across the grass. BUT all the etiquette required that she would leave looking as a proper lady. Though, in order to catch such a nice prey, which will feed the poor ones, the girl can do some exceptions now. So, Barbie just raises her skirt and pins the fabric above, baring her own legs till knees.

Then she sneaks closer to the bush. She takes an arrow and aims at the deer in the clearing, remaining in the shelter of a huge bush.

The cover is reached, and Erek waves for his three companions to follow him as silently as possible. Then brings his bow in place, places an arrow against the string, his grey-blue eyes narrowing just a tad as he takes aim, his gaze focusing on the deer. His breath slows down a little, as if to ensure a steady hand, and he pulls the string a little further back, before he releases it, and the arrow flies towards its prey.

At the same time the young princess takes a deep inhale and holds her breath. Such a coincidence! When she notices another arrow flying towards the prey, her own arrow already does exactly the same.

Her gaze slips to the direction from there the arrow might have been released. Though, she does not inform her own escort about it. They are not able to see anything, because Barbeta asked them to remain a few steps away from her. She never can shoot well if someone is too close to her. She is in the need of some air around always.

Though, she quickly turns her gaze to see, where the arrows hit, when she hears the crying of a poor prey. Her own one with a black end is stabbed into the back leg's thigh.

"Yes!" Erek mutters in a pleased hiss, as he sees his arrow pierce the animal's side of the neck slightly below its head. The wail of the animal makes him shoot a triumphant glance towards the others, before his gaze returns to the deer, watching it as it manages a few more steps in agony, before it falls into the grass. This is when the Ivounel jumps to his feet and will hurry over to the animal, with a most rare smile of contentment and glee curling his lips.

The smile curls young princess' lips when she sees the other shooter. She calmly stands up and steps into the clearing too, "My lord," she offers a curtsy, even if the man does not notice her at first, "Could you bring me my arrow too?" Amusement is dancing in her dark eyes.

Erek approaches the animal and brings himself down to his knees beside it, removing the arrow with a swift gesture, that is possibly painful to the deer. His grey-blue eyes narrow when he spots the other arrow, and he looks up when the explanation comes from the Princess. Following her bidding, before he rises, he will move over to her then and offer a deep bow. "Your highness." The arrow is handed over to her, as he quirks a brow. "What unexpected... pleasure to meet you here in the woods." His gaze flickers briefly about the clearing as if looking for an escort of sorts.

"You are not here on your own, I hope?"

His own company comes over as well now, albeit waiting at a respectable distance unless called over.

"But what coincidence," the steward remarks with a polite smile, "that the both of us should aim at the same prey, at the same time. And manage to kill it together. The deer is yours, of course." Affirmed with a nod. "But if you would allow us to carry it to Woodwatch Keep for you?"

While the man takes care of her arrow, Barbeta quite slowly and carefully withdraws two brooches from her gown, letting the skirt flop down and hide her thin, but strong legs properly.

She curiously watches the man, not adding anything till she extends her arm to take that arrow with a black feather of a crow on the top, "Thank you," she brushes some curls from her pale features, "Of course, I am not alone!" And as a proof three guards show up from behind some bushes together with two handmaidens. One of these handmaidens is an exotic beauty baught from people of Golden Lion. They all remain in polite distance, giving some privacy.

Suddenly, the young princess can't hold her laugh, "My lord, I am no longer a child. I don't need anyone to surrender for me in the game, that I wouldn't start crying!" She politely covers her lips as if hoping to stop her giggle this way, "Moreover, if you give the deer for me just because I have a higher title than you, I may feel offended. The life is a true competition, where more talented people should win no matter what reputation their name has. Look at the deer, my lord!" She gestures towards the animal, "My arrow hit its thigh. I wounded him, but he still could run away. Your arrow thrust through its neck. You killed the animal. It is yours!"

She leans her head to the side, slipping her gaze from the blood pool to Erek's eyes, "Though, do you know how many hungry mouths such a deer could feed? While some nobles spend coins in order to celebrate their betrothal, people in the streets are fighting for a grain of bread with crows. So, maybe I can offer you to ask your cook to prepare this deer as if he would make it to you, but a crispy meat would reach the lips of people in the streets?"

A bit of relief shows in Erek's mien when Barbeta's retinue shows up. Arching a brow at her reply next, he will give a light shrug, but not disagree with her assessment of the situation. He knows he delivered the death shot, but it would be imprudent to affirm this. "As you wish, your highness. Although," and here he pauses, "this is an unusual request indeed, I will follow your bidding." A polite smile is shot her way.

The girl smiles warmly at the man, "My lord, why my request is such unusual one?" She waves for one of her guards, who approaches the princess. She gives her bloody arrow to the man, who quickly moves away again, letting the two nobles to speak privately. "Don't tell me, that you never did anything charitable... I won't believe!"

"It is not what I would have expected from a princess such as you, your highness," Lord Erek replies politely. "But thinking about it, when I will have the food distributed among the poor of Woriscant, I will let them know that this charity comes from Princess Barbeta herself!" A faint smile appears as he shakes his head next, to her question. "I am sorry to disappoint you, your highness, but no. I haven't."

"Aaah... I see!" Barbeta nods slowly, "Well, where is never too late to start doing something charitable. Please, tell people that the kindness comes from you, not me," the young girl beams widely, "After all, it will be the deer killed by your talented skills, my lord..." She raises her sparkling gaze to Erek for a moment. "My lord, would you like to take a walk with me? Back to the castle. There is nothing more refreshing after a tiring hunt than a walk..." She gestures towards the road.

The Ivounel lord's lips curl into a smile as he bows. "Very well then, if that is your wish...", he remarks, his grey-blue eyes looking mildly intrigued by the thought. "I only hope the Duke of Woriscant will not take offence, though, as this action might be perceived as I would doubt in his ability to take care of his own people...." Ah yes, the twisted ways of politics and intrigue. The thought seems to amuse the steward of Castle Equitaine, though.

Having freed his own arrow from the corpse of the deer, he will hand it to one of his retainers, while the two others are already preparing a means of transport, a branch, about which the legs of the animal will be bound so it can be carried by the two of them, the branch over one of each's shoulder, with the deer hanging down from it, its back turning towards to the ground. More rope is applied to secure the head and antlers from taking damage, but then they are ready to depart.

"A charming idea, your highness, and who am I to decline your wish? We can pick up our horses on the way.", Erek agrees, motioning his retainers to follow him and the princess as they walk off the clearing towards the road.

The twisted ways of politics and intrigue amuse the young princess as well. So, when she looks into the eyes of the lord Erek, she notices a mutual understanding or something similar, what makes her smile even wider. So, when they move out of the clearing together with the girl's escort, which involves two handmaidens, Barbie steps a bit closer to the lord and if allowed she will curl her own arm around his. After all, it is hard to walk across the muddy road with that floor length gown.

"So, your daughter is a lady-in-waiting of mine. I was very pleased to hear that my father and you agreed on this. She is still young," Barbie tells it as if she would be really old, "but she will be able to reach a lot in her future, I am sure... I believe, you add a lot of expectation into your child, yes? Oh, and you have a son, am I right? How is he doing? Will he participate in the upcoming tournament?"

The girl is just trying to keep a conversation going.

Lord Erek will offer his arm of course, when he notices the Princess reaches for it. "Forgive me, but I am not used to conversing with princesses," the steward admits, his voice polite enough but lacking a bit of warmth. Through all of his courtesy a brilliant mind seems to shimmer, giving him perhaps the air of carefully calculating his words and actions whilst keeping possible options in view.

When Barbeta mentions Livessa, his lips will even curl into a tiny smile. "Aye, she is. And I am grateful you singled her out for that special honour, your highness. I hope she is not giving you reason to complain about her?" He sighs softly, while the smile remains on his face. "And yes. I have high goals for her and Baldwin. After all, we Ivounels are constantly in need to show our worth, to prove we are no less valiant than the... established Houses."

"Baldwin will ride in the tourney. I am curious to see how he will be faring. He hasn't had much time to practice the joust of late, as he has been sailing to the Isles twice. Once with the delegation, and then for a second time to accompany the Princess Madalyn back to the Isles." Sir Erek can keep the conversation going as well. His grey-blue gaze shifts to Barbeta nonetheless as he studies her with vague curiosity. "Are you acquainted with my son?"

"Ahh... Maybe it is time to get used to it, my lord? After all, we have so many things in common right now?" Barbie giggles and counts, "We shot the same deer, your daughter is beside my side now and... that is all. Alright, not so many things in common!" The young girl chuckles one more time and briefly peeks at the man. Her eyes a sparkling with a bit of mischief, but she quickly looks back at the road.

"Oh no, your daughter is behaving perfectly. Soon we will work together on a small feast of charity in my father's lands, of course, if he will give permission. I have some... wild ideas, I think, but our people should be pleased... So, I will talk with my father and if he will allow, we both will arrange it and I do hope, that you will be able to come to our event..." One more time Princess peeks at the man.

She nods slowly then, "Yes, I do know your son. Quite a handsome man and a strong knight, I would say. His sister Livessa is so overprotective of him. I met your son on the Isles, when I paid a visit to him after he was injured," she sighs and shakes her head, "it was the most unsuccessful journey, I would say. We got nothing just a lot of trouble..."

The young girl sighs one more time, "I know why... I think that we had a lack of talented diplomats with us. We were in lack of very calm, firm and serious people in our delegation. I don't have anything against your son... It is just... Love makes us weak, I believe..." She grows quiet for a moment, before adding, "Sad, my lord, that you couldn't go with us..." The princess pats the man's arm as if emphasizing his strength and firmness.

"I am glad to hear she is behaving," Erek replies, pursing his lips and raising his brows then when Barbeta counts the few things they may have in common, a polite chuckle the reply to her jest, then listening in silence when she speaks about the feast they are planning. "I would be honoured to attend," he then replies evenly, smiling towards the princess.

The briefest of frowns will brush over his features, when the topic of Baldwin is addressed. "I see. He is an honourable lad. Not a weakling, I would hope. As for the admiration of this healer... I have spoken with both my son and this woman, making it perfectly clear there is no perspective for them." A dismissive gesture is made with his hand and he shrugs.

It is when Barbeta continues about diplomatic failures that his steps will slow a tad. "It was not an option to go with you, Princess Barbeta, as Lord Oskar Lenouvi was chosen to present the interests of House Lenouvi in the delegation. I may have had my own opinion on the matter, yet my son is not to blame for this failure, as you may call it. He was chosen as a means of protection, and to take part in the tourney."

"Oh, I am so sorry!" Barbie stops, "I didn't mean to offend neither you, nor your son. Sometimes my mind just floods like two rivers and things I tell may sound confusing. I mentioned your son and his love story just as an example... Mostly, I was displeased with all these offending letters written by another... He tried to defend the healer, if I recall right... Though, I don't think that the means he used were necessary for a mere commoner in trouble..." She waves with her hand casually and proceeds walking forward.

"Anyway, I am glad to hear, that your son understood his mistakes. I am pretty sure, that he should marry someone of a higher rank in order to color your family name with brighter colors...." The girl inhales deeply, "Plus, I wanted to suggest, that from my point of you, others may have been even a better option as some of these chosen ones, talking just between us..." She smiles glancing at the man and making sure he understands what she means.

"I will never understand why life is so unfair sometimes... Some people are just the Stewards of Castles, some rule huge regions, while these who are just Stewards are way more worth of being addressed as Graces..." She drawls quietly and remains silent for a while. Maybe a bit thoughtful.

That non-committal smile fades a touch and both of his brows jump upwards, when Barbeta criticizes the way things were handled using certain letters. "Do I sense a bit of animosity towards His Grace, Duke Alajos here, your highness? I am surprised. Although, I have to agree, he is still quite young, and if I were seeking to undermine his authority, I'd emphasize...his lack of preparation and enthusiasm to carry the burden of leading a duchy." A fine smile curls his lips there and Erek's eyes narrow a touch, lingering on Barbeta as she continues. Then, he cannot help but laugh at her obvious attempt to flatter him. A rare sight it is, when the usually so grumpy looking steward is amused indeed! It takes him a moment to regain his composure.

"Quite a dangerous game you are playing here, your highness. Not, that I do not admire you for it. Are you meaning to offer me support, to further my ambitions at court? I am sure you expect something in return, so let us not beat around the bush here. Tell me, what it is exactly you are willing to offer, and in what way I can be of assistance to you, your highness."

The laugh does not confuse the young princess as the fact, that the lord stresses out her intentions to criticize the young duke Alajos, "Well... Maybe I am a young princess, but I still feel the right to express my worries about the subjects of my father, if I see, that it fits..." She drawls and chuckles, when the lord goes straight to business, "That is why I like you, my lord. I like your attitude..." She looks at the man and beams, stopping.

All the escort remains a bit away, giving enough privacy. Barbie continues in a whisper, "My father is a very old man right now, who does not have any sons. The heir is lord Argon, but... He has too kind and too gentle heart for a ruler. I will be brave enough to tell, that even my father have made some mistakes and our Kingdom needs changes in order to rise from the ashes. My uncle would continue the same policy... He is not the man to rule. Even my father knows that, I am sure..." She steps even a bit more close, but keeps her gaze fixed on lord Erek, "That leaves my sister and me... She is the first born, but is she capable on being a Queen...?" The question is left open and Barbie states, "When my dearest father will leave us, I want you beside me. Your family name has to lose the dark spot of the bastard line and I should be the next Queen.... So, what do I expect? That when the time will come, you would be by my side..."

Sensing their conversation is heading towards more serious matters now, Lord Erek Ivounel will gesture for his retainers to stay behind. His grey-blue eyes sparkling with curiosity as they return to the princess, his head tilted to the side, he will listen most attentively to what Barbeta has to say to him, his brows furrowing ever so slightly when the king is mentioned.

"He is without heir, that much is true," the steward agrees. "Same goes for Lord Argon. He hasn't married till now, so it is likely that won't change." Delivering his own words carefully, as he thinks about Barbeta's proposition. "So... considering I would say I will lend you the support if the situation arises… In what way do you plan to remove the stain from my family? And, more importantly, what measures would you take to restore the kingdom's glory?"

"Well... Things might change. My uncle may get married, if he is thinking about the chance of becoming the new King, it would be wise. Though... I know his heart and I am not sure if he will choose his wife wisely or it will be the love..." The young girl grins evilly, "My lord, do not think, that without your support, I won't become the Queen. I already have support of many. I offer this, just because I like you. You have all the skills and a character of a capable leader. If you wouldn't be married, I would consider you as a possible husband, just because I know, that a strong personality sometimes can do much more than titles and famous name..." She makes a bit prolonged pause here, studying the man, "So, I call it generosity, be at my side and I will make you the Duke or even one of my advisers... You will be granted with permission to choose another family name. Purely new and you will start a new line of nobles.... Though, it is your call, if the seat of a Steward is warmer for you..."

She chuckles a bit, when the man questions about her plans, "That should be discussed later, if you will invite me for a dance during our little feast of charity..." She beams a bit evilly again.

Erek watches Barbeta with half-closed eyes, but that cannot betray the fact that he is intrigued by what the princess proposes to him. His brows are lifted when she mentions the option of wedding him, and he shoots her a glance, as if to probe if she really means her words. "I feel flattered, your highness that you would consider me, alas, I am married already. Besides, I am old enough to be your father. But... another family name, of a new house? A duchy? If you provide me with all of this, you'll have my fullest loyalty." A low snort follows. "The position of a steward has many duties, it means a lot of work, which usually goes unnoticed when it is done. I will choose a higher ranking position any day."

"I am very happy to hear that, my lord. We have an understanding then..." The girl nods and gestures towards the road, offering to walk further now, "I can't wait for that dance then..." She grins widely and adds, chuckling, "My lord, don't tell me, that you are one of these naive romantics, who think about age in the marriage? All marriages are political treaties... Plus... I am sure that there is no such old man, who wouldn't like to have a beautiful young wife as me..." She starts laughing and there is a tiny touch of blush in her cheeks, "Especially when my future husband will be the King..." She adds very very quietly, curiously peeking straight into Erek's eyes, "And you are not an old man at all, my lord. However, sadly, you have a wife and I will try to find someone as capable as you to become my husband..." she finishes quietly.

"That dance will be yours," Erek agrees with a nod. "As for that other position... I have already given you my answer. Your highness. I will be happy to advise you where I can." His grey-blue eyes lingering for a moment longer on the princess before he breaks that gaze and they continue their way back to Woodwatch Keep, his retainers and her handmaidens following in their wake.