675-12-26 - Luanda's Return
| Luanda's Return | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summary: Princess Luanda is welcomed at Mergorand Castle, although her appearance at a dinner in the Feasting Hall of Mergorand Castle does give reason for worry and concern. | |||||||
|
Evening is finally there, and with the day having progressed thus far peole start filtering into the Feasting Hall of the castle. The day had certainly been eventful, it had seen the safe return of Princess Luanda Brais from a more than perilous voyage to the Isles. This being one of the reasons probably for the festive air in the hall that is already abuzz with laughter and conversation. A minstrel sits somewhere near the high table and plays a pleasant tune, while servants in the colours of red and black are busy with carrying various courses in, while others see to provide the people at the tables with wine and mead.
At the high table sits King Barret Brais, his wrinkled features twisted into a happy grin. He too wears red and black, a fine doublet and breeches, and yes, the crown is resting on his head. A goblet of wine is already before him, as he sits and casts a glance about the table, his attention then shifting to the hall.
Aeryn had been out hunting and had gotten back later than she had expected. Wearing a white wool dress it isn't exactly something flowing, but it is fairly warm with the inclusion of white stockings. She sheds her white overcoat quickly and puts it aside, and wraps long red and black scarves around herself haphazardly. Wiggling out of a longbow and a quiver of arrows she slips them down to a corner before rushing to the table, fiddling with the scarves to try to make herself look more presntably festive. "Ah'm late, ah'm late..is she here yet? Ah' wanted t'greet her." She skidders to a complete stop however when her blue eyes fall on Barret. "Y..Your Highness, yae' made it!" Dipping quickly into a curtsy she also bows to give the man as much respect as she can muster. "Ah'm sorry ah'm late, 'was out for a hunt."
The doors are opened, and into the hall comes Princess Luanda. She is dressed regally, in red wool velvet with black trim, the trim figured with tracework of golden maple leaves. The young woman is limping quite visibly, her pace slow due to it, but she walks without aid of servant or prop. She is thinner than she was when she left, and a bit more pale, though on her cheeks is a blush of the rose of returning health. Her bearing is royal, and yet when she looks at her father her eyes light, and there is joy in her face to see him. Yet she takes the time to smile at everyone, commoners, courtiers, nobles, and every guest, letting the people see clearly she is here and safe, no matter that she quivers with the restrained desire to dash (however impossible this is for her right now) to her father's side.
Present in his own seat, Argon is watching the proceedings carefully. There's a smile as Luanda steps in, nodding to her as he watches her stepping into the room.
A bit of amusement shows in the king's brown eyes at the unorthodox and probably not so ladylike entrance of Lady Aeryn, bushy brows lifting as he regards her. "Have you been able to shoot anything?", he inquires, as he gestures for Aeryn to sit down somewhere close by - the seats beside him are reserved for his daughters, though. "Luanda is not here yet," he clarifies then with a kind smile. "But she should be, any minute." His gaze shifts to the double doors, just in time to spot his eldest daughter, the Golden Leaf, a warmth entering his gaze when he watches her approach, and the joy in her eyes will find its echo in a sparkle in his gaze. "Luanda. We've been expecting you," he says, canting his head a little to the side, towards Aeryn. "You look like you must be hungry." She does look thinner, a fact that has not escaped the King's notice. His gaze drifts briefly towards his cousin, as he lifts his goblet in a silent toast to Argon, who sits further down the table. "And as you can see, your uncle Argon is here as well."
A few minutes after Luanda enters the doors open and a group of eleven people enter, men and women both. All wear crimson tunics which are short-sleeved and descends to the knees, with trousers underneath. They bear no armor or weapons, yet its clear these guests are not natives of Felaguria. A group of Ningo soldiers who came with Barbeta Brais upon her return march in military fashion, though a bit quieter then normal so they aren't too loud. They stop about mid-hall and all bow in respect to Barret as one of the soldiers says in broken Common, "In the name of Principe Domitianus of Family Valeria, Decanus of the twenty-ninth contubernium. His father Patrician Agostino of Family Cornelia, and the Ningo people we thank our host for the celebration." As they all rise in military uniformity and the soldiers disperse to sit at the lower tables among the influential commoners. The leader of the soldiers, a tall man makes his way closer to the High Table silently. For those who caught sight of him months ago, this man looks almost like Patrician Agostino himself, only younger. His nose is also smaller and narrower the the ruler of the Ningo people. The soldier that spoke for the Ningo follows as well as the man who looks to barely be out of his teens, who stands at an impressive six foot three nods respectfully to King Barret and says, "Thank for... Hos petol..." He is interrupted by the other soldier who says, "Lodgings." To which the senior soldier nods in gratitude for and says to Barret, "Lodgings for contubernium." He then looks as though he is unclear where he and the soldier with him, who knows at least some words of Common, are meant to sit.
Luanda curtseys, her chin lifting and her jaw setting as she rests her weight on the injured ankle. She holds the position longer than is customary, then pushes herself up to stand. "Father, Uncle Argon. Aeryn. It is good..." She turns slowly before she can sit, and she offers a weary smile to Domitianus and his entourage.
Aeryn nods her head "Yes, I caught a few Rabbits your highness." She looks to Luanda her own gaze warm at first, then with a slight bit of dread. Are they..not feeding her properly? What is with the limp? Did someone do that to her? Her stance becomes rigid as she resolves to ferrett out the information somehow later. A soft sigh of relief escapes her as she comments softly more to herself than anyone else "Well..at least she's safe now..". She slowly approaches the Princess, eying over the military men as she passes by them. She slips into a curtsy as she addresses Luanda after she's seated, offering her hand in assistance. "Welcome home Princess Luanda, yaer' presence has been missed dearly. Can I offer you any help, you look rather sore after your journey. Perhaps we can fetch you a cane?"
Argon smiles. "It's good to see you have returned," he offers to Luanda, as he raises his glass in a toast to Barret in return. His attention then going to the arrival of Domitianus and those he's brought with him. Notus pages: plus side, being preg handy excuse for why barbie not here
When Domitianus enters with his entourage of Ningo soldiers, the King will incline his head towards the son of the Patrician. "You are welcome," he says, in reply to the thanks offered. Noting the hesitation, he will point to a vacant chair at his table. "Barbeta is not with us yet, I hear she is feeling a bit unwell. Pray sit with us, and your man there..." he glances towards the soldier that had helped out with translating, "may join us as well."
Barret looks concerned when he sees Luanda's discomfort. He seems to be relieved when she finally sits beside him. "It is so good you are back," he murmurs, just for her to hear. "I have missed our conversations." A smile is offered to Aeryn. "Rabbits, eh? Well done, Lady Aeryn. And yes. The princess is safe now. Some misfortune befell her on the way to the Isles. But I'm glad she has returned to us now, after she has had a bit of time to recover..."
Domitianus nods respectfully to Luanda, Aeryn, and Argon. It is clear by his face he doesn't know who any of them are, and how poorly he spoke suggests he barely knows any of the Common language of Felaguria. As the alliance between the Two Rivers and the Ningo has only existed a few months, there isn't a great surprise about a language gap. After all they are from the Unknown World. Domitianus watches Luanda sit beside the king with a neutral expression. The male soldier who looks at least a few years older then Domitianus whispers into the Principe's ear. Domitianus then nods to Barret and says, "Thanks given." in an abrupt, but polite tone. Any who pays attention to the soldiers sitting at the lower tables might notice, while all dressed the same way, some are more obviously women, at least from the profile in a few cases, Domitianus and the soldier beside him then walk around the table to take a seat. The Patrician's son seems very quiet, and seems to be confused by much of what is going on, perhaps even things beyond just the language barrier.
Luanda's eyes catch the presence of the female soldiers, and then she blinks as Aeryn mentions hunting. She settles silently into her seat, though her discomfort seems to grow, even though she is no longer on the injured ankle. The love in her eyes is clear, but her expression is also troubled. "I.... hope that Barbeta feels better soon. What... ails her?" Her voice cracks a little, and she smiles. "I have missed you father. And our conversations. It feels almost... strange to be back." She motions for Aeryn to rise, her smile gentling, though there is something like envy that flashes briefly. A nod to her uncle. And then she turns her head to look at the Principe. "There is so much we need to talk about, Father." she murmurs.
Aeryn gives a soft nod as to not interupt Luanda's conversation with her father. She settles into the seat next to Luanda, eyes looking over to her with concer, though she puts on a pretty smile it's not a very real one. She takes a moment to fiddle with her curly red locks, tugging at the one on the right side with a finger. For those that know her, she's upset. Though she's not doing too bad of a job hiding it from those that don't know her.
King Barret inclines his head to Domitianus, and finally noticing he failed to make introductions from the slightly bewildered looks of the Ningo prince, he will clear his throat. "Principe Domitianus, allow me to introduce to you Princess Luanda, my other daughter. This here beside her is Lady Aeryn Firandall, a close friend of the family. Over there," here he points towards Argon, "is my cousin, Lord Argon Brais." A pause follows, before Barret points towards the Ningo guest. "Allow me to introduce to you Prince Domitianus, son of Patrician Agostino of the Ningo. Stepson to Barbeta." This meant for all others seated at his table. "Princess Luanda has just returned from the Isles," he explains then, towards the Ningo and the soldier who is with him. "Her ship sank on the way there, but she has been recovered and has just returned today."
Luanda's question is met with a light shake of the head. "Barbeta is fine, it's just that she is obviously already with child, which causes a bit of sickness, I presume. And yes... I suppose we should talk. Albeit a little later. I'll spare some time for you in my study." His gaze lingers briefly on Aeryn, noting her unrest. As he certainly knows her very well. A light shake of the head is given towards her. "Everything is alright."
"She.... is with child?" Luanda seems shocked, though she quickly brings a warm smile to her face. And there is honesty in the warmth. though she looks down at her obviously not-pregnant frame and there comes a flicker of self-doubt to her eyes. Then that, too, is masked, and she bobs her head to Domitianus. "Your father must be pleased. Please convey to him my sincere congratulations." Then she reaches over a hand to perhaps pat Aeryn's knee. She tilts her head at Argon. "It is good to be back. And good to be wearing my own clothing again."
Domitianus listens to both Barret and the soldier seated beside him. How much is getting through as neither seems overly skilled with the language. Finally he looks to Luanda and bows his head respectfully saying, "Aunt Luanda." in a formal tone, though he couldn't be more then twenty years old by his appearance. Then to Argon he nods respectfully and says, "Cousin Argon." then nods respectfully to Aeryn and says, "Nobildonna Aeryn." All in broken Common aside from the word 'Nobildonna'. He then nods to Luanda after words with his 'translator' and says, "Large joy. All babies are." in a calm, serious tone. He doesn't seem to be very expressive in tone or action. Also he doesn't seem to talk much, though that could be the language barrier.
Aeryn leans towards Luanda and whispers softly "Just give me a kick if yae' need anything. Anything at all." She smiles softly "I'll admit I didn' think she'd be with child so quickly..She might have a large family coming sooner than we think. If that's the case..we're going to need more rabbits." She looks towards Domitianus and his companion. "A pleasure to make your aquaintance, Principe. Your speech is coming along well, I had to make many adjustments to my own speech when I came to this land as well. It just takes perseverance."
"Yes, she is," Barret confirms again towards Luanda. "She came back three weeks ago, with Prince Domitianus. They will spend some time here, as our guests." His attention shifts to the Ningo Prince, and he smiles when he observes the greetings Domitianus offers everyone at the table. "Indeed," he concedes after another moment, to the Ningo's remark about babies. A faint sparkle enters his brown eyes when Aeryn addresses the foreigner, and he cannot help but smile. "True, indeed. Lady Aeryn has been with us for ten years, she had a lot to learn, and I am glad to say she managed very well."
Argon smiles, nodding a bit now. "I can understand that," he replies to Luanda's words. Nodding a bit at the mention of all babies being large joy. There's a brief moments when he looks around at the room, then back at the others.
"Nephew. It is a pleasure to meet you." If Luanda finds it odd to call this man by such a title, she does not show it. Still, she seems a bit tense now, and she sits with regal attention in her seat instead of relaxing into its comfort. She licks at her lips, then looks down, ostensibly putting her napkin into her lap. Then she nods to Barret. "And you, father, must be overjoyed."
Looking to Aeryn, though he does seem to be looking at her more and more, as the other soldier whispers to him. Finally he nods to the red-head and says, "Speak bad. Thank for nice." He might actually be staring at Aeryn from time-to-time, though not all the time of course. With some discussion with his 'translator' Domitianus nods to Luanda in his typical silent, stoic fashion.
Aeryn has a soft blush that comes to her freckled face at the compliment from the King. "Thank you, your highness. You are too kind to me.". She leans into Luanda sensing her discomfort, and rubs at her arm lightly, offering a soft smile. Her attention draws back to Domitianus "Oh, it's not that bad. Your starting from a zero point of reference, so considering this your actually making wonderful process. I'm sure we could work something out if you want extra tutoring. We can teach you, and you teach us. The more understanding the languages have then the more we can communicate. I think it would lead to a more relaxed atmosphere for everyone. I can't imagine being somewhere where you couldn't communicate well. It sounds like something that could be very frightening to me, and could feel insurmountable at first."
Barret's brows furrow a bit when he notices Luanda's reaction, her growing awkwardness when she is addressed by Domitianus as aunt. "I am happy for her, of course," he replies evenly. "She is my daughter. I don't doubt I will be happy for you as well, when it will be your turn. Any new addition to our family will be most welcome." He nods in Argon's direction, while he continues to speak with Luanda. "Your cousin Argon is also expecting the birth of his child."
Aeryn's remark will draw the king's attention then, and he smiles. "There are already some translaters in training. In fact, Barbeta has mastered the Ningo language already quite well, and Patrician Agostino has also managed to learn Common - very swiftly actually. A pity Barbeta isn't here. Maybe we can interest you, Lady Aeryn to seek some tutelage in the Ningo language? As you seem so intrigued by the idea?"
Domitianus speaks with the soldier next to him before the soldier answers, "Thank you for my Decanus. Translator Esther teaches well, takes time. Principe Domitianus asks, your hair. Common for your home?" Domitianus is staring once again at Aeryn, perhaps its her hair color, could it be uncommon among the Ningo to have red hair?
Aeryn blinks as she's taken off-guard by the question. "Well..ah' actually am nae' really sure where I come from to be honest. My understanding is that my mother paid pirates to take me when I was very young. They never let me forget it. I dont have any memories of what life was like before that. Red hair doesn't seem as common in any of the lands here or from what I've seen. Why..do you ask? Is it strange?"
"It is very hard to be in a strange place," agrees Luanda. "Where you don't understand the customs or the people, when you don't know what to do or say. But of course..." Her voice trails off as Domitianus asks about Aeryn. She lifts her head a little higher, though a tear glints briefly in her eye. Yet when she speaks again, her voice is warm and kind. "The Lady Aeryn is very uncommon. Uncommonly brave, strong, a dear friend. You are a guest here, Nephew. But if you would like her company.... you may have my seat at her side." She rises from her chair, smiling, though her cheeks have lost the rosy color.
Barret follows the exchange between Aeryn and Domitianus with slightly amused curiosity. A little frown may appear briefly when she speaks of her mother and pirates which will make him lower his gaze, before it shifts to Luanda next. "We have red-haired people in our lands," he then explains towards Domitianus. "It may not be that common, but it occurs." He'll rise when Luanda does, obviously baffled by her frail state. "My daughter... is everything alright? Would you like to rest already?" Concern is showing in his mien.
Domitianus speaks with the other soldier for a bit as Aeryn speaks then answers, "None. Ningo." does he mean no Ningo has red hair? As Luanda starts to get up Domitianus stands up and walks over, unless someone stops him he will gently push Luanda back down into her seat saying, "Sit. Rest." in his typical calm, serious, military-like tone. If he is stopped from touching Luanda he simply says those two words in the same way directed at her, but doesn't fight or resist any attempts to stop him. He then adds to Luanda, "Give praise, Nobildonna Aeryn." then nods respectfully to the red-head. He then moves to retake his seat. To Barret's words Domitianus nods silently after speakign witht eh other soldier again.
Aeryn smiles and squeezes Luanda's hand softly before releasing afterwards. "I started out roughly, however I have become the woman I am today from the love and understanding given to me from this family, of which I shall always be eternally grateful." She looks towards Barret with an inquisitive glance. "Oh, well I certainly wouldn't mind learning the language. It certainly couldn't hurt. I'm not a linguist like a diplomat, but I can pick up things pretty quickly usually. It would be nice to have more people whom can speak thier language, as I feel that it might make them feel more at home. Well, so to speak anyways."
"I am not unwell, Father," answers Luanda, re-taking her seat. "I am just a bit.... overwhelmed being home once again. So much to take in... I ask your pardon for any error in my behavior. I do not wish to reflect poorly..." This last is said in a bare whisper, and then she shakes herself. A wan smile is offered to the Ningo and then to Aeryn. "Just... don't seem to fit..." This too, as a whisper, even softer than before, and she goes still.
Barret looks to Domitianus when he approaches, a hand coming up to keep him from touching his daughter. A lift of his brows inidicating that she is his daughter and he will of course take care of her. His arm comes to rest about Luanda's form that looks so frail, releasing her only when she moves to retake her seat. "You need to eat, Luanda," he tells her in a low grumble. "Have some food and drink. Then I advise you to withdraw and get some rest. Or to seek me out in my study if you should feel so inclined." The concern is evident in his features. It will fade momentarily when he turns to address Aeryn. "Learn the language. It would be helpful, even if I am hearing the language at Unitas where all our trade with the Ningo will take place will most probably be Common. That is, if you can spare the time." When she mentions her relation to his family, a warm smile flickers over his features and he nods. "Indeed. We are glad to have you with us, Lady Aeryn."
Domitianus doesn't seem offended, or even bothered by the touch from the king. He says his piece to luanda and retakes his seat. There is a bit of talk between him and the other soldier as Unitas is mentioned before the soldier answers, "Patrician of this land. Common and Ningo spoken at Unitas." likely meaning both languages are expected to be spoken in time.
Aeryn shakes her head "Princess Launda, this is your home. O'course you fit here, and we are happy to have you. You've been missed." Decoram be damned, she leans over and gives the other young woman a hug, a soft yet warm embrace that lasts only a few moments. "Yae' know you should talk to your father. We can all tell things aren't right. You can also talk to me anytime. Everyone you know in this castle loves you Princess. You are home. You are safe, and you should rest. It looks like you haven't been able to truly be at rest for some time." She looks between the King and the Princess "Does that sound like a good idea? A good plan?"
"Yes, Father." Luanda's cheeks flush with embarrassment, and she bows her head. "Forgive me for worrying you." She smiles gratefully at the Ningo, then opens her mouth once again. She's caught off-guard by the embrace, and it nearly shatters what remains of her composure. "I...." she begins, then shrugs her shoulders apologetically. She swallows hard once, twice, then sets about eating in silence, but her cheeks are wet.
"Common and Ningo," Barret echoes towards Domitianus, and he nods. "I understand. It makes even more sense then for Lady Aeryn to learn the language. When Aeryn offers Luanda that hug, the king will sigh but nod. "Indeed. Luanda I suggest we two should withdraw and have a few words in my study immediately. I will order some food and drink to be brought there. If you will excuse us...?", he adds, towards Domitianus, Argon and Aeryn, a faint but polite smile curving his lips. Looking back towards Luanda he will frown when he notices the traces of tears on her cheeks. "Come with me...", he says, offering her an arm to lead her out of the Feasting Hall.
Aeryn settles down a little once the King and Princess take thier leave. A soft sigh. She'll probably guard the Princess' room tonight. She sure isn't going to let anything else happen to someone she cares for. But this conversation is sure to take time. She looks over to Domitianus "It is good to know both languages because when you are not from a land they assume you dont know the language, and will talk about you. You can pick up opinions, and other information if you dont let on. The more languages you an understand, the more advantageous it can be."
Smiling softly she rests back into her seat. "So..really, no one with red hair in your land hmm? I've heard rumor that those with red hair are imbued with fire. They have passionate hearts that push them in everything they do. Of course, it's probably just a fairy tale. Just like every time there's a new star in the sky, a new freckle appears on a redhead's body."
There is an exchange between the two soldiers before Domitianus gestures towards his other soldiers, then to himself and the soldier next to him. Now it is noticed they are all brunettes with either dark brown or black hair. Perhaps this is common for the Ningo. As Barret and Luanda have departed, Domitianus gets up with the soldier and move to sit closer to Aeryn so they can converse more comfortably, though the two Ningo men do avoid Luanda and Barret's seats, ensuring they remain empty.
Aeryn looks between the men and women of note. "Well..there certainly seems to be a similarity. And y'know, hey, ah'm sure you have things on people we don't have here then. Like lots of muscles. Women don't really serve in our military, so that's different between our two lands. I mean there's the occasional exception to the norm, like me for instance. Though I don't actually serve in military service. Most of our women here are into pursuits of intelligence, creation, or child-rearing. There's a lot of art in the products made by women. You just have to have an eye for seeing it."
Domitianus nods after talking with his companion, who answers for the prince, "Patrician Agostino has said. Ningo men and women equal in all ways. Muscles among soldiers, hunters, scouts, and nobles."
Aeryn nods as she quirks a brow upward in curiousity. "Really? Well as a woman myself I must say that sounds rather attractive. I do like this notion, I've learned that women can die just as easily as men in battle. The relentless wont stop just because your young, or a girl."
There is an exchange and Domitianus nods and the other soldier says, "Translator Esther earned noble among Ningo, said no. She is great respect, like noble."
Aeryn nods softly. "I suppose that's like my situation. As children I managed to save Princess Luanda from a bit of a scrape. Pirates tried to kidnap her. I've been with the family since. I was given title and a name, but I don't have access to lands. Which I don't really mind, I have no thirst for power, I'm not a born noble. I also fear that those who crave power over other men, women, or dominion can be easily corrupted by it's influence and want more. No amount will ever satisfy them. It is something I've seen before."
Domitianus nods and there is an exchange. The other soldier then says in a soft tone, "Blood mean nothing. Survive matter for noble. Born or not. Prove survive, earn noble. You earn noble."
Aeryn shakes her head gently "Did I? I was terrified when I did it. I was actually just a child, just hiding. I couldn't let them do to another girl what they did to me though. I have to re-evaluate if I have earned the love they have given me." She presses her hand to her chest "I have to work constantly to make sure I am worthy of the people that surround me because these are the people that I love. It's a constant. Something always. It's something that I have to stay focused on. I can't fail them, because they are the only reason I even have any happiness in my life."
The other soldier says something softly in the Ningo Language to Domitianus, finally Domitianus says pointing to her, "Nobildonna. No earn. Earn as girl." Seems once nobility is earned among the Ningo you keep it.
