Middling Emrys, thanks for your review. I thought the way I did it was awful too. I might re-do once I get the time. Since I was out of town awhile ago, I was not able to post! My sincere apologies!!!Sorry Rylee!!!! Now here's a long chapter for your wait!!!
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After being drooped off at the Residence Wind by Prince Alearc, I made my way up to my room to put on my dinning gown. Walking inside the parlor, I found a note waiting for me on my card table. Wondering who it was from, for I had been at court for only a few hours, I picked it up apprehensively. It was from the queen- an invitation to dinner.
"Koria!" I yelled.
She poked her head out of the small servants' door, with an inquisitive look in her eyes.
"I've just be invited to dinner, I said happily. "I need your help to emit the right effect."
We choose a rather flattering gown, a flowing, beaded red dress. It had a low neckline and tight fitted sleeves, and at the cuff, the fabric formed to a point.
Koria adeptly did my hair, making it so that curls framed my face as the rest cascaded down my back. White and silver bows, formed into curlicues, were added for contrast.
While Koria held up a mirror for me to look in, I heard a gentle beating at my tapestry door. Surprised, I walked to the drape and pushed it to the side.
Jarrod strode in remember, he is Lord Deric's son. He looked radiant in his navy blue shirt, gold embroidered waistcoat and open coat over loose trousers. He looked me up and down appreciatively, and, smiling luminously at me, held his arm out.
Blushing slightly, I took his arm and smiled back.
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The dinning chamber was magnificent. Low tables formed a long "U"; cushions lined the outer side.
Many other guests were there, Alaerec and Jonavic included.
The king and queen where standing in the mist of a small group. One of the men in the assemble looked remarkably like Jarrod- it must have been his father, Lord Deric. And the pretty blonde standing next to him…that would have to be Lady Trishe.
I was gazing around in awe, when before I knew it, Renna was standing next to me.
"You wouldn't mind, would you Jarrod, if I stole Clairia for just a bit?" she asked.
Jarrod looked liked he did, very much so, but Renna took my arm, and we walked over to the punch table. I strolled away laughing inwardly.
We started to talk, just idle chit-chat. But I was able to tell fairly soon that we would be great friends.
"Clairia, how do you like the palace so far?" Renna asked.
"Well, from what I've seen, it seems quite lovely. I can't wait to explore the gardens some more."
"Yes! They are beautiful aren't they? My mother told me that about ten years ago a great storm poured on Remalna-City, and most of the delicate flowers where lost. They all had to be replanted. And just recently, an envoy traveled here from Pationa, a land across the sea. He brought an abundant collect of foreign breeds with him. They should bloom soon."
"I can't wait! I also look forward to meeting the new people-"
"-New people?!" she said with a gasp. Covering her mouth up with her hand, she said, "Oh, dear me! I've kept you away form the king and queen! I feel awful. So, so sorry. Lets go great them straight away."
Briskly walking towards the little group around the king and queen, I saw Renna trying to get back her wits. The crowd parted, and we both curtsied deeply. Before I could say anything, the queen stepped up to me and embraced me. Surprised at what seemed to me a very un-courtly-like gesture, I hugged her back.
"How nice to finally see you Clairia! I've missed your mother so. How is she doing?" she asked curiously.
"She's doing fine, as are the twins," I said with a smile. Immediately, I knew I would like her.
Next, the king took my hand and bowed over it. "Pleased to meet the outlandish Branaric's daughter! I hope you enjoy your stay," his eyed narrowed in mirth, just like his son's.
"Come, Clairia," she called beckoning. "I have a place I would love to show you." Catching up to her, she said, "It was a haven for me when I first came to Athanarel." We walked in silence until we came to a windowed hallway.
After awhile, she unexpectedly laughed out loud into the silence. Seeing my questioning look, she said, "You know, I just remembered, on my first night in the capital, the Princess of Renselaeus showed this same place to me. I really do hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and still do," she added almost as an afterthought.
Presently, we came upon a pair of doors, ones so old as to be made out of wood. They were so intricately carved that I could have stood there for a whole time change just starring at it. The queen waved her hand and two liveried servants sprang to open them, one for each door.
The scene that greeted me was impressive. It was a long room with windows placed high on the opposite wall. All four walls were covered with bookshelves, which in turn were overflowing with books. Six rows of towering bookshelves filled the space in between. Ladders were placed strategically around the aisles. We were in the renowned library of Athanarel.
Picking up her skirts, the queen said, "I'm sorry to do this to you Clairia, but I must return back to the dinner party. Please wander around, but be back before you miss the food and dancing!"
I was in too much of a state in awe to answer, although I managed to wave my hand in a responsive sort of manner. I started to amble about, just looking at the extensive concoction of books and trailing my finger across their jarring spines. After what seemed like for ever, I heard a came to a corner of the room. There, at a plain door tapestry, I heard the faint sound of a quill on paper. I crossed my hand elusively to the side of it and gently pushed it to the side.
The rhythmic scraping stopped as a pair of gray eyes met mine.
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Okay. Now, I did NOT take these gray eyes from the book. I took them from someone I kind of know who I want to base this character off of. So don't get mad at me! And do you want another hint? This new character is a male. I know what you're thinking, "Oh. My. Gosh. (Impatient sigh) Not. Another. Boy!?!" Well poop on you, this is going to be a little different so ha! And be prepared for a shocker in the next chapter or two!