You know, I could really get used to the whole small fandom thing. Over thirty reviews for four chapters! I like... very much! It's cool because a few days later I go to check out other fics and mine's still up there in one of the first few spots! That's a cool feeling, to see your story there. nods in agreement yup, definitely love the small fandoms.
Erm.... Yeah, an apology in advance. I've been so distracted by Kenomee, I just can't get into the mood for this. But I thought you guys would like a chapter, so I cranked this out.
Disclaimer: sadly, I do not own Danric. (sniffles) but I am in love with him. Oh yeah, and I don't own the other characters or places either.
((-))
Chapter five: The Duke of Savona
By the time the morning sun began filtering through my window, I'd firmly decided to pretend that nothing had happened. After dressing hastily in a morning gown, I joined Bran and Nee in Shevraeth's parlour. I ate my breakfast in silence, studiously ignoring all attempts to engage me in conversation.
I rode in the carriage, leaving Bran to ride with Shevraeth. As their horses dashed away, I let out a sigh of relief. Our carriage rolled along, picking up an escort as we travelled. When I asked about it, Nee explained that the people expected visible symbols of power from nobles, like big entourages. They certainly seemed to enjoy them. We entered the capital, and people lining the streets cheered us. Children ran alongside the procession, until, gasping for breath, they fell behind, laughing. I remembered the last time I'd been granted the privilege of riding down this street, and I hunkered down in my seat. Finally our carriage rumbled to a stop, and the carriage doors opened.
We stood before a marble terrace, and all around us was greenery. We were in a forest, or a garden. I asked Nee about it, and she told me the family houses and the lesser guesthouses didn't have this much privacy. She pointed out for me the Royal Residence Wing, and the State Wing. She told me we were staying in the primary Guest Wing.
Nee and I climbed broad, shallow steps to a set of double doors. They opened, and we entered into a wonderfully spacious entryway with a beautiful mosaic on the floor. It showed the night sky with all the planets and stars, but with the sun at the centre. Light filtered down through stained-glass windows above us, and coloured the floor with magnificent blues and golds. We were taken through more public rooms, and through to a long hall of suites.
My rooms included a little parlour, a bedroom, and a dressing room with a narrow stairway that led to the baths. A hidden stairway led to where the servants' rooms were. Three windows overlooked a pool surrounded by trees. The rooms were coloured a soft green, the tables of antique wood, the curtains and hangings of pale blue satin. I entered Nee's suite, which was next to mine, to find hers were coloured rose.
"What do we do now?" I asked. Nee explained to me the normal schedule for those at court. I asked if we could take a walk and she assented. We changed into afternoon gowns and walking hats and gloves and went out.
The day was nice, the air cool and scented with new blooms. We saw others walking about. It was great for practising my etiquette, nods for those unknown, and different curtseys for those Nee knew. It was interesting to see people acting exactly as Nee said they would. Now, everyone seemed pleasant, and I found most were curious about me, which pleased me: not everyone could read every movement.
We walked over a small footbridge that ran over a stream, then followed the path to a small flowerbed and a clearing beside a tree- sheltered pool. A beautiful lady was sitting on a bench surrounded by three gentlemen. My eyes were drawn to the tallest of the three, a man of powerful build, long waving dark hair, and a rakish smile. Dressed in deep blue with crimson and gold embroidery, he leaned carelessly against the bench. The lady looked at him and flashed a beautiful smile.
I looked to Nee to find what she thought of this picture, but all I saw was the polite smile of her Court mask. At fist they didn't notice us, but as we approached the tall man glanced over at us and straightened, smiling at us. The little group waited for us to approach. The lady spoke first.
"Nimiar? Welcome back, dear cousin," she said.
"Returned indeed, Tamara," Nee said politely. "Your grace, may I present to you Lady Meliara Astiar?" and to me, "The Duke of Savona."
His eyes were dark, interested, and very much amused. He responded to my curtsey with an elaborate bow. He took my hand and kissed it, a smile on his face. I didn't hear the others' names, I was too busy trying not to blush or stare at the Duke. Lady Tamara started talking, exclaiming over tales of my heroic deeds during the war.
"Well," I said, "if the stories were complimentary, they weren't true." The Lords laughed. Lady Tamara's smile did not change, and I suspected we would not become friends.
"Surely you are overly modest, dear Countess," she said. Savona sent me another rakish grin and propped an elegantly booted foot on an edge of the bench. He leaned an arm across his knee.
"What is your version of the story, Lady Meliara?" he asked me. His gestures and tone suggested meanings I couldn't comprehend. I wasn't sure I wanted to explain all my mistakes to this group, so I tried to lighten the mood with a joke.
"If I start on that we'll be here all night, and I don't want to miss my dinner," I said. Again the lords laughed. I tried not to stare at Savona's handsome face.
Nee slid her hand in my arm. "Shall we continue on to find your brother?" she addressed me. "He is probably looking for us."
"Let's," I said. They bowed to us, and we moved away. I could feel their eyes on our backs, and felt self-conscious, suddenly aware of the swishing of my gown and the placement of my feet.
Nee and I wandered through the gardens, and she told me about her cousin Tamara. She is ambitious, Nee said, and wouldn't pay any attention to those of lower status. She told me to watch out for Tamara. The image of Savona's face seemed etched in my mind's eye. I felt the top of my hand where I could still feel the Duke's kiss.
"What about the Duke of Savona?" I asked.
"In what sense?" She paused, turning to study my face. "He is another who's state of mind is impossible to guess."
"Is he, well, twoing with Lady Tamara?"
Nee smiled. She explained to me what she knew of the nature of their relationship. Savona and Tamara had been interested in each other until last year. But it is hard to say for certain. But now it seems that Tamara has someone else in view: The Marquis of Shevraeth.
I wasn't sure what to think of that. While my first inclination was to laugh, I still wasn't sure about what had happened last night. However, I laughed anyway, to relieve the tension I found lingering from that interesting meeting.
After some tea in my rooms, Nee and I spent the day wandering around the palace. Nee showed me dining rooms and great halls and beautifully decorated hallways. She showed me more of the gardens, and beautiful fountains and pools. I was enchanted. We found my brother and Shevraeth near the stables, reins in hand, both discussing races and other such topics. As we drew near, the two turned to us, Bran's face spread in a happy grin, Shevraeth smiling politely.
"Hello," Nee said happily to Bran. "What's towards?"
"Not much," Bran replied. "Races tomorrow morning, deciding whether or not to enter."
Nee smiled. "And we've only just arrived!" she said. She and Bran flew into a conversation about the races and the other competitors. Shevraeth offered his two cents occasionally, but as I had yet to observe or participate in a race, I had not much to say. Instead, my mind drifted back to the little clearing by the pool, to a set of dark, laughing eyes. My thoughts must have been visible on my face, for soon Nee glanced at me and laughed.
"We have just come from a meeting with the Duke of Savona," she said by means of explanation. I blushed crimson, and Bran laughed. Shevraeth smiled.
"Life! That man's got more admirers than anyone I've ever heard of," Bran said.
"For good reason," Nee said.
"And what did you think of our estimable Duke?" Shevraeth asked, still smiling.
"He was most courteous," I said truthfully. I tried to imagine what he was thinking. "And agreeably mannered."
"Meaning you think he was handsome," Nee said.
"Nee!" I exclaimed. "Stop!" I glanced quickly at Shevraeth. "Please, let's not talk about it."
"You're right," she said, still laughing. "We need to go get ready for dinner tonight." I sighed in relief. We took our leave and went back up to our rooms.
(-)
When the women were safely out of sight, Vidanric said a polite goodbye and set out to find his dear cousin Russav. He wandered through the gardens in vain, hoping to find him still with Tamara. It soon became apparent that he was not in the gardens and so he directed his footsteps to his cousin's rooms. Sure enough, there he found Russav, drinking tea and pouring over papers at his desk.
"Are you busy?" Vidanric asked. Russav gave a start and looked up.
"Didn't hear you come in," he said. "What's on your mind?"
"The countess," Vidanric said, flopping down ungracefully into an easy chair. "You met her today?"
Russav nodded. "She is most delightful," he said. "And fared well against Tamara."
"Thank goodness. I thank you for helping her," Vidanric added. "She is like Bran, but a lot more sensitive to what others think of her."
"My pleasure," Russav said, grinning. "I tell you, it is most amusing."
"You're welcome," Vidanric said dryly. "But please, try not to give any her any sign that it's more than mere flirtation. She likes you already."
"Is that so?" Russav said, raising his eyebrows. "I hardly said ten words to her. I suppose I do have that effect on women," he added, sending his cousin a flippant grin.
"So you do," he replied. "Unfortunately, I do not." he lapsed into silence.
"What's bothering you?" Russav asked. "Tell me what happened. I haven't had a chance to speak with you since you returned. What happened?" Vidanric sighed.
"What did I do?" Vidanric asked. "I made a mess, that's what I did." Russav raised his eyebrows.
"Oh really?" He asked. "What did you do?" An almost imperceptible blush tinged Vidanric's cheeks. However imperceptible, Russav saw it. "You did something bold," he accused.
"Aye," Vidanric agreed. "And made a mess. Would you like to hear the whole ugly tale?" he asked. Russav nodded eagerly, like a schoolboy. Vidanric recounted the events of the night before, with Russav as an eager audience. He left nothing out.
"Twice?" Russav asked, when Vidanric had finished. "You tried to kiss her twice?"
Vidanric nodded glumly. "And both times we were interrupted. I curse the day when that man picked up a harp!"
Russav smiled. "My, my, we are bold. And yet, if not for the bell or the harper, she would have let you kiss her..." he raised his eyebrows suggestively.
"We cannot know," Vidanric replied. "Perhaps she would have, perhaps not. The fact remains, because I didn't say anything, she cannot know what to think, and probably thinks I am simply acting the courtier." He sighed heavily and sank farther into his chair.
"Oh how nice this is," he said after a moment. "I'm ready to proclaim my lasting love and she is still trying to decide whether or not she hates me." Russav laughed.
"Cheer up Danric, at least we know she doesn't hate you." Russav's words were met with a Look. "Well, would she have tried to apologise if she hated you?" Vidanric shook his head. "There. You know she doesn't hate you."
"Of course not," Vidanric said. "But for now I should just leave her be; let her get away from me for a while."
"Don't give up yet, cousin," Russav reassured him. "You can bring her around. You'll see."
((-))
ARGH. I'm sorry it's so crappy, I've been REALLY distracted with plans for Kenomee: packing, food shopping, forms, money, lists, tents, stoves, and... ARGH! Distracting? Yes indeed.
As requested, something with Danric and Russav. Not great, I know, but best I can do at the moment. Sorry. Also, I'm sorry about the part with Tamara and all that... I hate using direct quotes... It feels weird, and I'm afraid I'll never like doing it. However, it's a necessary part... so I had to put it in. ARGH.
REVIEW RESPONSES:
StarGirl98- Ugh, I hate how my mood always shows through in my writing. I can't help it. I forgive you (how could I not?) and you needn't apologise. I'm glad you were honest and told me what you thought. It helps a lot. I also didn't like the last chapter. Ugh. I hope you liked the part with Russav (points up). I don't, but hey, I'm my own worst critic. Um.. your questions. Mel brushed his hair out of his face... so feeling its softness. And I've always assumed that Oria and Mel had conversations while Bran, Nee and Danric were visiting, so Oria said that when she was home. As always, thanks SOOOO much for your helpful review!
Nebulia- Thanks, I'm glad you think she's in character. (wipes brow) I'm so glad you like. Thanks for the review!
Rane2920072 -Nope, clueless. Completely and utterly clueless. Hehe, I'm glad you like!
Bri- I'm glad you think they're in character. I also dislike stories where they just suddenly start kissing. S'like, WOAH? What?
Ophelia Immortal- so cute... I'm glad you like!
Philippa - You can restrain your fangirl personality? Kudos! I have no such success. HE'S SOOOOOOO HOT! I wish I had a little sister. My brother's don't like the same kind of fantasy I like, but if I had a sister, I could train her to like it. (I love heroines like Mel. Sooo cool) I'm glad I brought back the WONDERFULNESS of the CCD. And I'm glad someone noted the dialogue. I'm always a little worried about that. Thanks for the review!
Legofiance- I'm sooo happy that you like it!!! ARGH. I wish I could see that last bit of Tenth Kingdom. It's the part in the middle that got cut... when The Hunter drags her into the tree it ends, and then is resumed when they get to The Love City place... I was like "WHAT?? NOOOOO!!!! (insert wailings here)"
Squirrel Maiden of Green- Yay for feeling tingly. Lol, I'm so glad you like. Update, as requested.
Elemmire09 -WOOT! I'm glad you think it was in her character to burn it. I was a little iffy about doing that. I was thinking about just having her send it and then wish she hadn't, and get it lost in the mail... but I'm glad you like. :)
ShannonLynn- Thanks so much for commenting about my sentence structure. Never can get enough of that constructive criticism. WOOT! YOU LOVE WOLF TOO! (scratches temple) hehe, I love him! Thanks for your review!
FelSong- I also didn't like this chapter as much. It was slow, but it was needed to show what she was feeling and to let her think things out. Argh, but I'm glad we're back to the action. Thanks for reviewing!
does it really matter?-you know... that's a good point... let's see... (Wanders off looking for a fish.)
Wake-Robin- woot, glad you like. Thanks for reviewing!
