Through his eyes – a fan fiction by Sheyana
Disclaimer – Sherwood Smith owns everything in this, I'm just borrowing it for a (regrettably) short time.
Dedicated to Abby, my first reviewer – thanks!
Reviewers –
Abby – Here's your update. Thanks for being my first reviewer!
Crimson Archer – Glad you like it, sorry to say he won't be turning fully into the Danric we know and love for a while!
ShannonLynn – Sorry, haven't written much else…although there is a Russav one in the works.
Crystaltambaia – I haven't really had much to go on about what Danric did yet, hopefully I'll get us all to the good part soon. I always get loose and lose wrong! Thanks for pointing it out!
Ekirth – Here's some more fun – hope you like it!
FelSong – It felt a little OOC, but I haven't had much to work with, hopefully it'll get better with time!
Rubic-Cube - blushes aww, thanks! Here's your next chappie!
alois silverwolf – Thanks for the compliment, what did you mean by the second part?
Remi – here's your update!
Chapter 2 – The Ball
Branaric, Count of Tlanth, arrived at court a day before Tamara's ball. A messenger had come that morning with word that he would be there by early afternoon and half the court had turned out to see what the new courtier was like. He rode up to the main guest wing of the palace unobtrusively, only one servant and a pair of guards, all riding, no carriages. Danric watched with amusement as the tall red-head dismounted and straightened his rumpled, out of date, tunic.
A groom came forward to take the horses and Deric stepped forward to welcome the newcomer.
"My Lord Branaric, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Lord Deric." Branaric bowed slightly before saying, "Please, call me Bran!"
"Of course, Bran," Deric smoothly replied before introducing him to the rest of the courtiers. Most of the assembled group were silently laughing at Bran, using their fans to communicate their amusement at the young count's clothing and manner. Once the introductions were finished, Tamara stepped forward.
"Please, Lord Branaric – Bran – would you attend my ball tomorrow evening? It would not be the same without you" She said, curtseying deeply.
"It would be a pleasure," Bran replied bowing slightly "I can't wait."
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Danric and Russav walked back to Danric room's together, discussing the young count in the manner that would be expected of the court dandies.
"The clothes, my dear Russav, that tunic!"
"I know, when do you suppose it was made? Thirty years ago?"
"At least, maybe longer."
The conversation continued along these lines until Danric's tapestry fell behind them He abruptly broke off and sighed.
"I wonder if he has ball clothes with him. Perhaps we should send some of mine."
Russav laughed. "Then again, with you wearing old-fashioned clothing, he may not mind that his is, and we could use that wager to our advantage!"
Danric chuckled at that "You would exploit that, wouldn't you! But there is some truth in your argument." He thought for a moment. "We must give him time to settle in, say, until second green, and then perhaps I should call on the Count of Tlanth and offer my help in preparing for the ball? Maybe then I will find out what he plans to do here. He must also be presented to Galdran during first blue."
Russav grinned. "That sounds like a plan to me, Cousin. Until then, some food?" Danric nodded and called for one of his servants.
"Some food please Alec, for myself and the Duke."
The two men settled down on some cushions and waited for the food. While they waired, Danric spoke again. "You know that the old count is dead? I believe that the young count is here to gain support for some foolish plan or other to dethrone Galdran."
He stopped speaking once the food arrived and the tow men devoured it hungrily before stepping out of the room and separating, Danric to visit Branaric and Russav to call on Tamara.
Danric strutted towards Bran's rooms at a leisurely pace, walking the common ways to ensure he was seen. As he passed Renna, he bowed slightly and, upon her enquiry after his purpose, replied disdainfully,
"Why, to visit the Count of Tlanth of course. You can't expect me to let him turn up like that to Tamara's ball! My poor eyes!"
Renna laughed. "Of course, I should have known right away! But will he not find it strange when, after all your advice, you turn up in clothing fifty years out of date – as per your wager?"
Danric sighed, "Ah, my lady, that, I shall have to consider. I could wish that the wager had never taken place, for I will set such a horrile example for the newest of my students! I must be revenged on Russav for this. Any ideas, my lady?"
"Not one, I am afraid. And I am keeping you from your prospective student, this will not do! Off you go my lord, the count awaits."
Danric smiled slightly and bowed. "Good day to you Renna." He resumed his leisurely gait, glad that he had met Renna, she was one of the biggest gossips in court.
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Arriving at Bran's rooms, Danric tapped lightly on the door frame. He was answered by the young count himself holding the tapestry aside for him to enter. Bran spoke heartily.
"Come in, come in. You will forgive me for not remembering your name."
Danric smiled tightly. "Vidanric, Marquis of Shevraeth at your service, Count Branaric."
"Make it Bran, please!"
"Very well, Bran." Danric entered the room smoothly before speaking again. "I am here to offer you my advice and assistance with the ball tomorrow night, and your presentation at Court later today. You may ask anyone for my credentials and you will discover I am the best person to advise you in matters of fashion."
"I say, that is nice of you, although I don't know what you can do for me. The ball is too soon and I have meager funds," Bran answered slowly. "Mayhap some advice on how to act in front of Galdran first?"
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The day of the ball dawned fine and clear. Danric woke early and was grateful to find that no reports waited for him. Danric had arranged to call on Bran early and drop off a formal tunic for him to wear. An old one of his, Danric was sure the tunic would be recognized by some. He just hoped that the attention of most would be claimed by the odd garb he was about to don.
True to his word, Danric had found one of his father's old formal outfits and had it fitted to himself. He had chuckled every time he saw himself in the mirror. Instead of the current fashionable sleeveless tunics, this had long sleeves with full, scalloped ends. The laces, which Danric thought ugly when worn undone, were designed to be only half tied, to show the silk shirt underneath. Instead of his usual comfortable trousers, he wore tight breeches. And the entire costume was in ugly shades of green that had, supposedly, been fashionable.
Danric donned the outrageous outfit quickly, deliberately not looking in the mirror. Before he lost his resolve, Danric walked swiftly out of his rooms and down to the main ballroom. The herald beside the doors goggled for a mere moment, before motioning to the footmen, who opened the huge doors. The herald walked to the top of the steps announcing, "Vidanric, Marquis of Shevraeth." He then retired behind the now-closing doors to laugh until the next guest arrived.
Vidanric took a deep breath and stepped out to the top of the stairs…
MUAHAHAHAHAHA! You shan't get any more unless you hit the little button that says GO! And review!
A/N – I know not much happens this chapter…it was needed to set everything up.