Heart Duel

Chapter 4: Making Friends and Enemies

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to Sherwood Smith, except Tylana, Nimaric, Brimiar, Derric, Liara, Louise and all the descendants of the characters in Crown and Court Duel. (So far)

The sun had risen over green hills. I heaved myself out of the wonderfully soft four-poster bed and stifled a yawn. Dressed in my thin and almost translucent nightgown, I walked toward the parlour.

There was Louise, coming through the tapestry with a tray of tea and cakes. Breakfast! I was hungry, as I had not eaten much the night before, busy catching up with my Aunt, Uncle and Cousins.

While eating, I ran through my head the things I had to do today. Derric and Liara were going to show me around the palace and introduce me to their many friends. I certainly hope they will all take a liking to me.

"M'lady, would you like to get dressed?" asked Louise.

"Yes, please." I answered, rising from my seat and heading for the dressing room.

I chose to wear a satin pink gown with a pearl-white silk petticoat, the neckline plunged to reveal the little cleavage I had, trimmed with red velvet rosebuds and rubies .It had sleeves made of the same pink material which fell to my hips, billowing as I walked. The dress slid on to my body perfectly, fitting me like a glove.

"M'lady looks gorgeous!" exclaimed Louise with awe, and I thanked her for her compliment.

Next, I had Louise tie my hair into a loose ponytail, before creating a hole in the middle of it above the ribbon, and "threading" the ponytail through the hole, from top to bottom. This created an elegant twist in my hair.

Feeling artistic, I plucked a fully bloomed red rose from the vase on my dressing table and pinned it in the middle of my hair, nestling it in the elegant twist. Matching rosebud-shaped ruby earrings hung from my ears, and a black velvet choker with a rosebud-shaped ruby pendant hung from my neck.

Checking my reflection in the mirror yet again, making sure that nothing was out of place, I stepped confidently out of my rooms, in search of my cousins.

I found Derrick in the alcove yet again, scribbling rapidly on a piece of parchment. But this time, he was not alone. Liara sat at the window with a book propped in her lap. They both looked up when I entered.

Derrick scrutinised me from head to toe, before leering and jokingly questioning, "Well, aren't we looking fine today! May I warn you Lady Tylana, that by dressing thus so, you would bring plenty of unwanted attention to yourself."

Liara glared at him for his disgusting remark, before placing the book by her side. "You look wonderful Tylana, I'm sure you would enjoy the attention garnered."

I smiled at her sweetly before replying, "We're cousins, please call me Lana instead. Its short and sweet."

"Wonderful," cried Derrick, "my tongue was getting all in a twist already."

I looked at him and smiled so sweetly in order for him to notice the falseness of it, before retorting, "As if Derrick is any better."

"Can we make a move now? I'm sick of you two bickering like a couple," whined Liara.

We were soon walking the many passages of the manicured gardens. I was introduced to this Lord and that Lady, that Lord and this Lady, but failed to remember many of their names and titles.

Some smiled while showing mild interest, others, especially the young men and teenaged boys seemed as if they were assessing my various attributes.

"Look at all the raging hormones you are creating," whispered Derrick in my ear, as we were walking side by side.

He is such a pain!

I just glared at him before turning back to smile at numerous strangers. Liara led the way, pointing out this and that building and who lived in it. The trickling sound of running water led us to a grand fountain, set in the middle of a roundabout.

It seemed to me that the pond was a place where the courtiers gathered to talk and relax. The chattering ceased when we entered and was soon replaced with silence thick enough to cut with a knife.

They all rose seemingly at once, and curtsied or bowed to the three of us. We returned the favour, before Derric began the arduous task of introducing me to all of them.

First to be introduced were a handsome couple. The male looked to be nineteen, the female a year younger. Both shared the same glossy black hair, but the male had eyes a darker shade of blue than the lady's.

"Lady Tylana, Lord Russell and Lady Tamora."

Lord Russell performed an elaborate bow before kissing my extended hand, while I curtsied in return. Lady Tamora just curtsied and smiled prettily, although her gaze pierced through me accusingly.

Did I do something wrong?

"Lord Russell and Lady Tamora are siblings, children of my father's cousin the Duke of Savona and his wife the Lady Tamara Chamadis," continued Derric, after the formalities were completed.

"That makes you both my cousins of sorts!" I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement.

"Yes, indeed," murmured Lady Tamora, almost icily, although the gentlemen did not seem to notice.

By now, other courtiers had surrounded us, introducing themselves to me jovially. The first to step forward were Lords Rendall (aged 18) and Renold (aged 17), and their younger sister Lady Renata, children of Lady Renna of the Khialem house.

Both Lords greeted me in the usual fashion, brushing their lips against my outstretched hand, and both were equally dramatic at expressing what seemed to be their admiration.

"You are a vision Lady Tylana! How could someone such as yourself even be associated with an ugly-looking oaf like Derric?" Lord Rendall asked with false innocence, earning himself a glare from Derric, who proceeded to place his arm possessively around my shoulders.

"Well, isn't that a pity Rendall! She happens to be MY cousin, and I'm NOT an oaf!"

Lord Renold who was already laughing out loud at this verbal duel, attempted to defeat his brother with an even more extravagant compliment.

"Heed not the two bickering fools m'lady! It is I who am truly honoured to be in the presence of one as beautiful as yourself."

"Much as I'd like to think of myself as a beauty Lord Renold, I fear I'm not as tall as I'd like to be." I replied making my point standing on my tiptoes and just managing to look over Derric's shoulder. It was then that their seemingly withdrawn sister stepped forward with a little curtsy and an excited flourish of her fan. Her manner made her seem like a wound-up spring!

"I've been absolutely dying to meet you! Princess Liara says you've seen the Hill Folk! Can you tell me about them? What do they look like? What do they wear? What."

"Slow down, Renata! Can't you see poor Lady Tylana is unable to make head or tail of what you are talking about?" interrupted Lord Rendall with a laugh, as he placed a restraining hand on his sister's arm.

"I just wanted some firsthand information for my research that's all! Since you and Renold never tell me anything about them when you go off hunting in the Hill Folk populated territories, she emphasized her frustration with a pout and a jab of her fan.

"I'd love to tell you all I know about them, although what I know is little." I answered with a slight smile. A scholar! I heaved an inward sigh of relief. From Mother's narrations of her time spent at court, I had formulated an idea of a typical courtier: power-hungry, self-absorbed and most importantly, they cared little for knowledge. Apparently, there are exceptions!

Lady Renata then introduced me to her best friend Lady Trisana (aged 14), only daughter and child of Lady Trishe.

"Trisana here is a nature lover. She has a bond with animals, especially horses, no one can understand! She has always wanted to visit places where the Hill Folk can be found, but her parents prefer for her to stay here to complete her education," explained Lady Renata.

I repressed a shiver at the mention of horses, as I had gained a fear of them ever since I was bitten by one back when I was three. The little scar on the underside of my wrist still remains.

I must have been lost in those bad memories, for when I regained my composure a young lord with red hair was offering me a fully bloomed red rose.

"A rose for a rose," he murmured.

"You gentlemen certainly know how to flatter a woman," I replied with a laugh, accepting the proffered rose.

"Something which isn't all that hard to do since we are surrounded by a bevy of beauties!" he remarked with a grin.

"Lord Gerald (aged 15) at your service! And this is my sister Lady Geraldine (aged 13)," he extended his arm to a girl with fine strawberry- blonde hair.

Lady Geraldine placed her hand in her brother's and gave me a brilliant smile.

"Oh, don't mind him. He uses that pick-up line all the time! Even though it always fails to work," she said with a tinkling laugh, rolling her eyes, something unexpected from a courtier.

"Indeed?" I asked with mock surprise. "Well, I figured as much!" I added, laughing along with her.

Last but not least, Lord Eric of Toarvendar (aged 15) was introduced to me. He was the only son and heir to Lord Deric of Toarvendar.

He was the quietest of the men, smiling slightly before brushing his lips against my hand. He seemed exceptionally shy, blushing when I complimented him.

Thus so, they all warmly extended their hands of friendship, all of which I received gratefully.

A/N: I know its many characters at one go.I'm afraid I would forget some of them too! Also, if u had noticed, and you should have, the children's names came about after I fiddled about with their parent's. I'm not a very imaginative person, and besides I thought it would be cute.in a way(

"There will be a ball held in my cousin Tylana's honour tonight, as I'm sure you all have heard." Said Derric.

"Indeed we have! I for one, would not miss it for the world." Exclaimed Lord Russell.

"So would I, Derric." Purred Lady Tamora, looking at him from under lowered lashes, while slipping her arm through his.

Was she enamoured of Derric?

Derric cleared his throat, embarrassed by her sudden intimacy. I didn't think I'd ever see him blush!

The lords grinned at his discomfort, while we ladies hid our smiles behind our fans. Lady Tamora ignored Derric's embarrassment and our amusement, by continuously flirting with him unabashedly throughout the day.

The hours passed amiably, as we chatted about the current fashions and plays et cetera. I moved from group to group, chatting first to one person then another. Liara never left my side, until she fell into conversation with Lord Eric and Lady Geraldine, that is.

The sun was already beginning to set when we all parted ways to get ready for the ball. "You're going to be VERY popular, Lana." Was all Derric said to me, while escorting me back to my rooms.

"Good luck for tonight!" whispered Liara before bidding me goodbye. I was going to need it.

I had a spring to my step when I entered my bedchamber. Ignoring the expensive gown, I sat at the dressing table and began to write a letter home.

Dear Father, Mother, Nimaric and Brimiar:

I've settled in just fine here in Athanarel. Uncle Danric, Aunt Mel and cousins Derric and Liara have went out of their way to make me feel at home, for which I have thanked them profusely.

Today, Derric and Liara introduced me to many of their friends here at court! Mother, I've met the children of your cousin Lady Tamara. They are pleasant enough, but Lady Tamora seems to dislike me for some unfathomable reason. Indeed, Lord Russell is as debonair as his father was, subtly flirting with me throughout. I did not fail to notice that most of the Lords also did the same, but paid not much heed.

I guess all the attention is making me popular in a way, but I certainly hope that the people I befriend like me for who I am and not what I am - a close relative of the Royal Family.

A ball is being held in my honour tonight. My first court ball! A pity you all will not be able to attend. I will enjoy myself, don't you worry!

I miss you all, and look forward to you arriving in a couple more weeks to attend my Flower Day!

Love Your Daughter and Sister,

Tylana Astiar
Having sent it, I started preparing for my ball, the excited grin and flush never leaving my face.

A/N: This chapter is quite draggy isn't it? I'm a newbie here, and am not very great at handling large groups of people talking at once. Especially introducing nearly ten new characters at once! I hope you like the way I presented their reaction to Tylana's arrival though. It was a stroke of genius! (Hahaz.) Anyway, I hope you like it cuz it's the best I got. Promise, the next chapter will be better, with the ball and all. Definitely more flirting and stuff between the various young courtiers

**A/N: Lots of thanks to my reviewers~ Only 2 for Chapter 3!!! Where the hell did the rest of you go??? J/k.heehee

ShadowGoddess - Derric looks like Flauvic? They only share the same coloured hair; Derric's eyes are green like his mother's. Besides, some resemblance cannot be helped since they are related in some weird way.

ChocolateEclar - Thank you, for reviewing every single chapter! As you would have seen, most of my character's names stems from that of their parents. I just fiddle with them and such. Glad that you are satisfied with who green eyes is and the reactions to Tylana.

***A/N: PLEASE read and review, it means a lot to an egotistical person like me. It also spurs me on to update sooner!!!