Heart Duel
Chapter 5: Dancing Queen
Disclaimer: I only own the characters' descendants from Crown and Court Duel, which belongs to Sherwood Smith.and not me.
* * * * *
I spent the day practicing dueling in the garrison courts in the company of my newfound friends.
I am good with the sword, handling it with proficiency. This seemed to take the courtiers by surprise, as my father and aunt were not especially good at the sword.
Feeling triumphant after beating Lord Russell yet again, I grinned mischievously at Derrick saying "How about a bout Derrick?" "No, thank you," was his brisk reply.
"Afraid that I will beat you now, are you?" I said with a smile, my hands on my hips. This instigated laughter from the avidly watching crowd, and mock anger from Derric.
"As if! I'll take you on any day, Lana!" with that said he jabbed his practice blade at me, which I easily parried. Our blades crashed together noisily as we both attempted to defeat the other.
I kept my eyes on his every move, trying to discern an opening in his defense. My chance presented itself when he tried to trip me by sticking out his right foot.
Jumping out of the way, I thrust my blade towards his arm (the one wielding the blade), jabbed it swiftly, at which he yelled in pain, before hooking my blade through his and wrenching it out of his hand with a deft flick of my wrist.
Lifting my arm upwards, I pointed my blade towards the base of his neck.
"I yield," he said, with his hands in the air. "Please don't kill me, I'm too young too die!" he added in a pleading voice.
Lord Russell patted him on the back with a sigh and said, "Join the club."
"What club?" asked Derrick in surprise.
"The 'We Lost to Lana Club' of course!" he said with a straight face.
While dueling, we talked about the various fashions and plays currently playing at court. It seemed that the current fashion at balls and such, was for the guests to entertain themselves by singing or dancing.
I thought that it was such a splendid idea!
Although it would mean that the many dance troupes, drama theatres and choirs would lose a fair bit of income.
I was a fair dancer, having been schooled personally by my mother on the different court dances. Learning about country and line dances by attending the fairs we had occasionally back in Tlanth.
My real forte was singing. No one in my family has or had a great voice, so it came as a great surprise to everyone that I could sing. It seemed that I began "singing" when I was a baby, humming the songs of the Hill Folk from my cradle as they wafted through the air outside my window.
Maybe I might have a chance at singing tonight!
Amongst our varying discussions about plays and fashions, was a rumour that a delegation from the Emperor's court in Erev-Li-Erval (the Empress or Aranu Crown in Mel's time had passed away, leaving the throne to her declared heir who had a wife of Hrethan descent) would be arriving at about the time my Flower Day would be held, for reasons yet unknown.
Most of the young Lords and Ladies, including myself, were very much excited at the prospect of seeing some new faces around, some probably hoping to contract a good marriage of sorts!
Night soon fell. We departed yet again to our own private rooms to get ready for the ball. Derrick had said that he would escort me down the grand stairway to the ballroom, as I was the guest of honour, and would be opening the ball. I laughed inwardly at the striking resemblance we would have to his parents!
I had meticulously planned my attire for the evening. My satin gown would be a midnight blue, with a sprinkling of diamonds at the front of the bodice. The cut of the gown fit me like a glove, yet it had a modest square neckline. The sleeves made of the same material, clung closely to my upper arms and flared at the lower arms. The full skirt hid my dainty feet from view, but did not hinder my movements.
Louise placed my diamond tiara upon my head of auburn curls, and fastened it in place. Diamond studs glittered in my ears, while a diamond choker encircled my slender neck.
"Thank you, Louise." I smiled appreciatively at her, as she curtsied and backed away.
I was ready! Taking deep breaths to calm my rapidly beating heart, I walked out into the hallway, to find Derrick making his way towards me. After performing an elaborate bow, he gallantly offered his arm, which I took with a grin. We walked arm in arm across the hall to the gallery that overlooked the ballroom, and stopped at the landing at the top of the grand stairway.
The tasteful way in which the ballroom had been decorated took my breath away.
"Its like being under the sea isn't it?" breathed Derrick close to my ear.
"Its beautiful!" was all I could manage.
There were streamers and ribbons of every shade of blue and green imaginable hanging from the chandelier in the middle of the ceiling to the walls. Silvery pieces of gauze hung from these streamers and ribbons, acting like a misty veil.
The music started at a footman's signal, as Derrick and I walked down the grand stairway with umpteen faces turned towards us. At the bottom of the stairs, the various courtiers many of which I had not met curtsied and bowed like flowers in the wind.
I smiled and curtsied in return feeling the ecstasy and excitement inside me reach greater heights. We made our way towards the raised dais, which had been specially constructed for my introduction.
I curtsied in the formal way to the King and Queen, both who looked resplendent in their Royal finery. Derrick handed me to his father with a bow, while Uncle Danric kissed my outstretched hand before pulling me up the dais to join him and Aunt Mel.
Turning around, I saw that the courtiers had all positioned themselves to face the dais. Those who did not know me looked upon my flushed face with mild interest, whispering amongst themselves.
"I thank you all for taking time to attend my niece's introduction ball." Said Uncle Danric in a booming voice, surprising for one who seems so subdued.
"May I have the honour of introducing to you, Lady Tylana Astiar of Tlanth, daughter to Count Branaric and Countess Nimiar of Tlanth, and niece to my wife Queen Meliara and myself." He added, after the applause had died down.
Aunt Mel smiled at me jovially and with a playful shove at me said, "Go and dance!"
Uncle Danric extended his hand to me, which I accepted graciously, and led me to the dance floor. He was a wonderful dancer, and charming in every single way possible! I could see why Aunt Mel had fallen in love with him.
Hopefully, I would be able to find such a man!
After dancing with Uncle Danric, I danced with Derrick and Lord Russell, amongst others, all whom were fair of face.
I spied Lady Tamora waltzing happily in Derrick's arms, laughing whenever he spoke. Flirting with him almost outlandishly!
However, Derrick seemed almost impervious to her charms, acting as if she flirted with him all the time. On second thought, that must be true!
The ball ended with me receiving yet another round of applause. By now, I had met the famously beautiful Lady Tamara, her debonair husband Lord Russav and other court figures whom were the parents of my peers.
A/N: I'm so sorry about the lack of romance so far, but I promise it'll most probably be coming in the next! Got his name and stuff all down.there is also going to be some excitement and mystery in later chaps, so stay tuned!!! To those of u who want to be notified every time I update, send me your email address in the review!(
**A/N: Now to thank the reviewers!!!
ChocolateEclar- thanks yet again, its wonderful to be able to chat with a reviewer!
Steph- My COUSIN!!! Sorry but I dun think I'll be able to add your name or shar's in.lol!
www- thanks for the compliment.keep reading.wongwan ROX!!! Hahaz
Melian- hopefully my paragraphing in this chapter is better!
Valsong- thanks.u know who u r!
Elizabeth Keys- Sorry about nothing interesting happening at the ball, but there will be in the next chapter!! I am glad u like where it is going.
Oy Angelina- Loving "Pensieve" so much! Thanks for R/R-ing and the compliment.please don't even shoo puppies with your foot! Hope you'll stay tuned!
Chapter 5: Dancing Queen
Disclaimer: I only own the characters' descendants from Crown and Court Duel, which belongs to Sherwood Smith.and not me.
* * * * *
I spent the day practicing dueling in the garrison courts in the company of my newfound friends.
I am good with the sword, handling it with proficiency. This seemed to take the courtiers by surprise, as my father and aunt were not especially good at the sword.
Feeling triumphant after beating Lord Russell yet again, I grinned mischievously at Derrick saying "How about a bout Derrick?" "No, thank you," was his brisk reply.
"Afraid that I will beat you now, are you?" I said with a smile, my hands on my hips. This instigated laughter from the avidly watching crowd, and mock anger from Derric.
"As if! I'll take you on any day, Lana!" with that said he jabbed his practice blade at me, which I easily parried. Our blades crashed together noisily as we both attempted to defeat the other.
I kept my eyes on his every move, trying to discern an opening in his defense. My chance presented itself when he tried to trip me by sticking out his right foot.
Jumping out of the way, I thrust my blade towards his arm (the one wielding the blade), jabbed it swiftly, at which he yelled in pain, before hooking my blade through his and wrenching it out of his hand with a deft flick of my wrist.
Lifting my arm upwards, I pointed my blade towards the base of his neck.
"I yield," he said, with his hands in the air. "Please don't kill me, I'm too young too die!" he added in a pleading voice.
Lord Russell patted him on the back with a sigh and said, "Join the club."
"What club?" asked Derrick in surprise.
"The 'We Lost to Lana Club' of course!" he said with a straight face.
While dueling, we talked about the various fashions and plays currently playing at court. It seemed that the current fashion at balls and such, was for the guests to entertain themselves by singing or dancing.
I thought that it was such a splendid idea!
Although it would mean that the many dance troupes, drama theatres and choirs would lose a fair bit of income.
I was a fair dancer, having been schooled personally by my mother on the different court dances. Learning about country and line dances by attending the fairs we had occasionally back in Tlanth.
My real forte was singing. No one in my family has or had a great voice, so it came as a great surprise to everyone that I could sing. It seemed that I began "singing" when I was a baby, humming the songs of the Hill Folk from my cradle as they wafted through the air outside my window.
Maybe I might have a chance at singing tonight!
Amongst our varying discussions about plays and fashions, was a rumour that a delegation from the Emperor's court in Erev-Li-Erval (the Empress or Aranu Crown in Mel's time had passed away, leaving the throne to her declared heir who had a wife of Hrethan descent) would be arriving at about the time my Flower Day would be held, for reasons yet unknown.
Most of the young Lords and Ladies, including myself, were very much excited at the prospect of seeing some new faces around, some probably hoping to contract a good marriage of sorts!
Night soon fell. We departed yet again to our own private rooms to get ready for the ball. Derrick had said that he would escort me down the grand stairway to the ballroom, as I was the guest of honour, and would be opening the ball. I laughed inwardly at the striking resemblance we would have to his parents!
I had meticulously planned my attire for the evening. My satin gown would be a midnight blue, with a sprinkling of diamonds at the front of the bodice. The cut of the gown fit me like a glove, yet it had a modest square neckline. The sleeves made of the same material, clung closely to my upper arms and flared at the lower arms. The full skirt hid my dainty feet from view, but did not hinder my movements.
Louise placed my diamond tiara upon my head of auburn curls, and fastened it in place. Diamond studs glittered in my ears, while a diamond choker encircled my slender neck.
"Thank you, Louise." I smiled appreciatively at her, as she curtsied and backed away.
I was ready! Taking deep breaths to calm my rapidly beating heart, I walked out into the hallway, to find Derrick making his way towards me. After performing an elaborate bow, he gallantly offered his arm, which I took with a grin. We walked arm in arm across the hall to the gallery that overlooked the ballroom, and stopped at the landing at the top of the grand stairway.
The tasteful way in which the ballroom had been decorated took my breath away.
"Its like being under the sea isn't it?" breathed Derrick close to my ear.
"Its beautiful!" was all I could manage.
There were streamers and ribbons of every shade of blue and green imaginable hanging from the chandelier in the middle of the ceiling to the walls. Silvery pieces of gauze hung from these streamers and ribbons, acting like a misty veil.
The music started at a footman's signal, as Derrick and I walked down the grand stairway with umpteen faces turned towards us. At the bottom of the stairs, the various courtiers many of which I had not met curtsied and bowed like flowers in the wind.
I smiled and curtsied in return feeling the ecstasy and excitement inside me reach greater heights. We made our way towards the raised dais, which had been specially constructed for my introduction.
I curtsied in the formal way to the King and Queen, both who looked resplendent in their Royal finery. Derrick handed me to his father with a bow, while Uncle Danric kissed my outstretched hand before pulling me up the dais to join him and Aunt Mel.
Turning around, I saw that the courtiers had all positioned themselves to face the dais. Those who did not know me looked upon my flushed face with mild interest, whispering amongst themselves.
"I thank you all for taking time to attend my niece's introduction ball." Said Uncle Danric in a booming voice, surprising for one who seems so subdued.
"May I have the honour of introducing to you, Lady Tylana Astiar of Tlanth, daughter to Count Branaric and Countess Nimiar of Tlanth, and niece to my wife Queen Meliara and myself." He added, after the applause had died down.
Aunt Mel smiled at me jovially and with a playful shove at me said, "Go and dance!"
Uncle Danric extended his hand to me, which I accepted graciously, and led me to the dance floor. He was a wonderful dancer, and charming in every single way possible! I could see why Aunt Mel had fallen in love with him.
Hopefully, I would be able to find such a man!
After dancing with Uncle Danric, I danced with Derrick and Lord Russell, amongst others, all whom were fair of face.
I spied Lady Tamora waltzing happily in Derrick's arms, laughing whenever he spoke. Flirting with him almost outlandishly!
However, Derrick seemed almost impervious to her charms, acting as if she flirted with him all the time. On second thought, that must be true!
The ball ended with me receiving yet another round of applause. By now, I had met the famously beautiful Lady Tamara, her debonair husband Lord Russav and other court figures whom were the parents of my peers.
A/N: I'm so sorry about the lack of romance so far, but I promise it'll most probably be coming in the next! Got his name and stuff all down.there is also going to be some excitement and mystery in later chaps, so stay tuned!!! To those of u who want to be notified every time I update, send me your email address in the review!(
**A/N: Now to thank the reviewers!!!
ChocolateEclar- thanks yet again, its wonderful to be able to chat with a reviewer!
Steph- My COUSIN!!! Sorry but I dun think I'll be able to add your name or shar's in.lol!
www- thanks for the compliment.keep reading.wongwan ROX!!! Hahaz
Melian- hopefully my paragraphing in this chapter is better!
Valsong- thanks.u know who u r!
Elizabeth Keys- Sorry about nothing interesting happening at the ball, but there will be in the next chapter!! I am glad u like where it is going.
Oy Angelina- Loving "Pensieve" so much! Thanks for R/R-ing and the compliment.please don't even shoo puppies with your foot! Hope you'll stay tuned!
