Upper-Class Gathering

[Darastrix]

((Anyone who has a character that would attend such a gathering is more than welcome to join in.))

Three nights after Marion's arrival to the Bard Guild, the Fell family estate was lit with torches outside, and the sound of music and light conversation could be heard from within. It was not a formal affair; those in attendance were dressed in light, gay colours as they met to celebrate Caelium's victory over Ekaitz.

Lord Fell could be seen by the fire, speaking with a group of older gentlemen, a few who were retired military men. Though he refused to talk very much about the war, any who asked his opinion of the whole affair would simply be told that it was about damn time and that he was glad to see the Kingdom finally prove its mettle.

Lady Fell was seated among of group of women, her son Tristan sitting at her feet, playing with a stuffed toy. Though it was rather unusual for so young a child to be present, nobody was going to gainsay the Lady of the house. Those most closely tied to the family couldn't really blame the woman besides.

Currently, Eril and Lara were performing a duet, Eril playing a grand floor harp and Lara singing a sweet counterpoint to the harpist's melody.

[Devon]

Marion arrived at the party looking better than he had in a long time. His face was clean shaven and his hair neatly trimmed. He wore a fine black coat with matching pants and a dark green shirt. His flute was polished and he was absolutely ready to play for this crowd. Entering the door, he nodded to Eril and waited for his duet to end.

[Kender Bard]

Laura ushered her husband, daughter, and son-in-law to the party. She hadn't meant to be late but last minute things always cropped up.

Luna, dressed in her favored ivory dress, hung on Xavier's arm with a possessive love and looked idly around the room. She had not really been much for the social circles in her life earlier and so was unfamiliar with most of the people here.

Laura had her arm looped in Saph's as well and her dress of silver and white shimmered gently as she glanced about. "Would you like to go greet Lord Fell?" she asked Saph, eye straying longingly for the cluster of women.

[Northen Light36]

Saph smiles at his wife's eagerness. "I think I will," he agrees. "You go and enjoy yourself with the other ladies, my dearest."

[Kender Bard]

"I will steal you away for dancing and dining soon," Laura promised and kissed him tenderly before walking over to Jane. "Lady Jane you look very beautiful," Laura greeted happily. "How is Talen'sul's most gracious hostess doing these days?"

Luna ignored the men group and pulled Xavier with her as she followed her mother over to the women's group.

[Devon]

Xavier tried his best to hide a sigh as he was dragged over to the women's group by his wife. Still he put his best foot forward, bowing and smiling to the ladies who were present.

[Darastrix]

Jane had already risen from her seat to greet Laura and Luna, and Tristan smiled widely and waved to the new noblewomen from his place. "Hi-hi!"

"You're too kind, Lady Laura," Jane replied with a smile. "You look lovely as ever. I've been well, though I still miss Zira terribly. Silly, I know, since he can just come home whenever he likes."

"Zi'a!" Tristan repeated, looking around as though trying to spot his older brother.

------

Eril paid Marion no mind while playing; he was focused fully on his performance. Once he and Lara were done, Lara started a light solo and Eril walked over to greet the other bard.

"Hello, Marion. You should be able to play once Lara finishes this piece."

[Kender Bard]

"Zira is a treasure and his presence is well missed in Talen'sul," Laura replied. She smiled warmly at the sight of Tristan. "Your little one is adorable."

Luna smiled slightly as well and felt an odd sort of constriction in her heart. She squeezed Xavier's arm tighter.

[Northen Light36]

Mentally giving a wistful thought in the direction of his brother, Saph heads over to join the other men. Flash was always so much more comfortable in these settings then Saph would be if he lived to be a million years old. "Good evening Lord Fell, gentlemen," he greets his host and those around him.

[Devon]

Xavier glanced at his wife and smiled, sending her a quick mental message. ~Are you all right Luna?~

Marion nodded to Eril and got out his flute to prepare himself for his performance. "Thank you again for this chance Eril."

[Kender Bard]

Luna smiled back at Xavier. "I'm fine." But underlying that was a faint and familiar murmur. Babies. Motherhood.

[Devon]

Xavier nodded in understanding until he caught the underlying thoughts floating around in her head. He was so surprised he had to cover his mouth and pretend to cough to keep from shouting out loud. ~Luna are you seriously thinking what I think you are?~

[Darastrix]

"An adorable handful," Jane said, bending to pick up her son. "His brother was such a quiet baby. Tristan seems determined to take after Zira's best friend instead." From her tone, one could guess that Jane wasn't sure whether that was good or bad.

Tristan snuggled into his mother's arms and turned his large blue eyes on Luna. "Pwetty," he announced to all within earshot.

-----

The other men greeted their liege lord amiably, all of them in good spirits. "It's good to see you, Lord Calder," William returned. "If you would, however, please dispense with the title. I don't need everyone calling me 'Lord' every few minutes to remember who I am."

-----

Eril nodded. "Just be sure to use it well. Since you've been playing for a royal court, I expect that I don't have to remind you to conduct yourself properly in such a setting."

[Northen Light36]

Saph smiles and nods in agreement. "I will if you well, William," he replies.

[Kender Bard]

Luna glanced at Xavier. Words weren't needed to convey the sense of agreement, but when Tristan exclaimed at her, her heart melted to pieces and she smiled with melancholy sweetness at the little boy. "And you are just the most handsome young man in all of Talen'sul," she rejoined. Laura grinned, though a part of her was surprised at Luna's attitude.

Luna then dipped into a little curtsy to Jane. Laura said, "I'm quite sure you remember my daughter Luna? This handsome fellow is her husband, Lord Xavier Kenway." Unable to resist flaunting her daughter's status a little, for the benefit of the other women, she added, "A personal adviser to Master Thelon himself."