| Flower Crown |
| Summary: | Evae comes to Paras for serious business. When Kenthadus happens along, hilarity ensues. |
| Date: | 2019-03-31 |
| Related: | A Secret Meeting and Bride's Gifts specifically. |
| NPCs: | None |
| Players: |
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| Paras |
| The Best City in the World. |
| 1875-03-31 |
A span of a few days since the meeting between the Duchess of Wayston and the Tribune of Auxillia, a moongazer arrives at Murias Castle. New, crisp parchment, inscribed in a delicate, elegant script, reads simply,
Your Grace,
It is my hope that this message finds you well. I hope that you will forgive me for not inviting you to visit the capital sooner, but I believe there is much you might learn to your advantage, should you desire to visit. The airships can deliver you here safely, and you have my own personal guarantee of your safety while you are within Imperial lands. You are, of course, welcome to bring your personal guard as well.
Yours in Grace,
Alia d'Meloni
The letter was received and a decision to visit was not hastily made. It was true that she had a desire to see the capital city, but with the situation as it was, it was something she had to think on. In the end the decision was made and the Duchess found herself upon an airship enroute. She knew at some point she was to speak with Darius, and she was hoping that she could familiarize herself with the city and have said meeting with this one trip.
She was travelling with a small entourage of her special guard, which had been given the name: "The Alpha Guard." It was a guard who was assigned to serve the Duchess in reference to the /alpha wolf/ idea. All in all she had decided to take six. She knew if anything was to happen, the guard would be powerless to stop it, but they would at least keep her safe while travelling and walking about; or so she hoped.
As they approached the city, the Duchess was hugging the railing, peering down at what was coming into view, exhibiting the surprise and wonder of a small child. "Can you believe this?" Words more or less spoken to herself. With the airship landing, her guard came into formation: Two in front, two in back and one on each side; the Duchess in the middle. The entourage excited the airship and the guard slowly parted, revealing the Duchess in full noble garb.
-
Alia, for her part, had been uncertain whether or not the invitation would be accepted. It had been genuinely offered, with no ill wishes or desire for duplicity, of course, but the West had been slow to trust the Empire. No, that was a lie. The West did not trust the Empire. Old enmities ran deep, and even the name Vir Sidus seemed to cause fear far in excess of anything that the Empire had done to urge such fear.
So, when she had received word that the Duchess Arkanin had agreed to the meeting, she had been well-pleased. The Duchess had not struck her, during their meeting as a woman who allowed herself to be ruled by fear. And so, Alia had ensured that proper accommodations were prepared, and that all that the Duchess and her party might require was made readily available, before she had departed the castle, if one could call it so, with how much renovations had been made to it to bring it into the Imperial mode, taking her usual compliment of guards to await the Duchess' arrival at the airship launch.
And so, as Evae stepped out, she would find Alia there waiting for her. She had no guards around herself, the half dozen arrayed behind her, leaving her free to approach the oncoming party. "Your Grace. Welcome to Imperial Paras." Alia made the distinction, for it had been Paras even before the Empire had claimed it. "I hope that you had a comfortable journey?" Alia, for her part, was not dressed in a formal courtly fashion, for she was ever a solider in the Legion. She had, however, replaced her more customary riding pants with riding skirts, in a deep, velvety black, in keeping with her usual dark sleeveless shirt and dark-hued lorrica. Again, she bore her gladius, the lightsilver and rose gold the only bit of light or colour on her person, save for the glint of a signet ring on her left hand.
-
The greeting from the Tribune was met with a proper head nod and a smile, wacing a dismissive hand to dismiss the guard behind her; in which they quickly filed into a lined position at her rear. "M'lady the journey was most pleasant and I must readily admit that if the city is as beautiful as it was from above, then I am certainly in for an exciting and splendid visit." She moves her hands to fold before her and begins to take a few steps closer to the woman. "Let me thank you in advance for your invitation and consider one extended to you if you should desire."
Her steps eventually take her to be standing directly in front, extending her hands in greeting. "I look forward to seeing your beautiful city. However, I cannot help but shake the feeling that the invitation served a greater purpose then simply wishing another to find an admiration for Paras."
-
Alia did not wait for Evae to come to her, but instead, approved at a matched pace, so that they two women could meet in the middle distance, which was as much a courtesy as an unspoken acknowledgment that there was no desire for Evae to feel as though she were the one coming to Alia, no feeling of the supplicant, rather than the equal. Alia took the hands offered her, her own slightly rough, calloused with the obvious signs of a life spent at work. "I thank you for the return invitation. perhaps one day soon, I will see the sights of your great city. Much like you here, I have never been there."
Evae's observation brought a dip of Alia's head, as she released the Duchess' hands, allowing her to fall into step with her as Alia led the way off of the launch and down onto the cobbled stones that marked the path toward the city, "The compliment is well received. I find the city quite beautiful, though, I think their are those who remember Paras as it was who would rebel at the sight of what has been done to it. But, I think perhaps we all seek to make our homes a reflection of who we are and what is dear to us, whether or not those who live outside can appreciate it."
"Rooms in the castle have been prepared for you and for your men, and I think you will find all the comforts of home," Alia's smile warmed those words, "Save perhaps for the view of your mountains." But she did not allow Evae's comment to go unanswered, "Yes, it is more than a friendly visit. I felt, perhaps, that if you would join us in battle against our mutual enemy, you might wish to learn more about them in order to better prepare your House and your military forces for the war to come."
-
There is a small side smile given to the Tribune as Evae continued to walk beside her; her guard having fallen in behind them, but giving her the respected distance. "Does our station ever allow us not to deal with business of our respected lands?" Her shoulders drop slighty with a small exhale, but are rightback up again as the Duchess regains a posture of regality in public. "I would love for you to come to Murias and Bellmoore, however I must warn you in advance the beauty is /different/ than what I have seen here. A rugged beauty if you would permit me to say."
Words spoken are done so with a continual glance of what they are walking past, taking in the sights and sounds of a culture she has only true heard about in tales and spread word of travelers. "I thank you for your hospitality on the behalf of myself and my guard. They are most protective, but I assure you that they will not hinder and if asked to do so will leave me alone should we need to discuss anything away from other ears." As they walk by varous merchants, Evae cannot help but pause in her step, or veer slightly off to run her hand along an item that she simply has not seen in Wayston. "I must got shopping before my return."
The walk continuing, the Duchess has no changed her focus, placing her hands behind her back as she follows. "So you think Darius would consider such an alliance? I must say it would be beneficial to both factions, but this is a conversation that can be had behind a closed door. Yet, you speak of getting to know the enemy, but I fear that in order to do so, that would be you would have to have the enemy in your possession." The Duchess stops in her step and turns to face Alia fully. "You have a Qatunax prisoner. Don't you?"
-
"There are rare occasions, but only just," is Alia's amused reply, "There was a time, many years of my life, when I could be only Alia, apprentice and later partner to Millicent Durant. A Guild Alchemist who spent her days pushing boundaries and trying not to accidentally explode something that did not need to be exploded. And when I came to the Empire, I thought I would be that, until the battle that allowed us to reclaim Candeo from the Qatunax, the keep west from Paras that guards Steven's Pass, which leads to Hellsmouth. And suddenly I found myself both the Tribune to Auxillia, managing all of the alchemists and the commander of the keep, charged with its rebuilding and the defense of the pass." Alia's amusement warmed, as she continued, "Darius believed in a trial by fire, I suppose." A curve of a smile, "Now Candeo is under the command of another, and I have moved on to other duties, but still, I do find time to be only Alia now and then.
As they walked, Evae might notice that most, but not all of the merchants and ware-sellers were Imperial. Indeed, she might note merchants from both Aequor and Galenthia, as well as some which were quite likely from the other Western nations. Whatever the nobility, it seemed, thought of the Empire, merchants clearly saw an opportunity for coin, and had taken advantage. She might also notice that while the city was both guarded and defended, there was no feeling of the city being a military prison. People moved about their daily duties and simply enjoyed moving about, be it from house to work, from work to Church, and about their general other amusements. "You are welcome to remain as many days as you like. For life should not be all business and no pleasure, and their are many wares you might enjoy. I have no doubt there will be times when we must speak privately, but your safety will be guaranteed whether your guard are with you or not."
"Yes, I believe Darius would consider such an alliance. There are no end to rumours about him, but in my experience, he is a man of keen mind and great skill in words and deed. Though he was born with the title of Princeps, and rose to the rank of Praetor through his own efforts, he has both displayed and earned every ounce of the qualities that both of those positions require."
Alia's eyes settled on Evae as talk turned to the Qatunax and she turned to face the Duchess, "Yes. A…bride's gift, of a sort, from Ludovic. He and his raiders brought them in last night. But it is not simply seeing the enemy, it is knowing them as well. I do not know how much you have heard of the weapons and skills which they apply to the battefield, nor how they treat their enemies."
-
Her eyes are narrowed as the talk of the Qatunax finds her ears. It was no secret that the Qatunax were always on her mind and plagued her nights. She was not going to let the loss of Rogers go. The loss and sufferage of her people was something she would never forgive herself for and in truth blamed herself. "A bride's gift? " Her eyes went to the ring on her hand a brow was raised. "A ring like that…it was not Ludovic that sought your hand then, was it?" She had yet to completely put all the pieces together."
There was a small pause from the Rose of Bellmoore, a moment of contemplation at what was said, but her thought was interrupted by a small passing girl, tugging on her dress. The Duchess' eyes cast down and offered a warm smile, noticing the young child. A few words were spoken by the child hastily and a small flower offered. The flower was taken as Evae's eyes watch the child dart back to her mother. "What did she say?"
The flower was carefully tucked into her hair and she resumes her inquiry. "I have heard some, tales from my father and Cervantes that make what I know of Barbarians seem like men of the cloth. Vicious people who kill their own and slaughter babies." She makes a narrowed eyed face of disgust. "I would very much like to lay my eyes about these heathens that The One will assist in ridding from my lands." Her eyes find those of Alia, locking onto her glance. "And they are /my/ lands."
-
"I think he might have done, once upon a time. He said as much to me, many months ago. He lamented then that if only I had chosen to remain Aequorian, that he felt I might have made a good Viscountess. But I had already given my allegiance to the Empire. And it was only a political consideration, as there have never been romantic feelings between us, and it was not, for me, a sound enough match to remove other options from the board." There was something mercenary in the words, bt honest as well, and Evae would be no stranger to that. Nearly the whole point of noble marriages were politics, and trying to jockey for the best placement and position of your pieces on the board. Alia did not remove the ring, for it was a precious thing, though she did offer her hand so that Evae might see the mark of the Imperial eagle there, as well as the laurel leaves and arrows that surrounded it. "No, this is Darius' signet. Imperial traditions are odd, I suppose. I am both his betrothed and his wife, for he may not marry until such time as his military service has been completed. And yet we are as closely bound now, as we will be then."
Alia paused, as she looked down at the small girl, her words soft and lyrical, in the way of imperial. "She called you a nymph, but wanted to know why you'd forgotten your flower crown." But such an interlude did not last overlong. "The slaughter everyone, men, woman and child or enslave who they cannot. They practice both blood and fire magic. And use the bodies of our dead for their offerings of blood and organs and bone."
-
"Marriages for alliance and convenience are common. I find it quite seldom that a marriage in our station out of pure love and adoration ever occur. In the end it is abiout power and tradition and many find themselves nothing but a bargaining chip in what is nothing but a dangerous game. I wish you both the best and happiness." She raises a finger to tuck a strand of hair back behind her ear, choosing to not have worn her hair up for this excursion, the long locks hanging over her shoulders. "It would appear that I walk beside the most powerful woman in Vir Sidus."
"The Qatunax are a civilization that must be removed from our lands and their culture erased from our knowledge so that generations to come will not know of their horrors. Their sacrifice of my people for their rituals will not go unpunished and by the hand of The One I will have my vengeance. I want to see them." Her words were direct and spoken in a commanding tone often not heard spoken by the soft voiced Duchess."
-
Kenthadus had decided he was done with wherever he was before and had hitched a ride with an airship and is now wandering through Paras his hands tucked behind his back as he looks at the various buildings and listens to some of the dialects frowning some as well he's got no clue what they're saying in that odd language that's so close yet so far from the common he speaks. Then there's the small army of guards likely around Evae and Alia and the man grins a bit as he saunters towards them slowly of course to prevent said guards from attacking him, "Oye there lovely ladies." He offers Alia a bow of his head, "I remember you from the meeting with Dovi and the Prince..Eps?"
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Alia's smile was warm, and genuine, at Evae's well-wishes. "Thank you, Your Grace. I am quite content with the match, and I am fond of Darius." Which was always a benefit. "Yes, in one way, perhaps, but I am still Alia, and you may call me so. I was broken of the habit of requiring titles long ago." But ever, the threat and worry of the Qatunax stole such small pleasures as this and Alia nodded, "It is my firm hope and belief that the day will come when they pose no threat to us. But the road to such a victory will not be without cost and sacrifice. But it will be done." The conversation was set aside, momentarily, as she caught sight of the movement of both Evae's guards and her own, as a familiar figure made his way towards them. "Ah. And I remember you. Kenthadus, was it not? And yes, the Princeps."
-
It was true, the calling out by Kentahdus' approach does cause Evae's guards to take a few steps forward, but a non-glancing raised hand and a flick of her fingers and the group of six "Alpha Guard of Wayston" step back once more. The Duchess regards the man carefully, seeming dissecting him like an animal would their prey. "Hello." Yet shen then allows the Tribune to greet him more properly as it appears she knows him. However, the man is given a welcoming smile from the golden haired Arkain.
"If we are to go without title, then please Alia, call me Evae. Let us stand as friends." She tilts her head to the side, regarding them an before them as he approaches once more, still speaking to Alia. "We will be victorious. There is no other option. Failure means the loss of everything, much more than human lives…our culture as we know it."
-
Kenthadus nods a moment, "Yes Kentahdus. Although most just call me Kent." He looks over towards Evae and gives a grin, "You look stunning. And I'd say that with the crests over there you would be one Duchess Arkanin? Interesting to see you here with the Imperials." He reaches into his cloak and pulls a Tavi move and produces a pair of flowers offering Evae a yellow thornless rose and Alia a fiery crimson rose also without thorns.
-
Alia dipped her head in greeting, the guards giving the trio room to speak, "Kent is it then. I am Alia." Though it was likely he knew the name already. Still, it was a good thing to be polite. Amusement crinkled her eyes as she saw the address given Evae, though she offered another dip of her head as she was handed her own rose, the slight shiver that came before possibly from the gesture, but just as possibly not. "Another flower for your flower crown, Evae."
-
The city had not yet ceased to amaze the Duchess, and the presentation of a flower out of nowhere by a complete stranger caused the woman to blink a few times, extending her hand to accept it with a slight stammer from the usually elegant spoken Duchess. "I…I…well thank you Sir. Kent. It is beautiful. It leads me to question if you have an entire garden in there." She looks over to Alia who also has a rose but of a different color. "If I am to continue walking in this city, I shall have a full crown within the hour." Another glance tossed to the man whom she only knew as Kent. "That I am. The Duchess of Wayston. And seeing as my profession as it were remains in my name…what is it you do? I mean besides wander the city and hand out flowers? From the looks of you I think you are much more then a wandering gardener." She moves to tuck the rose into her hair alongside the one the small child had recently given her.
-
Kenthadus grins a bit and nods, "You don't like it Alia? Perhaps another color would suit you better?" He smiles towards Evae, "No sir here m'lady just Kent. I'm just a scoundrel of a sell sword. And scout. But I travel and offer my services where it might be needed."
-
Alia shook her head, her smile returning, "Not at all, Kent. The flower is quite beautiful, and I thank you for it." She held the stem lightly in her right hand, as she watched the banter between Evae and the flower bearer, "And were you acting as a scout during our meeting, or a scoundrel? And which are you now? I would say at least the latter." But those last words brought Alia's quiet laughter.
-
"Well a scoundrel is open to interpretation. There is no shame in being a sellsword. We all need to make a living somehow. Not all of us are handed all that we have." There was a pause in her words as she added to the side. "Well I was..but that's beside the point." Her hands once again are clasped before her. "Thus, until otherwise you are not a scoundrel in my eyes, but Gardner Kent." She offers a smile with her words, looking over to Alia. "Well I suppose that depends on your definition of a scoundrel and Gardner Kent's intentions. I clearly do not think he wishes us any mal intent. I mean the roses /were/ thornless." She looks between the two once more. "Am I correct in my assumption Sir Purveyor of Petunias?" She raises a hand to touch her rose. "I thank you for it. It is lovely."
-
Kenthadus grins a bit, "I'm always a scoundrel Alia. But I was serving as a sell sword at the time." He shakes his head as he opens up his cloak, "No garden in here though m'lady. And I suppose Gardener is as good a title as any. Oh no m'lady I'm a scoundrel. I flirt shamelessly and have no respect for my… betters. But I'm also quite worth the contract price for my services so. There's that."
-
Alia glanced to Evae at her aside, "Indeed. But even those things that are given to us require work, if we mean to keep them." As for the sellsword cum gardener, "I have no trouble with scoundrels, in so far as being who they are. But it is like anything, whether we are meeting on a field in line with each other or opposed. "As for betters…that is a matter of debate, at least here in the Empire. We are all citizens. There are no peasant here, and we gain only such titles as we earn through our own efforts. So, in many ways, you may be whomever you wish to be here."
-
I have much to learn, and much to understand. Things are different here, but by no means do I say they are wrong. Tradition and culture vary from place to place and quite frankly I welcome it and long to understand it fully. Especially with the Qatunax. Understanding is the key to victory, knowledge wields the sword upon the battlefield." She raises a brow for a brief moment, regarding Kent one more. "Well, I must assume you are very good at what you do…in your line of work those who are not are weeded out quite quickly. You know through death and the sort. I shall keep your name in mind should I need anything." She then turns to Alia. "So tell me Alia, your people through hard work and perseverance can rise to what ever level they seek to achieve?"
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Kenthadus looks towards Alia and nods, "What she said. I want to rise to a position to get a castle." He grins a bit as he looks over towards Evae and raises an eyebrow, "Oh yes well if I wasn't I'm sure I would have died in the great raid of Four Corners. Or in any of the wars between then and now."
-
"It is refreshing to hear you say so, Evae. having grown up in Aequor, I have seen too well how the stratified the people are. How social status and nobility limit the potential of any one person to rise and often keep those who should fall in a position they do not deserve, simply because of the perception of the nobility of their blood. here in the empire, there is a single social class, such as it exists in the West. No lineage of blood. I am no different from my soldiers, for example, or from the merchants you see, though in the West I would be considered above them simply because I was born to a House of noble blood. But there are 'classes' in so far as one can work to achieve for themselves. They can complete their required military service, for example, and claim the right to be called a Citizen and have the ability to vote. They can become a Senator and lead a Gens, or House as they are called in the West. And there is something like nobility, but that is something gifted to you by the Emperor or Empress, and is won and lost by your actions alone. All serve the Empire in some way, and all may be rewarded for that service."
Alia's gaze and attention turned to Kenthadus, "Should you wish to rise to such a height within the Empire, that route is certainly available to you, Kent. But it is no small thing to pledge yourself to the Vir Sidus. While you would be welcomed, I have no doubt you are well aware of how we are viewed within the other kingdoms of the West."
-
Evae listens to what they have both said and takes a moment to reflect, checking her posture before replying. "I have no doubt Kent that in time, if you so desire, you will achieve whatever it is you desire. Remember though, there are many out there who will use you for their own personal gains. Accept what you chose, but keep in mind that a sellsword or not, those you choose to assist can often have dire effects or make you question your moral standing. Money is money, but everyone has a price of how far they are wiling to go to push the boundaries of who they are and their morals." She takes a moment to look over to Alia before adding. "Especially me."
Another soft smile is given and the woman's soft tone continues. "It appears that those with ambition to do so can make a name for themselves and their generations to come. Your success relies on your drive and willingness to be better than your father before you. I admire that. And afterall, when we are dead and gone, it is others who will speak to the person we were and don't we all wish to be remembered fondly?"
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Kenthadus looks over at Alia and raises an eyebrow, "So one could rise to running a house hmm? Not sure I'd want that sort of responsibility. And I'm aware of how the west views us. Or rather how the empire is viewed." He looks toward Evae. "You have a low opinion of mercenaries m'lady? At least that's what it seems but realize we're often more honorable than those we serve." He grins a bit and shrugs, "I mean how often do you hear of a mercenary company turning on those who have a contract with them?" (never)
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Alia tilted her head to the side, considering Evae's words, though she clearly took no offense to the implications there, replying, instead, "We all have limits to what we will and will not do, even under duress. The trick is to find the middle ground between what we wish to do and what we must do, and make peace with it within ourselves when events around us require more than we might otherwise be willing to do, if we had only our personal desire to consider." Kent did not go unreplied, "Then I would say that you would never be called to rule your own House. In many ways, you set your own terms here, as well as the rewards you desire for your service."
-
The Duchess seems to agree with what both of them has said, making only a slight effort to defend her words."I merely meant…everyone has their limit. For instance Kent. If I were to pay you to go and take that child's flower from her hand and push her over, simply because I wanted it…is that a contract you would take? We simply have limits. And for the record I would never ask such a thing. I don't have a low opinion of mercenaries. For the record I have used them regularly." A drift of her glance now to Alia. "You speak the truth. There is a fine line between what we must do and what we desire. I did not desire to imprison my own sister, but it was required to avoid further conflict."
-
Kenthadus chuckles and shakes his head, "Not worth the pay to hear her cry." He looks over at Evae and hmmms, "Oh tell me more? Is she as pretty as you m'lady?" He grins a bit as he looks towards Alia, "Yes but I'm more of a free spirit I enjoy being able to travel from kingdom to kingdom and not have to worry about where I'm going and where I came from."
-
Alia's humour brightened her eyes, as she looked between Evae and Kent, "Oh, I do not believe, in any case, that adding another flower to your crown would require such a callous action, I am nearly certain that a scoundrel as clearly skilled as Kent must have another tucked away somewhere. Three, after all, is a number of power." Alia rolled the thornless stem of the rose she still held between her fingers, "I too love the travel, and I have been fortunate enough to have been able to travel both for pleasure and for business, though, it is nice to know that I have a place to which I can always return."
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Evae levels her eyes on Kent, a small smile given to him as she responds to his inquiry. "Well she /was/ quite lovely. She is dead. So, I cannot attest to her current beauty." She says nothing more about how her sister had died or whether or not she had a hand in it. "Your flattery will get you everywhere Kent. Every woman loves to hear how beautiful they are." She nods once to Alia's words. "I do not mind travel. I certainly do not regret this small trip thus far. Yet, I agree, there is nothing like home and the comfort it brings, unlike the feeling of being a stranger in a strange land."
-
Kenthadus chuckles and looks over at Alia and then back to Evae, "Oh I see. Well in that case if you did desire a new flower for your crown name the type and color and I'll see how long it may take me to procure one for you." He grins a bit as he stretches like he's preparing for a challenge.
-
"I would hope that you will not regret the trip after, either, but that will remain to be seen." And for now, Alia had to leave it at that, as the Purveyor or Petunias seemed inclined to present more of his wares. "I shall not be the one wearing the crown, of course, but I think perhaps yellows and soft orange blossoms might suit, or a rose such as has the look of flames to it. I have seen paintings of those, though never one in person."
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"I would hope that you will not regret the trip after, either, but that will remain to be seen." And for now, Alia had to leave it at that, as the Purveyor or Petunias seemed inclined to present more of his wares. "I shall not be the one wearing the crown, of course, but I think perhaps yellows and soft orange blossoms might suit. She took a moment to consider the sellsword, "A flower crown must have a proper array of beautiful flowers, should it not?"
-
It would appear that Evae was have a different sort of crown before she returned home. "I think I may like that. Wayston is much more inclined to the land and a sense of commonship then the other Duchies of Galenthia." She raises a hand once more, this time with 1 finger in the air. One of her trusted guards shuffles his way forward and stands beside her. "Etienne. See to it this man is paid a coin a flower, but no until after he has present said flowers. I do not wish him to use any money to achieve it. That is your challenge Kent. Find enough flowers to create a flower crown fit for a Duchess using only your charm to do so. Are you up for such a task?" She smiles over to Alia and puts a finger ot her lips, tapping in thought. "Do you think he can do it? I like your choice of colors. They may play well with my hair color."
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Kenthadus grins a bit, "Charm? But what if I have them right here with me? Yellows, soft oranges. Maybe a few soft reds as well?" He circles Evae as he looks her over, "Yes I think I could produce a flower crown fit for a Duchess. But I'd prefer to make one fit for a beautiful lady. Duchesses can be so stuffy and stuck up."
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Alia's laughter burst out of her, bright and merry, "He is not wrong there, Evae. I have always had cause to believe that there is an instruction manual out there that one is handed along with your first fan." Though the language of the fans was not so well developed in Galenthia as it was in Qequor. Alia did step out of Kent's way, as he began to circle the Duchess Arkanin, eyes both amused and curious. She did not offer her rose to become part of the crown, however. Selfish woman. "A few reds would be lovely, yes, and a fine accept to such golden hair."
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She was no the subject of a few more eyes as the sellsword had begun to circle her like a a lion waiting to pounce at the perfect moment. "Are you calling me stuffy and stuck up. I am not..okay maybe a bit, stubborn yes. I will give you that." There is another small pause. "I will /totally/ give you that." The Duchess stands perfectly still, eyes following the circling man. "Have you ever done this before Kent, or am I going to be the first vic…I mean recipient?" Her eyes drift over to Alia and she nods slightly, not wanting to move as if she was being measured for a dress. "I am so glad you find this amusing Alia." There is a smile on her lips however as she starts to accept it. "Can it have some wolvesbane? I mean if you can find such, we do have it in the mountains of Wayston. Beautiful purple."
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Kenthadus grins a bit as he looks over towards Alia and then back towards Evae, "I'd say you'll be the first recipient of a flower crown. And I'd never call you stiff and stuck up m'lady." He winks at her, "I'd call a Duchess that and you're not acting like a duchess." He pulls a net of Wolvesbane from his cloak and reaches up to settle it atop of Evae's head, "A good start I would think." Then he begins to pull flowers out of various pockets and spots after a moment as he begins to… braid them together until a full crown of flowers to go with the net of wolvesbane, "This should do. And no need for any coin m'lady I'd settle for a kiss." He taps his cheek, "Unless you felt obligated to pay with coin."
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Alia watched the performance in silence, amusement still alight on her features, but there was something considering in that look as well, as she watched Kent spirit the flowers from here, there, and everywhere. Even the rose she had been turning in her fingers had still, though she did not allow it to fall as she watched the crown take shape, brought into being by the sellswords clever hands and Evae's willingness to stand still while the arrangement was set on her head a piece at a time. "The contrast of the purple is quite beautiful, Evae. That was a wonderful choice." Her gaze settled briefly on Kent, "And the work is magnificent."
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And still she stood, like a statue, actually thinking if she even breathed that the crown would fail. Even her words were murmurs through half open lips. "I trust your work. Does it look good?" Her eyes roll upwards as if she could see it. "Duchess in title, but one with the people. Ask anyone in Wayston." Her hands hang down at her side perfectly straight, smiling at those passing by and stopping a moment to peer at what is going on. "My mother would always leave a bouquet of wolvesbane beside my bed when I was a child. It's an Arkanin thing. The whole wolf motif." In regards to the kiss on the cheek request, the Duchess is accommodating. "Very well. I suppose you have earned such. Bring your cheek close." And if he was to do so, the kiss would be placed upon the cheek, the scent of rosewater smelled.