Post by Exemplar of Demacia on Jan 5, 2014 20:40:51 GMT -5
March 6, 21 CLE
The evening was quiet and the air rolled off of the sea, soft and cool. The sound of waves gently lapping among the wharf pilings and stone seawalls of the military shipyard was drowned out by musicians and a hum of conversation. The simple courtyard beside the ocean was dressed in its finest decorations, set with tables draped in fine linen, and subdued with a crowd of waiters and nobility. This was an evening of celebration, and sitting beside the nobility, albeit at their own separate tables, where officers and midshipmen waiting to board their new vessels.
Three ships sat proudly in the harbor, having been eased down for the first time into the waters of the Conquerors Sea a few minutes before. They were glistening still, fresh with paint and lacquer, and their crews too looked their best in formal attire. Epaulets and honors decorated the mob of white uniforms, a contrast to the dark and vibrant dress of their noble complement. Glasses were filled with Champagne only after a bottle each was broken on the bows of Zephyr, The Defiant, and Integrity. The blessing of the ships was complete, and all that was left of the night was to enjoy the crowns hospitality. No one was yet dancing.
The Prince, Jarvan IV, sat at a table closest to the docks, a prime spot to view the ceremony. He had handed the wine bottles to each captain, and now sat with several of his own guests, drinking and relaxing. They were Knight Captains, the two men who sat at his table so similar in age if worlds below his rank, and the three seemed to be enjoying themselves. A waiter took away an empty bottle while another poured from one new. Jarvan IV stood and raised his glass to the ships while his two fellows rang their spoons to their glasses, calling the attention of those seated.
"To the Royal Navy!" The Prince said, turning toward the Captains and Midshipmen seated across from them.
Post by Liliana Daysworn on Jan 6, 2014 0:36:17 GMT -5
The ceremony was flashy enough. Champagne broken out, wine being served after bottles were smashed and the party was... slow but what could you expect from something like that? Liliana was, as always, dressed appropriately for the gathering but it appeared Tianna had been forced into something a little more showy. The Lord of Daysworn clearly had something in mind, and he told them as much on their rickety ride to the docks. He told them to look for Prince Jarvan, directing his words to his elder daughter.
Still, the Prince was handsome even from afar but Liliana was careful not to stare. Still, as attractive as he may be, both of the Daysworn daughters didn’t seem all that interested in approaching him. But only she knew that because she knew how Tianna acted when she liked someone – really liked someone and this was not it. But their father was having none of it and it was amusing to see the way he put on his most humble smile and stride through the crowd to introduce himself to the King just in case His Grace had forgotten who he was exactly.
Tianna and Liliana stood there, the older sister gulping down her drink faster than a dehydrated lion at a watering hole while the younger swirled the liquid around the glass. She knew Tianna didn’t want to be too sober for what their father intended to happen next.
“King Jarvan,” Devrin called, “My apologies for interrupting, but I would like to congratulate you on these marvellous ships. It has been a while since I’ve seen such expert craft.” He nodded as if it were the most obvious fact in the entire world. Then he made to look abashed, “Oh, forgive me. I am Devrin Daysworn, Lord of House Daysworn. I hope your Grace remembers me.” He gave a small smile though his eyes darted towards where the Prince was seated.
“What do you think of him?” Liliana mused to her sister, who was busy going through her third glass in less than five minutes. They were seated now and she was trying not to lean on her elbow out of boredom. When Tianna didn’t respond, she tapped her fingertips against the clothed table and continued. "He seems nice enough. Better than that other Lord, right?" Still no response. The older sister was looking a little more than just tipsy now and Liliana decided it would be best to remain quiet. She settled on watching their father pander to the Lightshields instead and though she could not quite hear what he was saying, she could only imagine.
Post by Exemplar of Demacia on Jan 6, 2014 2:49:01 GMT -5
While Jarvan IV sat on the border between sailors and nobles, his father sat amid the tables of the old houses, chatting with admirals and council members. Jarvan III had long since given up on the hope that his sons path to rule would fit neatly in his own footsteps, so for now it was enough that he was present. He admitted to himself that his son's choice of company had its own advantages, one being that the people felt more connected to the monarchy when The Prince would choose to sit with Knights instead of Dukes. The King only hoped his son wasn't missing out on making connections to the old blood that he would regret when finally he took the throne.
His son's future was a constant concern, and having drawn his attention The King was doing a expert job of half listening to the Rear Admiral's anecdotal evidence that Mirai Sirens should never be trusted, when Lord Daysworn approached. "Duke, don't be so modest, how could I forget the Lord of House Daysworn? I'd need many more of these before that came to pass." He swirled the liquid in his glass to emphasize. "Please, come." The King motioned for him to come closer, though there seemed no extra chair was present.
Jarvan IV drained his glass before sitting down amid cheering and clapping. "What do you say we take a closer look at one of our new ships after things die down?" The younger Knight followed suit with his drink. "We only just got started. Let's not get ahead of ourselves." He smiled, and when he did you might have mistaken him for a noble's son, his bright eyes and fair skin set him apart from the other Knight Captain."You haven't introduced us to any beautiful women."
"Anyone you meet tonight will be out of your depth Eric." The older of the pair sipped his drink slowly, his dark hair and beard framing a serious expression which only concealed his tavern brawling, wild eyed nature. "Look, don't touch. Enjoy the food." To this Jarvan IV could only laugh. "Don't touch indeed! Listen to your elder, Eric. If he has to remind you of that, I wonder what else you've forgotten."
"Of course my Prince. I am on my best behavior for you, though I have to say I don't envy your options. I'll leave the noblewomen all to your Grace."
Post by Liliana Daysworn on Jan 6, 2014 4:30:24 GMT -5
Devrin inclined his head towards the others who accompanied the King, but he could not recall their names. Nor did he care to, as he felt rather ecstatic that his Highness had remembered his name. "Of course," he smiled, pearly whites flashing, "But I am sure your Grace will " He stepped closer as his King commanded, immediately noting the lack of a free seat. Undeterred, he smiled again. "I am honored that you would offer me a place with these noble men, but I was hoping if I could speak with your son... ah, Prince Jarvan."
Lord Daysworn leaned forward, his blue eyes glinting, "My daughters would be absolutely thrilled if they could speak with him, even for a minute." Then he was back to where he was, a pleasant smile brushing his face. "But of course, I understand that the Prince may be busy celebrating with his companions." Though Devrin Daysworn knew of the King's oncoming woes of his son and prospective female suitors, he did not show it. However, it was no great secret that Daysworn had two potential daughters and that the Lord had been seeking for an opportunity for years now.
The loud cheers and claps forced Liliana's eyes open, which had been drooping from both boredom and drowsiness. She had been up all night reading one of the books she had been gifted for her 24th birthday, which meant little time for sleep. Tianna was now downing glasses of water in an attempt to remain sober though Liliana knew that her sister was well-known for being an expert at drinking and maintaining composure.
Liliana saw the Prince sit down and she sighed. Her father was still talking with the King and she knew that while Lord Daysworn was not a patient man, he had all the time in the world for his Highness. Especially if it involved showing off Tianna, who looked prettier with that rosy flush to her cheeks. Liliana took another sip of her drink, the liquid warm now. She accepted a small morsel of food from a travelling tray and nibbled it once before popping it in her mouth. She was confident no-one was looking.
"He's handsome, isn't he?" Tianna's words were slightly slurred, but it wasn't all that noticeable. Liliana swallowed the delicacy before turning to face her sister, who was all but staring at the Prince's table. "I can... can see his eyes from here, wow!" Tianna made to stand, but Liliana's firm hand on her knee stopped that intent right in its tracks before the oldest Daysworn daughter could make a fool of herself.
"You're... talking about the Prince, right?" Liliana asked nervously, and Tianna's tittering said otherwise. "He might be handsome, but you can't--" Tianna's eyes were surprisingly sharp despite the amount of alcohol she had consumed. Liliana knew that look, and she pressed her lips together in silence as Tianna turned to back to swoon over the young knight by Prince Jarvan's side.
Post by Exemplar of Demacia on Jan 7, 2014 1:25:44 GMT -5
"Your daughters?" There was a short pause before The King replied. "I'm surprised they haven't yet met. By all means, introduce them on my behalf. I might myself, but the admiralty has my attentions tonight." With that he raised his glass to those seated around around the table and with a slight nod dismissed Lord Daysworn. The long-winded Rear Admiral resumed his story with gusto and the King turned with an invisible, but nonetheless formidable effort not to roll his eyes. This would be the last time he'd be invited to The King's table, heroic conduct or not.
"My options? And what do you mean by that Knight Captain Stonewatch?" The Prince's face turned serious. Anger shown in his eyes and he fixed them on the younger Knight. Eric was suddenly deflated. He looked between the Prince and his fellow captain with a growing nervousness but before he could think of what to say, the Prince broke into laughter. "HAHAAAH, Eric you're a good duelist but a gullible dupe sometimes."
Eric went to wave his fist at the Prince, instead banging it on the table with a sigh. "Damn. You had me." "Not me." There was a long silence before the older Knight started to laugh as well, shaking his head as a waiter holding an unopened bottle tried to grab their attention
Post by Liliana Daysworn on Jan 7, 2014 7:34:48 GMT -5
Lord Daysworn smiled graciously and bowed low. "Thank you, my King. I am sure they will not disappoint you." He excused himself to the other Lords before one of them launched into his story. He saw the King's reaction and gave him a sympathetic look. The Admiral looked more than ready to tell everyone the story, not caring if they wished to hear it or not. Devrin listened for about five seconds before excusing himself quietly (not wishing to interrupt the man) and turned to find the Prince.
Prince Jarvan was seated with his fellows, talking quite loudly now that he was a little closer. Devrin Daysworn never considered himself a cautious man, but he was feeling a little more than hesitant. He did not want to make a fool of himself or of his House. One of the poor serving men was looking quite lost with himself, not wanting to interrupt the rambunctious table but not knowing if he should leave those glasses empty.
Devrin came to his rescue when he took the bottle himself and waved the waiter off before smiling brightly. He introduced himself to the Prince and his honorable Knight and Knight Captain while holding the bottle out. "Good evening," he said, "I hope I am not interrupting anything important, but I was wondering if the Prince and his fine companions would like more drink in their glasses," he indicated with the bottle.
Post by Exemplar of Demacia on Jan 7, 2014 22:18:48 GMT -5
The three men had just started a humble bet on which Rear Admiral would be chosen to fill the soon to be retired Vice Admiral Legrand's position. "Goss is the man of the hour. That recent sinking of that pirate ship is all anyone is talking about, and the most action anyone is seeing outside of a staring at a passing Noxian flag. He's even sitting with The King tonight. Laugh, but you cant beat those odd's." Jarvan IV shook his head slowly. "You haven't met him. I have. Eric, I'm surprised he ever made Rear Admiral." The older knight was about to speak when Lord Daysworn made his presence known.
Pour their drinks? The knights, feeling terribly out of place, did not extent their glasses until The Prince held out his own, and then only reluctantly. "Milord" "Milord" echoed the pair, and the prince nodded respectfully. "Has our waiter been lost? To whom do I own the pleasure?" He wasn't sure what to make of the interruption, but turning down a noble so richly dressed would be out of the question. Jarvan IV wracked his brain for a name.
Post by Liliana Daysworn on Jan 7, 2014 22:45:54 GMT -5
Lord Daysworn merely smiled. He knew that it was a surprising gesture - one that would not have been extended to anyone other than a Lightshield. "Worry not," he responded pleasantly, "Your waiter has been momentarily replaced," He tipped the bottle delicately and he began to fill the trio of glasses, spilling not a single drop on the fine white table cloth. Far from insulted that he had been forgotten, he placed the bottle onto a passing waiter's hand and gave a small bow. "I am Devrin Daysworn, current Lord of House Daysworn and it is an honor to speak with you again, Prince Jarvan."
He then gestured to the Prince's companions, "An honor too, to be in the company of such brave knights." If the knights were the Prince's companions, then it would only do good for him to extend his politeness in their direction. He didn't know who they were, nor did he think to ask as he returned his gaze onto the Prince. "I am here to ask of you one small favor," Devrin's eyes flickered to the King, then back to the Prince. "I am here with the Lady Daysworn and my two daughters - who are more than eager to speak with you, if I may be so bold to say."
Another bow was offered, "Of course, I understand if you have more pressing matters to attend to."
Post by Exemplar of Demacia on Jan 8, 2014 21:38:54 GMT -5
Eric started to push his chair back as if to stand but Jarvan IV put a hand on his shoulder. "For forgetting your name Lord Daysworn, I am remiss. An introduction is the least I can do." He stood to face Devrin, pushing in his chair. Glancing left and right he wondered what table they were sitting at, and who his daughters were. Hopefully not some dreadful clinging harpies. He would hate to upset his father in public, but only so much ingratiation was tolerable. Then again Devrin was a Duke, and they'd probably be sufficiently cold and haughty to preclude fawning. "Lead on." Following, he gave a quick look back to his friends, shrugging his eyebrows. No use wondering, he'd know in a minute.
Post by Liliana Daysworn on Jan 9, 2014 6:48:25 GMT -5
"Tianna, stop staring," Liliana insisted, not daring to tug her sister's arm, but attempting to move to a different chair in order to block Tianna's dreadful drooling over the knight. She had no idea what had gotten into the older girl - only that this was definitely not a good sign. Especially when it was clear that their father had succeeded in convincing the Prince to play along. "At least make it less obvious." She decided that there was no point in trying as Tianna simply moved her chair to look over Liliana's shoulder.
As Lord Daysworn drew closer with the trio, Liliana nudged her sister who finally seemed to snap out of whatever daze she was lost in. Draining her last glass of water, she stood along with the younger girl. Devrin Daysworn gave them a look of warning right before he turned with the same smile he had been giving all night. "My good Prince," he said proudly, "Allow me to introduce to you my two daughters. Tianna Daysworn, my eldest," there was no mistaking the tone of his voice, "And my youngest, Liliana."
Lliana was unperturbed as she curtsied politely while her sister did the same, albeit a little more unsteadily. "It is an honor to meet you, Prince Jarvan." She said, smiling just as she had been taught. Again, Tianna did the same and it did not go unnoticed. Lord Devrin Daysworn was not a man one wanted to upset, and the vein in his neck told the sisters that Tianna had better stop following the younger sister's lead.
The Prince was, as expected, as handsome as he had been from afar. With a strong jaw and deep eyes, it was no surprise that many girls fawned over him so much. Tianna didn't have a lick of interest in him, however, and her eyes kept darting to the knight beside him. Liliana saw nothing particularly interesting or strange about the knight. In fact, he looked perfectly normal so Liliana gave a little cough which was enough to bring her sister out of her reverie. The older daughter flashed a practiced, charming smile at Jarvan and began to talk with him, asking all the appropriate questions a noble daughter may ask and especially one of House Daysworn.
Liliana remained quiet at first, only speaking when spoken to but otherwise unwilling to drag herself in. Her father had moved to the side, still skirting along the conversation but was more than happy to let things run their course.
Post by Exemplar of Demacia on Jan 9, 2014 21:49:57 GMT -5
Their path wound through the tables of the nobility, and it wasn't long before he spotted the Dukes table. His daughters were looking their way, or at least one of them was. When the Duke introduced Tianna and Liliana Jarvan IV was surprised. These were faces he would likely have remembered had they met.
"Likewise." The older one was closer to his age, and she wasn't overeager to meet him. Perhaps she was being considerate but she seemed distracted, almost disinterested at first. When they got to conversing she was truly charming, but Jarvan IV wondered if she truly wanted to speak to him or if it was the drink talking. Her smile was bright and easy. It was obvious she'd been drinking, but a woman who wasn't above celebrating with the navy over their latest achievement, he couldn't frown on. She seemed friendly with Eric and Wenly, who he introduced as Sir Stonewatch and Thayke respectively. A smile and a kind greeting was as much as most nobles would deign for his common friends, but she seemed very sincere and both Knights demonstrated their best manners.
Then there was Liliana, who kindly let her sister do most of the talking. She gave him her full attention, as fair as her sister and quite shy, but that was all that he noticed beyond the piercing color of her eyes, a blue that was both dark and light in places. "May I ask what you ladies think of the new ships?" Lord Daysworn seemed to perch at the edge of the table, apart from their group. "Did they tell you about the new hull design?"
Post by Liliana Daysworn on Jan 10, 2014 4:49:06 GMT -5
Tianna's laugh almost seemed to falter in mid air as Prince Jarvan asked her, or them, about a subject she was not familiar with in the slightest. She glanced over at Liliana with a subtle, pleading look but all the younger girl could do was smile encouragingly. So Tianna smiled again, "They are wonderful, of course. As to be expected from the shipmakers of Demacia." The next question was a little more difficult to respond to, but at least he hadn't asked her the ins and outs of the thing. "I believe they did. Again, simply marvelous!" Lord Daysworn looked about ready to execute someone.
Liliana quickly responded in a similar manner, though added, "It is just my humble opinion, but I believe the wood they use may not last too long if they are to sail through rougher waters." Not that she knew anything about ships, just from what she had read in her novels. Still, it was something and if she ended up making a fool of herself then it would be all the better for her older sister who almost seemed relieved that Liliana had butt in with 'her opinion', humble or not.
Before Lord Daysworn could speak up about his youngest daughter's brashness, Liliana stepped forward suddenly and gave a small curtsey. "How about a dance?" She said, a smile breaking onto her face; it was one quite unlike her sister's practiced expression. The youngest daughter liked dancing (as long as it isn't with Sir Macallister, who was unfortunately blessed with two left feet) and she felt as if that may be a good enough idea to stave off the oncoming awkwardness. She gestured to where a circle of nobles were standing, watching those who were brave enough to move their limbs to the music.
"I understand if the Prince is uninterested," Liliana said quickly after one look at her father's murderous visage, "But it would be an honor, at least, to dance with Sir Stonewatch or Sir Thayke. I am terribly interested in the difference moves a knight may learn as opposed to the ones I may have been subjected to." Her easy smile meant her words as friendly and playful, though her father probably seemed to think otherwise.
Post by Exemplar of Demacia on Jan 10, 2014 19:43:08 GMT -5
Nodding away a slight disappointment, Jarvan IV was surprised when Liliana had more to say. He hadn't a chance to reply when she asked to dance. "When you put it that way, I'm sure that Eric or Wenly would be delighted." And sure enough they were. Wenly started to step forward but Eric saved him the trouble, bowing low and taking Liliana by the hand. "A pleasure my lady."
They were off to the dance floor quickly, which was predominantly made up of noble's with a smattering of navy men in white. There were few female officers dancing however. The combination of unflattering dress uniforms and noble proclivity was to blame. Still, the dancers were lively. Sir Stonewatch smiled and danced with moderate skill, only once taking an extra step before shuffling back into the rhythm. It didn't seem to dent his confidence, and he made a little conversation as they waltzed. "You dance beautifully Lady Daysworn, I hope I've not disappointed."
The ships interior had needed reinforcement because of the added abuse that their metal plated hulls developed from cutting lower into the waves of large storms. Jarvan IV wondered that she could have noticed it, but brought his attention back to current company. "Do you enjoy dancing Tianna, or is conversation more to your liking? Before we came over, Sir Thayke was just offering to tell a story he had heard about a travelling merchant couple."
As Jarvan finished his sentence Sir Thayke grew slightly pale and after a moments pause in his drink, declined on the grounds that he had forgotten it. "So sorry about it Milady, perhaps some other time." "How does life fare in the southern foothills?" The Daysworn were well known for their vast holding in great barrier mountains of southern Demacia.
The Prince was versed in the politics and families of import. The trading empire and accumulated wealth of the Daysworn was no secret, and made the short list of families that his father cautioned against offending. It had been a while since Jarvan IV had been to the southern plains and mountains.
Post by Liliana Daysworn on Jan 10, 2014 23:59:01 GMT -5
Even up close, Liliana couldn't really see anything about this man other than the fact that he was what she guessed most knights would be; dashing and charming. As she was lead away by Sir Stonewatch to the circle of waltzers and ballroom dancers, she could not help but cast a quick glance at Tianna. Hopefully the older girl would not ruin the opportunity she had just provided.
The night was closing in on them now, and Liliana could not help but smile at the rising fireflies, the pins of soft yellow light dotting the air with an almost magical glow. But there was a time and place to admire, and she wasn't allowed to get caught up in the moment. Turning back to the knight, she moved her hands where they were meant to be and began to dance, just as she was taught.
The knight certainly was nice, she thought as she smiled. "You flatter me, Sir." Liliana's eyes drew in Sir Stonewatch's hair, messy brown yet strangely endearing in its tussle and gleaming white teeth. It was a shame she did not think more on it. He was, in a sense, a picture to admire like a knight from picture books. That was probably it - he was too dashing to be real. "You dance just as well as any noble!"
Tianna, in the meantime, was halfway between wanting to dance with the knight himself and just telling the Prince that she really had nothing interesting to say. Still, she held out, if only because her father had marked her with a glare she knew all too well. Tianna smiled quickly, "I do enjoy dancing, my Prince, and it is quite alright, Sir Thayke." Then with her attention back on the Prince, "Conversation or dance, it matters not so long as I am not standing here like a bore!"
Though she immediately regretted saying that, Tianna continued on smoothly. "It is a wonderful place to be. Fresh air, high towers... and the occasional strange noise echoing from over the mountain tops." She laughed softly, a jest. "But I quite enjoy life in the inner city, though perhaps my Prince would like to visit us one day?" She couldn't recall the last time Prince Jarvan had journeyed to Daysworn lands - no doubt because their father preferred to travel into the city.
The eldest daughter hesitated, then extended her hand. It was an interesting contrast to her younger sister's bold proclamation but her father would have preferred it this way. "Would my Prince care to dance?"
Post by Exemplar of Demacia on Jan 11, 2014 1:23:12 GMT -5
There was a movement in the dance that made it difficult to talk, so the Knight waited until they were dancing close again. He grinned, eyes darting left and right slyly before responding. "If it's true Milady, don't say another word. I spy a few noble gentlemen nearby who might misinterpret your compliment to their dancing skills."
He didn't show it, but the man was nervous. She was perhaps the youngest noblewoman he had ever danced with, and again not a lesser noble. He was immediately worried his joke had been a mistake. That was usually how he found trouble, telling jokes at the worse moments. When the song had finally finished, he bowed low and looked up hopefully. "Again?" Eric was used to dances much longer and more strenuous than the formal and graceful ones that were appropriate for this kind of celebration. He wasn't winded yet, and he thought he could tell that she was enjoying herself.
His friend relaxed a little when she took the pressure off of him, downing his drink with a smile. If only she knew the contents of the story, a tale that barely fit for less refined social circles. He would have to get Jarvan IV back for putting him on the spot. Stoic and attentive, their waiter topped off Jarvan's glass. It was slightly annoying considering it had been three quarters full already. He drank it back down and just held the glass on the off-chance it would annoy the man."I was just thinking it has been too long since I have seen that part of the countryside." When she offered her hand it was a relief. Dancing would be more natural than talking under the silent observation of Lord Daysworn.
"I'm honored." Her hand was soft and cool, but The Prince was used to beautiful women. It had been a long time since a pretty face intimidated him, however fair. When they reached the dance floor he noticed Eric and Liliana standing together. The next dance was about to start.
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