Castle Chambers

[Zoelleannah]

{from the gardens}

:: Zoelleannah's Chambers ::

She had made it within the Castle and now walked up the staircase to the chamber she had been told to go to. Once she had found her quarters, she opened the door and stepped within the room. Her eyes scanned the place, it was quite big and something she surely hadn't expected. With that she closed the door behind her and walked across the floor towards the window. Once she had made it there she looked outside and saw the Castle Gardens below. She then looked up and saw the stars glitzen upon the sky with the moon sitting high in the midst of them. It was such a calming display as was going into thought and was thinking back to her homeland, lying in the high regions of the highlands within the midst of heather and other wildflowers that grew up there. Covered only by the blanket of stars. She didn't know how long she had been standing there but the screech of a snow owl brought her back from to reality and with that she walked from the window towards the bed and disrobed from the fancy garb. Placing them down all neatly and then slid into bed. It didn't took her all to long before she ahd fallen asleep and she was resting peacefully until morning...

The next morning she awoke, gotten from the bed and went to freshen up. Once she had done so, she dressed into her old garb that had so magically arrived within her room the night before. She had to chuckle lightly over Drak, he had really done everything in his might to make her go to the ball this evening and yes he had won for that she had promised him she would meet him there. She then grabbed the things she had gotten from Drak lastnight and was now making her way from her chambers down the halls to the Lady Kiante's chambers...

{To Kiante Arrives in Secret}

[Zoelleannah]

{From Kiante Arrives in Secret}

Zoelleannah was now making it down the halls once more to get to her chambers and with that she would step into the room and would wait until it was time for her to be going. She walked over to the shelf that contained some books and then sat down on the cushioned chair before the fireplace as she decided to read. She was well educated and knew about other cultures and was multilingo as well. She flipped open the book and began to read, surely it was the most exciting book to be reading but for the time being it would kill of some of her waiting time. In the longrun she would be having something to do before she had to meet with Drak. It was actually peaceful as she sat there and was realxing to the crackling fire with its amber glow. She ones every so often looked up and over to the fireplace as the flames where licking there way up the rugged stone wall. She wondered if she could ever get used to this sort of lifestyle but shrugged lightly for that she didn't know. She did miss the freedom of the lifestyle she had before yet it was one of those roughing it types where one never knew what the next the brought. She then went back to reading and after a long while of anticipation and waiting, it was time for Zoelleannah to make her way towards the ballroom, where she would meet up with Drak to celebrate the Winter Solstice Ball that was being held there. With that she laid the book aside and then walked across the floor towards the door, as she then slipped from the room and made her way down the hall and then desented down the one stairwell and crossing the floor to the other one. Lightly stepping onto the first of the steps but hesitating to step up any further. She stood there for a moment looking up the stairwell, then turned slightly and looked down to the entry door. Folk from all walks of live would be attenting the ball, it was told that everyone was invited no matter of Noble or Commoners and this was making her slightly nervous...

{To The Winter Solstice Ball Thread}[/i]

[Camelot Guards]

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Duncan led the small group down the hall allowing the Lady's to take the lead. He had lowered Ariana from his shoulders and let her walk with Nia, Jezebel and Adair as he and yound Dare lingered behind. "What can I do for you, young man. I must say you look great as a sprite. I am sure you were the best costume there among the men." He smiled as he spoke then winked whispering. "And I bet your mom was the best looking Lady in the room as well." He laughed them and then awaited to see what the young child had to say. He opened his hand offering it to Dare as they walked.

[Ladvinia]

With Duncan agreeing to talk to him Dare blurted out his question"  Are you gonna kiss my mommy' Ladvinias eyes grew wide with shock" Dare you dont ask those questions to people you dont know " she said in shock. " But he kisses Ariana!" he said looking at the floor

 Ladvinia shook her head and stared at the floor , sometimes children were so embarassing. Dare spoke agian more forcefully " Well Sir Leafy Man , are you? " he repetedly his brown eyes deep with innocnce " DARE ARTUIS PENDRAGO ! " Ladvinia said " I am sorry M'Lord " she said as she grasped Dares hand and held tightly.

[Camelot Guards]

Duncan laughed at the child and smiled nodding as his mother chastised him. "It's all right, Mlady. I have one of my own children remember?" As Dare looked down and sniffed he squatted on his heels and looked him in the eyes lifting his chin slightly.

"Dare, I have to be honest. Yes, I kiss Ariana because I am her daddy. Just like your mommy kisses you. But I promise you... I will not kiss your mommy unless you say it's ok." He smiled up at Ladvinia and lifted his mask. Still talking to the child now but looking at his mother. "And I would like to kiss your mom someday." He looked back down at the child and smiled again to reassure the little boy.

[Ladvinia]

Dare looked into the face of the man  he didnt like his mom scolding him infront of people.  But his face brightend when Duncan said he wouldnt kiss his mom unless he had permission. " OK Leaf Man You can kiss my mom " he said bounding off to walk with Ariana and he wisperd his new screat to her " I said it is ok for your dad to kiss my mom" he said in a very proud voice .

 Ladvinia watched as her son ran off with his new friend and arched an eyebrow at the man before her . It was not an arch of anger or embarassment but more out of amusment . But why would he want to kiss her? she couldnt help but wonder  as she smiled inwardly ... It had been along time since any man had showed any intrest in her. What could she offer anyone.?

[Fiamma Bella]

It was none of Jezebel's business who was kissing whom. She simply tried not to listen to the conversation as it was not hers to listen to. She blushed deeply knowing next to nothing about these things. How extremely old fashioned and kind of Duncan to ask first of the son what he wished to ask of the lady, Ladivinia.  She smiled softly at the romance of it all and let them have some time alone as she took Adairian into the makeshift nursery. Already he was fast asleep having been lulled by his mother right outside the ball room.  Jezebel knew the boy was no match to the Lady of the Lakes soft voice and soothing tones. She gently laid him down in his bed. He stirred and stroked his hair away from his face, something that imitated his mother's touch and soothed him back to sleep from being moved. WIthin moments the trick worked and Jezebel took a seat beside the bed.

[Camelot Guards]

Duncan offered his arm to Ladvinia and smiled at her raised eyebrow. "Have no fear Mlady, I promise not to kiss you without your permission as well." He laughed softly and led them all into the nursery where he parted from Nia to grab Ariana and put her to bed.

He would sit there and sing an old lullabye he always sang, of a woman awaiting her Knight to come home from war and love. Ariana smiled and closed her eyes to hum along as she fell asleep. Often though, he looked up to see if Nia was doing all right with Dare and then would look back to his daughter before she saw him.

[Ladvinia]

Ladvinia smiled at Duncan and accepted his arm and watched as Dare ran a head. She had never been to the nursery and hoped that Dare would go down quickly. As they enterd the nursery Lad grabed Dare and started to put his pajamas on through all his arm waving and chattering .

 " Sush Dare others are trying to sleep" she said finaly putting him down . She began to wisper a soft melody of growing up in a mystical land where  pain didnt exist. She watched as Dare's eyes closed and his breathing went  deep and heavy. She stood up and looked to where Duncan was putting Ariana to bed she coudnt help but overhear his rich voice singing and she was lost in the story his song told as she sat at the end of Dares bed

[Camelot Guards]

Duncan had pulled his mask off as he sang and when he finished, he leaned down and kissed Ariana on the forehead before rising. Turning to see if Nia was done, he smiled as she was watching him.

He walked over and offered her a hand to pull her gently to her feet. "Mlady, I am honored you liked well enough to listen. Shall we traverse the halls and take the long way back to the bustle of the ball? Perhaps I can catch the song I head in my ears of your own tune to your son?" He offered the crook of his arm once more and nodded to Jezebel offering the other arm. "Come, Lady Jezebel. Come join the adults and let the Nursery maids see to the younguns tonight. Tis not often we get a night from our angel watching to relax as adults. Let me be the most envied man there with the two finest women on his arm." He winked at her teasing and smiled genuinely to show he was not jesting.

[Fiamma Bella]

The two entered with their children putting each in their respective beds. She smiled softly at Duncan. "Thank you for your kind offer Sir knight, but I am charged with Adairians wellbeing this night. I shall stay by his side. Besides, I dont like crowds... they make me nervous. I would much rather be here than there. I am sure the Lady will be more than enough to make you the most envied man." She smiled once more and bowed her head for his kind offer and then once more to Ladivinia as well. "Please, go enjoy yourself good sir and good lady."

[Ladvinia]

Ladvinia blushe as he spoke of her listing " I am sorry M'Lord I did not mean to eavesdrop but your voice is very beautiful and I fear that if I listened too long you would put me to bed." she siad with a slight laugh.

 "Yes let us go back to the ball . Lets us dance and be merry for it has been a long time since I have had anything to be merry about" she said with a musical laughter and accepted the crook of his arm and layed down the train of her dress so it would drag gracefully along the floor.

As Jezebel declined the offer of Duncans other arm Ladvinia looked back to her sleeping winter sprite and blew a soft kiss to his sleepy body.

[Camelot Guards]

"The night will surely be less bright without your presense, Lady Jezebel. But I applaud your dedication to duty. Just be sur duty does not rob you of all happiness." He bowed regally to her then took Nia's arm and headed for the door smiling at his own daughter as they passed.

Once in the hallway he looked left and right and smiled. "So, My good Baroness... which way shall we head back? To the right is the swiftest route to cheerful revely and drink and dance. To the left is a more winding private walk to the same end. I bow to your rank and gentility and let you choose which inner Keep path we shall take this night."

He stepped to the center of the hallway and released her arm facing her so he could motion to either side of him as he gave her the choices. His mask was in his hand and his eyes twinkled with mischief as he watched her mentally choose before speaking.

[Ladvinia]

Ladvinia looked at both ways back to the ball , the swifter root would lead them quicker into the dancing but would end any conversation . The longer route would provide ample time to get to know one another now there werent any children roaming around . Ladvinia didnt want  to distract him too much from the ball . So she stood for a moment and ponderd.

 "M'Lord I am Baroness only in title , I still think of myself as the poor country girl who came to Camelot some 7 years ago. But since you are allowing me to choose I choose the longer route so as we may get to know one another a bit better then  we would if we were to take the shorter route. But if you feel that your presence is needed sooner at the ball I will scrafice my conversational time for your time of duty. But you have my decision and I leave the rest up to you" she said with a deep curtsey.

 Ladvinia gazed up at him , he was quite tall and to her five foot frame towerd over her.  She had noticed that while he had removed his mask many a time , she had yet to . To her it showed he was open to allowing her to know whom he was and not keep his identy a unknown fact. She had yet to allow him to see her without a mask. The more she thought about it the more she realized she was hiding behind a mask made of glittering diamonds. And as that thought passed through her mind a sudden feeling of not having the honour to be as finely dressed crept over her.

[Camelot Guards]

<< combined post with permission>>>

Duncan moved to slide his mask back over his features and bowed in a flourish. "Baroness is the title given you and the title all shall know you as and call you by as is fitting you." He hooked arms with her and they began down the left hallway. The longer route and the one that will give them time together.

Ladvinia moved closer to Duncan as he led her off down the path. " My lord Baroness is only a tittle that is it , I have no other say then you. But M'Lord if we may let us talk about you for  I fear that you may know too much of my history for me to dvulge anything you do not know." she said with a grin holding up her dress a bit as not to trip over it.

Duncan laughed and nodded to her patting her hand. "And King is all a title as well. The power you have is as much as you choose to wield. Any within this Keep would do your bidding cause of your status Mlady. But as you wish, we shall speak no more of it. What can I tell you of me? I am Captain of His Majesty?s Guard and the Protector and I are friends. Ertai was a dear friend as well and thru him and his time here, I got to know you. I even came to your aid once when you first arrived in Camelot. I was the Guard who helped bring you thru the crowd of those wishing you harm.? He smiled then and hoped she would remember. He knew long ago she was beyond his league. A TRUE Lady of Camelot. But this Ball had given him the chance to get close to her. And if this were the only time it would happen, he would see to it he made the best of it.

" I do not know if I could wield power I am not one to exibit power to benifit myself " she said in a soft voice  " I rember  Dear Ertai and Llewe'lynn is here?' she said not knowing that there were others here whom knew her from before." I couldnt even tell you thanks enough for rescuing me that day . If I had not been rescued I would have left Camelot forgood . Then maybe I would not have caused trouble as I had " She said ruefully there were manythings in her past she had regreted. If her father was still alive then she would be dismissed from the family for at twenty-two years old she was an unmarried mother . Her father would not have stood for that. As she walked she thought about how comfortable around Duncan she was and how Dare had taken to him quite well, and for Dare that was A feat for he had never had male compaionship in his life. She began to wonder if maybe there was another reason Duncan would have wanted to escort her and Dare to the ball , other than out of duty and respect for the king?

Duncan listened. He remembered that day and it was what had drawn him to her when he passed her in the hallway the night after she arrived. She hadn't seen him, but he had recognized her. "I have a confession to make, Lady Ladvinia." He licked his lips and coughed slightly in embarrassment. "I asked a boon of the King night before last. I asked permission to escort you to the ball and stay by your side this evening. I hope I was not out of line for not coming to you personally. And I understand if there are others, once we return to the Ball that you wish to spend time with. I merely wanted you to know you were missed, despite the whispers of those jealous and dimwitted enough to gossip.? He looked to her then and smiled. ?I am glad you are back.?  He had taken a long time to get the gumption to ask his King to escort the noblewoman to the Ball. Kalyssien had merely laughed and consented. Duncan still didn?t think she was in his league? but this made the thought of waiting till the Summer Solstice festival to see her again, all worth it.

Ladvinia listened to Duncans confession of asking to escorte her " M'Lord do not apoligise for if you had not asked me to the ball when Dare went to bed I would have gone too" she said " I almost had no intention of coming for fear I would look out of place , Please do not be embarassed for I am having a wonderful time" she said with a slight gulp" I would like to see more of you and Ariana. I was wondering , if it would not offend you I would love to have Ariana be a lady- in -waiting -in training , but she would be more of a companion for Dare, as he so longs for firends and he and Ariana have seemingly hit it off. And if I may be as so bold to say , I have not had the attentions of one so kind since I have come to Camelot. For as you probally know my history , I belive I am destined To be alone for a good while now. But I have accepted the fate as set forth." she said with a small sigh. " I do not think I am one of the most desired ladies in this keep, there are far more prettier and nobler woman here for men to marry" she babbled on almost kicking her self for babbling too much.

Duncan smiled. He well knew her history and was sad to see the rumors and fear drive her from here, her home and Dare?s. ?Then I am no longer sorry for asking the King. I am glad you are having fun this eve. As to women of more noble birth and prettier face, I say you worry too much. Pretty faces fade and are often no more than the work of paint.? He lifted a hand to draw a stray strand of hair from her mask front back into the intricate style on her head. ?And your beauty is truthful, rare and beyond being compared to those poppetheads of the Court. As to nobility,? he snorted laughing. ?Nobility is as nobility does. I have seen those born of pure blood have no more nobility to them than a brood mare in heat. And I have seen the lowest scullery maid hold herself with the dignity and poise of those deserving of crowns. Do not judge yourself by the ramblings of those who wander the grounds and Realm. Judge yourself by what those who CARE for you say. And most of all,? leans in to whisper as if it were a secret, ?by what the King says. And I happen to know the King thinks more highly of you than you do yourself.? He winked laying a finger aside his nose as if to prove the point.

?As to Ariana, perhaps you can ask her yourself. I know she desires to serve the Ladies of the Keep and hopes someday to be a Lady-in-Waiting. But so far no one here sees her as more than a child of a Guard. Nothing more. And I believe being a companion to Dare will do them both good. She hangs around the barracks far too much for my liking. She is becoming too old to sneak around there and not be seen.? He laughed softly thinking of how she once chopped off her hair at age six to prove she could be a boy. She was eight now? no one would believe her even with shorn head. She had the eyes and kindness of her mother. Duncan sighed and looked back down the hall. He nodded to a pair of guards who passed him with curious faces then smiles as they recognized him. They went silently on their way without a word as good soldiers did, but he knew come morning, all would know that Duncan?s night off had been spent in mask at the Mid Winter Ball.

Ladvinia looked at the cobblestone floor beneath her feet as Duncan once again complimented her. She had never thought about things the way he did. His touch sent tingles down her back as he replaced a hair. " Is this a dream?" she wondered out loud, no one had ever been so considerate of her. " So you do have no quarrel with taking Ariana under my wing. I know a bit of your history M?lord, I know Ariana's mother died in childbirth,? she said hoping that she hadn?t touched upon a raw subject of his past.  She sighed softy and wished that this night would never end, so she would not loose such good company and go back to her boring life.

"Yes, Mlady. Christina died in birth of Ariana. Bless her soul, she was a dear woman. I have done the best I can, but Ariana is growing up. Things will happen soon, questions will be asked, things I know not how to deal with. It will do my heart good to know that perhaps she will grow close enough to you to ask such things when time comes. And in return," he laughed softly, "I am willing to help be a mentor to Dare if you desire it and he comes a little older in age." They rounded the corner and too soon saw the entrance to the Ball. Llewel and L'Jess were down the hall from them in what looked to be a heated argument. He stopped then and leaned on the wall to gaze at her smiling sliding his arm down so they held hands rather than linked arms. "And no, Lady Ladvinia, this is not a dream."

" A fair trade it is M?lord I will take Ariana under my wing and thou whilst I teach Dare for I fear I am not good with a sword " she said with a laugh. She looked down the hall and saw the entrance to the ball. She almost wished it wouldn?t end, she liked conversation with Duncan and she was not eager to go back to where her feet would be danced off and left to blister.  As Duncan reached down to grasp her hand and told her it was not a dream she was having, a flush ran through her body and she was quite thankful that her skin was painted silver so that he could not see her blush.

"And would the Lady DESIRE to learn to wield a sword? Or perhaps a lighter hand such as yours prefers throwing daggers." He smiled and brought his hand towards his lips. "I swore to not kiss thee till I had permission." He looked into her eyes and spoke softly. "May I have permission Mlady?" He smiled as she blushed.

" I fear that I am no good with swords or daggers, and would only end up harming myself or the person whom was teaching me,? she said with a slight giggle, for a moment she felt like a young girl with her very first crush on an older man. As he leaned in to kiss her and asked for her permission she gave a wide smile and nodded in agreement " Yes M?lord You have my permission as well as Dares" she said with a giggle.

Duncan moved away from the wall and slid his arm around Nia's waist drawing her a bit closer. He kept his eyes locked to hers and lifted her hand to his lips before laying a gentle kiss there. He then smiled and spoke softly. "This has been MY dream Mlady. To see this shine in your eyes once more and know you have happiness. Even if it is only for a moment." He stepped back to give her a moment to gather herself and nodded. "As to a weapon of choice. Perhaps I shall teach you archery then. Acceptable sport for a Lady and damage is all done far enough away to not harm student or teacher." He laughed then and watched her relax. The tension in them both had built and crested. Now the rest of the night would be for their happiness alone, and not for anticipation.

Ladvinia smiled as Duncan pulled her close and lay a gentle kiss on her hand." I have been in your dreams M?lord?" she asked gazing into his eyes" With you this eve I have found happiness" she said as he stepped back " Do you think I could shoot an arrow and not manage to harm anyone, I am not that graceful. And I do not know if I could harm an innocent animal" she said with a laughter in her voice so that made her feel as though she had been around Duncan all her life and felt very safe in his embrace.

"Yes, in my dreams, Mlady. But now in the flesh you honor me." He began to move them back down the hall seeing Llewel and Jess gone. "As to shooting arrows, I can assure you the wall we place the target on cannot be harmed, and should you not choose to hunt, at least knowing how to wield SOME weapon will help bring you peace of mind I am sure." He linked arms with her once more and slowly they headed towards the Ball.

" Thou Doest honour me with your presence" she said softly " Well as long as the wall doesn?t mind me shooting at it then I may be persuaded to learn how to shoot an arrow or two" she said as she linked her arms with his and headed towards the ball." M?lord when we return to the ball will thou honour me with a dance, for I fear being trodden on by the other guests. " She said with a laugh hoping not to offend him by requesting him to be near her.

Duncan laughed and led her back towards the Masque. ?Then fear not, for you can tread on me all night, Mlady.? He smiled as they entered the room again and he looked around to see how the Ball was going. ?And no. Walls do not mind being struck.? He nodded to the guard at the door as they passed and he got a wink and nod in return. So far all was going well. Good to know. He would hate to have to leave her side for business now when they were about to dance.

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