Rowaini Musketeers: One For All and All For One

[Rystil Arden]

*Adrienne is a pretty noblewoman of average height with soft brown curls and pale bluish gray eyes that seem to take in and analyse everything they see. She's wearing a long and lovely red and white silk dress that emphasises without exposing her curves, which are quite nice compared to a commoner but aren't as tantalising as those of many of the other noblewomen here.*

*In contrast, Felicity's dress is daringly-cut, exposing smooth and creamy skin in a slit on each side and plunging with a deep neckline into her ample chest. She is very pretty indeed, with red hair let loose in wavy tresses, friendly hazel eyes, and full inviting red lips.*

*Cecile is equally lovely but very different in demeanour, shy and delicate, with a lithe, though still curvy, build and neck-length dark hair, demure green eyes, and a fashionable lavender dress.*

*Sabine is the most beautiful of the four, with big blue eyes, shoulder-length mahogany locks, a dazzling smile, and an amazing body, emphasised by her gown, the latest in the local fashion.*

“Oh, I am wounded, my heart torn asunder, by such a critical assessment of a simple statement of fact, Adrienne,” Gabriel replies, looking quite saddened by her comment, before his grin reappears as if it never left. “Of course, I understand your sentiment, my dear, but perhaps you don’t understand the fine balancing act of flattering four beautiful ladies with but one mouth and one tongue, no matter how articulate one is, without leaving the others feeling slighted by not being complimented first. Of course, now I’ve attended to the simple pleasantries, I’m sure I can find something to say that is more to your taste,” he says with a laugh.

"That's why men like wine, I suppose. Four glasses of wine, one tongue to sample four unique tastes, and the wine will never complain."

"The weather we've been having has been quite lovely, hasn't it?" Sabine asks Cecile, "I hope it stays like this so we can have a clear night for the Lunar Festival."

"Yes. It's been nice for a while now. Surely Aelindriel is looking out for us."

"Or maybe Lunesiel."

"Maybe. Do you think Geoffrey will ask Ygraine?"

"I don't know--he isn't here today to ask him, either."

"If he does, I doubt she'll say yes, but then, I've been surprised before."

 

[unleashed]

OOC: Rystil, is the last line of your last post supposed to be Felicity, as the colour is different from previous posts? Also, did you see the end of my last post where Gabriel spoke about dancing? Just wondering as no comment was made, then perhaps these ladies don’t like to dance.

"That's why men like wine, I suppose. Four glasses of wine, one tongue to sample four unique tastes, and the wine will never complain."

*Enjoying his verbal sparring with Adrienne, as he’s always up for a challenge, Gabriel descides to continue it rather than moving on to another of the ladies for the moment, as they speak of the weather and upcoming events.*

“Well, one must learn what each wine tastes like, before they select their favourite, don’t you think Adrienne, or do you think one should choose by appearance alone?” Gabriel asks with a smile. “As for complaints, I’m more than happy to hear any you have, for how else will I know what ladies don’t like about me if they don’t tell me.”

Gazing into her eyes, he says, “Now for some words a little more personal and less cliche. Inquisitive pale bluish-grey eyes, the colour the sea after a summer storm, examine the world from your pretty face. Unlike the sea though, which is cold and cruel, your face is surrounded by wonderfully warm and delicate brown curls, while your lovely red and white silk dress accentuates your figure beautifully.”

 

[Rystil Arden]

“Well, one must learn what each wine tastes like, before they select their favourite, don’t you think Adrienne, or do you think one should choose by appearance alone?” Gabriel asks with a smile. “As for complaints, I’m more than happy to hear any you have, for how else will I know what ladies don’t like about me if they don’t tell me.”

"Complain? Well, I don't usually like to whine and dine, but I've heard that a man who sticks to the same wine will grow to love the flavour, and that man is truly happier than one who takes little sips of each and never settles long enough to appreciate the taste."

“Now for some words a little more personal and less cliche. Inquisitive pale bluish-grey eyes, the colour the sea after a summer storm, examine the world from your pretty face. Unlike the sea though, which is cold and cruel, your face is surrounded by wonderfully warm and delicate brown curls, while your lovely red and white silk dress accentuates your figure beautifully.”

"Ah, you have eyes. Very good, sir, but I am afraid that the part of the body I'm interested in is farther back, and the one that Felicity is interested in is lower."

"I would really protest, Adrienne my dear, but I don't disagree."

"She won't ask him, Felicity?"

"Well, I heard a rumour from Val, but I'll keep it confidential. You can ask her yourself."

"A rumour? Now you have me curious."

"Sorry love! I have to hold it in confidence, you know?"

 

[Shayuri]

"That answer is so boring and traditional, though--it just lacks..."

"Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason Aric. I like the kid's answer better. It took less time to say and blew far far less hot air."

"Me too! He's smart and cute. Why, I'd bet he could have a lady in no time if he wanted," Anne winks suggestively.

"Well, don't fluster him, Anne. I think the boy's a dreamer. He probably would prefer a daring romance first. Besides, no offense to you, Anne, but I think that he and Marie would make the cutest couple! What do you think, Jacen? Have you met Marie yet?"

Once again, Jacen's mouth moves as he tries to find an opening in the conversation to take part in it in. A dreamer? But they liked his answer...or were they flirting? The last question thows him off though and he just stares at her for a moment.

"Wha...who? Marie?" He looks around quickly to make sure she's not standing right behind him or something. "No...you're the first people here I met. Except for the doorman. And Richard. Who's Marie?"

 

[unleashed]

"Complain? Well, I don't usually like to whine and dine, but I've heard that a man who sticks to the same wine will grow to love the flavour, and that man is truly happier than one who takes little sips of each and never settles long enough to appreciate the taste."

"Ah, you have eyes. Very good, sir, but I am afraid that the part of the body I'm interested in is farther back, and the one that Felicity is interested in is lower."

"I would really protest, Adrienne my dear, but I don't disagree."

*Gabriel chuckles as Felicity agrees with what Adrienne insinuated about her.*

“I’m sure that’s true, Adrienne, but still one must find the wine one likes first, don’t you agree? As for you mind, my dear, I didn’t want to jump to any hasty conclusions, after all I’ve only known you a short while, and like a fine wine there are depths and nuances to be discovered with time. If you insist I speak of such now though, I’m quite happy to oblige by adding this to my previous statement ... the whole backed by a keen mind that’s both inquisitive and resolute, seeking truth in all its forms before empty platitudes.”

"She won't ask him, Felicity?"

"Well, I heard a rumour from Val, but I'll keep it confidential. You can ask her yourself."

"A rumour? Now you have me curious."

"Sorry love! I have to hold it in confidence, you know?"

In an attempt to bring himself back into the main conversation, Gabriel asks, “So this Lunar Festival, when is it to be held, and what exactly does it celebrate, if you don’t mind me asking?”

 

[Rystil Arden]

"The better question is, of course, where is the lovely Marie?"

"Is that her over there now?" Anne points at a young noblewomen coming into the Great Hall from the other side.

"Yes, that's her. Hey Marie! Over here!" Belinda waves the young woman over.

*Marie is a pretty young thing of average height (maybe 5'5'' + an inch or two for heels) and a petite, though curvy build. She shares the blue eyes of Richard and the other woman talking with Gabriel, though hers are larger, like the cliched big blue pools. Her flowing blonde hair emphasises her smooth features, and her dress in shades of blue is both a lovely match for her eyes and deceptively practical, probably allowing for a wide range of movement during a dance. Over all, while her sister might be more dazzling, Marie is still a beautiful woman indeed.*

"Hi Belinda. Are you enjoying my brother's party?"

"Marie, darling! How have you been?"

"I've been doing well. Actually, the midnight jacinth bloomed last night. Such a beautiful flower, though it's petals are hidden from the light. But it usually blooms next month. Tommy told me it might be an omen."

"Well, could be. Anyway, I'd like to introduce you to someone. This young man here is Jacen. He's a King's Musketeer, and at such a young age. It means he's a master of swordplay, aren't you Jacen?"

*Marie's eyes widen and almost sparkle.*

"Wow, a Musketeer?! That's so awesome. I've read stories about the King's Musketeers. Belinda you must have--"

"Oh certainly! The Romance of Sir Tristan Arcanal."

"Oh, that's the best one! Jacen, it's so nice to meet you! Can you tell me any stories of your adventures?"

"I can tell..." Aric stops when Belinda steps on his foot.

 

[Shayuri]

"I uh..." Jacen looks oddly flustered, having done a double-take when Marie mentioned the night-blooming flower. He recovers quickly though with a modest, "Well, I'm still fairly new myself."

Sensing, perhaps, a pregnant sense of impending disappointment with that, he quickly adds, "But I've HEARD a lot of stories! They...we...you know, the Musketeers...swap stories at the chapterhouse. And the rule is that you can exaggerate but you can't outright lie, so some of them are pretty amazing!"

He pauses, then adds slyly, "Would you like to hear one?"

 

[Rystil Arden]

“I’m sure that’s true, Adrienne, but still one must find the wine one likes first, don’t you agree? As for you mind, my dear, I didn’t want to jump to any hasty conclusions, after all I’ve only known you a short while, and like a fine wine there are depths and nuances to be discovered with time. If you insist I speak of such now though, I’m quite happy to oblige by adding this to my previous statement ... the whole backed by a keen mind that’s both inquisitive and resolute, seeking truth in all its forms before empty platitudes.”

"Ah, maybe that's all men's problem. Arcidas the philosopher once wrote that a woman makes up her mind about a man within the first minute. I wouldn't be so uncharitable, but I think I could say more about you from what I've seen so far of the way you act than you have of me..." she trails off, probably too polite to offer her opinions and observations without being asked.

In an attempt to bring himself back into the main conversation, Gabriel asks, “So this Lunar Festival, when is it to be held, and what exactly does it celebrate, if you don’t mind me asking?”

"It's a local festival. It celebrates the coming of the hero Tourmaland."

"Indeed. Tourmaland was the son of Lunesiel, Angel of the Moon. He was also the legendary progenitor of the Dulirand family. There are several legends surrounding Tourmaland's great deeds and his love for the 'Lady of Flowers', a woman of inestimable beauty. For instance, it's also said that as long as the line remains pure, our family will have an atavism once every two hundred years or so where a daughter is born with overwhel,ing beauty, worthy of being a princess or a queen."

 

[Rystil Arden]

"I uh..." Jacen looks oddly flustered, having done a double-take when Marie mentioned the night-blooming flower. He recovers quickly though with a modest, "Well, I'm still fairly new myself."

"Exaggerate? Hmmph, th--oww!" Belinda steps on Aric's foot harder.

"Oh, we'd love to!" Belinda replies, subtly moving to let Marie in to be next to Jacen, looking at the two side near each other and smiling and nodding to herself, probably convinced that they would definitely be a cute couple.

 

[Shayuri]

Wrapped up in the moment, Jacen doesn't notice Belinda's approving appraisal. He beams at Belinda and Marie, and gestures in a sort of, 'everyone gather round' sort of way.

"All right, I heard this one from Montgomery Windemere, who was recently knighted, so we call him Sir Windemere...anyway... This is the tale of Sir Windemere, and Vine Creeper."

He pauses, to signify that he was now beginning the narrative, then begins.

"Not altogether far from here, the Bog of Mists clings like fungus on an old hoary tree trunk to the marshy lowlands where the middle fork of the Trident River empties into the sea. There's a little hamlet there of fishmongers and their families who've lived in the bog for ages, and know its ways and secrets. They live in huts that are built on stilts, and wear broad, flat shoes that let them stride over the mud without sinking in... Anyway, it's to this hamlet, called Nuban's Bay, that Sir Windemere came. He was answering a call for help sent to the king. A call that said a monster was stalking them by night. A monster they called the Vine Creeper."

The tale isn't too terribly long, even told in Jacen's somewhat verbose style...which he learned mostly from listening raptly to the 'old windbag Windemere' as he happily told his tales to the young Musketeer. The essence of the story was simple enough...people had seen a monstrous plant-like thing shambling around not far from the village, and then at night, one person a night would disappear. There would be wet slimy marks in long slicks, and other physical evidence indicating vine-like manipulations. The twist was when the sharp-eyed Windemere caught sight of the Vine Creeper himself, and realized that the creature, while frightening in appearance, could not possibly have done the deeds attributed to it. Bravely he waited for the fog-choked night to fall...only to do battle with a bog witch and her tamed pet giant octopus! She was attempting to provoke the villagers into fighting the vine monster...which as it turned out was a natural guardian of a magical node in the swamp that the witch wished to control. After working out the truth and defeating the witch, Sir Windemere returned home to retire...this being his final tale of adventure.

(hee...originally I was going to write it all...then I realized it would be way too long to be a post. Maybe if I get a creative tickle I'll put it all in the OOC thread sometime. Dunno if you'd like a die roll from Jacen to see how well he performs the tale...)