Avery was a bit surprised to hear that the lady beside him enjoyed nature and interacting with animals. He had assumed that most ladies of the court would shy away from the dirt and filthy creatures. The only woman he'd known to scoff at the idea of being pristine and pretty was his sister. It was a surprise, but a welcome one. His smile transformed into a genuine smile and he relaxed more beside the woman. He hadn't even realized he had been tense. It really had been so long since he'd spoken to a woman so freely in such a setting. Perhaps he and Lady Adelina could have a pleasant friendship after all.
Avery glanced up when he noted Adelina's gaze had shifted and saw Adelina's brother come to the table with his sister. He knew how out of her element she would feel here and the role she had to play. She could hold her own of course, but as her brother, he always wanted to make sure she was at ease and protected. She looked relaxed for now at least. Avery then took a quick moment to look at the second table where Elliot now sat. He seemed in good spirit as usual, but Elliot had always adored parties. He hoped he stayed out of trouble. Elliot seemed to attract that far too often for his liking. With the knowledge that his siblings were doing well, he turned his attention back to Adelina.
"I have seen foxes roaming about our lands but I have never seen a polar bear or caribou. It sounds like you have some interesting creatures on your land. I am far more accustomed to seeing the farm animals. Just your regular cows, chickens, horses, ox, and things of that nature. The forest, however, is home to wolves, coyotes, foxes, and deer. The fawns in spring are the cutest thing to watch as they dance around. They are such curious things. Anyway, those are the animals I have seen more often. Like you and your brother, I enjoy waking early and checking in on all of the animals on our farms. Their treatment and health are instrumental to the farm just as the workers are. After everyone is tended to, we begin our work in the field. I find nothing better than having an active hand in the work," he answered. At that point, he realized he was risking giving her too much information at once. He knew that if he started talking about the work, he may go on a tangent. Even if this lady enjoyed the earth, he doubted she would be enthralled about how he tilled the fields.
Adriana said a small thank you as her escort pulled out her chair and offered her wine which she sipped. Callum's words in response to her question made her smile. He valued his work and made a point to mention his men. He did sound honorable. The answer was a good one. And then he mentioned her hands and her reputation with the bow. She hesitated then. She knew that usually, it was not right for a woman to learn how to use a weapon, but she cherished it. At least he softened his words by mentioning his sister was also a bowwoman. Before she could say anything in response, Lady Adelina spoke up herself and offered to meet up in the morning for practice. Their families seemed similar. She wondered if most of the families here were more similar than different.
"I would greatly enjoy that," she answered. "It sounds like we both best our warrior brothers in the art of the bow," she chuckled lightly in a tease and looked over at Avery.
Avery chuckled and raised his glass to her to respect and confirmation. "I would not wish to cross you in a battle of distance," he added. Avery then turned to Callum and gave him a nod of acknowledgment.
"And while our sisters practice with their bows, perhaps you'd indulge me in a duel. I think we would have an excellent challenge." He had to admit that the prospect thrilled him. It had been a long time since he'd had a challenging duel. He loved the dance of blades, the motion, the testing of one's skill and power against another's and finding the limits of your ability and then training it further. It was a great way to learn. Elliot was less enthusiastic in their duels.
Adriana smiled and looked at the other two siblings. "Perfect! It sounds like we have a date for the morning," she mused. "Perhaps afterward we can go for a walk around the grounds."
Elliot looked up when Desmond addressed Lord Keter and his escort. Though he was further down the table, he had caught what the prince said and put on a charming smile for the man and raised a glass in his direction. "Scare us away, Your Highness? Oh, contrary, we were drawn to your radiance, moths, and butterflies," he mused with a glance to the women, "to a pyre." Elliot drank from his cup as the food began to filter to the tables and he remained quiet until the servants were done bustling around him and the beautiful lady beside him.
"Lady Sigrid, there is an air of fire about you. A unique and dangerous beauty," he complimented. "It is a rare gift for a woman to have a battle spirit and one I think quite charming. You are advancing the front for women who desire to be more than dolls. I admire your strength," he said then. "I would love to know more about you, the things you enjoy," he continued. "And what would you like to know of me, my lady?"