Elim found the coronation to be a most charming occasion; he could not remember enjoying himself on such a level ever since leaving the fatherland.

The party was all you could expect from Avalon's finest and brightest, wine, women, song, and beer; too much beer most likely due to the insistence of the newly crowned King.

Since his arrival nearly a month ago Elim was far from secure in his position; plenty of warmongers back in the fatherland would love to make a diplomatic incident out of the coronation, they where wrong for both reasons for war and ways to wage it but they where right about one matter; this could be the best and only time to wage one.

Elim had not made any advances yet preferring to quietly sit on the side lines, it was too early for any action and Elim was enjoying himself; it would never do to combine business with pleasure. Elim was more then deserving of a day of enjoyment after working so hard to adjust in his new role after the "unfortunate" and "sudden" demise of his predecessor.

His earlier conversation with sir Tomas seemed to have made the wrong impression, the knight seemed suspicious of Elim and with good reason but even Elim who was so obsessive with his work had the occasional unprofessional day.

The sudden outburst of Prince Lelinus had surprised Elim and such was its raw power Elim did not bother to hide his amusement, he liked the prince, at least for what he represented and could spare him this small triumph.

The time was fast approaching for Elim to speak, first to all and then the king personally. Elim had no time to befriend the wine on this day; his senses had to be clear as his throat.

Elim knew he would have to wait for a clear moment, the untimely fallout between Lord Calabar and the mysterious Rivera Talimir had caused quite the reaction among many of the guests.

To Elim the matter was not particularly relevant and paid it no more then the passing interests. Lord Calabar was attached to the beer barrels on this particular day and Rivera Talimir clearly did not like him or most men as a rule. The young woman had much to learn if she wanted to get any were in this court, if she learned the lesson was entirely up to her.

It seemed only Elim noticed the curious exchange between sir Tomas and Lady Gwendolyn Degray. This was not particularly shocking to Elim, he had speculated about a relationship between the two for a few weeks now; the subtle longing and craving both had for each other was well hidden but after a while Elim had grown suspicious.

Elim was no longer speculating of their relationship, he did not know how far they had indulged themselves but he could make a very good guess. it didn't matter for the time being even if the knowledge had the potential of being a most potent poison in the hands of the absent duke Devalin, but for now the matter best left a closed and guarded secret; even outside Elim's annual report to the fatherland witch was no doubt being read by every Degray, Devalin, nobility and curious house maid in Avalon, Elim had even went as far as to make arrangements for an easily forged crest just to avoid a diplomatic incident over such a trivial and dull affair.

The party retuned to its roots and the passing interests most had to the passing occurrences had been all but forgotten in the wake of additional beverages served to the thirsty masses.

This was finally the right time to speak, filling his long empty glass with his favorite of eastern wines Elim walked towards the king and bowed.

"My lord king James Nicholas Degray I bid you blessings and salutations from the king and people of your proud neighbor Luxor and my own personal admiration and congratulations.

Turning to speak to the crowed but remaining in face view of the king Elim spoke with growing excitement; excitement designed to spread into the hearts of the masses.

"Yes a proud neighbor, you ask why all of Luxor is proud on this day? We are proud to see the prosperity and joy of our neighbor Avalon so apparent on this day after the tragic loss of your deeply loved king Edward.

We are Proud to see an equally strong man take his rightful place on the throne to insure this continued prosperity."

Pausing and looking around the crowed giving the impression of personal eye contact Elim spoke with a soft yet sharp voice.

"Above all Luxor is proud today to witness this glorious coronation in peace and friendship.

This was not always so my friends; was it not only a few generations ago that the word Avalon was despised in Luxor as much as the name of Luxor was hated in Avalon? A hundred years ago this day would have been a dream, yes a dream amounting on the scale of heaven itself.

Let us not forget the sadness and the darkness of those days long passed yet… so near, even on such a happy day.

I join my heart with you on this day, today we are all bound together in more then passing acquaintance; we are witnessing history itself unfolding before our very eyes, in years passed our children and grandchildren shall ask what did we see on this day?

Let me take you to that distant future for a fleeting but worthwhile moment, we will say to those children that are yet to be born we saw a young prince become a great king, we saw an age end before our very eyes! And a new one as glorious as this coronation begin.

We will say to them above all: we saw the day when one and all raised their toasts to one man and one man alone from this day and for many years to come"

Elim raised his glass and allowed a tear to escape his eyes; one held back to this very moment one tear of the one truthful word Elim spoke in the entire speech, Pride.

Using the full glory of his voice and sending it echoing to all corners of the hall.

"Long Live Avalon, Long live king James!"

Despite her now sour mood, Rivera smiled, taking the princes' hand. "Incompatible indeed." She agreed, and then laughed at his comment of the ladies. "Yes, such actions that I do are not "decent" for a lady such as myself. Fools. The ladies of court will never accomplish anything worthwhile when all they do is chase after drunk men, who in turn chase after every woman but their own." She frowned slightly at that.

"Yes...your cousin seems oblivious to her, to say the least. I for one believe that she married a man far too old for her. And you know well how uncomfortable I am in this getup, no matter how good it appears to have made me look, as most men will a test." She did smile, however, when he complimented her. She would never see it, but it was good to know that he saw it in her. Leo, her friend, who wasn't drunk in the slightest.

"It's simply because they have them that their own wives aren't as interesting. It's human nature to want what you cannot have," Lelinus told her with a shrug. It was a sad fact of life that nobles were forever scheming to gain more wealth and power or pleasure. He himself was attempting to gain more influence and power, though he believed it was for a good cause.

"I think that it was a political engagement. He certainly benefited from the marriage, though he has yet to have an heir. I would lay the fault with him rather than his wife, however. He's had decades to produce a child and he hasn't managed to yet. Most nobles have the opposite problem," he told her. He smiled slightly, "You look good in your armor as well. Just more intimidating."

He said it like a statement of fact. He wasn't trying to woo or flatter her. He was just telling her what he thought.

Rivera laughed. "You remain the only person to lighten my mood, Leo. I thank you for that." She knew she was intimidating. She guessed it was part of the reason men lusted after her. To them, she was something to be won, or broken, or tamed. She would not be. Long had she said she would never marry. There was no man in the world who would see her other than a prize. However, when she talked with Lelinus, she wondered often if she had been too hasty. However, she pushed those thought out of her mind. Now was not the time to fantasize over what she couldn't have.

Leo was just that. she wondered if he knew just how much she admired him. He who went against all odds and survived when everyone told him he wouldn't. She admired, loved him even, for that strength, which she knew he failed to see it within himself.

"It's nothing. You're the only person I can stand to be around at times," he admitted. She had been his first and closest friend and they had been practically inseperable since they were children. He had been frail as a child, born with a weak constitution that allowed him to get sick easily. No one had believed in him, not even his own father. Her friendship was what helped him get better each and every time he fell sick and what had convinced him that he could do good for Avalon, even if it was from the shadows. At the sound of cheering and raising of glasses, however, he was cut out of his reverie.

"It looks like we both have been gone longer than we should. Let's bare with it for a couple more hours. We don't want James to goof up or for there to be rumors about us, do we?" he asked her with yet another rare smiles before leading her back to the celebrations, forgetting to let go of her hand once they were were there.

Princess Annabelle Love Griffin

_______

Her father had sent her to Avalon to be crowned the queen, and unite herself with the king. She was beautiful,gorgeous and young. She expected to be treated like a queen, with honor and respect and she would do the same. Annabelle made her way down the ballroom looking at the new faces of the quest who have arrived. The party was intense , the amount of people that came were enchanting not all for support though. She studied the face of some of thew quest who seemed bored and annoyed, she glanced around before taking a seat. She wondered how she was ever going to have a chance to take to the new king, maybe even lour him into her trap.


She scanned the room looking for the familiar face of the newly crowned king.She had met him before,. She got up straightened herself and walked towards him her heels click-clacking on the wooden floor. She curtsied the newly appointed king and asked for a moment alone. "Do you have a second? I would like to introduce myself..." She started her voice sweet and soft.

James was enjoying the celebrations much more now that everyone had relaxed somewhat, he danced for a while with Christine and then with several other women eager to dance with their new King. He had finally retired back to his seat to rest his aching feet and now sat watching the proceedings with a merry air. He was not falling down drunk having carefully paced himself, for a change, yet he was not sober either and had reached that drunken stage where everything was warm and happy. His earlier concerns about Kingship had vanished for now and instead he simply enjoyed the party and the attention from those around him.

He looked around for his siblings and spotted his brother talking with Rivera, he sighed quietly, he had no real objection to Rivera and thought she would make a good match for his brother if they ever got that far. Yet for a Prince to marry his bodyguard was not the done thing and James did not want anything to affect his rule in its early stages. However thoughts on how to handle that situation could be left for another day and he deliberately pushed them aside. He could not see either of his sisters but assumed both were amongst the crowd enjoying the festivities, he hoped Arabella's betrothed was lavishing attention on her as he should. He would be most displeased if he was not as he expected more from the future husband of a princess.

He was interrupted from his thoughts by the ambassador of Luxor speaking to him, he listened and could not help a broad grin as the ambassador addressed the crowd and spoke of peace and support between the two countries. He stood and approached the ambassador and clapped him on the back in a show of friendship.
"You honour me with your words, as long as I rule I will do everything within my power to ensure this peace and friendship remains strong between us." He raised his glass then "To Luxor our brothers and sisters in spirit if not in blood."
He drank deep before gesturing to the ambassador. "Come sit with me and we shall talk more."
He returned to his seat waiting for the ambassador to join him when he saw another approach and he looked at the woman curiously, he had met her before but in all honesty had not expected her to attend this evening.

"Greetings Princess, I have a moment to spare."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Katherine walked through the crowd nodding graciously at those who greeted her and icily ignoring those who snubbed her, she had expected that some of the court would not welcome her presence. Foolish is what they were, you never ignore those who could be your enemies and they would learn that soon enough. She had no time for them deeming them unimportant and not worth her time and effort. She imagined they probably thought their behaviour towards her bothered somewhat and the notion amused her. She was a woman past time to be married and yet was still unwed, she knew she was still attractive and yet also recognised she was on the shelf. This bothered her far more than being ignored by a few nobles. She did not need a husband and kept herself busy enough yet in truth she was lonely. Her brother was attentive of course and she shared his trust which few others did including his wife yet she yearned for a man of her own. One who was as intelligent as she was and was her equal yet looking around the room she knew she would not find such a man here.

Irritated at falling into melancholy she mentally shook herself and forced a smile to her features not wanting anyone to think she was anything but gloriously happy. Seeing no one that she wanted to talk to and no one that she felt she should talk to she wandered aimlessly and that frustrated her. She had achieved some this evening, dropping careful hints in certain ears and destroying a few foolish plots that would go nowhere. Yet now that was done she was at a loose end. She considered leaving but deemed it too early and she did not want to arouse any more suspicions than there already abounded. It was inevitable that people would suspect darker reasons for her brother not attending but she did not want to add to them.

Tired of walking the crowd she stopped and leaned against one wall, she took a glass of wine from a servant who passed and sipped it whilst watching those around her. Boredom was not something she dealt with and she hoped something to interest her would occur or that time would move faster so that she could leave. She was careful to ensure none of these feelings showed on her face of course.

This was the moment he had been waiting for; he had at last received the ear of the king. Now was the difficult part: how to keep it.

Elim bowed at the king's words, the king's gesture of friendship was not as welcome but Elim did not show his discomfort, he could never understand Avelon's insistence at all this touching. He spoke with a bright, charmed and rich voice.

"Your majesty; you honor Luxor and bring joy to my heart with your kind words of peace, I will be sure to convey these words to my people at the soonest opportunity.
I would be honored to sit by your side your majesty."

Elim smiled to the king and clapped twice:

Two of his personal subordinates arrived carrying two superbly craft bottles of wine.

The two seemed to be simple peasants as they were meant to seem, in truth they where two of Elim's best agents; loyal beyond question Elim trusted them to handle his gift of wine; too many people wanted the new king dead, it seemed only Elim and the king's most loyal subjects wanted his to live… at least for now.

"This is my personal gift to you on your coronation, two bottles of wine from my estates from the blessed first year of peace. This wine only improves with age and these are the very last bottles left of that year."

Elim held on of the bottles and presented it to the king pointing to the crest on the bottle; it had the portraits of the king of Luxor and the king of Avalon shaking hands over the peace treaty.

"Our king commanded that all of Luxor's wines made during the first day of peace bare this crest, it is only right that the last two bottles in existence be given to you.

May I? Elim asked and as the king nodded proceeded to open the bottle.
Pouring a measure to both himself and the king Elim proceeded to take a taste of its holy flavor.

"To your health!" said Elim enjoying the wine; these were indeed the last two bottles in existence; most had been destroyed by the fools back at home… such a waste.

"Yes to your health indeed!" A rather sharp if not charming voice bellow out from the very end of the grand throne room and Celebration Hall. A few of the toasting guests were left to pause as their brows turn to the vividly dressed individual at the entrance way. He stood in rather exceptional coronation colors himself, strangely appearing more of a king in his clothes and jewels but remained not so by the lack of a crown on his wavy rosy blonde head. Along his bejeweled fingers was not one, but to very beautiful maidens scandalously dressed in very revealing outfits for Royal Court, leading on his gem encrusted slippers step.

A few laughed, other grinned, some whispers, a rare one or two prayed and a large majority rolled their eyes, Lord Westbrook had finally arrived fashionably late.

Emanuel somewhat offered a rather bright smirk across his face, admiring the mirrors that made up the hall's decor as he strode down very gracefully leading his two 'guests' along in tow. Both were the daughters of Lord Duncan, Earl of Fleemings; a man of impeccable temperament and two very beautiful and very rebellious daughters. Emanuel display them much like his outfit to flaunt and enjoy and possibly break in later, he could not decide which one he had liked better so he simply decided to take them as a set. Besides, with the amount of scandals and mistresses that littered court every man in this room would be a polygamist in his book.

His eyes flickered across the crowd of people, moving through the row that had parted to honor the ambassador though taking full advantage. Katherine Devalin was among the crowd the flowery and wealthy socialite could not help but grin. Certainly she was possibly one of the kingdoms most dangerous factors dressed in red brugondy and gold embroilment, but she was also interesting, very interesting.

"Lady Devalin." He spoke out to her a friendly face around a crowd of high noses, suspicious glances and seedy whispers. His hands departed the fingers of the two milky ladies for a moment as he offered a gentleman's kiss of her hand before speaking again "A fine rose like yourself deserves to on display in a glass case. Not being forced in the sidelines like a wall flower by the..." he spoke for a moment as his eyes met the few around him "Critics." He answered without another motion he returned to his two ladies continuing along with some greetings as he got closer to King with each pace.

His eyes flickered over to the adorable couple of Lelinus DeGrey and Rivera. Or were they friends? Juicy gossip was so rare at court today but he was certain he would spice something up by the end of the evening... He paused for a moment and slightly cringe. Sea Blue was very much out of style, but he had to confess... Jamie's brother had amazing legs.

Regardless of thought and flight, the regally dressed gentleman did arrive at the Royal Chairs nonchalantly taking a glass from one of the servitors that graced the entire celebration as he offered a very coy smile to a very good friend. He did pause and returned his glance to the foreign man before him. Normally he absolutely disdained ambassadors, short hairy men who seemed too much like stooges, lackeys and boot lickers with utterly awful accents. But something about this man, he liked, he seemed absolutely charming.

"Mr. Ambassador if I may?" He requested as he gestured to the King with a vivid grin across his face before returning to Jamie and toasting the glass to him before giving him a look.

"Now come Jamie! Whats this I hear about you becoming King!?" he slightly jest as he somewhat shook his head playfully "And your toasting without me!? Honestly Jamie! Honestly! Sometimes you make me think that you keep me around just to tell you what will be in and out of high fashion this month!" He coyly played as his introduction.

"And I had been hoping that his invitation had been lost," Lelinus muttered under his breath. Lord Westbrook was man that had given him more headaches than all his childhood illnesses combined. He was flamboyant, reckless, influential, and, of course, had to be his brother's best friend. Their father had had a hard enough time keeping the nobility in line when he was just their vassal. Now with James on the throne, his indiscretions would reflect badly upon the Crown and give Devalin more ammunition to use against them. Still, he couldn't pretend that Emanuel was all bad. He was, at least, sincere in his loyalty to James and was an useful ally in court. He would just have to remind him that he couldn't expect James to bail him out whenever he got into trouble later.

He glanced around and saw that the Grand Cleric was spluttering incoherently about Westbrook's choice of guests. The priest wasn't alone. In fact, an older gentleman was experiencing a similar reaction and looked at the women like he had a piece of his mind to share with them. He caught their smirks and resisted the urge to sigh. They were his daughters, then. It was too much to ask that his brother's friend wouldn't inadvertently cause them trouble the first day. Hopefully, it would remain a private issue and should things get out of hand, James would have the sense to mediate between the two lords before the man seriously injured Westbrook.

"Why couldn't he stay in his bedchamber?" he asked himself.

James was just settling down to converse with the ambassador when he heard a commotion at the other end of the room, from his vantage point at the head of the room he had a very good view. He saw clearly the arrival of Lord Westbrook and had to hide a grin, trust Emmanuel to make such an entrance. James was not overly surprised or shocked as he knew his friend too well and knew that Emmanuel had deliberately and carefully constructed the entrance to shock people and would be pleased he had succeeded. James knew he may well have to smooth some ruffled feathers after this but he decided it was worth it for the looks on many of the older nobles faces. Far too many of them were stiff and boorish and James found many of them dreadfully dull and it was amusing seeing them so outraged. But he carefully hid this amusement for it would not do to offend his supporters on the eve of his coronation.

"If you had gotten here on time you would have known all about my new tiltle." James responded with a grin slapping his friend none too gently on the back. Sometimes James in his exuberance forgot his own strength.
"Toast without you? As if you would ever allow it?" James retorted before belatedly remembering the ambassador. "Ambassador if I may introduce Lord Westbrook my oldest friend. He can be a rogue at times but he is very useful." James grinned again.

Rivera couldn't help the slight giggle that rose to her throat at Leo's comment. "Because...he has to come up for air occasionally, just like a fish." She watched as the man strolled over to James. "It's a wonder he doesn't try to strip him of his clothes in front of the whole court." She said mildly.

After staring around at the other people in the room for what felt like an eternity, as well as drinking almost two more glasses of wine, Rivera turned to Lelinus, saying. "How long must we stay in this stuffy atmosphere? It is getting revolting." She said as she watched a pair of women practically knock each other over hugging and whatnot.

"I think Westbrook holds enough respect for James not to embarrass him in front of the court or at leas the political shrewdness to know that if his greatest ally loses influence or reputation, it makes him vulnerable to his own enemies as well," Leo explained before he realized that Rivera was joking. With Westbrook, hers was an entirely valid question.

At her question, he smiled wryly, catching sight of the atmosphere taking note of revelry as various of the more imbibed or shameless lords were already following Westbrook's example. He smiled slightly, "Enough to present firm support behind James, which shouldn't be much longer."

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of servants pouring the more stronger wine.

"And I believe this party is about to get less formal," he told her as he began to stand, "It's quieter in my chambers and we can talk in private."

River stood up with him, perhaps a little too quickly, but she didn't care. "Thank the heavens." She said under her breath. She kept up her posture as they left the ballroom, but as soon as they were in the hallway, she bent down and took off her shoes. "I...hate...these...deathtraps!" She spat. "Why must I be forced to wear this?" She said. She knew she was complaining, and she also knew that it was a product of both her resentment and the wine.

They reached their chambers quickly, but then, before they entered, Rivera told him, "I'm getting out of this, I'll be along shortly." Well, so she thought. It had taken Arabella, Gwen, and three servants to get Rivera in to the dress. She certainly wasn't getting out of it alone. In defeat, she knocked on Lelinus' door. "Leo...I'm stuck." She said, feeling stupid.

"They are at the height of fashion and you have to look your best when you lend your support to my brother. Lord knows he needs it," Leo stated with a slight smile. It was amusing how she detested items like dresses and shoes, but enjoyed jousting and fighting along with the more serious discomforts they brought. Then again, he supposed, he didn't have to wear high heels, "You know, rumor has it that Westbrook has a dress just like yours."

He nodded at he words before hearing a knock on his door not a minute later. It took him a few moments for him to process her next statement before blushing furiously, "Umm... I'm sure there's a servant around?"

She couldn't be asking what he thought she was asking, could she?

"I am not waiting for someone, all you have to do is pull the string, Leo. I can do the rest. Please?" She knew she sounded pathetic, but she didn't care all that much. "I just want to get out of this before I pass out from a lack of oxygen!" She added, already slightly breathless. She was also slightly red-faced and lightheaded from the wine.

"Fine, fine... I'll do it," he told her her, blushing slightly. He could hear over half a dozen of his old teachers' voices lecturing about how this was improper and slightly wished he was as shameless as his brother or his decadent friend. Quickly, he pulled on the string, loosening it for her.

"Better?" he asked.

Rivera let out a sigh of relief. She twisted her head around and grinned at him. "Much better. Thank you, Leo." She appeared to have absolutely no shame at all, and to some extent, this was true. Lelinus was her best friend. In fact, he had even walked in on her taking a bath at one point in time. She couldn't help but smile at that memory. Not at all surprisingly, she emerged from her bathroom wearing a night shirt, and pants. She refused to wear even a gown to sleep in. She laid the dress on the back of one of the sofas in the room, scowling at it. The wine had almost completely gone to her head, and she didn't like that very much.

"Remind me...to never let Arabella...talk me into drinking...again. I'm going to regret this tomorrow."

"Those etiquette lessons just went over your head, didn't they?" Lelinus commented with a slight grin. He took the time she was in the bathroom to slip his coat off and sit by the fireplace, pouring a couple of glasses of wine before he heard her complain about drinking.

"I believe the palace's Head Physician keeps a supply of herbs for just that occassion. You don't have to attend Court tomorrow if you don't want to, though. I'm almost certain James will grant me Ghost's Past."

Rivera grinned. "I like the sound of that. The less I have to be in that court, the better. Court life is no place for someone like me. Yet all the men at court now i think have asked for my hand." She pulled a face. "Even some of the married ones." She made her way over to the fireplace, sitting down in the chair across from him. "So, despite the politics and drunkenness, how do you think the coronation went? Oh, and apart from my slapping of that pig...what was his name again?"

"Conobar, I think his name is," Lelinus told her, somewhat distracted by her comment. How long was she going to refuse their advances? There was sure to be some golden-haired noble's son with a flashing smile to charm even Rivera and then what? He'd be alone once again. He frowned at the thought.

"I'm glad you saw through them," he said at last, "I have not met the man that deserves you."

Rivera's eyes whipped to him. Then he really didn't see it? She hid it better than she thought. She smiled slightly. "Oh...he probably isn't far away." A thought settled in her mind, one that had bothered her for a long time. he stayed silent for a few minuets, and then finally voiced her question. "Leo...does it bother you that I protect you? I mean...since I am a woman. There is no escaping that truth, when you get down to it."

Emanuel could not help but vividly grin as he was being so positively introduced by Jamie. He genially enjoyed Jamie's company as a friend (and on a very rare occasion when he was piss drunk, almost as a fling, not that he would ever mention that incredibly crazy series of events in Berkely again), he was a decent sort which was exceedingly rare in such a ship of rats like this and was still actually fun to be around. He coyly grinned at the remarks and replies, he should have honestly considering walking into court wearing bland colors, no jewels, hair bobbed and round and reciting quotes from the holy book: For Jamie knew him far to well and then again he had confidence he could start a whole trend which meant he could buy all the materials he needed for his new wardrobe very soon.

Regardless he melodramatic gestured to himself turning to the Ambassador of Luxor. Wandering and curious Westbrook eyes enjoyed the fine view in front of him, a matured stag most likely brimming with experience as many grey hairs grew across his face and hair and aging gracefully he might add, no rancid dyes in his hair and no rugs covering his crome like a few other gentleman he had the displeasure to encounter. "Jamie lies of course, I should know I taught him how to lie! One of the wonderful influences I have imposed on our future monarchy!" he boasted and jested as he stroke a finger across his own facial hair

"I really just rank all the lovely maidens in Jamie court on this wonderful system of numbers from 1-10 and insure that there is no excess wine in a single room." He jested some more before bowing to the man before him "How do you do Mr. Ambassador! I would welcome you to court but honestly that should be Jamie's job." He introduced himself somewhat beckoning for the pair of lovely ladies to fawn to his side once more. "Now girls, meet your future husband the King." he instructed semi-seriously to the aghast of a few more prude members of the court, a few laughing men in the back and a very... very... RED Lord Fleemings.

He turned around as the two gave a charming curtsies in the presence of the King. "Ah! But where was I!? Please! Allow me to introduce Lady and Lady Fleemings Jamie!" He prose somewhat bringing his arms to the pair kissing both milky white hands before uttering "Lovely..." His eyes turned back to the King "You do know I hate to break up a set of course don't you Jamie?"

---

(I have been granted permission to post as Sir Thomas Blackthorne)

Thomas had been left alone, his eyes had wandered to the Mountains so far away, the stars that shinned so innocently above and thus guilt had crept back into his heart. It was unfair that an evening so fair and young would witness such a horrible act, it had stopped to make him think of his fondest Gwen, a woman so fair and beautiful corrupted by the vemonious act of adultery. It killed him, it killed him when he thought of it so long and hard and the longer it had took Gwen to arrive at the Terrance the longer he just wanted to forget all, to forget courts and rumors and reputations and obligation. Longer and longer did Thomas desired escape, just to be happy.

But these worries and these thoughts were peeked when he had saw fair Gwendolyn arrive. She was so stunning, so beautiful, so kind and gentle. His nerve had almost gotten the better of him as honor had almost told him to speak in protest. "Gwen, I-" Was all he could saw before he was in his lover's arms. He paused as her soft lips met, she was warm and tender and suddenly it was like everything had vanished in a heartbeat.

Thomas embraced her firmly as the two did part, he had paused looking into her beautiful eyes as she spoke. "What were you thinking about love?" She had asked. Thomas offered a kindly smile as his arms move away from simply holding her to holding her warm soft hand. "That right here... Right now... Above these stars and this moon." He had trailed for a moment looking up before resting his head upon her's "I am the most happiest man in all the world."

"That right here... Right now... Above these stars and this moon, I am the most happiest man in all the world."

Gwendolyn smiled fondly at Thomas’s words, the smile lightening up her beautiful face beneath the stars, bringing his hand to her lips she kissed his fingers lovingly “ and you make me the happiest woman” she spoke tenderly placing his hand on her flat stomach, it was true Gwen was always happiest when she was in Thomas’s company. However she couldn’t help this underlining sadness that surrounded him, she had laid with the handsome man many times yet longed to lay with him as man and wife to bare his children and love him openly and unconditionally until her dying day. Yet it did not seem possible, he was engaged to her sister for heaven’s sake, her sister! Something the gods would surely condemn her for, but you cannot help who you love right?

Pushing the thought to the back of her mind she turned to face her beloved with a small smile, placing a soft hand on his cheek she sighed deeply before placing a longing kiss on his lips “why do you have to be so irresistible” she laughed lightly wrapping her arms around his neck to get a better look into his eyes.
“Do you ever wish we could have been simpler folk, that way we could have been together without a scandal ensuing?” she asked with a slight laugh.

Leo frowned slightly at her words. So, she already had someone in mind. It was as he feared. He commented, "Wherever he is, he is very fortunate indeed."

At her question, he frowned even more. It wasn't like Rivera to question her gender and her role. She had always wanted to be a knight since she was told that she was able to. He shook his head, "You are a knight and you are a woman. The two are not mutually exclusive. No, it doesn't bother me at all. I can protect myself, but I am still required to have a bodyguard and, to be honest, there is no one I'd rather be at my side."

His frown deepened, "What about you? Do you long for something more than guarding the King's sickly brother? There are higher positions. In fact, you could probably gain more honor than any knight of the realm if you left me."

He stared into the fire place, his face unreadable but to those who could read him, he'd look devastated at the thought.