"Lord Archie- no, no that's not quite right. Prince of len-Well that seems too formal." Elora sighed and lifted her leg to complete her Arabesque, she held the position for a moment before returning to plié. Elora sighed, she had decided to practice ballet in the ballroom as well as her introductions to the Human Prince. Her father had informed her that the summit would be held tomorrow if not the morning after. Elora couldn't help but feel nervous, but dancing helped ease her worries. And Ballet was something she had secretly enjoyed for quite some time, not that anyone would mind. But, she felt Aiduin would tease her endlessly about being ladylike. Letting out a frustrated sigh she rose herself into a relevé before attempting her introduction practice again.
"Hello- no hello seems a bit boring." Her posture was still, the result of countless nights of practice. "Good Morning, Prince Archie." Huffing she positioned herself to piroutté holding the turn in cou-de-pied before performing it an dedans. As she turned with speed she furrowed her brows. "If it's not morning what shall I say then? And he did suggest I be more informal. Oh, this is such a chore!" Her last word came out as a frustrated yelp as she completed a sauté across the ballroom. When she landed she moved her feet to position herself in en pointe. She lowered herself into Attitude croisée derriere, as she stretched out her hand to meet her foot she looked up. An image of Archie's smiling picture flashed before her eyes and she blushed.
"This boy has consumed my thoughts. This is becoming troublesome. How am I supposed to keep composure when I can barely think of him without my face burning." Elora lifted herself up stretching out her leg and folding it behind her slightly to perform a promenade, she left her arms outstretched before her trying to shake the thoughts from her head. She was sure to make a fool of herself when she saw him. Elora stopped turning and lifted her back leg high above her, a perfect penché. "He seems so free and spirited. What if he doesn't like the gift I made? W-what if he doesn't like me?" Her words and thoughts were muddled by her fears and worries. She lowered her leg positioning herself in a plie and letting out a worried breath of air. Elora looked at herself in the mirror, giving her a fake audience a rèvèrence. Relaxing she ran her hands through her hair and sighed once more. Stressing over the situation would do her no good.
She walked to a small door in the corner of the room, that was put there to change if needed. She changed out of her practicing clothes and walked back out. Elora walked down the corridor's once she left the ballroom, she noticed the maids and other attendants rushing through the halls. She saw no sign of her brothers or parents, she stopped walking and stopped a maid running past to see what the excitement was about. It was then she had learned that her dear sister in law had arrived at the castle and given birth to a son. Elora was delighted by the news and had the maid quickly lead her to the room they were in.
When she made it to the room she found her family surrounding a bed Sarya was laid on. Elora made her way over and was delighted to see the small handsome babe in Sarya's arms. "Oh he is most handsome, and he shares both of your features so well." After a long few moments of fawning over the infant, Elora was finally permitted to hold the babe. She was in awe at his small hands and soft skin, he was so small he felt like a feather in her arms. She looked at her nephew lovingly and wondered what her own children might look like as she returned him. This caused her face to burn a most delightful red as her brothers teased her expression.
She excused herself to allow the newborn child and parents to rest and to read Archie's latest letter. She had just been informed that it had arrived. Elora rushed to her quarters with excitement and grabbed the letter from her desk opening it with haste. She blushed at the prince's bold words and chewed her lip as she thought of a response. After rereading the letter several more times she responded and felt pleased with herself. if not only slightly embarrassed by her bold choice of words.
To My Royal Court Jester,
I daresay, I think our nations are in a state of shock now. They may pitch a fuss when they learn that their beloved princess is wed to the Court's Jester. But, no worries I will defend you from the mockery of the country people. I'm sure they will allow this union so long as they are entertained.
I must admit, I am pleased that you have not fallen in death's hands. Though I would warn Rolant not to kill you before we've met. (or at all for that matter.) We have plenty of ailments to cleanse the alcohol from one's body though none pleasant. I hope once we are wed he does not steal you away every night. I'd feel rather lonely.
Aiduin might favor you if you join in teasing, though I will spare you no punches if I feel the need. I jest, I promise I will hit you softly.
On the note of your sister, I give my regards to her health. Elves take blindness as a means of strength, some of our strongest warriors have lost their sights. At least that is what my father has told me. But, there is no need to worry. I will not bring up her pains. I only hope that we can get along well. My elder sister Naexi is often too busy with her betrothed. They met when she was young and he has consumed the mass of her time. A sister closer in age seems more in my favor, I am excited to be able to meet her. Is she a lot like you?
My siblings will be coming to the summit as well, including my brother's wife Sarya, and their newborn babe. (It was a boy, they have named him Lyklor after my mother's father.) He is so small I fear he might break when I hold him. But, he is precious all the same.
The maidens? Daresay I that you are a womanizer dear prince? Shall I have any young maidens fight me for your affections? I jest, even if there may be any maidens I will bring your affections to me and me alone.
I have never held a sword before, but I am skilled with a bow and arrow. We sometimes use them for festivities though my father prefers me not to handle weaponry. I would be pleased if you could teach me. Though from your words it seems as though your only wish is to embrace me. And I say, my eyes work rather well. If they did not could I see you as handsome?
I imagine things aplenty, but yes, you shall be a delirious tree monkey. I jest. My brave beloved soldier perhaps. Do you fancy the name?
I'm afraid I cannot gracefully glide through the treetops. The people of Uenora live in dense forests and were built for doing such activities. The Kingdom of Lynlore is built by the sea. We have many major ports surrounding the cities. I may not be able to swing from the branches, but I can swim under the waters swiftly.
Is that jealousy I sense? I jest, don't worry your mind. I find you much more charming, he looks like a scoundrel, though a sweet one he looks far too "brooding" for my tastes. I much prefer the blue of your eyes to the forest color of his. My heart will not wander, I am a committed lady. And I fear I may have already committed myself to you.
Aiduin only has my sister and I. My brother left not too long into his adolescence. Having other boys to jest with would make him happy. I'm sure he's tired of participating in my girlish antics. I'm pleased to have more siblings, I love my grand family and I'm sure I will love yours all the same.
Yes, every stitch and design was woven together by my hands. I am delighted you like it, I was almost afraid it may not be to your tastes. My heart swoons most often as of late, you've taken over my thoughts. I almost lost myself while dancing ballet this afternoon.
I only wish that you wear what you like, though if they are to be dress clothing, may they all be by my design? Can you permit them to be worn while you are by my side only? I'm afraid another maiden might steal you away if not.
I feel as though I will have no tolerance for ale, I'm afraid my face would redden like the dawn morning if I did. I wouldn't mind you stealing me away, though there is no need.
I would be delighted to teach you to dance, though my brother says I'm a horrid teacher. We do have ballrooms, I have my own to practice. And we have another to play pianos, and then one for festivities of course. They look the best during the spring festivities they are lit with bright colors and decorations fill the halls. Do they have such festivities in the barracks, or at all in your kingdom?
I won't chide you...much. I tease. My mother is very strict on mannerisms, my aunt Queen Alaisanna would chide me senseless when I was young on posture, and mannerisms. They are strict but loving women.
Why you compliment me too much, I fear my pride is rather large from them. Egg is a rather unusual name. But, If you'd permit I can take the time to have a name for your dear bird if you bring him to the summit.
You are as tall as Aiduin, both giants compared to my small frame. I will try not to gaze up at you too mysteriously, you might become faint of heart if I do. (I jest again)
Private lessons, why the country is sure to be in an uproar. A court jester and a princess alone together, how absurd. I am eager to look at your gardens, I am fond of the flower you gave me. My mother has incased it in a frost that will make it last forever. A gift the snow elves possess.
Aye, it is as intimate as a kiss indeed. Though I will warn that I have never kissed a lad in my lifetime. I am, what you would say inexperienced in those areas of intimacy.
You mention my scent, well if your shirt smells of such things then it must be. When we meet you will find out.
I say, will it be as scandalous as the court jester and a princess meeting in secret?
Your Beloved Seamstress,
Spirited Elven Princess,
Princess Elora Blaric
Archie was dusting his hands off, a habit of his as he adds chalk dust to adjust his grip to the hilt of his sword—for better traction and wielding. He swings it twice, practicing his stances before starting to get into his battle stance again. The male before him was taller than him. He wielded a spear instead of a sword—the recruit wanted a chance to best the Prince. They were going at each other as soon as the recruit pointed an obvious strike towards his abdomen; he blocked it easily with his sword, shoving him backward. The recruit's stance out of place, causing him to readjust himself again, and retake a different stance. Archie could see the cogs working in the adolescent male's eyes, looking for vulnerabilities in his own stance. The two would continue to spar, Archie barely giving it his all to test the recruit's arm and then getting full-on serious in the last half of the second hour of training before calling it quits. The recruit was given pointers to adjust his stance, posture, and how to strike correctly before leaving back to the barracks.
For the Princely Soldier, he would continue to practice on a dummy. The sun was beating down on him, his muscles screaming, sweat clung to his body until a voice sounded out.
"My dear brother, you keep striking that dummy as if it offended you for existing." A teasing, familiar voice rang out.
Archie stopped mid-attack, turned to see, "Leo! You scoundrel, what're you doing here?"
Leo's leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, "Oh you know…came by the neighborhood wanted to see if my older brother needed help properly wielding a sword.
"Last I check your sword arm was poorer than Landon's, don't even tempt me." A wry smile came across his own face.
"Times changed, haven't they? I could best you before I turned sixteen harvests. Now, look at you. The Knight in Shining Armour coming to save us all from the Elves in the North." His blue eyes shining alight with meticulous intentions.
"You keep jesting like that and I might just have your tongue cut off." Archie jested back.
"That's too cruel for your soft, aching heart." Leo retorts, pushing off the wall to show up to Archie. Only his younger brother was still shorter than him by several inches.
"Oh, dear brother, you have such a large bark for such a small dog."
Leo smacks his back, "I'm jesting, Arch. Or are you too serious these days?"
"Never." His smile never waning as he puts his sword into its scabbard. "Come, we must exchange stories."
"You would like that, wouldn't you?" Leo retorts, not objecting to the idea as his eldest brother puts a strong around his shoulders and guides him away from the training yard.
They make their way towards the Raven Tavern, the Prince already breaking his written promise to Elora that he'd likely stay away from taverns this week. But what's a little harm in having drinks with a dear brother who he hasn't seen in quite a while.