Despised behind her back
Chambers of the Reading Association,
The Estate of Duke Walterus,
The Town of Crimsonton,
Kingdom of Velicia,
About an hour before noon,
The Eighth Day of the Month of November,
Thirty Third Year of the Reign of King Jesse Crestings
Amelia Luna-dynn was there, still at the chamber of the reading association, gathering her things and thinking of making her way to the lounge, where she expected to wait until the fee for the garment would be given to her in full settlement and she would return to the Hildeth Boutique. She hoped Lady Hildeth wouldn't bark at her for returning far later than expected.
It was obvious that she wouldn't tell the woman she had just been admitted as a member of Miss Charlene's Reading Association. But the knowledge thereof would soon be inevitable and she feared Lady Hildeth might interfere in some embarrassing means and strip her of the opportunity.
"Hello there", a sweet voice belonging to some young lady interrupted Amelia's thoughts and she turned to find Lady Alessia Heartrim standing there with a pleasant smile written on her lovely face.
"Ah hello!" the damsel of long dark hair responded, flushed to be addressed by a noble woman. Her eyes skipped around the club room to realise that the others were still lazily sitting around or chattering.
A scullery maid hurried into the room and scurried toward the gathering where Sean, Erion, Roden and Charlene were conversing, called the daughter of the household and left. "I am to meet my father urgently", she bid the men her parting and exited the chamber.
"I think it was quite bold of you to speak up so even whilst it was only your first time at the meetings here. I believe we are both new?" Lady Alessia smiled, holding a hand out for Amelia.
"Aw, that is so kind!" the damsel in response gave her hand to be shook, blushing and tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "I felt like I had erupted out of turn. I do hope I tainted not my first impression"
"Well, for a first day, you handled the most part of it well. Especially since you weren't part of the previous reading, and yet you knew. You seem to be well read", Alessia shrugged, before smiling. "I truly enjoyed it."
"Ah, thank you so much, Miss Alessia", Amelia couldn't contain her smiles. "And might I please mention, you are very beautiful."
There was a grand blush that painted itself over the young dame's already rosy cheeks. She had long golden hair and honey shaded tan. Her eyes were green and mesmerising. Her features were soft and motherly looking, giving the gazer the impression that she was inherently kind. Such opinion did not stray far from her person.
"That is so kind, thank you", the damsel receiving the compliment cooed in response. Placing a hand on her cheek, she turned to look about the chamber and said, "I believe we must acquaint ourselves with the others here. We will be meeting frequently."
Amelia nodded, "of course", and turned her eyes to the group of men. More particularly, to Chief Knight Erion.
To her surprise, he seemed to be looking intensely at her while passively nodding to what Baron Sean seemed to be saying.
Their gazes locked and the damsel panicked within, unable to tear her eyes away. Erion, however, seemed to be completely collected, giving her a calm smile and a nod. Amelia smiled back, and returned a slow nod of her head before turning to Alessia.
The Heartrim damsel seemed to be making her way towards the men gathered in the hall and Amelia followed. Once they were a part of the circle, they began introducing themselves.
Most of the men seemed to be knights and the others were nobles; all beginning to make fast friends. They greeted Amelia like she was a part of them, taking a liking for how daintily she carried herself.
Her gaze kept strictly away from Head Knight Erion, frightened of accidentally locking gazes with him again and come off as doting, making things awkward between them. She wondered if Erion had looked at her earlier because he knew her from the previous night's fiasco against the hounds.
"So what do you do, Miss Amelia?" Sean asked, distracting the damsel from her thoughts.
"Ah", she looked up at the man, with a smile, "I work at Lady Hildeth's Boutique", she answered pleasantly.
"That's quite wonderful", the man nodded.
"She's the first commoner to make this associate", Knight Roden chuckled at his own mention. Something about the way he mentioned it made the young dame feel like they were superior society being benevolent in accommodating her.
None of the other men said anything to the shabby haired knight, but simply carried on like such was not said.
"Then it is an honour to have you among us", Baron Sean nodded, casually ending what Roden had senselessly begun to make her feel inferior.
"Why thank you", Amelia nodded.
"I believe she is writing her own novel", Cylass, another knight that had been beneath the oak tree when she had first been introduced to them that morning by Daren began, seeming curious.
"Yes, actually. I do love writing and wish to publish a story of my own some day", the damsel of brown hair said.
"That is quite intriguing!" Alessia cooed, seeming more excited for her.
"All the best on your endeavour", Knight Erion spoke up, his voice gravelly.
"Ah thank you", Amelia smiled, eyes down to the hems of her skirts.
Just then, a maid opened the door and called, "Miss, from Lady Hildeth's Boutique?"
The pudgy damsel perked up and nodded, "Yes, that is me."
"The payment is ready", the maid said. "You may meet me at the lounge when you are finished."
"Of course, I shall be there", Amelia replied, before turning to the companions. "I do believe I must be leaving now."
"Ah, do not forget to keep your card of membership safe. And of course, I will give you a copy of 'The Cry of a Plague and War', our next book for discussion", Baron Sean said, making his way towards the balcony. "If you carry it with you, you can read it any time you find leisure."
Amelia followed him to the sun-kissed floors of the balcony to collect her book, reluctant at heart, but hardly showing it in her stride. Just as she withdrew from the group, she heard Roden talk to the others about how her writing was not worth the mention, for it 'lacked in reality'.
A hot, boiling streak of anger shot up within her, but she bit her words back without picking a defensive argument, for that would make her look far worse. And she did not feel like confronting the man amidst high society.
Amelia's heart, however, could not stop thinking of the silent Knight Erion's impression of her.
~