I'm not {here} [OPEN]

[Arianna Calanthe]

<sub>Arianna sighed as she stepped carefully down the rustic steps from Ryszard Castle, and into the bustling main stream traffic of the town itself. The dark shadowy bulk of the castle loomed over her, and she shivered, feeling as if wherever she went the castle would follow her like a dark shadow, it stalked her never letting her out of its sight. She had already attempted to escape too many times, it was only just now the other servants of the house hold trusted her enough to let her out, but Arianna still clung to the hope that one day she would be set free, but for now she just had to concentrate on keeping her head down, hoping if she was as inconspicuous as possible one day she could just slip away and no one would notice. Shaking her head, as if trying to shake the thought of freedom out of her mind, she looked up one last time, sure that from a window somewhere, someone would be watching her. The castle was so overpowering, even from the centre of the forest, you could catch glimpses of its soaring turrets from above the trees.

Squeezing her eyes shut, she took a deep breath and slipped into the horde of people, letting the current of walkers take her away, until she caught sight of a side alley veering off from the main track and pushed her way through the throngs of people and into the alley. Arianna blinked; surprised that she had been able to make her way through all those people without tripping or dropping something. She smiled inwardly and moved off to the side of the alley to get away from the people, so she could recollect herself and focus on the task ahead. In her apron, which she had gathered in her hands, were 8 potatoes, she was to find a trader and trade the potatoes for some onions. From where she was standing, small amounts of filtered sunlight shone through the forest that bordered the markets, and onto her uncovered arms, she took both edges of her apron in one hand, and stretched her other arm out holding it for a few moments in the sunlight. It was not often she got this change to stop and relax for a moment, and she planned to make the best of it. Sighing, she reluctantly took up her apron again and moved off, realizing that if anyone from the castle happened to keep her loitering like that they would tell Suzanna for sure, and then there would be hell to pay.

Suzanna was the main servant in the house, she was given the meagre jobs like taking food into the Lords and Ladies bedrooms, and she had been in the castle for more than 30 years and was in charge of all the other servants. Arianna hated her, seeing her as a vile, fat woman who enjoyed inflicting pain on her. Too many times had Suzanna beaten Arianna for things as small as dropping a potatoes on the ground on her way to the kitchen, she was one of the reasons she had attempted escape so many times. And Arianna didn’t have any plans of just handing Suzanna a reason to hit her.

As Arianna rejoined the crowd of people, she couldn’t help but let her mind wander onto her favourite fantasy. She let her eyes rove around the crowd, pausing ever so often on a male that tickled her fancy. He looks strong, maybe he would come and pick me up, carry me out the castle and marry me… Her eyes continued on Or maybe him on the horse, he could come galloping up the hill, sweep me onto the horses back, and we’d run away together. Sighing in a dreamy sort of way, Arianna once again moved off to the side of the alley. Standing on her tip toes she stretched her neck and tried to no avail to look over the heads of the shoppers for the stall she was looking for. She’d been told specifically to look for a lady wearing a red turban; Arianna continued looking, but no red turban. Frowning thoughtfully she slipped back into the main stream of people and continued on down the alley. Just when she thought of giving up, out of the corner of her eye she spotted the red turban. Relief flooded her body, knowing if she had returned without the onions she would have been in some trouble. Pushing her way through the crowd, she reached the stall and dumped the potatoes on the counter. ”Suzanna told me, you would swap these for onions?” Her words were questioning, almost pleading, and she sighed gratefully when she woman gave a curt nod, swept the potatoes off the counter and into a brown hessian bag. Turning around she counted out 8 onions and replaced them on the counter.

Arianna carefully piled the onions into her apron and set about returning back to the castle, turning around she chewed her lip thoughtfully, in the few moments since she had been turned around there seemed to be a lot more people. Worry gnawed at her, but she shoved it away and stepped carefully into the crowd, her feet at once hurrying to keep up with the rest of the mob. But hurrying her feet was the one big mistake she made, if there was one thing Arianna could never trust her feet with, it was speed. In less than 5 seconds flat, they got muddled in each other, and Arianna fell, onions flying, into the dirt. Nobody took any notice of her, simply altered their paths around her, Arianna hurriedly sat up, knowing that there were probably a few sets of hungry eyes eyeing the scattered onions. Counting them as she picked them up, she wiped her forehead as beads of sweat collected there…there were only 7 onions, were was the 8th one. Arianna felt hot tears prick at the corners of her eyes, her cheek stung as if giving her a premonition of what was to come if she didn’t find that 8th onion.

Making sure the other 7 were secure in her apron, she crawled along the ground, eyes peeled for the white ball she was prayed was floating around somewhere. She cried out in pain as a rather round man stepped on her hand, pulling her hands in tight to her sides to avoid another being trodden on, she sat rather dejectedly in the dirt, hot tears threatened to burst. ”Why me, why today…of all days.. Today was one of the few days that Suzanna hadn’t been able to find fault with Arianna, and she HAD intended to keep it that way, but Arianna knew Suzanna would delight in the news of the missing onion, just giving her an excuse to finally release her pent up frustration. Arianna sobbed slightly, knowing she needed to get up out of the dirt, but unable to find the energy to do so.</sub>

[Gethin Dayson]

<sup>Gethin had slipped silently out of the main gates of the castle. He had been standing in one of the large entertaining rooms. Unfortunately for him however his mother had taken it upon herself to try and marry him off to just about every single maiden in the country side. He was used to the drill by now. He would smile kindly to the girl, make polite conversation and make the odd joke so it looked like the two were hitting it off and then he'd just as politely excuse himself and disappear into the crowd of nobles. Peace, until his mother found him and brought with her yet another pretty lady. He would follow as he had done before, making sure that his mother saw them together and when his mother looked away he would once more melt into the array of colours. He was getting quite good at it by now.

The were-fox become vampire wandered through the crowded streets of Bawleil. Most people got out of his way judging his rank by his stature and attitude. Occasionally a serving lady would bump him and then hurriedly blurt out excuses accompanied by half a dozen curtsies until he assured her that there was no harm done and they would hurry off back into the stream of people. Gethin wasn't like most lords, he didn't carry around a cane, with which he would whip some poor over worked servant when they touched him. Some lords were bad enough that they would attack a servant for looking them in the eyes, or even something as trivial as their shadow falling on their form. It was ridiculous, and disgusting at the same time. Most servants were human and so just seen as the dirt under an elf's finely polished boot.

Continuing to fight through the current of people. It was all very varied life in Bawleil, unlike in Terulla where the life was purely human, here elves, vampires, centaurs, elementals even the occasionally sprite or nymph flourished neighbor to neighbor. It was as a village should be, wealthy, prosperous and healthy. The opposite of Terulla. Gethin often wondered whether that was because humans lives were so short, or simply because they were too ignorant to comprehend the ideas that it took to run and keep an economy stable, not just for one but for a whole population. An onion rolled up to his boot and tapped on it lightly. Wondering what on Janzis an onion was doing still whole on the street he picked it up. Looking it over, his mind still wondering over the oddness of it all.

It was while Gethin was lost in his thoughts that he nearly tripped over a girl in the dirt. He blinked stopping suddenly, forcing his body to not tread on the delicate whimpering serving girl on the ground. He noticed her apron was filled with onions. Looking at the one he still help he offered it to her, Um, excuse me, does this belong to you? He wondered, and then quickly remembering his manners he offered his other hand to help her up, You'll get trampled to death down there. He flashed a kind smile, revealing the vampire fangs. His eyes glittered gently in the sun, dark hair falling in front of his gaze.</sup>

[Arianna Calanthe]

Arianna was not having a good day, although up until now she had been having a well enough day, the last 3 minutes had almost guaranteed that the rest of it would not be pleasant. Clutching at her apron to ensure the remaining onions didn’t disappear as well, she sat in the dirt, the tears that had bee threatening to spill now fulfilled that warning and gushed down her dirty cheeks in torrents. To those watching she must have looked pretty pathetic, the little clothing she had was torn and filthy dirty, her face was dirty too, but now had two wet lines of clean skin, courteous of her tears, and her frail appearance probably only added in making her look even more pathetic. With blurred vision, Arianna gave the alley one last scan, but no onion. This only furthered her mood, and made the tears came hotter and faster.

Just as if to taunt her, the sun came peeking out from behind the storm clouds that gathered ominously on the horizon, and shone brightly down on her as if highlighting the fact that everyone else’s day was going great, while hers just kept getting worse. Some stranger tripped over her outstretched leg, and whipped around, his face contorted with rage, the stick of celery he was holding raised threateningly in the air. ”Stupid slag, go back to Terulla where you belong.” His words were said with so much malice that for a moment Arianna thought he might kick her. But he merely turned around and stalked off, Arianna quickly pulled her legs in, but still made no attempt to pull herself up from the ground, half wishing someone would beat her, maybe they would beat her to death and she could escape this godforsaken place.

Arianna felt the shadows of people pass over her, she could feel the sun beaming happily down on her, despite the season the sun was quite warm, and had the circumstances been different Arianna probably would have quite enjoyed sitting where she was, however dangerous her position might be. Sighing the wiped at her eyes furiously, knowing that if she went back to the castle she might as well try and go dry-eyed, if she was crying Suzanna would know straight away that something was wrong. But if she acted like everything was fine, it might at least stall her punishing hands for a little while longer. When she had wiped her face dry, and felt that she had no tears left to spill Arianna gathered her skirts and went to stand. Just as she was preparing for this though a shadow fell over her, which wasn’t too unusual seeing how she was sitting in the middle of a place where lots of people walked, but this shadow was different in the respect that it didn’t move. And only after a moment did she realize it was standing there looking at her!

Arianna looked up, squinting her eyes against the sun she tried to make out the form in front of her. She could not see their face, but she could tell from the soft looking fabric, and the bright colours that this was someone far above her own stature. As if kicking into auto-pilot, Arianna knelt forward and pressed her forehead to the ground, hoping this show of courteousy would satisfy the Lord enough to leave her alone, she knew that although Suzanna’s punishment may be harsh, if she were to offend a Lord her punishment could be death. After a few moments, she was still on the ground, and the shadow was still there, and it was not until a voice spoke that she dared to move. ”Um, excuse me, does this belong to you?” Arianna lifted her head, but still did not dare to look up, she guessed the Lord was most likely holding the onion, she prayed that it had not hit him. Arianna tried desperately to speak, tried to apologize and beg the Lord’s forgiveness, but the words caught in her throat, although before she had thought the tears had dried up, new ones formed and sat trembling on her lashes before slipping down her cheeks.
Arianna dared to look up and face the Lord, scared of what she might see in his face. Before she saw his face though, she saw his hand, offering her back her lost onion. Shaking she reached out and quickly took it back, mumbling something incoherent under her breath. After she had tucked the onion safely in her apron she dared to look up again, this time another hand greeted her. ”You’ll get trampled to death down there” With a shock, Arianna realized the hand was for her. Knowing she should take it, as so not to seem impolite, but also knowing it was an offence for someone of her rank to touch someone of his, she got caught in a sort of limbo. She stared, horrified at the hand, unable to bring herself to touch it, she tried to force herself to take it, but horrible images of her touching him then someone screaming and having her arrested flashed through her mind. ”I..I..” Arianna felt like somewhat of a fish, she sat there mouth gaping, eyes wide, staring at the hand as if he had leprosy. Realizing she had to at least stand, she ignored the hand and stood, legs trembling. She risked a quick glance to his face, and to her horror, he smiled at her revealing two sharp teeth. She tumbled backwards, only just managing to regain her balance, she babbled something that made no sense and cast her eyes back down, curtsying low to the ground. ”I’m terribly sorry m’lord. I..I..fell..and the onions.” She found herself gesturing wildly with her free hand, realizing what an idiot she must look like. He probably thinks I’m a prostitute. She thought bitterly to herself.

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[Gethin Dayson]

<sup>Gethin noticed her mood. You don't have to bow. He replied his tone slightly higher, holding that lordish quality that came from years of training. She's been beaten, he thought angrily, A lot by the look of her manner. These things had an amazing ability to make him angry. The treatment of servants was horrific. They were treated more like slaves for the amount of pay they received. It was hardly enough for a young woman to live on. And most of the servants that were women didn't have men to look after their honor, name or even help with the pay. Servant had to live off what they were given. Of course the men got paid more, and offered higher places to work, after all men often had a family to support. People just assumed women could survive of nothing, which was of course a crap.

When she stood without taking his hand, he suddenly realized what stupid idea it had been to offer her his hand. She was probably worried she would get beaten or even arrested by the knights who kept the peace in this area, if she touched him. Their deference in rank was plainly obvious. An onlooker could easily confuse her for a beggar grabbing his hand because he refused to pay. Or worse a harlot, trying to convince him to buy what she was selling, and we all know what harlots sell. It was okay for a male, even a lord, to buy the favors of a lady, but the female was considered dirty and shunned from all society. And the idea that a lady of fine breeding should seek the favors of a man, well that was down right wrong in the eyes of Falhid.

He noted her tear stained cheeks with a touch of sadness, maybe of pity? No pity would be no good, no one appreciated pity, and from his experience, least of all women. They were a proud, strong spirited kind of people, it was almost like they were a race all of their own. Gethin didn't fail to notice her reaction to his smile. He was prepared to grab another onion whens he managed to catch herself and will balance upon her body. His mouth moved into a grim line, he knew what had spooked her, it had been his teeth, ones he'd earned from his first love. The one that caused him so much shame. Absentmindedly he touched the marks where he'd been bitten on his neck and then carefully moved hair in front of it.

Watching her curtsy, he was used to this sought of thing. It's alright, Gethin shrugged, Everyone trips every now and again. His lips twisted into a half smile, but still hid his fangs that had so worried her before, Even lords and ladies, though we've gotten very good at covering it up. It's just unfortunate you had a load of onions. It was intended as a joke, but now that he heard it outside his head, he doubted it came across the way. Coughing a little awkwardly, Really, you don't have to curtsy, I think I'm curtsied out today. Trying to change the subject he studied her for a bit, Do you work in the castle? He asked, I'm sure I've seen you before.</sup>

[Arianna Calanthe]

Arianna couldn’t help but be slightly horrified at this man speaking to her; she had seen women dragged off before for simply looking at Lords the wrong way. But here she was talking to him, and he didn’t seem in the least bit disgusted by her, this Lord was like none other she had ever met before…and working and living in the castle, she had met her fair share, but none like him. She wrinkled her brow slightly, her head whirring over the many possibilities as to why this Lord was being so friendly to her. Maybe it was a dare from on of his retainers, she’d seen it before, lords and their people drink a little too much rum and next thing you know, a supposed ‘refined’ Lord is sneaking up behind women and lifting their skirts. It was all done in good fun of course, but the thought of being the butt of someone’s practical joke upset her quite a bit, and she felt tears swell in her eyes.

Arianna scolded herself inwardly, this was the third time in the space of 5 minutes that she’d started blubbering, and it was probably scaring this Lord off. Something about men it seemed to her, made them hate tears, or seeing someone cry. It had always puzzled Arianna as to why men were so intent on proving their masculinity, it was not enough for a man to be rich, have as many beautiful wives as he pleased, they always had to prove themselves.

Although everything she had learnt from her ranking had taught her to never look at anyone higher ranking than her directly in the eye, she couldn’t help but sneak glances at him from beneath her lashes. She caught a look of anger in his eyes, but decided judging from his tone it was not directed at her, he must be thinking about something she pondered to herself. She continued to watch him and caught the tightening of his jaw, the narrowed eyes; she could tell he was thinking about something that he felt strongly about.

Although her uncanny way of seeing and noticing everything was not common, through her silent demeanour, and low stature, she had been forced to gauge people’s emotions by their body language, a skill which she had honed and refined since her incarceration in the castle. And as the years continued she had found this skill most useful, some days she managed to dodge the fearsome hand of Suzanna by taking note of the way she stood and held herself. She let her eyes wander of the Lords stance, sighing sorrowfully, his posture was immaculate and the way he held himself made him look powerful, even without the fine garments.

Arianna suddenly realized that this Lord was speaking to her, his tone sounded neither angry, nor disgusted, and this only succeeded in increasing her puzzlement. You don’t have to curtsy… Arianna couldn’t help herself after that, her head snapped up and her eyes locked onto his, a small part of the back of her mind noticing his eyes were much the same as hers. She stared at him, bewildered, not only was he speaking to her politely but he was telling her she had no need to show him the courteousy of to which he was entitled. The fish mouth came back, and Arianna stood there mouth agape, unable to believe what she had just heard…and his next words shocked her so much she felt as if she earth might just open and swallow her up. Now she spoke, she was hoping her voice might sound beautiful and fluent like his did, but after he spoke his words her voice sounded husky, her language that of a servant. ”M’lord, but it is my place to show you respect…and with all due respect, if I was to be seen talking to you…” At these words she paused, now the full horror of her act sunk in and she felt her temperature rise. Her next words came out barely louder than a whisper. ”They will hang me, or worse!” She bought her hands to her own throat and held them there for a moment. Her heart was pounding like never before, and she was certain that he would be able to hear it. At his last words about the castle, all she could bring herself to do was nod dumbly, like the mute servant girl she truly was.

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[Gethin Dayson]

<sup>Gethin watched her again. Obviously she was not used to being acknowledged by someone of his stature, let alone spoken to when not being ordered around to do some trivial thing. For a minute he wondered what he was doing speaking to her, in public, with their huge difference in worlds. It did seem, well a little odd. He wondered what the other people though. Glancing around he noticed that no one was paying attention they were simply mulling around the stagnant pair, in a steady flow, far too busy and caught up in their own world to care for what two strangers happened to be doing.

For a minute Gethin almost wished he had something to lean on casually. But then seeing as nothing was at hand he settled for shifting position, his feet shoulder width apart, one hand rested on his hip, sweeping the navy woolen cloak away from his body. Today he was dressed in array of blues that brought out the crystal glimmer of his eyes, and contrasted rather pleasingly with his dark hair. To say Gethin wasn’t aware of his good looks would be lying. He’d gotten enough looks from the ladies and proposals from mothers offering their daughters to know that it wasn’t just fortune and good taste that drew them. After all a lot of thought and care went into the selective breeding of lords and ladies. Everyone wanted fine looking children, especially daughters because it made them easier to marry off and get out of the hair and treasuries of parents.

Ladies were not people they were breeding stock that was until they passed their breeding expiree. As for lords well they were simply there to bring the bread home and sire good strong sons. Gethin had no desire to be a sire to anyone, or for any lady, at least not yet. He had his whole life ahead of him, and once he ironed out the little problem of his fox-persona destroying his room then he’d be on his adventuring way. Gethin was not one to take stuff lying down, he wanted to get out and explore and know about the lands in which he’d been confined from for so long. Sure he knew about Terulla, but that was hardly an achievement, he was sure he never wanted to go back to that dirty festering pit for as long as he lived. But he did want to see the famous Aaeesha River and the great sea, whom no one has crossed and never returned from.

I really should learn to keep my mind in the present he thought grimly to himself as he once more reined his concentration back onto the girl in front of him. His gaze flickered over her dirty cloths and tatty attire. The girl wasn’t even wearing shoes for crying out loud. Something really had to be done about the servants attire. After all a servant represented their master, and frankly Gethin didn’t want to be thought of as stodgy, or unable to keep his servants properly clothed. Politely ignoring her gapping mouth and then blubbering comments he spoke again, What’s your name? A lord asking the name of a servant was almost unheard of, and he could imagine the reaction she would give him. Mentally shrugging it off he waited quietly.</sup>

[Arianna Calanthe]

<sub>Arianna’s fear of this man was now gone, and had been replaced with an intense curiosity to known everything there was to know about him. The thought of being arrested once again reared its ugly head, but by now her mind was so focused on this man it had no room left to think of anything else. Her eyes ran over him greedily, trying to drink in every detail of him, she took in the almost white, blue eyes, the jet black hair which was worn in a rather unfashionable manner, he was tall but not so tall that he stuck out, the more Arianna watched him, the more she realized he was quite handsome. And in her previous horrified stage, she had completely failed to notice this.

Arianna suddenly felt herself drifting back to that all too familiar dream, in where she was dressed as divinely as any princess, she was sitting on the balcony of a frighteningly high tower, below her a man on a white horse called to her. Only when she concentrated on this dream closely enough did she realize that her mind had manifested this knight in shining armour, into the charming Lord that stood before her. Appalled she forced herself to think of something else, it was alright to dream about a stranger walking past her in the markets, but to even contemplate being swept off her feet by a noble was ludicrous.

Although she tried to shake off that dream, every time she moved her eyes back to the strangers face it came back. She felt that familiar ache in the lower part of her stomach, she had felt it many times before as she walked past handsome Lords in the castle. It was a feeling like she had butterflies floating around in her stomach, she felt like she was going to throw up if he talked to her again, but die if she didn’t talk to her again. Arianna had always assumed for a woman her age these feelings for common, but she was almost certainly sure that no maids would ever be foolish enough to fall for a noble.

As he spoke to her again Arianna felt herself blushing and a lump rose in her throat as she tried to reply, which only made her blush harder, by which stage her cheeks felt like they were on fire. Inside Arianna yelled at herself sternly, knowing it would appear terribly rude and uncourteous if she was not to reply. "I'm Arianna..." She managed to force out, before her mouth slammed shut again.

Although she hadn't felt she least bit frightened of this man before, more so of what others would do to her if they saw her talking to him, now she was terrified. She was sure he would be able to hear her heart as it thumped madly in her chest, she was sure he would detect the quiver in her entire body. She knew that if he was to find out about her little, lets call it an infatuation, that he would laugh at her. At the thought of him discovering this Arianna felt terribly weak at the knees.

It was quite ridiculous actually, that a maid should fall in love with anyone, Arianna couldn't even really be classified as a maid, she had been bought off someone, so technically she was a slave, it was rare that slaves were even allowed to get married, let alone to someone of his stature. And for her to even day dream about him riding up on his white horse and rescuing her was insane. Arianna suddenly became self concious, standing there in her rags, while he stood before her in some of the finest clothes she had ever seen. Suddenly a great desire to stroke the soft velvet on his skin overcame her. She started hungrily at his clothes, wanting to feel the soft, warm material against her skin.

Sighing she snapped her attention back to the real world, a world in which she would never be able to get near such fine fabric, a world were she was destined to leave a captives life. Timidly she raised her head and caught his glance. "Might I ask your name, M'Lord?"
Arianna was sure she had crossed the line as soon as the words had left her mouth and she felt her cheeks, which had just began to cool down, rise in temperature. "Oh...I...I am so sorry M'lord, it was not my place."
Her eyes snapped back down to the ground, she suddenly felt too shy to look him in the eye. She was sure her discomfort would be evident, and she wished she could be a little more self assured for once in her life.</sub>

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[Gethin Dayson]

<sup>Gethin shifted his stance again, crystalline gaze once more sweeping over the crowds of men and women alike, so different in appearance and attire. It all depended on their rank within society, wealth and of course race. While humans, often the lower part of society, often dressed to try and appear more upper class than they actually were. The few lords that were human often wore enough gold to feed several small families for a year. This was accompanied by rings with frankly ridiculously large stones embedded, all precious stones such as sapphires, emeralds, rubs and even diamonds. It was enough shine and glitter to set off a fit with anyone unfortunate enough to suffer from epilepsy.

Gethin couldn’t stand so much obviously over done, out fitting; it was enough to turn the insides of someone less fortunate, ice cold. Ladies often dressed with jewels in their hear, and while this was very captivating, it was also a totally useless entertainment. It did little to draw in Gethin as a suitor, by the time the hair had been done and the gems placed so much hair product and grease was used that he was sure he would faint from the stench. What was worse was when the ladies tried to cover up the smell with imposing sents such as lavender and jasmine. Now these are all very fine and well when used appropriated but at the rate some ladies used it Gethin was sure he wouldn’t be able to smell out of his nose for the next week.

The were-fox, vampire hybrid did not fail to catch her hungry glances at him. He’d become far too accustomed with that look in his more than mortal life time. It was a look that a female gave a male when she wanted to be more than just acquaintances. Normally he was happy enough to entertain the thoughts of the young ladies in court but she was a serving girl for crying out loud, it’s not like he could invite her to the sunning room for some civilized drinks. He could imagine the rumors floating around the castle already. Shuddering he decided to ignore it. Arianna, she said her name was, well it was far preferable to Gethin. It had a musical quality to it, that the name Gethin could not even contemplate even if it slapped it with a fresh water fish. It is nice to meet you Arianna. Well his name might have had the musical quality of a grisly bear suffering from a sever case of dyslexia, but at least his voice made up for it.

Expertly hiding a grin from her expression after asking his name he reined in his humor. Sometimes it got annoying with all the lordliness, and so when that happened he just had to laugh it off or he’d get far too serious and high and might for his own good. It seems only fair now that I know your name that you should know mine. He bowed, not the depth he would give a lady or the clan lord’s wife, but it was a mild show of respect for his fellow… being. Rising I am Lord Gethin of the Dayson estates. He flashed a charming smile. Now Arianna, I expect I’m holding you up from your duties. He glanced over the onions. Would you be so kind as to accompany me back to the castle, and you can tell me how you came to live and work as a servant in the Ryszard Castle. He Started back towards the large majestic building pretty sure she would follow. After all it would be considered a huge lack of propriety if she refused him. He also had the power, if not the will, to order a beating on any servant he found unsatisfactory. This wasn’t something he indulged in, like some other lords did when servants proved too spirited to allow the lords to have everything.</sup>

[Arianna Calanthe]

<sub>Arianna was like all other women, although she might have been dressed in rags and wearing no shoes, she was almost wishing that the Lord would sweep her off her feet and hold her. But he didn't, she knew in her heart that it would never happen, in fact the chances of her ever finding love were slim. But a small part of her mind still clung grimly onto the hope that one day freedom would find her, or else she would chase freedom down, wrestle it to the ground and force it to except her. Either way she refused to grow old and cranky like Suzanna, Suzanna like her had been bought to the castle and she had grown the resent the world. Arianna refused to except that as the rest of her life...she knew there must be something better.

Arianna gasped and quickly clutched at the hem of her apron again, all this day dreaming had loosened her grip on the hem and the felt the onions slowly moving their way south, gravity pulling them down to the ground. Feeling embarrased she felt the flush rise to her cheeks again, not only from embarrasment but she really was beginning to worry that if she didn't return to the castle soon there would be absolute hell to pay for herself. Biting her lip she chanced a quick look at the castle, trying at the same time not to look as if she wanted to go, knowing how rude that would appear.

She tried to keep the hurt look off her face as she noticed the shudder that rippled through his body, and the almost look of disdainfulness that crossed his eyes. Well what do you expect? You're a servant girl... She should have been used to people looking down at her, she was filthy, had no posture and her speech, well...thats an entirely different story. She had been bought up in a world of pain and hard work, and he had been bought up in the lap of luxury. There worlds would never mesh. Her mind yelled at her in a frantic last minute chance the story of Zaira and Payden. But Arianna reassured herself, that even in that story the two lovers had come from opposing families, but rank wise they had been equal. Still, Arianna had to chew fiercly on the inside of her cheek to keep the tears at bay, being the hopeless romantic that she was she couldn't help but feel slightly heart broken.

But that feeling quickly evaporated as soon as he spoke her name, Arianna normaly hated her name, thinking that it was far too beautiful sounding for a girl like her. When she spoke her own name it always sounded forced and wrong, but when he spoke it. His nobel accent and musical voice gave her name the credit that it deserved, which only served to lower her confidence even more. The more she knew about him, the more her chances slipped through her fingers.

Arianna couldn't help but stare when he bowed to her, however small it might be it was still an honour that was far beyond her rank. Shock ran through her system and she wasn't excatly sure how to respond. She tried to mumble a thankyou, but found she had no voice to speak it with. And hearing his nobel title only made her cringe inwardly even more He sounds so royal, and refined... Arianna melted inside as he smiled at her, and found herself unconciously smiling back, which was an extremely rare occosion, and as soon she realized what she was doing she pulled her lips back into their usual serious frown.

Arianna stood and blinked rapidly in suprise, she had never been asked to 'accompany'...follow, yes...escort...yes. But never accompany! The word accompany made it sounded as if she was his equal, and Arianna knew all too well that in this world, they were far from equal. Tripping over her own feet in her hurry to follow him, and nearly sending herself tumbling to the ground again, she managed to blurt out "Of course M'lord.
A few long steps had her caught up with him, walking almost paralell, but slightly behind him, knowing this would always be her place. "Oh, nobody has ever asked me that before...

It was true, nobody had asked Arianna how she had come to live in the castle, even the few maids that she felt close to had never asked about her past. And up until know she'd thought that she didn't paticulary want to tell anyone, but now that she had been asked, she found that she DID in fact want to tell someone. For years she had stayed silent, shoving it to the furthest corners of her mind. But now it had awoke, and she knew she would have to tell someone about it. "Well, I don't really know to tell the truth..." Even to her the words sounded pathetic, just thinking about her father and her brother made her want to sit down and sob, but talking about them made her want to scream out. She would never forget the pain she had felt when she had been taken away from her home, she had always known her father had never paticulary liked her, but to sell her to a brothel was the ultimate hurt. "My father gambled a lot..." After these words she found she didn't want to continue, she felt hot tears form in the corners of her eyes and she wiped them away angrily with her shoulder, being careful not to lose any onions at the same time. "...he didn't care for me at all, neither did my older brother...in fact they both despised me like I was some sort of disease."

Her last words told the true story, although she tried her best to sound aloft, like she didn't care, she hurt and the bitterness reared their ugly heads through the words from her mouth.</sub>

[Gethin Dayson]

<sup>Gethin picked his way through the crowds. It was quite easy for him, he was a lord, and a high ranking one at that, not to mention he often traveled down to Bawleil so all the residents knew who he was. Down on the streets mostly filled with common folk he found most of there beings scrambling to get out of his way. Sometimes he wondered if they’d actually climb over one another if the clan lord came down to survey his subjects. It gave the impression that he was diseased, and everyone knew it. Or like a hoard of mice who lived in the dark and were trying to dive out of the view of the impending light of a lamp. Not that Gethin experienced problems with mice. The Ryszard clan was very proud and kept everything meticulously clean. No sooner a spider had spun a cobweb was it whisked away by the castle cleaners. When Gethin came across a servant girl scrubbing the floors he would wonder just how long the stones could put up with the scouring abuse.

The castle held a good number of servants. Gethin wasn’t sure on the number. But he knew it must’ve been near one hundred. They seemed to be endless, appearing out of nearly every nook and cranny when you least expected it, polishing this, or sweeping that. It took 15-20 servants to clean the throne room for the size. Not to mention that large space was filled with marble statues and huge blood red velvet curtains. Those curtains would take days to take down, wash and then hang. It seemed kind of ridiculous to Gethin but then who was he to question the ruling of the great clan lord Bogrin Ryzard.

He listened to her sad story. It didn’t take an expert to tell that tears were not far from falling. And though Gethin was a lord, and he could come across as superior and snobby but he wasn’t cold. For a long moment he wondered what to do. She could react in two ways he judged, she could get offended at any sign of pity he showed her, or the sign of sympathy could be too much and cause her to burst into a flood of tears. Deciding not to seem completely heartless he stopped and pulled out a handkerchief from his breast pocket. It was undyed, made of a fine cotton, around the edging ran a silver boarder and in the corner the initials, G.D. embroided in swirly blue. Blue and silver were his clan colours. His crest was a silver falcon mid flight, on a blue sky.

Offering it to her he spoke, people can but unkind to animals, but what they do to their fellow being can be plain cruel. There was feeling behind his words, hinting that he believed everything he said. As we’ve noticed before, Gethin wasn’t a cruel person, he wasn’t intentionally unkind, or course. Gethin liked to think of himself as the kind of caring person who took people for their personality, not face value as is seen so often. The truth of this belief varies from subject to subject. I hope life in the castle doesn’t treat you too badly, I know some of the Lords are swines, and a lot of the wed ladies can be down right vicious, but at least there is a lot of company from other maids or servants? I don’t approve of Suzanna though, He shook his head dismissively She’d a piece of work, but she does her job well so the lords put up with her, the ladies, however have problems sometimes.</sup>

[Arianna Calanthe]

<sub>Arianna furrowed her brow in frustration as the crowd parted like the red sea for Gethin, most of them stopping to stare at his departing back most bowing low to the ground, but as soon as he was past the crowd flowed back to fill the path that had been formed for him and rather soon Arianna found herself struggling to keep up. She pushed her way through the crowd as best she could but soon Gethin’s back was getting smaller and smaller. Just when she though she’d lost him all together the crowd disappeared and she was back at the steps. Smiling to herself she ran a few steps to catch up, she didn’t catch the quick look of pity almost that he threw in her direction but just as she came level to him a perfectly white, crisp handkerchief was inserted into her view. Sniffling slightly she accepted it willingly, resisting the urge to dip it into the nearest fountain and wash her face with it, she hadn’t bathed for what seemed like weeks, she probably smelt awful.

Arianna had become slightly accustomed to this Lords strange behaviour around the servants, but she was still taken back by his comment about people. She appreciated the feeling he held in his voice, knowing that that sort of emotion could not be faked, and maybe he really did feel empathy for her and her situation. Arianna didn’t know what it was like to be treated as a real human being, she had been treated like an animal for her whole life and knew nothing better than the life she had. She didn’t know whether or not he was watching, but Arianna felt a smile tug at the corners of her lips at his last comment about castle life, but was shocked that he would dare say dishonourable things about another Lord, and even more surprised about his comment regarding Suzanna. Although she was terrible to the girls in the household, she was nothing but a heap of sugary goodness for the Lords. Arianna glanced over her shoulder before she spoke next. ”Well, mostly life is ok. Just a little lonely sometimes, no matter how many times I remind myself how quickly he cast me away. I miss my father and my brother terribly.” She let a sad sigh out and bit her bottom lip fiercely until the tears in her eyes receded. After that she refused to look up again, instead she focused her attention on the handkerchief he had given her, she ran one long finger along his embroidered initials.

The silk felt beautiful and smooth underneath her fingers, the colours so bright and exquisite. The picture of the falcon entranced her, and she almost tripped up a step, so focused was she on the picture. After a few seconds she felt so sure that if she moved her attention from the picture the falcon would simply fly off the soft white cotton. ”Suzanna, is rather terrible to me, I think she hates me…” Arianna’s eyes suddenly snapped open, her mouth dropped, she had completely forgotten about her errand; luckily the onions were still in her apron. ”M’lord, I’m so sorry, but I have to go. Suzanna will kill me if I bring these onions in too late for supper.” Arianna leapt up ahead of him, trying to take two steps at once, before realizing how rude she was being. ”Would you like to come in? I could fix you something to eat, you must be famished?”
Although to him it would seem a simple enough question, being a Lord he had been having meals prepared for him all his life, but Arianna’s underlying thought was that if the Lord were to come with her, Suzanna would hopefully feel to self-conscious to hit her fiercely enough to really hurt, and by the time he had left Suzanna would hopefully be preoccupied with something else and forget about her entirely.

As if being able to sense when someone was talking about her, who should pop her, beetroot red face out the servants door, but the witch herself. “Arianna, you little lazy cretin!” Arianna flushed at this verbal abuse, avoiding Gethin’s gaze, hating that Suzanna had that strong effect on her. Looking up, she squeezed her eyes shut, Suzanna’s large frame was coming towards the pair, her face was contorted with anger, but she was clearly trying to restrain herself because of Gethin’s presence. She turned to Gethin and gave a deep birth, followed by the usual addressing of ‘M’lord’, after she was finished with these courtesies she turned to Arianna, her eyes burning with anger. “Get back to the kitchen; I’ll deal out your punishment later.” Giving Arianna one last hateful stare she turned to Gethin and plastered a smile on her face. “M’lord, I hope she hasn’t been a problem for you, I promise she will be punished severely for her bothering you.”

Arianna flinched at this last comment, guessing that she was going to be bruised and sore by the end of the night. She moved away from Gethin’s side and stood behind Suzanna’s back waiting for her to finish talking to him. She looked on in disgust at Suzanna’s fake sweet disposition, wishing people could see what she was really like; maybe she would get thrown out of the castle. This thought lightened her mood slightly, but still she watched Gethin hopefully, wondering whether he would interfere or not, so far he had displayed no liking for Suzanna and she wondered whether Gethin would put Suzanna in her place.</sub>

[Gethin Dayson]

<sup>Gethin listened without comment as she spoke. Her rough accent oddly soft because of the nearly whispering tones she used. He pretended not to notice how she stared at his little offering or how she nearly fell forward and only just avoided dropping the onions everywhere. Gethin brushed aside the rudeness of her hurrying ahead of him for fear of Suzanna's wrath, It's fine, we wouldn't want Suzanna to come down on your hard for being late. When she offered to make him a meal Gethin's eye brow raised a ever so slightly but it soon returned to it's normal serious expression. That would be very nice. I am quite hungry. I most probably should be returning to the entertainment in the winter ballroom, however I can spare some time.

As Suzanna appeared from within the castle his eye brow went up again, watching the scene before him. The lords and ladies were perfectly aware of Suzanna's form of "discipline". It wasn't completely unlike some trainer's methods of breaking a horse to saddle. Though in that instance whips were used to help with the scaring. The scaring wasn't physical with the training of servants but while the bruises faded it left mental damage behind.

Bowing as Suzanna went on with her introductions and rather rushed curtsy he continued to watch, a silent shadow as she scolded the girl he'd come to know as Arianna. It was a sad thing that the clan lord and lady, who were after all elves, allowed this sought of treatment to continue. But then no one has much empathy for the fellow people these days. The people that shared Gethin's views were few and far between, so mostly he stood by and watched. Though Gethin was a lord that didn't make him immortal to the social fighting that went on secretly under neath the polite society. There were people who could destroy a fellow lord and lady and their family, and destroy any fortune or unity within the family. If it was just himself he was risking well then he wouldn't mind, but his family had already sacrificed so much for him he felt he owed it to do the right thing by them.

When Suzanna turned back to talk to him, his arms crossed over his chest loosely. Quite the contrary Suzanna she has been a most helpful girl, guided me back here. I'm afraid I got a little lost in the crowds down town. He lied, his voice silky smooth with a superiority under tone that reminded the woman that she was bellow him. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to borrow her for a bit. I have some very tedious jobs that need to be done and Arianna would be perfect for them. Suzanna looked at him with open suspicion, But M'lord, she's late. Can't let a whelp like 'er get away wif it or she walks all over ye. S'e needs t' be reminded o' 'er place. The servant protested.

This surprised Gethin and he raised his eye brow a little higher to show this. He looked down his nose at her, mustering all his training of how to look high and mighty. Over 200 years of practice had made it a rather convincing display. When he spoke his tone was soft, deadly soft, Are you questioning my judgment? I don't think it's Arianna who needs to be reminded of her place here. Suzanna appear to shrink in front of this imposing figure. No M'lord, I never- Gethin cut her short, Leave my sight before I decide to discipline you That was the cherry on the cream cake. Suzanna slunk away with repeated bows and muttering something that was like sorry.

When Gethin was sure Suzanna was out of sight and ear shot he let his facade slip and looked at Arianna with a touch of a smile. Now that that's soughted, would you mind fixing that snack for me? he asked, his tone light and easy going again. You could never have been able to tell that this soft spoken man had just sent the head of the servants cowering and begging forgiveness.</sup>

[Arianna Calanthe]

{OOC- I like this thread, very interesting lol}

<sub>Arianna watched, with bated breath as the discussion between Suzanna and Gethin continued, all the while she was sneaking glances of the Lord. Each time she looked and noticed something new, it only served to further depress her, everything about him screamed noble, his clothing, his posture, his speech and his voice. And finally with a tiny sniffle the last hopes of ever living happily ever after with Gethin slipped away. She scolded herself inwardly, telling herself that it was foolish of her to even contemplate it, ridiculous to even day dream about such a stupid idea. All the while as she was day dreaming and giving herself life lessons, she had failed to noticed Gethin replying to her request for lunch. The corner of her mouth twitched in a half smile and she gave a small curt nod. Although it was a rather late response, she was so busy dreaming that a few minutes had gone by since he’d answered her question. He has to return to some beautiful event, while I boil vegetables. The addition of Suzanna to their conversation had Arianna cringing and writhing inwardly. Every time Suzanna cast her eyes over her, Arianna felt them like they were a physical force. She bit her bottom lip and waited for Gethin to send her on her way, although it was not like a man of his stature to be bossed around by a kitchen maid, it was not often that Lords stood in the way of servants if there was work for them to do. After all the castle would not function without the dozens of women who worked constantly to keep it clean.

Arianna’s head snapped up and her eyes widened as she heard Gethin speaking to Suzanna, he WAS telling her off. Arianna had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming…but no. Suzanna was staring at Gethin as if he’d suddenly sprouted some horrible growth on his face, she could almost see Suzanna melting under the fierce anger that flashed across his eyes. Arianna cringed hoping that anger would never be directed at her. Suzanna stared hard at Arianna before she stalked off, and if looks could kill Arianna would have been dead and buried before she could say ‘Stop’. Arianna had to chew the inside of her cheeks to stop her face from splitting into a huge smile, sure she would probably receive an even larger helping of Suzanna’s wooden spoon when she returned later on, but for now. She was free, and it was all thanks to the unusual lord who stood before her. Arianna cast one last look after Suzanna, as her hunched back disappeared through the servants door on the side of the castle. Rather daringly, Arianna looked up and caught Gethin’s gaze, holding it, she curtsied low and gave the slightest of smiles. She knew somehow that although the likelihood of him ever falling madly in love with her was zero. Maybe she could be his friend. Although in their harsh society men and women were rarely seen as ‘just friends’.

“Thankyou, m’lord.” She spoke softly, although the temptation to address him by his name pulled at her heart, she stuck to the formal language she had been raised by. “Twas very kind of you.” A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth again and this time she let it spread right across her cheeks, a certain light airy feeling took over her body. And now she was certain she must be dreaming. She felt as if she might all of a sudden just take flight, and finally escape this forsaken place. She looked up, the sky was a beautiful crystal clear blue and it seemed finally the weather reflected how she felt inside. Suddenly all those years of lonely exile in the castle seemed to fade in her memory a bit, this tiny act of kindness seemed to much for her heart, which was so used to cruelty.

Arianna watched Gethin as his eyes followed Suzanna back to the castle, only once she was inside and the sound of the door slamming behind her echoed through the castle did he finally let the frightening look from his eyes slip away. A more happy, light expression slipped over his handsome façade and Arianna couldn’t help but wonder at his sudden transformation. He treated her as if she was almost his equal, he had not once looked at her with that same anger and disdain, but yet he had drawn it up as easy as if he were drawing in a breath. As he spoke his last words, Arianna couldn’t help but giggle, he hadn’t forgotten his hunger at least.

Her eyes danced along the stone paths that surrounded the castle. “Now I know not what the Lord enjoys to feast on? So just tell me and I will prepare it for you.” Her voice suddenly dropped to a more sombre tone, but her attitude still stayed the same. “I truly am deeply thankful for that kindness you just showed me.” In a way Arianna guessed he would not have been treated with all too much kindness, although he was of much higher status that did not mean he was treated with love…respect defiantly, but in this world love was not all that common. Even the ladies usually gave their babes away to be nursed by maids, and Arianna suddenly found herself wondering about his past, what had shaped him into the kind man he was today?</sub>

[Arianna Calanthe]

*pokes gethin* Hey, I know you've been busy with exams love but I'm getting bored here lol

[Gethin Dayson]

<sup>To say Gethin was taken off guard by Arianna’s new found confidence was understatement. Only ladies of fellow rank held eye contact while curtsying and most of the time it was a sign of flirting. For a little while he wondered just what it meant, had his charm already caught him another admirer. And in this case one of someone who possessed a much lower rank. Who’s, as his mother would say, pedigree was questionable. Even if he did develop feelings for this daring child, for she was a child in his eyes, it was unlikely he would be able to follow through. No when he married, he would have to marry someone of similar birth to further is family and name, an asset to the future Daysons, someone that could ad fortune, looks and breeding.

Flashing a smile, I’ll take any excuse to tell off Suzanna. Not that I should be filling your head with these insubordinate thoughts. No doubt she already gives you a hard enough time without me stepping in and making it worse. Suzanna almost never gets told off anymore, and for it to happen in front of a serving girl, well that doesn’t really improve your situation. A glint of playfulness showed in his eyes as he spoke again, Besides, it was fun while it lasted. Pity I don’t get more excuses like that to tell her off. She needs it. He found a little at the door way where Suzanna had disappeared.

Hearing Arianna’s course lower city accent again he turned back to her, his dark fringe danced around his pale face, resettling with a few wisps veiling his blue gaze. These he ignored, maybe he should look into getting it cut. Most nobles wore it shaggy, just past their ear lobes or even brushing their shoulders. Gethin’s hair style was, well, unique for the time. Maybe he’d grow it out and wear it at a pony tail, as was sometimes seen. Though this was more common among sailors than nobles of fine breeding. It really was a challenge, Gethin often didn’t change how he appeared, it took too much effort and he was hardly vain about how he looked. It had been noted that when there wasn’t a feasting with the neighbors he often just wandered around in casual cloths, his hair disarray. Despite his appearance though his manners were just as finely polished as always, nobles were yet to catch him out on being impolite, though with people he didn’t particularly take a shine to, he was known to only give what society demanded in the least.

Answering Arianna’s question, I’m not particularly fussed. I’ll eat almost anything. the corner of his mouth pulled up in a crooked smile knowing just how real that was being a mix of vampire and were-being. Though what he ate as a were-fox was enough to turn his stomach in a series of elaborate summersaults while in his humanoid state. Some bread, and cheese will be fine. He started on his way into the castle. Despite being a noble he knew the way to the kitchens of by heart. When he was little he used to spend his time around the cooks sniffing out scraps almost like a dog. He’d been such a polite boy that the cooks and maids didn’t mind his presence all that much. Many of them were elvish so they most likely still worked down there.</sup>