Cheated Courtship [Lorelle]

by **Meville Brightshade** on June 5th, 2013, 5:01 am

23 Spring, 511

Meville picked at the cuffs his borrowed dress shirt, scratching absently where the itchy fabric rubbed against his skin. His usual cascade of blond curls was neatly smoothed and pressed to one side of his face. In fact, everything about the usually wild looking Meville was prim and proper. As he walked, no one turned their heads to give him a glare or a wry grin. To them, he was just another well dressed dandy off to courting at the Red Diamond Tavern. Ironically, he was. Well, in a sense, anway, Meville was headed to meet with one Lorelle Snowsong. A certain young, extremely nervous Vantha man had decided to pass on his invitation to Meville after being offered some mizas and a playful bit of projection. Meville had even been fortunate enough to have the young man offer up his nice clothes for him to play the part! Of course, that had cost him a couple more mizas, but it was certainly worth it. Anyone would think him the adopted child of one of the Frostfawns.

What was his name supposed to be again? Lint? Lile? Meville shook his head slightly, fiddling now with the buttons on his dark, smart looking jacket. Locke. That's what it had been: Locke Frostfawn. Grinning to himself as he slushed his way through the now grey snow beneath his feet, he checked himself in a frozen pool of water as he passed. He certainly didn't look like a Locke. Or a Frostfawn for that matter. Of all the Holds, it had had to have been a Frostfawn: the one Hold he didn't really understand. Animals were animals, not comrades. It was just strange.

Though his Vani had improved quite a lot from when he first began learning it, Meville still had difficulty replicating the accent correctly. He was certain his words would carry with them a strange accent, so he had an excuse in mind. Running over it in a low mutter, Meville checked the position of the setting sun in the darkening sky. He was probably going to be a little late, but all the better. His plan was to show up, cause a scene, and get Locke into a little bit of trouble before making his daring escape.

Nearing the tavern, Meville paused for a moment, massaging the smile out of his face and adopting a casual, neutral disdain. Once he felt appropriately haughty, he pushed open the door to the tavern and took his time scoping out the room before making his way to the slightly bored, but beautiful young woman who was waiting for him. He didn't really pay her much attention as he say without invitation at her table. Once situated, he turned his blue eyes to meet hers and found his voice unavailable to him.

She was stunning. Not in an enchanting sort of ethereal way, but more of a take-your-breath-away sort of sweeping allure that took Meville completely by surprise. In an instant, his demeanor dropped and he appeared a young man completely struck the attractive assets of the woman across the table from him. Letting out a clumsy, "Uh... Hi there." before shaking his head and rolling his eyes at himself. Before she answered, Meville pushed himself out of the chair and moved to the side of the table.

I apologize. This time, he nodded his head at her before asking in his best Vani, "Would you give me a second chance, Miss Lorelle?" No longer in the pranking mood, Meville decided he'd take the opportunity he had stolen. After all, when again would he have the chance to court such a beautiful young Vantha woman? Most likely, never. Meville waited for response, for once in his life with a bit of nervousness in his knees. Gods was she intoxicating.

by **Lorelle** on June 5th, 2013, 5:53 am

Lorelle did not want to be here at the Tavern. It was not something she would have chosen for herself or anyone else. The whole courting thing was beyond unnecessary in her mind. She always believed that if a girl wanted to find someone she would do it on her own not because her parents found someone for her. She wondered how many girls actually fell for the men their parents picked for them. She doubted very many. It didn't seem like the sort of thing that would be to popular with young girls.

This night was just another of many for Lorelle. The only difference was that her parents were not coming and it was at the tavern instead of just at home. These two things Lorelle was somewhat thankful for. She hated when her parents would be around and watch as though they were hawks picking out their next meal. Glaring and easy to read.

Tonight wore what she was forced into by her mother. The outfit consisted of a simple but flattering red silk, halter top dress that showed off her tanned shoulders and still managed to be modest as it covered the whole of her bust. Her feet were forced into black soled shoes that were a half a size to small as they were her mothers. She was given these when dropped off at the tavern, being told that since she did not have her own she would have to borrow from her mother. Her hair tumbled down her back in a curtain of lush, thick curls that were braided along the sides of her head to keep the front part of it out of her face, aside from her bangs that is.

The female Vantha was forced to wait as her date was late to arrive. The tardiness did not give the man any points in his favor. Yet Lorelle did not care for it only gave her something to say about him to her parents that would displease them. The only thing was that it was bothersome to the girl, for she was never one to be very patient. In fact she was about to get up and leave when the man finally did decide to show up. She watched as he sat down and she forced a pleasant look upon her face.

The young man was not at all what she was expecting. First off he had locks of blond hair. Second his skin was paler than any other Vantha she had ever met. He was also tall, well taller than most Vantha anyway. Her mind quickly picked out and ran all of these things through it. She could quickly tell this was not the man she was told to expect, but she decided she might as well go along with it anyway. If she returned home at this time there would be questioning from her parents, questioning she did not want to go through.

Lorelle watched as the man seemed to be surprised. He soon was clumsily speaking in what she could tell was not full Vani. Another red flag went up in her mind telling her that he was not who she was told to expect. She listens to his words before leaning back in her seat and nodding. "Sure, take all the time you need," she replied to him, in her own fluent Vani.

by **Meville Brightshade** on June 5th, 2013, 6:14 am

Meville wasn't entirely certain, but it almost seemed as if she were taunting him her flawless pronunciation. Choosing to ignore it, he nodded his understanding. "Well, I was going to say my name is 'Locke Frostfawn'," He paused with a little shrug, "But I get the feelings you probably wouldn't believe me." Glancing up in thought, Meville quickly added, [/color]"Er, feeling." Well, he was off to a good start.

Before taking his seat, he gave her a sheepish grin, "If you'd like, you can call me Meville. Or boy. Whatever suits you." He found no reason to address the fact he wasn't Vantha. If she asked, he still wasn't entirely sure whether he would tell the truth or his story, but he was finding it increasingly difficult to just play it cool. Her choice of dress only served to make her all the more alluring, and it was distracting him from his Vani.

As he settled in once more, he gave her a questioning look. "How exactly does one court?" He really had no idea other than the faint idea that it had something to do with a combination of flirting and trying to auction oneself off as the most desirable prize. Neither of these things were really Meville's forte, unfortunately. He did, however, have a decent amount of charm and looks going for him. She hadn't turned him away, so he was at least interesting enough to keep her here. Well, either that or she had nothing better to do. He figured it was a combination of the two.

"Er, well, I mean..." He placed his fingers over his lips to stop his struggle before he continued. "I could say you look pretty tonight, but I'm almost certain that would be old news." He curled his fingers into a fist for his head to rest on as he eyed her with curiosity. "I suppose I have two courses of actions- er, action: let you talk, or keep making a fool of myself." Raising a brow, he finished, "Which would you prefer, Miss Lorelle?"

by **Lorelle** on June 5th, 2013, 6:48 am

Lorelle listened to the boy's words as he spoke. She was not used to hearing such things, but a look of surprise is not what touched her face. Instead it was one of twisted amusement. A small smirk graced her lips as she spoke the next words that came from her mouth. "You would be right in that assumption," she told him, "I would not believe you."

Elle watches as the boy sits down and gives his true name. He does not bother to say how he is not a Vantha and Lorelle decided that she did not care enough to ask. Such things were not of importance to her. Really none of this was. "I think I shall call you Meville, for boy would sound as if I am an adult outside of your family scolding you and I do not want to sound as such," she says in a collected, calm manner.

A laugh touched the girl's lips at his question. Such words were not something Elle was accustomed to hearing. Most who agree to this at least know what they are doing. Not all, but most. By his question he was thought of in the girl's mind to be part of those who know nothing. He got a shrug and a sly smile from her as she crossed her legs and folded her hands on her top knee. "I do not know such things for I am the woman in this situation, if I knew how the whole thing worked I would have gotten out of it long ago," was the reply he got from her.

More words uttered from the boy's lips. Lorelle listened with only half of her mind actually paying attention. The other half was wondering off on its own. That is, until the last of his words were spoken. Those words got him another, small laugh."Boy I am not a miss, nor do I ever want to be one. It makes me sound as though I am a lady of the proper fashion and that I most certainly am not," she told him smoothly and then added, "I am not sure which I would prefer. I am not much one for talking myself and listening to you making a fool of yourself is enjoyable. Though it also is like watching a newborn pup trying to figure its way about its siblings as they push it out of the way, lost and pitiful."

The dark haired Vantha sighed as she thought of which way to go. She bit her bottom lip in contemplation before turning back to the blonde boy, having decided now on what she wants to do. "I have an idea, why don't we forget this talking thing and just get something to eat and maybe even drink. I am quite parched at the moment," is what was said when she decided to tell him what she wanted to do.

by **Meville Brightshade** on June 5th, 2013, 7:15 am

Boy did she speak quickly. Her Vani was fluid and sing-song, almost like she was singing, but not quite. It made following what she was saying a bit of a task. From her tone, he could easily tell she found him amusing, though Meville couldn't decide if that was a good thing or bad thing. He did get "lost and pathetic". She certainly didn't beat around the bush. Still, their short exchange had been pleasurable enough, at least on Meville's end. She hadn't asked him to leave, though her previous hint at how she would have long been gone had she understood the workings of courtship was not lost on him. It had taken a little time to translate, but he was managing. The more he heard her voice, the easier it would go.

She hadn't been to fond the of his proper title either. Vani was difficult enough without her poking fun at his choice of honorific. Still, he understood the gist of what she was saying, though he certainly could have argued she at least looked the part of a fine lady. Meville kept that tid-bit to himself though, choosing instead to nod emphatically when she suggested "drink". Alcohol would no nothing but improve the entire situation. "This I think I can managing - er, manage." Offering a friendly grin, he waved down a passing server. He asked the man for an ale and let Lorelle order for herself. He wasn't about to try to guess what she wanted.

Once both had said what they wanted, the man left to fetch the drinks. While they waited, Meville gave Lorelle a confused look. "I'm curious..." He glanced down at the table, gathering his thoughts before continuing by meeting her calm gaze once more, "Are you truly looking for one to marry?" While Meville understood he probably wasn't what she had been looking for, she had seemed to be predisposed to disinterest even before he had decided to give the whole thing a shot. It was a little depressing really, to have his little joke turn on him in such a cruel fashion.

"It's just that you seem a bit cold." Meville's eyes squinted slightly as he reran the sentence in Common in his head. "Er, distant, excuse me." Either word got the point across, one was just slightly more eloquent than the other. Unfortunately, eloquence was lost in the fumbling of vocabulary in a foreign language. Meville offered he another sheepish grin to signal it didn't really bother him whether she was cold or distant or both. He was enjoying her company, and until she felt the need to leave, he'd probably continue chatting as he had been, despite his offer to remain silent. She had, after all, described him as "enjoyable", though it had been paired with plenty of undesirables.

by **Lorelle** on June 5th, 2013, 7:38 am

Lorelle listened as another broken Vani sentence was spoken from Meville's lips. She did not reply to him however, expect by waiting for him to flag down the man serving them that night. After he has ordered his Ale, Elle ordered herself a glass of wine. She decided that she might as well try and enjoy something a little finer than usual. Once the man had left, Lorelle turned back to the boy keeping her company this night for she found he was speaking again. This time he asked a question.

"No," was her simple answer, "I hold very little interest in marriage for in my mind I am still only a child who has yet to get out and enjoy life. Marrying is not something I have ever seen myself doing around this time. This has all been done by my parents who believe they know what is best for me." Her words are truth for that is what she thought. She never did like the idea of marriage. That was always for those much older than her. Those without anything else to do with their lives but settle down and have and raise kids. That was how she saw marriage, just a fancy way of saying your life is over and it is time to fuel the next generation.

A cold smile graces her lips as Meville's next words were finished. She was about to reply when their drinks arrived. She took hers carefully in her hand and took a sip before placing it on the table and continuing on with the conversation. "I may be cold or distant, either works. I am defiantly not one to show all the sides of myself at one time. Though I am quite sure I am more cold than distant. My mind is actually very present, so is the rest of me," was what she said before taking her drink once more and started sipping away at it.

by **Meville Brightshade** on June 5th, 2013, 8:18 am

Her answer was close to what Meville had been expecting. Well, except for the whole "child" thing. True, Meville didn't really view himself as much of an adult. In fact, he even agreed with her stance on marriage. He'd probably experienced more of life than she had, which tinged his heart with a bit of sadness. She grew up in her Hold among her people who taught her what she was to become. He couldn't really accurately imagine how that might have felt, but had his parents gone about arranging meetings with strangers who were to court him? Meville would not have been being as tolerant as Lorelle.

Meville couldn't tell if she was angry, annoyed, or indifferent towards her parents' wishes. Either way, it didn't really matter at this point. She was going to stay until she finished her wine at the very least. Her personal opinions on how her family raised her were her own, and Meville felt commenting on it wouldn't be wise. She wasn't particularly angry about things as they were. There was no need to add any sort of tension.

As the man returned with their drinks, Meville offered a friendly smile as he placed the appropriate amount into the expecting hands that quickly closed around the coins and departed. He fixed his attention on Lorelle as she took a delicate sip of her wine before answering his last question. She decided to go ahead and just address both cold and distant together, making Meville feel a bit of shame over the rather straightforward comment. At least she was mentally engaged, or so she said. Meville shook his head, "I apologize. Of course you are, or you would have left."

He leaned his head into his fist as he lifted the ale in the other hand. Taking a moderate swig from the mug, he licked his lips in thought before continuing. "Well, I can't say I feel very confident about this whole courtship. I was hoping to come off a bit more... Romantic." The last word came out as a chuckle before he took another drink. "You know, I think it's very respectable of you to do that." Meville moved his pointer finger around to make a circle in the air. "I mean... How did you say it... "to show all the sides of myself at one time"? It's completely counter... well, opposite of myself. As you've probably already noticing - er, noticed."

Her admittance to being cold wasn't really something in his favor, and he wanted to alleviate it. Unfortunately, he had no idea how. At this point, Meville figured he might as well just try to keep a conversation, though his rough Vani compared to hers sounded a lot like the raucous cacophony of some dying animal compared to the song of a morning bird. At least he had ale. "What side of yourself do you prefer?" His question, though accented, carried with it Meville's honest curiosity. If there was one thing he was good at, it was taking genuine interest in other people he found interesting. Lorella was one of those people. "I only ask because it seems like it might get... confusing? I think that's the right word. Confusing, like you sometimes might feel you're not yourself all time, even if you are."

Meville grimaced slightly, "Ah. I hope that made sense." While communicating in Vani was easy enough, actual philosophical discussions were fairly difficult due to the tendency to require more advanced words than Meville was familiar with. It didn't help that his own thoughts in Common weren't very well planned out to begin with. Still, he was interested in what she had to say on the matter. Masks were a defensive mechanism. If she had need of them, then she had a need for protection for whatever reason. He doubted she would tell him the specifics, but it didn't hurt to inquire as to the process she used to employ them. Meville took another happy swig of ale as he waited for her reply.

by **Lorelle** on June 5th, 2013, 11:06 pm

Lorelle did not reply to Meville's first comment. She did not see the need to. Instead she stared down at her wine and slowly ran her index finger along the top of her glass, thinking. A smirk spreads across her lips at his ideas about the whole courtship thing. She looks up at him with amused eyes. "Why?" she asked him, "What is so romantic about being set up on a date by your parents in hope that you and the other person will hit it off? Maybe the aftermath isn't so bad, but in my experience this part is never romantic."

She then listened once more as more words came from his mouth. She didn't know fully on how to reply to what he said or even if she wanted to reply. It didn't sound like something that needed a reply. Nonetheless, she decided to give him one. "I've noticed," is the short reply he got. Nothing more, nothing less.

Another round of words and sentences accompanied by a question this time were spoken. Lorelle stays quiet till he finishes. She glanced about the room as she thought up a reply. The truth is, she never really thought about what he is asking and if she had she wasn't sure the answer would be one she would tell him. She has always been rather private and closed off about her inner feelings. Ever since that one incident that just sort of changed everything. The incident Lorelle refuses to acknowledge, think about or tell anyone about.

"I like all of me," was the answer given after a pause of mental contemplation on Elle's part. She lifted her glass afterwards and took a slow drink before putting it down almost completely empty. She looked to the boy across the table, her eyes a meld of silver and purple. "What I mean is that there is no one part of me I enjoy more than the others. Every part or side of me is me, just not all of me. It isn't confusing in the slightest," she explained.

by **Meville Brightshade** on June 5th, 2013, 11:56 pm

Well, she certainly had a point. Romance sprang from... Well what did it come from, exactly? Meville knew it often involved two people who were at the very least attracted to each other. It was like a prerequisite, which made perfect sense. Past that... There were gifts, time spent together, and both physical and verbal displays of affection. The way Lorelle described her situation, everything Meville figured was involved in romance was entirely absent. He couldn't help but see the whole situation as a a big shame.

Lorelle had beauty, yes, but her guarded and reserved demeanor hinted at something deeper, hidden. He couldn't even guess at what it was, but it was definitely an obstacle to any sort of relationship between the to of them - platonic or romantic. Meville couldn't help but feel she deserved to at least make her own choices when choosing who she would fraternize with in the realm of her own marriage. All of the stories he'd heard from the travelers regarding love tended to derive from personal interest rather than the choice being forced upon them. A few had involved forced marriages to strangers who they discovered were actually great fits, but those were very few and far between.

He fiddled with the mug, absent-mindedly swirling the liquid about in a lazy back and fourth mothion, as he fixed his curious eyes on hers during her reply. It confuses me. He eyed he nearly empty glass, taking a swig from his own before he addressed her once more. "Well, I'm glad you like you." He gave a little sigh as he finished off his own drink, "I think it best I don't courting you - court you - then." Meville offered up a defeated grin, "Forget romance and parents and marriage."

Meville flagged down the server and asked for more to drink for the both of them before turning to face Lorelle with a very serious, business-like expression. "Instead, why don't we just talking - talk - as friends. Or, if you'd rather, the strangers that we are." He figured the alcohol would help them both get a little more comfortable with each other. Meville had no idea what she thought of him, but he could tell he wasn't her dream suitor. If that was the case, then he was just going to take the whole thing off the table. "And if your parents ask, you can just tell them my Vani was terrible and had the worst manners you'd ever see -er, saw. Seen."

Meville gave her a sly little wink before the waiter returned with more drinks. He took his with a little flourish and held it out in a toast. "What do you say? Shall we just forget about the world for one night and enjoy ourselves?" At the very least, they could get completely hammered and not remember the rest of the night. It would certainly be enjoyable until the morning.

by **Lorelle** on June 6th, 2013, 2:33 am

Love was something that had always been an idea to Lorelle. She never considered it as something she could have. Only something to be wanted and longed for. It was something to be read about in stories. Stories of the outdated and cheesy nature that is. Elle always doubted that anyone ever actually read and believe in such things. She herself didn't. Even though she once believed she was in love, she soon found it to just be a faulty figment of her imagination. Just a layer of fresh snow that melted the moment the sun hit it.

Meville's words ran over Lorelle. She didn't reply to them right away, but instead took her drink in hand and stared down at it. She contemplated his idea. It was not a bad idea. To just drop all the courtship nonsense and just go on as two strangers might. To stop this simple existing and start living, even if it was just for one night.

The Vantha girl looked up at the blonde boy and gave him the smallest hint of a smile as she held her drink up. "I think, that we shall," she verbally agreed with him, tipping back her glass and taking a swig of the red liquid inside.

Flashback Cheated Courtship [Lorelle]