---

B

eing a lightweight and already somewhat buzzed a third of the way into her drink, Noora felt frustration at Éodred reignite. Not-so-deep down, she knew it was unfair and irrational. It was the sort of situation where no one was really accountable for how things were going wrong but the blame was directed at someone anyway. Unfortunately for Éodred, he was an easy target.

She decided to cave on the matter of her mysterious friend. It was fun for a little while but Jackson undoubtedly had other places to be eventually and he made a good point about the directions being unclear. Noora was operating under the assumption that he had managed to decipher the words better than she or Eva had, if only by his own coincidental familiarity with them. Jackson’s comment made her wonder, though, and she honestly could not recall enough to conclude whether they had been good instructions to begin with.

“Oh, I may as well tell you!” Noora paused to take a quick drink, then covered her mouth a moment to suppress a small burp. “Being a Vanyar man yourself, I am certain you would know the Marshal from a mile away. We will be counting on it, in fact.”

---

tag: Jackson Déor

FoR Noora Sætre

Of all the things that could have come out of Noora’s mouth - a woman he had quite literally just met - that was probably the last on his list. Any other man from Vanyar would make more sense to him than this woman meeting up with the Marshal. He nearly spit out his ale as she spoke, but managed to swallow before carefully setting down his glass.

He cleared his throat. “I think you could ask half of the people in here and they would have an idea of what he looks like.” Jackson offered, staring at her wide eyed. His curiosity about how the pair knew one another and why oh why he had invited her to meet with him at Solstice had his interests quite piqued. He couldn’t fault the Marshal, the man had impeccable taste.

“That being said, you found the right person.” He took a breath, picked up his drink, and downed half of it before speaking again. “Your Marshal just so happens to be my boss.” He gave her an odd little smile, shaking his head as he wondered just how secret their rendezvous was supposed to be. “It’s my job to know where that man is the majority of the time.” He looked around the bustling tavern and managed to order another round of drinks from a passing maid. “He certainly won’t be here, but I can take you to him.”

---

J

ackson’s reaction did not disappoint. Eva’s, on the other hand… left something to be desired when she sprayed a mouthful of her drink with the force of a sneezing kaimma. “Evaaa!” Noora was trying so hard not to laugh or blush while she shook the droplets (real and imaginary) from her arms. She delayed volunteering any further information, as that seemed to be quite enough to start with, and they would see soon enough for themselves there was not much to tell.

Noora wagged her finger at Jackson. “I knew I had a good feeling about you,” she told him. The odds had to be astronomical, and part of her didn’t even fully believe him when he said Éodred was his direct superior and responsibility. What on earth was he doing with them, then? But she was also (increasingly) buzzed enough to not really care so long as he continued to be fun and gentlemanly.

“I hope you will be staying for whatever the Marshal’s personal festivities entail,” Noora added. Then, seeing him signal for another round, she hurried to down the rest of her first drink. She cringed at the last burning gulp and smacked her lips. “Where are-- oof…” She paused, patting her sternum to dislodge an uncomfortable bubble. “Where are we due to meet him, anyway?”

---

tag: Jackson Déor

FoR Noora Sætre

Still surprised by the recent revelation of who Noora was meeting with, Jackson took delight in her traveling companion’s reaction as well. He shook his head in disbelief, brought the new glass of ale to his lips, and took a hearty swig. In the back of his head he was glad that she had run into him and not someone who might take advantage of her presumed place in society and her audience with the Marshal.

“Your feelings were thankfully correct.” He replied, watching her carefully for a moment. He had only known the Marshal as a single man, outside of the relationship his mother didn’t approve of. Sometimes Jackson almost felt bad for the man, but knew he wouldn’t want the pity at the end of the day. Whoever this woman was - a friend, confidant, or something entirely different - Jackson supposed it was none of his business, though at this point he felt he was welcome to learn more about what was going on.

He finished his second drink, watching as Noora did the same. “I’m impressed.” He paused. “Are you going to be too drunk by the time we get there?” He asked, scooting his chair back from the table and stretching out his back. “It would be a pity for you to miss the fun games they will certainly be playing.”

A few moments later, Jackson had paid and led the ladies out of the tavern. He started in the direction of where the Marshal and some other men - and potentially his family - were. “It’ll only be a few minutes walk from here.” The fuzzy note now made much more sense, now that he had all of the details. “Are you a friend of the Marshal?” he asked carefully.

---

E

va sat in stunned silence with wide unblinking eyes. She was grateful to Jackson for asking how the Vanyar Marshal was acquainted with Noora. She may not be as forthcoming if the questions were coming from her duenna and feel interrogated. Which, in fairness, would not have been far from the truth. Eva’s mind was racing with questions. The information for which she may be duty-bound to report to Noora’s father and mother if there was any hint of romance or impropriety between them.

· · ·

“I should be alright,” Noora assured Jackson, “This will be my last for a while.” At the rate she was feeling it, Noora knew she could not handle much more before she was a useless, giggly, vaguely-queasy lump. Which was not the least bit in her travel plans, and certainly not how she wanted to be around Éodred. Just enough to take off the anxious edge she had started to feel. Enough to have a good time but not so much that her sharpness of mind (and tongue) were dulled.

Noora considered Jackson’s question for a moment, looking unsure as how to answer - and she was. Did the Marshal consider them friends? Noora didn’t. Not exactly. Not yet. They had found some common ground in working together to make the Ymaret a success but that felt more like a business relationship than friendship. “Hmm. Let’s call it a… friendship in progress? If all goes well enough over Solstice, then, yes. Perhaps we shall be friends.”

She paused, deciding she perhaps ought to volunteer more information, thinking it might have sounded as if she was just trying to meet him but was not already acquainted. She certainly did not want either of them thinking she had made up the note business herself in some strange bid to get an audience with the Marshal. “We were both at the basilica fire in Noria, attending a wedding of a mutual connection - my cousin, actually. We helped each other make it out.” She punctuated the summarized story with a casual shrug of one shoulder. “And then, more recently, we collaborated on an effort to distribute food in the Bowery.”

---

tag: Jackson Déor

FoR Noora Sætre

Jackson was impressed by the way Noora only gave him just enough information to keep him asking questions. If she were anyone else - and still a lightweight - they would have been spilling quite a bit more in detail than she had. He glanced over towards Eva, wondering if she might be aware of the details of this woman’s relationship with the Marshal, but it seemed she may have been learning details at the same time he was.

He wouldn’t have offered them more drinks had he known he would be presenting essentially his boss with a friend, or whomever she was, but shrugged it off. This was a grown woman who could do whatever she wanted, especially during Solstice. “A friendship in progress.” He repeated, a smile forming on his face as he glanced over at Noora. “Seems like he might think you’re already friends, no?” The drink had empowered him to begin teasing someone he had only just met. “I know I don’t go around inviting friends in progress to parties like this.” He paused, laughing aloud at his own statement.

“I guess I don’t have any friends in progress.” He stopped in his tracks as they continued down the path. “Wait, maybe you two are friends in progress.” He paused. “If I’m lucky, I guess.” He tacked on, giving Noora a friendly wink.

He continued walking as she spoke, explaining how she was familiar with the Marshal. There had been a bit of chaos in Vanyar after the Marshal had been involved in the basilica fire. Rumors of what would happen if he died and how Idonea would be losing her son in such close proximity to her husband. He told Noora as much, shaking his head as he thought of those who were injured and killed in the quake. “I’m glad you were able to make it out.” Jackson couldn’t even begin to imagine what the scenario was like. “Seems like you created an ally in the midst of everything - and made good use of his bleeding heart while he was there.”

Jackson turned a corner at a specific tent, having remembered haphazard directions from one of the other men. “Looks like things are underway.” He pointed over to a clearing where a large tent was set up, the fires not quite lit due to the daylight. Several men were making efforts on the fire starting, seeing as dusk would be soon approaching.

N

oora smirked subtly and shrugged at Jackson’s supposition. He may have been right about how the Marshal perceived their strange relationship; she really had no idea. It seemed Éodred had been determined to earn her good opinion. And in turn, she - for reasons unbeknownst to herself - had decided to let him try. Noora had to be cautious about associating with men in the aristocracy, though, and even more so with a man at the top of the social ladder. She did not need anyone getting ideas involving her in a marriage alliance.

“I am, admittedly, a hard-won friend,” she stated honestly. The note of mirth in her voice and visible in her expression indicated that she took pride in being difficult like that. “Perhaps he thinks an invitation to a party like this will tip the scales in his favor.” Noora’s smile widened and then was schooled into something more enigmatic while Jackson mused aloud about friends-in-progress. “We shall see,” she replied teasingly, then took a pull from her waterskin to swallow down a laugh.

She liked Jackson. He was easygoing and charming without being flirtatious. Or at least, not too flirtatious. Noora had very little tolerance for that sort of thing and had yet to feel annoyed or uncomfortable by his banter. In that short span, he was easily as much her friend as the Marshal was by her tally. Perhaps better. She nearly cackled out loud at the thought and wondered if that would annoy Éodred - not that she would lord it over him.

The princess gave Jackson a bit of a quizzical look. “Bleeding heart,” Noora repeated, not quite a question; her voice taking on a sharp edge - though it may not have been perceptible to Jackson. She glanced at Eva, whose eyes were the size of kaimma feet, and felt a growing prickle of annoyance at the back of her neck. It was exactly the sort of thing she did not want to hear in connection with the Marshal. Noora was about to say something to the effect of ‘what the hell are you talking about’ (only a little more polite) when their destination came into view.

A large tent had been set in the wide meadow bordering that part of the city. It was positioned away from where most of the bonfires were being built, presumably to protect the Marshal and his guests more easily from the wilder rabble. Tastefully decorated in all the bright trappings of Midsummer Solstice, Noora’s spirits could not help but be raised by it all as they passed through the guarded entry. She took a deep breath, deciding not to take Jackson's comment too seriously just yet. It was probably just a little joke that didn't land with her. And, she would be sure to clarify any misgivings with Eva on the morrow.

The trio found Éodred easily enough. “Marshal.” Dutifully and with all the required propriety of ‘good breeding’, Noora curtseyed deeply; holding the bow until the ruler acknowledged the show of respect. “I hope you find much joy these Solstice days.”

TAG:     Éodred & Jackson Déor

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FoR Noora Sætre  & Éodred

Jackson was truly thrilled that he had the chance to deliver Noora to the Marshal. There wasn’t much more that he liked than getting the inside scoop on relationships, especially any that would lead into a good ribbing. He chuckled at the thought of telling the other men what was going on and giving their leader a hard time - within reason of course.

“Well I’m glad to have the opportunity to try.” He offered, slowing his stride as they came closer to their destination. Jackson chuckled at her suggestion about the Marshal’s motives, and nodded along as she spoke. “He is, admittedly, a smart man.” He offered, noting that he wouldn’t work for him if he wasn’t.

Noora seemed like she could hold her own with anyone, which Jackson had immediately appreciated about her. She wasn’t some swooning impressed-to-be-invited-somewhere-by-Logan type of woman. The Marshal didn’t seem to connect himself to those types, but one never knew with budding friendships or something similar.

He put on his best toothy grin when they approached said Marshall, Jackson giving him a nod. He arched a brow at Noora’s display of propriety, before clapping Logan on the shoulder in way of greeting. “Happy Solstice - consider this delivery your gift.” He laughed.

For Noora Sætre & Jackson Déor

The Marshal had been busier than usual with the lead up to leaving for Solstice. Between managing the men, security, and finalizing joint projects with other rulers, it had been a chaotic period in his life. He didn’t typically have much time to himself, but even moreso as of late. He sent his final letter to Noora in an attempt to convince her to come to Solstice, hoping that she would, but being incredibly uncertain of her actual plans. Perhaps she would come to the event and not want to see him, or maybe not come at all. It wasn’t until she appeared in front of him - with Jackson? - that he was sure he would see her at all outside of his appearance at the Bowery.

“Thank you, Jackson.” He paused, shaking his head at the man. “Happy Solstice, make yourself at home.”

A slow smile pulled across his face at Noora’s exaggerated curtsy, glad to see she still had a sharpness to her, even in a semi-formal situation. He would have expected nothing less of the woman he had come to know. The Marshal gave both Noora and her companion a nod in greeting. “Much joy to you both.” His gaze remained on Noora, despite addressing the other woman as well. “I hope you didn’t have too much trouble finding the tent.” he paused. “I have no doubt that Jackson provided pleasant company.” His gaze flitted over to the other man who was positively beaming.

Logan ignored him, his mind back on Noora and her presence in front of him in this moment. “Can I get either of you a drink?” He asked. “Assuming you aren’t ready for a dance yet?” He gave Noora a quick smile in reference to what he had written to try to convince her to attend.

N

oora straightened back into her polite society posture at what sounded like an acceptable social cue, then introduced her chaperone. “It was very lucky we met.” She explained about the spill on his letter and sang Jackson’s praises, crediting him with their presence at all. “And he was good company all the while.”

Éodred’s mention of sharing a dance in a way that suggested it had been previously discussed appeared to catch Noora off guard. “Uh…” It must have been something in his letter she had forgotten while trying to remember the directions. “Perhaps after the sun has fully set?” she answered, sounding somewhat off-kilter and not very committed. “If the air is cooler, that is. I am rather unaccustomed to this Thisbēan heat.” Noora smiled a little sheepishly. It felt like a weak excuse when she heard it aloud but it was not a dishonest one. She thought it to be a little mad that the tradition of midsummer bonfire nights survived in a place so hot.

Eva started to bluster incoherently at the idea of the Marshal getting drinks for them, seemingly having no idea how to respond. Gods, these Vanyar men must have thought them to be very silly women indeed. “That would be wonderful.” Noora agreed, a little too firmly, and shot a look at her duenna to compose herself. “Thank you, Marshal.”

Upon his return, Noora greeted Éodred with a polite smile and thanked him again. She took a little sip, intending to go slower with the drinking in the tent than she had done with Jackson earlier.

“Is your sister here, Marshal?”

TAG:     Éodred & Jackson Déor

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For Noora Sætre & Jackson Déor

If the Marshal didn’t know any better, he would have been worried about Noora and her friend traveling by themselves - especially with faulty directions - but he would have never even uttered it out loud. The woman could clearly take care of herself, though he was glad she ran into Jackson of all people, since she was seeking help. “I’m glad you ran into one another.” He commented.

Logan watched as Noora’s face changed and she digested his question about a dance. “Of course.” He responded quickly, shaking his head. “We wouldn’t want to be the only pair out there.” He said with a nod over to the makeshift dance floor, where people were still greeting one another and socializing. The Marshal wondered if she truly didn’t want to spend any extra time with him, but reconciled that she wouldn’t have even come if that were the case. Noora truly had no reason to entertain his desire to see her, or at least none that he could think of. “Excuse me just a moment.”

The Marshal made his trip to the beverages as quickly as he could, all while making sure to greet others and check in with some of his men. He handed a drink to each of the ladies before settling in with his own, taking a long pull. He nodded in response to Noora’s question as he swallowed. “She is, though she went out to meet with one of her friends.” He paused, taking a quick look around the tent. “I’m sure she’ll be back soon enough. Were you hoping to get your ears talked off this evening?” He joked, knowing his sister would love nothing more than to harass Noora and ask her all sorts of questions about her life.

“Have you two known each other for a long time?” He asked the pair. “Is this your first solstice?” He directed his question towards Eva, hoping to help her relax into conversation, as she seemed nervous.

I

t was interesting to observe the Marshal as he interacted with people to and from collecting their drinks. Noora was struck by his humble and unpretentious air. How he chose to be an attentive and friendly host rather than a king demanding to be entertained. Part of her wondered if he was only doing it to impress her (it was effective, if she was honest) or if he was always like that at a party. She did not trust the latter option to be true yet but made a note of it.

In a way, she already regretted attending this gathering; though she could not have known it until she was there. Noora could not entirely be herself and much preferred when they could just be two people. Here, most especially being in another realm and with Eva in tow, she knew to be on her best behavior; to follow the rules and etiquette of upper society so far as she could withstand without entirely sacrificing her soul to the endeavor. Noora’s parents would never forgive a report of her being openly obstinate or masculinely dressed in the presence of a ruler. Not even her own uncle.

“Ah,” she said with a short acknowledging nod. Noora tried to keep her expression neutral upon learning that the Marshal’s sister was elsewhere that evening. She took a sip of her drink in an attempt to hide any disappointment that might have crept onto her face. Her returning ‘soon enough’ could mean anything. If she and Kira were anything alike, she doubted the princess would be back at all. Not until required, anyway. And, Noora herself was unsure of how long she intended to stick around for.

Éodred’s wry question elicited a humored grin as the glass was lowered from her mouth. “Perhaps,” Noora answered. “Your description of her piqued my curiosity.” Truthfully, she would have liked the additional buffer. Especially someone who enjoyed commanding a room, as she imagined the princess did. Not to mention being a source close to the Marshal that might answer some questions and share stories that may not otherwise be volunteered by him.

Eva was somewhat less flustered the second time the Marshal spoke directly to her. Noora was amused at how affected her duenna was by Éodred’s attention. This was hardly the first time she had been in the presence of or spoken to by a king - although the present conversation circle was, admittedly, far more intimate and casual than anything the High King ever included Eva in. “Yes, your majesty,” Eva answered quickly, bowing her head when she addressed him, “My lady has been my charge ever since she was four years old.” She beamed affectionately at Noora.

The smile was returned in kind and then Noora took it upon herself to answer the Marshal’s other question. “The High King is the brother of my father, so we have attended the big festivities for as long as I can remember, and my poor Eva has had the great task of keeping me out of trouble.” Eva’s laugh was sweet and modest, and she quickly dismissed the idea that Noora was ever anything less than an angel. Meanwhile, Noora’s lips compressed into a subtle smirk and when Éodred caught her eye, she made a face that suggested Eva was grossly misrepresenting the truth.

TAG:     Éodred & Jackson Déor

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For Noora Sætre  

Logan found himself quietly reminiscing about past Solstice and how different he and his father were. For one, he couldn’t remember an event where they had interacted with one another, or one where his father hadn’t appeared solely to show his face and then depart. They were (thankfully) quite different in most ways, but that trait in particular stood out to him as he looked around the tent. It was the first Solstice he had attended as Marshal, and while he wanted to make a good impression upon others, he wanted to have a bit of fun himself.

The Marshal laughed at Noora’s response about his sister, nodding as he took another sip of his drink. “Yes, I can imagine you two might have some things in common.” He told her, thinking that most notably their feelings about Logan at times and how they could become so irritated with him at times. He could only begin to think of how Kira would react to Noora - who she was, her style, what she thought of her brother - and how she would most likely immediately become enthralled with her.

“Four years old?” He asked, looking between the two. “You deserve something a bit stronger than that ale.” The Marshal ventured a joke as he caught Noora’s eye, knowing that any child would be challenging to watch over, but having a strong feeling that she was a special sort of trouble. He was about to tell Eva she didn’t need to be so formal with him right now, but assumed it wouldn’t change how she interacted with him. He understood and respected the rules and formality, but it didn’t always mean he liked it. “I recently had the opportunity to meet your cousin.” He told Noora, reminded of the meeting after she spoke about her uncle.

There was some commotion towards the other end of the tent, Logan briefly drawing his brows together before his face relaxed into an easy smile. “It must be your lucky day.” He addressed Noora, stepping a bit closer to her and leaning in to point out something. “My sister has just graced the tent with her presence.” He nodded in her direction, telling Noora to look for a more attractive and put together version of himself.

E

va giggled, still slightly flustered, genuinely amused at the Marshal’s joke. Still, she doubled down on her claim that Noora was always a fine charge. Noora, meanwhile, was grinning and raised her drink in agreement with Éodred. She was an obstinate and headstrong girl at the best of times - by nature as well as by choice. If anyone was the angel it was Eva.

“From the wedding?” she asked. Her mind kept wandering back to the basilica ever since she mentioned it to Jackson. It occurred to her then that she had been dreadfully neglectful and ought to have written Emma by now. Noora wondered if perhaps her cousin was in Thisbē for the holiday festivities. After a moment, though, she realized he might have meant Josefin.

The princess’s timely arrival interrupted that line of conversation, drawing their collective attentions to the small entourage joining the crowd within the tent. “It is, indeed,” Noora happily agreed; smiling briefly at Jackson before turning to the Marshal with a request to be introduced to his sister. “If it is not impertinent of me to besiege her company so immediately upon her arrival, that is.”

TAG:     Éodred, Jackson Déor, Kira Sophia, Isabelle Pierre

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FoR: Isabelle Pierre , Noora Sætre, Jackson Déor, Éodred

Logan was pleased that his joke had such a lovely effect on the often prickly Noora. He smiled in response to her laughter, making note of the way it sounded in case he never had the chance to hear it again.

“I don’t think you’ll have to wait long at all. She’s already on her way over.” He lifted his brows.

***

Kira was beyond excited to see everyone under the tent. She rarely had the opportunity to see so many people from Vanyar outside of the city - and for a celebration, instead of something more sinister. She had not only been looking forward to the event itself, but the idea of exchanging gifts, dancing, and generally being able to relax would be a blessing. It seemed that life lately was made up of one chaotic moment next to another, with barely any time to breathe in between.

She made quick work of pulling Isabelle forward, grabbing her friend by the wrist and leading her through the groups of people. Kira was friendly to anyone who addressed her, but as it happened, people looked at her but didn’t say much. She was used to being ogled and ignored all at the same time, so she tried to brush it off. Plus, Kira was much more interested in who her brother was speaking to - Jackson and the ladies with them included.

“Logan!” she greeted him when they were a few steps away, noticing that her brother was already looking in her direction.

***

The Marshal made quick work of drawing Kira into a hug, giving her a long squeeze as she groaned into his shoulder. The siblings exchanged solstice greetings, with Kira almost immediately putting eyes on Noora and glancing back up to her brother. He already knew she was seeking out an answer and an introduction. “I know you already know Jackson.” He paused, nodding over to the other man. “But let me introduce you to Noora and Eva.” The Marshal put his attention on the aforementioned women. “Noora, Eva, this is my sister Kira.”