I built these walls to hide my ghosts

You trace the wounds exposed.

I try to let you in.

But I fail again and again.

---

When the Marshall motioned for him to follow him, Nathaniel breathed an inaudible sigh and followed him away from the group. This wasn’t how he wanted to start his evening at the festivities, but it would seem it was happening. He would have greeted Kira differently, he had hoped it would be a friendlier meeting. But thanks to his nerves and being too busy with looking around, he now looked like a complete jerk, had Kira’s cold irritation, and now he was about to be addressed by the Marshall.

Logan asked him what was going on and he inhaled, his lips parting as if to answer, but the Marshall continued with his observation of Kira’s behavior and that he needed to figure it out. Did that mean he needed to remedy whatever it was Kira was upset at him for? He gave a single nod, “Yes sir,” he answered him. Nathaniel hadn’t even started drinking yet and it was obvious by his serious and steady expression that he wasn’t inebriated. Nathaniel wasn’t entirely certain if Logan really wanted to know, but he didn’t feel it was completely his place to tell him. He didn’t know how much Kira had said or admitted to. He didn’t want to get her in trouble by telling him of their last interaction.

“I will speak with her, if I have your permission?” Logan had told him to figure it out, yet he still felt it needed direct permission, out of respect. Nathaniel waited for the Marshall to agree before he excused himself and wandered back over to where Kira and the small group was.

Kira was still talking with the woman he had bumped into and caused her drink to spill on herself. Not wanting to be rude and interrupt them again, but not wanting to seem like he was going against Logan’s orders to remedy the situation by walking away (even temporarily), left him feeling at a loss on what to do. He stood there quietly (and maybe awkwardly) and at a distance to give them their space to talk without him hearing what they were speaking of.

He waited until it seemed like he had a moment that he could interject. “Excuse me, Kira?” He spoke in a tone as if to show he was apologetic for cutting into their conversation. “May I speak with you for a moment? Would you care for a dance?” Maybe being out in the crowded dance floor wasn’t the best place for conversation, but the distraction, music and chatter might help drown them out from the crowd and allow them to speak freely. If both of them could keep their tempers in check and not draw too much attention to themselves.

ⒶⓀⒾ

FoR: Isabelle Pierre  | Noora Sætre  | Jackson Déor | Éodred | Nathaniel Shaw

Kira had a lot of experience being annoyed with others and not being able to express it freely. It seemed to be a symptom of living in her family home and being surrounded by people - not only her brother and mother - who drove her mad, but had to be respected. After all, a princess had to be polite at (mostly) all times. She should have been better prepared for this possibility, knowing that her brother and Nathaniel worked together and he would most likely be present. She just assumed it was something he wouldn’t be interested in.

Kira took a calming breath before taking a dainty sip from the tankard that she had recently procured, letting the moment settle before replying to the woman who she found to be quite enthralling already. She wasn’t one to imbibe all too often, and Goddess knew she didn’t need to become too loose at the beginning of the party. “The drink all over your dress absolutely makes it your business.” Kira countered, raising a brow at Noora’s question. The princess risked a glance over to where her brother stood before leaning in closer to the other woman. “That’s Nathaniel. He works with Logan and the other riders.” She offered an explanation as to how the two men knew one another.

“I don’t know many of his men personally outside of Jackson, but Nathaniel and I met a few months ago.” She took another sip from the tankard, longer this time as she watched her brother pat Nathaniel’s shoulder. “I was under the impression we had a budding friendship, but the man has a terrible communication issue.” She scoffed, shooting Noora a look as her brother and the other man wrapped up their quick conversation and headed back in their direction.

Kira’s eyes slid over to Nathaniel who seemed to be waiting for something. She turned to face him, her cold shoulder easing a bit at his question. “You’re asking me to dance?” She repeated, surprised at the sudden change. The princess ventured a glance toward Noora before addressing him once more. “Alright, lets go talk on the dance floor.” She agreed, suddenly downing the rest of her ale as she offered her hand.

For Noora Sætre  | Kira Sophia | Isabelle Pierre | Jackson Déor | 

Logan wasn’t so much worried about the pair talking or having some semblance of a friendly relationship, but his concern lay with his sister and the way she seemed to be sizing up Nathaniel. This had somehow managed to get under her skin in a way that the Marshal himself had taken years to master. He would be impressed if not for the wonder at what the man did to deserve such behavior.

“Word of advice, if I may.” He paused, rubbing at his face as he ventured a quick glance back towards the group. “The quickest way to be enemy number one in the eyes of my sister is to have her overhear you ask my permission to speak with her.” He reached over and patted Nathaniel on the back before taking a long pull from his tankard. The Marshal was confident that Nathaniel would clear up whatever misunderstanding the pair had, and trusted him outright as a safe person for Kira to be accompanied by.

“Have a happy Solstice.” He ended the conversation as the two made their way back to the group.

The Marshal watched with trepidation as Nathaniel approached his sister as he wandered back over to his spot next to Noora. He made a surprised sort of sound at Kira’s agreement to get on the dance floor and took the opportunity for himself to address Noora. “I don’t suppose I could convince you to dance, can I?” He asked her, watching as his sister departed with one of his men. “If you want it can be strictly work - I trust the man, but I can’t seem to quell my curiosity.”

S

he was liking Kira more and more with every passing second. In particular, Noora found herself appreciative of the Vanyar princess’s sass and candid conversation. Meeting a kindred woman within the same high social class felt rare and refreshing. She almost wished Éodred would dare to cross his sister now so that she could witness the exchange. Noora was certain she could learn a thing or two from Kira.

Noora made a sound against the rim of her drink, a mixture of sympathy and acknowledgment, and nodded. “I am sorry to hear it,” she offered genuinely. Noora was not always quick to make friends and even slower to befriend men. But once she was on board, she expected the other person to show up in kind. To Noora, it was a great sin that Nathaniel had committed, and, if Kira was anything like her, she did not suffer infinite chances for redemption.

“Perhaps a failing of his sex altogether,” she suggested condescendingly, a jaded and somewhat exasperated expression crossing her features before she too took a long swallow of ale.

It was then that Nathaniel had returned to Kira’s company. He requested the princess’s private audience - or as much as could be granted staying amidst the crowd - by way of dancing the next with him. Noora nodded her consent when Kira looked to her, not wanting to hold her back. Besides, she was invested in the little drama and was just far enough in the cups to encourage more instead of advising a cool head to hear him out.

Kira hurriedly drank the rest of her ale, and Noora took the empty tankard for her. The Marshal rejoined her a moment later, yet again asking her to dance, and it was only then that she realized that Eva was no longer her shadow. Noora’s lips pursed thoughtfully. “Very well,” she answered without argument, sounding decisive rather than impulsive. She set aside the tankards and offered her hand to the Marshal. Noora didn’t want to dance, but she was eager to indulge her nosy yearning. “Surely it is not unethical to overhear something said in a public place?”

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

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Isabelle couldn’t help but wonder if Jackson would have much rather been off with his friends or off in the crowds rather than indulge her in their conversation about a book. How he glanced around the crowd made her feel that might have been the case. But he was kind, no less, for staying to talk with her. She knew she could be rather awkward at times and never really knew what to talk about–it was one reason she enjoyed spending time with Kira because she understood what it was like to be sheltered and restricted. Sometimes Isabelle didn’t even know who she was supposed to be.

It hadn’t even occurred to her that by offering to send him the book, it would seem she was just interested in finding out where he lived. So when he questioned her, her eyes widened and she smirked, releasing an exasperated laugh before stammering slightly. “I–No! That’s not at all what I meant. Are you afraid of me stalking you, my lord?” She teased him, her voice flowing with a hint of sarcasm. “Don’t you think I have more important things to do?” As she spoke, she realized that Jackson probably had no idea what she did with her time, or even that she was a princess of Triston (unless Kira told him of that). “I mean…” She paused and eyed him through squinted eyes. “If you wanted me to… I suppose I might be able to find some time,” she joked.

He suggested she tell him more about the book before he decided if he would be interested in reading it, and Isabelle nodded in agreement. But when Jackson suggested they talk about the book while out on the dance floor, she gave him a confused, yet surprised look. “Me?” She quietly asked, her bright eyes turning to glance at where he gestured. Instantly, she felt heat rising into her cheeks and she looked back at him and smiled. “But there are so many other ladies you could be dancing with…” She suggested, wondering if he really wished to dance with her or even dance at all.

SWANSKI

For Noora Sætre  

Logan was pleasantly surprised that Noora’s immediate response was one of agreeing to dance, rather than something even slightly contrarian. He didn’t expect the woman to outwardly ignore him - especially at the party she agreed to come to - but the ease at which they were communicating was a welcome relief. His eyes flicked over to his sister who was now on the dance floor with Nathaniel, a curious look on her face as she looked at the other man.

With his attention back on Noora, the Marshal gave her a cheeky sort of smile as he took her hand. “I couldn’t agree more.” He led her out to the floor where Kira and Nathaniel were situated, but a few feet away to look a little less suspicious. “Surely it is also not unethical for a man to make sure everyone is behaving at his event?” He arched a brow in question, pausing for a moment as the small musical group changed into the next song.

Logan brought their clasped hands upward, settling his free one at Noora’s hip as the fiddle started a slower tune. It had been a long time since he had engaged in a dance with a woman that he actually wanted to take a turn with, rather than someone his mother or society expected for him to. His mother certainly wouldn’t be mad about the company he was currently keeping, but this time it was his choice. “I don’t think I mentioned it before, but I’m glad you decided to come today.” He told her, knowing he was caught off guard at her arrival with Jackson and felt a bit scattered about his greeting.

I built these walls to hide my ghosts

You trace the wounds exposed.

I try to let you in.

But I fail again and again.

---

Nathaniel knew that (from Kira’s standpoint), his asking her brother for permission to speak with her was the wrong move. But as one of Logan’s men–one he was supposed to respect, it felt the right thing to do. He paused when the Marshal stated he had the advice and confirmed his mistake in asking for permission. Nathaniel’s lips twitched in the slightest smile and he nodded in response. “Happy Solstice,” he responded before he found his way back to the group.

Much to his surprise, Kira agreed to his request to dance and he took her hand in his before leading her to an empty spot on the dance floor. He turned to face her, placing one of his hands on her waist while the other remained in her hand.

For a moment, Nathaniel said nothing, nor did he look at her. He didn’t know what to say at first. Their last interaction had ended suddenly when Kira’s guard pulled her away to return home. Nathaniel hadn’t written to her for various reasons (some of which had been out of his control), but then again, Kira hadn’t written to him either as she had claimed she would. Was he completely at fault?

His dark eyes lifted to finally meet hers, searching them as if he was silently asking, or looking for the answer to what he had done wrong, but truthfully, he knew he wasn’t innocent and her reaction to seeing him was warranted.

Finally, when he spoke, it wasn’t to ask her why she had decided to give him the cold shoulder or why she seemed angry with him. Instead, it might as well have been something more infuriating in seeming oblivious, but it seemed the lesser of two evils at the time than asking the obviousness of her anger. “Happy Solstice. I hope you have been well since our last meeting,” he spoke in a much kinder tone than he had the last time they ran into one another. (Or rather, last time Kira had barged in on him unexpectedly.)

ⒶⓀⒾ

N

oora mirrored the Marshal’s smirk and coupled it with a nod. It was nice to be on the same side for a change. She supposed they had worked well enough together over the Ymaret, which was why she was there now, improving upon that foundation, but it nevertheless felt like an unusual occurrence between them.

“No, indeed,” she said agreeably, joining in further justifying their eavesdropping, “It is surely your duty, as a leader and a brother, to ensure all is well here. Especially at Solstice and in another land. We must all be on our best behavior.”

Judging by Éodred’s closeness and how he positioned their hands, it seemed the next dance was to be a waltz instead of a group dance where she might occasionally link arms with Kira and ask little quickfire prying questions.

Automatically, she moved the hand he had placed at her hip to bring it higher, situating it below her ribs at the curve of her waist. She gave him a shrewd look, as if to silently remind him that they weren’t that friendly.

The music began to play and to Noora’s momentary horror two things occurred to her: one, she didn’t know the song at all, and two, she really only knew Norian dances. She had been so focused on the scheme to overhear Kira and Nathaniel’s conversation that she overlooked the fact that she had just agreed to dance in a foreign dance. Half-drunk, at that.

She let out a wry laugh and replied, “Well, Marshal, you may yet eat those words when you realize, as I have just done, that I do not know the steps to this dance. ”

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

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FoR Isabelle Pierre  

Dancing wasn’t something Jackson was always trying to do when he was out drinking and expecting to enjoy himself, but when the moment called for it he certainly was able to apply himself. He may have been a bit of a brute, but he still had the wherewithal to hold his own in a dance. The man figured it was only proper and appropriate to ask Isabelle to take a turn on the floor as the others seemed to be doing. The fact that she seemed confused by that brought a smile to his lips.

“Yes, you.” He looked behind him and then again over her shoulder. “Unless there’s someone else here who’s read your books and cares to dance with me?” He joked, not caring if he was being denied a dance, but wondering why she would be so shocked by the concept. “Clearly there are other ladies around, but the only ones I know enough to ask for a dance are either out there, or right here.” He gestured to the dance floor again, arching a brow.

“Don’t make me ask again and wound my pride.” He joked again, placing a hand over his heart and feigning ailment. “Unless you’d rather me leave you alone, of course.”

FoR: Nathaniel Shaw

Kira had been raised in a way that didn’t give much room for negotiation when someone asked for a dance. According to her mother, it would be impolite to deny someone if you weren’t otherwise engaged - especially at this juncture in her young life. She allowed Nathaniel to lead her to the dance floor, wondering how this seemed like the best place for a conversation. Perhaps he was interested in the distractions of other dancers, which was smart considering she loved a good moment of people watching.

The princess followed suit, placing a hand on his shoulder as the other rested in his. It seemed odd to be so close after such a strange initial meeting, semblance of friendship, and all around awkward behavior between the two of them since the start of knowing one another. Nathaniel was typically so bent out of shape about being proper that this was certainly a joyous spot for him: speaking with her brother and being surrounded by others who would not mistake their sometimes-friendship with anything else.

She had been watching him with great interest since he asked her to dance, her eyes barely leaving his face. “Oh, he speaks.” Kira feigned shock when he finally looked at his dance partner and offered her a semblance of a greeting. She softened slightly at his sentiments, returning the greeting. “Happy Solstice to you as well.” She paused, her eyes briefly moving to her brother and Noora who had joined in on the dancing. “I’ve been fine, I suppose. And you? Have you been able to get more work done on your home?” She asked, having been helping others with the recovery efforts and not forgetting that Nathaniel’s family had also been impacted. “I hope your family isn’t displaced for much longer.” She offered.

For Noora Sætre  

It wasn’t how he had expected to coax Noora out to the dance floor, but he supposed he had Kira and Nathaniel to thank for putting them in this situation. It was an easy ruse, and one that he was satisfied to play into. All while of course keeping his sister and her own dance partner well within his eyesight. Perhaps he could lure her into some semblance of a friendship as well, judging on her current mood.

“Too true.” Logan agreed. “Brother duty, Marshal duty…sometimes it’s one in the same.” He glanced down at the repositioning of his hands and couldn’t help but smile. Cearly he had spoken - or thought - too soon about the potential of them to build something other than her animosity towards him. The Marshal gave her a small shrug of his shoulders as they set up for the dance.

His smile widened at her admission, wondering how hard it was for her to tell him about not knowing the dance. “Quite the opposite actually.” He began to move his feet in the pattern of the dance, albeit much slower than the music called for. “As luck or horror would have it, I am one of the best dance instructors.” He paused, leading her to the right a few steps. “My mother would sooner have me give up my succession than release me into the world untrained.” Logan arched his brows as he gave her hand a light squeeze and instructed her on the next steps.

“Unless you’d rather leave me on my own to spy on my sister?” He offered her an out.

I built these walls to hide my ghosts

You trace the wounds exposed.

I try to let you in.

But I fail again and again.

---

Nathaniel’s brows furrowed when Kira mocked him for finally speaking. She was clearly annoyed by him for one reason or another, and he couldn’t really blame her.

He was so far out of his comfort zone: between the large crowd and standing so close to Kira, he could hear his heart pulsating in his ears. He was nervous, though he tried to hide it behind his typical aloof demeanor, not letting on to how uncomfortable he really was. His lips parted to say something, even though he had no idea what to say, but he felt he needed to comment on her mocking him. But when Kira spoke, wishing him a happy Solstice, he felt slightly relieved. Then, in what seemed typical for Kira, she started to ramble with a small line of questions.

The faintest hint of a smile twitched on his lips and he simply nodded. “Yes. I’ve almost finished with the repairs,” he replied. Truthfully, he had spent most of his free time working at his parents’ house to get the repairs made. He had also been pulled away to help guard in a mission, which had also delayed him a bit with finishing things. “I don’t think they will be for much longer,” or at least he hoped not. “Thank you for asking,” he added.

He carefully led her in the dance as best as he could. He wasn’t the best dancer, certainly not one fit to be the dancing partner of a princess. “Why do you suppose you have been fine?” he asked her, mostly because she didn’t seem certain that she was fine, but also, fine wasn’t good, right? Nathaniel couldn’t help but wonder if she would tell him that she was upset with him and explain why she was acting so cold towards him. But then again, her brother was lingering nearby, which he assumed was to spy on them. It only left him feeling more nervous about what he said or did. “Is something bothering you?” He quietly added, wondering if she would tell him why she was only just fine.

ⒶⓀⒾ

T

ruthfully, Noora was a very accomplished dancer. Her grace and poise might have been a little compromised when she had been imbibing, but a waltz of any variety would be easy enough for her to follow, whether she had learnt it or not. In that sense, it worked out a great deal better for her, and everyone near her, that it was not a group dance with more complex steps and changing partners.

“Of course you are,” she replied sardonically when he declared himself to be one of the best dance instructors. She only just managed not to roll her eyes at him. In contrast to her scathing tone, though, Noora smirked in amusement. “Ah yes… Heavy is the head that wears so many hats– Brother. Marshal. Foolhardy hero. Lord of business. Dance instructor. It’s a wonder you can move at all.”

The combination of him squeezing her hand to signal a step change and suggesting she could exit the dancefloor now if she wanted surprised her into a jumbled movement where she stepped on his foot at least twice. “Absolutely not.” She glared at him semi-playfully. “I would rather make an embarrassment of my skills as a dancer than create a scandal by leaving mid-dance with the Marshal and miss out on whatever they’re saying over there.”

A crease formed between her brows at a sudden realization. “Wait. What are they saying over there? I cannot hear them. Move us closer at the next turn.”

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

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FoR: Nathaniel Shaw

When Kira had arrived at Solstice she had expected meeting new people, dancing, and forcing her brother to allow her to have some fun. Something not on her agenda was whatever was happening with Nathaniel right now. She remained perfectly poised and polite as they began their dance, nothing short of the princess that was born and bred to behave as such. It wasn’t in her nature to be cruel or rude to others, but she allowed herself a space with him to be frustrated, even if she was the only one who was aware of it for now.

“I’m truly relieved to hear it.” She gave him a genuine smile at that, wishing nothing but the best for his family. Kira thought of the assistance that she was able to provide in the recovery effort and everything those in Noria had been dealing with since the quake. It seemed that his family was lucky that their home could be rebuilt and they had a place to stay in the meantime.

They fell easily into step with one another, him leading her in the dance within their small space. She could do the steps in her sleep, but still glanced down at her feet every once in a while. “I said I’m fine because I am.” She glanced up at him, eyes narrowing the slightest bit at his follow up question. “You.” She said simply in response, taking a spin away from him. “You’re bothering me.” She clarified, as if it wasn’t clear enough. “It seems to me that you accidentally stumbled upon me - quite literally almost - were trying to leave before you had to interact with me, were spoken to by my brother, and that’s how we ended up here.” She took a breath as she could feel herself beginning to ramble. “Perhaps I wouldn’t be so ‘bothered’ if you could show any sort of consistency. None of my other friends seem to have this issue.”

For Noora Sætre  

A low laugh came from the Marshall at Noora’s chiding comments, something that he had surprisingly started to enjoy since they had been spending time together. “It’s truly a struggle every day to be efficient at so much at once.” He replied, dancing them a few steps in Kira and Nathaniel’s direction. He wasn’t sure if he actually wanted to hear what his sister was talking about, or just wanted to make sure she was holding her own - but did it all the same. He kept them moving about their small space despite the attack on his feet by Noora. If he didn’t know any better, he may have thought she was doing it on purpose.

“Oh yes, surely to avoid a scandal.” The Marshal offered before leading her out into a spin and pulling her back in his direction. He was not surprised, but rather pleased that they seemed to be having fun together. After all, she had been pleasant company in the past, but something about their time together lent itself to Noora seemingly feeling negatively towards him. Even so, he was hopeful that she had accepted his invite and might be willing to remain on at least neutral terms with him.

He once again led them a few steps around Kira and Nathaniel, in an attempt to put eyes on his sister's face. He let out a low noise as he leaned into Noora. “I’m familiar with the look she has right now.” He paused, taking the next few steps of the dance. “And it’s not one I enjoy being on the receiving end of.”