M

uch to her delight, the Marshal’s sister made a beeline for them. And, as an added bonus, it turned out the friend she had gone to meet was Noora’s own blood relation. Isabelle must have been who Éodred had been referring to earlier. Although, she supposed, he could still have meant Josefin. Or maybe even their youngest sister, Manon. They too were relatives she was overdue to connect with.

Noora and Eva curtsied deeply and exchanged Solstice well-wishes. Upon the former’s rise, she crossed to Isabelle to bring her into a half-embrace and kiss her cheeks. “Cousin!” she greeted cheerfully, stepping back again. “I had no idea I would be seeing you!” In fact, she had no idea Isabelle and Kira were such close friends. Vanyar and Triston were complexly connected realms, however, so it made perfect sense that they would be.

“Your brother speaks of almost no one else, Kira,” Noora said, turning her gaze back to the Marshal’s sister. “I am so pleased to meet you at last! How wonderful it is too that we should have a shared friend in my dear cousin.” She smiled at Isabelle again, then glanced at Éodred before speaking to Kira once more. “I hope you and I shall be fast friends. We three would make for a formidable bunch.”

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

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Once Isabelle realized what it really meant to accompany Kira to the Vanyar tent, she felt anxiety catch in her throat and twist in her stomach. It was one thing to be amongst a crowd where you weren’t expected to socialize or mingle with, but it was another to be amongst a crowd of people that you were invited to socialize with.

What if she was too quiet? Or didn’t smile enough? Or talked too much about the weather and other useless topics that would make her come across as awkward and dull. Then again, wasn’t she awkward and dull anyway?

Isabelle swallowed her anxiety and moved along with Kira, doing her best not to show her unease. The sight of all the people in the tent made her cheeks flush, which didn’t help as Kira asked her if they should go look for Jackson. Her voice cracked slightly as if to respond, but Kira was already leading her in another direction.

She nearly stumbled but caught up with Kira’s stride and followed along with her until they came to a stop and her wrist was released as her friend rushed to greet her brother. Isabelle brushed the creases from her dress and smoothed her hair, watching as the siblings embraced. She tried not to look awkward as she stood there quietly, somewhat afraid to look around to see who else was around them, but in the corner of her eye, she noticed Jackson and the two other ladies standing by them.

Isabelle quickly urged herself to smile softly just as Logan introduced everyone to Kira, and she couldn’t recall if she had ever met him before. Surely, he had most likely met her older sister at least. At Noora’s introduction, Isabelle’s smile brightened and as her cousin crossed the embrace her, she returned it warmly. “Noora!” She exclaimed, just as surprised. “It’s nice to see you!” It really was, though– aside from Kira, she at least had another familiar face around her. and that brought her a little more comfort.

She watched her cousin step back and speak with Kira, and at her suggestion of the three of them making a formidable bunch, Isabelle smirked and let out a soft laugh, nodding in agreement. “Formidable, or troublesome?” she teased.

Out of respect, she finally glanced at the others surrounding them, ducking into a slight curtsy directed at Logan, wishing him happy Solstice, and then when she turned to Jackson, she nodded to him with a sly smile. “So we meet again, Jackson, was it?” she mused. “Have you finished your book since our last encounter?”

SWANSKI

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

Kira was beyond pleased to see her brother surrounded by others, and even more so to meet new people and hopefully make some fast friends. Logan was particular about who he spent his very limited free time with, so she knew that these people were already pre approved and in her opinion fair game to spend her own time with.

She was pleasantly surprised to find out that Noora and Isabelle knew one another - cousins! - and looked excitedly between the two as they said their greetings. She would have loved to have a relative of a similar age, but that was why she was so thankful to be friends with Isabelle. They were almost like family - in the ways it counted, when it came down to it.

“Oh, how boring Logan. Surely you have better things to talk about than me?” She gave her brother a look before addressing Noora again. “I have no doubt about it! I have been harassing him about meeting you since I learned of your existence.” Kira briefly explained how she had pressed Logan for information after the basilica fire, and was glad to see they had both made what appeared to be a full recovery. “I was trying to go with him to see your bowry, but alas I was not allowed.”

Kira glanced over to her brother who was now blushing as he finished the rest of his ale in one swift gulp. “So is this your first Solstice, too?” Kira asked Noora. “I’ve never been before and it’s been so interesting so far!”

FoR Noora Sætre  | Isabelle Pierre | Kira Sophia

Jackson raised up a single finger to get the Marshal’s attention. “I won’t be chaperoning whatever…this…is.” He nodded towards the women before giving his boss a pointed look as she stated how formidable they would be as a group. He could follow Kira around for hours with barely any issue, but the three of them at once? Absolutely not. He refused to be outnumbered, especially with the scheming that already seemed to be afoot. Especially after the evening he had attempted to wrangle the princess and the woman who appeared to be one of her closest friends.

“Isabelle.” He nodded in greeting, briefly forgetting about her status versus his own as he leaned in closer to listen to what she was saying. The tent was loud and he didn’t want to be overly rude by asking her to repeat herself. A small smile spread across his face at her question. “You know I actually did.” He replied, explaining to her how in his travels he had been reading at night, and it was an excellent way to pass the time. Especially so surrounded by the men and having to share such close quarters, it was nice to have something to himself.

It was amusing to Isabelle how unlikely it was that she would actually be in or cause trouble on her own. But throw Kira and her together, and now her cousin Noora, and suddenly, a big strong man seemed to think it would be the kind of trouble he wouldn’t involve himself in.

She actually let out a laugh at Jackson’s reaction, which probably only solidified that she wasn’t as innocent as she thought she might have been–and that he was valid for being unwilling to chaperone. She and Kira had really done a number on him during their last outing, and she couldn’t really blame him–but it was a fun day, and no one could deny that.

Her sly smile grew to a more amused grin and she gave him a curious glance. “Oh, really?” She had given him such a sappy and girly love story (albeit adventurous and meaningful), that she didn’t think he’d want to read all of it–let alone finish it. Then again, she didn’t know the man well enough and should not have passed any sort of judgment on his reading preferences.

“Aaaannnnd?” She gently questioned him, showing an interest in hearing what he thought of it. The Starless City was one of her favorites and she wondered if he had enjoyed it as much as she did, or if he would not think of her as a silly girl who liked to read fairytales and live with her head in the clouds.

There was a much deeper meaning behind the story though–one that Isabelle wasn’t sure anyone else grasped the way she did because it was somewhat metaphorical and hidden in the overall plot. It was more than just a happy fairytale– it was an escape from her anxiety, and it gave her hope.



(Totally making up a story/plot for the book, but:
Think Tangled/Rapunzel vibes–

It’s about a young woman named Alice who has been trapped in a land surrounded by darkness and despair. She has been told that she can never leave the borders of the land or bad things would happen to her. Fear had been fed to her for all of her life and she couldn’t trust or speak to any strangers.
Every day was the same. Dull, boring, full of the same chores and activities as usual. She read all of her books hundreds of times, painted, played games with herself, and did everything she was told. But she often wondered why all the stories she read were so different than the world she lived in.

At night, she would look up at the sky, hoping to see these little specks of lights that she read about in one of her books, but the sky was always pitch black with no light in sight.
Except for one day, she saw the tiniest of light in the sky far, far away. She begged her mother to go see where it was coming from, but her mother refused.
One night, Alice tried to sneak out but was caught and locked away, not allowed to even leave her home.
Several days passed and then a bandit broke into her family’s home, stealing several prized possessions. Everyone was asleep except for Alice and she went after the man, demanding that he stop at once and return the items he stole. She followed him, talking his ear off and asking him a lot of questions, seemingly annoying him. But when he reached the edge of the city, Alice hesitated and started to cry.
The man stopped and although he could have escaped since she seemed to stop following him, her distraught nature made him more curious. He asked her what was wrong and why she wasn’t following him anymore. She repeated one of the lies she had been told all her life–there were monsters and death and all sorts of scary things out there. How could he be so brave to wander out there to the great unknown? She couldn’t dare leave and anger her family or the people again.
The man laughed at her, which angered Alice, but before she could respond, she noticed the single star right above where they stood. She asked him about it, which rendered the man speechless. He almost felt bad for her, so he gave her a choice. He’d give her the things back if she continued to follow him, and after one day, he would take her back. Or, she could stay, but he keeps the things he stole. Alice wasn’t sure what she should do. Her parents would be so angry with her for disobeying, but they would also appreciate that she was able to get back the things that were stolen from them. She finally agreed at the last second as he began walking off.

The rest of the story involved him showing Alice what the world really was like (the good and the bad). The beautiful landscapes she had missed out on seeing for the entirety of her life. Food, dancing, laughter, fun, adventure, and tribulations…And a giant sky filled with millions of stars.
One day turned into several and as they got to know each other, they started to develop a deep friendship and maybe began to fall in love. Alice didn’t want to go home. And he (Thomas) didn’t want to see her go back. But, a promise was a promise. Without telling her, Thomas led her back to the dark, starless city. He gave her things back and wished her the best. Alice felt sad that maybe he didn’t have the same feelings she had developed, but figured she had annoyed and bothered him enough, and so she took her family’s belongings and wandered back home.

However, Thomas worried about her and how her family might respond to her leaving and being away for so long. After a long moment, he followed after her, staying hidden. He watched as Alice endured horrible treatment and disrespect. So he saved her and took her away, leaving the starless city for good and helping Alice to start her own life in a new city full of stars (with the family items he had initially stolen that were worth more than meets the eye…)

–And it almost seems as though there should be another book that continues on.


Jackson Déor , Kira Sophia , Noora Sætre

SWANSKI

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.

WORDS: 378  ||   NOTES: NAthaniel at Solstice

---

There were several reasons why Nathaniel was at the Solstice events. The first was the obvious reason–because he was expected to be, and it was his duty to protect and ensure the safety of the patrons.

The second reason was because his sisters were somewhere amongst the crowds and he was hoping to see them and perhaps spend a little time with them.

The third reason– we'll, that one was a toss up. He hadn't heard from the Vanyaran princess. She hadn't written to him as she said she might, and he was wondering if he had finally succeeded at pushing her away. He felt that they might have parted on good terms, and if he was being honest, he felt a bit disappointed that he hadn't seen or heard from her. Of course, he could have written to her too, but Nathaniel felt hesitant to bother her. If the tables had been turned, he wasn't sure he'd want to speak to him ever again either. He wouldn't blame her if that were the case. It was what he said he had wanted, anyway, wasn't it?

He hadn't seen his sisters. Or the princess. But he had been invited to the Vanyar tent for dinner with the rest of the riders. So he eventually found his way there, feeling hesitant and nervous. The odds of seeing Kira were even higher, unless she hadn't been allowed to leave home, which might have been the case. Still, his eyes darted around the tent in search of the other riders. Or maybe her. It was unlike him to not be watching where he was going and as a result, he bumped into something. Or someone. (Noora Sætre )

He quickly turned his gaze to the woman in front of him and caught her, preventing her from falling, and he helped to steady her back to her feet. "My apologies– I was not watching where I was going. Are you alri–"

His words trailed off when he realized Kira was standing right there, next to the woman he had just nearly knocked over.

His dark eyes met Kira's and he felt frozen for a moment before he ducked into a polite bow. "Your highness," he quietly greeted her.

ⒶⓀⒾ

I

sabelle aptly unveiled Noora's diplomatic choice of words - the three princesses would truly be a troublesome trio if left to their own devices, she had no doubt. And what fun it would be! She wondered if it might actually be possible. Tomorrow, she silently schemed. When the night’s festivities had worn down the others in their party, perhaps the princesses could have a little adventure.

Jackson and Isabelle became engrossed in a conversation– a continuation, about a book she had recommended to him. It intrigued Noora that they knew each other as well. The world felt even smaller to her, and she wondered what other connections she might uncover among the Marshal’s guests.

Noora's attention returned to Princess Kira. It was too bad she had not been allowed to visit the Ymaret, though she understood the precaution. She was doubtful her own parents would be supportive of the project there if they knew how personally involved she was. The Bowery was not known for its safety at the best of times. Even so, she expressed her hope that Kira might someday be granted permission when things were a little calmer there. “If it helps, you have my express wishes and invitation to see it for yourself. I am very proud of the Ymaret. I would be truly honored to show you what has been accomplished there.” She glanced at the Marshal, briefly holding his gaze as if to ask him to reconsider.

Kira then asked Noora if it was her first solstice. In a way, it caught her off guard. It was the biggest holiday in Noria, something so big that she thought it must have been so everywhere and for everyone. Noora replied much the same as she had to the princess’s brother: as the High King’s niece, she had attended every Midsummer Solstice celebration in Noria for as long as she could remember. This was her first time in Thisbē, however. And, in fact, her first time traveling outside of Norian borders.

She was about to ask Kira a question when someone from the moving and mingling crowd accidentally bumped into her. Noora was a small woman and, having not been braced for even a minor impact, was easily knocked off balance. Had the man not been quick to steady her, she may well have fallen. Instead, her only injury was a drink splattered down her dress. “No harm done,” Noora answered automatically, putting a few steps distance between herself and the man and shooing Eva’s fussing hands away. She frowned in mild disappointment, trying to wipe some of the liquid away herself, though already it had seeped into the fabric for the attempt to be of any success.

The Norian princess became distracted by the man when his apologetic speech came to a sudden halt. A strange intensity followed. He seemed stunned by Kira’s presence in a way that bespoke a familiarity between them. Unsure of whether this was common knowledge, acceptable or forbidden, awkward or welcome, Noora was mindful to keep her shrewd and curious gaze from meeting anyone else’s.

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

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FoR Noora Sætre  | Isabelle Pierre | Kira Sophia

Jackson wasn’t an avid reader, but the book she had gifted him was a welcome distraction to life on the road the past few days. He wasn’t trying to make too big of an effort to complete the novel before the next time he saw Isabelle, but it seemed he did so all the same. “What reason would I have to lie to you?” He asked, holding up his arms in a mock shrug. He really didn’t expect to see her anytime soon, but was pleased all the same to report back about his adventure in the fantasyland the book had created.

“It was darker than I expected.” Was the first thing he said, remembering how the princess had been trapped - a common trope, he reckoned - but one that had been done differently in this book. The way the young woman was forced to live mirrored what he thought Kira’s life had been like thus far, and wondered if Isabelle had a similar experience. It seemed that they both had somewhat of a closeted life experience considering the way they conspired when they got together.

He took a quick glance to the others who were having separate conversations before addressing her once more. “I think she might like this event, don’t you?” He asked. “A way to see others…dance, enjoy music…” he trailed off, taking a long pull from his drink. “It seemed like it just ended suddenly though. Do we ever find out what happens to her?”

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

Logan’s blushed deepend at Kira’s comment about him not taking her to the bowery, wondering how soon it would be until Noora chastised him for it. He was, however, pleasantly surprised for her to simply offer an invitation to his sister and give him only a slight look. “Of course, I’ll find time to accompany you.” He wasn’t about to tell either of the women that the only reason he had refused her request the first time was that he wanted to go by himself. Despite wanting his sister to have new experiences and friends, he wanted that one time to be on his own to hopefully get to know Noora better. Seeing that she had accepted his invitation for solstice meant to him that the small spat with his sister had been worth it.

He gave the pair of them a smile before reminding Kira he was indeed very boring, and would talk about her at every opportunity he had. “Also I can’t imagine -” He stopped short, watching in almost slow motion as a man ran into Noora - one of his own. He stepped forward, reaching out a hand in an attempt to steady her. The Marshal pulled his hand back when he realized Nathaniel had it under control - despite the chaos he came into their conversation with. He was about to ask the rider how much he had already had to drink that afternoon when it was clear how surprised he was to see Kira.

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

Kira was having a truly excellent time at her first solstice experience thus far. She was meeting new people, having exciting conversations, and was generally happy to exist in a world that she hadn’t gotten to participate in before. She could see why this was the largest event of the year and how others were surprised that she hadn’t been before.

The princess was more than happy to meet Noora, and even more pleased for the invite back to the Ymaret and her brother’s subsequent agreement to take her. She gave Noora an impressed look at changing his mind so quickly, and hoped to keep her around if this was the impact the woman could have on The Marshal. Even on his best days Logan wasn’t this relaxed with agreeing to plans that he knew Kira would never let him forget. “I can’t wait to see what you’ve done myself, but it sounds like you have every right to be incredibly proud.” She beamed.

The smile was quickly wiped from the princess’ face, however, at the interruption from a clumsy intruder. She gasped in near horror as the drink spread down Noora’s front, quickly staining her beautiful outfit. Kira was about to address the man with vitriol when she looked up and realized who exactly had run into her new friend. She could have carried out her original plan of telling him off, but instead gave a curt nod at his formal address. “Nathaniel.” She said - a chilly greeting if Kira ever had one, before looking past him to Noora. “I brought extra dresses. You should take one.” She half insisted, half asked. The pair were just about the same size, certainly she had something that could work.

Kira turned back to Nathaniel.

“That’s quite a way to make an entrance for a man who doesn’t like being seen.”

Isabelle hardly expected to get Jackson’s opinion on the book she had gifted him, let alone even see him again, honestly. Then again, if he typically shadowed Kira in her outings, perhaps they may have crossed paths again. She wasn’t expecting to see him today, and she caught herself wondering if she looked alright, or how many of her hairs were unruly or out of place. Without thinking, Isabelle reached up to nonchalantly smooth her hair with her fingers.

She smirked slightly and shrugged her shoulders in response to his question. What reason would he have to lie? Well–she imagined some men might lie to try to look better or impress someone. But maybe Jackson didn’t care about those kinds of things, didn’t want to try to impress her or make himself look better for her. Or maybe he just wasn’t lying at all. “No, I suppose there is no reason to lie,” she responded simply.

“It was darker than I expected,” he answered, and she nodded in agreement. It was a rather dark story and she couldn’t argue or question him on why he thought it was dark. Her lips parted to say anything, but the commotion around them startled her, and she turned to look at the others. An unfamiliar man staring at Kira, Noora’s dress soaked in whatever she had been drinking.

Jackson’s voice pulled her attention back to him, and at first, she was confused by who he was talking about regarding who would like the event. Did he mean Kira? Noora? But then it clicked and she nodded, “Yes, I think so. Wasn’t there an event like this at some point in the book, actually?” She smiled brightly and glanced around at the crowd around them, watching briefly as others danced about, were laughing, and just seemed so happy and full of joy. “Yes–She would definitely enjoy this,” she said almost inaudibly, a slight hint of longing lingered in her voice and in her eyes.

Her gaze moved back to Jackson when he questioned her on the ending of the book and her eyes lit up again as she nodded. “Oh, yes! There is a second book, actually!” She grinned and wondered if he was curious enough to want to read it, or if he just wanted to hear the answer from him. “If you leave me with your location of residence, I could send it to you, if you would like.” She offered with a glint of enthusiasm.

SWANSKI

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.

This was not at all how he wanted to make an entrance. He didn’t want his entrance to be known, honestly. And the attention he was drawing in only made him feel like his stomach was tying in knots. The Marshall was there, too, which made it all much worse.

She had said his name so coldly like he was nothing more than a bug that needed to be squashed. Or maybe that was how he felt. He was certain that they had left fairly on good terms the last time they had seen each other–but he hadn’t written or reached out to her, and neither had she, despite her telling him she would in ten days after not hearing from him, or something like that. Was she upset that he hadn’t? Was she still angry over their last meeting and his reaction to her barging in on him the way she had?

His eyes followed hers as she turned her attention back to Noora, and he then realized his bumping into her had caused her to spill her drink down her dress. He silently sighed and shook his head, wondering if he should just apologize once again, turn, and walk away without another word.

“I truly am sorry,” he muttered after Kira had suggested Noora take one of her dresses, his voice was low and deep. What else was there for him to say or do now? So he bowed slightly and slowly turned to step away.

But Kira’s voice stopped him.


“That’s quite a way to make an entrance for a man who doesn’t like being seen.”

He turned back to look at her, his brows furrowing only slightly. He wasn’t sure if she was scolding him, mocking him, or maybe (though he doubted it) light-heartedly poking fun at him, knowing very well this was out of character for him. Either way, he wasn’t certain how to respond, especially in front of the others. “I can assure you, it was unintentional,” he spoke plainly. “My apologies for my rude interruption,” he said not only to Kira but to the small group she had been conversing with. He hesitated again but gave another bow. “Good day. I hope you enjoy the festivities,” he spoke directly to Kira, his lips twitching into a polite, but forced (and very small) smile.

ⒶⓀⒾ

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

The Marshal’s brows shot up at his younger sister's response to Nathaniel. He had known the side of her that had an attitude for his whole life, but that was usually reserved for when he or their mother had done something to frustrate her. He couldn’t even begin to imagine what the rider could have done or said to merit such a response, especially after the way the pair had originally met. He let out a sigh and pulled himself away from Noora with a nod indicating that Nathaniel should follow him.

He stood a few paces away from the group, watching as Kira fussed over Noora’s dress as he made sure the attention of their company was elsewhere.

“What’s going on here, soldier?” Logan addressed Nathaniel, wondering if the other man was inebriated or merely clumsy out of nerves. He was usually the strong silent type. “Kira seems irritated with you for existing.” He gave Nathaniel a look as if he wanted to know more, but wasn’t completely certain. “Whatever it is - figure it out.”

****

“I can have a pressed dress brought here for you in the next quarter hour.” Kira was indeed fussing over Noora, but not without noticing that her brother had taken Nathaniel away to chat. She didn’t care. He was far too maddening for her to care about it, and she had other - no, better - things to occupy her mind.

Without waiting for Noora’s response, she sent one of her trusted handmaids to find a dress suitable for her new friend. Even if she wouldn’t accept it, Kira at least had to offer. She couldn’t imagine it would be comfortable to be in a drink stained dress the rest of the evening, especially when things had barely begun. That brought her mind back to the man in question and she rolled her eyes skyward with a groan.

Kira was relieved to look over to see a man walking by with two fresh pints of ale. “Can I steal these from you?” She asked in her most polite princess voice. The man in question - potentially one of her brothers' - made quick work of handing her the drinks with a smile. “Here you go.” She handed one of them to Noora to replace her spilled drink, giving her a cheeky smile about how they were acquired.

FoR Isabelle Pierre  

As an easy-going person, Jackson was generally thrilled to talk to anyone about anything, but speaking to Isabelle about a book of all things was definitely different for him. With most women he would make small talk or be an undeniable flirt - something he would absolutely never deny - in order to enjoy his time with someone. This conversation, while peculiar to his general way of doing this, was encouraged by his interest in who Isabelle was as a person.

He shrugged at her question about the book, not remembering a particular party that was written about. He tended to read mostly before he went to sleep, partially as an assist in falling asleep, so he was murky on some of the finer details of the novel. Jackson watched as she stared with what seemed like longing at the dancing crowd, watching as the women swirled around in colored fabrics and dipped down by men who may or may not be trying to woo them.

The rider turned back to face her, the excitement in her voice drawing him back in. “A second book?” He asked, arching a brow as if he was uncertain if he wanted to become known for reading what some might consider a feminine novel. At her offer, he smiled and gave her a wide eyed look. “Is this your clever way of asking where I live?” He joked, his eyes flitting to the crowd briefly before landing back on Isabelle.

“How about you tell me a little about this second book to see if I’m interested?” He paused, offering her his hand. “Out there, if you’d like to…” He gestured toward the dance floor.

N

oora felt a little ridiculous at how much fussing was being done over her and her dress. She understood it socially - she was technically a princess, after all - but personally was not very bothered. True, she liked the dress. It was a new acquisition for the trip. Not overly feminine in spite of the type of garment it was, and was one of the few dresses she freely elected to wear at all. “Thank you, Kira, that is very kind of you to offer,” she said with an endeared smile, a lilt of laughter in her voice. “There is no need to go to any trouble as that. Besides, it is a Solstice party. This may only be the first of many casualties, if Jackson is to be believed.”

Even she and Eva could feel the chill of Kira’s icy comment directed at the man who had blundered into their little circle. The pair exchanged a look, and Noora wondered what this Nathaniel must have done to earn the ire of someone like the Vanyar princess. Though they had only just met, she could not help but feel this was not typical for Kira.

The Marshal stepped in, or rather out, after Kira and Nathaniel’s brief exchange and took the man aside. Noora’s eyes followed the pair. She watched Éodred’s lips as if she could read them (which she could not) until Kira had her attention again. “Really, there is no need,” she assured the princess again.

She was amused at how the princess swiped drinks from a person passing by and did not argue when she was passed one of the pints. Noora thanked her with a laugh and clinked the tankards together before taking a sip. Kira seemed to be more her good-natured self again, but Noora’s curiosity ate at her. Or perhaps it was that she had already imbibed too much to stop herself from prying. “It’s none of my business, but…” she prefaced softly, stepping closer. “Who is he?”

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

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