(insp)

closed starter for @blccdblue​​ / nicholas york

event: welcome ball / event one

As more people flocked into the grand hall for the ball, Einar found himself comfortable in his own company. Chatters filled the room, many of which talked of politics and gossips that the king has had a fair share of since coming to Italy --- perhaps, more than he wished he’d hear himself. As a northerner being so far from home, he couldn’t help but feel quite solitary, and yet, at the same time, not once did he ever feel the need to try to mingle nor conform to the rest of the royal and noble guests of the Italian court. However, Einar knew he would also be lying if he said he also did not search for a few people whose company he would not have minded at all.

It takes a few minutes, and perhaps, a glass or two of ale, when his gaze finally sets upon a familiar friendly face: Nicholas. Einar had not see his friend in years, not since he was crowned King of Norway nor when he arrived in Italy, and so his presence is very much welcomed by him. Taking another glass of ale from a servant, Einar approaches the prince with ease and once within reach, he clears his throat to finally make his presence known. “ I do not recall you looking this miserable, old friend, ” Einar deadpanned, offering the glass in an almost too formal way, as if to mock how many others in the room interacted with each other, “ I would hazard a guess that it is the Italian wine that makes you so...or perhaps, the talk of politics? I, for one, have certainly have had enough of it. ”

silkcnlies​:

open to all! @mediciarchive​

SHE WAS never too interested in political talking; and it showed by the boredom on her face. she should have accepted the invitation to cards but she was never really interested in the boring talks of gossip. if only her brother was around— it would be amusing to make trouble. a heavy sigh came from her while someone was speaking. “well this is dreadful– is there anything else to do around here?”

PERHAPS the words were not meant for her ears and yet, with her proximity to yunhee, hearing it was inevitable for esmeray --- and so was her chuckle. italy has been nothing short of beautiful as far as the landscape and the architecture goes and yet, she would also be lying if she said she did not, at the very least, had conflicting feelings about being away from her home. many of those she’d met had been gracious so far but not being one who was big on politics, there were times when she, too, felt like she would rather be someplace else. and so, when she heard the other’s honest opinion about the place, esmeray felt like she had found an ally of sorts. turning to yunhee, she finally says, “ dreadful seems to be the right word for it, ” agreeing mostly in reference to the unspoken looming tensions that seem to engulf the italian court. “ are you not fond of the italian cuisine at the very least, your highness? this ball has me lingering by the array of delicacies they have on the table longer than necessary, it seems. ”

lumincus​:

The man was clearly paranoid and while she did not say that to his face, she was certain that it was expressed in the way that she looked at him. Did he really have so little an opinion of the French, and namely her, that he thought she would have to resort to conspiring against him and trying to make a fool out of him by meeting him before their scheduled audience. “Considering what situation, my lord? the fact that we are betrothed? Shouldn’t that mean I had even less reason to plot against you and meet you unaware and vulnerable in the fields this afternoon? I assure you, it would have been much simpler for me to suggest an earlier meeting time.” Genevieve paused for a second before her brows furrowed and a newfound boost of bravery swept over her. Stepping closer to the Norwegian King, she had a challenging expression on her face as she spoke again, “Or could it be that you think so highly of yourself, that a woman would go out of her way to meet you despite already being betrothed?” she asked, an almost daring lilt to her voice. 

“I truly do not know which is worse – the audacity or the egotistical…” she offered, sounding more like she was teasing now than actually attempting to insult him. “If you would so kindly recall your grace, you weren’t exactly hiding in the middle of a golden field with Magni refusing to move an inch forward. Yes, it would have been easy not to stop and inquire as to your predicament, but if you’d prefer that kind of indifference I will most definitely keep that in mind for the future when I see you are in need of aid.” she said, unrelenting in carrying her point across. 

Oh, she is witty --- that much, Einar is certain. He did see a glimpse of such cleverness about her during their chance encounter earlier but now, considering the difference in what they now have known about each other, her wit appears to be in full force, the kind that is relentless, unabating, and he did not know whether to be amused or insulted. Yet, as soon as he has taken another generous sip of his newly-refilled glass, Einar regains his own wit about him and confidence, and he felt as though the woman has become his first challenge of the day. If she wasn’t testing him earlier, then she sure is now --- or so, that’s how he feels now. “ Ah, see, but you did not. After all, your aim was to evade this very moment as well, was it not? ” He took note of her words earlier, how she also felt about the court and the responsibilities that one is to shoulder as a nobility or a royalty --- something that both of them seemed to have assumed of each other in silence. Einar can see now where she was coming from, and it is evident that their distaste of the arranged betrothal is mutual. However, at the sound of her accusation, the male could not help but wince and yet, he catches himself before it shows in his features and rather, he lets out a humorless laugh as an initial response to it. Her words could cut --- but that makes the whole discourse fun, does it not? “ I could say the same to you, but would rather not. You did go into that forest unaccompanied, did you not ? Perhaps you lost your guards? Lost your way? Whatever it may be, the matter of fact is that you cannot blame me for being wary.  ” 

Her teasing, which borderlines insult, did not go unnoticed, and as Einar finished his second glass of alcohol, he cannot help but chuckle --- this time, it was a genuine one, a sign of mirth, never mind if she is to find such a reaction unsavory. Perhaps he had taken things too far, but who is he if not an instigator? “ Hm, a wife who already resents me even before we are married --- it seems exactly how we imagined marriage would be. A living hell, as you Christians would say, ” Einar teased as he took an unused glass from the table as he inspects a bottle of wine with another hand,  “ Wine, your highness? To soothe your nerves, ” he pours in the deep red content into the glass as he waited for her response. A good alcohol cannot be wasted, even if she did not want it for herself. “ If I may say so myself, this meeting certainly is leaving its own imprint --- we are to learn of each other, do we not, Genevieve ? ” Einar utters her name effortlessly as a smirk plays at the corners of his lips. “ Resent me as you may, but neither of us have choice in the matter of our betrothal --- ” he says, nonchalance in his tone. After all, he has already spent the last few months mourning the loss of his freedom, and so, there is no point in dwelling on it any more than he already has. “ --- you must have questions...as I must have at least piqued your curiosity, just as you have piqued mine. ” She may not like him now, but Einar is determined to at least make this work, in whatever way possible.

lumincus​:

Genevieve rose up from her curtsy and dutifully stood in front of him, allowing her eyes to trail over his features which she blushed to remember she’d thought of as handsome before knowing the extent of the connection that they unknowingly shared. She didn’t know what to do now, if it had been the first time they were meeting there would be protocol to follow - a set of determined conversational steps, but they’d already spoken so freely just hours before, and she felt like she was navigating completely unfamiliar territory with the man that was going to be her husband. 

She catches the way his tone shifts, almost hardening instead of the more approachable way he’d spoken to her around their horses. She knew that there was a way to speak and court etiquette but the way he’d changed so quickly made her wonder if there was something else that had displeased him about her. “I suppose not…” she agreed with him, it would be difficult to pretend that they did not know each other, not with the kind of conversation they’d had before. Raising her brow ever so slightly, she attempted to keep composed, not wanting to reveal too much about how she was feeling with her emotions seemingly running all over the place. She caught the accusation in his statement, and scoffed in return. “And whatever do you mean to imply, your majesty?” she asked, forgetting her place as she added, “Perhaps it is not insisting that you’ve been made a fool that you should be concerned with, and rather striving not to become a fool with your next statements ,” she retorted. 

She knew exactly what he was thinking and she resented it. “If you think that i had any idea who you were when we actually first met, I’m afraid you are gravely mistaken.” 

If he was going to be honest, Einar didn’t know exactly why he said what he had said but a part of him --- the part that has witnessed, and have been made numb to, the deceit and lies that one is to witness as a member of a royal family --- could not help but be skeptical about matters that has to do with someone’s true intentions. Guileless as Genevieve had been earlier --- a name he can never forget no matter how hard he tried, especially not when it was all he heard since the moment his advisors pressured him to proceed with the betrothal, he also cannot simply shake the feeling that everything he thought he knew about her had just been a sham. Did she truly love horses, or did she claim to simply because someone had implanted the idea that he did? Was why she there, of all places, and at the time when he, too, had been there? Such questions continued to bother him, slowly but surely riling him, and yet, Einar made certain not to speak about it --- at least, not until he is certain lest he risk...becoming the fool, as she had just said. 

Looking at her, Einar can tell that the shift in his tone, his demeanor, has also affected her --- has soured her expression even, and the more he listened to her words, the more that he found it absurd. Everything about it. A hollow chuckle escapes him now, so unlike the ones he let out earlier in the forests, just as he says, “ Perhaps I am mistaken, but can you blame me? I simply cannot accept the fact that our …” delightful, he thought, but refrained from verbalizing it, “...encounter earlier was merely coincidence? Do you not think it to be too convenient...considering our situation? ” Perhaps he is prattling, speaking mostly out of baseless thoughts, and yet, if there was ever a chance that someone --- or even, she was testing him, then Einar cannot simply allow it to thrive. “ You just so happened to find me in the heart of a forest neither of us supposedly knew...it is perplexing, don’t you think? ” A tight smile shapes his lips now just as he turns his back to fix himself another glass of whisky. If he is to deal with her, and in this manner too, then he surely needs more of the drink. 

lumincus​:

CLOSED STARTER for @cvligos // Genevieve and Einar 

She had made it back before her mother sent out a search party for her, knowing that she would be forced to try on several dresses before her mother and her ladies decided on the perfect gown and accessories to match before she was scheduled for an audience with her betrothed. She didn’t know much about the man that was to become her husband, it wasn’t her place to arrange her own marriage, but she trusted her father and just hoped that all would be well. Her mother’s ladies and her own fit her into a blue gown that was beaded at the sleeves and bodice, letting her long dark hair fall in curls just barely kept away from her face by a tiara. Her mother looked pleased with how she looked, and Genevieve sighed, wondering if the man she was about to meet would even care �� or if he would care too much, about how she looked. 

From her understanding, her parents had already met him and if she had come back earlier she probably would have been able to get more information from them, but she’d spent as much time as she could riding and conversing with a man who it seemed would remain a stranger to her and now she was left standing in the hallway waiting to be announced to the King of Norway and let into the room to have her first audience with him. Taking a deep breath, she heard the guard announce her, using her full name and title before the double doors swung open and she dared to look up as she put one foot in front of the other. The doors closed again, and she realized it was just them in the room, guards stationed by the doors for security reasons but trained not to listen to whatever they spoke about. It made her nervous until she got close enough to see the man’s face leaving her shocked and taken back. “You..” she murmured in disbelief as she stopped in her tracks. 

He was the King of Norway. The man she’d met out on the fields was the King of Norway which meant… he was the man she was going to marry. The informality of her first statement was quickly covered up when she remembered that for all intents and purposes this was an official first meeting of two royals betrothed. Clearing her throat, she fell into a deep curtsy, “Your majesty,” she greeted him, biting her lip gently as she waited for him to approach her. 

The walk back to the palace took longer than Einar anticipated and not to mention, he had to make certain that Magni’s newfound ailment --- courtesy of the lady they met earlier --- was to be checked to ensure that the creature is taken care of so that he may be back to his best condition as soon as possible. His meandering, however, barely left him any time to spend getting ready for his first meeting with his betrothed --- a moment that a part of him has been dreading since before he came to Italy. Thankfully, the weather was pleasant that despite his long trek, he had barely any mud on his boots nor anywhere on his body, for that matter, and so, he only required a small amount of time to clean up and change into fresh clothing --- ones that suit this formal meeting, or at least, as he remembered his mother would instruct him to do back then.

Soon enough, Einar was in his drawing room, waiting and watching as the servants came in with refreshments of various sorts before they would leave him to his thoughts...his misery. He had only just cradled a glass full of whisky when he heard the guards outside of the door announcing the arrival of the princess, and hastily, Einar downs the drink, unflinching and all ready to welcome the burn of the liquor down his throat. He needed the alcohol to keep himself composed because, as much as he did not want to admit it, a part of him is troubled by the thought of ruining the prospect of this marriage by giving his betrothed the wrong first impression. Given his situation, Einar has kept his expectations low. He was to marry out of duty, and nothing more --- which is why it is all the more important for him to make no mistake now.

The empty glass is placed down on the table before him, and as soon as the doors opened, Einar was quick on his feet, looking down as he pulled on his doublet in an attempt to fix it. It was then that he heard her voice, and had it not been for the recognition that laced her tone, Einar would have thought he was merely hearing what his imaginations wanted him to hear. However, once his gaze are affixed on her, there was no mistake at all --- it was her, the woman from earlier, the one whom he had thanked both for potentially saving his horse and for making his day a tad brighter. His eyes widened as the realization continued to sink in, and as he watched her curtsy, Einar was compelled to leave his place behind his desk and finally approached her, only to confirm what he already knew a moment ago. The Norns surely are playing such an awful trick on him, and he does not like how this is making him feel --- like a fool.

“ My la--- ” Einar catches himself in time, just before he continued with the way he addressed her before he knew who she really was. My lady  was simply not suitable now...not for a princess, of course. “ Your highness... ” brief as their encounter was earlier, Einar winced at the formality of the way he referred to her now. It’s as if he had been deceived, and yet, he cannot really say for sure that she knew it all along --- so many questions now flooding his already troubled mind. “ I do not believe there is any need for such...formalities now, ” his tone shifts, a tad firmer compared to how he spoke to her earlier.  “ And forgive my imputation, but why does it feel as though I have just been made a fool? ” he scoffed, suddenly realizing the absurdity of it all. Perhaps she knew, and if she did, whatever was it for? 

We shall burn the whole village if we must.

The Last Kingdom (s03e07)

lumincus​:

She couldn’t help but deduce who the man she was speaking to was. He had the stature of a warrior but he seemed to have the knowledge and understanding of court that only nobles would have. She silently allowed her brown eyes to gloss over his form, admitting to herself that if nothing else he was certainly handsome, and seemed to have the kind of rogueish personality that enabled women at court to swoon.. Genevieve was a difficult woman to sway though, and it took a lot for her to ever admit to anyone being handsome enough to make her look twice, yet here she was forcing herself to look away, using the horses as a distraction to avoid making a fool of herself by staring too intently. “Overwhelmed is one way to put it… inevitably chaotic is another.” she said, a retort in its tone but she smiled playfully towards the end of her statement to ensure her companion that her remarks were for the most part harmless. 

“Hm, I remember using the same tactics when I was particularly dissatisfied with my father,” Genevieve said, laughing a little as she recalled the antics that she and her brothers had gotten into in their youth, seeing no harm in revealing that anecdote to her family life seeing as the man did not know who she was, or more importantly who her father was. “It often worked too…” she added, taking her own horses reigns and decidedly walking alongside her newfound companion, her cloak fastened tightly by her collarbone. 

Nodding, she turned to face him again, one hand still tangled in the leather straps of her horse’s reigns. “I suppose there was some solace in it.. though I’ve been scolded more times than I can count for being too liberal about speaking my mind, so I do not know if everything balanced out or if relief in one regard only combated further vexation in another. Taking a look at how he was handling Magni, Genevieve just smiled and shrugged ever so slightly, “I believe you… I can see how much you care for him, and we are all guilty of having our favorites, are we not? This one’s name is Alexander, and I’ll admit to him being a favorite of mine as well.” Smiling as Magni gave a resounding neigh as if agreeing with his master, Genevieve looked out into the clearing on the top of the small hill that they’d walked their horses over, taking in the warm tones of Florence and the remarkable view they’d stumbled across. “As burdensome as court can be, this place is beautiful, isn’t it?” she asked, taking in the view for a moment before she turned once again to the stranger who she’d been caught in conversation with, “So tell me my lord, do you have the time to be out here riding and vexing your horse, or are you trying to procrastinate your duties at court? and how much longer will you be able to stay out here without your wife calling for some kind of search party to find you?”

It hadn’t been too long since this encounter ensued and yet, Einar found himself rather delighted --- the most he had been since his arrival in Italy. Stranger as she may be and yet, similar to Magni, he too seemed to have warmed up to the lady faster than he would any other person whose face he might have seen at court, never mind which that may be. The lady is engaging, and her stories even more, especially since it reminded him of some aspects of his own life, particularly while growing up in the hands of a father who set rigid rules that his children must follow. “ I suppose the scolding is inevitable while you are growing up --- also, giving your parents a fright. I may paint myself impish here, but I must admit that it is fun to vex a parent -- or two, at least once in your life, ” humor coated his every words as he offered his newfound yet still nameless companion another smile. “ Alexander...he is certainly fortunate to have a mistress like you. Could Magni speak, I fear that he would have spoken against me and seek your care instead...after all, I have failed to heed his ailment when I should have known better, ” the male added, taking comfort in the fact that she has yet to find the way he speaks of the equines as if they were people rather odd. Most would have thought him unhinged by now...at least, if his northern looks were not enough to garner the disdain of others, particularly in this area of the continent when his culture stood on the opposite side of theirs.

By instinct, Einar followed her steps towards a clearing, one that he has not seen until now, and found himself almost out of words. Norway is beautiful but he supposed, every country held its own beauty --- it just so happened that Italy's is also one of a kind, especially in his eyes. “ It is...perhaps, the only consolation while we are all gathered here, ” he jests, a chuckle escaping him just before he registered what she had to say next, and the smile on his face almost wanes, if not totally disappearing. “ My wife ? ” Einar echoes though still maintaining an air of playfuilness about him despite his...circumstances.  “ Does my bearing portray that of a married man, my lady? If so, then I must tell you now that you are sorely mistaken... ” he glances over the view, taking a moment to appreciate what comfort and peace he could get now before such duties were to demand his attention --- any moment now. “ Although I must commend you for your keen observation --- I am not married...at least, not yet, but I am betrothed,” his lips form a tight smile as he turned his attention to the lady once more, before his hand digs into the pocket of his doublet to look at his pocket watch, only to realize that the time he dreads for is fast approaching. Clearing his throat, Einar prepares to take his leave, “ I must apologize, my lady, but I am afraid this is where our rather delightful encounter ends. The duties...I cannot seem to delay them any longer than I have, ” a hand on Magni’s reigns once more, he gives the lady a nod -- a gesture of courtesy, as he takes a step back, making his leave more imminent. “ I do wish you find the day far more agreeable than I do but...I suppose, I shall also give you thanks for making it slightly better...even for just short time, ” and with a smile, Einar guides Magni away from the clearing, from the lady and her companion, as he began his walk back towards the palace grounds, where his fate awaits him.

lumincus​:

Genevieve had dealt with people underestimating her for being a woman, and even more for being a princess, her whole life. People naturally assumed that she would have no interest in horses or riding, and that her strengths would simply lie in perfecting a tea service or being excellent at the pianoforte, so she recognized the surprise on the man’s face. But that didn’t mean she took no delight in it. On the contrary, she rather enjoyed being the exception to the rule and going against the grain of what society expected of her. She knew that the horse meant a lot to his rider, and she had to admit that he was a beautiful animal that seemed to match his owner’s strength. “Your horse’s reaction surprises you, my lord?” she asked, a playful smirk appearing on Genevieve’s face as she keeps her palm flat against Magni’s neck and directs her attention to the man. 

Nodding in understanding, she probably let on too much about how she felt being surrounded by members of practically every royal court. “Yes… it does get rather stifling in there doesn’t it? Perhaps Magni can forgive you your slight seeing as it was for a noble cause,” she said, laughing a little as she thought about she had also taken the first chance she could to escape the barage of activities that had been scheduled for her. When Magni allowed his master to get close and comfort him again, Genevieve nodded triumphantly, “it seems you are truly forgiven, your grace.” she said, stepping away from the horse and taking the reigns of her own stallion. 

“My true love since I was a child…” she replied, answering his question about her interested in equines and riding. “I was lucky enough to be able to learn about horses and instructed in riding from a young age… I know that it is not exactly the most lady-like of interests but alas there was no stopping me. I assure you my mother is ready with many woes about the time i’ve wasted riding and spending time by the stables.” she said, surprised at how easy it was to talk to the man now comfortably comforting his injured horse. “and you, my lord? Do you share in my love of horses or was it more a true escape from all the festivities, that you were after?” 

Her acknowledgement of how stifling the Italian palace has grown to be only proved that she was, indeed, a member of nobility at the least. But knowing the way that rumors work, especially as a royalty, Einar dared not to prod further nor inquire about her identity --- he was intrigued by her, but he also thought it best to leave this encounter as a little secret between the two of them. If he was to make a positive impression to the French, the family of his still-faceless betrothed, it would be best for Einar to mind who he speaks to or what he says, and so, he quelled any budding curiosities about the woman --- for now, at least. Instead, he simply nodded at her words, “ Housing nobilities and royalties from all around the world in one palace...being overwhelmed is inevitable, yes, ” making certain not to say anything more than he has. Since arriving in Italy, she was the first who spoke to him who did not bring up the betrothal nor anything that had to do with the world’s politics, and Einar is smart enough not to scare her away should he mention anything of the sort.

At the mention of Magni forgiving him, a low chuckle escapes him as he looked up at the horse, looking at him as if to study his expression like he would a person. “ I cannot be certain. He might refuse to eat fodder later as a sign of protest knowing that doing so would be effective enough to give me a fright, ” he gives Magni’s mane a final caress before he gathered the reigns although without mounting him. With the horse’s injury, Einar thought it best to accompany the horse by walking despite the distance he has to go through to find himself back to the palace grounds. He did not mind though and certainly, he is not about to complain about such especially since he is more than capable to do it.

Watching as the lady made her way back to her equine companion, Einar listened to her words with a level of interest he has not exhibited in awhile. The male has made a handful of friends over the years that those who attempted to be in his good graces, especially after he was crowned king, he often considered to be insincere or had ulterior motives and as a result, he did not find the need to show such interest in other people’s words for the purposes of actually forming friendship with them. However, this encounter appears to be purely by chance and the lady has no reason to seek him nor to carefully choose how she would present herself to him, for they are two strangers who just happened to find each other in this foreign land --- foreign, he deduced based on her accent, although he made no effort to point it out.

“ Well, your mother must at least find solace in the fact that you chose horses over weaponry--- I am aware that mothers often disapprove of many things, and wielding any sort of weapon often seem to cross a hard line, especially when it came to their daughters,” Einar humored, quick enough to adapt to the mindset that was apart from theirs up north. His sisters did not necessarily have to face the same predicaments as most princesses had, and it can all be attributed to their unique culture. “ You might find it hard to give credence to my words after hearing my failed diagnosis of my own horse’s ailments but indeed, I do share your love for horses, ” he smiled as he gently held onto the reigns, guiding Magni as he readied himself for the long walk back to the palace. “ Magni has been my favored horse for almost two decades now --- perhaps, I have been too comfortable and used to him being in his prime state that I seemed to have forgotten that horses hurt, too, ”  he went on, “ But you might have just been his savior, my lady. I am certain, he will never forget you, ” Einar chuckled though sincerity laced his tone, and after a moment, he nods towards the lady and her horse. “ Your horse has a name too? ”

liliasxstuart​:

location: the gardens / anywhere outside !!

status: open to all !! @mediciarchive

if there was one thing the scottish princess was known for, it was finding an escape from a party or event she was supposed to be attending. of course she had done her due diligence of chatting with various rules and nobles, even friends she’d been meaning to catch up with first. but it was only a matter of time before the woman was itching to be rid of her imaginary confides and outside. thus her current situation; an unintentional game of hide and seek in the vacant courtyard with a couple of the royals’ young servants. who were currently beating her at her favorite childhood game.

so when she rounded a corner and was met with, not a child but an adult, she stopped herself before she could collide with the other and let out a soft noise of surprise. “my apologies!” she exclaimed, a laugh soon falling from her lips just as soon the apology did. “i do not suppose you saw a small child run by this way? they are currently besting me in a game of hide and seek.”

grateful for his reflexes, einar was able to halt just before the other collided with him, although he already had his arms partially out and ready to catch them should they fall from the impact that never came. apology was also already at the tip of his tongue until he recognized her, and suddenly, all formalities are ready to be dropped as familiarity now took over his bearing. “ a child besting you in a game you once claimed to be your favorite ? ” a lopsided smile tugs at the corners of his lips as he shook his head for the purpose of being dramatic before he continued, “ seems to me that nothing much has changed over the years, lilias --- you have always been, and still are, terrible at this game. ” einar is jesting, of course, although the jest comes with a purpose now as his claim comes supported and based on his own memories and experiences playing the game with her in their younger years. 

webbedfates​:

it   was   an   odd   thing   ,   to   see   all   of   these   people   here   .   while   the   italian   court   was   always   lively   it   was   never   this   lively   .   the   hum   of   the   crowd   was   almost   deafening   to   the   young   queen   .   “   i   do   say   ,   ”   she   mumbled   .   “   i   do   not   think   i’ve   ever   seen   this   many   people   before   in   my   life   .   ”

einar did not mean to overhear the queen’s words, but his proximity to where she stood made it impossible for him not to react to her thoughts regarding the growing crowd within the palace halls. he turns to her, a small smile on his face as he gave her a gesture of courtesy, before he says, “ i do hope such a crowd is not inciting regrets, your majesty, ” with humor evident in his tone and demeanor. while he had conflicting feelings about the invitation to italy itself, einar was not foolish enough to tell the queen of their host country herself about his own doubts. he can keep them for later, he supposed. “ italy is a beautiful country. it would have been hard to resist the invitation even if one is to try, ” einar is so used to the formalities, the pleasantry just rolls off his tongue with such ease. just then, he raised the glass full of wine towards valentina and with a nod, he says, “ please allow me to extend my congratulations on your coronation. ”

lumincus​:

“Is that so?” she said, tilting her head as she noted a playfulness to the animal in question, smoothing her hand over the the strong neck of her own horse before she skillfully dismounted herself, gathering her skirts and smoothing them down once she was on the ground facing the tall and… large, man in front of her. She knew that her mother would throw a fit if she were to hear of it - for one thing, Genevieve was not supposed to ride astride, as she was a princess and that was not something that proper etiquette would condone, and for the next - she was a princess betrothed to be married, she shouldn’t have allowed herself to get this close to a man without guards or ladies present. It did show Genevieve’s knack for disregarding rules however, as she allowed a soft smile in return for the expression on the man’s face. “May I?” she asked, approaching the impressive horse as she smoothed her palm flat against its neck, making her presence known to him and waiting to see if it would allow her to come closer. 

Smiling triumphantly as the horse bowed its head and pushed it’s muzzle against her hand, Genevieve turned her attention towards the man again. “ and when you reach a certain age would you enjoy your pain to be waved off as aging pains?” she teased, patting the horse gently before she placed a hand on her hip. “Your horse has overstrained the muscle that goes down the inner part of that leg…” she said, finally giving the stranger her diagnosis of the problem. “One of my stallions had the same impediment not three weeks ago, and I could see the swelling from ten paces away. Your stable hand will need to look into it but I foresee many more years of riding for you and this beautiful creature.” This was around the time when introductions were usually made but seeing as Genevieve had no desire to reveal her own title in return, she smiled softly. “Does your horse have a name?” 

Einar watched with a hint of surprise at how easy it was for the lady to bond with his horse, when he had never seen the creature act in such a way with others. Magni had a reputation for being elusive, if not unfriendly, to strangers which is why the male had to go to such lengths in order to properly acquaint his stable hand with the creature lest he risk having to deal with his bouts of aggression. However, contrary to those who attempted to at least pet the creature in the past, the woman was able to put Magni at ease that Einar almost felt betrayed --- offended even, yet it only manifested as a low chuckle, one caused by a mixture of disbelief and amusement. 

Before he could comment on it, the woman’s next words caused the hint of smile on his face to spread wider, full amusement now on display. Perhaps, Einar expected that wit about her --- the one that he initially saw as tenacity, and now, the manner in which she decided to send her point across, the immense knowledge she had about horses and how to care for them, had left him impressed beyond words. Had it been a stable hand stating these, Einar would not have been surprised --- but the fact that he was hearing such words from someone who was evidently nobility, if not royalty, and a woman at that, only left him stunned. “ Is that so? ” he echoed her words from earlier although the smile still etched on his features showed that it was all meant to jest. He turned to Magni for a moment, examining the parts of the creature that made her decide on such a diagnosis, before he added, “ I do admit my fault as well --- I was desperate...” to be away from everyone, he wanted to say but caught himself just at the right time, “...for fresh air, and did not heed his pains just before I rode out. ” The regret is present as he did not mean to make the creature’s pains worse, albeit unknowingly. He attempted to soothe Magni once more and this time, the horse did not resist his touch --- comforting, at least, or perhaps, it was the lady’s touch that calmed the creature down?

“ His name is Magni, ” Einar responded to her inquiry, blue gaze now affixed on the lady standing by him as his smile widened a bit more as curiosity piqued within. “ and as of present, it would seem that he likes you more than me, ” he humored, noting the creature’s slight protest to his touch earlier. “ You seem to be knowledgeable about equines --- is studying them an interest of yours, my lady? If so, you have my utmost admiration as I have not met a woman who was heedful of such subjects in the past. ” 

as she stood by her husband, esmeray found herself curious about the italian wine of which she has heard many good things about even back in her homeland. although not one to indulge in liquor, esmeray prided herself in having adequate knowledge about which ones are palatable and ones that she would rather put down, and never to take a sip of again. and so, when she followed suit with gabriel’s gesture and helped herself with a glass full of italian wine, she takes a moment to judge the drink by its taste. italian wines, as she now found herself introduced to, are not unlike those produced from their duchy after all --- both are palatable although each has their own distinctive taste. with a small smile, the duchess turns to her husband and says, “ it appears, your grace, that we now have competition --- ” tilting the now half-full glass towards him. “ i have heard many things about the italians and their wine but never have i had the chance to taste it myself until now, ” esmeray takes another sip, a generous one this time, before she went on, “ although i must say, without being partial, that i still prefer the wines back home --- i find it more pleasant and mild compared to this. ”

it   had   only   been   mere   weeks   since   gabriel   had   seen   a   party   ,   and   that   of   his   own   going   away   party   .   now   the   duke   stood   in   an   italian   court   with   the   hums   of   many   different   accents   and   languages   but   somehow   his   heart   was   full   .   the   usual   introvert   becoming   an   extrovert   ?   who   would   have   thought   .   he   picked   up   a   glass   of   wine   from   a   passing   waiter   .   “   i   do   hope   this   wine   is   as   rich   as   the   ones   from   burgundy   ,   and   of   course   a   toast   ,   to   the   new   queen   of   italy   .   ”

lumincus​:

CLOSED STARTER - @cvligos​ / Genevieve and Einar 

Genevieve had travelled to Italy with the rest of her family, but the second that they had all settled and her father and mother started talking about the events that would soon be taking place, she took her leave, seeking out the stables and arranging for a stallion to be readied for her. She could tell that the italian stablehands were shocked but her ladies assured them that it wasn’t uncommon for the french princess, and she finally got her wish. Riding out into the rolling hills just beyond the stables, Genevieve finally felt like she could breathe, taking in as much air as she could before she knew she would be forced to partake in the events and court ceremonial that as a princess, she would be resigned to participate in. 

Steadying her horse when she noticed a figure standing next to a horse and inspecting it, she pulled on her reigns and glanced over the other riding pair, tilting her head and remaining on her horse before she knew exactly what she was getting herself into. “It would seem that I am not the only one looking for respite outside of the palace walls despite all the festivities,” she said, her brown eyes meeting the man’s. “Trouble with your horse, sir?” 

Of the countless times Einar had brought his most beloved horse out for a ride, not once did he ever saw the creature falter and limp the way that he does now. Perhaps, the Norns are punishing him --- a consequence of his deliberate attempt to shirk his responsibilities for today despite knowing that he had a handful of meetings to attend to. It may be desperation on his part to escape such feigned formalities that accompanied these gatherings, but who could blame him, really? Young and new as he was to the role of the king, Einar already found such futile talks of alliances quite maddening that he is starting to understand why his father was rarely ever cooperative when attending summits like these during his reign, as well as why the man was the least favorite of the other heads of nations when it came to such talks. Much of it is farce, and so he looked to his only means of escape --- at least, just for today, which was riding through the woods despite having never been in it.

Now, perhaps he should have heeded Magni’s silent complaints earlier, when he refused to gallop as Einar was so used to, but because he was in no haste at all, he decided that a slow and relatively steady pace would be more than enough for him --- as long as his horse continued to take him away from the Italian palace grounds, then he was content. But when his horse came to a full stop and refused to go further, the male felt as though he had done him wrong and this was an act out of spite. And so, he dismounted himself and while caressing Magni’s mane, the horse attempted to move away from him, and Einar immediately sensed that something was wrong. Just as the man moves to check upon the horse’s hind legs, a voice echoes from behind him and he turns to see his new company.

Einar had never seen such a face --- angelic though it displayed just the right amount of tenacity that almost made him suddenly self-conscious. But he maintained an air of nonchalance about him, and with a hint of smile, he responds, “ It appears that my horse has given up on me...but it is nothing out of the ordinary, my lady, ” although in fact, it was out of the ordinary --- for Magni, at least. The horse has been his companion for many years and never has he exhibited such lameness...until now. Einar turns to his horse again to continue inspecting his hind legs, gingerly touching the muscles until he gets a sudden reaction from the horse on one particular spot by the joint --- a sign of pain, he was sure of. “ I’m afraid my companion here has now become an elder...” though there was a hint of humor in his tone, a sad smile shapes Einar’s lips when he turns to his unexpected guest once more. “ His left hind leg appears to be causing some troubles and now has manifested itself as a limp. ” 

anon requested: favourite Kosem’s costume