Meeting More Fellow Nobles (Closed)

[William Forrester]

TS: 22nd Brightening, Third Cycle of Ponutis, Season of Spring

This was exactly why William's father had to send a guard or servant for Josephine was often somewhere or went off somewhere where no one could find it. It was not smart in general and it was especially not smart when there was a murderer around the ctiy aiming for nobles. William could not always be her protector and often she would disappear from his side leaving him in a panic. Something had to be done about her childish ways, but he had a good suspicion that would not happen until she got a real fright or worse.

It had been a couple of brightenings since he had last spoken to Gavriella for he had been far too busy with training, but his plan had not slowed down in the least. He had noted a few more future prospects and was always looking for more nobles to get to join his cause. As he walked down the street passing noble townhouse after townhouse he had a very good suspicion where Josephine was, thanks to a tip from their townhouse caretaker. It seemed Josephine had many more acquaintances and friends than he knew about. The Timandre House was a family he was not all that familiar with, but there was something special about them that he did know, Lord Krelian Timandre had three triplet daughters, something not just odd among commoners, but extremely odd among nobles.

Besides this very limited knowledge he knew nothing more about them, however he hoped that would change very soon. With Josephine being a friend with the triplets he was sure it was a good way for him to get to know much more about them and their aspirations. They would be a great asset to his goals for this city and yet he still hadn't even informed or filled in his own sister about his plans yet. That time would come soon enough, but in the privacy of their own home.

Turning the corner and heading down another street he arrived at the house he was told was the townhouse of the Timandre House. What he first noticed was that the place was gated and a guard was present. It was obvious at least one father cared for the safety of his children during these times. Standing before the gates he presented himself to the guard. "I am William Forrester, son of Leonard Forrester, Earl of Athami County. I have come for my sister Josephine Forrester who I was told is currently on the premises. Is my infromation correct and she is here?" Standing there with his arms behind his back and his sheath rapier by his side he awaited a prompt response.

[Thalia Timandre]

“Good darkening, Lord Forrester,” greeted the thin armsman who appeared to be in his early thirties. “Indeed, Lady Josephine is having dinner with the triplets. I will just inform them of your arrival.”

William would not see the knight enter the front door though, for the man moved at the rear of the house, and seemed to enter the backdoor instead. Some minutes later, he returned. Walking at his side was a beautiful lady dressed in a purple dinner gown, her dark curls flowing delicately about her shoulders. There was no mistaking this was one of the triplets Lord Krelian so loved and doted on. She held the side of her skirts, and made a graceful curtsey in front of William.

“Serale, Lord William,” she greeted gently, smiling. “I am Nathalia, of Lord Timandre. I invited Josephine to have dinner with us. Oh, please come, and join the feast!”

It seemed that Nathalia was the one hosting the little social gathering this darkening.

[William Forrester]

So Josephine was here, without informing him whatsoever. She was far too young and vulnerable to have the ability to go off on her own, especially without an escort or protection. There was nothing he could do about it now and would not make a spectacle in the presence of other nobles, but when they got home she would certainly get a piece of his mind. Closing his eyes for a moment he pinched the corners with his fingers to release the pressure behind them that seemed to increase when he was agitated. As he opened his eyes again he saw two people emerge from the front door of the townhouse.

The woman in front, young woman at that, was obviously a woman of the house. Dressed in formal wear he noted the color of the dress was perfect and the dress fit her so very well to show her limited curves but very delicate and beautiful skin. Her dark curls that were so lucky to touch the soft sensitive skin of her shoulders were so very fortunate for any man would have loved to touch them for a moment if no more. As she held her skirts to welcome him with a formal curtsey William took notice first of the beautiful features of her godly inspired beauty before bowing in response, though as custom not as deep for his status among nobles was higher.

Dinner with the triplets? William would have to have a serious talk with her when they were in the privacy of their own home. Josephine should know better and inform the house of such events she was attending or would be attending so he did not have to seek her in ignorance.

"Serale Lady Nathalia, oh, well I must confess I am really not dressed for such an honorable event among fellow nobles, especially ones of such beauty, but I have never been one to turn down food so it would be my great honor to join you."

Taking a step forwards onto her property he held his arm out as was customary, offering it for her to take as he would be her escort into the home and to their feast.

[Thalia Timandre]

Nathalia noted the slightly selective bow that William made, feeling a bit demeaned as such action showed the arrogance in his rank. In Nathalia's mind, William was not an earl yet, making them technically equals. Dear gods, there were even rumors that Earl Leonard Forrester had disinherited him for his insolence. She was not quite certain if it was merely lack of the education on noble propriety or the former Forrester heir truly intended to insult her. In grand balls and salons, true lords and earls had requested her hand before them to be kissed – a sign of deep respect to the creators of life, even though she is of inferior rank.

This feeling of debasement was somehow eased when the man complimented her physical beauty and offered his arm to her. She smiled at William, nodded and took his arm; her touch was light and her porcelain skin soft against his.

“I am honored to have my friend’s brother dine with us,” she said gently. “Your sister has been very nice to us; her cheerful laughter has always been contagious. Josephine has told me a lot about you and I am glad that we meet at last.”

Nathalia and William entered the front door. He was led to the reception hall, fully furnished, and entirely made of marble. It seemed that the Lord of Summerthorpe shared no expense where luxury and the comfort of his daughters were concerned. The dining room was at the left of the hall, where a big man stood, leaning casually against the wall beside the door and his arms crossed. He wore leathers with a chain shirt over the top, and he held in his hand a rather large crossbow.

“You don’t need a weapon inside,” he told William, pointing his head towards his rapier. “You can leave it here.”

“It’s all right, Sir Boran,” Nathalia said. “It’s not like Lord William is going to use it on us.”

“Lady Thalia’s orders,” Boran replied dryly, as if reminding Nathalia about the recent attack on the Timandre Townhouse.

“I see,” Nathalia nodded, looking a bit displeased as such behavior was discourteous, but she accepted the reasoning of her dominant sister. She turned to William, offering him a disarming smile, a smile she used to convince people to cooperate. “Well, William. I think you will have to hand your weapon over to Sir Boran for now. You can always get it back after the dinner.”

There had been rumors about how Nathalia charmed men with such a smile. It was subtle, but utterly ruthless, that it seemed to ensnare the heart of any male, as if powered by the spell of a mystic. But Nathalia was no mystic; such was the charisma exuded by Lord Krelian’s sweetest daughter.
_____________

OOC: I am following these guides to etiquette and courtesy, so if you wish for William to appear polite to Nathalia, you can edit your post (and I'll edit mine). ^__^; http://www.playbypost.com/forums/cultur...draft-2-a.html

[William Forrester]

William surely meant no disrespect he had just never been taught the proper ettiquete of nobles. Everything he knew was by what he had seen in his experiences and what he felt was proper. Following a strict guideline to him seemed absolutely ridiculous and fake, even if it was custom. William did not like status quo even though he wished to restore a great noble dynasty for Daltina, which surely seemed to go to spar with one another. He was not a follower, he was a leader and would change everything before him. At least that was how he thought.

As she took his arm allowing herself close to his side he smiled, her touch very cool and soft, her skin was perfect in all ways. William smiled and laughed lightly when he mentioned Josephine's laughter, it certainly was contagious and it often brought a smile and laugh to even his often cold hard in the darkest of times. As they were stopped by one of the guards William had not even thought about his sword and had planned on removing it as well when given the chance. He had not come here for a dinner party afterall and his own ignorance to what was going on was why he had come armed.

If only he had been given the chance to speak up and remove his sheathed sword he would have, but he had never gotten that chance until all transpired. As Nathalia turned and looked at him with a smile, a smile that could pierce even the darkest of hearts, William smiled, truly stunned by the glow in her eyes. "My Lady you could surely disarm the most evil of approaching armies with that smile and light in your eyes. I have truly forgotten after my arrival that I was still armed. I am in your house and thus will comply with any orders of the house, the sword is far too long to use as a knife for food anyways," he said with a smile, stepping back from her for a moment so he could use his other hand.

Turning away from her as it was not proper to do this with her able to watch, though he surely would have done it in most other circumstances to draw her eyes, if even for a moment, to his waistline. Opening the clip that connected his sheath to his belt he unhooked the sheathed sword and handed it over to the personal guard of the house. "My apologies for causing concern," he said and nodded. Turning back to look at Nathalia he smiled, reaching out with his hand to take her own as they stood before the dining hall. "My Lady," he said, lowing himself into a low bow as he raised her hand to his lips to place a light kiss upon it, "Let us make our grand entrance."

Rising he held out his arm again for her to take, waiting for them to enter the dining hall, surely with the guard opening the doors for them. On his lips remained the sweet taste of Nathalia's skin, she was tended to very well, he would truly make it his great desire to meet the Lord and Lady who produced such a fine offspring.

[Thalia Timandre]

Nathalia expected this response from William for she had unfailingly charmed plenty of men before. His words and unexpected smile, though, placed a tinge of blush on her cheeks.

“Flattery. I like it,” Nathalia said playfully with a lilting voice, chuckling lightly while her face flushed red. She regarded the beauty of William’s flawless face, now brightly lighted up by the hall’s candelabras, and found herself liking it. She loved the piercing look on his deep blue eyes and admired his beguiling smile. “It is not every day that we get to dine with a most handsome and charming person like yourself! I am delighted you did not deprive me and my sisters of such pleasure.”

“And yes, the weapon is far too long to be employed as a slicing knife,” Nathalia added, laughing mildly as she imagined William slicing roast beef with his rapier. She was relieved to know that the Forrester lad was actually cooperating.

Boran gave a quick, approving nod at William when he apologized. He took the sheathed sword, and placed it on an empty weapon rack standing beside him.

There was a startled look on Nathalia’s face when William took her slender hand with his own, lowed himself in a deep bow and placed a light kiss upon her hand’s smooth surface. Her face would turn much redder this time.

My Lady, let us make our grand entrance. “I will be delighted to do so,” Nathalia nodded, smiling coyly and her eyes shining with a playful subtle glint. She took the arm that he offered her.

The knight opened the door for them, showing a richly furnished dining room. A mahogany dining table was placed nicely in the middle of the room, festooned by a series of Jaedexienne menorahs and Alyxandran plates. Landscape paintings and tapestries graced the marble walls.

Here, Josephine and an almost complete clone of Nathalia wiped the cutleries and silverwares with clean white cloths while chatting lightheartedly. Josephine did most of the talking, relating about funny misadventures of some weird instructors in Snowden-Montague School. Aliya has a slightly softer voice than Nathalia, and a more serene quality about her movements and her expression. The two girls stopped murmuring. Both looked towards the direction of William and Nathalia.

Nathalia turned to William, “Lord William, please allow me to introduce to you my beloved sister, Aliya Timandre,” she said. “Al, meet Lord William, son of Earl Leonard Forrester and brother to Josephine.”

As was custom, Aliya curtseyed, spreading her pink skirts wide and smiled at William. “Serale Lord William, and welcome to our humble townhouse. I do wish that you will join us in our little informal get-together this darkening with Miss Josephine.”

In truth though, there was a hint of jealousy in her expression as she regarded William who clung to her sister like he was her beau. She was not really envious that she did not have a partner, but she saw William as another contender for her sister’s affections.

________________________________________________

“Bath is always nice,” Thalia told Honoria while the maid-of-all-work sprinkled red and pink rose petals about on the water in the marble bathtub. Fragrant tallow candles lighted up the area, standing on the rims of the tub. From time to time, Honoria poured milk, some honey, and lavender oil on the water. This ritual was part of Thalia’s regular skin and beauty treatments, and it was done almost daily.

She enjoyed bathing. On the rare occasions that she and her sisters visited the family manor in Summerthorpe, she took the luxury of bathing thrice a day. If there was any prevailing trait that she had inherited from her mother, it was probably her love for physical beauty, cleanliness and hygiene. She splashed the scented water about her slender neck and shoulders, rinsed her shapely arms and long hair with her hands. Lifting her white thighs, Thalia reached for her legs to rinse them gingerly.

When she was done, she rose from the water and stepped out of the tub, and Honoria immediately enveloped her body in a silk purple bathrobe. Thalia exited the bathroom, and walked towards the sisters’ vanity table. She looked at her reflection on the mirror, touching her cheek with her right hand.

Removing the cloth off her shoulders, the discarded silk cascaded down on the floor. Her nude form stood before her, beautiful, unblemished, and divine. She smiled faintly, admiring her own reflection. She admired the color and smoothness of her porcelain skin, the developing curves of her body and the hair that fell below her waist. She admired the shape of her nose, the almond contours of her eyes and her thick eyelashes.

Honoria looked at Thalia’s unclothed reflection, waiting for her to sit down so she could work on her hair. The young lady knew that the maid was envious, and she laughed quietly to herself at this realization. Still looking at herself in the mirror, she sat down on the stool, and Honoria began to do her dark tresses meticulously with an ornate hairbrush.

Narcissism was a common trait among the triplets and this has caused an entertaining competition between the three of them. Unlike her sisters who regarded beauty only as necessity though, Thalia saw physical beauty as a form of power.

When finally Honoria had finished combing the last handful of hair, she helped Thalia dress up with her newly pressed cyan gown.

“Is there anything else that you require, young madam?” Honoria asked, seemingly pleased with her work, as she marveled at Thalia’s reflection. She had always aspired for the position of a Lady’s Maid – a position that was denied from her back at the Timandre Manor, for the triplets had their own personal servants. She was assigned back then as a mere house maid.

“I require nothing else. They must have been waiting for us downstairs for long already,” Thalia said, dabbing Nathalia’s floral-scented eau de toilette on her neck, wrists, and pulse points. “Let us go, Honoria.”

The maid-of-all-work nodded, and the two of them exited the Daughters’ Room, and climbed down the spiral staircase. Thalia greeted Boran with a curt nod, entered the Dining Room. She noted the presence of William Forrester and how her sister clung to his arm. She had glimpsed of him twice or thrice escorting Josephine to class.

The nearness between William and Nathalia somehow irritated her, and just like Aliya, it was not because she did not have a partner of her own, but it was because she viewed this male as a rival for her sister’s affections. Unlike Aliya though, Thalia was not subtle when revealing to her sisters about what she truly felt.

“Oh, isn’t it the disinherited son of a local earl?” Thalia said sarcastically in ‘Triplet’, a language known only to the three sisters, regarding William with contained jealousy. “For such cloying sweetness, this moment lacks tremulous viols and a shower of flower petals!”

Nathalia glared at Thalia. “Be not a dolt, Thal,” she replied in the same language. She turned back to William, “Lord William, this is my sister, Thalia,” she said, now in Common.

Because laws of genteel behavior and etiquette dictated her to do so, Thalia was forced to bow into a refined curtsy before William Forrester. “Greetings and well met, Lord William,” she lied, smiling wryly. “I trust that all is well with you?”

[William Forrester]

With her responses he found that among them and the red flush of her cheeks and her near stares William kept his mouth shut of any further flattery. He allowed everything he said to settle in and her to respond to it all. Overkill of flattery was a real thing, and he knew not to look like a fool with overdoing it. Leaving a woman wanting more and denying it would often cause them to only desire one more and much more intensely. Plus, there were two other sisters to meet as well, he did not want to overly focus on one when he had not made his mind up on who he really wanted to focus on. He would have to judge their feelings of him as well when they were together.

As they entered the room together, her arm interlocked with his own, William took a good look at the table and the room altogether. It was certainly a much nicer residence than their own thus far, which made him slightly jealous, but moreso even more angry with his father. Noticing Nathalia's sister William held back a smile that tried to form on his lips. He was certainly loving this triplet thing so far, especially since they were absolutely beautiful. As he was presented to her he smiled and nodded as she curtsied and then followed with a bow of his own in greeting. "It is certainly my great pleasure to be so lucky to join so many beautiful young Lady's of our fine Daltina nobility." Nathalia still stayed close to his side at his arm, which he found fairly odd at first until he sensed she was trying to make her sister jealous.

It seemed that the timing could not have been better for just after he had been introduced to Aliya, yet another sister descended the stairs. William begun to realize he was looking for far too long at her legs as they were exposed every moment she took a step. Looking up at her he watched and waited as Thalia said something in a language he did not understand, but the exchange did not seem all that pleasant between Nathalia and Thalia. Hiding his interest and ill feeling at the exchange he nodded as he was introduced and bowed in a reply to her curtsey. "All is well," he said, simply, and then turned his attention from her so very quickly, which he hoped she would take as somewhat hostile.

At the same time, Josephine finishing all the setup of silverware, she turned to see her big brother still at the arm of Nathalia. Grabbing his free arm she dragged him away from Nathalia's side and led him to his seat at the table, where she was sure to sit at least on one side of him. "Let us sit an chat, all this standing is so unnecessary when we have these lovely chairs awaiting us." Standing behind her chair he pulled it out as she moved in front, adjusted her dress, and sat as he pushed her in. He was appearing to be as much of a gentleman as possible, which he was, but all these formalities could go overboard. Was he suppose to walk around the entire table and assist them all? Surely not, only those next to him he was sure.

Who would be the one to sit next to him on the other side, and maybe more important, who would he be sitting across from that he would be looking at the entire meal?

[Thalia Timandre]

All is well.

Thalia sniffed derisively when William turned his attention from her. She realized that perhaps he has seen through her sarcasm, and he was being unfriendly about it. So be it. This will make things easier for her anyway, and she never liked making friends with aberrations. She seized Nathalia’s wrist tightly, and took her away from William’s side, swearing silently and fervently that the Forrester fool will never be able to touch her sister again. She will not allow it.

When Josephine invited everyone to sit down, Aliya stood behind the seat across from Josephine, and Thalia took the chair beside hers, across from William’s. Usually, the dominant sister took their father’s chair – the head seat – but tonight was an oddity. Nathalia raised an inquisitive brow at Thalia, as if questioning her sister’s sudden change of seating preference.

“What are you looking at?” Thalia retorted dryly to Nathalia in Triplet. “You are the host for this darkening’s festivity, my dear sister, and it is only more appropriate that you take father’s chair for tonight.”

Nathalia’s shoulders rose and fell in a deep sigh, and she needed not the skill of a mystic to understand what’s going on in her sister’s mind. She knew that Thalia was trying to keep her and William apart. Shaking her head as if disapproving of her sister’s distrust and subtle strategies, Nathalia moved towards the head seat. At a nod from the host, the sisters and the guests seated themselves on the plush mahogany chairs. It was impolite for any noble to sit down without waiting for everyone to be present by their seats, even in informal dinners. Bread with butter, vinegar and light fruit oil were served first as was customary.

“I was fervently hoping that Isadora could grace us with her presence tonight. Unfortunately so, her schedule is fairly hectic these brightenings with all those singing lessons with Miss Bordain, and she requires more time for practice and for ample rest. It is a misfortune that she cannot join our little festivity this darkening,” Nathalia began, breaking her bread before her. She smiled a bit as she remembered her own singing lessons with the tiresome Tarrah Bordain, a person she was not willing to see anymore. “How fares House Forrester?”

Thalia did not touch her bread at all, silently regarding William with ice-cold eyes whenever he was not looking.

[William Forrester]

William had certainly taken his eyes off of Thalia, but he was not totally clueless to what was going on. He had noted her roughness with Nathalia and as he turned to sit he watched Thalia take the seat across from him. He of course waited for everyone else to sit before he sat, and watched Thalia quite closely. What a real witch this sister was towards her sisters and he knew it was going to be a struggle dealing with her. Now she was someone he would have to deal with soon enough, but he did not know how to go about doing so. She actually frightened him somewhat, only because she came off as a real challenge. She seemed to have more testosterone than most nobles, which was impossible, but she certainly could scare those wimpy males to do as she wished.

She was no rogue though, not that he could tell, she was a real leader, but did so through fear and hostility. Interesting. Both William and Josephine looked at Thalia with concern when she spoke to her sister so forcefully and hostile. William would have to ask Josephine if this was normal when they were alone together. Seems like someone would have to put Thalia in her place. As they all sat William followed, sitting last, and turned to Nathalia as she spoke, breaking off a piece of his own bread and eating it as she spoke. Josephine was doing the same, and despite everything, a smile never left her face. How naive she was.

"House Forrester is very well, our brother, mother and father are all very well. I do know Isadora very well, she is my sister-in-law afterall as her sister is married to our brother." Josephine nodded with a smile and continued, "I do wish Isadora could have joined us, she is a far better person than I, so proper and a joy to be around. I have not had lessons yet with Miss Bordain, but I have heard awful things, I must admit I am alittle weary to begin my lessons with her." Josephine looked at Nathalia and then her sisters as she munched away at her bread with alittle hesistation and obvious fear in her eyes.

William could feel Thalia's eyes on him, it was not hard to realize she was staring at him when he was not looking at her. If looks could kill, William would be a dead man. He gave all his attention to Aliya and Nathalia, but especially Nathalia for he simply knew it pissed Thalia off so much. He was actually enjoying her rage. Plus, he knew there was a fondness towards him from Nathalia, and he had to admit he would like to get under her skirts. However, he would have liked to get under any of the skirts of the women here, even Thalia for he was sure such an event would have been very challenging and hostile. Honestly, he liked her tenacity and challenges.

Finally, he turned his attention to Thalia with a smile. "Lady Thalia, how fares House Timandre? There was a strong hint that there was much more behind his question than just a question, but that he was challenging her to respond to his question despite the fact she disliked him so much. Looking directly into her own icy eyes he did not flinch, blinked only when needed, not often, and even leaned towards her slightly as he raised the glass of water to his lips and slowly sipped it before setting it down again.

[Thalia Timandre]

“I confess that I have learned almost nothing from my singing lessons with Miss Bordain. She is not an unskilled teacher – not really – but she appeared to fancy comparing my voice with hers when she was decades younger,” Nathalia rolled her eyes theatrically as to stress her point. “Oh, I must admit that she is indeed lacking courtesy and politesse, and if you are not too quick at learning the art, it is to be expected that she will get impatient. I do suppose I will resume my singing lessons elsewhere though, perhaps with Aliya’s instructor.” She noted the obvious fear in Josephine’s eyes, and so she gave her a reassuring smile. “Be not afraid, dear Josephine. I am highly confident that you will do fine.”

Across the Forrester siblings, Thalia observed William quietly when she began munching on her bread. The girl simply hated that nasty look on his face whenever he stared at her sisters. She was aware that the Forrester fool was trying to insult her by simply ignoring her as if she did not exist. What a sly dog he was.

Finally, he turned his attention to her with a smile. A smile that would have been charming to Thalia had her opinion of him did not jumble up with her jealousy over her sister. She simply returned his stare, unabashed and unflinching. Her gaze was hardly the simpering diffidence of a noblewoman, but the calculating eyes of a ruthless manipulator. Her wintry expression broke into a devious smile, and she raised a glass of water to her lips as well before answering his question. “Oh, I must declare Lord Forrester that House Timandre is progressing better than it usually does. If I have assumed correctly that we are discussing in terms of riches and resources, the Lordship of Summerthorpe produces wheat, corn, barley and milk more than ever. I have also been informed that my father has procured a new breeding stock to revitalize the herd and is planning to introduce these crossbred cows into the line. I do have to confess though that I have little interest in the social life of the cattle.” Her lips curved in ironic amusement. Was he challenging her?

The door to the kitchen opened, and Honoria came out lifting a silver tray that held the appetizer dish. Each diner was served a plateful of delicious-looking mushroom caps with some creamy stuffing.

“This entrée is called Mushroom with Clam Fillings. Honoria and I detached the stems of the fresh mushrooms and filled each cap with a mixture of minced clams, garlic, onion, cheese, bread crumbs, dried parsley and green bell pepper,” Nathalia said, and suddenly there was an anxious look in her face as she observed her sisters and the Forrester siblings eat the appetizer. Thalia and Aliya gingerly used their knives and forks to taste the mushroom caps, both giving an approving nod at their first bite.

“Well?” Nathalia asked her triplet sisters, seemingly concerned about how her cooking tasted.

“Very innovative,” Thalia said, after ingesting the food. “It is not perfect, but the clam filling is scrumptious.”

“I am of the same mind with Thalia,” Aliya said. “Perhaps you should have added more cheese, but I really like how it tastes.”

[William Forrester]

Josephine paid very close attention to Nathalia as she spoke, nodding and cringing at times to show her particular interest in her words. As she told her not to be afraid and that she was confident in her that she would succeed she was met with a big smile. Josephine's confidence soared through the roof at that point and had William not placed his hand on her leg he was sure she would have leapt out of the chair to go and hug her. However, William found his hand not leaving Josephine's leg immediately, he had not thought first before he acted, and the soft warm skin of her lower thigh was very inticing to his touch. How her shorter dress had hiked up so much he did not know, how he hoped he hadn't done it on his own with his hand, but he certainly did not remove it immediately as was warranted and got feelings he certainly shouldn't have.

Unlike William who was having a great struggle of his own morality in his mind Josephine didn't think twice about it and thought that he did it to settle her and nothing more. As any sane person would have thought. Removing it quickly from her leg, his heart beating rapidly and trying to hold back any flush from his pale skin this was when he brought the question on Thalia. She appeared amused by his question and he sensed that she was playing a game with him as much as he was with her. She was being the overbearing sister who protected the stock from any outside intruder, which he was. He loved playing the roll of the wolf among sheep. Nodding as she finished her lengthy, well-worded statement he smiled and nodded, showing his interest and respect, though as he looked up at her again there was a devious smirk to meet her own.

Just then the doors of the kitchen opened and they were finally presented with their first taste of food for the evening. William could not wait to eat for he was famished. As the plates were set before them and the description of the plates ran through both William's and Josephine's minds as they looked at the contents, they took their knives and forks to taste their first bites. As Josephine tasted and swallowed her first bite her face lit up, as it seemed to do far too often with joy that most people who did not know her would think was highly exaggerated. "Very tasty Nathalia, you surely must invite me to eat more often with you." Not the most proper of statements, but from Josephine you could not get a better compliment about food. Hector and her would get along very well, however, she could and would always keep her figure. One who bounced around so much could never get plump.

William on the other hand was very proper in compliments, though he went far too well, especially when the hand that fed him was a very beautiful woman he wanted to bed. After tasting another piece he smiled and looked over at Nathlia, complimenting her after Josephine had. "A very tasty appetizer Nathalia, I can not wait for the main course. You would shame most of the top trained chefs with a dish like this for yours would best them. Truly impressive. You will make a very fine love and wife for that lucky man who wins your heart." Smiling he turned and on purpose, he made sure to look at Thalia. Smirking he raised another piece to his lips and tasted it.

Oh how he loved games.

[Thalia Timandre]

Although, Josephine had stated something that was not truly proper for table etiquette and manners, the sisters always found themselves charmed by the Forrester girl’s cheerful demeanor. The three wore identical expressions, smiling at her warmly and openly as Josephine stated that they must invite her to more events such as this.

When it was William’s turn to praise Nathalia’s cooking, Thalia’s smile turned sardonic, losing the quality of honesty in it.

“Dear gods. You will probably shame Dugnit the Gnome too, sister,” Thalia said casually in Triplet, naming one of the most famous chefs in all of the Empire. She stifled a laugh, but she made it so obvious that William would notice while she sliced another mushroom cap into two with her knife. Nathalia turned to her with a cold expression that would have turned into a glare if the Forresters were not around; while Aliya was too busy eating that she did not perceive the sarcasm in her sister’s words at all.

Thalia knew she played the role of the sheepdog while William was the wolf. She had expected those exaggerated phrases to come from the Forrester idiot, having seen the hint of his ‘game’. If he thought that he could infuriate her easily and lure her out of the polite facade by trying to shower her sister with praises, he was very wrong. She had dealt with men before, and scared them off effortlessly with her dark wit.

“Oh, please excuse my childlike impertinence, but I just remembered something. . . awfully hilarious,” she lied quite courteously while smiling at William, her shoulders still shook, as if she were still trying to stop herself from bursting out completely. This Thalia did by design. It was a brutal way to mock, but polite enough to be not construed as a direct attack. They played a secret war, a game enjoyed indeed by the more cunning members of the aristocracy, and she was no stranger to such games. “I must agree, Nathalia will make a very fine wife. I am almost certain that she will never be paired with men below the rank of a baron’s heir,” Thalia promised William with a crooked smile. Nathalia did not see this as mockery towards William Forrester though, simply smiling at her sister’s ‘praise’.

There, the she-devil showed her first steel. Thalia had learned from the boys in Harwin School for Young Gentlemen that William Forrester was disinherited for his insolence, and this darkening, she will be there to remind him of his awkward position in the Daltinian society.

Before anyone else could reply, the kitchen door slid open once again, and Honoria came out holding a relatively bigger tray with the main course. This time, two dishes graced the tray, and Nathalia wasted no time to introduce the main course to the guests and to her sisters. The first dish was Beef Barley Stew, a hearty mixture of beef stew meat, red wine, beef broth, baby mushrooms, thyme, tomato, vinegar, carrots, and bay leaves. The second article was more like a side dish, called Kemite Zucchini and Onions. It was an exotic dish of stirred zucchini strips, thinly sliced onions, soy sauce, and some other spices. Nathalia waited for her sisters again to give her cooking a brief review: Aliya observed that the Beef Barley Stew had too much tomato sauce in it, while Thalia declared that the Kemite Zucchini and Onions could have tasted better if it had spices like chervil or parsley.

[William Forrester]

William smiled as Thalia continuously tried to demean him and attempt to be the aggressor and victor. William had not refrained to such personal attacks yet and felt as himself the victor, only one who had not much else to rely on would resort to such childish games. So, as she assaulted and mocked he simply smiled with no harshness behind it. There were many tactics he liked to employ and they were best used when he had enough time to study the person he was set against. Thalia liked to feel powerful and absolutely crush anyone who stood up to her. He would not allow her such satisfaction.

"You are surely correct, no one below a baron's heir is worthy of such a Lady." He agreed with her and though he knew she was attacking his status in his house at the current point, he took it all in stride. He knew who he was and where he was at, he had accepted that in a certain sense. As the next dish was brought out William and Josephine listened closely and looked at the meal, William not all that enthused. As they both tasted it and heard the remarks from Nathalia's sisters William nodded in agreement with both of them while Josephine complimented her, seemingly enjoying it well enough.

William did not eat too much as he was too busy watching Thalia now, she had sparked his interest, he truly wanted to see how far he could tick her off and push her. "So Thalia, tell me about yourself, surely you must have some great talent that can match your sister's fine cooking?" Smiling he looked at her, then at Nathalia, and then back at Thalia again.

[Thalia Timandre]

Just a while ago, William Forrester was smirking at her, now he seemed to be trying to conjure up a more passive smile. Thalia perceived this to be only a feint: a cheap tactic to cover up one’s expression that politicians were so adept at reading. It was, however, impractical and inefficient. He started this ‘childish’ game and she promised that she will be the one to deal the finishing blow.

She silently applauded William’s composure though for not retorting violently when she reminded him of his status. Other fools would have turned ferocious once they have comprehended the hint of mockery behind Thalia’s words.

Examining the texture of the zucchini strips with her fork, Thalia was quiet all the while the girls talked about Snowden. She knew that William was observing her as well, and was probably devising a way to tick her off. So be it. Let him think up of a decent plan. She was sure she could come up with something better.

Finally William broke his silence when he asked Thalia about her ‘talents’. Thalia looked up at him, her lips curving in another smile.

“I am ashamed, Lord Forrester, that I possess not any commendable skill that could match that of my sisters,” Thalia replied. She had no plans of becoming a scullery maid. Her answer was obviously a lie, for unlike many other noblewomen who immersed themselves only in fashion and music, Thalia was more predisposed towards academic pursuits and was quite learned in the ways of the law. On the morrow, she will be learning her first elemental spells in Brightshadows Sorcery Academy too.