Arcaea/Dining Hall Late 08-09/Edara and Jenred's Royal Wedding/Harmonising Paperwork
This...Was something new for Arlian. Well, several somethings. He'd never been to a tournament before. Bureaucrats weren't welcome, and he'd never bothered to put his pen down before, but he could hardly miss his brother and King's wedding.
But that wasn't the best part. The best part would be Harmony. She was amazing...Shared his interests in shinies and rocks, understood his past, and...Gods...Cared for him in...Such amazing ways.
Arlian was also not used to having envious looks tossed his way. The homely paper-pusher was more used to indifference...But when he had the prime contender for the most beautiful woman in Arcaea on his arm (although Sir Tenal might not agree...), the looks he got were...Quite astonishing.
She seemed to be having an excellent time, showing him around to the players, explaining how the productions would work...And he was more than happy to watch and listen and just luxuriate in being with her. She...relaxed him, in ways he never knew he was tense in the first place. And besides...
"OOh, Harmony! Look at this! The wardrobe cart went by, and the red robe, you see, with the gold embroidery? Oh, yes...Excellent! We have to see the play that uses that!"
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
Harmony was having fun. She’d been having fun for several days now. All of the worries of the past weeks were far from her mind. She was just enjoying herself...and enjoying being with Arlian. His constant contradictions charmed her...the obvious pleasure he took in her company warmed her.
And, she loved showing him around the players. Here was something that she knew...well...everything about. There were so many things that she didn’t know, but here she felt confident and knowledgable. Arlian’s interest in...whatever she had to say...well, it made her feel good. Most of the time...men never listened. They were too busy ogling.
Oh, and his delight when he caught site of a gorgeous piece of fabric...she turned to see what Arlian was admiring and...
Oh.
OH!
“Quil! Quiliarmus!”
Harmony darted from Arlian’s side and flung herself into the arms of a tall, dark-haired man, hugging him and kissing him wildly.
“Oh bless! When did you get here? Why didn’t you send word? Damn, I’m glad to see you!”
Lady Harmony Kindon (Dame of Nocaneb)
Ah. Well, that was more like it. Well, it had been a fun few days anyway. Tall, dark, quite handsome...And someone whom she used to know...Who she was now hugging and kissing...Yeah, that added up nicely. He'd thought...No matter. He'd leave them to their happy reunion. He wasn't quite up to the introduction yet, although he'd probably manage in a day or so.
Arlian turned and began to walk quietly away, hoping they wouldn't notice him, or the unshed tears in his eyes.
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
“Harmony Sangster as I live and breathe!” The dark-haired man picked her up and swung her around, “Well aren’t you a sight! I’d have sent you a message if I’d had any idea that you were here...what are you doing here?”
“Oh Quil...oh gods...there’s so much! My mother...my father...” Harmony caught sight of Arlian slipping away, “Arlian! Oh...damn and blast...Arlian!”
Harmony ran to catch up to him, grabbing his arm and turning him to face her. She winced inside at the naked pain on his face. “Oh...Arlian, you beautiful, silly man...come and meet an old friend of mine. A friend I’ve known since we were both children together. He’s as near to a brother as I have.”
She could see that her words were not really getting through to him. Harmony felt a trickle of anger. Had no one ever loved this man? Gods he had had so little...
She wrapped herself around him and kissed his mouth, “Arlian...don’t mistake my pleasure in seeing a familiar face. I’m not...we’ve never...he doesn’t even like girls, if you must know. He’s just a friend. You’ll like him...he makes clothes.”
Lady Harmony Kindon (Dame of Nocaneb)
Arlian blinked. Friend...Brother...Didn't even like girls...Huh, at that, Arlian could see it. He'd mistaken which kind of feelings produced the happiness...Arlian was mortified. She'd told him it wasn't just a fling...But...Well...He still had trouble believing it...
"Oh...I...My apologies, I just..."
Arlian shook his head.
"Quil, you say? A...A pleasure to meet you. Especially if you were the man who made that robe over there..."
Arlian held out a hand, noting with faint pride that it wasn't shaking. The tremors were reserved for his other hand, which held Harmony's too tightly.
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
Quiliarmus shook Arlian’s hand and arched a brow at Harmony. He had watched her closely as she rushed over to the...well...rather homely man. Quil saw her grab him, kiss him...the way that she looked at him. Oh my.
“Winged Cupid painted blind, pet?” he asked her pointedly.
Harmony narrowed her eyes at him, “A woman would run through fire and water for such a kind heart.”
“Oh...yes.” Quil smirked at her, “I’ve been waiting for this for a decade. You’ve finally fallen! Told you it would happen someday,” his face softened into a genuine smile, “And if this is who you pick, then he must be extraordinary.”
Quil gave Arlian an elaborate bow, “Sir...I salute you. Truly, you have accomplished what many thought impossible.”
Harmony looked sidewise at Arlian, his hand still caught fast in hers, trying to see how he was taking Quil...and if he was feeling more steady. She mentally cursed herself for not considering his reaction before she had greeted her friend so effusively.
“Enough, Quil...you were right; I was wrong. But for now, have you time for a drink with us? Catch up a bit?”
He sighed, “Alas, my dove, I am overrun. We must pull out all the stops for an event as big as this one. We are performing for a King, you know...at his wedding...”
Quotes are Shakespeare
Lady Harmony Kindon (Dame of Nocaneb)
Arlian raised a brow, still a little shaky, but...
"Need some help? I am...Heh, the best organizer you will ever find. Leaving aside my skills in the area, my name ought to clear out any potential problems you might have...Arlian Bedwyr, brother to King Jenred Bedwyr, at your service. A friend of Harmony's is a friend of mine. Especially if said friend might be amenable for a commission or two after the performance..."
Arlian managed a weak grin.
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
Quil’s face lit up, but before he could speak Harmony said firmly, “No. You are not working, Arlian. We are having a holiday.”
Her old friend’s face had a peculiar look on it, “May I borrow the lady for one moment, Sir Arlian,” he asked formally, drawing Harmony aside.
“The King’s brother? Not getting a bit above yourself, are you girlie? I told you to fall in love...not fall in love with some noble that’ll be breaking your common little heart.”
Harmony gave Quil a rueful look, “That’s part of what I was going to tell you. The...uh...bride...the Duchess...is my cousin. And it isn’t Sangster...it’s Kindon. Lady Harmony Kindon, dame of Nocaneb.” She curtsied to him, miming the skirts that she wasn’t wearing.”
Quil opened and closed his mouth a few times, blinking at her, “Lady Harmony,” he drew back, reserved, “I didn’t realize...”
She punched him on the arm, hard, “Don’t you start that with me, Quiliarmus. Are you, of all people, going to hold accidents of birth against me? I’m still me.” She gave him a wicked grin, “I just have a lot more money now. And Arlian,” she stepped back to include him into their discussion, “Was not kidding about commissions...you could do rather well here, my friend.”
Harmony sought out Arlian’s hand once more. For the first time, she understood Jenred and Edara’s constant touching. When she had to let go of Arlian, she felt bereft. She smiled at him, a broad, beaming smile that lit up her face. Had she ever been so happy?
Lady Harmony Kindon (Dame of Nocaneb)
Arlian was still mired in some confusion, but there was one thing that needed clearing up...
"And, for heaven's sakes, call me Sir Arlian if you will, but my background is even more humble than hers. Dirt-grubbing bastard son of a father who refused to recognize me...And my brother's is the same, although you'd never know it to look at him, and I advise you not to take him as anything other than the King. He's kind enough in his own way, but a tad vain, and very conscious of his accomplishments. I doubt it'll be a problem, though, he looks and acts like a King, whereas I...Heh."
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
“Whereas you...what?” Harmony looked at Arlian dangerously, “Aren’t as pretty? Aren’t as vain?” She smiled and kissed him soundly, “Aren’t marrying a dinky little red-head...having a preference for tall brunettes?”
She stroked his face, “I like you just how you are.”
Quiliarmus was looking a bit fidgety, so Harmony hugged him goodbye, “We will see you later...when you’re less busy. I’ll pay for the ale...just like old times!”
Quil smiled sardonically, “Not quite as generous an offer as it used to be...I’ll make up for it by drinking twice as much...it is good to see you, girlie. Arlian...it really has been a pleasure meeting you. I will look forward to knowing you better...one who can spill our Harm from her comfortable perch above the rest of us mere mortals...well, there’s a man with something to him, I reckon.”
Lady Harmony Kindon (Dame of Nocaneb)
Arlian grinned at Quil.
"Mmm, well...She's more comfortable on a different perch now, I believe..."
Humour was always a good way to calm himself down, and he could feel the tension flowing out as the outraged surprise flitted briefly across Harmony's face...Before she punched his arm and laughed.
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
Harmony was going to have to stop being surprised that Arlian surprised her. That wicked little dart of humour was completely in his character, but still...every time...it was a shock. It was so at odds with his self-effacement...which was at odds with his moments of pure arrogance. She shook her head. Arlian was complicated. But...she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Quil had nearly choked at Arlian’s jest. He raised his eyebrows at Harmony and laughed, “Oh my...we will have to chat later...” And with a wave, he left them and hurried back to his Company.
Harmony twined her arm back through Arlian’s and they started walking once more.
“You really are wicked, you know that Arlian Bedwyr? Come off all shy...but underneath...not so much. What am I going to do with you, hmm?”
Lady Harmony Kindon (Dame of Nocaneb)
Arlian finished relaxing, and appeared to give this question serious thought.
"Well...I suppose you'll just have to keep me...And I'll have to learn how to be more...Mm, trusting."
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
Harmony looked at him just as seriously.
“I think I will keep you, if you don’t mind.”
Lady Harmony Kindon (Dame of Nocaneb)
Arlian smiled.
"I like this plan. Now...I think I saw some mead over there, shall we grab a drink?"
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
Harmony gave him a slow, sweet smile. She felt content and...a bit smug, actually.
“Mead...is an outstanding suggestion. You bureaucrats are just full of great ideas.”
Lady Harmony Kindon (Dame of Nocaneb)
"Mmm, so, milady, I think we should say hello to the happy couple..."
Arlian looked down.
"Possibly, this would involve putting more clothes on. Although, that would be an interesting entrance..."
Arlian grinned over at Harmony, and wrapped his arm tighter around her. He was never going to get bored with this...
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
Harmony laughed and snuggled against Arlian.
“Yes...I can just see us strolling through the tourney grounds and wandering into their tent...Do you know, I think Edara would serve us refreshments and just mention it in passing...like...” Harmony took a deep breath, and in her best imitation of Edara:
“Oh...I’m so glad that you could come by...we’ve been so busy with all the preparations that we haven’t had much time for visiting everyone...goodness...aren’t you a bit cold with no clothes on...Fin...please bring in some cheese and wine and things...oh...and those lovely apples that Idelle picked up...I do like apples...”
She grinned at Arlian, “And your brother would probably just raise his brows at us and smirk.”
She stretched languorously, “Still...we should probably make the visit...with clothing. Much as I hate getting out of this bed...you are...quite a temptation, you know that?”
Harmony kissed him lingeringly, then got up and began hunting around for her clothes.
Lady Harmony Kindon (Dame of Nocaneb)
Arlian laughed.
"I think you have our dear kinsmen dead-on...And I am a temptation? Goodness, my beauteous Harmony, of the two of us you are far more tempting."
Arlian demonstrated just how tempting he found the sight of her bending over to grab her boots, and grinned happily at the resounding smack.
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
Harmony almost fell over. She swung around, hands on hips, and looked at her grinning lover.
“You know...if you weren’t so ruddy pleased with yourself, I’d tackle you and show you just how much I think about being smacked,” Harmony waggled her brows, “But as you show no signs of contrition..and because if I do that...we’re never going to leave this tent...I won’t...that’ll teach you!”
Leaving him to ponder the logic of this, Harmony picked up her clothes and began dressing...keeping her eyes on him the whole time.
Lady Harmony Kindon (Dame of Nocaneb)
Arlian grinned, and began humming, showing the Bedwyr predilection for tuneless music. After they both dressed (although not without a few more kisses, caresses, and other bits of horseplay), they set off to the King's tent. The guards informed them that Jenred was out, though expected back soon, and Edara was entertaining a guest...The name rang a bell in Arlian's head, but he couldn't quite remember...
"Gerda? Is that name familiar to you, Harmony?"
Sir Arlian Bedwyr (Knight of Orbeh)
“Ooh...Gerda...” Harmony grabbed Arlian’s arm, “That’s the mother! Edara’s mother...the one that my father hates. Oh, I have been dying to meet her. This ought to be interesting.”
They entered the tent, hand in hand, and Edara greeted them effusively.
“Oh...Harmony...Arlian...I’m so glad that you came! We’ve been so busy with everything that we haven’t really had enough time for visiting everyone...are you hungry? Fin! Please bring some refreshments and things...oh...and this is my mother, Lady Gerda Kindon...er...Rebane,” she indicated the woman standing beside her.
Harmony looked sidewise at Arlian and quirked her lips at him; her cousin’s speech had been...just close enough...she controlled her desire to laugh and greeted Edara’s mother.
Gerda was...pretty as a picture. Even as Harmony assessed her, she could see Gerda doing the same to her and her companion. Harmony saw the flick of her eyes as they took in Arlian—and dismissed him—heh, she would learn. She also saw the older woman taking her time as she looked at Harmony. She wouldn’t appreciate another beautiful woman within fifty miles of her, that was certain.
“So, you must be Dougal’s...daughter...so charming of him to have neglected to mention you for thirty years.”
Ah..the opening salvo, Harmony gave Gerda an amused smile, “Twenty-two, but it hardly seems worth counting when you’re this young. I expect as you age these things matter more. I’m afraid that Edara didn’t properly introduce Arlian,” she pulled him forward slightly, “Arlian Bedwyr, Jenred’s brother.”
Harmony kept her eyes on Gerda and saw her face light with interest at Arlian’s name, then watched her practically ooze over to give him her hand. How entertaining.
Lady Harmony Kindon (Dame of Nocaneb)
Arlian and Harmony continue in The Royal Tent
