Briarwood Family/Liliyana/A Ball in Prospero

Roleplay from Lilyana Briarwood

Message sent to all nobles of Perdan (19 recipients)

Lilyana: A Ball in Prospero (Announcement)

As the sun began its descent, casting a warm glow over Prospero Square, Lady Lilyana perched gracefully on the ornate balcony above the training yard. Below, her group of archers, the Heartseekers, practised their skill with bows and arrows, shooting at targets scattered about the field. Despite their name, the arrows often missed their mark as much as they found it. Lilyana observed the archers with a soft smile, her voice as calm and reassuring as a gentle breeze.

It appears that they seek the hearts of their targets as much as they seek the sky," she remarked cryptically to her younger brother Malachi, who sat beside her at the small table laden with cheeses, grapes, dried meats, and a bottle of Prospero Red wine. Malachi's frustration was apparent, and he couldn't resist a sarcastic retort.

"Yes, perhaps their training would benefit more if you hadn't been the one teaching them. I mean, we all know how well you handle a bow," he quipped.

Lilyana's laugh was melodic and gentle, a sound that could soothe even the most troubled hearts. "Ah, thee got me there," she replied, her deep burgundy eyes twinkling with amusement. She glanced at Malachi and saw the slight smile that had formed on his lips. She watched as a hint of a smile formed on Malachi's lips, his frustration momentarily eased by their playful banter.

Curiosity and concern in her voice, Lilyana turned to him. "What's troubling thee, dear brother?" she asked softly.

Malachi hesitated for a moment before answering. "It's just... while you've been chosen to remain here as Dame of Prospero Square, and Gwendolyn is to travel to Luria, I still don't know where our father will send me, and I don't want to leave home," he admitted.

Lilyana nodded understandingly, her expression reassuring. "Wherever thee go, my thoughts and love will follow thee," she assured him. "Thee have the Briarwood spirit within thine heart, and thee will excel wherever thee is sent. Staying here would be a disservice to thy talents. The winds of fate leave no question, thee art destined for greatness."

Malachi agreed, grateful for his sister's support. "Thank you, Lily," he replied.

As the conversation shifted, Malachi noticed his sister's attire and couldn't help but comment, "You seem rather dressed up today. Lilyana smiled gently, her hand tracing the intricate amethyst necklace adorning her neckline. "I shall soon invite the nobles of the realm to Prospero Square. We are to host a Ball in the Briarwood Manor," she revealed.

Malachi sighed, expressing his disdain for guests intruding on their home. "I hate how crowded it gets with such affairs," he grumbled.

Lilyana's smile remained unwavering. "It won't be so bad," she reassured him. "Thee might even meet a beautiful woman of whom thee may court." His cheeks flushed slightly, and Malachi stood up abruptly, walking to the railing. "Heartseekers!" he called out to the archers below. "That's enough for today. Go clean up, eat, and rest well. Tomorrow awaits."

As the archers disbanded and headed to the barracks, Malachi mumbled about his sister's ability to fluster him. Lilyana chuckled softly, her laughter like a delicate melody. "It's only because thy mind is so easy to fluster," she teased, fondness in her voice.Malachi shook his head, still smiling, as he walked away. "You always say that," he commented, disappearing from view.

Left alone on the balcony, Lilyana stood and walked to the nearby writing desk. She picked up a quill and began penning her invitations, her thoughts drifting to the words she would use to charm the nobles of the realm. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, she wrote with a sense of purpose and grace.

"Grace Upon Thee, Fair Noble Kindred, It is with great pleasure..."