Thread: Noblesse Obligé [Ghostwolf and Thaedael]

Clara was warming to the woman, as she seemed to be relaxing somewhat and showing more of her personality the longer she spent in Claras company, becoming more of an individual than just another soldier. Dare she think it, was she having a good influence on the Aide so far? Emperor forbid. Although Clara was especially pleasantly surprised with how she had spoken toand interacted with the serving girl. Victoria speaking to her in a way, and saying things, that would never have crossed Claras mind. While she smiled and laughed at the Claras reference of their earlier joke, she would never have thought to thank the serving girl, being so familiar with the idea of them, having grown up with them and a sense of entitlement. Upon hearing that Victoria would accompany her away from the ballroom, to somewhere a little less crowded and more peaceful, Clara nodded and smiled sweetly at the woman, and arm in arm began to lead her away from the ballroom towards one of the large double exit doors navigating around the groups engaged in conversation, before responding to her. Sir Ilya mentioned that you were not born on this world, and so it is perhaps not so strange that is the case she smiled as she glanced at the woman on her arm. I suppose from a young age Vorlancians, especially us nobles, are taught to flaunt and use what we have. Be it our wealth, orur mind, our artistic talent, our martial prowess, or our bodies. Nearing the door now, she paused, and as she listed each one she gently turned Victoria so that she could indicate to someone in the crowd. Her own father illustrated the wealth, an old gentlemen with a large moustache sat in an armchair while he nursed a glass and talked to one of the veterans for the mind, a tall svelte woman wearing a long gown of shining green for the talent, and one of the heroes for martial prowess. Finally for the body, she indicated herself with an exaggerated flourish of her hand while wearing a joking smile. With that, she turned Victoria away from the ballroom and led her out into the stretching hallway, continuing as they began to make their way down it. Besides, why should I deny Vorlance the chance to admire my beauty and the gifts I have been given she grinned as she joked. Clara clearly knew that she was attractive, but she was not vain or narcissistic. She knew she had a body that men and women desired or admired, and as she had grown she had learned how to use it. That was the way of Vorlance, if you wanted to succeed and survive you had to use the gifts and the abilities you had been given, especially amongst the upper class. If you ever have the opportunity and the inclination, you should try it. Im sure that uniform does far too good a job at hiding a lovely figure beneath it. Clara smiled sincerely, eyeing the woman. Indeed it was one that she wanted to see herself. And I know one or two designers that Im sure would love to dress you. Her smile turned into another grin, adding an overly dramatic flair to her words as she spoke, looking to the sky as she put on an accent and drew out her words, lampooning the mannerisms of some of Vorlancias more eccentric fashionists, before she giggled at her own impression. After a minute or so or walking, Clara paused to look at a closed white door with a finely wrought golden handle. Ah this should do for now she smiled at the woman before releasing her arm, moving to open the door for her and indicating for her to enter. Inside was drawing room, smaller than the one the Veterans had been kept waiting and less opulent, but it was still large and extravagant to most standards. It would serve nonetheless. Elizabeth watched him as he moved closer to her and leaned against the railing himself, their bodies close together. She had witnessed what appeared to be a small flicker of recognition cross his face, as he seemed to realise who she was. It seemed likely to her that they had probably met at one point, at his graduation perhaps, but that was a long time ago. Elizabeth would have been a young child then and now she was a woman grown, and Ilya was not the man he would have been then. Elizabeth would not have known or recognised him she had met so many people over the years. She moved her gaze outwards once more, both of them looking out of the water watching the approaching storm and the darkening skies. As he began to speak, she turned her head slightly to watch him. Even like this, not the idealistic picture of the Hero that he first appeared, solemn and reflective, Beth found him attractive. Appreciating the way the wind blew at his messy hair as he spoke passionately, her eyes focused on the way his lips moved. I understand what you mean she nodding. Almost as if the rain can wash away what has happened, wash away the person you were, so you could start afresh she continued, quiet and contemplative. I would have never thought of it that way though, never looked at this storm like that. It is a better way of seeing it, and perhaps you are right. She smiled softly at Ilya, already looking at him as he turned to face her. She watched as he reached his hand out towards her, the hand that was still flesh and blood, and she closed her eyes for a long moment as he brushed the troublesome hair away from her face, appreciating the fleeting touch of his fingers on her skin, her head inclining towards him slightly. Her eyes opening as he began to speak again. She nodded, understanding. I see. I do hope so Sir, I am sure many of this world would benefit from your wisdom and experience. I feel the men and women who go off to fight amongst the starts would be better off and more prepared thanks to your teaching. Beth paused for a moment. I would like it if you were able to stay on Omon, it would do me well to have someone likeminded to converse with. And Im sure you are most welcome to stay here at the Palace as long as you like. With a smile, she looked back out at the ocean and the storm which had got even closer. I too enjoy the rain. Although it is rare I get to feel it upon my skin. Sadly most of my clothing is suited to calmer weather, and is unlikely to stand up to it. She took the skirt of her dress between her fingers and rubbed it, indicating the silky thin fabric and baring some of her thigh to Ilya before letting go. And I think my Father worries that I may fall ill if I am outside in it for too long. So most of the time I must settle for watching it fall from within the safety of my Solar. Usually accompanied by a good book she told him, giving him a glimpse into her life.