Thread: Noblesse Obligé [Ghostwolf and Thaedael]

Throughout the day, there was one person who watched with less enthusiasm than most. The parade was observed with disinterest, the graduation ceremony was met with indifference. They carried with them an air of barely hidden apathy. To them the day was tedious, bordering on the monotonous. For Elizabeth Rayna, the ceremonies had stopped being impressive years ago as she came into her teens. Each year they were the same. The long parade of men and women in the same uniforms, followed by the same vehicles, set to the same music. The dull graduations possessing no entertaining elements whatsoever, filled with names and handshakes, over and over for what seemed like forever. Even the celebrations that lasted into the evening and for the next few days were becoming tame and stale, the same noble faces each year, the new officers uptight, and the officers returning from their PDF duty braggarts and full of fantastical exploits. No, if it was up to Elizabeth she probably wouldnt even attend, there were much better things she could be doing. She could hide herself away in one of the libraries and catch up on her reading. She could disguise herself as someone from the lower levels and spend the day drinking and dancing the day away in one of the taverns with the locals. Sadly, Elizabeth did not have that choice. She was the youngest daughter of Governor Septin Rayna, the only one out of three children to remain unmarried and due to that, among other reasons, was widely known as the wild one of the family. Her presence at these events was expected, if not required. She was supposed to set an example to the people of Vorlancia, to give them something to aspire to, although Elizabeth thought her perfect elder sister was much more suited to that task. While Elizabeth had to attend, it did not mean she had to enjoy it, and she rarely did. It was not that she lacked pride in her planet and its people and the things they achieved, because she was very proud to be Vorlancian. It was just that after so many years of watching the same thing, witnessing the same ceremony every year of her life, watching the same thing, listening to the same words and music, it had grown old and become stale. However today something happened that occurred less often, a ceremony which was witnessed only every few years, the homecoming Vorlancias heroes. And so Elizabeth had turned out less reluctantly that day to watch the return of the Heroes of the Imperium, watching with only slightly more interest than she had during the rest of the day as the shuttles touched down. Elizabeth would admit that she didnt quite understand the concept of the Heroes, to her it seemed like most of them had done what probably thousands of others had done, the only difference being they had survived. Was that worthy of such praise and recognition, that they had survived while millions of others had given their lives in His name? It wasnt a question for Elizabeth to answer, better suited to some old philosopher sitting in an armchair with a nice full glass of amasec who most likely wouldnt be forced to sit through these ceremonies. Elizabeth knew one thing for certain from her past experiences, these Heroes were often a dour lot for the most part and lacking a sense of humour while others were far too enthusiastic and excitable at being upon their homeworld once more, the company of both sorts became tiring after a while. Wearing only the finest and most expensive clothing, made by the finest dressmakers of Vandire, Elizabeth waited for the shuttle ramps to descend in silence. An elegant empire-style gown with an asymmetrical skirt made of soft thin fabric suitable for the warm weather which left her arms and lower legs bare to the sun and allowed her stiletto heeled court shoes to be seen. The dress itself was powder blue in colour with white lace accents below her bust on the bodice and around the hem and square neckline just low enough to display the gentle slope of her breasts and hint at the valley between them. When the ramps descended the Governors daughter applauded like the rest of them but refrained from cheering or shouting like some of her peers, resisting the urge to cringe when the band began to play the same pieces of music they always played on such events. The Heroes and the retinues began to disembark from the transports, and Elizabeth observed those assembled with mild interest. The pictcasters began to display images of the returned onto the small holoscreens embedded into the barriers of the viewing platforms, allowing the nobles to get a better look at the newcomers, and Elizabeth took the opportunity to take a closer look as the pictcasters neared and zoomed in. For the most part, they were the same as they had been on the past few occasions. Veterans in their battered and battle-worn equipment, their armour bearing medals and honours as they stood to attention on the landing pad before the eyes of the great and powerful of Vorlancia. Elizabeth was pleased to note that this time there were a few women among the retinues, and it appeared that one of the Heroes was even female. She was disturbed from her observation as a pictcaster flew over the nobles, focusing on Elizabeth. She smiled and nodded at it magnanimously as was expected and it flew off towards the assembled guardsmen and began focusing on each hero. It zoomed in on them one by one, their image appearing upon holoscreens across the planet along with their name and rank, the benefit of the wider Vorlancian people who were unlikely to know the arrivals yet. Of course Elizabeth didnt either, she had neglected to research the returning heroes. She considered it pointless when it was likely she would only speak to them a few times over the coming days. Watching the screen, the Heroes seemed the same as they always did, even the woman. They were proud, some of them grim and stern, others showing a little more enthusiasm and excitement, but nothing that interesting or special, nothing that Elizabeth had not seen before. That was until the pictcaster showed the last Hero, he got her attention. Or rather his breastplate did. It was gold, gleaming in the sun, finely crafted and depicting an image of a Saint she didnt recognise, watching over running soldiers. The image rose to his face, zooming out a little. Elizabeths blue eyes focused on the image of his. Unruly blonde hair, stubble growing in, and the scar on his face gave him a sort of ruggedly handsome appearance, one befitting the Hero title. He waved at the pictcaster, and Elizabeth found a smile spreading across her lips. She looked at the name on the holoscreen. Ilya Garin. Shed have to remember the name. This years celebrations might not be as boring after all. Look! There she is! A voice said lowly, its owner sitting next to Elizabeth leaned in closer to her. They were sat in the tiered balconies, Elizabeths position affording them the best view as the Heroes and their retinues entered the hall. Your father wouldnt approve. Oh, to the Warp with my father. Clara! Elizabeth chastised, feigning surprise at her friends attitude and choice of words. Oh come on Lizzy, like the entire court does not know what he gets up to. Even so.The pair returned their attentions to those walking into the hall, slowly beginning to assemble and form up. She seems the uptight reserved sort, but Id soon sort that out. You dont even know if shes that way inclined. Theres only one way to find out, and you know I love a challenge. Elizabeth laughed softly at her friend, shaking her head in disbelief, her long blonde hair falling loosely about her shoulders. Clara joined in herself, the pair giggling. Do none of them catch your eye Lizzy? No, not really. Theyre always the same, too easy and too eager to please. Or too grumpy. And you know as well as I that some of them can barely talk to a woman, never mind know what to do with one. Besides, it seems like you have already chosen the one that might prove any fun. Elizabeth smiled at her friend as she looked at glanced at her sideways. Still, no doubt my father will have someone singled out as the latest attempt at providing me with a suitable match for me to marry. If not him, Iactus will have. I would have thought theyd have given up on that by now. Yes, so would I. Given how youve responded in the past, and yourantics. Yes Clara, no need to go on about it. She sighed. The two sat quietly for a moment. So, are you not going to have a little fun this evening? Clara questioned. Well, Father has warned me that I must be on my best behaviour this year, especially as so many have returned. More chance of finding a suitable suitor for me, you see. He doesnt want me to embarrass him. He is still trying to fulfil that deal with the Warburtons as well, and there is word that the eldest Jameson boy may have his eye on me Elizabeth explained, exasperated. Isnt he the one they say is Yes she interrupted. Ah. Anyway as I was saying, best behaviour. One must not disgrace Father. Although thats not to say I wont socialise, and enjoy myself a little during the next few days. You know Lizzy, you shouldnt get their hopes up like you do. I could say the same for you, my dear Clara. Elizabeth winked at her friend, they smiled at each other and both laughed just as the Seneschal began to speak. Mays, Victoria. Thats her Lizzie. Clara whispered, informing her friend who nodded in response.We neeeed to go talk to her. Please Elizabeth sighed, rolling her eyes dramatically. Pleeaase. Shhh! A voice came from behind shushing them. They both turned to look, meeting his disapproving look with their own. Garin, Ilya. Okay, we can go talk to her. I thought you said you werent interested in any of them. Elizabeth looked at Clara, giving her a wry smile. Well see. The Ballroom had filled by the time they were making their way down the stairs, arm in arm. Light hair and dark, blue dress and pale yellow. Both were casting their gaze of the floor, assessing the scene of assembled people. They stood in small groups, most of the noble ladies and gentlemen already picked their targets, talking to the returned veterans, the graduates, and the new officers. Elizabeths father was talking to one of the Heroes, a tall fellow with a bionic eye. They reached the foot of the stairs and began making their way around the room. Look, theres my father Clara pointed out, indicating with a tilt of her head. Talking to that fine lady. Elizabeth followed her gaze, he was indeed talking to the female hero. Does it not bother your mother? I dont think she cares, if she even knows. Its hard to drag her away from the bottles these days. The pair exchanged a soft smile with each other. They worked the room, making their way past the groups, returning smiles and pleasantries when they came. It was noticeable that most of the Veterans held plates in their hand, Elizabeth had to smile at that. She let Clara lead her, as she sought out the woman she had her eye on, catching snippets of conversation as they passed. Ive just completed my tour with the PDF. Oh really? That must have been awfully dangerous, you are lucky to be alive. Tell me sir, have you ever seen an Ork? That had the pair exchanging a look and a small laugh. They both knew what the youth of the world could be like, it was refreshing to see them put down a little. Its teeth was as big as knives, and it had cut me open from ere to ere. The group of women around the Stormtrooper gasped collectively as he regaled them with his adventures. But something little like that wouldnt stop me, oh no. So I punched it and I kicked it and I punched it. Then the boss pulled me off, and got me to the medicae. Cause I was bleedin all over the uniform you know. Fires 600 rounds per minute. HE bolts. Tears them up. But I thought it could only fire 350, at the most. Mate, if you fired 350 you is dead. Anything less than 450 youre dead. You need to strip it down, remove those inhibitors, dont let the Commissar catch you, and switch to longer belts. Your buddies are relying on you. Set her down, line her up nice, and dont let up. Keep the pressure on. There, Elizabeth! Shes over there. Clara pointed out, quickly changing their direction so the pair was heading towards the woman. As they neared, Elizabeth noticed she was stood next to Ilya Garin, and the patriarch of the Nicholls family and his daughter had just finished speaking to them. Elizabeth smiled to herself as they crossed the floor towards them, her eyes drifting around the room as she did. They found those belonging to her elder brother, he was stood with his wife who was engaged in deep conversation with other socialites. Their eyes met and her brother dramatically mouthed Help me, Elizabeth laughed softly to herself and rolled her eyes at him. Then Elizabeth and Clara were approaching Ilya and Victoria, the distance between them closing. Standing before them, Elizabeth and Clara smiled at the pair before curtsying softly. Sir, Maam. I am Elizabeth Rayna, this is my dear friend Clara Lucero. We are very pleased to make your acquaintance and welcome you back to Vorlancia. She was well-spoken, her voice soft and silvery, easy on the ear. Hello. Clara added, already glancing and smiling at the woman. Elizabeth s eyes were fixed on Ilya, taking in the sight of him, the way he had that rugged veteran look about him, which he was. With her heels, he only stood a few inches taller than her. I hope you are enjoying your return so far? She questioned politely.