Thread: Noblesse Obligé [Ghostwolf and Thaedael]

People had slowly begun to gather around them, the room filled with small groups of intermingled nobles and military personnel, conversing with each other, telling stories and tall tales, building contacts and laying the foundations for various deals. Elizabeth was aware of it happening around their little group, nobles getting closer and starting to surround them, taking an interest in what they were talking about, who the Governors daughter was talking to. They were keeping their distance for now, not pressing in too close, but half listening to her conversation while engaging in their own. Elizabeth just to say caught it as she finished her question, witnessing the smile that was just starting to play at the corner of his lips, a symbol of recognition and acknowledgement of her words. That he understood how she felt about the ceremonies, and that he felt the same. She responded with a soft smile of her own, awaiting his response but they were interrupted by the raucous laughter of the Senschal. While Elizabeth was focused on the source of Iactus laughter, after she had briefly glanced over to see what was going on, Clara had returned her attention to the uniformed Aide, watching the woman from the corner of her eye. She noticed her annoyance, the way she shook her head, the way Victorias brows furrowed as she closed her eyes which of course Clara found to be a rather cute expression and more than a little endearing. She found herself smiling a little as she watched the Officer as she rubbed her forehead, exasperated. Pardon me my ladies, there is a small matter I must attend to. I need to remind my subordinates that while we are indeed here to have fun, we are not inclined to allow them to sully the reputation of the Imperial Navy. I beg your pardon, I will return shortly Victoria spoke up, causing Clara to turn to look at the woman fully and drawing Elizabeths attention back to her own group, informing the women that she would be leaving their presence to speak to the members of Ilyas retinue who were currently at the centre of the large gatherings attention. Unable to hide her mild disappointment Clara frowned, her lips pouting slightly. No, of course, thats understandable. We mustnt have that. Clara replied followed by a nod of her own and a soft smile, with Elizabeth mirroring the action. Clara watched the Aide depart, it would seem she would have to wait a little longer to try her luck and see if the woman would succumb to her charm, Although she was mildy disappointed she could no longer converse and admire the woman from up close Clara was ever the opportunist, taking the chance to cast her eyes over Victorias body, appreciating her rear as she walked away. I do sincerely apologize Mrs. Lucero, Officer Mays has never been one to sit still and exchange pleasantries. For the majority of us, mingling with the nobles is to be expected, and we are at ease with it The Heros apology drew her eyes away from watching the departing woman navigating through the tight packed groups. Theres no need to apologise, none at all. As you say, some are more at ease in these situations than others. Im sure shell pick it up the more time she is exposed to them. Clara gave the man a friendly understanding smile. If she got her way, she intended to introduce and expose the Aide to a lot of things. However, Officer Mays is not from Vorlancia, and is prone to forgetting her mannerisms. She does not slight you, for she is making sure that specialist Gallant doesn't get too out of hand. After all, it wouldn't be good hearing the true exploits of our finest soldiers in such a light now, would it? Really, is that so? Im not sure I would have ever noticed. Then it is even more forgivable, even though there is no slight forgive in the first place. Pleasantries and protocol and such mean little to Elizabeth and I, it just tends to be unnecessary and get in the way of things. Yes, at times it does, I agree. For example, I dont think it would be too bad to hear such things in that way. Instead I think it would be good to hear as close to the truth about what serving in the Guard is like. Us nobles of Vorlancia tend to have a very rose-tinted view of what war amongst the star is like, I think hearing the true reality might be good for some of us. Now now Lizzie, lets not get political right now. Especially not today. Yes of course. Sorry Clara youre right. Best to save that for another time Elizabeth apologised, thinking of her Fathers warnings and pleas for her to behave. Apologies Sir, she said as she closed her eyes and shook her head gently, Its a habit of mine, I forget my surroundings and the company I am with. Elizabeth was known for having quite strong views vastly different to the majority of the Vorlancian elite and speaking her mind had caused trouble and negative consequences more than a few times. At this time, in this place, with nobles gathered around to hear was not a wise place to share her opinions. You would do best to chase her down, and corner her somewhere more quiet. That is the best way in dealing with her. Well, I think I shall attempt to do that then. My good Sir, Elizabeth, please excuse me, she smiled sincerely to them both, before directing her words to her friend. I shall speak to you later. Elizabeth recognised the tone and the curl at the corner of her smile as one which said Have fun, I want to hear all the details later. With that Clara curtsied her goodbye to them both, and turned to manoeuvre her way through the groups of people, responding to their pleasantries as she passed, a forced brittle smile upon her lips. Clara made her way through the satellite groups orbiting the larger one at the middle of the room, making her way closer to the front of those gathered with soft smiles, sweet words, and fluttering eyelashes. One of the men from Ilyas retinue was telling a story and circling his friend dramatically, while he stood there red faced from embarrassment. Victoria stood beside them, taking up the mantle of the tale as it was passed to her. It was nearing the end of the story, and Clara stood side by side with fellow nobles, the newly raised officers, and those who had returned from the PDF as they listened in with amusement, aspiration, and jealousy. Every eye was on the trio, waiting, while Clara was focused solely on Victoria. She could sense the woman was uncomfortable, a little awkward with the role she had been given. She would have to take her out of this setting somewhere the Aide was more comfortable where she could be more herself. The end of the story came, and the circle burst into laughter. Clara chuckled, politely raising her hand to cover her mouth as she did so, laughing from behind it but not as heartily as those she stood with. Perhaps it would have been more amusing if she listened from the start, but nevertheless it seemed like a story that had been told on several occasions, and the laughter was soon followed by applause. Clara joined in, her eyes fixed on Victoria, an amused smile on her lips. My lady, it does not surprise me in the least that such a saint has gone unrecognized by you. He has gone unrecognized by all whom laid eyes upon him tonight. Elizabeth frowned her full lips pouted slightly, a look of disappointment spreading across her features. Then that is a great shame. Forgive me Sir, and forgive us. Im afraid we are often ignorant of many things those of us who sit atop this ivory tower, she smiled apologetically, sorrowfully. And please, call me Beth. There needs to be no formality with me. He was a saint of little renown beyond our own world, and one often pushed to the edges of idolization. He was the Imperial Saint Iyla Laurent Garin, the People's Shepard. He was known for saving the lives of the citizens of the Imperium, no matter the cost. Her blue eyes lowered to look over his breastplate again taking in the craftsmanship and watching the Hero brush his fingers over the Saint. She remained silent for a moment, just admiring the work, taking in the scene that was depicted. He sounds like a great man, deserving of his Sainthood. He is your namesake? She questioned, finally pulling her eyes away and back to his face. One that Im sure you done proud and more than lived up to. She smiled softly at him, her expression one of sincerity mixed with hints of sorrow. She imagined that to be named after such a Saint could be a hardship, forever mindful of their great deeds, forever using them as a comparison, trying to do their name justice. And Elizabeth had the feeling that the Ilya before her had done just that, he had followed the actions and matched the reputation of his namesake too well.