Open Chronicles Bochanan Ball

[Myrcella Bochanan]

A new start. That was what the Bochanan family needed. And what better way to do that than to have a ball? Of course it wasn't so much of a celebration of anything than it was the means to begin a new chapter. After the death of Rorric Bochanan, the family needed to put an end to mourning and to start a new era.

Invitations had gone out to various noble families, with promises of great music, fine dining and stunning accomodations. As it was a formal affair, it was encouraged that guests dressed in their very best.

Myrcella had decided to go with a flowing gown in pink. Her heart belonged to Titus Phane and she had hoped to get the chance to share a dance with him. However she knew her mother Gwendolyn Bochanan would probably be keeping a strict eye on them both. But perhaps even she would be distracted by a nobleman? One could only hope.

The ballroom was starting to get filled up with guests. Myrcella stood near the entrance, greeting those that entered as a good host-daughter should.

Karl von Stehlen Richard Henry the Eighth

 

[Titus Phane]

Titus Phane saw to much of the preparations for the ball, from decorations to refreshments and menu's. As the head butler he had many responsibilities. He had to step into some pretty big shoes left by the retired previous head butler of the Bochanan family, but he had done well for himself.

He was glad the Bochanan family decided to host a ball. It's what the grieving family needed to move past the death of the Lord of the house. He had done his part in counseling the family, especially Myrcella, but this is exactly what everyone needed, including himself and the staff.

Guests were arriving and Myrcella was there to great them as they walked in. She was beautiful in her pink dress and Titus wished he had more time than he did to admire her beauty, but himself and the rest of the staff were immediately busy with serving the guests.
Titus had busied himself with carrying a tray laden with narrow stemmed glass drinks balanced expertly on his fingertips. All the servants of House Bochanan were professionals at what they did, and while Titus had more humble beginnings, he was no exception. All the servants had dressed for the occasion in garb that was stylish, but clearly marked them as servants so that the guests would have no troubles.
When House Bochanan gave a ball, it was never a shoddy affair. Titus and the other House staff saw to that.

 

[Otto von Stehlen]

"Political language... is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind."
-George Orwell
Count Otto "the Grim" von Stehlen, Count of Strojland and head of the Strojland Administration divisions, watched as his "Iron Guard" and carriage were directed to the side of the estate...Things were indeed hectic outside, but that was to be expected for such a grandiose occasion.

Now, Otto was by no means the head of his household, but the true ruler of Strojland was off on matters a bit more...important, to the lands...which required some of the others within the family to attend to. As such, it was only quite natural to send the secound-in-command to represent the Von Stehlen family in a rather...presentation-oriented, event.

Though one would think it odd to choose a man who always wore a rather...grim expression.

Of course, Otto was by no means alone, as two of the younger members of the Von Stehlen family were present: Sir Karl von Stehlen and Lady Llyn von Stehlen, both of whom at the time had been "free" to come along with their older brother. Regardless of either's preference of wanting to come, the three siblings were now standing in front of the Bochanan mansion...as people all around them filed in...some giving the trio rather...mixed looks...

Otto was dressed a bit more stylish then he normally was: His wear spoke less of an administrator and more as a noble, augmented by a rather ceremonial looking cuirass with a row of medals lined up vertically on his chest, no doubt somthing to represent the family's martial heritage. Resting to right was his rapier, polished for the occasion, and to his other side was...some sort of device...rather odd thing to wear to a ball....

Regardless of the oddity, Otto glanced over to his siblings, whom were both looked pampered up then their normal attairs.

"There are some people I need to speak with...so both of you are free to do as you please...until we need to leave..." Otto suddenly spoke, in his usual indifferent tone, as he looked back at the estate. "...remember...we are here as guest to this house...you both are adults, so act accordingly...so do not make unnecessary trouble..."

The Count had put a great deal more emphasis on the term "unnecessary" compare to the rest of the sentence...and the reasoning was quite apparent to both of the younger siblings: Don't start trouble, but don't take sh*t either.

With that, Otto sauntered forward into the crowed...almost disappearing into it...as he passed the young Bochanan...he gave a nod in acknowledgment...before disappearing once more into the organized chaos that was a ball.
Karl von Stehlen Llyn Von Stehlans​

 

[Karl von Stehlen]

“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you.”
– William Arthur Ward
Karl looked on the slow moving crowed, wondering why on earth was he here?

It was pretty obvious that the knight stuck out like a sore thumb, given his height and his armor...which alone would have turned eyes, being a rather contrasting jet-black to everyone's bright colors, with a red plume overseeing everything from on top of the knight's helmet, but the armor had been "modified" for the more ceremonial occasion; the knight had a red sash that rest across his chest, a but more noticeable was the red cape that draped over his back, brushing along the floor every time the knight moved. On his hip, the knight wore his pair of swords, both looking a bit less battle worn then they normally did. Unfortunately, given the occasion, Karl wasn't able to bring his shield, as he couldn't simply wear it about, nor could he wear it on his back given the rather...flashy cape.

Indeed, it would be an incredible hard feat to simply miss the knight, as everything about him attracted the eyes of all those around them...as they continued on inside.

Standing next to him was a rather shorter figure, Lady Llyn von Stehlen, youngest member of the Von Stehlen. Karl glanced over from his older brother to his younger sister, a rather curious but calm expression on his face, almost as if he was unintreasted in the entire ordeal...somthing that would quickly distinguish him as Otto's brother.

"Well...we're here..." Karl grunted, tilting his head in the general direction of the entrance. "...now what?"

Frankly, it had been a rare thing for Karl to attend such...social gatherings....Not that he was nervous or anxious about diving head first into a regiment of noblemen...it just wasn't his area of expertise...well, outside of drinking with his knightly comrades. Karl figured that his sister probably had more experience in such matters...what with all her outings with her friends...probably....
Llyn Von Stehlans ​

 

[Llyn Von Stehlen]

When Llyn stepped out of their carriage she immediately felt more comfortable. This was more her scene!
She had odd interests in her personal life, but in the public scene she was the extrovert of the family. Just by counting she probably had more friends than either of her brothers, while they had their retinues and followers which they trusted.

All the same she loves her brothers a great deal, and so she puts up with them. But not nearly as much as they put up with her and harshly opposite characteristics from the rest of them.
Otto of course had his business to attend to, even at a party. But they hadn't even gone inside yet and Karl was already lost.
Llyn had done her best to get him to wear real clothing instead of his armor, but all she managed to convince him of was his cape and sash.
A party surrounded by nobles was really no place to be yourself, but who was she to talk. She could care less about politics and has a loose tongue when it comes to saying exactly what she wants to say.

With a smile and roll of her eyes she looped her hand through her brothers arm and guided him inside. She saw Myrcella greeting guests at the door and liked her instantly. She was pretty and she seemed to have a good aura or vibe about her personality. Kinda mature, even if she was the pampered daughter of House Bochanan.
She greeted her warmly with a curtsy, and attempted to elbow her brother to bow in greeting as well, but ended up bonking her elbow on his armor instead.
She pursed her lips in pain and finished her curtsy, she stood up and smiled.
"Thank you for hosting this ball, Lady Bochanan. It's not very often my brothers and I get the opportunity to see outside of our own estate!"

 

[Richard Henry the Eighth]

Richard sighed as he looked around the ball. He was wearing a light green leather coat along with tan fitted pants and knee-high black boots. The servants spent hours working on Richard's face, he had to fight and argue with them not to shave off his beard whom the servants described as "a bush."

"I'm growing rare herbs in there," Richard replied snidely. "I have to make sure they're taken care of."

Eventually, the servants ended up shaping the beard while bathing him. Richard also had his family symbol stitched on the right side of his leather coat. Richard never liked noble parties, they were so dreary and stuffy, he preferred the bawdy and lively taverns and inns he performed in his travels. The reason why Richard was sucked into this was because of Gwendolyn Bochanan the mother of his bride to be: Mycella Bochanan wanted to throw a party of a new era of the Bochanan family after the death of Rorric the previous lord.

Richard was there when the family buried Rorric, tears, and stories were talking about fair and just he was. Yet the highlight of it all was the will he left behind. It mentioned that Mycella was to be married off to Richard, this was a shock to everyone especially towards Richard and Mycella. Richard and Mycella grew fond of one another sure but it didn't evolve beyond that! Why Richard's father would hide this information from his family was a mystery. Richard only remembered that his father found a match for him but didn't specify.

He wrote to his sister informing her of his bethroed and to task her with probing father about Bochanans. Why them? And why keep this a secret? Richard approached Mycella forcing a smile at towards her. She wore a long flowing pink dress that dragged through the hall. Mycella was fond of dresses she would drag Richard through her wardrobe and ask which one that he liked. Maybe it was her way of interacting with her fiance so Richard played along and chose a dress in which invariably chooses the opposite of what he selected.

"Greetings Mycella," Richard whispered. "You're looking lovely today."

 

[Selene Avar]

Selene drummed her fingers gently against the stone pillar, her eyes set on the room in front of her, the man at her side gently nudging her side in order to gain her attention.

"It would not kill you to smile."

She prickled at the very suggestion of such a thing, though slowly she managed to force the expression onto her face. Politics, balls, social gatherings of any sort were not the type of thing that Selene was used to. It was one aspect of life that she'd never quite...excelled at.

Oh she could speak, she could schmoose and do all of that sort without much trouble...but she didn't like it. None of it was something that came natural. Unlike her magic she had to force the qualities of charisma and charm that came with dealing in these situations.

Still, it was part of her duties.

Many people thought of the Dreadlords of Vel Anir as simple weapons of battle. Men and Women crafted and hone simply to kill and destroy.

They were much more than that though. She was much more than that. Selene had been trained as a weapon of war, to dominant more than just the battlefield. Vel Anir was not going to war now, no, but perhaps in the future. Part of war was gaining and allies, and what better place than a party?

So she was not here to set fires, no. She was here to make...friends.

As odd as that seemed. "Perhaps we should greet some people, Husband."

The man at her side was of course not her husband, but rather another Dreadlord by the name of Mazrim Yveth. Loyal, smart, and uglier than a deformed tree stump.

 

[Otto von Stehlen]

"Bah...damn pirates, that's what's spoiling my mood!"
"Pirates? What about pirates? It's not like you have seaside property."
"No, but I do own slaves...and that's where I've been having problems...prices have been rising for years now, all because of these damn pirates..."
"Hmm...but don't pirates normally sell you their supply? Or at least, they're normally the source..."
"Yes...and they kept the price cheap and the flesh flowing...as it always should!...But this one...bastard...and his merry band of bastards....have been bleeding the entire supply chain dry!"
"Really?"
"Indeed! This band of pirates have apparently been raiding the supply chain of our hard working and more respectable, businessmen...and now, because of this bastard of a pirate, I need to shell out more of my gold for a simple body slave!"
"Well...that's rather...troublesome..."
"Troublesome is the least of it...those...those...What were those band of bastard called?...the Velvet...the velvet somthing..."

Otto had heard all he needed, as he stood staring at the massive portrait of the Rorric Bochanan, looking like he was paying his respects to late Count...a man whom some would say would be one of his "colleagues'. In truth, Otto never interacted with the man directly, but he did have a few correspondents with the man regarding a number of trade deals....a pity for the man and his family...but life carries on...as it always did, regardless of what happens....

Without hesitation, Otto turned and disappeared back into the ever fluctuating crowed, appearing to be one of couple dozen of nobles, talking, laughing...maybe even scheming...about one thing or another...but this was nothing new for the Count of Strojland...just another day in the office, after all...albeit, a rather different office then his everyday office...much less paperwork.

Still, one thing on Otto's to-do list today was pay his respects to the Lady of the house, no doubt now the head...which, put it quite frankly, Otto couldn't care less if it was a man or women or anything in between; long as she was good in her rule, there would be no complaints from the administrator.

Still...the lady herself haven't made her appearance just yet...just her daughter...whom, it would seem, to be greeting both of his siblings now...hopefully Llyn place nice with this one...

Otto would soon slip into a group of noblemen, whom seem to greet him with a bit of cheer, despite his rather indifferent expression. Each of the men shook the Count's hand, most having previously spoke with him on a separate occasion, while others were being introduced by their neighboring colleagues. Wouldn't be long before the some of the men began to joke about Strojland coming up with some doomsday weapon, causing the more familiar of the noblemen to laugh...while the less familiar to chuckle along nervously...seeing that the man in question was not laughing along with the rest...his expression probably was more enough to murder enough...if his reputation couldn't do that already.

Still, the atmosphere of the group would soon resume it's previous course, as the various men talked about anything and everything going on in their realm or house, as Otto appeared to be...attentive...to the conversation happening in front of him...and all around him...​

 

[Myrcella Bochanan]

Mrcella smiled as she was greeted by the very pretty Llyn Von Stehlans , bowing her head. "Oh you're welcome. Thank you for coming. I do hope that everyone enjoys themselves. We've all needed such a distraction." And it would help them to move on past their grieving period.

She bowed her head to Karl von Stehlen as well, though her eyes caught sight of Titus Phane in the background. He was dressed in his best work garments and Myrcella just couldn't help but admire the tailoring and how handsome he looked. Their story was not going to be an easy one. Out of the blue, an unwelcomed twist had arrived through the reading of her late father's will. A betrothal to a stranger...

Speaking of which Richard Henry the Eighth had arrived. Myrcella was keen on disrupting the betrothal and what better way to do so than to annoy him? She did her best to counter nearly ever choice that he made in regards to her, all behind her mother's back. But here at the ball, she was sure that Gwendolyn Bochanan would be watching. So when Richard commented on her looks, she had to just play her part to appease the public, which as far as she knew, were not aware of this horrible fate that her Father had given her. She smiled ever so sweetly. "Why thank you, Richard. And don't you look...dashing this evening." She then gestured towards Llyn," Why don't you give the young Lady here a dance while I continue to greet the guests?" Surely he'd accept that over standing around. Or so she hoped.

 

[Titus Phane]

Titus continued to serve drinks. He caught Myrcella stealing a glance at him as she greeted guests, but Titus caught sight of the guest already present in their house. Unwilling to see and dwell on even an act of cordiality and flirtation between his mistress and Richard Henry the Eighth he turned his face and his attention back to his work. It's how he stayed sane when news of her willed betrothal reached his ears.

He had begun his knightly training quietly, and in such a way that did not interfere with his duties as a butler. Once he became a knight he would have to gain some prestige, and a title and land of his own, and then he might hope to be worthy in the eyes of the world to ask for Myrcella's hand in marriage. But with this new blow to both of them from her late and beloved father and Lord of House Bochanan, she might be married off long before that happens.

But he couldn't spare the time to dwell on these things, and as the guests began to settle he saw it was time to go to the next stage of entertainment. Trading off his drink tray with another servant he went and informed the musicians that the guests were about ready to hear their music.
This was a well known group of highly respected musicians who are well known in the upper class for performing at such balls and similar festivities. Even having performed for the King of Alliria on several occasions. The Bochanan's truly spared no expense for their guests.

Essentially it was Titus's job to make sure everything was running smoothly, working behind the scenes to make sure there are no problems and that everything goes well, so that consequently everyone has a good time. Though his utmost concern was the happiness and wellbeing of Mistress Myrcella and Lady Bochanan.
Once he had once more confirmed that everything in the kitchen and storage was well stocked he returned to the ball, just as the musicians had taken the stage and begun to strike up a tune to start off the night.

He once more took up a serving tray and as the last of the guests entered the mansion he walked over and presented Myrcella with a glass of punch balanced on the tray.
"Seems we've had a good turnout, Mistress. This shows promise to be a great evening in honor of your father."
He offered her one of his slight smiles, one he had often used to communicate understanding, care, and compassion to his mistress.

 

[Llyn Von Stehlen]

Llyn brightened when Myrcella recommended that the handsome noble dance with her. She glanced up at her brother for a moment as a smile grew across her lips. She had watched the green and tan clad noble approach Myrcella and whisper a greeting to her, he had a nice face with a well kept beard, and he held himself in such a familiar and unmistakable way, like a knight would. Her initial thought when he walked up was that she definitely wouldn't mind getting to know him a little better, and it became apparent by the suggestion that Lady Myrcella wasn't absolutely overjoyed to have him standing at her shoulder.

Understanding dawned on the little red headed mechanics mind, and with a conspiratorial wink at Myrcella she took control, immediately adopting the demeanor of an energetic and pampered nobles daughter that would truly like nothing more than to dance till she passed out!
Pulling pranks on her brothers growing up made her a little drama queen.

"Oh, Lady Bochanan you're too kind! I would absolutely LOVE to dance! And the floor looks like it is absolutely begging to be danced on!"
She left her brothers side and looped her arms around Richards elbow. Turning to her brother she said, "Karl, try to stay out of trouble and please don't wear your gauntlets when handling the glassware."
Sometimes she felt like a mother in situations like this, especially when Karl acted so lost and insisted on wearing his armor at all times, even at home and places like this. He was like a bull on a china shop.

But now she was already pulling at Richards arm like some giddy school girl, "C'mon! Let's have some fun! the musicians are about to start!"

 

[Richard Henry the Eighth]

Boy Mycella was not happy when Richard went next to her, they barely knew each other but the look on Mycella's face said: "Please stay far away from me before I kick you in the groin."

Mycella introduced Richard to Llyn Von Stelans: a Vel Anir noble. She was very pretty with long red hair and striking blue eyes. Normally, Richard would possess a profound hatred to the Vel Anir native but he wasn't his father and while Richard may have his misgivings towards Vel Anir, there were plenty of qualities that he admired about them.

"Of course Lady Bochanan," Richard said through clenched teeth. He wanted to say "I see what you are doing you, foxy bitch," but it wouldn't appropriate nor would it sound poetic.

"Don't forget," Richard said giving the young woman a sly grin. "That at the ballroom dance tonight the future bride and groom must start off. You can't keep me separated for long my finance. Remember this ball is to celebrate the joining of our houses."

If Mycella was going to mess with Richard then why not return the favor? It was immature and petty but it felt good. Looping his arm around Llyn's, Richard escorted her away from Mycella and towards the ballroom floor. "How are you, my lady?" Richard asked. "I've visited Vel Anir a few weeks ago. A lovely place."

 

[Karl von Stehlen]

Indeed, Karl was rather a foreign object in amidst a social gathering...but that didn't mean he was unmannered. So when Llyn bumped him at his side(which resulted in what ye expect), Karl rolled his eyes....but kept quiet, as always...would have been rather of a scene if Karl had to remind her that he was a noblemen too..especially in front of company. Llyn might assume a lot of things about her siblings, but they wouldn't embarrassing her in public...

Still, when the young Myrcella Bochanan bowed, he returned the gesture by bowing his own head. As the lad lifted his own head, another armored figured approach...a figure that contrasted Karl quite considerably...as one wore colors of his house, and the other clad in black...one seemed to have the face for a thousand of emotions....the other seem to have but one face; indifference. But Karl, in his silence, observed a change in atmosphere with the man's arrival...almost uncomfortable, dare he say. Otto probably could have inferred more from the situation...maybe Karl, if he bothered to trying...

Then the host(or her daughter?) suggested that this...Richard was it? This Richard fellow take his sister off for a dance. Perhaps another brother would be more protective, but everyone in the Von Stehlen knew that Llyn could take care of herself...and if things got real harry, well...Karl wouldn't be the only one "having a word" with whoever may take issue with his sister...and Karl was usually the "nice" one.

For what might have been the third time within the minute, Karl rolled his eyes...Him? Keep out of trouble?...Normally it was her being pulled out of the so-called trouble...by him, no less!...What nerve she has to call him trouble!...grumble, grumble...

Obviously, Karl said none of this...nor did his expression change from entering the estate...though he did admit, he inwardly heaved at the man's parting words...not exactly the most subtle of wording...nor elegance...nor grace...sounded rather...

Instead on dwelling on...her fiance? Lady Bochanan's fiance, Karl turned his attention as a nearby serv-...odd concept really, perhaps to Karl, to have "servants" doing stuff for you...the knight was more used to doing everything for himself and his family...well, when in Alleria...but yes, this servant fellow came over and offered the Lady of the house a drink...and he'll just take some of that extra punch...while the smiling servant was distracted with looking at her mistress...breaking glassware indeed! If only Llyn would remember who did their dishes...in full armor too!....grumble, grumble....

Of course, all of this may or may not have been flowing through the knights mind. Instead, he was using his position in silence to observe...Lady Bochanan and this...servant. Now Karl wasn't much of a relationship expert, he had his own trials to overcome...but, he had been around his sister long enough to know that expression...as he glanced over to her sister, now moving to the dance floor...before looking back at Lady Bochanan's smiling face...yup, almost a perfect match.

The knight would take a sip out of his cup, standing there and observing the conversation between what he had assumed to be mistress and servant...and when/if the man

"You two seem close...." Karl would state in a rather monotone voice, expression still as stoic as ever, but the knight's eyes still upon this particular servant man...before looking idly back at Myrcella...and taking another sip out of this punch...
Myrcella Bochanan Titus Phane​

 

[Selene Avar]

Selene watched the others in silence.

In the beginning, when she had first been sent to these sort of gatherings, Selene had made it a point to talk to anyone and everyone. Since then however she'd learned how to do things properly.

It was often far more important to listen, than to speak.

Everyone, no matter who they were loved the sound of their own voice. Whether it be the King of Vel Anir or the lowliest peasant in the slums, everyone loved to talk about themselves. That was something Selene had learned early on, and something she now exploited.

Much of her way at these gatherings was about introducing herself, sharing a quick word, and then simply asking a series of short and curt questions.

Every question was polite of course, the wording carefully chosen never to offend or hurt.

It always worked.

That was why she now stood in front of one of the Master Mages of Elbion, listening to him droning on about some new sort of flask that he and his apprentices had invented just a short few weeks ago. Apparently it would help create some sort of chemical useful for healing. "Fascinating."

It wasn't.

Yet perhaps the Mage would know someone, someone actually interesting.

 

[Myrcella Bochanan]

Myrcella smiled ever so brightly, catching the wink and acceptance from Llyn Von Stehlans . "Wonderful. I could see that you are the type to love the dance floor." Thank the Gods for that. No doubt Llyn and herself would spend some lovely quality time bonding over conspiracies and plots. But perhaps a bit later.

Her attention turned to Richard Henry the Eighth as he spoke through his teeth. Oh boy. He knew what she was up to. Not only that, but he was quick to dig his claws in and verbally try to back her into a corner. Is this what politics was really like? It was a game, no less, but a dangerous one as well. "I won't forget. Trust me...." Maybe she'll fake a sprained ankle or something. Yes, that could work. Or maybe she'd be suddenly strucken ill? There were so many options for her to take. If she had no control over her future, thanks to her late Father, she was sure as heck going to control whatever aspect of her day that she could!

Like a hero in shining armour, Titus Phane came to her side. And with a glass of punch, no less! Myrcella took the glass gratefully and had a sip, sweet as ever. Just the way that she liked it. "Yes, and it all looks wonderful." As do you, was what she had wanted to add. But of course she couldn't.

Karl von Stehlen spoke up, albeit softly, remarking on both Myrcella and Titus. She gave the knight a small nod. "Yes. He is a very dedicated member of our staff. His devotion to our family is unmatched. We make it a habit here to get to know those that work for us and with us to tend to the Bochanan Estate. Is that....so unusual?" Of course everything she had said was true. It was all just a matter of whether or not it was good enough to hide her affections for her family's head butler.

Selene Avar

 

[Titus Phane]

Titus could see that something had disturbed his mistress since he disappeared to see to his duties. But he had to commend her for not losing her composure, no one but himself who knew her best would have been able to see that she was distressed. And really it was his duty, if not his pleasure, to be on hand and at her service at such times.

He turned and bowed politely to Karl when he had made his observation and his mistress gave her answer to the implied inquiry.
Going off of her reply he spoke as well.
"I have served the Bochanan family and mistress Myrcella for many years. They accepted me and have become family to me, so I appreciate your observation, Sir Von Stehlen."

With a friendly smile and another small bow he excused himself before it seemed like they were defending themselves too much.
Before he went too far he stopped a noble on his way to the punch bowl and confescated a wine bottle from his coat before he could spike the bowl.
"That comes later, Lord Wesselton."

The music had started and couples were dancing. The servants kept to the sides and served the guests who didn't dance.
Later everyone will be moved to the dining room where dinner will be served. The kitchens were still busy preparing the feast.
As far as the servants of the house were concerned, this night was in honor of their previous Lord and master, regardless of the betrothal in his will. Even Titus felt this night was in honor of that man and that the betrothal was a distant honorary mention.
Titus didn't like politics, and neither did his Knightley mentor, but he endeavored to master the art anyways, as one day he will be in such a position of politics and he musn't be caught unprepared and naive.

He continued about his duties. This night will go well, and everyone in this house will work to make their master proud, wherever he found himself now.

 

[Karl von Stehlen]

Karl watched idly as the exchange occurred...swirling his drink as he did....before observing as the servant excused himself, busying himself with the underhanded logistics of this gathering...no doubt a feat that required some great deal...of multitasking and skill to keep the momentum of the party going...As the knight stood, he wondered what techniques the servants of the house used in cleaning the glassware...that, and why this particular servant of the House Bochanan had rather...physical, bruising.

"I wouldn't know...the House of Von Stehlen do not employ servants..." The knight grunted, giving a rather indifferent shrug as he did. "...we tend to do everything ourselves...our Household tends to be rather...unorthodox...in many regards...but, if I remember correctly...the supposed status quo among us nobility are suppose to hold ourselves in higher regard...then the "simple common folk"..."

To say the Von Stehlen were unorthodox was putting things lightly, as they tended to have a habit of defying conventions and so called traditions. Simply look at the current household, and you would understand; most of the household preferred to stand shoulder to shoulder with their people, rather then above them. There were few honors higher, at least in Karl's mind, to lead his people from the front, rather then to hide behind them in the rear. Perhaps this was why people tend to forget that people like Karl was a noblemen. The knight might have held the title of noble, but his conviction and demeanor often spoke otherwise, as did his deeds and words.

"...Personally, I find such mindsets to be rather...backwards....but what do I know?...however, I do know that among those who care about their...appearances...such behavior would be could be said to be...for lack of a better term..."unsightly"..." Karl took another sip out of his glass, his expression remained the same, his eyes still forward, before lowering his glass and looking to the Lady of the house with a rather...inquisitive, look. "Hm...if you do not mind me inquiring...but did that particular servant get into a fight or somthing?...Or perhaps...some sort of accident?... An accident...maybe regarding...falling down a flight of staris...or running head first into a door?"
Myrcella Bochanan​

 

[Llyn Von Stehlen]

On the dance floor at last! And Richard wasn't a bad looking character at all! It seemed lucky for her that Lady Bochanan wasn't infatuated with him, and as they began dancing she was quickly becoming infatuated in her place! She smiled up at the tall noble knight as they danced.
"I am very well this evening, Sir. I absolutely thrive at celebrations such as this! I am told Lord Bochanan was a great man, loved by his family and subjects alike."
She talked while they danced, she wasn't a master, but she could follow along well enough due to much experience with dancing in general.
"I'm also told that this is a celebration for his daughter, Myrcella. She's been betrothed on her fathers will to another prominent house. Seems a happy occasion and a celebration of life all in one!"

One of her favorite things about ballroom dancing was how close the dance partners stood to each other. Even though there was a good foot difference between them height wise she was used to it.
Her constant stream of chatter didn't seem to stop. She got like this whenever a man caught her eye and she was able to speak with them.
"My two brothers are here as well, Otto and Karl Von Stehlen. Otto is probably doing some business stuff, and you saw my brother Karl already at the entrance. Neither of them are overly fond of parties, and that's why they bring me along!"

 

[Myrcella Bochanan]

"We look after our staff. We provide them with employment, payment and places to stay. It's no different than one of the merchant shops, isn't it?" Myrcella furrowed her brows as she chewed the inside of her cheek. This was the only kind of life that she knew. Everything else was...unheard of and unknown.

She looked to Titus Phane before he disappeared. She knew him to be happy. They planned a future together. Surely that was a sign that her family treated them all well, right?

Myrcella sipped her punch, turning to Karl von Stehlen as he inquired about Titus' bruises. "Oh no, he's not the clumsy sort. Really. And I don't suspect that he's gotten into a fight at all." Hopefully the bruises came from his training. She'd of hated for them to have come from Richard Henry the Eighth . Surely he wasn't that mean? But then again there was nothing to indicate that he had suspected her affections for the butler at all.

Still, she couldn't give away Titus' aspirations without permission. So of course she changed the topic. "Your armour, is it comfortable? I can't imagine that it would be. But then again, it may be far less restricting than a corset."

 

[Richard Henry the Eighth]

Richard frowned seeing Llyn's brothers greeting Mycella. "Well Lord Buchnan was," Richard said still looping her arm. "I never got to know the man but he cared for his family."

And seemed to be forging a secret alliance with his father. Ever since the revelation that he was to marry Mycella, Richard racked his brains over the reasoning of this. Why would his father try to align with a faraway kingdom of Cintra what was the aim in all this? To bring Cintra closer to Elbion? Was Mycella's family promised a seat in the Council of Merchants? Richard had a feeling that this surprising alliance was more than just increasing military numbers. This sounded like it was in the works for years.

"I've heard Mycella's fiance is a handsome man with a lovely voice," Richard smiled at least people weren't aware of who Mycella's husband was. Might as well play himself up.

"Is your brother a knight?" Richard asked getting closer to the ballroom floor. "He seems to have the right physique of one."

 

[Karl von Stehlen]

"I see..." Karl grunted once more, the man really liked to grunt. "...some sort of "freak accident" then...no doubt."

Of course Karl didn't believe what she told him; the knight had drilled enough squires to know what training bruises looked like...not to mention as a result of first hand experience...and by the looks of it from the servant, he's been going through some tough training.

But of course that would lead us to the questions of the hour: Why? Why would a servant have training bruises? He might have understood that if this was his household, where most of those coming in and out were soldiers. But if Karl could remember a conversation he had at his last ball, he remembered one of the nobles being quite horrified at arming mere "peasants". He was referring to his servants, so...Karl didn't really find his presence all that pleasant...still, if House Bochanan's servant corp were also protectors of the estate, then he'd assume they'd be trained? You'd think they'd be more then elite enough to not end up with training bruising at this point ...perhaps...

Perhaps, it was nothing...perhaps Karl was thinking to much...and the truth was, Karl couldn't be asked to do any more through investigation on this...peculiar thing. That was honestly more of Otto's forte.

Whatever it was, Lady Bochanan seemed to wanted to move on from the subject, rather quickly...noted...perhaps for later.

"Hm? My armor?" The knight said in his usual indifferent tone. An expected question, as everyone seemed to be enamored with the fact that Karl always wore full plate, even when nothing big and dangerous was wandering about...which inevitably meant having to explain to each and every person why he did so. "Perhaps to someone not used to it...the thing may be...heavy...but I'm used to it at this point, so it is more akin to a secound skin then outer ware...defiantly more comfort then a corset, at least I'd say...not that I would know...but if what my sister says is true, well...I guess I have it pretty swell in comparison...and before you ask, my armor is a pain to remove and put on...and given my profession, it would be simpler for me to clank about in full plate...ready for anything...then have to struggle to armor up when danger is but a moments away..."​

 

[Selene Avar]

It turned out that the mage really didn't know anything at all.

Much to her grand disappointment it seemed that the man was about as clueless as a bird sitting in the middle of the ocean. He knew less than he let on and he let on very little. Unfortunately, due to the laws of culture and politeness Selene was utterly stuck speaking with the man.

She wanted to claw her eyes out. "Yes but I-"

"THEN OF COURSE THERE ARE THE DRAGONS, THEY'RE THE MOST IMPORTA-"

Selene had absolutely no idea why the man felt the need to shout at her. She was not deaf, nor was she somehow impaired in hearing. Yet the mage was still yelling, and every word that he spoke was like a knife stabbing into her head. She was starting to get a migraine.

Her eyes wandered behind the mage, glazing over as she spotted a party of several young people, and then a man wearing full-plate.

A frown touched her lips for a moment.

"YOU SEE DRAGONS ARE ACTUALLY VERY LARGE LIZARDS!"

Selene snapped back into reality as the man took one step too close to her, and she found herself smoothly sliding back and gently patting his shoulder.

"That is...fascinating." She said dully. "If you'll excuse me I have to...go..."

With that she wandered away from the mage and headed towards the armored man, curious.

 

[Myrcella Bochanan]

Myrcella chewed the inside of her cheek as Karl von Stehlen didn't appear to believe her. Of course it wasn't her place to say just how Titus Phane got his bruises, nor was it the business of anyone else as to the reasons why. Did her life have to be so public?

Thankfully Karl went right along with her change in topic. She sipped her punch as he described just how often he wore it. Myrcella did her best not to scrunch up her nose. If he wore it all the time, how much did it smell? There was little doubt that it didn't smell like roses. Was the padding within cleaned often? Just how well did he take care of it?

"Do you sleep with it on as well? Corsets are also tough to get on and off. I can't do it by myself. In some ways, they are like armour. They certainly stop one from breathing and eating sometimes." The burden of fashion....At least tonight she chose not to have herself so restricted.

Her eyes fell upon the dance floor, taking a peek at Llyn Von Stehlans and Richard Henry the Eighth as they danced. Maybe he could marry her instead? Yeah, that'd be great! But it would also go against her Father's wishes and her Mother would surely not approve. No doubt his family wouldn't either.

Then her eyes found Selene Avar . Ohhh, now she could be another that she'd distract Richard with. Oh yes, there were plenty of ladies to take up his time. Now there was a good plan!

 

[Karl von Stehlen]

"If the situation demands it..." Karl took another gulp of his punch, which was a bit less alcoholic then he had been expecting, as he took in what the young lady had said. Most of these parties that the knight had been to, or rather, heard of had usually offered alcoholic beverages as part of the refreshment list. The memories of Karl having to to retrieve Llyn from one of these social gatherings(albeit less formal then this) were rather fresh. Still, those had only been in the most dire of circumstances...perhaps in this case, Karl wouldn't have to move a muscle. "...If I were to be back at the family estate...or my mentor's manor, I would usually shed my armor, as I would ample time to remove it within the safety of the walls, and enough time in the morning too to put it back on...as even I enjoy a soft bed to lay on...but, people of my profession seldom have the luxury of deciding where and when to have a fight...There have many endeavors where I had to spend days away from my family's estate, at times not being able to find a tavern or any sort if resting establishment....some nights, I would have little more then to lay my back against the tree, or upon the dirt underneath...but you get used to the life...knights like me, we must be prepared at all times for everything and anything to go wrong within the same instances...often times leaping head first into the danger...or having the fray dumped on your head, trying to scratch your face off...in these moments, comfort is the last thing in my mind...especially, when the greater well being of your people may be at stake...."

Bit more grim then perhaps Karl would have liked to explain it(his monotone voice hardly helped) but it wasn't a wrong mindset. People usually thought he wore his armor cause he look impressive, and granted, there are times when Karl did feel awesome in the armor. But it was more then that...a rather practical mindset, you could say...one that had earned him the right to be a Stahlspitze; a Champion of his Order....and with it the right to don the black plate.

Duty before oneself...to your family...to your brothers...to your people...that was what earned you the right to wear the black plate...and with it, the merrid of responsibilities...of which, not all were outlined in text.

"But....my armor had been adjusted to fit my body, thus I can move in relative easy compare...that contraption you ladies call "a corset"...it would seem to me, your molded to the clothing, and not the other way around." Karl took another idle sip of his punch, perhaps to run a bit low after using it as a stop gap in his conversations. Yet it was during this sip, did he take note of where the Lady in front of him had been looking...a red headed women, who seemed to be heading this way.

Indeed...even wearing what she had, there was no doubt in Karl's mind that she was aw women of conviction...given that each step she took, weather consciously or otherwise, seem to have some form of purpose. The women herself was rather... pretty...maybe Karl will even go as far as calling her cute. But these were nothing more then passing thoughts in the knight's mind, as the he would then continue on to guess that she was probably coming over to talk to the women next to him; perhaps, one of the centers attention at this particular gathering. The red head was probably coming over to express her sympathies, maybe even try to win over brownie points with the daughter of the house...standard things in the game of politics, so the knight was told.

Well, regardless, Karl took another sip out of his punch, starring down at the glass...now three froths of the way empty...​

 

[Myrcella Bochanan]

Myrcella nodded as she listened to Karl von Stehlen explain the way of life of a knight. And of course she couldn't help but think of Titus Phane in that kind of lifestyle. But he would do it, she knew, for all the time that he had to until he had gained a title and lands for himself. Then he could marry her. Of course there was a slight snag in that plan, by the name of Richard Henry the Eighth . One of these days the two of them will have to address what was left in her Father's will. It was silly to be bound by the promise of a man now dead.

She sipped her punch as he compared his armour to a corset. If only the dress garment could be made to fit her perfectly. "Fashion can be painful. But it's what society demands. We must always look our best. Some ladies don't get the opportunity to speak for themselves, and are treated as little more than a doll. I'm one of the lucky ones. I get a choice." For what to wear anyways.

She took note of Karl looking to Selene Avar as she did, though his eyes lingered on her far more. "Why don't you ask her to dance?"