Fae Courts Life, Freedom, and Revelry

[Olyssa]

Olyssa's wings were beginning to shimmer so much the back of her chair was getting coated in the faerie dust they produced. She barely seemed to notice, much less care. Instead she planted her chin in her hands and breathlessly went on to explain what it was she had discovered.

"Doing either of those is possible, but long and arguably you wouldn't get the same exact creature that had gone extinct all those years ago. It's hard for things to forget what they have learnt along the years, even the fabrics of beings. No.. what I've discovered is a spell. A weave. With the right pregnancy, in its infancy, this spell can manipulate the characteristics and in effect... reverse them," she had discovered it studying the Autumn Courts unique magic over life and death. The sickle of time came for all things but there were always faint echoes of what had been before. It was just about plucking those back from the brink and bringing them to the fore once more.

"I think these spells could then cause the host to give birth to one of these lost creatures. Though... there is a high risk to the mother," she frowned slightly. "It would have to be a controlled birth with a lot of supervision to begin with, until there enough they could breed normally once more."

 

[Raphael]

There was a slight widening of Raphael's eyes as she emphasised the everything and a faint blush rose high on his cheeks. Of course she would know. The Shucks were a very important cog in what it was he did for Midir. It was often his information that fed into their hunts or, occasionally, he was given his own group to take on a less official hunt when discretion was needed. He swallowed and realised their dancing had come to a stop. Nobody else seemed to notice but he took the opportunity never the less to stop focusing on where he was putting his feet and on her instead.

His hands ran down her arms to take her hands.

"I mean it, Samara, your offer means a lot to me," more than he could probably ever put into words. Words had never been his strong suit. "And I... I would enjoy... your company more."

 

[Samara Khalid]

Samara had not noticed that they stopped dancing either. She was so in step with him that her feet and body had become his to lead and control. She looked up at Raphael with a smile as his hands glided down her arms and took her hands.

She was very relieved that she had not ruined the evening with her suggestion and he was now open to it. "My offer is genuine, Raphael. I look forward to seeing you again...hopefully soon."

Samara, still handing his hands, leaned up and kissed him on his cheek. As she pulled away she still wore her genuine smile. "I have had a lovely evening, but I fear I should go home before I start dancing like a fool."

She laughed softly, but she had not pulled away yet. Samara found herself not wanting to pull away from him and it confused her. She was never one to be unsure but here she was doing just that.

 

[Astrid Bielke]

Astrid had watched Baenon leave, a blush still across her pale cheeks. It was huge that he had even noticed her, let alone acknowledged her. It made her stomach do a backflip and only when the woman spoke did she turn her head again.

"Lue, leave him alone will you." She slid her tongue across her canines, mustering as dangerous a look as she could. She doubted that Luella would even give her a second thought when it came to a fight anyways.

Her face fall as Cas remarked that Baenon only liked her collar for the color. Her face crumbled, and she let him lead her away. "Yeah, I guess. You're probably right Cas."

She would never admit she had a crush on the surly shuck, but just being recognized in such a way had made her happy. Her dear brother crushed it in an instant. "Yeah, best to let Lue lick her wounds in peace. I need another drink." Her mood had drastically changed, and now all she wanted to do was get drunk and forget the conversation ever happened.

Casimir Bielke

 

[Raphael]

Raphael glanced up towards one of the large windows where the night sky was beginning to lighten and fade into the tawny shades of dawn. Heading home seemed the sensible thing but he had reports to make before he could actually get any sleep. That didn't mean he was about to rob another of hers though. With a small, quiet smile he nodded and then lifted her hands to his lips where he brushed a kiss across her knuckles - a gesture he had seen other fae make after dancing with a beautiful woman - and then let her hands go and stepped back.

"Till we meet again, Samara," and with an elegant bow Raphael then turned and disappeared back into the crowds and the shadows.

 

[The Brothers Vitae]

"We merely gave them an instinct. Their thoughts and desires beyond that continue to be their own," Rerreno assured the more talkative sister, "Though I suppose that you've a sound enough reason to refuse my spellwork." The arrival of another crimson haired guest took Rerreno's attention and he turned to face the man. The similarities between the three were obviously apparent, though any need to inquire was dashed as Saang mentioned his name and relation.

"A pleasure to meet you as well, lord Lusce, and I'm happy to have had had the pleasure of entertaining them, though I assure you that the excitement is far from over. Our parties rarely go on without a bit of blood which was likely my brother's doing. He's not one for dances and wine you see." His glass met with his lips as he finished speaking and his head tilted as a voice called out through the crowd. "I'll not ask which of you it is, but I assume you know quite well that among all siblings, one is often the wild one," he said with a grin as he turned to look who had called his brothers name. Of course, Wulren was always one to respond and it wasn't long until the glimmer of armor was seen moving through the crowd.
Siobhan Lusce Signe Lusce Saang Lusce


Wulren strode forth to meet Luella as she approached him. he wasn't sure what to expect, but to see her prostrate herself before him certainly wasn't it. For a good few seconds, the old soldier stood silent, simply thinking as he watched the display. It was certainly a heel turn from her earlier defiance, and he wasn't so blind to others that he couldn't see the seed of shame that had caused it all. "I am Wulren, lord of War of the Vitae Court, silver wolf of the Veran wood, and the alpha of the bladed pack. The zorrens worship me as a god of strength, honor, and combat." His voice was a low growl as he stepped forward, standing over Luella, his boots now inches from her fingers. "I have not bled from anyone but my brothers in over a hundred years and I will not have it said that my first blood was from Cwn Shit." His voice rose in fervor, though it never quite reached a shout. "Furthermore, a warrior does not show respect by rolling on the ground like a worm. They show respect at ATTENTION!" The last word echoed from his mouth, holding the voices of each commander and leader that had whispered his name in prayer, or invoked it before a battle as it rang forth. "You show promise Luella Balsinde, but there are lessons to teach beyond how to grip a sword."
Luella Balsinde


Varos' tail continued to sway as he listened to Olyssa's plan. Magic. Of course, there were always ways to get what one desired when nature did not show an obvious path. He more than most should know of such things. "I'm aware of such spells, or at least, their reverse. You wish to pluck the past from the womb." He leaned back in his seat and brought up his glass, taking a long sip as he pondered the idea. "Very dangerous indeed. I wonder though if there's a role for me to play in aiding you. There are other courts that specialize in such magics, and my experience in using it was with their aid." While dully aware of the commotion across the room, Varos paid it no mind. His main focus was on the woman before him and her plan to do what by all accounts should have been impossible. Of course, doing the impossible twice, even in a life span as considerably long as his own, would be something to be proud of so it was only natural for the Vitae's fox to want in.

Olyssa

 

[Olyssa]

Olyssa's ears pricked up at the mention of other Courts specialising in such magic. Midir's affinity was Life and with his help she had almost perfected the spell but there was something missing and she had yet to find that missing ingredient. Courts held their gifts closely and few were likely to tell a simple Beast Keeper like Olyssa. Most certainly not when they knew where her allegiances lay for the present anyway. If she could have a mediator though... Her fingers tightened a fraction around the glass of wine before her but she didn't raise it to her lips. In fact, she'd completely forgotten it was there until her hands had closed around it again.

"That would be... most kind of you," she said as she let out a breath. Maybe she would come to more of these dalliances if they always resulted in such interesting conversations. "Perhaps I can show you what I have so far, and you can see for yourself what is missing," if he had experience he wouldn't need guiding either, another string to his bow.

 

[Zaire]

Luella was at a lost for words. Or rather, this whole entire thing had been a total mind fuck, at least to her. First he thought it was find to insult her and call her lass, disregarding her as any sort of warrior completely by only referring to her to her gender. Then he had offered to heal her, once more which Luella thought was related to her gender, and had even threatened the audience by saying he’d make them regret teasing her— which offended her because she was more than capable of making someone regret insulting her, case A, she had made Wulren bleed— and now that she was finally cowering to him, the way she suspected he wanted her to considering his multiple offenses of telling her how weak she was, how she was such a woman (of all things!) and how he needed to protect her… now he wanted to yell at her. The audacity.

Luella could feel that anger bubbling up within her. The anger she so desperately tried to hide, the anger that she really wasn’t proud of but was willing to keep it because without the anger she’d be a complete wreck. But as she thought back to the spar, to him calling her lass, to him offering to heal her (really she was struggling in comprehending this aspect as she wasn’t sure if it were because she were a guest or if she was in a dress) and then forcing everyone to be kind to her… what did he think she was? She wasn’t a soldier, obviously, so why would she stand to attention? Why would she do anything so demeaning if she didn’t have a desired outcome in mind? Focus on the goal, you need him. You need to get stronger. She thought to herself. The anger didn’t dissipate like she hoped.

“GROVELING LIKE A WORM!?” She stood right up, roaring right back at Wulren. “You think it’s some sort of accomplishment to make you bleed? Don’t make me laugh!” She couldn’t help but point a finger right at him, her lavender gaze filled with fire and embarrassment and most importantly: shame. She felt shame. Shame for bowing down to someone who she did find better than her. Maybe not when it came to ecocritical issues, but his swordsmanship was better than her. Although… maybe it was the liquor really.

“You think you can use your stupid huge muscles and stupid obnoxious height against me? ME?! I don’t fear you, Lord Wulren of whatever the heck you think you are. You’re how much older than me, old man?! A couple of millennia?” The words wouldn’t stop flowing, and even if Wulren went to strike her, she was ready to block and strike him back. She’d knee him between the legs if she had to. “I’ll have you eat your words, because when I’m your age, I’ll be far stronger than you can ever imagine! I’ll show you that I’m not some weak, pitiful… some pitiful girl you need to care for! If you’re going to hit me, then hit me. Make me bleed, make me feel pain. Just because i am female does not mean I am lesser! I have endured more than you can imagine and I’ll keep enduring until the whole fucking world knows my goddamn name!” Her chest was heaving, but the humiliation never left her eyes. The anger, the ferocity still blazed and glimmered as she glared at Wulren. Centuries of bitterness had seeped through from her fragile soul into her words, despite the fact that she was ready to throw her fists if need be.


The Brothers Vitae

 

[Signe Lusce]

Signe felt rather nervous all of a sudden, nervous yet comforted. Her older brother, Saang, was here! All of a sudden she blushed. Oh no, this wasn’t the average party, this was for very important political business. She frowned for a moment, feeling like a failure until she realized that, wait a second, she wasn’t! All of a sudden with a red face more so from wine than shame, she beamed and looked at Saang with all the joy and reassurance a little sister could have for their great brother. Saang was one of the few Lusce siblings that let her ramble or praised her for her using fire magick too create pretty, blooming flowers instead of doing more useful things with it. He also let her touch his hair, and she’d never admit this, but she was jealous. Somehow, he had been graced with the most luxurious, thick and silky hair that Signe had ever laid her hands on. And she had touched a lot of hair before.

“I…” Signe paused, pouting. “I am not the wild one. If anything, I am quite well-behaved.” And as if to prove such a point, she handed her glass of wine off to a working fae with a tray that was collecting empty glasses. Signe’s glass was nearly empty, perhaps two or three gulps left, but the fact that she had still done that counted for something, didn’t it? “And!” Signe added, only managing to be steady thanks to Saang’s strong stance. “I have made a friend. Lord Rerreno and I will be exchanging letters in the near future. He must tell me about what Varos has planned for the Zorrens whenever it is discovered.” Oops. A mistake. Signe tried to give her best giddy smile, once more looking between Saang and Lord Rerreno, and trying to seem utterly clueless. But may as well do damage control now. “Or at least, if you’ll accept my letters. I don’t get out of the house much.” She said, rather honestly, looking at Lord Rerreno and seeming rather sheepish, her bold attitude fading. Sort of. If Signe was anything, she was bold.

Siobhan Lusce The Brothers Vitae Saang Lusce

 

[Sivan]

Cas shivered, finally happy to be away from Samara’s best friend. Unlike Samara, Luella was cruel! And covered in blood and— well, sometimes Samara was covered in blood but that was different! She had to kill! Midir orders, and each and every member of the sluagh obeyed him without a second thought. Well, at least the cwn annwns and shucks did.

“Astrid, let’s not upset her,” Cas whispered to his little sister, wanting to move as far away from her and Baenon as he could. “But, I can definitely get you another drink.” Cas said, a smile on his face. He wasn’t sure why Astrid seemed to be… different to say the least. Had Luella scared her? Cas could understand that, they were in a very scary position. “Here, let’s go get another drink, and then we can walk around… as long as we stay clear of the shucks. They’re all on one, tonight.” He said, looking over at the drinks at the bar that were pre made and able for them to take. “Do you want the same one or do you want something different this time?” Cas asked Astrid, still oblivious.

Astrid Bielke

 

[Sio Lusce]

"The only excitement here is seeing how many words Signe can string into a single breath." Siobhan smiled at her older brother as he approached and steadied Signe. Her sister was clearly wasted and she was slightly concerned, but Saang was here now so he could deal with her. Siobhan had not drank enough to be her sisters keeper.

After Signe was done with her latest spewing of words, Siobhan smiled at Lord Rerreno. "I think my siblings would agree that I am the wild one," she took a sip of her drink. "Though, I like to believe that I am simply a troublemaker." She smiled wryly at both Signe and Saang. She was already teaching the littlest Lusce the ways of troublemaking.

Saang Lusce The Brothers Vitae Signe Lusce

 

[The Brothers Vitae]

Varos' tail continued to sway as he sipped his wine. "I would love to give my assistance, or at the very least, a link to further aid." He downed his glass and snapped his fingers, prompting a nearby server to give him another. After a muttered thank you, he returned his attention to Olyssa. "Life has been maddeningly quiet lately. Sure having a warlock helps me see more of the world without needing to go places but having such an interesting project with such intelligent company would be a welcome addition to my schedule." Already, his nails tapped against his glass as he thought about what spellwork would look like. While he was no stranger to grimoires, such things usually were the specialty of his worded brother, Rerreno. Still, the thought of getting his hands on such knowledge was enough to fill his heart with special kind of excitement that he had not felt for thousands of years.
Olyssa


Luella's anger seemed to burst forward like a weakened dam as she stood up, raging at the lord of war. Her eyes aflame and her countenance nothing like that which had approached him. It was not the respect he had called for, but certainly he couldn't expect such reverence for himself until she could learn to respect herself. At the very least, he could appreciate her closing challenge, and the bravado it took to speak sch things within his own house. What really took his attention, however, was the thorn that finally presented itself, sticking into her soul and seeming the root of all this trouble.

His back straightened and he stepped forward, his height towering over Luella as he looked down. "Woman, man, beast, I don't give a damn what you are. I am not the god of strength or men. I am the god of War, and I don't give a damn what lays between your legs." A finger lifted to point squarely between her eyes. "But you do. War is more than how fast and hard you can swing a sword. A commander can break a man's spine as easily as a toothpick, but that won't matter if she loses her wits at a few words," he growled, power seeming to radiate from him. "I called you a lass to unbalance you. And it worked. So, I did it again and again until my victory was assured. I offered you a drink because you impressed me, and I wished to show my favor. I offered you healing because I'd rather not have you bleeding all over my home, and I'd not have your appearance rob you of further company or enjoyment of a night my brothers and I worked so hard to make enjoyable. I told the crowd not to dishonor you, because in doing so, they would dishonor me and my dueling circle. I didn't beat you because I'm stronger. I beat you because I don't let my mind get muddied by things like what my opponent, or anyone else thinks." His voice kept itself low, chastising. His wish wasn't to make her feel any smaller than she was, but to bring to light that which lay in the way of her growth. There would be no use in training her to use her sword if one could make her forget it all with an insult.
Luella Balsinde


The effect that Saang's arrival had on his sisters was immediately apparent, and Rerreno found himself hiding his amused smile behind his glass while he took another sip. He further found it necessary to suppress a laugh at Signe's decision to rid herself of her glass to show how well behaved she could be. "For you my dear, I would be happy to lift my quill. Though, we'll see if my brother's plans are something he'll be wanting me to share. You see, he can be rather greedy with his knowledge," he finished with a conspiratorial smile.


Siobhan's comments finally broke the duannan's composure and he couldn't help the brief laugh that escaped his lips, though he had thankfully lowered his glass to avoid any unfortunate accidents that might have mixed the liquid with his sinuses. "It can be quite impressive, but I've spent too long in relative silence. Its nice to have some verbose company. Though I admit you surprise me. Perhaps however, that's how Varos always got away with it. Mother would have tanned his hide if she knew half the things he convinced us to do. As it stands, it was Wulren that held the rambunctious reputation while Varos and I were angels." A whistful look touched his face as he thought back to his past. It was difficult to remember his mother's face, the memories robbed by the beliefs of his Zorren subjects. Gods didn't have parents or childhoods, but there were memories he would refuse to give up, no matter how much power he might receive in return. "Of course, that reputation only fit one of us."
Siobhan Lusce Signe Lusce Saang Lusce

 

[Olyssa]

Olyssa smiled and a faint blush touched her cheek. Perhaps it was the wine, or the excitement of finding a kindred spirit in a place she had never thought she would. Either way she felt entirely overwhelmed and exhausted by it all, though reluctant to let it end. She knew she would regret it if she didn't get back soon though to her own grove. Especially when the headache set in in the morning. So, downing the last of her drink, she stood with a smile.

"I should really be going but... Why don't you meet me, the day after morrow by the Sycamore Blue grove, and I can show you what I've learnt so far?"

 

[Zaire]

Luella’s face twisted up in her nastiest scowl yet as Wulren chastised her. For a moment, she felt like a child, some preteen drama queen that was getting lectured by her father. And ironically, perhaps that exactly how Wulren saw her. Some young punk who was going nowhere fast. The more Wulren spoke, the more her shoulders began to slump, her face slowly morphing into something less intimidating. Really, she wasn’t angry at Wulren. She knew the truth: she was angry at herself. Angry at herself for being so haughty and arrogant and then losing, so easily. She looked down at her dress, the blood dried, already turning brown. She meant to cross her arms, but somehow, with her slumped shoulders and petulant look, it almost looked as if she were holding herself.

“You called me lass the moment I stepped into the ring,” she said, still that hint of defiance in her dulcet voice. “You called me a warrior at the end. You act like making you bleed is what labels me a warrior. I’ve been one before I even heard your name. You only gave me worth and respect after the duel and then you took it away by coddling me— the healing and then threatening others. I can defend my own name and my own honor. Or do you think I’m not even capable of that?” Luella looked away, frowning. She never took compliments well, but insults, well, those fueled her like no other. Always focusing on the negative in an attempt to be better.

“And the bleeding stopped,” she added, gesturing to her forehead where the skin had split and even opening her mouth to show the saliva on her tongue was clear. “I’m not so inept at magick that I heal at the rate of some mortal… I also only got blood on the arena and my dress… and I fought in a dress!” There was a flare of energy as she remembered that. “You try it wearing a dress! Tell me how it feels to have no support anywhere!” That scowl appeared once more, perhaps this wasn’t the best point to make. What did she even want to say?

“And I’ve had no serious teaching,” Luella mumbled, looking to be ashamed of that fact at well. Couldn’t her father have taught her something, even if it was behind her late mother’s back? “So you knew you would win, even if you called me lass of not. It wasn’t a fight of mental aptitude or a fight of strength or even sheer willpower. It was one’s skill set. And i fall very, very short of yours.” Compromise. Or, at least, the only sort of compromise Luella could do. Also, her way of apologizing, if one could even call that an apology.

“Also… I hate ale, that stuff tastes like donkey’s piss. I’m miserable enough after my loss, why add to it by drinking something bitter.” Ale wasn’t that bitter to many, most considered it on the sweeter side, but for a sugar-fiend like Luella, that “fruity” flavor never seemed to come through.

The Brothers Vitae

 

[Saang Lusce]

Amusing to a fault, as they always were to him. Saang listened to the girls make their remarks, smiled warmly as Signe feigned her innocence, and fixed Sio with a knowing raise of a brow at her own self-labeling. They both spoke truths that the eldest Lusce sibling would make no effort to deny and, despite their perceived shortcomings, he was proud of them both for how well they had behaved on their very first outting into fae society beyond the Night Court.

"I am grateful my sisters have provided you with such quality company. Soon enough they will both find themselves at the beck and call of society as wives and mothers," a statement he had no idea would fall as unfortunate foreshadowing for them both. Such was the way of things.

"But I'm afraid that is enough society for one night. We must be returning home. Say your goodbyes, girls, and meet me at the ley gate. Lord Rerreno, it has been an honor to meet you." Respectful as he was brought up to be, Saang offered the elder a bow with his right hand to his chest, fist clasped over his heart, and turned to take his leave with a squeeze to Signe's shoulder and a wink to Siobhan.

 

[Signe Lusce]

Signe was more than happy at the thought that Rerreno would be willing to write letters. Even if she couldn’t find out more about the zorrens, or whatever plans Varos held for them, the fact was that she felt she had succeeded— in the sense that someone seemed to have enjoyed her company enough to want to continue a conversation with her. She couldn’t help but feel smug about that fact.

“Good bye, Lord Rerreno, I look forward to our future correspondence, thank you for a lovely party,” she said, curtsying low and dipping her head all the way down. Despite being very tipsy, she held her form quite well. Vertigo hadn’t yet reached her, or perhaps it wouldn’t with her dancing abilities. When she brought her head back up though, her face was flushed. Alright, so maybe the vertigo was just starting to hit. With a slight shake of her head, which only disoriented her more, she then went to scamper off to wonderful, sturdy Saang. She needed to be held up again before stepping into those ley lines or else she might really get sick.

The Brothers Vitae Siobhan Lusce

 

[Astrid Bielke]

Astrid let Cas pull her along, her thoughts still wistfully on Baen. She couldn't wait to continue to prove to the shuck that she was more than what she appeared, even of she knew it was futile task. "Huh? Oh Luella is fine Cas, she's just a bit gruff. Don't let her scare you, even if those thighs of hers could crush our skulls." She laughed softly, slowly coming out of her head.

The approached the drinks and she studied them. "I think I'll go for something different this time." They both grabbed their drinks and made a few circuits of the event. The quietly judged the other fae's fashion and got more and more in their cups as they did.

Finally it had become exceptionally late and Asteid looked at her equally inebriated brother. "I think it's time we stumble home big brother." They then said a few goodbyes and headed for the ley, Astrid was ready for her bed and for dreams of Baenon.

Casimir Bielke

 

[The Brothers Vitae]

Varos took the first sip of his new glass, happy and contented with the ideas and plans laid before him. Seeing Olyssa stand however, caused his tail to slow its sway as the inevitable end to delightful conversations made itself known. Before he could find himself too depressed at the idea, her words managed to lift him up and a wide smile drew across his lips. "I'll be there. I may bring along a grimoire or two just to help us find those missing pieces." Rising from his own seat, he offered Olyssa a small bow, a hand rising to make a clawed gesture above his heart. "It was an absolute pleasure to meet you lady Olyssa, and I look forward to working with you." His was oft considered to be a lonely existence, and as such, moments like this were to be greedily seized. He wasn't alone by nature or choice, but rather an unfortunate aspect of his duties, something he was always willing to fight against.
Olyssa

"I called you a lass as it began to throw you off. At the end, I spoke what I believed," Wulren explained. His brow furrowed and his arms crossed. If a fae could lie, then perhaps he could state that he had no regrets. As it was, he couldn't deny that he felt bad for the anguish caused to the one before him. "Varos has beaten me many times, though he'll admit that my sword is far more skilled than his. Every fight must deal in mental aptitude, especially when you appear outmatched. Furthermore, I know nothing about you. So I fought you as such. The last time I made the mistake of assuming my superiority, Rerreno tossed a fireball and hopped out of the ring, victory in hand." There was a growl in his voice as the memory surfaced, and he couldn't help but send a brief glance to the sparkling well-groomed dandy across the room.

"My point is, I apologize for any offence of mine that might have left the ring. When you duel me, do not expect to be coddled, and expect for your feelings and much more to be hurt within tis confines. But for such wounds to leave the arena, is never my intention. Now, if you still wish for my teachings, to learn how to swing that sword in a way that it might do more damage than your skull did, I will happily take you on. But do not expect every lesson to be in how to grip and swing. I see potential, but there's a bit of dirt we need to dig out, first." While no fae were known for lying, Wulren's honesty was a simple one. He said what he meant with sincerity, and while Varos had taught him to use that brutal truth in a fight, in peace he simply used it to get his point across without the need for flowery verboseness or hidden meanings.

Luella Balsinde

 

[Sio Lusce]

Siobhan understood when Saang said it was time to go that it was time to go. She curtsied to Lord Rerreno and said her farewells before following her brother and sister out of the party.

 

[Zaire]

Luella huffed, putting her hands on her hips. Fae couldn’t lie, which meant Wulren had forgotten the disrespect the moment she stepped in the ring. And that stubborn part of her couldn’t let it go. No, never, she was hardheaded to the day she would die.

“I specifically remember you saying ‘someone get the lass a blade.’” She said, really just being defiant at this point. If anything it showed her much being called a lass damaged her ego and pride, and why it had caused her to shout so much moments before. But regardless, as Wulren spoke, Luella realized one thing: Wulren had indeed agreed to train her. Well. It seemed like even with all this misunderstanding, she was getting what she ultimately wanted: a mentor. Someone who would make her shine, even if it meant more humiliation might ensue.

“Well, I…” Luella wasn’t actually sure what to say now, and instead she dipped her head down respectfully. “I… look forward to your teachings, no matter how stern or vigorous, I will not disappoint you. I swear it on my family.” She said, loudly, which had the crowd starting to disperse. There was going to be no fight between the two again— such a shame.

“That being said, we’ll be in touch,” Luella raised her lavender eyes towards Wulren. “I need to head home. I planned on waking early to train. I won’t fall for that trick at the end again.” She said, trying to smile but instead proffering an awkward grimace. It was really supposed to be a truthful joke, but her flat tone made her sound upset. Which she still was upset over, but she did plan on training to not fall for it again. “Have a good night, Lord Wulren,” she said, dipping her head once more and then taking her leave.

The Brothers Vitae