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| Gardens of Erkwin — Landing, Imperius |
| While the Arborenin may like their greenery wild and lush, the Gardens of Erkwin are carefully and precisely manicured, even if they are no less green for all the attention they have received at the clippers of gardening drones. Broad expanses of grass are trimmed to exactly the same height, grown to exactly the same verdant shade. Hedges are neatly clipped back into exacting shapes. Some form mythical creatures, others living statues of famous historical figures, and one section even rises in geometric patterns to create a hedge maze. Between the hedges and lining paths of crushed gravel are beds full of flowers from all over Imperius — and before that, from all over Old Earth.
As beautiful as the gardens are, however, all of the paths lead through them toward the stadium on the water's edge. A final parade of flags draws the attention of most onlookers up toward the bulbous blue shape of the stadium's half-roof, which is lit from within by the glow of the lights when a tournament is taking place or a soccer game being played. |
| 05 July 3013 |
It is evening on the fifth, rather late, and Lady Reena Khournas has sent a message of apology to Lord Kadmus Volen, for having to depart her card party at the Violet Siren early, before he could arrive. She does offer to meet him in the gardens, despite the late hour, once her duties to Princess Ophila are complete. She is there, wearing a gown in shades of blue which match her eyes, if anyone looks at them considering the deep V of the bodice. Her dark hair is pulled back on the sides to tumble down her back in waves. She stands by a rosebush, her hand cupping a bloom to smell.
Lord Kadmus arrives in a snug number of aquamarines and greens himself, admiring the view of the noblewoman bent smelling the roses for but a moment before approaching, "Lady Reena, you look quite charming today. I apologize for my absence from your game of cards, I so wanted to attend."
Reena turns, her eyes glinting in the dark, the light from the path markers showing their vibrant blue. "And I so wanted you to, Lord Kadmus. I am sorry we were two ships passing. I am glad you are here now though," She rises and offers both hands to him in greeting. "I would be most sorry if I didn't get to spend any time with you before you departed." Her smile is just a tiny bit crooked, lending it a dash of charm and mischief. "How has your stay been?"
Kadmus accepts the hands offered out and smiles, "Then I shall strive to not dissapoint, Lady Reena." He says with a nod of his head, "Things have been hectic, with the next wave spotted, there is much still to be finished if we are to depart on time. But, it has been a good diversion, if not a brief one from the war. And yours? Have you been enjoying yourself?"
Her hands are dainty in his, clearly not having spent the years of combat training her siblings have. She was bred for other things. Reena smiles and keeps a hand in one of his, to draw him down the path, looping her arm through his. "If I am being honest, I'm still adjusting to life in the capitol, Milord. It is very different from Volkan, but both are lovely in their own way." She tilts her head as she walks to look at him. "And how do things fare in New Atlantis? I've not had an opportunity to visit it. I hear it's quite wonderous."
"I shall give you a personal tour then, if you ever visit." Kadmus says as he walks along with you on his arm, "And I had heard you were named a Lady's Maid to the princess, my congratulations." He says, "It is different, no doubt, but I suspect you shall adjust to life in the palace just fine."
"A tour would be lovely, thank you," Reena says softly. She dips her head a little, looking at the path they tread. "I will be in the Princess' service until such time as my father finds me a husband. I hope it won't be overly long. I worry that, with the war upon us, all the fine young noblemen will hurry off into the battlefield and I'll wind up the third wife of some decrepit old widower." She chuckles.
"I've no doubt your family is hard at work securing one for you, Lady Reena." Kadmus says with a nod and a smile, "But, even if that is the case, we all have a duty to fulfill." He adds with a bit of a grin, "No doubt you will find a young companion if that happens."
Reena looks amused at that. "Perhaps. But my luck, the bitter old wretch wouldn't allow one." She shakes her head and strolls at an easy pace. "So many banns lately. Wonderful matches though. Lady Ellinor and Lord Nikomachos are a lovely pair. And Sir Barton is simply smitten with Lady Talayla. They will be happy."
Kadmus laughs a bit, "Well, I don't know that he can, just so long as you do your duty and honor him appropriately." he says, "Of course you might need to wait a time before finding one, regardless, I do not think that is your fate Lady Reena."
"We shall see, I suppose," Reena murmurs. "They are not particularly knocking down the door of the Blackspyre for my hand. Being Anabethe's sister is a bit of a detriment in that respect. She casts a very long shadow, Milord." She looks over at him. "But enough of me. What about you? I imagine you're having noble ladies clawing each other's eyes out for a chance to wed the heir of House Volen."
"You may be suprised, Lady Reena. Volen is but one of House Orelle's many vassals." Kadmus explains, "There are some who have shown interest, certainly, though I have not had to fend off hordes of them yet."
"Well, I would be very honored if you would consider me among the tiny horde then, Lord Kadmus. I have to admit to being most impressed with you. You have been tested in battle with your military position, and yet you still have manners and etiquette enough for the royal court." Reena smiles. "That is, if the youngest daughter of Lord Khournas is an acceptable possibility for the Heir of Volen?"
"Indeed?" Kadmus says with a glance your way and a laugh, "It would mean leaving your home in Volkan and moving to a moon that is all water, you know. And, any matching I were to make would have to strongly consider the best interest of my house. Though, I have no problem spending time with the Youngest Daughter of Lord Khournas as issues are weighed and measured."
"I could use a little water after living all my life in Volkan," Reena quips. "And having allies amid Orelle's vassals would not be a bad thing for Khournas. Nor would a tie to Khournas bode ill for Volen. We both have industries that compliment where our own are lacking. And a familial connection between the family of the Lord Admiral, and that of the Hand of the King would not be folly."
"Indeed, but your relationship with House Grantham is something that might be a problem." Kadmus explains as he glances across towards you, "Perhaps one that can be overcome, but an issue none the less." he adds.
Clearly Reena has done her research on prospective spouses. She seems to approach the whole thing with a casual air, knowing it's out of her hands, but taking the time to get to know potential candidates. She ponders his words and nods her head slowly. "What better way to mend fences? But I will not pressure you, Lord Kadmus, I just wished to tender my interest. I would like to get to know you, either way, because I do find you rather fascinating."
"I have no desire to mend fences, though, Lady reena." Kadmus replies at that, "But, I agree, non of this changes my interest in spending time with you either, merely things to consider if a match were to be pursued." he explains, offering you a slight smile.
"What if, through the influence of my Lord Father, your sister's freedom could be secured?" Reena asks. "I cannot speak for High Lord Jevon of course, but it is something I could propose to him." She shrugs slightly and smile. "Regardless, I agree that none of that is a requirement for getting to know one another."
"I cannot say for certain right now, especially not without consulting my father." Kadmus says "Perhaps we should focus on one another though instead of the politics of it?" he suggests.
Reena chuckles, a quiet sound in a silent space. She pauses to tug him towards the entrance of the hedge maze. "Very well then, what things do you enjoy? Other than card games. You might be lucky you missed the last one. I lost and had to give Lord Sir Kaedin Orelle a kiss." She eyerolls.
"Truth be told? Cards are not a particular game I spend much time playing." Kadmus says with a laugh, "I prefer more physical pursuits, diving, swimming, rock climbing to name a few." He says, continuing along where you lead him. "I'm a student of our myths as well."
"Are you now?" Reena asks, curiously. "I studied History and the lore of the Hostiles in the academ alongside medicine, but I didn't have the opportunity to study the myths of Old Earth. I would love to hear about those." She seems sincere, a light in her eyes that glitters at the concept of new knowledge. "As for hobbies, Father saw to it I could be a proper lady, I assume. Cooking, Dancing,Embroidery, Music. But my passion is for gardening. I raised Orchids on Volkan. I have to hope someone is able to care for them in my absence."
"Well, surely you have gardeners on staff, don't you?" Kadmus asks, "And there are some fascinating ones, particularly relating to New Atlantis." he says, "I'll tell you about them, sometime." He says.
"Oh yes, several. Milord, but orchids are such delicate things. They are hard to keep alive in such a harsh environment. Unlike we Khourni, who thrive under adversity." She takes a turn, trailing fingertips along the hedge on the left to keep her place in the maze. "I look forward to hearing about it. I'll be heading to Primus soon, to triage the wounded for the upcoming battle. Will you be on the field, Lord Kadmus?"
"I will be departing to face the incoming Troopships aboard the Titan's Wake." Kadmus replies, "I dare say I won't be doing any ground fighting in the foreseable future, at least. Perhaps once we have returned to dock afterward."
"Then I will pray to the Six for your safe return. I would be most cross if I were to be cheated out of hearing those myths," Reena vows with a smile. She comes to the center point of the maze, where a gently lit fountain and a bench have been set, moonlight filtering down softly. She settles on the bench, gesturing for him to join. "My sister will be in the field on Primus. She is a bit stubborn about medical treatment, so it's typically the only way to ensure she doesn't walk away without being seen by a medic." She looks up. "It's a beautiful night, isn't it?"
"It is quite a beautiful night." Kadmus agrees, looking up, "We don't really have a view of the stars from New Atlantis." he grins, "If we want one it is through monitor screens, or spending time on the surface."
"We can see them from the top of the Blackspyre, but only there. The rest of Volkan has their view blocked by the volcanic fog and the haze from the factories." It's no wonder Reena wants out of there. "I don't mean to make it sound terrible, it has its own beauty, and other parts of it are beautiful and rugged like my brothers. Well, other than Nitrim, he's about as rugged as a Cindravale," she quips. She sits as near as she dares without being impolite.
Kadmus will sit with you for a time there, engaging in small talk about flowers and family and whatever else might come up before after a time escorting the Lady Reena back towards the Palace Tower.