By Chance to Dahlia

[Lucius de Keiler (D)]

Thinking on the matter of the invitation I had received for the L'Enver's Wedding, and thinking about all the things that I had yet to do to prepare for the event and which that I wanted to do first I found myself thinking of the Night Court.

It would be nice to have a companion for the festivities, if not only to have someone to talk to, but to actually have a reason to enjoy myself, and thus I found myself wandering the streets amidst the myriad Houses of the Night Court.

A half an hour later I found myself on the steps of Dahlia, deciding that I would find just what I was looking for within the House that stood before me. I made my way to see the Dowyane, giving a knock at the door when I didn't see an attendant nearby.

"Come in," I heard from within, pushing the door open and finding the Dowayne of Dalia looking over papers and documents as I entered, her attention on a particular scrap of parchment she held in her hand.

Looking up at me as I shut the door she said, "Oh, I'm sorry," She said, smiling apologetically, "I thought you were another one of my Adepts come to bring me the tea I had requested, do forgive my manners," She said, setting down the papers she held and rising from the desk to greet me. "I am Sabrie, Dowayne of Dalia, what can I do to help you?" she asked, her voice sweet and her smile sweeter still.

"Not to worry," I told her with a smile, "Lucius de Keiler, and it's a pleasure to meet you, my lady." I said, taking the seat she offered me as she came around to greet me. She was slender and just the right height to suit her lovely frame, not tall but not altogether short either, a lovely cascade of strawberry blonde hair to compliment her light green eyes. "I was hoping you could find a moment of your time to help me in selecting an adept to attend the L'Enver's wedding with." I told her, letting her know all that I had been thinking of, indicating an approximate height and telling her briefly of the finer details.

During my short recitation an adept did finally enter with the tea Sabrie had been looking for and proceeded to serve the both of us as I talked. "I'm not going to be very picky but there is one thing, I want her eyes to be blue." I told her, taking the offered cup of tea. Sabrie smiled knowingly, nodding her head. "I think I know exactly who would suit you best." She said, gesturing to the lingering adept to come nearer and telling her quietly of the errand she wished her to perform.

I barely heard a word of what she said, but I did catch one somewhat clearly, a name, and found myself very intrigued when the young girl grinned excitedly, bobbing her head quickly before dashing off on her errand.

[Morgana nó Dahlia (D)]

The morning eased into a peaceful afternoon, warmth from the sun bathing the window seat where I sat, my knees curled to my chest. My gaze absorbed the beauty that lay outside the glass panel, vibrant flowers glimmering along the pathways. A playful smile shone on my lips extending to dance within the depths of my eyes. This was home... Dahlia House. The Night Court. My beloved home.

My mind danced with daydreams of fetes, royalty and nobels gliding across the dancefloor with fluid motion, their eyes locked on those of their partners, the air humming with the serene music of the moment. A sigh parted my lips the very moment a timid knock sounded at my door. I eased my limbs from their folded position, pulling myself from my comfort at the window sill. "Come in," I answered, my voice only loud enough to be a whisper on the opposite side of the door.

One of the younger adepts turned the doorknob and entered, her face glimmering with an excited smile. "Oh Morgan!!" she exclaimed with a giggle, "You have a rather dashing man awaiting your company in the Dowayne's chamber!!"

I gasped, my hand shooting to cover my mouth. Had I forgotten an assignation? I was sure I had nothing scheduled... I dashed to the full length mirror on the opposing wall, glancing over my reflection. Thankfully I had taken the time this morning to groom myself to a respectable degree so I wouldn't have to delay the summons any longer.

Running a hand through the ebon depths of my curls, I pulled myself into a composed posture, my back straight and face turned into a polite smile. "Thank you Madiline, I will head there on my own."

The girl nodded and exited with haste, I followed her with quickened steps, the skirts of my simple gown floating gently behind me. Within moments I was outside the Dowayne's door taking a slow, deliberate breath before raising my hand to knock.

"Please enter."

I eased the door open and entered the room, a pleasent smile on my lips. I dipped into a low curtsey first to the Dowayne and next to the male stranger seated before her. "You asked for my presence Dowayne?" I spoke in my soft soprano voice. It took every effort to keep my blue eyes focused on the Dowayne and not turn to look upon the face of the unknown man. Could this be a future assignation? But then summoning me alone is unusual, usually many would be lined up in hopes to allow the patron his choice at the adepts. My mind worked in overdrive behind the pleasent serenity of my ocean eyes, the hint of butterflies hummed in my stomach.

[Lucius de Keiler (D)]

"Ah, Morgana, there you are!" Sabrie said, her smile never wavering but flowing smoothly to a more relaxed expression, one of familiarity and pride, her fondness for the girl written in her smile.

Forgetting the pretense of leisurely sipping tea I turned to see who had entered, practically itching with curiosity at who's face belonged with the name I had heard. Sabrie had a pleased smile on her face, like a cat who had caught the canary sort of look, and she was right in that. She had read me well, and I silently thanked her as I rose from my seat to greet the lovely lady before me.

"Morgana, I would like you to meet Lucius de Keiler, future Comte if I don't miss my guess," she said, indicating me with a nod of her head, "We've been talking of drawing up a contract for the L'Enver's wedding and I suggested that you entertain him for the event. That and I was curious to see the two of you together so I had you come in." she said, laughter in her eyes and a hint of mischief in her voice.

"Pleased to meet you, Morgana," I said, catching her gaze with a smile, "and yes, future Comte is correct. A good memory, and might I say a good eye, as well. " I added, giving Morgana a courtly greeting and placing a kiss upon her hand as I did so. Sabrie certainly did have a good eye. Morgana was a perfect match for all the things I had asked for; her long hair dark and rich, curling down her back like waves of silk, eyes a perfect shade of blue, like a sparkling sapphire jewel. She was tall and slender and strong; yet graceful and beautiful, a jewel, to be sure, and I was happy to take it all in.