Backpost, Royal Hunt: Quietly, For Now [Cascata]

[Sébastien de Loréan]

Year 1 of Queen Sabrina's Reign, the night of the Royal Hunt Fete

Frankly, I'd had one glass to many – not that I couldn't hold my drinking, aye. No, I was one who could do well with a few drinks in me, and I prided myself into thinking that if I'd survived more than one Akkadian blade, then I'd of course handle a bit too much joie, or any other drink, really.

Still, the Great Hall was rife with music and the sounds of revelling had well pressed me into seeking some solitude out in the gardens. I was sated – not ready to leave, but in need of a quiet break, and feeling over all happily calm. I'd found August again, though he'd seemed rather engrossed in the presence of a sublime blond women, but I'd also found Decimus and Landis once more, and truth be, war brothers ever did warm my heart.

My adept had found a friend to speak to in the interim, and so I was free, and wandered about the darkened gardens through dimly lit pathways which made the statues alive with strange, shivering shadows. I was filling my mind up with a new reserve of quiet, before diving again in the throng of Her Majesty's fete.

[Cascata Stregazza]

I'd been looking forward to the Fete, more so than the coronation I admit, since things were always a little more relaxed when it wasn't a formal affair of state. Yet I supposed there was still protocol to follow, certain social niceties that had to be observed. So far in my visit it had gone rather well, but sometimes I felt I needed to take a step back from it all.

Of course I suppose that wasn't all that worried me. My gaze flickered to Gil, and with a smile at Edwyn, I excused myself from the revelry to step outside. The air seemed palpably cooler in comparison to the warmth indoors, and I began to walk around blindly. Perhaps not such a good idea, for I tripped on the hem of my new gown (such a shame too, since Gil had bought it for me) and found myself grasping a statue for support.

Only it wasn't a statue.

"I'm sorry!" I apologised quickly, squinting at the stranger I almost knocked over.

[Sébastien de Loréan]

I was lost in my appreciation of the stars when a small commotion resulted in my being clung to by a lovely young woman. Well, if all those who thumped into me were as charming, I certainly wouldn't mind. I laughed a little, lightly, and took hold of her elbow to steady her.

“It's quite alright, milady,” I replied, audibly amused. “Are you unhurt?”

Already I scanned the area in search for a bench, and having noticed one just a leap away, I offered, “Would you like to sit a moment?”

[Cascata Stregazza]

"Oh! Oh I'm fine," I hastened to say, though my legs belied my assertion as I stumbled, even as his arm lent me support. Gods he must think me drunk! We made it to the bench with no further trouble and I let out a long breath.

"Thank you. I suppose I'm a bit dizzy from being inside all night. It's been a rather long evening."

[Sébastien de Loréan]

“It has, and the day as well, if you attended the hunt,” I replied amiably and patiently. Of course, having not been myself, I could not tell. I sat beside the young woman, though at a respectful distance.

“But forgive me, we have not made proper introductions.” Standing, I bowed politely. “Captain Sebastien de Lorean, at your service my lady.”

[Cascata Stregazza]

"Oh yes indeed! It was so exciting too," so very eventful indeed. I wondered if anything had happened with Gil and Miri...

It then occurred to me he was introducing himself, and thankful that it was dark enough he could not see me blushing in shame again, leapt up. "No no, accept my apologies for bowling into you and not even having the decency to introduce myself! It's a pleasure to meet you Captain de Lorean. I'm Cascata Stregazza."

I almost tripped again as I tried to give another curtsey, wincing at what I'm sure was a tear in my dress. "I'm so terribly clumsy."

[Sébastien de Loréan]

There was a faint noise of torn fabric, and I was half-endeared by the young woman. In truth she reminded me of my cousin, and I could have said she was, all in all, just as bubbly as Briallen, if perhaps a touch older. I smiled. “Perhaps you had best sit down again, Lady Stregazza,” I replied amiably even as I sat by her.

“I've not had the pleasure of your country, I'm afraid, but the fame of your household precedes you. May I be so bold as to inquire what brought you to Terre d'Ange?”

She had traits that were very fine, for a Caerdicci, almost D'Angeline, but not quite, just like a rough, uncut diamond. That gave her quite a bit of charm.

[Cascata Stregazza]

"I think you might be rather bored, if you ever visited La Serenissima," I said, gratefully sitting down again and fanning myself absently. "If all the celebrations are like this. As for why I've come here, well it's my first visit. My family thought I was ready and it's about time I've discovered the other half of my heritage."

I didn't mention the tears and near tantrums it had taken to convince my mother to let me accompany Gil. It was a good thing I had.