At last, a drink in the City !!!

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I let go of Jonas’ hand and made directly for the Inn Keeper. “Greetings, my good man,” I said to him with assurance and excitement. “Bring us your best meat and some bread, and pints for both of us. I’m famished,” I declared affirmatively. My voice must have been a little bit loud, because many a patron turned their heads as I said this.

I sat down at a table, put my feet up on the neighboring chair. I looked at my boots. They were dusty beyond compare. I hadn’t paid heed to it, but I probably was a mess, I mused to myself. I picked up the candle glass on the table and examined myself – and there it was, the inevitable truth. I looked like a thug. My hair was sprouting in all direction, my braid was half undone, and my face, my jacket and my shirt were covered in dust.

I laughed it off and set the glass down as Jonas sat across for me, his brow wrinkled in disapproval. The inn-keeper brought 2 pints, and Jonas picked his up without enthusiasm. I picked mine up and clinked it to his with a little bit too much energy, and some beer spilled on the floor.

“You are being unruly again, Jules,” said Jonas. “We should be calling in at Lord Kendrick’s, instead of drinking beer in the middle of the afternoon.”

I laughed heartily and shrugged. “Kendrick can wait a few hours. Let me enjoy my freedom a little bit more. Besides, I’m famished and parched. I’d rather go to him sated than starving.” I called to the innkeeper “My dear host, a round for all here! I am celebrating my arrival in the City of Elua!”

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

I'd watched the two newcomers as they sauntered into the inn with a quiet, keen eye, taking in their behaviors. New to the City, obviously; that was easy enough to tell by the dust on their boots and mussed hair, though something about the younger seemed a bit... Off to me. Discreteness washed over me as they took a table adjoining mine, and I was prepared to wait and listen when a splash of ale from the youngers cup sloshed onto my slipper.

Snatching my foot back more out of reflex than affrontment, I looked up, catching sight of his face for the first time. His? Oh, no. Hers. "My lady," I said, voice calm as I bent to soak my soiled slipper with a linen napkin, "Would you be so kind as to limit your movements?" I watched her out of the corner of my eye, then looked at her companion full-faced. What a sight he was.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I was about to down my pint when a little perk of a girl piped up. Limit my movement ? Where in the world in did she think she was ?

"Oh, sorry about that" I shrugged. With a gait like that, her daddy would probably jump at the excuse to get her a brand new slipper, so I wasn't going to fuss over it, although I did intend to make a show of good faith. "Innkeeper," I called again, "some wine for my neighbor!"

The poor man, who already had his hands full with my first order, looked up, probably cursing the heavens to have brought me there. He nevertheless obliged and gestured a servant to obey.

A young lad came and reverently placed a glass and a bottle of red wine in front of the girl.

I rolled my eyes as she gaped at Jonas. He was definitely too old for her anyway, I thought as I finished the important task of downing my pint and called again "And a refill for me!"

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

Loud and obnoxious, the young lady-lad reminded me of my sister in an off-beat sort of way. I could not help it; a look of pure amusement covered my face as the wine was set in front of me. She was showing me one of two things: She had money to spare and thought I was too prim and snooty, or she was trying to illustrate her knowledge of manners. Both, perhaps.

Stifling a chuckle at the situation, thankfully, I reached out and caught up the dusty arm of the girl in a light, non-offensive way. "Please," I said, looking her straight in the eye. "If you're to buy wine for me, the least I can do is share it with you. 'Twould not be proper otherwise, nor polite."

I was alone here, having taken off from my townhome to scout the city; I'd even managed to leave behind my self-appointed guard in the process, though he would be vex with me once I returned. Besides, I had caught the look of muted jealousy that crossed her face when I eyed her companion, and if nothing else it would provide entertainment. Oh, I would do nothing to take him, nor would I touch or be inappropriate, though if she wanted to presume more about myself than she had a right to know, which her careless tone and shrug insinuated, then I would certainly play along.

"Remember Ella," my father would say, his words intoned into my years prior, "If someone thinks you are less than you are, or more, then let them, for it will be their folly in the end."

[Princess Phreya de la Courcel]

Dressed in a simple crushed velvet gown of indigo I walked into the Cockeral and sat at the bar next to a pair of young peers. One a young girl in boys clothing and the other seemed fit for royal court. I smiled to myself thinking back to the last time that I was here, I missed the familiarity of life and I wondered if I'd ever fit in at court. Ordering a mug of ale I smiled to the bar keep who smiled and inclined his head after recognizing me. Siping generously on the ale I sighed to myself.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

By Camael ! She was being funny, this little precious one ! I could not resist it. She was being sanctimonious and it was absolutely hilarious.

I looked at Jonas. He was obviously mortified by my behaviour. I gently put my hand on his arm in a sign of apology, and he shrunk more against the bar, appearing fascinated by the ale he had shown so little interest in earlier.

I could hear Father's voice in my head. What are you doing, my wonderful, unruly girl?

My laughter built up in my throat and I tried to contain it, but it would not be restrained. It bubbled out of me, loudly and frankly. I eyed the girl. She might be better then I thought, and, oh well, I was going to need a friend here, after all.

"I'm on ale as it is, but do have a seat, and if we don't drink the same, we can nevertheless drink it together. Do watch out for the spills, though !" I added with another frank laughter.

I had a moment of distraction as somebody nearby let out a loud sigh.

Retreiving my concentration, I turned back to my interlocutor and I stretched my hand out to her. "By the way, you can call me Jules ! I'd be more prim and proper my self, but I've had a long day." I smiled frankly at her and, leaning against the bar, I asked "And what might your name be, my wet-slippered neighbor?"

With that, I lifted my mug in salute to another girl who, I'd noticed, was also drinking some ale, then drank a draught.

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

With a small, more than partly amused smile at her hearty laugh and apparent mood swing, I stood, transferring my items from my table to hers.

"It's nice to meet you Jules," I said, taking a seat directly across from her and to the side of her male companion; an odd triangle, I supposed, though I wasn't very near any of them. My wanton intrest in her companion ebbed considerably with her change in attitude, though his shrinking at her touch and apparent mortification was well noted.

Focusing on her, as she seemed the ruler of the two, I sat back in my chair and gave silent contemplation to the situation while I answered her question. "I'm Noelle," I said, leaving the formailities of last names behind. "Ella, as my family calls me, and nearly as new to the city as you are yourself." Prim and proper as she might be without the long day, I had little doubt that this Jules was but a noblemans daughter and her lovely looking companion was either her protector, or at the very least a guide. Curious, that.

Pouring myself a glass of wine, I sat back comfortably in my chair, gaze following the direction of Jules' salute. "Shall we invite her too?" I said, posing my question to the dusty girl before me. "The more the merrier, and besides, I don't think this table could be more mismatched." A twinkle in my eye showed my jest, though I hid a smile behind the tilt of my wine glass as I took a drink.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

Well well, this was getting interesting. She was getting more friendly, and it seemed we might get along, after all.

I settled myself on my stool, and answered "Noelle, that's a cute name for a proper peer. I hope you won't mind if I call you Ella, then? I'm sure you and I will get along famously. Nothing like a little roughing up to create a lifelong friendship," I added with a wink at Jonas.

He was still very absorbed in his ale, and I felt terrible for him. "Oh, I'm so rude, please, Ella, do meet my friend Jonas. We go a long way, him and I," I added with a warm smile.

Jonas beamed and smiled back. "Indeed, we do, Jules. It's lovely to meet you, Noelle, " he said as he turned to her and smiled with a measure of reserve. "How long have you been in the City?" he asked.

Seeing Jonas was making himself at ease, I turned around to the other ale-drinking girl and took a good measure of her. She was obviously of high birth, but her behaviour was understated. Someone I might get along with, if she didn't rub me the wrong way.

I took another sip of ale and turned to the dark haired stranger. Joyfully, I said "you look dreadfully alone, out here. Why don't you join us? There's a stool right here with your name on it !"

I wasn't going to admit it out loud, but part of me was relieved to have the company of other women.

[Princess Phreya de la Courcel]

I had a twitch of my brow as I felt pride well in me. My first instinct was to ask if she had any idea of who I was and how dare she speak to me in such a manner....Must be my Grandmother's blood. But instead I cleared my throat and forced a smile.

"Alright, thank you." I said moving to the other stool. Once comfortable in my seat I smiled to the others, for all that I had spent my youth with those below my rank I had been a child of court as my mother had designed. These sorts of occasions were few and far between.

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

I watched as this Jonas fairly glowed at Jules, then put a mask on as he turned to me. "A pleasure, Jonas," I said, returning his greeting. "I've just arrived a few days ago."

My attention was drawn as the dust-laden girl swung around and indicated to the lone woman, giving a rather loud offer to join us. I hadn't paid much attention to the woman before, though now I could see a fine blending of features, and it almost made my cheeks crimson. I knew who she was, and if for nothing else but because of the volumes of texts, both new and old, that my father had forced me to consume.

I nearly stood as she moved to the table, though I held my seat tediously, thoughts flashing like quicksilver through my head. She was alone, no entourage, no guards, and as such it left me unsure as to whether she truly wanted her identity well known. I knew her looks, her lineage, though I did not know her personality and as such would not make assumptions.

Schooling my features back to normalicy, I greeted her as I might have before recognition. "Welcome," I said as she settled herself, one finger of my hand toying with the stem of my wine glass. "This is Jules and Jonas," I said, indicating with a nod towards either of them, "And I am Noelle." Not bothering to ask for a name for her, I let her choose whether she gave it or not, and with a brief look to Jules, I watched in a growing amusement at how this peculiar situation might play out.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

She must have been surprised at my spontaneous invitation, because her eyebrow flickered for a moment. As she throde over to our table, I observed her gait. She walked beautifully. If I'd spent more time at the library and less time roaming the fields and swashbuckling, I might have been able to tell her lineage, but I did not have the slightest idea, though I figured she was definitely of high birth. I mused to myself that I might have to be a bit less rash in the future.

I cheerfully turned back and sipped my mead as Noelle made the introductions. Something in her had shifted for a very split second. But I did not know her very well and could not make much of it. Maybe she knew more then I did.

Below the table, I could feel Jonas' leg fidgetting. Was he nervous at the sight of the new arrival? She was indeed of an uncanny beauty.

Discreetly, my feet under the table caught his. I waited for her to reply to Noelle's welcome, wondering who she was.

[Princess Phreya de la Courcel]

I smiled to the trio nodding in greeting to each one with a calm smile.

"I'm Phreya." I said allowing my royal persona to be left behind. I tried to remember my younger days, when my father was still the Comte de Montreve and Delaunay and I would spend the summers with our sceneschal's family.

"Its a pleasure to meet the three of you." I could tell that they were younger then I but I didn't think by much.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I was releived to see that Phreya was willing to play the game. After all, we had all left our family names behind, and it was best this way. We were 4 youths having a drink at the Cockeral, and I was thinking the City was showing some mighty promise. "Well it's a please as well to meet you, Phreya. Jonas and I just arrived in the city, so I hope you'll forgive my manners. I am not one for receptions and dancing halls," I added with a chuckle. That was the least I could say. For a moment my mind wandered and I tried to imagine myself in a ball gown dancing with a male companion. The thought triggered an other access of hilarity which I stiffled in my mug.

Jonas was fidgetting, but he did turn to Phreya, and, averting his eyes, semi-bowed as he said softly: "it is indeed an honor to meet you, Phreya."

[Princess Phreya de la Courcel]

I nodded to the girl realizing that perhaps they were a slight bit younger then I.

"Its a pleasure to meet you Jonas." I said inclinging my head in a less courtly manner, one given in more relaxed functions.

"You're forgiven." I replied turning back to Julie, a teasing note in my tone. "I'm afraid though you'll find nothing but receptions and dancing halls here in the City of Elua." I added.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I looked from over my mug at Phreya. Her eyes were interesting, I mused to myself. They could certainly chill you to the bone if she intended them to. But for now, she was musing a little bit, as if we were peons on her board. Just as well then, I mused to myself. I have no idea what I am doing anyway. I averted my eyes for a moment, to let her know I was grateful for her patience.

I felt Jonas was relaxing a little bit and let go of his feet. He took another drink of ale.

"Really?" I replied, my eyes locked again in her gaze. "I must have been lucky to find this glorious tavern then, and so are we all," I added with joy in my voice. "I promise you that you do not wish to see me attending a ball. I am the most dreadful dancer you will ever meet."

When I said this, Jonas stifled a chuckle in his mug. I turned to look at him and saw controlled laughter in his eyes. I shrugged and continued on : " Besides, I will ultimately be bored by all these constraints. But if that is all there is to do, I guess I will have to adapt, even if I am an embarassment at first", I added with a wink at Jonas.

" Maybe both of you can guide me in that respect, if you should find it entertaining at all," I added as I turned slightly towards Noelle, to make sure she felt a part of the conversation.

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

I had regained my composure nearly instantly after Phreya abandoned her titles, content enough for the time being to proceed as if I were ignorant of it. Settling back into my chair, I had lapsed into a characteristic silence, observing the two women and sole man whom sat 'round me as they talked. Jules was happy as rabbit in a carrot patch, cheery-eyed and with a ready smile, while Phreya was more reserved, letting her teasing and amusement hint around the crinkles in her eyes, a slight lilt in her tone.

"I have yet to attend a function in the city," I commented, taking a small drink from my wine. "Though I'm sure they're fun enough, providing you find the right sort of entertainment." Checking a delightedly impish grin before it had time to manifest on my lips, I glanced from Jules to Jonas, and from he to Phreya. What an odd mix of characters we were, and yet we were getting along fine for the moment. I hoped it would remain that way.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I cocked up my eyebrow at Noelle's comment, then turned back to Phreya and waited for her answer. I had no idea what she could possibly be referring to and could do nothing to hide it.

Jonas looked at me with an expression which I could not read. He downed his ale and, slightly turning his back to us, gestured at the innkeep for more.

[Princess Phreya de la Courcel]

"Its true that most functions have some sort of courtly reason behind them but they're honestly not as bad as you would think." I replied confidently. "I've spent my whole life at court and I've always found myself some ammusment." I smiled to Noelle. "Even if it means seeking out excitment from less then stellar characters." I winked to Noelle, took a sip of my ale and looked back to Julie.

"If you remember that any fete's you attend are all about show then you should be fine. Greet those above you with respect and offer your kindness to those below you, you shouldn't have any problems. Its what my mother taught me anyway." I offered with a shrugg

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

With a smile I hid for a second time behind the rim of my wineglass, I returned Phreyas wink with an amused crinkle of my eye; I had no doubt she'd know I caught it and acknowledged.

"It's good advice," I told Jules in all serious honesty, afraid momentarily that she'd think I were mocking her with the hidden smile. "If you don't know where someone stands in respect to your own self, safety is your best bet; treat them as better than an equal. Everyone appreciates kindness, and still more respect."

Setting my wine glass down, I tilted my head somewhat at the dusty redhead across from me. "Where are you staying?"

[Oriel nó Cereus (D)]

Inkless and quite a thirsty little flower, I sauntered into the Cockeral. There was no better place for a flower on the threshold of wilting - a glass of wine, I mused, or perhaps an entire bottle? It was beginning to seem like one of those days.

Silent, sinuous, I crept around the side of the bar, trying to get a good handle on the well mannered rabble rousing one can always find at the Cockeral at any hour. And indeed, I was pleasantly surprised - it seems I was to find myself a little adventuress after all! An entire pile of peers, here, at the Cockeral, and nursing more than a few drinks. How opportune, I thought, for a bored adept.

I let my features fall softly languid, walking sleepy eyed, docile lipped into their midst. I ordered a glass of wine and took a seat, running and idle finger along its rim to ellicit a single, perfect note. Inviting, I thought, of curious looks.

I smiled privately into my wine - I couldn't paint, but perhaps I could compose! Music lessons, then, must be my next stop on this strange and drowsy day.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I stayed silent and took it in. Camael's Sword ! If I wasn't being scolded for being so brash, I wasn't sure what that was. Noelle and Phreya had a point, though.

On the Estate I was free to do as I wished, and I never even considered the question of being "above" or "below" someone. My best friend is a butler's daughter, and the closest man I've ever been close to, aside from my father and my brother, is my retainer.

I sighed and my eyes watered up. Instinctively, I looked for Jonas' hand and somehow, found it, reaching to me under the table. His touch settled me a bit and I contained my tears. So this is what the City of Elua is about? Being above or below others?

I looked down and my voice broke as I answered "Sound advice that I will strive to observe, though it is somewhat alien to me, I will admit. Friendliness and freedom are all I know. These considerations were never an issue at home, or at least I was never exposed to them."

I swallowed and looked up, struggling to keep in the hurt and the frustration I felt. We are all people, after all, and these two were probably trying to help.

I mustered all my courage and replied to Noelle, "I have family in town, so I'll be staying with them." A vague sense that I should try to protect Kendrick from my ill-advised romps prevented me from saying more.

"I'm sorry, Phreya, you said something I didn't quite comprehend. Who are the "less then stellar characters" you are referring to?"

[Princess Phreya de la Courcel]

I could tell that Jules was not exactly pleased with the response I had given her, but it was the unfortunate part about being at court, and the City of Elua most definately revolved around court.

"No one in particular." I replied with a smile. "There are some unsavoury elements in the city, but sometimes those are the best sorts."

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

Jonas was stroking my hand gently, but he was looking at the bar, where an pretty thing that seems like it had stepped out of a painting seemed to be playing a strange game with her wineglass.

I paid little attention to him as I cocked my eyebrow in curiosity at Noelle. Hopefully, she would be less cryptic then Phreya.

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

I tilted my head somewhat at Jules, watching without comment as she fought an apparent hoard of inner demons. Eyes watering, shoulder pivoting in such a way that her hand must have been reaching out towards her companion, face altering from composed to breaking and back again... Was there no sense of propriety where she was raised? Shrugging inwardly, I sat back in my chair some. My father had been adament about such things growing up, drilling levels and honorifics into my head from the time I could walk - it was with that knowledge that I had recognized Princess Phreya. Still, while I found it difficult to fully comprehend, I still could not help the spark of compassion her troubled face brought out in me. I was not so cold hearted as those who did not know me thought.

Leaning forward, I gave a light touch upon the hand Jules had upon the table, my voice soft, low.

"It is a game of life, Jules, when all boils down. It may be different than what you knew from where you came from, but understanding it now, and taking heed of both Phreya and I's words will only help you, not hinder. If you falter, it will be seen as a weakness, and will not help you nor whatever plight brought you to the City in the first place." Giving her a heartening smile, I took the light touch of my fingers away, settling back into my chair.

"Besides," I said, attempting to change the tone of the conversation, "it doesn't last long, and leaves you ample time to seek out the 'unsavory characters' Phreya spoke of."

Glancing to the raven-haired woman, I gave her an amused sort of smile, then turned my gaze to the young little blonde playing a tune upon her glass. Whomever she was, she seemed excitable from her expression and stance alone.

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I was a bit surprised when Noelle did something which seemed to be completely out of character, and treated me with the the gentleness of a friend.

Bravely, I braced myself and smiled. "I am not questionning the opportunity of your advice, and I am grateful for it", I declared sincerely as I looked both Noelle and Phreya in the eye alternatively.

I followed Noelle's gaze. She was looking at what seemed to me like a very pretty and very lively young woman. Someone whose company I might enjoy, that is, if she is not above or below me , I thought bitterly.

It was now clear to me that I am not fit for this place and I would have to work very hard to limit the extent of the damage I could do to my family by being here.

Jonas' hand let go of me and, to my surprise, it ached a little to be seperated from his touch. That is something I need to address, I thought to myself.

I turned back to Phreya and Noelle, and, whispering like a conspirator, asked "Is she an unsavory character?" though she was nothing unsavory by my assessment.

Turning back to us, Jonas smiled mysteriously.

[Princess Phreya de la Courcel]

I felt bad that I perhaps had hurt Jules' feelings, but it was a truth of court. I chuckled at her comment though.

"No, I highly doubt it." I said looking over the girl. "She's either Eglantine," I offered looking over her. "Orchis or with her physique Cereus." I looked back at Jules.

"You'd find more unsavory characters at Mandrake if that was your wish." I chuckled to myself for a moment. "Though theres not a lack of them at court...unsavory characters that is."

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

I smiled at Phreya with interest and replied "Really? That is another matter in which I will need some education, I reckon."

Something in my mind came together. Adepts ! I'd heard of them from naughty whispers Jeanne had thought worthy of my hearing. From what I knew, it was a seedy affair, though I was somewhat curious.

I looked at the little blonde with heightened interest. I had no idea what Eglantine, Orchis, Cereus or Mandrake were for that matter, although the names were poetic and made me remember the smell of the Estate in the summer. I would run free and laugh when my older brother teased me in the sunshine. Last time I'd smelt the scent of eglantine, it had been in the summer of my 17th year, and Jonas had been hunting me down for a function. He tumbled me and for a split moment we were a little bit too close. I shivered a little at the recollection of the troubling instant.

Someone hit my foot. I'd been off daydreaming again. Jonas was looking at me rather amused.

Turning my attention back to Phreya and Noelle, I asked : "Would it be terribly inappropriate to invite her to join us? I have never met an adept before." I furrowed my brow before I added "And if we were to invite her, what would the appropriate way of inviting her to join us?" If my manners need some fixing, I might as well start now, I thought to myself.

[Princess Phreya de la Courcel]

I shrugged softly.
"I don't see why not. Its your table." I smiled softly then furrowed my brows.

"Your parents never saw fit to teach you about Naamah's ways?" I asked curiously. "Strange I thought it was common knowledge to all D'Angelines." I shook my head.

"I appologize that sounded tright, I only meant that it was my understand that the Thirteen Houses of Night Blooming Flowers is a large part of most noble's grooming." I pressed my lips together.

"I keep putting my foot in my mouth don't I." I said knowing that it would sound as though she was uneducated.

[Noelle d'Aubigne]

I listened as the two talked back and forth; Jules sounding like a runaway carriage, plummeting about with reckless abandon, and the princess with both reserve and surprise, to which I couldn't blame her for. There was a lot to learn for the lithe redhead, and for not the first time in my life I silently praised my father for forcing upon me the teachings he did.

"Wildflower," I commented suddenly, a thoughtful look upon my face. "Or so my father would call it. 'A girl rebelled against the teachings of her birthright, set upon by beauty and with an abandon any noble might secretly envy.'" I looked to Jules, not smiling, but not frowning either. "You, my dusty table-mate, are one such, and the most extreme I have ever met."

[Julie Deveroix (D)]

The mental image of Phreya putting her foot in her mouth was more then I could bear and I stifled a chuckle. She was so regal, so well presented... I smiled earnestly "I don't think you are putting your foot in your mouth, Phreya. That is a good question, though..."

I thought a short moment. I guess Father had loved me enough to let me do as I chose. My heart skipped a beat at the realization that my father may have loved me more then I thought, then it hurt a bit when I remembered his ailment.

I continued, a little worried, "You shouldn't think less of my parents. I am very headstrong, and yes, I guess I am a wildflower, Noelle. I never thought of myself that way though. It's just that, well..."

Camael! I have to strive to keep my focus ! It was always so distracting, the thought of my brothers and our retainers training in the yard, while I was sitting in this room, in that uncomfortable gown. How I had longed to escape and to jump in some breeches, to join them in their sparrings. So I joined them in my mind, and the governess' words found oblivion in dreams of swordfights and treeclimbing.

I frowned in thought and continued : "Maybe they tried, but I don't remember much of it. My lack of education is more a result of my misbehaving then of their disregard, at any rate." I averted my eyes in embarassment "I'm sorry if I am offending both of you with my ramblings and my ignorance."