Everything's Not As It Seems

  • FallenHope95

    FallenHope95 (100)

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    Kaia Whitaker

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    Marquess Nathaniel Sterling The Second
    December 30th, 2020 at 05:42am
  • FallenHope95

    FallenHope95 (100)

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    Attending a debutante ball should be classified as one of the greatest moments in a young lady's life. It is their debut into high society and their chance to secure a proper marriage betrothal if they are not already arranged to be married. Young and respectable men flock to these gatherings as well as a way to mingle and make business ties. Strengthening alliances and starting new ones. The season for balls has started and everyone who is anyone is excited.

    Well, all except for Kaia. As the youngest of four and not even the actual daughter of a Baren, she is used to being put on the backburner. Her father passed away when she was a mere child of barely four. The young Kaia's mother was said to be in such distress over the passing that it only for her mother to marry within months to a man who barely even cast her a glance. All because his children needed a mother and he needed someone to run the house while he was away. So, what of taking in another extra mouth, it's not like he was ever really home, to begin with. She needed financial security for herself and Kaia. Although Kaia was pretty sure she was just extra baggage with the harsh looks she receives from her mother when she does look her way.

    Breaking from her thoughts, Kaia blinked at her reflection in the mirror as she listened to the twins giggling as they passed her room. This will be their third time at a debutante ball. The girls wore matching dresses like usual, and the only thing to be able to tell them apart from the slight high difference was how they had done their hair today. One with a blue ribbon, Melody, and one with a green ribbon, Clarissa. To Kaia, both girls had vulgar personalities because they were so spoiled, but to her mother and stepfather, they were the picture-perfect daughters.

    "You look lovely, my lady." Maria, a servant from before her mother's marriage to the baron. Shifting her gaze towards the mirror once more, a small smile playing along her lips before she lowered her eyes towards the dress that she wore. "Thank you, Maria," Kaia said quietly, as she looked down once more and brushed down the dress with her gloved hands. "It is quite lovely." She murmured quietly. Then, the loud voice of her mother calling for her to come downstairs interrupted Kaia's small moment of happiness. "It is time, Miss. Have fun tonight." Maria said to Kaia as she stepped back and then curtsied to the young Lady.

    "Thank you," Kaia said quietly as she cast a small glance at the maid in the mirror before turning towards the door and heading towards the front landing. A small sigh escaped from the young Lady's lips as she descended the stairs and spotted the twins and her supposed older brother waiting for her. "What took you so long? I told you we were to leave at eight." Baron Alfred said as he allowed his eyes to take in Kaia's appearance. A small scowl appearing upon his lips. "My apologies, I didn't realize the time." Kaia apologized and lowered her gaze as her whole family's attention was on her. The oldest Whitiker hummed and then turned his back to Kaia as he headed towards the open doors. "Don't make that a habit tonight, girl. It's an important night for your sisters." Kaia winced at that, knowing very well that she had angered the Baron. "Yes, father." She murmured quietly, before following after her family.
    December 30th, 2020 at 06:49pm
  • Sweet.Persephone

    Sweet.Persephone (100)

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    The carriage stopped in front of Pepperdown estate, the location of the first party of the season. All of the ladies from the most important families in town were to attend, in the hopes of finding a suitor this season. For many of them, it was their second or third season but for some, it would be the first ball that they would attend in an effort to find the perfect husband.

    This was currently not Nathaniel's first year attending the balls and he highly doubted that it would be his last. While he was expected to find a wife, especially as the first born in his family who needed to continue the line, Nathaniel wasn't so stressed about when he would start. After all, he was a Marquess, he could have almost any woman that he wanted. Now the question was, would there be anyone that he actually wanted.

    Of course, the man would look around and talk to some of the ladies to determine if he had any interest in those who were attending this year. Mostly to make his mother happy. Though, Nathaniel had a larger responsibility. It was going to be his sister's first year out, and as the leader of the house, he had to find a good match for her. As well as protect her from others. There was not much in this life that stressed the older man out but this was certainly one of them. He didn't want someone to take advantage of his dear Rosalie. So he needed to keep his eyes out.

    With the carriage stopped, his sister and then his mother headed out of the carriage before he followed out. At which point, Nathaniel offered his arms to both of them, which they took and he then lead them both inside. Both himself and his mother will serve as a chaperone for Rosalie. It would allow Nathaniel some time to talk to potentially wives as well as feel up the suiters for his sister.

    Once they were inside of the ballroom, the hands around his arm fell as the two women looked around. Nathaniel looked down at his sister and whispered. "Remember, do not dance with just anyone."
    December 31st, 2020 at 03:12am
  • FallenHope95

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    The ride to the Pepperdown Estate was a quiet one for Kaia. Her older step-siblings were talking excitedly. The girls about who they heard were going to arrive and her parents telling her older brother about how he should start looking for a wife instead of sleeping with the help like they've caught him doing a few times this past week. He was heir to the Baron's estate and needed to start acting like it. Then, they'd started to tell him of all of the lovely women who'd be attending and how they could help the family's wealth if he was to marry one of them.

    Looking out the carriage's window, Kaia just hoped that the night would go by fast and she could continue her music lessons in peace. As they pulled up to the front, Kaia watched as her sisters and mother exited the carriage followed by her brother and mother. Leaving her in the rear. Kaia's brother held his arms out for Melody and Clarissa while her mother was hanging onto her father's arm. Folding her hands lightly in front of her lap like a proper lady, Kaia said nothing about the redness that her family was showing her in public as she followed them inside. Her gaze cast downwards as she followed like a lost dog.

    Once inside, music and laughter filled the air, and Kaia couldn't help but raise her eyes. She looked around in wonder and was amazed as she saw all of the people dancing in the center of the room. "Woah," Kaia murmured quietly in surprise before following her family towards a table that had little cards made for the girls to keep track of who they've danced with. Just as Kaia reached out to grab one for herself, her stepfather halted her movements with a hand. "Remember, don't make a fool of your sisters." An with that, the older man escorted her mother away and towards some people he knew.

    A small sigh escaped from Kaia's lips as she grabbed one of the little card bracelets and slipped it on before following her siblings towards the dance floor. Her bright green gaze looked around as she watched people dance. Offering small smiles as she caught a couple of guys looking towards her. Feeling her cheeks turn a slight rose color with the attention, Kaia looked down out of habit and brushed some hair behind her ear, and turned to find a quiet corner to hide in. Only, to bump into a gentleman's shoulder as he passed her by.

    "Ah!" My apologies, I wasn't paying attention. Kaia said in her quiet voice as she raised her head to look at the man who she had just walked into. A slightly loud and annoying gasp came from Kaia's right as Clarissa came into view. "Kaia! We leave you for one second and you make a fool of yourself!" Clarissa chastised Kaia in front of the stranger. Turning towards the man, Clarissa lowered herself and gave him a nice view down her flower-covered dress as she curtsied."My apologies My Lord. My younger sister is still learning her manners." Clarissa exclaimed as she slowly stood up and looked up at the man. Blinking her eyes in a flirtatious way.

    Pursing her lips, Kaia wasn't sure how to react. So, she just looked between the man who must be a high ranking lord if Clarissa was calling him one. As she was the one who was obsessed with knowing anyone who was anyone before arriving somewhere. "Forgive me, my lord," Kaia repeated her apology, knowing that Clarissa would tell their father on her if she didn't follow the girl's lead. She then offered him a small curtsey out of respect as well, on;y she didn't offer him a nice view down her dress, unlike her sister before standing up once more.
    December 31st, 2020 at 03:58am
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    As a commotion started behind him, Nathaniel turned around and watched as one girl was stepping back from running into Lord Cambringer. It didn't have to be such a large incident if the other girl did not basically chastise the young woman. Which, in his opinion, was not the proper manners for a young woman. Though neither of them was his charge and therefore, not his problem. Nathaniel was about to turn back to speak to his own sister when Lord Cambringer started to speak. Just from the tone of the first words that came out of the older gentleman's mouth, Nathaniel knew that this was going to become more of an issue that it really needed to be. A simple accident was going to be treated as treason.

    Nathaniel could see the worry seeping into his own sister's eyes. So, looked at her gently before leaving her side and finding his way over to Lord Cambringer just as he was saying "It is important that a young ladies like yourselves learn how to -"

    Before he could finish his sentence, Nathaniel laid a hand on the man's shoulder as he forced a wide smile over his face. "Lord Cambringer, I was looking for you." Nathaniel said warmly. "Duke Jonnahans just told me about the hunting trip that you had at his cabin, when you went up against the boar with your bear hands? I am dying to hear the tale from your own lips."

    The lord seemed confused for a moment, stuttering before quickly shifting gears to speak to Nathaniel who was, although younger, of higher status. "Yes, yes, of course! It is a grand story indeed. I-"

    "I look forward to hearing it. Though, my apologies, I did not see the two lovely ladies that you were speaking to. Please, do not finish your conversation on my account, shall I see you in a bit then?"

    "Oh, no. Not at all. We were just finishing up, just a small misunderstanding." Lord Cambringer said as he looked to Kaia and Clarissa. "Is that not correct, ladies? I should let the both of you continue on your way to enjoy the party."
    January 4th, 2021 at 04:13am
  • FallenHope95

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    Could tonight get any worst? Kaia's head swam with thoughts as she let her gaze lower slightly. The lord in front of her was quite terrifying, his deep tone and harsh words, they were not things that Kaia was not used to. In a place like this though, she hoped for a more peaceful night. If only she had asked to stay home and missed one more year, then things might have not ended up so terrible.

    Just as things seemed to be hearing up with the Lord's wording, another voice joined in. Kaia's gaze lifting and lancing upon another young man. His eyes a beautiful hazel and his hair nicely combed back. A true gentleman in his finest form, in Kaia's mind as well as all of high society. Shifting her gaze slowly towards Lord Cambridge, Kaia felt herself slowly nodding her head. "Y-yes, sir." She said quietly, her lips pursing into a thin line as she mentally cursed herself for stuttering in front of not one lord, but two of them. Her shyness was going to get her into more trouble if she didn't try to take care of it.

    "We shall take our leave then. Sorry again, my Lord." Clarissa said in her most elegant fake tone as she curtsied to lord Cambringer before hooking her arm through Kaia's and dragging the younger girl away. Bringing her towards a quiet part of the ballroom. "Can't you do anything right?" Clarissa whispered, her tone harsh as she glared at Kaia. "I'm sorry, I was just turning around-" Clarissa raised her hand to silently tell Kaia to stop talking. "I don't want to hear it, Kaia. You're ruining my chance to find a good husband. You embarrass our family in front of not one, but two high ranking men, men who should be swooning over me! Not-not saving your pathetic self." Kaia winced at Clarissa's words. "Just stay here for the rest of the night."

    Not a word was able to escape from Kaia's slightly parted lips as Clarissa walked away. Her head held high as she moved through the crowd. Men turning to glance at her as she swayed her hips and smiled politely at them. The whole scene upset Kaia's stomach. She hated balls, she much rather be practicing piano or reading in the library. A small sigh escaped from the young girl's lips, her gaze looking around the room before she started to walk once more. The least she could do is grab a drink to have with her in her little hiding spot.
    January 4th, 2021 at 05:24pm
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    While saving the two young woman from Lord Cambringer's sharp tongue had been worth it to the man, it had meant he had to endure his story. Not something that Nathaniel had wanted to do, but at least was not the worse thing he had ever had to listen too. And, surprisingly, the story had been much longer than the man expected it to be. Though as the story went on, more men of status came over to join in on the conversation, either interested in hunting or wanting to get closer to the Marquess who was quite the powerful man. Midway through, his eyes shifted around the ballroom so that he could take note on where his sister had gone. He caught Rosalie making her way to one of the young woman he had, in his eyes, saved.

    Rosalie glanced around the ballroom for a moment to look for the woman who had almost been given Lord Cambringer's sharp tongue. She knew that she was here to find a husband, and that, technically, she should be spending her time speaking to the men of high status and getting dances. Though her kind heart wanted to check on the other lady. And, besides, Nathaniel was wrapped up in conversations with some of the lords and the women knew it was important who she danced with as she required someone of equal or better status as her brother.

    So, the young woman made her way along the room until she was at the other woman's side. With her, she picked up a drink from the table before turning to the stranger. "Good evening, I am Lady Rosalie Sterling." Rosalie said before nodding her head over to her brother. "I am the sister of the man who just came to your rescue." She said, a bit of a smile coming over her face. It was times like this that she could not help but be proud of her older brother.

    "I hope Lord Cambringer did not frighten you." Rosalie said as she looked back to the woman, looking over her face with gentle eyes. "He can be a bit...overzealous at times. But he would not really mean you any harm."
    January 10th, 2021 at 12:32am
  • FallenHope95

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    All of the gossips were already starting, Kaia could already feel the stares on her as the hair on the back of her neck raised. A small shiver ran down her spine as well. Balls weren't her thing, huge groups of people weren't her thing. Being a woman was terrible, why couldn't she have just been born a man? She would have gladly run away by now and do god knows what. Instead, she was to parade around and try to find someone who'd take pity on her, and would gladly pay for her living as long as she bares them, children.

    As she reached the table, Kaia reached out to grasp one of the glasses of water. A soft voice met Kaia's ears. A small hum escaped from her as she gently cradles the thing in her hands and turns towards the voice. A look of slight surprise appears upon Kaia's face as she sees a pretty girl she'd never seen before standing next to her. Then, her expression slowly softens as the girl introduced herself. "Greets Lady Sterling, I'm Kaia Whitaker," Kaia said politely and offered the girl of higher status a small curtsy and a light bow out of respect. Knowing that even though this girl was her age and well, a girl, she was still of noble blood and needed respect.

    When Kaia stood up straight, her eyes slowly shifted towards the man Rosalie was speaking about. Her eyes lingering on him for a moment, taking in his broad shoulders and enchanting eyes before looking away. Marquess Sterling was not someone she should be caught staring at. So, Kaia offered Rosalie a small smile once more as she brought her full attention once more back to the young girl. "Oh no, not at all," Kaia said quietly and raise a hand to cover her mouth as she let out a small laugh. Doing her best to be polite in this setting and to show that she wasn't upset. "I was in the wrong, I should have been paying better attention to my surroundings." Kaia felt like she wanted to roll her eyes when talking about Sir Cambringer, but held in the feeling.

    Raising her glass to her lips. Kaia took a small sip to quench her thirst. "Thank you for your concern though, Lady Sterling." Kaia felt herself giving the girl an actual smile, her mere presence causing Kaia to actually want to relax a bit. "As well as your brother, I'm really grateful. To the both of you." Movement caught Kaia's attention and she couldn't help but raise her hand to try and hide her amused smile. "I think you've got admirers though, M'Lady," Kaia said quietly, hinting with her eyes for the girl to glance behind herself. Three men were watching the two girls by the concession table. Not being subtle in their looks of checking either Rosablie or them both out.
    January 17th, 2021 at 01:03am
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    "Even so, the man can be rather forceful at times even if he is in the right." Rosalie responded before allowing the thought to trail off. It seemed to her that there was no reason for them to continue their thoughts on the Lord any longer. Kaia seemed okay and Rosalie preferred not to think of those she cared little about. "But since you have assured me that you are fine, then there is no need to discuss it any further." She told her with a warm and friendly smile. "And I will be sure to tell my brother that you said that. He will be glad that you appreciated the assistance and not thought him bold to step in like that."

    Watching the way that Kaia's eyes were going, Rosalie's glance slowly followed until they were stopped at three men who were standing by the concession table. The three of them were staring rather intently on the two of them. Her eyes shifted over the three men for a moment before looking back to the woman in front of them. Two of them men were below her family's status and therefore, probably would not be serious options in her brothers eye but the other, Rosalie did not know. "Do you know them?" She asked curiously.

    "Though if they do not come over and introduce themselves to us, what good are they as admirers?" Rosalie lightly jested. "No lady cares for a bystander." As she said that, Rosalie glanced around the room once more before looking back at Kaia. "Would you like to promenade with me? Perhaps the both of us could get more admirers who would prefer to talk rather than stare from afar."
    January 17th, 2021 at 07:07pm
  • FallenHope95

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    A small hum escaped from Kaia as she listened to Rosalie's question. "The one in the middle," Kaia said quietly, her eyes glancing downwards slightly as she looked down at her small glass. "Sir Charles Dickson the third," Kaia said quietly, doing her best to keep the disgust from her tone, but the wrinkle of her nose was her only give away. "He's the eldest son of Lord Charles Dickson a Viscount and owner of a steel refinery at the other end of town." He was also one of Maria's callers last season before calling it off because of unknown reasons.

    "As for the other two, I don't know at all," Kaia said quietly and took the last sip of her drink before placing it with the rest of the empty glasses. A look of surprise slowly appearing upon Kaia's face. She'd not been able to make many friends in her years, mostly because her stepsisters were cruel and would chase them off or they'd be disgusted when they'd learn she's not a real Whitaker. So, the mere invitation to promenade with someone was quite unexpected. "Yes, that would be quite nice," Kaia said quietly and offered a small smile.

    As the two of them moved away from the table, what Clarissa told Kaia to do flew to the back of her mind. The possibility of making a friend in a moment like this was too exciting for Kaia. She'd yearned to be able to talk to someone outside of her family for ages. To talk to someone who wasn't going to put her down because she was the youngest and from a woman, their father eloped with. Who cared if this stupid event was to help her find a husband, Kaia was pretty sure she didn't have a dowery to offer if anyone even showed interest anyways. So it was kinda useless.

    ----

    It's been about two weeks since the first time Kaia had met Rosalie and the two had become quite close friends in that short time. They were even calling each other by their first names at end of the third ball they went to. In the beginning, Kaia's family was furious that she was not taking the season seriously, speaking to a girl instead of finding a match but. As soon as they found out who Kaia's newfound friend was, well they gave up on yelling at Kaia. She assumed that they were just glad she was making connections and not because of her brother's high ranking noble. Besides, it's not like she didn't talk to the girl the whole time. Only part, when they both gave up on the men because they just weren't that interesting.

    A soft giggle escaped from Kaia as she slowly stroked the paintbrush along with the canvas. It was nice out today and Rosalie thought it'd be fun for the two of them to paint outside in her family's city's home's backyard. "I told you that I'm not very good at this," Kaia said as she let out another small giggle. The two were trying to paint the small pond that was in the backyard, but with Kaia's terrible art skills, it was looking more like a random blob. "Ah, why did I let you talk me into this?" She fake complained as she focused on her painting, only to pause and look at Rosalie's. "Woah, that's beautiful," Kaia said quietly as she took in the half-done painting.
    January 17th, 2021 at 08:27pm
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    "Because I can be very convincing," Rosalie said with a warm laugh. "Besides, it is fun when you do not take it so seriously. You should enjoy the act of painting and not try with determined stubbornness to force it into the end result." The young woman said. "Besides I am sure that your art is not so bad." Rosalie shifted herself over to look at Kaia's own masterpiece. Though she could not help the surprised look on her face at seeing what was essentially a large blob of different colors. "I think you might have overstated your abilities." Rosalie teased her, a large smile on her face. "Though if you come over more often and paint with me, I can turn you into a true artist in no time!"

    Right as Rosalie was relaxing back into her chair, a deep voice came from behind them. "Are you being rude to your friend, Rosalie?" Nathanial said as he was walking up from behind them. "I am sure that Lady Kaia's painting is quite lovely as well." Nathanial stopped behind them both, his eyes looking over both of the paintings. Though he stopped and looked at Kaia's for the longest, letting out a light chuckle after a moment. "It is clear to me that the Lady is still working on her backdrop. Very wise to spend extra time on this." He mused.

    While it was clear to Nathanial that was not the case, he had no desire to embarrass his sister's acquaintance. "Though perhaps, next time, you let your guest pick out the activity?" He looked back at Rosalie, still a clear bit of humor in his smile. "Not everyone has your talent for art... or piano."

    Rosalie made a slight face before shaking her head a bit. "No, I think we shall not play any music, though thank you for that brother."

    The man gave a small nod before looking at Kaia. "How are you today, Lady Kaia?"
    January 18th, 2021 at 01:18am
  • FallenHope95

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    Opening her mouth, Kaia was going to argue with her friend about being convincing. Quite sure that the actual word that she was looking for was actually manipulating. Except, instead of wanting to continue the little banter, she decided to tighten her lips. She didn't want the servants to spread rumors about them having a falling out or something.

    Although, it didn't stop Kaia from snorting when Rosalie said she could make Kaia a true artist. No one could help Kaia in the art department, she was pretty sure that she was a lost cause. Music, on the other hand, was Kaia's true calling in her opinion. At the sound of Nathaniel's voice behind them, Kaia couldn't help but jump slightly. She had not heard him approaching and quickly turned towards the slightly older man.

    "Lord Sterling." Kaia greeted the Lord of the house and offered him a courtesy and a bow before slowly trailing her gaze towards her painting once more. Her lips are pursed together as she tried to hide her laughter as she accepted the Lord's attempt at not humiliating her in front of Rosalie. Although, she couldn't help to add to the teasing when Nathaniel brought up the piano and Rosalie turned it down. "I don't know, I quite enjoy the piano," Kaia said and offered a teasing smile to her friend who did not seem to be very happy with her little comment.

    Although the happy go lucky smile that was upon Kaia's lips slowly slipped as Nathaniel spoke to her directly. A look of slight shock turning into a calm smile. "I'm well, Sir. Thank you for asking." Kaia said politely. She may have become friends with Rosalie, but she was still quite nervous to be able to speak to Nathaniel. "How are you today, my Lord?" On a normal basis, Nate would have just given Kaia a small nod and a hello, but today was new and it kinda threw Kaia off. Sure, he may be her friend brother, but he was still a lord and quite honestly, Kaia didn't know how else to address him.
    January 18th, 2021 at 01:50am
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    "Perhaps you can show my sister in how to enjoy the piano as you do. She has not found any success in it yet." He joked warmly, patting Roaslie's shoulder gently as he did so. "It is always a good idea to improve one's skills. Especially when looking for suitors. Would you not agree, Rosalie?" He asked as he glanced down at her artwork once again. "Perhaps working on something that you do not already excel in?"

    Rosalie glanced up at her painting for a moment to look at Nathaniel. "I suppose that it would not be the worse thing to do so. Though close enough..." She let out a small hum. "But I do not see the point in trying to excel in the piano in a season. That is not enough time and I will certainly be wed before the season is up. Would you not agree?"

    Nathaniel smiled a bit at his sister, amused with her attempt in getting out of something that she did not want to do. "I suppose you will not be mozart in a season but that does not mean you should not try." The man then looked to Kaia. "What does your mother say or you and your sister's practicing your abilities? I am sure that she, like myself, want the best for those under her care. So does she rather want you to practice what you already are excellent at or improving skills that will attract more suitors?"

    "Why must you bother my dear friend with your question of attracting suitors? Go speak to mother. Or, even better, talk to the men in that gentlemen's club that you often go to." The woman shook her head before looking at Kaia apologetically.

    "No, I do think that a woman's opinion would be best in this case. After all, women are experts in attracting men's attention, sister. I could go ask one of my friends but the truth is, none of us know how you captivate us so. You just do. And I already know what mother thinks on the matter but an outside opinion would help settle the matter."

    The man then looked to Kaia, smiling at her warmly. "I apologize if I am getting away with myself. Please do not feel the need to answer any of my questions if it does not suit you. Though, please let me answer yours. I am doing quite well today, having come back from hunting. And I am pleased to see that my sister is spending her day in your company. If I am bothering you, just say the word and I shall head off into the house to do some actual work than tease my sister."
    January 21st, 2021 at 01:10am
  • FallenHope95

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    It always amazed Kaia how close Rosalie and Nathaniel are. She can see it in their antics, their eyes, and the tone that they use with each other. It's not like anything that she was used to. Loud voices, scolding words, and hate-filled eyes fill Kaia's life when she's at home with her family. A real-life hell in her opinion, which is why she jumps at the chance every chance that she gets to come and visit her friend. It's her one true way to escape everything.

    "Hm?" Kaia hummed as she heard Nathaniel speaking towards her. Snapping out of her thoughts. She was not expecting Nathaniel to speak directly towards her. "Oh. No, you're quite alright. M'lord." Kaia said and offered Nathaniel a small smile. She raised her right hand and slowly tucked it behind her ear as a soft breeze blew the piece out of place. "My mother wants us to practice everything, but she actually gave up on me learning the art. For you see my gift is music. I'm more proficient with piano, and violin." She wasn't sure why she had told Nathaniel that, so hopefully he didn't think her odd for saying so.

    "Please, M'lord. Stay, why don't you paint with us? It's quite nice out today." Kaia offered as she glanced at her friend, holding in a small giggle as she noticed Rosalie rolling her eyes and fake gag at the thought of having to hang out with her older brother. "How was your hunt, M'lord?" Kaia asked, actually curious. "My family doesn't really hurt, so I don't really know much of the sport." Kaia was well aware that hunting was a big sport that men and some women enjoyed doing. She'd always hear them all speaking of it when she got a chance to go into town. Sadly though, her stepfather was a bit old and overweight for the sport supposedly and her older brother was not keen on even speaking to her.
    January 21st, 2021 at 01:32am
  • Sweet.Persephone

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    "That settles it then." Nathaniel said with a huge smirk over his face. "The next time you come over, the both of you will practice music together. Perhaps some of your talent will rub off on my sister." The man then looked over at his sister. "That also means that I expected to hear you playing something everyday for an hour. I will know if you do not. It is important that you live up to expectations, you know this. If you do this, I promise I will get you the best bachelor and have you married before the end of the season."

    "Oh joy," Rosalie mumbled under her breath before looking over at Kaia. Rosalie seemed a bit annoyed with it all but eventually let out a sigh before going back to her painting.

    Considering the mattered settled, the man refocused back on Kaia. He found the young woman rather interesting. Plus he tended to like anyone that Rosalie got along with. "No, I do not think that I will join you in painting. Though, perhaps I will sit with you both and enjoy the nice summer air." He turned back and motioned for one of the staff to get him a chair to sit in.

    "The hunt was great. I brought home some game that will be served at dinner. And I can't say that there is much to the sport besides going through an area and looking for something to shoot at. Still enjoyable nonetheless." The man told her. Once the chair came out, he sat down and looked off at the pond. "What does your family do then if you do not hunt?"
    January 21st, 2021 at 04:14am
  • FallenHope95

    FallenHope95 (100)

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    Listening to Nathaniel declare that Kaia and Rosalie were to practice together, Kaia couldn't help but to slightly flinch. She didn't mean to go that far with her little teasing at her friend. She simply meant to get the girl to get some confidence in the fact that she should practice more. Not that she had to. So, while Nathaniel wasn't looking at her still, Kaia mouthed 'sorry' to Rosalie while she still could.

    As the lord of the estate motioned for his staff to get him a chair to sit in while the girls painted, Kaia took that as he chance to turn her back to him. This was the most she had actually spoken to Rosalie's brother and it was causing her heart to flutter quite a bit actually. So, to try and distract herself. Kaia grabbed her paintbrush and palate to try and focus on her painting instead of the nobleman that was sitting a few paces behind her and her friend.

    A small hum escaping from Kaia as she listened to the lord speaking once more. Her strokes with the brush being light as she tried to get the lines just right. Although it still came out quite badly in her opinion. "Do you ever feel bad for what you hunt?" Kaia asked as she glanced back at the lord for a moment before looking at her painting. "My family goes to the theater mostly, my mother loves opera and my sisters enjoy a good play," Kaia said quietly, leaving herself and her stepfather out of the equation as she spoke. She did enjoy going to the theater, but she'd much rather see a symphony, although she'd never seen one before. An no one knew that the baron wasn't her real father. So, if word got out it'd be quite the scandal.
    January 21st, 2021 at 04:37am
  • Sweet.Persephone

    Sweet.Persephone (100)

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    "I rarely feel sorrow for what I hunt." Nathaniel told her honesty. "Animals eat each other and we eat them. It is the natural circle of things. But, I will admit that it is rather sad when you don't do the thing right. No one wants the creatures to feel longing pain. So it is best to shoot correctly the first time." He folded his hands into his lap and leaned back into his chair a bit. It had been a long day for him, having gotten up early to hunt and he just wanted to relax for the rest of the day.

    His eyes slowly moved over the water of the pond, finding it rather calming. Nathaniel did enjoy his time on his family's land. There was so much beauty there and it brought a great sense of calm to those who roamed it. "The theater is always good fun." Nathaniel told her, now looking over at the woman's painting. Once his eyes laid on it for the second time, the man could not help but let out a light chuckle. It truly was a disaster. "What do you like then? If your mother, the opera, and your sisters, the play."

    Nathaniel looked to his younger sister. "Perhaps we will see Kaia one day at the theater. Rosalie lies to frequent there."

    Rosalie looked to Kaia, a large smile coming over her face. "It is one of my favorite places to go out. There is also so much fun there, so much to listen to and see. Perhaps you should come with my family sometime. We have a box there so there will be plenty of room, right Nathaniel?"

    Nathaniel nodded in agreement. "Kaia could certainly join us for a night. As long as her father approves of it."
    January 23rd, 2021 at 01:39am
  • FallenHope95

    FallenHope95 (100)

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    Without turning towards the Lord of the house, Kaia could feel herself slowly nodding her head. Listening to every word that the man spoke. Having nothing to add to what he was saying as she agreed to what was being said. It was a eat or be eaten world they lived in and no one wanted the pain to linger. So, in a sense, it was just them acting out their animal instincts since humans don't have any other way to obtain meat. Using guns was their only option, they're too weak to do much else.

    "Hm?" Kaia mumbled as she glanced towards Nathaniel and Rosalie. She wasn't expecting them to redirect the question towards her. "Me? Oh, I like everything at the theater." She covered, offering them both a small smile. It wasn't a complete lie. Kaia liked the theater, but it wouldn't be on her top favorites of all time for things to do. "I enjoy my time whenever we attend something." Kaia barely had time to glance back towards her painting failure before the two siblings were inviting her to something she wasn't expecting.

    To attend a theater with a marquess and his family would be a big deal. Everyone would be looking at her, wondering why a daughter of a baron was attending something with someone so much higher in rank than her. Unless something was going on behind the scenes and then more people would talk to start a scandal. "I-I wouldn't want to be a bother to you," Kaia said quietly, glancing unsurely between the two. Although, the exciting look that Rosalie was shooting towards her made Kaia relax just the smallest of bits.

    "As long as you both wouldn't mind?" Kaia asked quietly, glancing back and forth once more between the two siblings. A slight blush along her cheeks before she turned to look towards her disaster of a painting. "I don't think there's any chance to save this."
    January 23rd, 2021 at 03:19pm
  • Sweet.Persephone

    Sweet.Persephone (100)

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    "You would not be a bother, Lady Kaia." Nathaniel assured the young woman. "As long as your father agrees to it, you are more than welcomed to join us." He saw no issue with bringing Kaia along on their trip to the theater. It was true that her family was so many steps below his own, but as a Marquess, that happened a lot. Not many had the title and the only ones above him really were the royal family. Besides, Kaia was Rosalie's friend and status really had nothing to do with it.

    Rosalie set down her paintbrush and turned to Kaia with a large smile on her face. "We are attending a play this weekend. I would really like for you to come with us. It will be so much fun and I have heard such good reviews about it as well. Surely your father will say that you are allowed to?"

    "We will have to wait and see," Nathaniel told Kaia. "You do not know if they already have prior engagements and Kaia can not answer for her father."

    Rosalie leaned forward, laying her hands on top of Kaia's. "I do hope he says yes. Oh, you should assist me in picking out my dress for the play. And perhaps I can pick our yours?"

    The young man shook his head at his sister, seeing that she was easily getting carried away with the idea. They did not even know yet if Kaia could come and she was already trying to pick out her dress for the event. So, Nathaniel decided that it was time to move on. His eyes shifted down at the painting that Kaia had been working on. "Oh, I do not think that it is a lost cause yet. You might need to wait for the paint to dry though, to start over."
    January 24th, 2021 at 03:17pm
  • FallenHope95

    FallenHope95 (100)

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    Why Kaia thought that her father would turn the idea of her attending a play with her friend's family was stupid. Especially considering who her friend and her family were. All Kaia had to do was ask if she could attend with the Marquess' family and he jumped on board. Heck, he even said he'd been meaning to see them play and rushed to have her and her sisters get new dresses for the occasion. Which, Kaia thought was a little odd but she wasn't going to say anything. After all, it wasn't good to question the man of the house as he knew best.

    Being not of the same household, Kaia had to head towards the play with her parents. As of course, they didn't want to spread rumors that she was joining the Marques' family or that she was a fling for the young lord. The whole ride, Kaia listened to Maria and Clarissa talking about how happy they'd been to get some new dresses as well as hoping to catch a good suitor's eye. Kaia on the other hand felt a little nervous as this'll be the first time she actually attended a show from a box. Usually, the family would get normal seats and force Kaia to sit in the middle so she couldn't get up and move if she grew bored. This time though, she had a feeling that all eyes would be on her because of the company she'd be having.

    Once they'd arrived at the EverRose theater, the family slowly piled out. Kaia was careful to not ruin her new dress as she was actually helped out of the carriage by her older brother. Which was the first time he'd actually done so for her. A small polite thank you escaped Kaia's lips as she glanced at her brother and then away as she started to wonder if her friend and her family had arrived yet.
    January 28th, 2021 at 08:49pm