Courting
askstardustreborn:
haedusofaurigae:
askstardustreborn:
haedusofaurigae:
It takes Haedus the better part of an hour to make his way to Chelsea Park. Luckily, finding the diner from there is quite simple. His attire draws stares as he crosses the street, completely ignoring the signals and prompting irritated honks from the large yellow carriages that zoom about the place.
A bell rings over his head as he enters, and he notes a well-made rowan and willow besom hanging protectively over the door. He can’t help an inner nod of approval; however otherwise stupid she might be as far as politics are concerned, the girl knows how to weave a house charm.
The conversation stumbles to a halt as the customers notice the stranger in their midst. He plasters on his most disarming smile and bows to the room.
“Good evening, all. I have come to call upon Mistress Peth. Is she in?”
A commotion from the waitstaff brings Astrid out of the kitchen. She’s been baking; her apron is smudged with flour and shortening, and there’s a smear of blueberry filling on her cheek. Hardly the most regal of appearances.
The tall, pale man standing at the counter takes her rather severely aback. Not only is it shocking to see someone from Court here on Earth, but he’s really rather handsome. Self-consciously, she smooths her skirt and attempts to make herself presentable. A couple of giggling waitresses give her a push out into the dining room.
“I…er…I’m Astrid Peth,” she manages, glaring over her shoulder. “How may I help you?”
This? THIS is the Scion of the Red Star? She looks like an absolute mess. Certainly a far cry from the impassioned woman who spoke before the High Council all those months ago. Haedus hides his opinion behind a mask of courtly sincerity, executing a low bow in case there’s any hint of derision on his face.
“My Lady Alcyone. I am Haedus, first son of House Aurigae, and I am your humble servant. Is there somewhere that we may speak alone?”
“Well…” A glance around the room confirms that yes, everyone in the place is staring at this little tableau, which is all the incentive she needs. “Yes. Yes, of course. This way.”
The office seems a bit unprofessional, so she lets him through the door to the back staircase and up into her flat, thanking the Powers That Be that she’d tidied up. She does keep a sidelong eye on him to see if the wards decide to shut him out.
“So, Haedus of House Aurigae, I believe that first and foremost, you owe me an explanation.”
The wards don’t even stir at his presence. There is no ill intent there…this time.
“I do indeed, madam.” Briefly, he explains the alleged misunderstanding with the Red Guard and further sweetens the dish by feeding her a little tidbit about her parents.
“They are alive and well, though they are confined to their estate for the time being. I have managed to convince the Council to give them over into my keeping. Purely for protective purposes, I assure you,” he adds when her expression turns skeptical. “They speak of you often and they send their love.”
[Marilyn Manson - Sweet Dreams]
ooc
Heading to bed. Will send replies tomorrow.
Courting
askstardustreborn:
haedusofaurigae:
It takes Haedus the better part of an hour to make his way to Chelsea Park. Luckily, finding the diner from there is quite simple. His attire draws stares as he crosses the street, completely ignoring the signals and prompting irritated honks from the large yellow carriages that zoom about the place.
A bell rings over his head as he enters, and he notes a well-made rowan and willow besom hanging protectively over the door. He can’t help an inner nod of approval; however otherwise stupid she might be as far as politics are concerned, the girl knows how to weave a house charm.
The conversation stumbles to a halt as the customers notice the stranger in their midst. He plasters on his most disarming smile and bows to the room.
“Good evening, all. I have come to call upon Mistress Peth. Is she in?”
A commotion from the waitstaff brings Astrid out of the kitchen. She’s been baking; her apron is smudged with flour and shortening, and there’s a smear of blueberry filling on her cheek. Hardly the most regal of appearances.
The tall, pale man standing at the counter takes her rather severely aback. Not only is it shocking to see someone from Court here on Earth, but he’s really rather handsome. Self-consciously, she smooths her skirt and attempts to make herself presentable. A couple of giggling waitresses give her a push out into the dining room.
“I…er…I’m Astrid Peth,” she manages, glaring over her shoulder. “How may I help you?”
This? THIS is the Scion of the Red Star? She looks like an absolute mess. Certainly a far cry from the impassioned woman who spoke before the High Council all those months ago. Haedus hides his opinion behind a mask of courtly sincerity, executing a low bow in case there’s any hint of derision on his face.
“My Lady Alcyone. I am Haedus, first son of House Aurigae, and I am your humble servant. Is there somewhere that we may speak alone?”
Courting
It takes Haedus the better part of an hour to make his way to Chelsea Park. Luckily, finding the diner from there is quite simple. His attire draws stares as he crosses the street, completely ignoring the signals and prompting irritated honks from the large yellow carriages that zoom about the place.
A bell rings over his head as he enters, and he notes a well-made rowan and willow besom hanging protectively over the door. He can’t help an inner nod of approval; however otherwise stupid she might be as far as politics are concerned, the girl knows how to weave a house charm.
The conversation stumbles to a halt as the customers notice the stranger in their midst. He plasters on his most disarming smile and bows to the room.
“Good evening, all. I have come to call upon Mistress Peth. Is she in?”
aharrowingescape:
haedusofaurigae:
I do believe I shall, madam. It simply won’t do to have young ladies of that quality wandering about when there are people who wish them harm.
I shall proceed to her place of residence forthwith.
Hm. As I said before: good luck.
I hope whatever…misunderstanding occurred will be cleared up.
As do I, lady. As do I. *bows and takes his leave, cursing himself under his breath all the way up the street for not dealing with this sooner*
aharrowingescape:
haedusofaurigae:
*genuinely flabbergasted* Death!? Who would dare do such a thing!?
And yet she lives still? Lady Elspeth, do explain.
*takes in his reaction before shrugging with one shoulder* As I said, I don’t have the full story. All I know is that it had to do—I think—with a dispute of some sort with her home world. I knew she was from some celestial place, but I had no idea she was as important as you’ve revealed her to be.
I think if you want the full story, you will have to ask her.
I do believe I shall, madam. It simply won’t do to have young ladies of that quality wandering about when there are people who wish them harm.
I shall proceed to her place of residence forthwith.
aharrowingescape:
haedusofaurigae:
*grimaces* Yes, that is partly true.
After I managed to persuade the Council to give her imprisoned parents over into my keeping, I had sent a contingent of my personal guard to bring the Lady safely home. Unfortunately, they are paid for their loyalty, not their intelligence, and they mistook my command as orders to take her prisoner. I understand there was quite an uproar.
Quite an uproar? If I remember correctly, Astrid’s death occurred not long after. She returned from it, of course, but I never learned the full story. *studies him for a long moment* I hope I’m not given cause to regret making introductions.
*genuinely flabbergasted* Death!? Who would dare do such a thing!?
And yet she lives still? Lady Elspeth, do explain.
Well, I wish you luck. She did tell me something rather disturbing. Is it true that you sent guards to forcibly return her to the Celestial Court? *tilts her head*
*grimaces* Yes, that is partly true.
After I managed to persuade the Council to give her imprisoned parents over into my keeping, I had sent a contingent of my personal guard to bring the Lady safely home. Unfortunately, they are paid for their loyalty, not their intelligence, and they mistook my command as orders to take her prisoner. I understand there was quite an uproar.
