Theodore, who had been squirming in the grasp of his incarcerator all along, finally decided to Halt in his actions. Douen, who was also about to initiate his own ulterior motives also, had a slight frown on his face. 'For sure, that is the voice of a maiden.' He turned around, only to witness a woman in an in intricate clothing, her light brown hair packed into a bun, blue almond shaped eyes staring intently observing the spectacle before her. Her eyes laid on the man who was the nearest to her- the knight which was about to engage Diego, before a soft sigh escaped through her lips. "Gone for only but a brief interval, yet chaos ensued." She muttered to herself, as she lightly placed a palm to her forehead, her eyes closed. It took her some time to open them though, and at the moment she did, Nearly all the men present had bowed themselves down in obeisance. "My lady." 'My lady?' Theodore could not Help but ponder, as he gazed In the direction of the damsel once more. 'Is she the one, who took charge of these men?' He could not Help but inquire within himself. "It is rather disgraceful for us knights to have you witness us in such a sorry state, my lady." The man, who had been the one to commandeer the whole setting, stated as he bowed before her. "Garren." She called out lightly, as her blue eyes Locked themselves to the one, who was in proximity with her. "Would you kindly care to explain what it is that occured here? And.." She raised her eyes once more, staring at the direction of the three unfamiliar faces. "Who exactly are these people?" She asked, ignoring the knights who had bowed themselves down for so long. "My lady, these men.." The one who has identified Himself as Garren, stated, as he Locked eyes with Diego once more. "These men, breached upon our territory!" He exclaimed, not even attempting in the slightest of measures, to lower his voice. 'Territory?' Diego thought, as unable to control the light scoff, which came from his lungs. He immediately placed a hand to his mouth, in order to prevent himself from laughing even further, aware of the fact that he had actually Garnered the attention of all who were present. "This is certainly a situation which calls for laughter, is it not?" Theodore, who had reunited with his cousin at that moment, could not Help but whisper silently into the man's hearing. "Just stay silent, for your own benefit." Diego muttered in return, acknowledging the latter from the corner of his eyes. The stranger In their midst had already seated herself down, And was currently gazing at Diego's direction with incredulity. "I do not know, how this issue seems amusing to some." She stated, while gazing at Diego's direction. "I, for one, am completely confounded in regards to such affair." She stated. "Forgive me, for my intrusion." Diego finally spoke, while the environment fell silent at the sound of his voice. "But this is the first that I have ever heard someone classify a location as a territory." The man stated, while glancing at the knight who had spoke earlier. "Perharps, he is yet to realize, what a territory denotes." Theodore stated,revealing a smug expression on his face. "Do you intend to cause me to appear as a fool before her ladyship?" Garren asked, with a tightened jaw. "Who was it even, that gave you the privilege to speak in the first place?" He added, as he narrowed his eyes. "Garren!" A voice exclaimed, causing the man to refocus his attention before his mistress once more. "We have come here with the intention to enjoy ourselves, not to make an enemy of a noble family." The female stated the displeasure in her tone evident to all who were present. "Paron me, my lady." Garren stated, as he bowed his head once more- he felt slightly humiliated having to bow himself twice, before perpetual foes. 'How can it be, that he is of blue blood?' Such was the process of Garren's thoughts, as he glanced at the man once more. "If anyone present were to be recognized as such, I would admit that..." His line of sight shifted from Diego, to the other man who stood at the latter's side. Unlike Diego, whose choice of fabric remained simple, that of Theodore's was slightly more elaborate and defined. He gripped the hilt of his sword lightly- He knew quite well, that none would permit a simple servant to put on his being such majestic clothes- lest there be confusion as to who the actual master was. And there was yet one more thing- He narrowed his eyes as he peered at both men. 'Could My earlier assumptions be mistaken?'
"If it does not bear upon your conscience, then we shall be take our leave." Diego stated, as he dropped the sword in his hand at her feet. "We were only but simple passers-by- However, we certainly did not expect to be apprehended like a group of rogues." Diego explained, as he glanced at Garren, before his eyes darted to the one who retained their weaponry. The individual immediately flinched when he noticed those silver eyes staring at his direction- he was Currently resisting the impulse to place the weapons down that very moment, especially after witnessing to how the man had broken the hand of his comrades in a grand style.
"Will it not be discourteous in your Part, if you were to suddenly leave without any further introductions?" The damsel asked, with a small smile on her face, amplifying her dimples coming into view as she did. "Afterall, you could never be certain of the probability that we may cross paths once more." She stated. Diego exhaled. "I highly doubt that probability of yours- Moreover, I would prefer to be on my way, now." Diego stated. "Ah, are you certain of your decision?" The woman asked, as she walked up to him. "I only require of your name, that is all- afterall, this setting may approve for a political gamble." She added, with a slight wink. "Is she beyond her wits?" Theodore asked, muttering to Douen who just stood by him, with his hands behind his back. "There is no possible way she could just inquire that of Diego.." "Ever heard of the Household of Raymond?" He asked, as he glanced down towards her. "Has he perhaps been bewitched by her curves?" Theodore nearly pondered outloud, but he was considerate enough for Diego not to hear- the latter would probably murder him on the spot. The woman which stood before them however, was beautiful afterall- one of the most beautiful, if Diane was to be taken into consideration. The smile on the lady's face grew even larger- and so did the light which shone in her eyes. 'Why is it that she brings Diane into my remembrance?' Diego thought as he stared at her, a certain blonde surfacing to his memory. "Which Means, that you are.." She bit her lower lip, not daring to say the statement outloud. Diego could not Help but glance at her once more- This woman really kindled his memory of Diane. "Well then, now that you have had the pleasantly of knowing my identity, may I be permitted to take my leave?" He asked, turning away from her. He barely took a step forward however, when he felt a restraint on his sleeve. "You shall not depart, not until you hear my proposition." The damsel stated, as her eyes twinkled even more brightly.
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In a particular room, of which endless rows of books were stacked, Two maids stood idly in wait, as they stood by a certain individual, just in case the entity may have further demands to ask of them. The books on her desk were piled so high, that they could barely even behold the face of the maiden who was seated behind them. "She reads at an illogically fast pace, does she not?" One maid whispered to the other, as the sound of a leaflet flipping once again came to her hearing. "It is a given, so long as she comprehends what she reads." The other maid replied, with a slight exhale, as she once more stared forward. The three of them had been in the library for some time now, and Lisa- was already beginning to become exhausted of having books for companions; their mere presence, odor and all of that. The sun had already begun to creep towards the horizon; and she was beyond certain that the hunt would have commenced by the now. Even the streets below was bustling with festivity- as though it were an auspicious period. The Commoners, who were not privileged to attend such an occasion, had busied themselves with decorating the streets- some Dealers had even given preferential treatment to their customers, despite knowing that they would run at a potential loss. 'I am afraid that I may not touch another book after this' Lisa thought, as she wetted her chapped lips. 'Goodness knows what made her to bid us to keep her aquaintance' Lisa thought as she squinted her eyes at the damsel for as far as she could possibly behold, only to notice the latter scribbling away at some corner. An involuntary smile came to her face- 'But this is rather a positive change perhaps.' She thought, when she remembered how Diane had declined to play with the children, despite the degree they begged her. 'If this be the case, then maybe my lord could transfer some of the helm of affairs to Diane- and not be so bothered by..' "Dorothy, I will be need your presence." Diane called out, while stretching her hands. Dorothy bounded up to her. "Are you sure that you would not have a little period of respite, my lady?" So asked the maid, as she addressed the damsel who had preoccupied herself with rubbing her eyes. "Is it that obvious?" Diane asked the maid with a smile, while squinting her eyes at her. "A little too obvious, If I must say." Dorothy replied, in a considerate tone. Diane scratched her head- Making the bundle of hair to fly about even more wildly. She ought to have packed it into a bun, she knew- but she was too lazy to take Dorothy's advice into thoughts. On the table were some notes in bits And pieces- some blotches ink seeking to embed themselves into the table. "But, I have already planned my goal for the day." Dorothy glanced at the maid, who had currently clenched her fists. Even her usually dignified writing had turned into the meaningless doddle of a toddler, as though she wrote with great haste. "Dorothy." The voice caused the maid' wandering eyes from prying even further. "By your side, my lady." The maid reported, In a manner of reply. "Would you kindly fetch me some Ice tea? It should help, with all this tension." Diane stated, a small smile on her face. Dorothy return the smile, resisting the urge to pat her on the head. "Ought I to fetch some pastries along with that?" The maid asked, as she prepared to make her departure. Diane's eyes lit up for a brief moment. "You know me well." Came the curt response. "My lady, you have really grown a lot. I am certain that Myla would be pleased- where ever she may be." Dorothy thought inwardly within her mind. Perhaps the maiden was overindulged in her thoughts- so she did not take note of when her dress caught partially the item by its hook, causing it to drop to the floor with as she passed by. "Oh, goodness!" Diane exclaimed, as the medallion fell to the floor. "Are you alright, my lady?" Dorothy asked, as soon as she saw the item- it was in close proximity to Diane's foot, and the latter knew quite well, how heavy it could get. But Diane was not bothered about her foot- she swiftly picked it up, turning it about gingerly on the palm of her hands. "It is not broken, it it, Lisa?" She asked, as she displayed the item to the maid, who had been attracted by the commotion. Lisa scrutinized If for a while, before returning it to its owner. "Not even a single Crack, my lady." Lisa assured, with a curt nod of the head. "I shall go and fetch your snacks, my lady." Dorothy reported, as she left the library- but the damsel had long returned to her studies, this time not being so reckless as to leave the medallion lying about at the edge of the table.
Unbeknownst to the inhabitants of the Household, a certain individual been standing before their gates for the longest interval. "I was of the opinion that I asked you to state your business." The guard stated, holding the baton with even more caution now. He frowned lightly- the person had pulled the hood below his head, so his face was properly concealed. 'Could it be his highness, the crown prince?' The guard asked himself, as the fine lines on his face increased even more. 'He did say that he would be a frequent visitor of this place, afterall. Perhaps he has a reason to see the master of the Household?' He continued to ponder. He was unaware of the routine of the manor afterall- his task was only to perform his operations from the outside. "Your hi.." His words got stuck in his throat, after seeing the item which was pointed at him. "If you remain silent without releasing a whisper, then perhaps this will end swifter than than you think."
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"That was better than your previous aim." She heard a voice come into her hearing. She turned to the man with a smile, her now still in her hands. "Did it manage to stun a man such as yourself?" She asked, passing the arrow to Garren, who had stood behind her. Diego on the other hand, did not reply her- he rather gave the beast on the ground a slight kick to its ribs. "My lady, are you certain about this?" Garren whispered into her ears. "We even left the zone your father insisted for you to occupy- I shall surely talk till my mouth runs dry." He pressed on, but the maiden he talked to, only gave him a small smile. "You should really trust me more, Garren." She simply said, before walking to the man. Diego on the otherhand, was preoccupied with stamping to a yellow badge. "He has really been bewitched, has he not?" Theodore, who had been trailing behind them all, muttered angrily to the hearing of Douen, as he watched the damsel, who was happily reporting something to Diego, with a smile on her face. "I was not expecting him to leave them be, despite their irrational reasons for holding them hostage." Theodore continued to complain. "And now he even agrees to collaborate with them! Now it feels that we are hunting both for them, and ourselves!" Theodore continued to rant. Douen could only give a slight exhale. "Lord Diego has his reasons for whatever he does." The man simply replied, in a monotonous voice. "Of course you would support him." Theodore stated through gritted teeth. A sudden cry caught his attention; and when he glanced upwards, he caught Diego holding the latter by her shoulders. "Are you alright?" The damsel looked up, only to feel the sensation of someone grasping her warmly by the shoulders. "Y-yes." She stuttered, before turning to her the beast which laid on her feet. "That terrified me." "It is because you have not gotten accustomed to it, as of yet." Diego replied, as he released her. Theodore could not Help but feel a bit of pity for Diane as he saw that. He knew that his cousin was not that kind of a man but- anyone could be instigated at a given context; especially since he was unsure of their true identity, noble family or not.
"Diego." Theodore called out, as he walked towards the two of them. "Are you certain that your collaboration with them has not gone on long enough?" He asked, with a slight frown on his face. "Whatever do you mean, Lord Theodore?" The damsel asked, as she battered her eyelids at him. "Are you not getting what It is that you desire; as I also get mine?" She asked. "Well, that is not fair to us, Lady Selene." Theodore stated. "You already know of what house we hail from, and it seems that you begin to know more about us, still." He added. "But you.." He added with more ferocity. "We do not know a thing about you, save for your first name." He added. The damsel Stared at him for a while, before a smile came to her face. "So you wish to know more about me?" She asked, as a smile came to her face. "Then you should do well to seat; perhaps I shall inform you, in that case." She added. "I do not see why not." Diego simply replied, causing Theodore to gaze at him in shock. "Diego!" He. Muttered, before glancing skyward. "There Is no more ti.." "It would still give is more time to regain our strength, if you ask me." Diego quipped In, not even giving his cousin a chance to speak. "And besides, I was never interested in such a competition- so if you would please, lady Selene." He added, before turning to the damsel with a curt nod. "Alright then! I shall go make the preparations."
Not too long after the little conversation was held, the group searched for a corner which was Serene in nature, where they had huddled themselves in a circle- with Theodore, Selene and Diego seated In a particular order; the rest of the knights seated in an indiscriminate format around them. "So?" Theodore stated, a scowl On his face. Selene could only chuckle to herself, before turning to the man on her right. "It appears that your cousin, does not take a Liking to me." She stated, a helpless smile on her face. Diego, raised his head lightly; his silver eyes making contact with Thedore in an instant. "You may ignore him, if you would please." Diego simply told her. "Well, as I said earlier, I am Selene.." "All present are long aware of that." "..From the Household of Turrain." She completed her statement, while glancing at the man, who held his head in his palm, a bored expression on his face. 'They may be blood related, but they actually lack the same demeanor.' Selene thought, as she stared at him. Theodore also return the gaze. "Turrain... that Is not a very common name." He stated, narrowing his eyes at her. "And also.." She paused for a moment, before stretching out her hand. In an instant, sparks of a dark blue color began to intertwine around her fingers, causing Theodore to open both eyed wide. But it did not matter about whether or not an individual possessed magic- There was a large gap between having it, and being able to utilize it. "You already knew about this, did you not; Lord Diego?" Selene asked, as she turned to the man by her side. "I could sense it, albeit faintly." Diego nonchalantly replied. "Your essence, that is." "Of course you would." Selene muttered, with a downcast gaze. 'So this is the reason you agreed all along- I ought to have realized that you would not have Just aided anyone.' She added, her head slightly bowed. "I am ashamed to speak to others about my family, though." Selene stated, In a low tone. "My family is not exactly versed neither in Magic., nor in external affairs." She said, before raising her head up. "Do you know the alias we were given by the council?" She asked, turning towards Diefo. "The cursed ones." Diego simply replied, causing Selene to gaze at him with eyes filled with surprise. "You are more filled with knowledge, than I had expected." Selene said, as a small smile came to her face. "I am already well versed in such affairs." Diego simply replied. "And, I do not think it is within the rights of the council to brand you as such." He added, before glancing at her once more. "And also, I would admit that I am not satisfied with the way the council does their business." He added. "Why should they be the ones to choose what to be, and what ought not to be?" He asked, with a slight frown on his face. "Which is the very reason you agreed to enlist our support, is that not so?" Selene asked, a slight smile on her face. "Why ask answers to questions of which you already know the outcome?" Diego stated, as he turned towards her. Only after the dialog between the two, did Theodore finally understand the situation of things. The damsel had probably approached the latter- intending to recruit his talent, after bearing witness to the small display he Made initially. Afterall, if they somehow managed to emerge as the competitors of this hunt, would it not enable their family's reputation to soar? "It must be hard, for you to have such a versatile element in possession, and yet be unable to use it." Diego stated. Selene gripped her dress. "It is." She said, with a low sigh. "Especially when you are the future head of the Household, and all eyes look up to you. I do not even have time for my children and husband anymore." Garren gave a low cough as he heard that, earing him a glare from his mistress. "You are a mother?" Theodore could not Help but blurt out- He had always been unrestrained in his ways. "Are you, truly a mother?" Even Diego had to ask. He could not possibly fanthom how someone around the age of Diane would possibly have not one, but two children. Also.. He was unaware of the day of her engagement, despite being a member of the council. "Why does it seem so much as an astonishment to you both?" Selene asked, a wry smile on her face. "Because you look so.. young." Theodore said, with a frown on his face. "And.. where is your engagement ring?" He added, staring at her hands. Selene slight withdrew them, having noticed the manner of which he stared. "Lord Theodore, do you not fear that you are being too shameless?" She asked, with a slight frown on her face. "It is at my Manor back at home- it would be too risky to lose it at this place." She explained. Diego on the other hand, stood up, gazing further into the distance. "Is anything the matter, my lord?" Douen, who had noticed the change in demeanor, asked, standing along with him. The man squinted further into the distance. "We have incoming."