[CRP] Of Harts and Pears

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Cordelia
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[CRP] Of Harts and Pears

Post by Cordelia »

Restless.

That seemed to be an adequate description of how the younger Lady of Hart Helm was feeling. Winter was over. The snows had melted and the flowers sprung forth from the earth. The forests were alive again, the sea waters were tamable. Fields were sowed, heavy clothes were folded away. A bountiful season was approaching and there were signs of it everywhere. The winter had been short and was handled well, especially in comparison to the Long Winter of the year before. Spring came early to the Hartlands, which laid in the southern regions of Fenia. With the arrival of spring came the return of young Cordelia Everhart.

The lady had spent winter at the Imperian Palace. She participated in court, royal gatherings, and small familial affairs. It felt like it would be her last true opportunity to be focused on what she wished to be. Soon, she would be wed. Soon, she'd be forced to settle down, to have children, and secure her family lineage. She would lose a lot of her freedoms, or as least that was her fear. She wound be chained to a man whom she did not know and their future children that she would love, but did not yet want.

Arranged marriage.

It was not the worst outcome a lady could hope for. She always expected to have no say in her betrothal. She was the first cousin to the High King, heir to Hart Helm, and sole child of the deceased Lord Everhart. She was a pawn in the game of diplomacy. She never once believed she could marry for love, so she shielded herself in that regards. She never had a first love, a first kiss, a first.. Anything. She was a woman of duty and propriety. She felt the pressure of her position every day and it drove her to be no less than perfect. She was, arguably, the most well put-together and well behaved Winterbourne.

Unfortunately, that meant she was a reliable bargaining chip for her cousin to play.

She did not know him. Rhozin Gellygen, a son from an old Kienian family. The Gellygen family helped save parts of Spirus from the horrific volcanic eruption several years ago. This small act made her very curious, but she had yet to broach the subject with her betrothed. They had only met briefly around the time of Princess Serafay's birthday, and otherwise had only exchanged polite letters over the duration of winter. If she were honest, they were both using winter as an excuse to be apart. At least, she was. He seemed pleasant enough, but she was not ready for the awkwardness that came from an unfamiliar territory.

The saving grace in the situation was the King's official approval of the Hartlands, and of its fortress. The territory would remain Cordelia's upon the death of her mother, instead of shifting hands to an Everhart relative. It was likely a peace offering from Zuan, his attempt to show that he did love her. She never doubted her cousin's affection, but it meant the world to her knowing that Hart Helm would be hers some day. Two rivers came down from inland to mingle with the ocean, creating almost a pie-slice of land that had been known as the Hartlands for longer than anyone could recall. For just as long, the Everharts had taken care of the territory and its people. She wanted to do her father proud, keeping the Hartland's seat in its original succession. It was not her father's fault he had no sons.

It was the halls of Hart Helm that the young lady found herself pacing. The arrival of a ship was imminent. This was not unusual, as at the base of the cliffs sat a large port. The port was the only one in the Hartlands, supporting trade from abroad. It was never empty, even in the harshest months, but now it was finally coming back to life. The coming and goings of ships could be comfortably watched from up in the fortress. Made of old and worn stone, the fortress loomed over the landscape. Steep cliffs had eroded over the centuries from the harsh sea, leaving Hart Helm dangerously close to the edge. It looked as though a simple sneeze could push the structure into the ocean, yet it held strong. On its opposite side, a grassy hill sloped down into the Hartlands territory. A road weaved over a wide plain and disappeared between smaller hills. Beyond the hills laid the thick forests of the Hartlands, with villages and towns nestled throughout. It was a wild land, but it bred strong characters.
Viscountess Cordelia Zabel (Winterbourne) Everhart-Gellygen of the Highlands, the Horned Wolf
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Rhozin
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Re: [CRP] Of Harts and Pears

Post by Rhozin »

Rhozin Pearce Gellygen stood by the railing of the ship, watching the Safine harbour as it disappeared from view. It was a fine day, with sufficient wind to sail to the Viceroyalty Fenia in two days at most. The wind played with his dark, wavy hair. However, the twenty-year-old young man looked troubled. He was on his way to meet her again, Cordelia, this time at her own home, Hart Helm.
Rhozin had never been there before, let alone heard from it before he heard about Cordelia. Hart Helm was South of the town Athena, Cordelia had told him when they first met, and the fortress had an amazing view, being on top of the high cliffs. Cordelia had spoken very lovingly about her home, and Rhozin hoped the meeting would be less awkward than it had been the first time at the royal court of Fenia.

To say he hadn't been pleased to hear about the plans for arranged marriage, all those months ago, would be an understatement. For the truth was he already loved another. Uncomplicated, fun-loving Melyn, the daughter of a local brewer, with her golden curls, warm hazel eyes and freckles on her face. He had his eyes on her for years already, and she appeared to like him in return. Not that they had ever done anything beyond walk, talk and laugh together. He knew better than to get a girl pregnant before marriage.
Rhozin's parents must have been aware of his crush, but clearly had not been taking it seriously at all. "A son of mine isn't going to marry a daughter of some tradesman," father had said. "This marriage to the lady Cordelia will come with great benefits not just for our family, but for the Viceroyalty Kiene. It's your duty to your family and your country to agree to this marriage. You would do well to forget about that other girl."

Now, Rhozin usually wasn't one to cause problems, and so he had visited the royal court of Fenia to meet with the lady Cordelia. She was quite pleasant, polite mostly, well-behaved, and not unattractive by any means. But she was very different from his Melyn. Rhozin had secretly wondered if he would ever have a spontaneous conversation with Cordelia, or if she had been raised to be ladylike to the point of being unable to be carefree and spontaneous. Hell, he didn't even know how to act anything other than polite to her. It had been strained, awkward, and left him uncomfortable although he had done his best to hide it.

Back home, he had dutifully helped get the family estate and lands ready for winter. But the knowledge he had to return to Fenia the following spring had left him anxious until one very cold day in winter, he made a decision very much unlike him. He would elope with Melyn.
Of course, it had been no-one other than his sister Dardha, one year younger than him and eternally displeased she was not the one who would inherit the Gellygen estate and lands, who found out about his plan and ratted him out.
Rhozin had never seen his father so angry. With a purple face and veins throbbing in his forehead, he had explained to his son that he was to marry Cordelia even if he had to personally drag him down the isle by his ear to make it happen. Rhozin had nearly brought great shame upon the family and should his ridiculous plan leak beyond the estate, he could well risk the wrath of the most powerful monarch in southern Secfenia.

During the weeks that followed, Rhozin was mostly confined to his own quarters. His mother told him father had arranged for Melyn to become a deaconess at the Temple of Shion in Fiene. Rhozin would likely never see her again.
Cordelia wrote him every once in a while. Polite letters, informing him of the weather conditions in Fenia and wishing him good health. All the correct manners.
Of course he responded likewise, hoping his letters would find her in good health, telling her about getting the estate ready for winter, and how the roads were too icy at present to travel, and how in springtime the pear trees would blossom and the air would be buzzing with bees. He did not tell her how he used to like watching his crush run through the orchard on bare feet. Cordelia must never learn of Melyn. Now it was clear to Rhozin he would not get out of this marriage, he didn't want to bring shame or wrath upon his family. Or give his sister the pleasure of seeing him disinherited.
As time passed, it dawned on him that much like himself, Cordelia likely had no say in the matter either. Perhaps the reason for her reservation and politeness was that she was in love with someone else as well, someone she had to forget about because he, Rhozin, was forced upon her. It wasn't her fault she wasn't the woman he had hoped to spend his life with.
They found themselves in the same situation and had no choice but to make the best of it.
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Re: [CRP] Of Harts and Pears

Post by Cordelia »

After a few minutes, her subconscious restlessness became apparent. She stopped with her pacing, forcing herself to stand still. She placed her hands on the window sill, using the fresh breeze to refocus herself. It was not long though that her fingers began to fiddle with the ring on her finger.

It was a stunning piece, but it had been given to her by Rhozin. It was a constant reminder of the commitment that hung over her head. She wore it daily, regardless of events or location. Her appearance was much more regal when she was at the palace, using the visits to display the fine gowns and jewelry she had. At Hart Helm, however, she was dressed more simply. Her gowns had less design, little to no lace, and small amounts of beading. Her jewelry was minimal: simple earrings, the occasional necklace, and her rings.

Today was a bit different though. With the arrival of her betrothed imminent, she went with a fancier dress of green velvet and gold stitching. The long sleeves had drapery, cascading to the floor and following her hand movements closely. It was not the fanciest dress she owned, but it was not her usual attire for running Hart Helm. It was supported by a matching set of pearl and gold earrings and necklace. She did not intend to dress so nicely his entire stay, as it was best he saw her for who she really was. Yet, it seemed appropriate to dress up for his arrival.

A glimpse of ginger locks caught the corner of her eyes. Her hands stilled as she turned around to face her mother. Alice quirked an eyebrow.

”Are you looking for something? You are staring out that window very intensely.”

”My patience, apparently.

”Come, Antsy Nancy, let’s take a walk.”

No words of understanding were necessary. Instead, she offered her arm and they started down the hall together.

Alice had once been arranged in marriage too. She had been much more giddy about it than Cordelia, but she was also nervous. She has offered her ear to her daughter’s woes, but for once, Cordelia kept to herself. They had spent their whole lives being each other’s confidant, so this was different. She suspected it had to do with pride and sense of duty.

The rest of the day was spent idly. They had taken care of their usual tasks early to clear their schedule. Upon becoming restless once more, Cordelia decided to dive into their accounting books to triple check the numbers and records. It was unnecessary as their steward had flawless work, but it was distracting.

Her head rose quickly from the book when the study door opened. Their steward, Mark Stewart, had came to inform her that they had spotted a vessel sporting a Kiene flag. She inhaled slowly, giving her thanks for the notice, before quietly tidying her desk up. Once everything was filed away, she met her mother in her at the main door. Together, they walked outside, across the courtyard, and through a side entrance that had a direct flight of stairs down to the dock. By the time the reached the docks, the ship was close enough to make out details of the crew. It was a stunning vessel, to be honest, but her gaze was only sweeping as she looked for Rhozin.
Viscountess Cordelia Zabel (Winterbourne) Everhart-Gellygen of the Highlands, the Horned Wolf
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Big Sister to Elisabeth “Elisa” | Cousin to High King Zuan, Thea, & more
Married to Rhozin Gellygen of Kiene | Mother of Winter Pearle and Keir
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Rhozin
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Re: [CRP] Of Harts and Pears

Post by Rhozin »

During the last few hours until the ship reached the Fenian shore, Rhozin had retreated to his cabin. He needed to distract himself, keep his nerves under control, and the best way to do that was by working on his favourite hobby. The past weeks, he had used some free time to work on a small jewelry box, elaborately carved out of pear wood. He used his magic to carve, rather than a knife. The process required careful and very precise hand gestures to direct the energy through his fingers, shaping and scraping at the wood until it followed the complex pattern he imagined in his head. A pattern he had changed several times already since he started working on the box.
His sister had often made fun of him over this application of his magic ability, comparing it to the work of a common tradesman rather than something fit for a nobleman.

Rhozin planned to give the box to Cordelia, though he was hesitant as he remembered his sister's words. What if Cordelia felt the same way? Would she ever be impressed anyway with any gift he could give her? A cousin to the king, she must have everything she desired already. Either way, he could picture her politely accepting the gift so that he wouldn't even be able to tell whether she liked it or not. Why had he bothered, other than to keep his hands busy and his mind distracted?
Guilt, probably. Rhozin felt guilty that he had nearly ditched Cordelia for another. He imagined the poor, well-raised young woman had no say in the king's decision and was trying her best to do what was expected of her. Had the roles been reversed and it had been Cordelia who tried to get out of the marriage, he would have felt very humiliated indeed if it became common knowledge!
And so he would never speak of what he had almost done, but the knowledge weighed heavy on his heart, even though part of him wished his plan with Melyn had succeeded. It would take time to completely forget about her.

A sudden knock on the door startled him and he jumped. The magic energy flowing from his hands barely missed the jewelry box, but the table it was standing on now sported a streak of weaving pattern.
"Clutz" Rhozin muttered, before saying out loud "Come in."
The ship's captain entered and informed him the ship would be ready to land within the next hour.
Rhozin swallowed, thanked the captain and then, turning over the jewelry box in his hands, he stuffed it into one of his trunks. He then left the cabin to appear on deck. Standing by the railing, he looked out over the sea to the fortress on the cliffs that appeared on the horizon. It was as Cordelia had said, a magnificent sight indeed.

All too soon, they moved closer, until he could make out the port at the base of the cliffs. Closer, and he recognised people walking about, some halting to look at the Gellygen vessel, which not only carried the Kienean flag, but also the Gellygen banner - a white pear flower on a green and gold background.
Would she be among those people at the docks to wait for him? Probably not, Rhozin thought. The docks are no place for a lady of a royal family. More likely some of her staff would welcome the ship and lead his party up to the fort to meet her there.
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Cordelia
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Re: [CRP] Of Harts and Pears

Post by Cordelia »

The thumping of her heart became distracting until grey eyes landed on the vaguely familiar figure. Rhozin was tall and slender, a body easily recognizable amongst the crew on deck. His fine clothing made him stood out more once she found him.

He was one of the first off the ship once it was properly tied off. Cordelia kept her hands folded in front of her until he approached. Once he was before the ladies of Hart Helm, she dropped into a respectful curtesy, while her mother did the same.

“Welcome to Hart Helm, my lord. I trust the short journey was without issue?” Polite as always, she raised her chin a bit more in a faint attempt to look taller and stronger. Her short height was often a disadvantage in commanding a presence. “There is a carriage waiting for us to take us up to the fort. Your luggage will be brought up once they unload the ship, but I thought you may wish to go see where you will be staying instead of waiting here.”
Viscountess Cordelia Zabel (Winterbourne) Everhart-Gellygen of the Highlands, the Horned Wolf
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Big Sister to Elisabeth “Elisa” | Cousin to High King Zuan, Thea, & more
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Rhozin
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Re: [CRP] Of Harts and Pears

Post by Rhozin »

A small smile appeared on Rhozin's lips when he saw that, contrary to what he expected, Cordelia and her mother had come down to meet him at the port. He made sure to leave the ship as soon as it was safe to do so, focusing on confident strides that were meant to hide his nerves as he made his way over to the two women.
Cordelia was well-dressed, of course. His eyes wandered briefly over her short frame, and he noticed the jewellery. For which he had meant to bring her a self-made, wooden box. Ridiculous, that thing was definitely to stay deeply hidden in his trunk.

"Milady Cordelia, lady Everhart," he responded, bowing in return to their curtsies. He carefully took Cordelia's hand in his, noticing the family heirloom ring of betrothal on her finger, and closed his eyes as he planted a short, polite kiss on her hand.

He straightened and answered her question. "Thank you, milady. It was a fine journey, with calm sea and no issues." He imagined his future life would be just like it. Just fine, calm and free of issues.
But of course, he offered a polite smile. "The fort looks as magnificent as you told me. I would indeed like a tour."

They went over to the carriage and he offered both Cordelia and her mother an arm to help them step inside, before getting in himself and sitting down opposite from them.
More awkwardness.
Part of him wanted to look at scenery passing by on the way up to the fort, but that would look terrible. He couldn't quite silently stare at Cordelia's face either.
And so he cleared his throat. "I trust you've been well?" Stupid question he had already asked in literally every letter, and which she had responded to in every reply. "Eh... the weather is very pleasant today. I hope to learn what springtime brings in your land."
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Re: [CRP] Of Harts and Pears

Post by Cordelia »

His compliment brought a genuine smile to her lips. With a sense of prided, she glanced over to the fort above them. “Thank you. Hart Helm may be old, but it’s magnificent piece of history.”

It was important to her that he would come to appreciate Hart Helm. Their future living arrangements had not been discussed, at least not directly. They were both heirs to their familial lands, but she part of the royal family. The most likely case would be that they would reside in the Hartlands. As such, she hoped Rhozin would enjoy his time spent there to make the transition easier... Least he be stuck somewhere he despised.

She accepted his aid in stepping up into the carriage behind her mother. Alice was quiet, letting the pair direct conversation - likely with amusement because the awkwardness sat in the carriage like a fourth passenger.

Cordelia took his attempt at striking conversation, providing a reasonable response. “The season is truly shifting now. The Hartlands will become more lively with each day. Spring is a fun time here.

Although, I am sorry to say we do not have any grand orchards. Those lay to the north, outside of this territory. It is still a place we can visit, though. Rome is just a few days away.

It’s oranges, of course.”
The last bit was tagged on idiotically, like he wouldn’t know that Fenia thrived with orange trees. Of course he did. Everyone knew that!

What he did not yet know, because she had yet to admit it, was she had never bothered trying a pear. Such a simple thing, but when one’s country and even family revolved around a pear, it could stir something up. She was more of a citrus person - enjoying her oranges, lemons, limes. The tartness was her favorite part.

Thankfully, the carriage came to stop not long after she embarrassed herself. He exited first, before helping both ladies out. She recomposed herself with a thankful smile when she accepted his hand, but her touch did not linger longer than it had to. The smile remained, however, as she motioned around them. They stood in the courtyard of the fort, walls all around them. It blocked the wonderful view of the ocean and hills, but he would soon clearly see it once they traversed the stairwell inside.

First came the tour of downstairs though. She started in the main sitting area that was left to the entrance, where refreshments had been sat out already. Orange tarts, tea biscuits, and fresh klahua. Across the hall was the large library, filled with books and scrolls, some as old as the fort. Her father had enjoyed collecting tomes of history, which had a whole bookcase dedicated to just his collection.

Further into the fort was the large dining area and adjacent kitchen. A cellar was below the kitchen, filled with fine wines and cheese - Alice’s favorite nighttime snack. At the back of the fort, across from the dining, was another sitting room that was more cozy than the first. Smaller, it sported two large windows overlooking the sea. It was a household favorite reading spot.

She then took him upstairs to show him the various bedrooms, additional sitting room, and lastly the chambers that he would be staying in. His belongings had been brought up already during their tour, likely the first things unloaded from the ship.

Hart Helm was furnished well, but a lot of it was older. Anything that did not age well was always replaced, but the women did not spend money on frivolous things like decorating when the home had its own charm.

“It may not be the Imperian Palace, but I truly do hope you enjoy your stay here with us. Hart Helm is yours to explore, nothing is off limits to you and the staff is yours to use as needed. If there are any specific foods or meals you would like, just talk to our steward, Mark Stewart. Likewise, he can assist with any other accommodations you need. ” Cordelia lingered for a moment. “I shall let you settle in. The evening meal should be ready in about two hours. It’ll be lamb and potatoes; I hope that’s alright.”

Meat and potatoes was a staple in the Hartlands. It was prime land for hunting and raising animals, and of course Fenian soil grew potatoes like nobody’s business. The dish was a traditional one, but a local favorite. She thought it may be a good way to introduce the local culture. Of course, now she wondered if that was the right choice.

“ I will be in the library if you need me.” She turned to leave, but stopped briefly to say, . “And please, just ‘Cordelia’ is fine from now on. No need to be formal here.”
Viscountess Cordelia Zabel (Winterbourne) Everhart-Gellygen of the Highlands, the Horned Wolf
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Big Sister to Elisabeth “Elisa” | Cousin to High King Zuan, Thea, & more
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Re: [CRP] Of Harts and Pears

Post by Rhozin »

Rhozin smiled politely. A fun spring time did sound good, but he still had no idea what Cordelia's idea of fun was. It could be something like reading poetry and drinking tea in the gardens, he imagined.
"I see," he said, "Oranges, yes. Quite delicious, aren't they?"
She must be very impressed with his conversation skills. He inwardly shook his head at himself.

Fortunately the carriage stopped and Cordelia began showing him around as soon as they had stepped out. It provided proper distraction for him, and new topics for conversation, although he did not say much. Some nods and smiles and short, polite compliments on the different rooms. In truth, he was very impressed with what he saw. Hart Helm was quite a bit larger than the Gellygen House yet the two ladies managed to make it look warm and inviting even though it was more sober than the royal palace had been.
He should find enough to do here. And there was plenty of space so they could even avoid running into each other all day. Hypothetically, of course.

"Thank you, milady." Rhozin said when Cordelia lastly showed him the chambers that were to be his for the duration of his stay. He sure would want for nothing here. Except, perhaps, a more stimulating conversation and more exciting company.
"Of course, that sounds good. I shall look forward to dinner, milady."
Then just before she departed, Cordelia surprised him with her comment on formality. He smiled, more genuinely than he had done so far. "Very well, you can call me Rhozin."

After she left, Rhozin let out a deep sigh to relieve the tension in his body. He went over to the window and looked outside. Magnificent view, very different from home. Upstairs in the fort, and with the added height of the cliff, he could look out far over the port and the deep blue sea beyond. Tomorrow morning, his family's ship would sail back to Kiene without him.

He kind of wanted to go down to the port, explore the place, feel the wind in his hair. But to do so might leave the wrong impression. Cordelia had just finished showing him her home and the first thing he wanted to do was leave. No. Perhaps he better freshen up so he would no longer smell of sea travel by the time dinner was served.
And so he rang for a servant to ask for a bath to be prepared. Once washed and dried, he changed into something more fancy to hopefully match whatever Cordelia would be wearing.
One more hour to kill.

He began unpacking his belongings. Even though doing things by himself didn't come as naturally to him as it would for a commoner, Rhozin had never been one to ask a servant's help for everything. Except for the days on which his sister would practise her singing, then he suddenly needed plenty of servants' assistance, preferably as far away from Dardha's chambers as possible, to safeguard their future abilities to hear.
Rhozin put his clothes in the empty wardrobe. He left the small collection of books and writing materials he brought on the table for now, meaning to put those away more neatly later. He found the jewellery box he made and after a moment of hesitation, put that on the table as well.

There was still time left.
Perhaps he could go to the library and find Cordelia. Rhozin sighed, shaking his head. And then what? He was still mostly at a loss on what to talk about with her. He might even annoy her if she happened to be very occupied studying something or another.
Thinking it over, he eventually decided to take one of his books to the sitting room across from the dining room, and read there. That way he could pretend he had made himself somewhat at home, while also make sure he would arrive at dinner at the right time.
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Re: [CRP] Of Harts and Pears

Post by Cordelia »

It felt strange shutting the door behind her, to leave him alone. He needed to settle in and a good host would allow that, yet she wanted to make sure he was comfortable. He was in a strange land, surrounded by strangers. He was a capable man, she reasoned within herself, and would probably enjoy some time to himself after his journey - even if it had been a short one.

Resolved, she went to her bedroom. Upon opening the door, she was greeted by four wagging tails and slobbery kisses. Her hounds had been confined to her rooms for Rhozin’s arrival as to not overwhelm him. They could be protective over her, especially in “their” territory. She felt it was best to let him arrive without their cautious, watchful eyes.

She left the bedroom with them in tow, heading down to where she said she would be. The library seemed like a safe place to sit. It held things to keep her entertained and it was a place to explore for her guest. She grabbed a book of poems and curled up on an oversized loveseat. Both pit bulls jumped up to squeeze themselves at her side, but the greyhounds found places to lay on the carpet. They were affectionate, but in a more calm and reserved manner than her obnoxiously loving pits.

It was only when all four dogs turned their heads to the library door that she realized the evening was well underway. She expected Rhozin’s entrance, but the doorway remained empty. After several minutes, she went to investigate. Maybe he has gotten lost? Or maybe he was not eager to spend time with her.

She tucked the poetry book under her arm as she rose to her feet. Her dogs all stood up as well, following her out of the library. He was neither in the hall nor in the living room across from the library. While the library had some allure, the living room had nothing unique to offer. The smaller sitting room, however, had its views and breeze. It would have been her choice too.

She moved down the corridor and peeked into the room, confirming her suspicions. His hair was a bit damp, hinting he had bathed, and changed into fresh clothes. She had never been on a ship before, but she imagined she’d want to wash the salt water off too.

Cordelia offered a smile as she entered the room. The greyhounds hung behind her, while her pits stood on either side. All four hounds were used in hunting, each breed sporting different benefits, but her pits had also been trained to protect their lady. Neither held an aggressive stance, just a weary one at the stranger who sat in their home. Cordelia offered each a pat on the head before looking back to Rhozin.

“These are my dogs. Veli and Kaya here, and then Lola and Poppy.” She motioned to the pits first, then the greyhounds. Veli was the only male out of the group, his sister and him tan with white chests. Lola was all white, while Poppy was contrasting with a brindled pattern. She extended her hand. “If you take my hand, they will accept you as I do.”
Viscountess Cordelia Zabel (Winterbourne) Everhart-Gellygen of the Highlands, the Horned Wolf
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Big Sister to Elisabeth “Elisa” | Cousin to High King Zuan, Thea, & more
Married to Rhozin Gellygen of Kiene | Mother of Winter Pearle and Keir
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Re: [CRP] Of Harts and Pears

Post by Rhozin »

Rhozin had been staring at the same page of his book on magic for a while now, without reading it. He couldn't concentrate and stayed alert on any sounds indicating someone might enter the sitting room or the dining room on the other side of the hallway.
Hence he looked up immediately when Cordelia entered, his expression changing to curiosity when he saw the dogs. He wanted to ask more about them, but decided it was best to first do as Cordelia suggested so the dogs would know he wasn't some kind of intruder. Not that the dogs seemed aggressive. They appeared well-trained to Rhozin, and he trusted they would listen to Cordelia, but still, he wasn't an expert on dog behaviour and couldn't tell for sure what the animals were thinking.
And so he rose, putting his book aside, and came over to take Cordelia's hand in his. It seemed more of a significant gesture than any time they had done this when they greeted each other in person before.

Only after he had taken her hand, he spoke. "Four dogs, you must be an animal lover." He smiled. "I'm afraid it might take me a while to remember their names correctly, but I'll practise. I didn't have any pets back home unfortunately. Their fur seems to cause an itchy redness in my mother's eyes."
He realised he was still holding Cordelia's hand, and let go, clearing his throat.
"Eh, do you take the dogs out yourself?"

Rhozin couldn't quite imagine a young lady of a royal family going out by herself in the evening to let dogs out, but perhaps she did so together with a servant. And the dogs themselves would provide some protection, he imagined. Either way, these weren't little lap dogs so he hoped Cordelia enjoyed going out for walks with them. He would be interested to join, explore the area, have something to do while they talked.
There might be an interesting personality hidden behind all the formalities after all.
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Ta achládia den orimázoun móna tous. Étsi orimásame mazí.
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