[center][h2][b][u]Zarand Estate, Lalrial, Imperial Heartlands[/u][/b][/h2]

[i]Lilria, the 10th of Gerna 1200 AU - 09.03.1200[/i][/center]

Judging from his atitude alone it would be impossible to tell just how badly beaten Aldrick had been the previous day. He was lounging in his favorite couch, surrounded by no small number of beauties, both local and imported. In one hand he held a glass of wine, the other could be fond groping the behind of one of 'his' beauties. His laughter could be heard from well down the hall as he enjoyed his day of 'recuperation'.

"You have a guest Lord Aldrick" One of his shield sister guards said from beyond the room's door.

"You may let her in" Aldrick answered as one of his companions placed a grape between her lips and leaned in towards him.

But rather than another woman or group of women it was instead a man who strode confidently into the room. A man who instantly seemed to draw the attention of several of Aldrick's beauties, though who seemed to look through them as if they were not there as his crimson eyes fixed upon the object of his visit, the lord of debauchery himself, who seemed to be rivaled only by the man's cousin Marra.

He was clad in the latest style that did well to highlight his athletic and fit form, with a fashionable and dashing cloak of sorts that billowed out behind him as he strode forward into the room. “Prince Aldrick of Athica. It is my pleasure to meet you.” The red haired man bowed in a single sweeping motion before he straightened up with a grin. “I am Lord Vorion Tallurian, perhaps Marra hast spoken of me?”

"Hold that thought" Aldrick said before the woman with a grape between her lips leaned in close for a kiss, pushing the grape into his mouth in the process. Before she could pull away he wrapped a hand around the back of her head to force the kiss for a bit longer. "Now then" He said after letting the blushing woman end the kiss, "I do believe she did mention you. How can I help you? Oh, and do keep in mind I don't share with other men very well."

Vorion Tallurian stopped as requested, waiting until the other man had finished his display of affection and turned back to him before speaking once more, his eyes seemed to stare through the women that Aldrick had gathered. "I have come to seek your aid in my quest to court the fair Lynette, long have I laboured to gain her affection and thus far it tragically eludes me." The man's plee sounded genuinely heartfelt. "Cousin Marra insisted I see you for advice."

"So let me make sure I'm understanding you" Aldrick said with a raised eyebrow. "You've come to me, the day after I was severely beaten, in order to request my aid so that you may conduct the Battle of Balls Deep with my sister." He let that statement hang in the air for a moment before allowing a wide smile to spread across his battered face. "I like you."

"Would you be a dear" Aldrick said to one of the beauties waiting on him, "and fetch my friend a glass of wine?"

"Now then friend" He returned his attention to Vorion as the woman walked over to his wine cabinent. "Would you care to tell me why you seek my sister's affection?"

Vorion Tallurian found himself smiling as well as Aldrick joked. Though his smile was more wistful and less a laughing grin as if he was imagining the very thing that was somewhat crudely alluded too. “Why of course.” He began in reply.

“My armored goddess of battle revealed herself to me when upon my journey to your fair land my party was set upon by a foul band of monstrous vilespawn. There were so many that I'd have sworn the end was nigh and that I would not live to see the blessed sun rise again.” The handsome man paused to take the wine glass from the woman and gestured with it dramatically yet carefully, keeping anything from spilling.

“But then she appeared, a savior, sent by the gods themselves to slay the foul beasts that beset us. And it was then that I knew.” He drank deep from the wine glass before continuing. “I grew to know her on the journey back to your capital, but though I tried she did not see me as more than a friend. And now for my own arts have failed I now seek the aid of any who can help me win my fair lady's heart.”

"Hmmm... Well she always has been good with a sword" Aldrick commented after a moment. "So much so that at times I wonder if she is more man than woman." He muttered the words as he, apparently, shifted his gaze to a woman, beckoning her to refil his glass of wine. Even so he kept his attention on Vorion, eager to see how he responded.

As Aldrick spoke the Tallurian seemed to stiffen and a harsh almost murderous expression appeared on his handsome features at the criticism of his idol. "She is the fairest creature that I have ever set eyes upon. More woman than any of these." He swept his hand out expansively as if to gesture to the whole group of Aldrick's 'beauties'. 

"No need to get so mad" Aldrick rolled his eyes. "If anyone has the right to poke fun at my sister its me." He gave Vorion and a pointed look. "Its her brother's duty to ensure she doesn't get a fathead. Lyriel save us all should both of my older siblings suffer from overonfidence and a superiority complex." He took a long sip of his wine before adding "And no. I will not enter a debate with you as to whether my own sister is as beautiful as any lady I choose to be intimate with." He couldn't help but shiver slightly. "The mere thought of that topic makes me gag a little."

"Putting that aside" Aldrick took another long sip of wine before continuing "I do want my sister to be happy. Perhaps you will be able to aid me in this endevor."

The Tallurian seemed to spend a moment considering and then nodded as if to concede the point. "You have a point, but you would not want me to belittle the ones you love, I would entreat you to extend to me the same courtesy good prince." Vorion's own charming smile reappeared then as he raised the glass for another drink.

"It is my fondest wish and deepest desire to bring happiness to the fair Lynette." His words dripped with sincerity and he had the air of one petitioning for aid. "Cousin Marra said you would help me." He seemed reluctant to play the card but Marra had told him that her name would work wonders with Aldrick and that Aldrick would be key to gaining his fair lady's affections.

"I suppose I could lend you a hand in your endeavor" Aldrick said. "Seeing as you care for her so much its the least I could do." He frowned as he stared at the wall, his eyes seeming to focus on nothing. "I know your cousin will be holding many parties in the days to come. I could ensure that my dear elder sister accompanies me to one such party. That should, at the very least, give you an opportunity to gain her ear and hopefully her heart."

"I would be most appreciative." The red haired man replied with an easy smile still on his features. "It has been difficult to gain her attention. In my attempts in the north I would make progress only to be stymied when the siren song of war called to her once more."

"Hmm... Why does that not surprise me" Aldrick said with a sigh. "Oh. And I will make sure she leaves her armor and sword at home." A wry smile spread across his face "This is one battlefield that those will do her no good." He took a long sip of his wine and, having finally emptied the glass, handed it to one of the women. "And in case you were wondering" He added, "My sister does not enjoy wine like your cousin and I do. You may want to find some other trinket to give to her. Should you wish to present a gift to her that is."

"As fond as I of her armored form, I confess gratitude at the prospect of the chance to behold her without such things." Vorion replied and then laughed. "She will find herself upon my battlefield and I shall prevail." The man did not quite strike a pose but he came close to doing so, likely for dramatic effect.

"Of course I must find the right gift, it is only fitting that such a goddess be presented a worthy token of my appreciation. Perhaps you could provide such guidance?"

"No swords" Aldrick pointed his finger at Vorion as if to accuse him of some great crime. "Axes, spears, knives are all items I forbid. What she already has is probably superior to anything that could be found here anyways. I also forbid buying her armor." He made a wiping gesture with his hand as he continued "Now with that out of the way... Perhaps you would care to buy her a dress? I fear she might be lacking in fine apparal during her stay here in the capital." He let the thought hang for a moment before adding "In fact she will probably only have plain dresses available to her. Perhaps you should ask your cousin to find something nice for Lynette? Something with a lot of lace in it? I could forward my sister's measurements to Marra if you'd like."

"That sounds like a good idea." The man seized upon the thought immediately. "I shall spare no expense. Only the finest for the fair Lynette." He gestured again with a grin. "And I am sure Marra will help, she has been most supportive thus far." After a brief pause Lord Vorion continued a bit less over the top than many of his statements had been. "I thank you for your aid Prince Aldrick."

"And I thank you for giving me some small hope that I will live to see my sister married." Aldrick answered in kind.