[center][h2]Sir Garrett[/h2][/center]
[center][i]Themerlinhawk[/i][/center]

Julianna was even more devious than he given her credit for as she continued to dance around with their conversation. It was clear from the way she thought that she was resigned to her fate. [i]Or was it?....She [b]Wanted[/b] to be a part of her family's schemes to replace Fanilly with their own[/i]. It was a truely interesting perspective being able to peer into the political machinations of Thaln. It was not something that he would happily take part in but given that he no longer could hide behind [i]Sir Garrett[/i] there was no doubt in his mind that he would soon be drawn into it. A foreign noble with a decent amount of resource and leverage was something even Garrett could see being useful to one of the nobles here. 

As she walked with him she continued her commentary on freedom. It didn’t really seem to bother her that she was a pawn in her family's games. If anything it bothered him more that she was totally okay with the whole situation. [i]Then again being a leader also grants you immense power does it not?[/i] Fanilly after all was the ultimate example of power; even though she didn’t get it. The Order was not their to serve her but to make her be the best she could possibly be. That was the point of an uncorrupted, pure, naive leader. Atleast so long as she appeared to be on the outside. The Knights were the ones who really had to do the heavy lifting; which was fine with him. It wasn’t about Fanilly leading, it was about how the Knights made sure she appeared to be. 

Continuing to listen politely it was apparent she wasn’t going to reveal her motivation for appearing any time soon. [i]Perhaps you truly just wanted to talk? I don’t believe that for a second.[/i] As he was retrieving a drink he caught a noble approach from the corner of his eye and braced for impact. Julianna navigated the verbal thrust smoothly and in the process made it look like she meant it. Taking a smooth sip of the drink Sir Garrett looked down at Julianna who was still on his arm and then back up at the countess. “Although frankly I’m certain I can break them of their opinion. After all, who wouldn’t want an army of [b]Barbarians[/b] ready to come to the assistance of their new family members.” 

It was a joke but he let the implication sink in as he took another sip. “It was a pleasure to meet you Countess, I hope you enjoy the party.”

[@IceHeart]


After delivering his thought provoker Marianne arrived and began laying on the praise for Julianna. It was true Julianna was quite beautiful. Eyeing Marianne as she continued to compliment Julianna; Sir Garrett smiled into the next sip of his drink. The Delacroix Knight was plenty beautiful herself and he had no doubt that the maids had something to do with it. [i]Are you here to save me from Julianna. Please say yes.[/i] Sir Garrett chuckled to himself. [i]What in the world have I gotten myself into?[/i] 

Turning at the announcement of the princess he raised an eyebrow at her appearance. They certainly did not do her justice when they said she was beautiful. That was certainly at least a part of why she was favored by the masses. No doubt she was also at least partially a philanthropist; as beautiful as she was there was no way that it was the only reason the people loved her. Musing over it Sir Garrett flicked his eyes to the side to observe Marianne again.  [i]I Think tonight is going to be bearable.[/i] Smiling into his drink again he finished off the second glass, the alcohol was certainly helping. 

[@harinezumikouken]