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[color=6ecff6][h3]Duchess Philomena Ceswick[/h3][/color]
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	A few guests would come and greet her, exchange a few schmoozes and either bold or discreet proposals from the lesser nobles. She heard it all before, and none of it was distinctly new, or even impressive to her. Not to the point that it would make her put an interest to that certain person. It's a repetitive cycle of Voromian courting mixed with the trivialities of politics. It was a world she was exposed to and honed to be the best in. All she's doing here is fulfilling her duties, and tonight, she'll make sure to do so well. 

	Not long since she arrived, she caught in the corner of her eye a man coming to her direction in officer's garbs of distinctly Stonian make. Graying hair as meticulously polished as his mustache, tilting with his smile as he gave her a respectful bow. "Ah. Lady Ceswick. Such a pleasure to meet you here." She allowed the captain to take her hand for a kiss.

	Philomena greeted the familiar face, with an earnest smile she returned his greeting with a curtsy [color=6ecff6]"Likewise, Captain Haugen."[/color] Captain Haugen is one of the heads of the Stonian army, an influential man and a good friend to her father. Since she took his place Haugen has been in collaboration with Philomena in the military aspect as far as ruling the duchy goes. Her father was deeply supportive of the army that he provide half of the duchy's profits to fund them, planning ahead of the brewing war they so look forward to. 

	"Finding other means in resolving our political matters my Lady?" he joined the duchess at her crowd scoping, his voice  textured and nonchalant. [color=6ecff6]"Only looking for opportunities that would save us the bloodshed, Captain. "[/color] Unlike her father, Philomena thinks, if it can be helped, that theres no need for wasting the duchy's resources in war, and would rely on the diplomatic way of settling it. Nobody wants to repeat that part of history, indeed an all out war between the countries would be the darkest Voromia will ever witnessed.

	"I suppose it wouldnt hurt to try. Although if I were you I would not put all my hope to it." there was a tone of skepticism in his voice, turning to the young woman his voice now shifted in concern " And I dont suppose this is what your heart truly wishes." The duchess didnt move her current stare, and sounded more determined on her choice of words [color=6ecff6]"It is not a matter of what my heart wishes, Captain. It's never been that. "[/color]  

	"Of course my Lady." The conversation fell into silence for a short moment. "But I know your father would have wanted that for you. I know the man well enough, and of course, you too." Captain Haugen smiled, showing the soft creases of his aged face, winking at the young woman who was frozen in surprise at his words. Could she be that obvious? If so when? As she recalls the many nights ago at a ballroom party, a celebration being held in Stonia's founding. Maybe she was less guarded after a few sips of wine, making herself obviously swooning over the beautiful red haired troubadour. But that was it as far as she knew. 

	After a few breaths the captain recommenced his words "That romantic commitment does not define you, instead you rule on your own. You know how to handle great power, and that's what makes you an exceptional leader, Lady Ceswick." Philomena felt a surge of relief. Of course he doesn't know, and as usual Philomena has a tendency to overthink this kind of matter. 

	[color=6ecff6]"Thank you Captain Haugen. Your words bring me great encouragement."[/color] After keeping her company for a while the Captain excused himself, as one of his men asked for him leaving Philomena alone once again with her thoughts. The kind that worries and troubles her, even if it's not entirely necessary to. She was spaced out at the gorgeous view before her, roses that accumulated some dew drew sparkles from the moonlight.

	 A voice had cut her from her trance, looking over her side in an almost abrupt manner, a woman was now standing next to her. She offered her refreshments, a servant obviously yet at first glance she didn't think her to be. Collecting herself she took one from her tray, and unsuspectingly glanced at her face, more so lingering at her cheek with a faint mark, like a bruise she guessed. [i][color=6ecff6]"So, is hitting servants a Merriedge national past time? How brutish."[/color][/i]. There was a hint of sorry in her face but realizing that she was staring far too long she turned away. She wasn't as resolute as she thought she is, probably because of the long travel from Stonia had left her restless, or that the stress of this whole seasons was finally starting to stack up on her. [color=6ecff6]"Thank you for the drink."[/color] she said. [color=6ecff6]"I'm sorry miss, I did not mean to stare."[/color]