[b][u]Lady Eliza Percival[/u][/b] *********************************************************************************************************** [I]"You look tired, have you not slept a wink?"[/I] Tired? Tired? In actual fact she'd slept very well. Lady Eliza perked a manicured eyebrow at her redheaded companion. Jessica Wheatley was another one of the Queen's ladies. One that loved to gossip and weed out a scandal - however, Eliza was really rather fond of her. "I slept well actually, but clearly my appearance does not reflect it." The blonde teased mercilessly. Had she taken offence to the words? No, of course not. However, that didn't mean that she couldn't taunt her friend somewhat. Liza loved a good taunt every now and again. "So this feast." The fairer of the two continued, a swift change of topic as she gratefully received a goblet of wine from a passing server. "I have a feeling it's going to be rather dull." The grand hall was bustling with Courtiers and Ambassadors alike. All trying to get noticed, to win the King's ear. To increase their land, seal an investment. It was all politics and scheming. Eliza had no interest in any of it. To her, it was far more enjoyable to be ignorant to all that nonsense. A quiet life with small pleasures and horseback riding. That's what she aspired to. Of course, her family had other ideas. Daughters were pawns, an asset to be married off to the highest bidder - and as a rather pretty pawn at that, she was somewhat resided to the fate. Jessica smirked at her friends nonchalant dismissal of the evening and rolled her insipid green eyes, "Surely you should be excited at the return of your brother. Lord knows I am." "Is there anyone at Court that does not swoon over Thomas?" Eliza sighed as she stifled a small laugh, "He is a menace. A grumpy one at that." The young Lady smoothed out the taffeta of her baby blue gown, intricately embraided with pretty golden thread. The bodice pulled in beautifully at the waist, and a head of thick blonde locks fort to escape from their bronzed pins. A pleasing spectacle she was indeed. "You would say that, he is your brother." Jessica declared with a jab of her elbow to Lady Eliza's ribs, "I reserve the right to fawn. Now shush, let us see who is here.." And with that, the pair made their way merrily though the crowd. [b][u]Sir Thomas Percival[/u][/b] **************************************************************************************************************** [I]A strange sort of girl, that one..[/I] Thomas pondered to himself as he recalled his earlier meeting with Lady Cassandra. Well, if one could term it a meeting. He had never been particularly gifted when it came down to understanding the fairer sex, so he simply put it down to travel fatigue and carried on with his preparations. Naturally he was running late. Sir Thomas was always running late. The words of his Father echoed around the forefront of his mind. [I]No one shall trust you with their affairs, if you cannot get your own in order..[/I] Wise words old man. Wise words indeed. The handsome Nobleman sauntered effortlessly into the Grand Hall. The beautiful wooden carvings shone in the evening light, and it was certainly an inviting space. A vibrant red doublet enhanced the raven tone of his hair as he took a moment to glance over the crowd. Now where was the lovely Eliza? How he had missed her. Not that he would ever admit that out loud of course. He'd take a stroll around to see if he could find her. The King and Queen were yet to arrive, and he wanted to soak up the atmosphere and revel in his return to court. Soon enough his presence would turn to business, and he would have to forgo the slightly more pleasurable aspects of Noble life. Still, as long as there was mead - he could live happily enough. A drinking problem? Absolutely not. Just a healthy distaste of reality. "Ah, Thomas my friend!" A heavy hand thumped him resolutely on the back, causing the male to tighten his grip on his goblet to protect its contents. The young man turned to be greeted by the pleasant smile of his Uncle Robert. "Ah, Uncle. I trust time finds you well?" "Absolutely dear boy, absolutely." The kind old gent nodded and ushered his nephew towards the table. "Come, let us catch up.." It was like he'd never been away.