[center][h3]~ Crown Of Thaln ~[/h3][/center]

[center][i]Interacted with:[/i] [@HereComesTheSnow], [@VitaVitaAR][/center]

[quote=Violette]"No dragons, and one of them sounds scared to fight one... Of all the knights we could talk to it's these two..."[/quote]

Now that hurt. It confirmed Jarde's worst fears about being in this party. Even the other girl's words were not much help since she also, albeit indirectly, said that both [u]Gerard[/u] and Jarde were nobodies right now, only starting off in their careers. Not that he did not appreciate the sentiment, at least someone honestly believed in them. Or so he would like to believe.

Jarde decided not to dwell on these matters too much. At least, he attempted to. Try as he might but circumstances appear to always remind him of how he did not belong there. Fortunately, his mind and attention was caught on something else when [u]Gerard[/u] when he made his reply.

[quote=Gerard Segremors][color=goldenrod]"Thank you both for your words of encouragement. We'll carry them in our hearts to the next battle. It is a rare soldier who's still sane to risk their life without fear——but I'm certain your faith in us will make conquering it, again and again, so much the easier. Enough that when we next meet, we'll both have many more stories for you. Something truly valorous. Enough to finally excite [i]you[/i] a little too, Lady Violette."[/color][/quote]

It appeared the disappointment elicited quite the response from [u]Gerard[/u]. It was not like he was telling them off, but it sure felt like that. Jarde wanted to add something to lighten the mood, but found that he could not. His spirit was doused and his mind was busy battling off his anxiety. In the end, he just smiled and nodded at the noble ladies, in agreement with Sir [u]Gerard[/u].

[quote]"Presenting the Young Lady of the Throne and the Heir Apparent, Princess Eliabelle Tanenway Falthaen!"[/quote]

The announcement caught everyone's attention in the hall. The princess herself came forth, appearing to shine brightly to all those present. She was a woman of beauty complemented with a white, elaborate dress rumored to have been weaved by a great elven seamstress from distand lands.

[quote=Eliabelle Tanenway Falthaen]"It's wonderful to see you all! But, I must admit, my reason for holding this function was both to grant everyone a pleasant time shared with friends, and to meet the Iron Rose Knights! I would be delighted if they would take some time to speak with me."[/quote]

Jarde was technically with the Iron Rose Knights but he doubted it was him the Crown Princess wanted to speak with. There were other, more qualified knights to talk to her.

"[color=yellow]Well then, it was nice meeting you ladies. Like what my friend here said, perhaps next time we'll have more exciting stories to tell you. Or maybe we'll be stuck dealing with bandits forever. Who knows?[/color]" He bid farewell to the three noble ladies with a laugh before turning to [u]Gerard[/u]. "[color=yellow]I'll be outside to look at the pretty gardens. You guys have fun with the princess, alright?[/color]"

Jarde turned to make his leave. He caught a glimpse of the beautiful castle gardens on the way and this was his chance to get a good look and appreciate them. It would also help get his mind off some unpleasant thoughts and feelings. He spared a glance at [u]Fanilly[/u] and her company. It looked like they were done talking to that noble but he guessed there would be more talking for them now that the Princess was around.