[h1][center][color=firebrick]Violet[/color] & [color=f26522]Roman[/color][/center][/h1]

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Violet hadn’t even noticed that her sister had left. She accepted the bread but didn't seem interested in it, she just continued to lean against Roman, raising a brow at his question. [color=firebrick] “ My family?” [/color] she had to think for a moment , and without any filtering she cocked her head to the side [color=firebrick]” Secrets?” [/color] she shrugged [color=firebrick]” My Father is a collector of them, I suppose he’s made a career out of that. My mother, well, she …I don't really know what she does in truth. My sister gets kept locked in a room most of the time, and I am just secluded in my own chambers. We also don't really host many parties unless Father deems them worthy of his time. “ [/color] she took in a deep breath [color=firebrick] “ I am just a Lady.” [/color] she said simply. Violet was never given much besides classes on how to be the proper lady for her husband, etiquette schools and fashion lessons. She was being groomed to become a Lady that she continued to fight against those standards placed on her. 

She reached for the glass of wine near her, and finished off her glass before setting it back down. [color=firebrick]“ Don't tell anyone though, it is a secret.”[/color] she stated. She then began to eat on some of the bread slowly , looking back up at him she admired his face for a moment. Her thoughts continuing to just seep out[color=firebrick] “ You are a very handsome man Lord Ravenwood.”[/color] she smiled at him [color=firebrick] “ Your eyes jump out like a diamond amongst rocks, just can’t help but look at them.” [/color] She looked away taking another bite of the bread before finishing it off. 

She really was a lightweight, were the first thoughts to come to mind followed by a few thoughts about poor communication within their household. [color=f26522]“Thank you for your compliment, you look quite stunning yourself. Silver eyes that shine like starlight, that is a rare trait to have.”[/color] he gave her another smile, continuing to be a pillar for her to remain standing. [color=f26522]“Thank you for telling me Lady Violet, I will keep it a secret and do as you asked.”[/color] pausing for a moment, Roman thought about if he should ask her now or later. Ultimately he decided to wait on his proposition to her until after the next dance and maybe she would have a clearer mind. With what she said about her father and her sister, Roman could only guess as to the protective nature of her father and hoped he wouldn't be too difficult.

The large man noticed that king Danrose seemed to have called forth his concubines to the dismay of the queen. He felt sorry for her, that she had to deal with that. Shaking his head slightly in disapproval and rolling his eyes he returned them to the gorgeous young woman that was still holding on to him as she ate. Her presence alone was starting to make him relax and the firefly’s from earlier had subsided. [color=f26522]“Tell me, if you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?”[/color] He knew he wasn't great at conversations so he figured he would at least try.

Violet continued eating her bread, she offered him a smile at his compliment as the butterflies in the pit of her stomach moved around wildly. She started to feel a bit better, at least the spinning of the room had slowed to a slight wave. She thought for a moment trying to peace her mind together. She shrugged[color=firebrick] “ I honestly do not know..the thought never crossed my mind as it was never a possibility for me to leave.”[/color] she paused [color=firebrick]”but..if it's not too forward to say..the place you described…where  you're from..really does sound like a sight I would love to see. The idea of a  town built into a mountain surrounded  by snow and crisp fresh air sounds like a dream. “ [/color] She started to lean less and less on him, though her hand still lingered on his arm. [color=firebrick] “What are your dreams Lord Ravenwood? A place you could see, a moment in your life or perhaps an object you wish to obtain“ [/color]

It would seem that Violet wasn't as far gone as he thought and seemed to be recovering rather quickly now that she was eating something and didn't seem to hold on to him as tight but didn't seem to want to pull her hand away just yet. [color=f26522]“Hmm my dreams?”[/color] Roman had to think about it for a moment and kind of look off into the crowd while he gathered his thoughts. It wasn't a tough question but he was thinking about how much he should say. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her off but he didnt think that would be an issue here with her. [color=f26522]“I am a man of simple things, I don't care to grow my position in the nobility. All I want to do is work… but what do I need? What are my dreams?”[/color] again he paused but kept his eyes on her, softly staring into her silver orbs.

[color=f26522]“I have sailed the sea’s with our merchant ships. I've seen the lush jungles and dry sea’s of sand of the Alidasht kingdom. I have walked through the plains and swam through lakes and rivers in this kingdom and Varian. Climbed mountains, braved storms, traveled through the endless night of winter in the far north. From ancient caves to beautiful forests and vast cities there is no place like home.”[/color] He paused for a moment to judge her reaction and continued, [color=f26522]“my dream is to find my home. Sure I'm from Emberstone Stronghold but I'm afraid I won't find my home until I find the one that is meant for me and I for them. Someone who doesnt mind having a big family with many children, that supports me in what I do and that I can support them in what they do.”[/color]

Another slight pause and a sigh before finishing what he had to say, [color=f26522]“I have a house, I have a big family, my dream is to find and make my home.”[/color] Now all he had to do was wait and see if he came off a little too heavy handed or not being fully aware that he does that sometimes. [color=f26522]”I think you would like it up there in Emberstone as long as you bring some warm clothes.”[/color]

Violet looked at him, unwilling to  break eye contact. She couldn’t help but feel his restraint , possibly holding back out of fear .. he too wore a mask of his own, but she could sense his was less nefarious than others. [color=firebrick] “ I am used to wearing many layers Lord Ravenwood.”[/color] she paused for a moment, the small amount of alcohol in her system edging her onwards.[color=firebrick] “ But from what i’ve been told, the best way to keep warm is skin to skin contact.” [/color] she offered him a devilish smile before switching the conversation back. 

[color=firebrick]” That sounds like a wonderful dream to have…To see so much of the world and what it has to offer to only bring you back to the idea of home being the most blissful is very poetic.” [/color] She figured she had lingered enough, her hands offered a slight squeeze before removing them from his arms. [color=firebrick] “ Thank you for helping me, I am feeling slightly better. I had not realized all that I had drank, I had seen you and Ma-” [/color] she stopped herself, her face brightened slightly as her rosy cheeks reddened. [color=firebrick] “ You seemed to have enjoyed your last dance, mine was…uneventful. Another Prince being pawned off to me in attempts to make some perfect match that I care nothing about. “ [/color] she looked back at him with her silver eyes [color=firebrick] “ at least my next will be with a friend.” [/color] she smiled brightly at him, the first time this evening that she actually felt excited for something. 

[color=f26522]“Skin to skin contact does help to stave off death from the cold and keep one another warm, but so does moving always moving. Good stamina and strength are good things as well for keeping warm.”[/color] Roman did not think that they were talking about the same thing but gave it his best regardless. [color=f26522]“I'm the oldest of my many siblings at 30 but the last to find someone to call my own. Thank you. I know a little about poetry, occasionally someone will want an inscription of poetry for a loved one engraved on their piece.”[/color] This night was turning out to be quite enjoyable as the time rolled on and Roman was going to enjoy the time he had.

[color=f26522]“I will never say no to a good time unless it goes against my loyalty to my family or my lover, which currently I do not have one.”[/color] again he wasn't sure why he was being so frank with her but he liked it, only time would tell if he would regret this later. [color=f26522]“The Alidasht royalty will always be fun to play with but I don't think they would want courtship with me as I'm not very high on the noble ladder but I can see them trying to be my friend or at least friendly to gain favor with my family. Not only having our services but possibly being able to deny others our services could be a good tool to have if you needed it.”[/color]

Smiling still he felt her let his arm go. Although he was relieved she was feeling better, something about her hands holding on to him felt good to have that contact. [color=f26522]“Yes, I do believe we will have a fabulous dance. I'm glad I found such a gorgeous dancing partner. Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it.”[/color] he did not break his gaze on her for a moment, [color=f26522]“I can truthfully tell you that i see it.”[/color]

Violet stared at him a bit speechless for a moment. She hadn’t even noticed the fact that her collar had slid down past her comfort zone. It took her a moment to realize before she reached for it and with a moment of hesitation she stopped. Her fingers slowly closed as she dropped her hand down. 

[color=firebrick]” You don't have a woman?”[/color]she took a pause looking confused [color=firebrick]”I am surprised, you seem like someone who wouldn’t stay on a market for long..I mean..you're handsome, creative and family driven.[/color] she eyed his physic [color=firebrick] “ amongst other things…”[/color] she reached for a glass of water off the table, setting her small plate of bread down. [color=firebrick]” I am certain you have suitors lined up out the door for you waiting for you to court them, so how come you haven’t found one of your liking yet? [/color] Violet was always very forward, she figured seeing as how the man had yet to piece together the small bread crumbs she had left him she figured it wouldn’t hurt. 

Roman was curious as to why she was surprised that he had not found someone yet, sure he was a little above average for height where he is from but he didnt think of himself any more then slightly above average. Maybe these southern girls just don't have the options available to them like the women back home. [color=f26522]“Well for the past 6 or 7 years I have been focused on my work and training. Some of my last clients requested weapons I was not familiar with so I had to train with them before I could build them. It has been some time since i was able to get out other than make deliveries.”[/color] he watched her eyes dance across him but couldn't figure out what detail she was picking up on, [color=f26522]“amongst what other things?”[/color] he gave her a puzzled look, obviously his mind was not in the proper place for this conversation as it was too busy thinking about her instead. 

[color=f26522]“I'm not sure what you mean. I should tell you I'm not the best at…. Sarcasm? Or uhh figures of speech when I'm flustered.”[/color] he was being honest as he spoke and the facial expressions he was making as he tried to figure out this verbal puzzle he found himself in was a clear indicator of this. [color=f26522]“I've never seen a line by my door or anything, I'm not sure why they would wait there in the first place. I guess when it comes down to it I just never felt a connection.''[/color] He had to pause to get himself back in control and not look like a blubbering idiot for once and actually breathe. [color=f26522]“I apologize, I tend to throw out information when I'm nervous…”[/color] his hand reached up to scratch his head for a moment as he gave her a sheepish smile.

Violet blinked twice, this man clearly had never had a woman flirt with him before but if he had she wouldn’t be surprised if he never realized it. [color=firebrick]“ um-” [/color] she looked at him slightly speechless. [color=firebrick]” I fluster you?” [/color] she asked with a smile. [color=firebrick]”I can assure you, I am not being sarcastic, I am very much confused how you are not taken. However, after this conversation I am slowly seeing why.” [/color] she let out a slight laugh [color=firebrick]” when a woman flirts it appears to go right over  your rather tall head.” [/color] she smiled [color=firebrick]” I find it charming though.”[/color] 

[color=f26522]“Yes you fluster me, you make me want to be myself but I can't be myself in places like this. I'm too loud.”[/color] he said, keeping his sheepish smile for a moment longer before furrowing his brow in thought. [color=f26522]“Oh you're flirting with me? It's a cultural thing, my people are rather direct and to the point life is short in the north… well it used to be.”[/color] his mind moved back to what he was thinking earlier and he decided to move his plans up a little, [color=f26522]“Lady Violet Damien, i might be rushing things with this but over this next summer… would you allow me to court you?”[/color] his confidence returned to him as he held out his hand politely towards her knowing the next step is to talk to her father.

Violet stood slightly dumbfounded. She certainly wasn’t expecting that. [color=firebrick]” Well, as you feel you cannot be yourself, I feel similarly. It would have been made much clearer if we weren't in a room surrounded by people. “ [/color] she smiled, knowing he likely wouldn’t even realize to what extent she would have made it clear. Her mind drifted to the time they shared on the balcony. It was when he asked to court her that she felt her knees buckle slightly as she reached behind her to steady herself again but this time against the table. Her face held a brighter red than it had all evening as she had to pull a small fan out from the pocket of her dress to fan herself.[color=firebrick] “ I am sorry m’lord it seems that wine has done a number on me…Did I just hear correctly? You..Lord Ravenwood want to court me?”[/color] she looked at him perplexed. 

Violet's reaction caught him off guard for a moment, he wasn't sure if there was something wrong or not when she quickly held onto the table and looked as if she were to faint. [color=f26522]“Are you ok?”[/color] his voice was worried for a moment but he composed himself when he saw her balance herself on the table. [color=f26522]“Yes I lord Raven Romanwood… err.”[/color] his face felt like he was looking at the heart of a forge at how hot it was getting. [color=f26522]“I… Lord Roman Ravenwood asks for you, Lady Violet Damien, to allow this humble soul the Honor of Courting you over the summer while we are staying here.”[/color] He wasn't quite sure if he was moving too fast but sometimes when you know you know.

Violet covered the smile on her face when he messed up with own name, biting back a laugh as she didn’t want him to think she was mocking him. Removing the face from her face, she smiled brightly and nodded softly. [color=firebrick] “ I - … Yes..Yes. “ [/color] she struggled to find the right words. She cursed in her mind at how this man had that power over her, she always had something to say. [color=firebrick] “ I would be honored. “ [/color] she smiled at him. [color=firebrick] “ It’s quite warm in here..I might take a moment to step outside, you’re welcome to accompany me if you wish.[/color]

[color=f26522]“I-i think that is a good idea.'[/color] ' He looked around for a moment and decided to lead the way to a balcony nearby. [color=f26522]“I truly hope you don't mind me being blunt, I just don't know how to go about these things very well.”[/color]  Roman made sure to walk slowly and keep her near his side so she could still hear him as they got closer to the balcony. He could already feel the temperature drop a little but his face still felt hot. [color=f26522]“I'm not sure how this will work with that arranged marriage you were talking about earlier. I suppose I could duel the guy or scare him.”[/color]  by the sound of his voice he was considering this as they made it to the balcony.

Violet followed beside him, her hand picking up the folds of her dress as she walked towards the balcony. [color=firebrick] “ Lord Ravenwood, I would much rather you be blunt and honest than beat around a bush. My life has been surrounded by secrets, it's refreshing.” [/color] She took a deep breath as the air hit them. It felt as if it was the first breath she had taken during that whole conversation. [color=firebrick]” I think you mistook what I was explaining, I am not promised to anyone, I wouldn't allow him to do so. Much to their frustrations, and their attempts at tossing Princes at me, I simply wasn’t interested.” [/color] she paused [color=firebrick]”I never thought I would marry, court or even simply entertain the idea. I was happy keeping to myself, reading my books in the corner of the room alone.” [/color] Leaning on the edge of the balcony [color=firebrick]”until you..” [/color] she looked up at him, the moonlight reflecting off her dark hair. 

[color=f26522]“I'm glad you would rather me be blunt, you will get along well with my family.”[/color] his big smile grew smaller as she spoke. Gently taking one of her hands in his admiration at how small it looked before clasping it with his other hand he stepped up close to her staring into her silver eyes in the light of the moon. [color=f26522]“Anyone can prefer solitude but none can endure it, that existence sounds lonely… heart breaking really. Yet it reminds me of myself getting fixated on commissions and spending likely unhealthy amounts of time at the forge and away from my family.”[/color] His voice was quiet and soft, [color=f26522]“your eyes are a portal to another place filled with magic and mystery, I could get lost in your gaze for the rest of the night. They hold happiness and sadness in tandem almost as if I can see your very soul.”[/color] his vocabulary wasn't always limited when it came to being able to admire beauty when he saw it and this… this girl was definitely beautiful.