King's Castle

King Romulus Vitus

"Ulrich--!" Romulus exclaimed, stepping down his platform to clasp a hand on the shoulder of the blond. "Wipe that grim look off your face. Look how amusing this place is now. Isn't it great?" He chuckled, sipping his wine.

Ulrich Ritter


Ulrich's attention was drawn back to the king when he heard his name and the greeting. "I always wear this 'grim look' on my face," he couldn't help himself but to comment that, although he quickly concentrated the topic in another direction. "It quite differs from it's usual state, I have to agree on that," he added. "However, I'm surprised that it didn't take that long to make it look this way."

King Romulus Vitus

"The power of numbers, at its best." The king regarded the allotted time for preparations in the castle.
"I imagine you would have worn that grim look on your wedding day. As well as on your sons' and daughters' name days." Romulus poked around the thought, expecting some reaction from the other. "How dreadful. I know I shouldn't, but I partly feel sorry."

Ulrich Ritter

"You're right. You shouldn't feel sorry, I can't see the reason why you would be," the blond replied. "By now I had a feeling you already got used of my face. I guess I was wrong," he simply included a slight hint of sarcasm while being careful his comment wouldn't be insulting. He took a sip of his wine from the cup he was holding. "This brand is not ordinary," he spoke in hopes to get the conversation flow elsewhere, "from where is it? Is it in your knowledge?"

King Romulus Vitus ((

"Apparently not... or I just want to share my happiness to everyone around me." He grinned, the smile not entirely reaching his eyes for some certain reason. Romulus wasn't exactly all white without black. He did experience his fair share of grief in the world, the death of his queen was one of the darkest. But he knew how to play things a little to the bright side without ever forgetting his past.

"Aye. The best in the kingdom." He smirked, swirling the wine inside his chalice. The viscosity of the red-brown drink was very well evident -- depicting the true quality of a good wine. "One, of course, that came from my home. Where else?" It was smooth, and with just the right dryness and acidity. "Being a Viresi has its perks." May it be that one of his intentions to this ball is to boost the production of Viresi wine, as well as their cheese and other delicacies. A taste of tonight's indulgence may go a long way, considering other lords and ladies are expected.

Alfred Atherton

The Atherton knight made his appearance not as the Lord Commander, but as an Atherton, bearing its proud sigil. The gorget around his neck and shoulders was made of gold, as expected from someone of his status, and on its heart was the golden lion of the house. Alfred wore a black surcoat with a crimson velvet cloth hanging loosely on one side of his body, fastened by a leather belt. On his fingers were rings of ruby and gold.

One reason for such prestigious attire was for him to show the Lady of Dvorets Black how he was not just some knight like she must have thought. Though it would not be of any benefit to him, the lad wanted to impress such a woman. She did not appear to be present by the time he entered the Great Hall. Surely, she must be invited. He had still to reap his reward.

Another reason was the weight of his armor. The maester did what he could to prepare him for the night, in contrary to his recommendations. His wounds were still fresh and painful. But nothing he said could convince Alfred otherwise. There was no use trying to stop a young heart's desires. Having such armor would only burden his injured body. Every step down the steps of the entrance was a struggle. Alfred could barely walk without wobbling. But for honor's sake, he tried enduring it despite it being no easy task.

Natalya Czarina

Alas, the first Czar arrived in the castle. The belle stepped out of her carriage, followed by Koshechka as they made their grand entrance. She wore a black sleeveless gown, complementing her tolerance for the temperature with a bow on its collar and accents of silver on its skirt. The trademark of the Czar's silver hair was well exhibited by letting her curls fall with a hair piece made of silver and sapphires. On her neck was a choker with the crest of the Czar tiger emblazoned.
With every step, she tried to conceal a hiss from the pain on her leg, arm and several bruises around her torso. The black evening glove of silk did serve their purpose well.
After tending the wounds and bruises, she looked as if she just stepped out of her carriage from Dvorets Black instead of the Tourney Arena.

Natalya immediately scanned the great hall for her brother upon joining the room. She saw the king, his hand, several other noble persons and common alike from different regions of the realm. Of which made her feel quite uncomfortable. Never did they hold a party in the Dvorets, more so with a grand ball. Isolation was the only option along with the harsh cold never ending winter.
"Come, let's look for him." She motioned the tiger, very much eager to find her brother. At least his company would aid her from this discomfort.

Ulrich Ritter


"I suppose sharing happiness is not a bad thing to do. In fact, there's too little of it these days," Ulrich slightly nodded his head. However, he noticed the small mood drop in the air. Not wanting for the conversation to swing in a negative direction, he rather moved the topic back to the wine. "Why am I not surprised?" He replied. Anyone in Aether had to admit the best wine came from Vires, no matter if the person was to hold and hatred towards the Vitus family.

His cunning glance flickered around the room every now and then. Beetween people that were still coming -the night was still young, after all- he recognized the Lord Commander who was proudly presenting his house, and with a corner of his eyes he saw one of the Czar sisters as far as his memory told him.
"I have a feeling that tonight is going to be interesting," he said out of the blue.

King Romulus Vitus

"Indeed, my mere existence is already a favor to this world," he japed with a laugh. "And the Viresi wine is the gift of god. Just as I am, might I add. We just keep getting better with age." Romulus sipped his wine with much contentment and a smug look on his face, one might add.

"Always have to keep the ball rolling," The king flashed a wolfish grin, tapping Ulrich by his chest to signal him to follow his lead. He stepped down the steps and took another cup of wine from his servants before heading to greet the lady of one of Aether's great houses.

"Lady Czarina--" He called out. " -- of Silny. Welcome to my most humble abode."

Ulrich Ritter


"I cannot disagree on the last part," the hand let a small, silent sigh escape his throat. He had managed to take another sip of the wine from his goblet before he was silently ordered to follow the king. He didn't hesitate and his step followed Romulus', quickly figuring that they were headed towards the silver-haired woman, dressed in colours of the House Czar.

"Good evening. It is an honour to have you present," Ulrich also greeted Lady Czarina. His words came with a small nod while his expression didn't change a bit - still the neutral mask. He quickly eyes the tiger by the woman, but quickly looking back up to her.

Althed Atherton

Upon hearing the king call out someone Alfred had been keenly interested in, his head immediately turned, eyes went to see where the king was and averting to the direction he was looking at.

"Marvelous," he muttered to himself, sipping on a glass of wine to feed his courage. She was indeed the same woman he faced with in the arena earlier that day. Only this time her face was cleaned, her hair groomed and dressed, her bruised and wounded body garbed in a lady's clothes. A smile crept on his lips. Indeed, she was beautiful. She looked as if one of the maidens mentioned in songs and fables, where their beauty was more divine than human. It may be because he found her features so exotic that he was so drawn to it. As he assumed, she was the Lady of Dvorets Black and one of the sisters of Lord Ivan. She was a lady of a shap tongue and even sharper blades. There was something about that he loved.

He let the king and his hand pay their courtesies before he could. But his feet were already taking him toward them, eager to reintroduce himself.

King Romulus Ritter

"Please," he offered her a cup of wine. "Lady Czarina, I don't suppose a beautiful woman such as yourself would be better off in solitude." Romulus scanned his surroundings, before finally noticing the large feline behind the belle.

"Ah-- Lovely specimen you have here..." The king cheered, attempting to give the tigress a closer study. "Yours, I presume?" The feline emitted a low growl as an advise to the king to keep further distance.
"How come we don't have wolves running around the castle?" He asked Ulrich after taking a step back. "Such a shame. Look at how efficient they are."

____________


Natalya Czarina

"Oh--" Her expression obviously faltered. Not being very fond of the King himself, or anyone who isn't a northmen to be more precise. "Your grace, Lord Ritter," still out of good manners, she curtsied. Even of a person without an interest to the population of the realm, it wasn't that hard to remember of whom the families belonged to. Easier to identify them for one is based on their hair.
'The Vitus are all brunets, Lius of straight black hair. Most Atherton and Ritter are blonds, only the Ritters wore a more... stern expression always,' she remembered her Septa's voice during one of their lessons.

'While the Czars are the only ones with locks kissed by the winter,' Natalya thought to herself. 'And with that, it must be kept pure.'

"It's an honor to be invited by the King himself, and be graced by his presence," she couldn't help but to flash a dry smile, not pleased with having to be obliged to follow the common courtesy. "I am not alone, I am with Koshechka. I see you have taken her into liking... She wouldn't hesitate to rip your throat and limbs apart-- be careful, your grace." Natalya deadpanned without much concerns to the king.

On the corner of her eyes, she noticed the familiar blond knight now garbed in precious clothing one might consider the likes of lords would wear. "It would be very dangerous to raise wolves in the Capitol, King Romulus. One could never anticipate if they will attack. Koshechka's an exception, I raised her since we were both little." She grit her teeth in irritation. Lilac eyes glaring at Alfred as she spoke. "And even lions, for that matter. Savages."

Alfred Atherton

"She's a beautiful creature," Alfred noted as he walked up to the group. His eyes were on the tigress at first, remembering a friend of his he had not seen in a while. If he could never befriend the lady, at least save the tigress from the same fate. Alfred was tempted to feel its fur. "I think trained wolves would be a great addition. And I get to play with them, so it is an aye for me." Her comment about lions were obviously directed at him, to which made him smirk at her direction. "Lions are majestic beasts, I tell you, my lady. I have trained one since my early days as a child. He's a friendly creature, that I can assure you." He turned to the king and his hand, bowing formally in front of them. "Your grace, my lord." And in turn, he looked at Natalya, grabbing the hand that he had not injured and brought it upon his lips. "My lady." His eyes looked at her meaningfully, as if they were telling a scene with an obscure picture. "I'm afraid I haven't gotten your name yet, Lady Czarina." And eager he was to know.

Ludwig Ritter
Ludwig soon arrived at the ball, dressed in the black and yellow of his house- though he tried to to over-do it and only trimmed the mostly black and brown outfit with yellow to suit the Ritter coat of arms. He cracked his knuckles before allowing his arms to rest by his sides. Unsure of what to do with them, they were soon folded across his chest. Ludwig alternated between a few other resting poses such as having his hands in pockets or clasped behind his back, but he soon returned them to the folded position against his chest.
The blond noted some of the guests, looking towards the small group and considering the options of greeting them. Deciding that his presence at the doorway was currently unnoticed, Ludwig simply stood by the wall and appreciated the decorations. He noticed the food and drink, but having just arrived he neglected that for now. After all, the only thing he was thirsty for was the bae.
That being said, he did have a life outside Feliciano, and he considered the current state of the soon-to-be knights in training that he was helping with at the moment. There certainly were plenty mistakes the squires were making so thinking of ways to ensure that the boys got all the knowledge they needed from their experience was definitely something that Ludwig could think about for the time being.

The king frowned for a quick moment before it quickly altered into a smile. The Northerners are always so cold and harsh -- completely the opposite of Vires. And somehow, he has often overlooked that side every now and then.
"Ah yes, you're just in time Ser Alfred. Perfect, perfect! And you're willing to train them, I hope?" Romulus grinned, patting the knight's back. So may it be that he'll never win the favors of the Czars no matter what he'll do, but that doesn't mean they are allowed to reject him as their king. Everyone considered to be a citizen of Aether is bound to it before he is even born.
"Ulrich, do you not agree? This is a marvelous idea!" He laughed, shrugging the pessimism off. It wouldn't serve any good.



Natalya's expression never changed, on the other hand. She kept her cold gaze on Alfred, following every movement and silently begrudging him with all her might. The tension may be worth of an observation but Romulus was too distracted with his band of wolves to even notice.
"I trust not your words, Ser... Your grace might want to consider a specialist upon this matter, not just a knight with a passion to raise animals. These are wolves, not pups." But then again, it would be of her entertainment if they would go berserk and injure the knight by any chance. A bonus it would be if they caused the king trouble.
His display of admiration made her scoff and roll her eyes before pulling her hand. "Excuse me, my lords. I have to find my brother." She dismissed quickly, turning her back and stepping away from the group without an answer to Lord Alfred.

Ludwig Ritter
Sadly it didn't take long to become bored of thinking of ways to essentially torture young boys with jumping jacks and jousting.
He soon approached the group of people, nodding politely to Natalya as she passed and greeting the others verbally. "Father, Your highness. The decorations are certainly decorative tonight." He said for lack of anything more eloquent to say. Ludwig glanced around the room to see if anyone else had arrived, but when he didn't see the person in mind he looked back to the two elderly men.

Ulrich Ritter


As the topic was brought back to the big feline next to Lady Czarina, Ulrich's glance turned back down. He greeted Ser Alfred when the Atherton joined them, and for the next few moments he kept quiet. He was never the loudest in a conversation where at least the king was present - only in such where he would have the complete upper hand. Since that was not the case, he spoke up only when his opinion was asked. "On this matter I have to agree with Lady Czarina," he said, "if wolves or lions were to roam beetween people they would have to be trained well. Wild animals are still wild animals. It might seem appealing but the matter of putting people's lives in danger would have to be considered." While the topic was discussed he actually recalled raising a hawk when he was still around the age of ten - however the bird flew away soon. After that, he didn't consider raising another bird predator, realising that an animal won't be different. Although some said the hawk would've stayed if it would be an eagle, the animal of House Ritter, but Ulrich didn't exactly believe that.

As he watched the silver-haired woman leave, another voice caught his attention and he turned around. "Ludwig," he greeted his son, "it's good to see you again." It was a while since he left Adlerhorst to begin his service as the hand, and the occasion to see his family was rare. He eyed Ludwig - did he grew taller or was it just him?

Ludwig Ritter

Ludwig tried not to take notice of the wild animal- it really was spectacular how different the Czars' culture could be to his own. Ludwig had a dog, and he certainly didn't ask it to join him at royal balls and other such events. Naturally the pet confused him, as he simply could not comprehend the need for such an animal other than showing off and possible murder. It seemed a little unnecessary to him, but Ludwig was aware that he did unnecessary things himself so he couldn't bring himself to pass judgement regarding the creature. It did look like a magnificent specimen in any case.
"And you, Father, I had thought I'd see you here." Even if his father was not currently serving under the king as his hand, Ludwig would have suspected that he would see his father here anyway. Romulus and Ulrich were clearly the closest bros. Stupendously close, platonic friends, obviously.
Ludwig had in fact grown since he had last had the opportunity to see his father, however at his age he still had about a quarter of an inch to grow before he reached his final height. "How have you been?" He posed the question not only because it was a failsafe when it came to sentence starters, but because he honestly wanted to know how his old man was doing.

Emma Janssens

It was her first time in such a prestigious place such as this, and it was beginning to show. The pastry chef/baker had given a few of her treats to the ball, hoping it would boom business for her bakery. However, it wasn't the time to make a business deal. It was time to socialize with the people that were attending since most of them were members of royal families of the kingdoms including her own. Despite this, she was nervous as she could ever be. She didn't want to make a complete fool of herself in front of members of high society. She took a deep breath and began to walk with her head held high. She had to fake her confidence until she made it, and that's exactly what she planned on doing.

Ulrich Ritter


Even a blind man would see that Ulrich and Ludwig were releated. With an exception of Ulrich's quite longer hair and older face they were almost identical, and they were already around the same height. All of his children were growing, and due to his title he couldn't be with them in their final stages of growth. But despite that there was nothing that could be done and Ulrich just had to push his fatherly attachments to the side.
"I've been well," he responded to the other blonde. "Tell me, how are things back in Adlerhorst? Does the castle still stand?"

Ludwig Ritter


Ludwig nodded in response. He had grown to accept the necessary distance of his father, he had never particularly liked it but during recent years he couldn't bring himself to dislike it either. Dislike would be wasted on a situation such as this, after all his father was doing very important work for Romulus and for the regions from which the people under Vitus rule hailed from and it would just be selfish to do anything other than imitate his father and push any feelings about this to the side. He still had Gilbert anyway, who was as good as any and quite possibly the best and worst older brother a person could ever have the pleasure to be born a few years after.
Upon noticing another member of the group of people in the room whom Ludwig had inwardly dubbed 'party goers that I either don't know or am currently trying to make desperate conversation with', he wondered if he should somehow notify the other person that he was aware of their presence. He settled with simply staring at the person as he wondered what else to say to his father. His gaze was soon back on the blond before him and he replied with the words. "Unless something has happened while I was travelling here, yes. It was fine when I left- though many trees in the orchard have failed to grow a sufficient amount of apples this year." He explained, including the mundane and unimportant mention of 25% less apples than they usually grew for lack of anything better to say. Making conversation with Ulrich had always been...difficult. He'd been happy to sit alongside him as a child in a silence that they both upheld but at a party silence was not the easiest thing to maintain.
He did nod towards Emma, deciding that a wave was too familiar for a person who he did not know and that staring was apparently unnerving and something that he should try not to do as much as he did. He didn't say anything else, content with the familiar silence that he could easily share with his father.

Ulrich Ritter


He wasn't sure whenether it was funny or sad that he did not have the ability to continue a conversation from the information about the lack of apples in this season. While it was true that Ulrich and Ludwig mostly spent their time together in silence -and were comfortable with it-, some time passed since they last saw each other. The older Ritter was actually quite curious about everything he had missed during the time of living in the Capitol, although his emotionless expression didn't quite indicate that. He couldn't just shower his son with questions either. Even if he would do that normally, he couldn't afford it here, surrounded by important names and faces. It wouldn't be good for his reputation if he was to start interviewing Ludwig right here about everything like an overprotective father.
That's why he rather tried to dismiss the curiosity and concentrated on what, or who was in front of him. He noticed his son eyeing someone, but he couldn't quite determine who exactly due to many people being around. With a corner of his eye he still watched Romulus in case he as a hand would be needed. Another part of him was just thinking about how to overcome this awkward, unpleasant silence. "Is Gilbert not coming?" He asked, realising that Ludwig's older brother wasn't seen today yet, at least not by his eyes. "Or did you two seperate at some point?"

Ludwig Ritter

Ludwig could only start his reply with a shake of the head. "I haven't seen Gilbert lately...I believe he is currently located somewhere here in the Capitol and I'm sure he would be attending at some point tonight. I had remained in Unire, until tonight, that is, but it has been a while since I last contacted Gilbert. I would say about a month?" Ludwig replied. His arms were not unfolded for the entire conversation, as having them in the position that they were in was much more satisfying that awkwardly finding something else to do with them. He was tempted to get something from the snack table for the sake of having something to hold.
"I have no doubts that he will show up tonight though, most likely with an impressive entrance or by being fashionably late if I know Gilbert at all.." He added dryly, the ends of his lips quirking up with amusement. His brother certainly was noticeable, but without someone stood at the door to announce each guest as they entered it seemed his brother would be left to create his own fanfare.
"Things at home are fine, and the Castle is in good shape..though I'm currently worried for the next generation of Knights, not that they won't be whipped into shape rather easily once they start to actually listen to the rules and take note of the instructions..." He paused for a moment to frown before raising his head. "May I ask how things are here?"

Alfred Atherton

"Someone of better expertise would be more appropriate for the job, your grace. Though I have no objection as to help. Pups are easier to train and a hundred times more adorable."

He frowned at the lady's abruptness. He could feel her distaste as if he was tasting it with his own tongue, but the lad was nothing if he was not obstinate. "My lords," he curtly said before taking his leave, following Natalya closely behind. "What's her name, then?" He asked her, referring to the white tigress. "I have never seen a white tiger before. She's quite the charmer." He watched the way her skirt moved as she walked and looking for any signs of struggle. "More importantly, how are you feeling?" It was genuine concern he expressed. Part of him was guilty. But the pain he felt all over his body was a sturdy reminder that he already got what he deserved in return.

King Romulus Vitus

"I grant you leave, madame." He nodded at Natalya as she left. It quite disappointed him to hear the opinions of the two upon the matter, but he did agree that they made sense. Certainly, this would not be the last of his trying.
"Yes, yes. You might want to follow her, ser." A wolfish grin flashed his face directed at Alfred. Of course, he of all people would know attraction when he's seen one. And definitely he's very eager to watch how things would happen from his chair.

"Ah! Ludwig, greetings. I'm glad you could come." Romulus smiled at the lad. He watched the two converse, unhelpfully feeling a little bit envious himself. He did miss his sons. And by any reason unknown they haven't been around as of late. "I will give you two time to catch up," He placed an assuring hand on Ludwig's back before leaving them be. "A pleasure to see you, lad."