Look at that sky... Talk about blue. [9/24, midday, on the ship: Eli/Esme, open]

[Eli Ainsley]

Eli Ainsley was having a great day. No, a spectacular day, in fact. He had woken up this morning, feeling better than he had in years; he dressed in his cleanest tunic (which still wasn't that great, but he didn't mind, no, not today) and had a leisurely breakfast. The weather was still glum, residual from the awful storm that seemed intent on raging every few hours, but Eli didn't mind. How could he? Suddenly the opportunities of the world were at his feet.

And so now, below deck, Eli moved to match his rook to Teddy's knight, and once again, the knight was managing to crush the deckhand in this particular game of chess. This was third they were playing, now being stuck under the ship to try and avoid the driving rain, but Eli was on a rather good winning streak and he just couldn't stop now. His mind drifted to other pleasurable pursuits he could be involved in, every now and then... but he tried to focus on the game instead.

"Ha!" he called out, making another crushingly decisive move. Teddy slammed his fist on the table in response. "Damn it, Eli!" he cursed, as the knight laughed. Yes, things were going just so damn well. Now if he could only find his sister somewhere in this ship to spread the good news... but Eli wasn't too worried, as he watched Teddy slave over figuring out his next move. Esme was somewhere, and Eli didn't mind just basking the glow of recent events privately.

[Esme Ainsley]

Esme pushed open the door and entered the small room where her brother and some other guy were playing a game of chess. She was bored. Bored bored bored. The ship was boring, even for a girl from Strom, and with the weather so glum she’d felt cramped for days.

She plopped down in a chair, her motion exaggerated and overdone, trying to get the attention of the two men playing chess. Apparently she failed, as Eli was too busy pissing off the other guy, who was now cussing in her presence. “Ah um!” she called out, her voice a song compared to the gruffness of the losing chessplayer.

Her legs crossed politely under her soft pink dress, Esme looked the image of perfection. And why wouldn’t she? Even on the ship, the best in the Letalis’ fleet, Esme had spent half the morning primping. Her hair was pinned up in a soft crown around her head, adorn with a few pink gems given to her by Regina. Her dress was cotton, but still lovely, trimmed in lace... another gift from Regina. But then, she would do anything to appear sweet and beautiful for her brother.

[Eli Ainsley]

Eli heard his sister enter the room, and would have greeted her, if he and Teddy weren't in such a gridlock. Instead, he held up his hand to silence her huff, and Eli could feel Esme's indignant glare at the side of his face. The knight waited a moment, puzzled, and then found his target. "Ha!" he yelled again. "Checkmate!" and Teddy hollered, taking one hand and flipping the chess table over, the pieces flying through the air and scattering across the floor. Eli just laughed, and although the deck hand continued shaking his head, both men shook over a match well met.

"Little sister!" Eli then spoke, his deep voice reverberating through the room. He bent down to kiss her on the top of her head, his hands cupping the bottom of Esme's face. Eli knew she would protest, her hairdo so ornate it could only be the product of hours painstaking process. Still, he didn't care. Ever since they were growing up, Eli's sisters had been become more and more obsessed with keeping up appearances, which he found amusing, considering it was his job to walk around dirty and covered in armor for the Letalis family.

He sat back down his seat opposite her, ignoring for the moment the pawns upon the floor. "How are you this fine day? Keeping busy I hope," he grinned, watching her glower in her seat. "What are you up to?"

[Esme Ainsley]

She glared at his hand, crossing her arms over her chest. Leave it to her brother to put a chess game before her. Those damn things could take hours, and she was already so very bored. The last thing she wanted to do was watch some game where a move could take three or four minutes! Esme contemplated getting up and finding something else to do, when her brother screamed out checkmate.

She cringed when the other man sent the chess board flying. Ship’s crewmen were so uncivilized. This was why Esme should have been born noble, as not to end up wed off to someone so uncultured! Well, a shiphand was miles below a steward, a far more likely match for Esme.

“ELI!” Esme screech as he pressed his lips to her hair. She instantly patted her curls, to ensure they were still in the right place. “Be careful! And I’m bored to tears. There is nothing to do on this ship. You would think for the Letalis flagship they’d be throwing a party every night or something.”

[Eli Ainsley]

Eli just laughed. "I know, it's really just absurd. How dare they?" he spoke, feigning indignity at the audacity of the Letalis family to not be throwing a rager that very moment. "I'm sorry that you are bored. I'm sure you can find something to do, somewhere. It's a big ship."

The knight paused then, contemplating his next move in the conversation. He wanted to tell Esme the good news; oh, how badly he wanted to tell everyone! But part of him relished holding it all inside for just that moment, reveling in the sheer impossible nature of it all. "So..." he began, watching Esme pout. "I have a surprise. Well, more like some really spectacular news to tell you. Would you like to guess?"

Eli and his sisters had often played this game, when he came home from afar, or from where ever his obligations to the Letalis family took him. He never came home empty-handed, knowing how much his sisters loved their special presents, picked out for each one specifically. He often remembered coming home to their modest living quarters, keeping all their treats concealed, making them guess what new treasures Eli brought them. He knew Esme would be tired of this game, being seventeen now and apparently too sophisticated for such foolery. But he didn't care. This was a surprise worth taking the time to contemplate.

[Esme Ainsley]

Esme reached out to slap her brother lightly on the arm. Leave it to Eli to make light of her obviously distressing situation. “Well I came here to see what you were doing, but clearly you’re activities are less exciting than mine.”

She watched him as he launched into another round of their game, but this time Esme was certain he’d hadn’t gone off to buy her something sweet. They’d been at ship for a few days now, and there had been nothing but chaos in Vadra when they’d left, with many of the merchants taking their wares and heading for the road at the break of dawn. They were smart not to stick around when the nobility played the game of death.

“Guess your news? Oh, Eli, you managed to find the most handsome nobleman to wed me off too!” she laughed, knowing she was wrong. No nobleman would wed her, no matter how much she wanted that.

[Eli Ainsley]

"No," Eli said softly, the grin on his face so wide that it began to hurt. "Not yet, at least. But we'll have to find you someone, of course, probably another bannerlord, but maybe even a Province Lord or cousin, if we make sure to pretty you up like all the other ladies of the court, eh?" He laughed. Eli was going to give it a moment to sink in. Obviously, Eli did not feel pleased with any propositioned idea of Esme being married, to anyone. But what better way to divulge the news? He knew she wanted so bad to be a part of it; all the glamour, all the gossip. And now she could.

"After all, what sister of the Lord of Tornna goes out in hand-me-downs from Regina Letalis? No, she'll have her entire own wardrobe, of course."

[Esme Ainsley]

Esme’s eyes slowly widened as each of Eli’s words hit her. At first they made no sense. “Lady of the court?” she mimicked as he continued. Only when he finally said the words, the Lord of Torrna, did everything suddenly click. She flew up, her chair falling over, as she threw her arms around Eli’s neck.

“Lord of Torrna! You are Lord of Torrna! When did this happen? Why? How! How is it that my brother is the Lord of Torrna? Oh, Eli! That makes me a Lady! A real lady! And I can wed a lord and swirl my skirts at the balls as I smile and dance with everyone and drink wine and gossip and oh Eli! I am a Lady!”

[Eli Ainsley]

Eli laughed, standing to scoop her up, holding his little sister by the waist as she held on tight to his neck. He twirled Esme around in their excitement, hugging her close before setting her down, as questions and exclamations sprang from her mouth.

"Lord Rex informed me yesterday," Eli spoke, the grin still plastered across his jovial face. "After Ramira's wedding, we will return to Strom, for a ceremony announcing my new position. And then yes, I will be an actual Lord, and you will be an actual Lady, and we will live in a grand estate. Just like, you have always wanted." Eli was happy that Esme was finally getting what she desired. He knew she wouldn't spare a thought on to how it affected him, or the pressure he would now be under. But she was just a girl. He couldn't begrudge her a little selfish happiness. More than anything, he wanted the best for all his sisters, and now he could give it to them.

Eli's face sobered for a moment. "... But let's, stave off the marrying a lord thing, just for now." He had forgotten about that. Damn.

[Esme Ainsley]

“Yesterday! And you took this long to tell me? Eli! How could you wait? What were you doing last night that you didn’t rush to my room and inform me immediately? Do our sister’s know? Have you already told them? If you told them before me Eli, I’ll... I’ll!”

She hugged him again, “I can’t be mad. I’m just too happy! A real lord and I’m a real lady! And a ceremony! We will be honored! Oh, brother, you deserve this so much. I’ve always thought you’d be a better lord than half those grumpy men who serve Lord Rex. You and so much more his style! Dashing, handsome, amazing! And I will be such the perfect lady of the court. You will see!”

Her grin was huge, almost stupid looking, but Esme couldn’t tear the smile off her face if she tried. She wanted to dance. She wanted to sing. She wanted to run and tell Regina and celebrate and party and twirl skirts over a bottle of wine with the other ladies because she finally belonged!

Esme looked back at Eli and laughed, “For a little while, brother, but you have to give me up eventually. To someone amazing and sweet who will take me to all the parties and make me feel like a princess!”

[Eli Ainsley]

Eli just continued to grin. "I was preoccupied last night. Besides, aren't surprises better when they are drawn out? And no, our sisters do not know. You can tell them, if you wish. I know how much this means to you."

The knight looked sheepishly at Esme was she prattled on about why he deserved such a title. In truth, he wasn't sure if he did, but he had no choice now. He would be the man for the job, whether he felt ready or not. "Dashing and handsome? I think you have mistaken me for another man, little sister," he laughed, as she swatted at him. "I don't really have 'style,' but I'm sure you'd be more than willing to help me in that department. Yes, I do believe you will be the perfect lady; and by lady, I mean lady, Esme," he spoke, giving his sister the eye. He knew she had a penchant for antics.

"And yes, eventually I will have to give you up, but not just yet. And when the time comes, I hope you will introduce him to me first, and allow me to inspect for myself," he lectured, knowing it was going in one ear and out the other in her excitement. "I suppose that means I'll have to find a wife, myself..."

[Esme Ainsley]

“Uh, no Eli! You didn’t draw this out! You just didn’t even think to come tell me.” Esme put back on her pout face, a challenge considering how hard her lips wanted to curl back into a smile. “In fact, I might point out, I just came to you. You didn’t even come to me! When were you planning on telling me, darling brother?”

Esme laughed, “Of course Eli! I will help you. I get all my tips from Regina anyway, and I’m sure she’ll want us both to look dashing as you accept your title. She wouldn’t approve of anything less. She really is so very sweet. I’ll be she’ll be so happy when I tell her! She’s always letting me use her things. Imagine when I have things of my own! Do you think she’ll design my dress for your ceremony? Should we wear matching outfits? All of us? In honor of the new house?”

Her hands went to her hips as Eli reminded her about being a lady. “Of course, Eli. But don’t take away all my fun! I want to enjoy the court before I am a wedded lady. And aren’t you suppose to be the one to choose for me in the end? Isn’t that a lord’s job? Or are you trusting me to find myself a husband?”

[Eli Ainsley]

Eli didn't want to tell her that Regina already knew, as that would spoil all Esme's fun. "I am sure she will be thrilled to hear the news. And yes, she is a lovely woman. I'm glad you find yourself so attached to her, as you will need all the lessons in being a... proper lady, as possible. Of course, I'm sure you don't need them, but regardless. And we can match if you want, but I don't think I'll be wearing anything nearly as extravagant as you wants yours to be."

"You should help her plan the party. I'm sure she'd love your company," he said, watching Esme squirm in happiness. "And what do you mean, 'enjoy the court...'?" he questioned, raising one eyebrow incredulously to the statement. What did she mean by that!? But Esme was already slinging away on another set of questions and statements, and he had to keep up. "And yes, I would like I say in the matter, but I want you to be happy. I'm not that kind of man, you know... the kind that makes a match without your consent or happiness for that 'benefit' of the household. I would never do that, to any of you girls. Now, if I thought he was an indecent match, or unworthy... I suppose that is a different story."

"Unless of course, you want me to pick for you..." In which case, he already knew the man. No one!

[Esme Ainsley]

Esme’s eyes glistened. “I’m sure Regina will teach me everything I need to know! She is a wonderful example, Eli. She’s so graceful and beautiful and I’ve always admired her. Now I can be a lady with her instead of just following around as part of her retinue!” The joy surged through her chest again and she could help but stand up and twirl, her arms spreading out around as the smile spread across her face. Let the crew think she was crazy; they didn’t have to right to say so aloud. Now that she was a lady, they would bow their heads and tend to her wishes and call her Lady Esme or My Lady.

She stopped and looked at Eli, the dizzy grin still on her face. “Enjoy the life of the court! The parties and the dinners and the balls and the tourneys! Oh Eli, a jouster could ask my favor while he rides! I could hand him my sleeve, just like Regina did for you. All the girls were jealous of her and her fabulous idea. And I could cheer for my knight and rider just like she cheered for you! How much fun that will be! I hope they hold another one soon, and Regina and I can wear dresses that have sleeves ready to come off!” She giggled at the thought.

“Oh, I should love to pick my Lord, but you know it’s not proper for me to go around negotiating my own match. That’s where you come in, brother.” She twirled again, and then plopped down on his lap, her head tilted up to look at his face. “After all, a real lord would want to speak with you to arrange everything properly. Oh Regina will be thrilled to help me go looking for the right one! And with the weddings in Solbra there will be so many opportunities to dance with them all!”

[Eli Ainsley]

Eli continued to grin at Esme's ecstatic twirling, holding her close as she plopped herself down in his lap. She was talking a mile a minute, and confusing Eli with all the things she referenced.

"Yes, I am sure you and Regina's detachable sleeve craze will sweep the court, and by next season your fashions will be all the rage," he mused, thinking absently about the small slip of fabric that remained stuffed in one of his trunks. "And I will negotiate your match, of course, but what if I feel like he is not enough? You won't run off on some courtly romance and escape from me, will you?"

Eli knew Esme well enough to know that no matter how swept up in fairy tales she was, she would never go as far as that. Esme may be wild, but she was his little sister, and adhered to his every word. Well... mostly. "Do you have someone in mind already?" he half joked, half feared.

[Esme Ainsley]

“Eli, I’d never choose someone who wouldn’t be suitable to you! I have fairly high standards, although I suppose I’ll never match yours. But it’s too early for that right? I’m still young and wish to enjoy the life of a single lady at court, to twirl my skirts and make the lords wish...” Esme laughed as she trailed off. She would not say that in front of Eli.

“And no, brother, you don’t yet have to worry. I have not seen someone who I fancy just yet And when I do, I will be sure to hide him from you, lest I worry that you do him in before we have the chance to misbehave!” The last was said with a twinkle in her eye. She loved to rile up her brother.

[Eli Ainsley]

Eli sighed, and felt a knot of tension arise in his shoulders. Oh, all these things he had not foreseen in accepting this lordship! He had been blinded by the power, and now it was all coming full circle in Esme, standing before him, his baby sister! Saying things he never wanted to hear, let alone think about.

"Yes, well, before you say another word that allows me to give into the rash but growing decision of locking you away in the highest tower in Tornna, run along and tell Regina; I know you want to," Eli said with a laugh, while the troubled expression on his face remained. Oh, that girl was going to put him into an early grave.

[Esme Ainsley]

“Oh thank you Eli!” Esme gushed, throwing her hands around his next again. “I do want to tell, but I swear if you lock me in that tower, I’ll offer my maidenhood to the man who sets me free! Well as long as he’s young and attracive.. and... Well maybe I shouldn’t do that.” Esme laughed at her own silliness, gave Eli a kiss upon the cheek, and then sailed out of the room, a woman walking on clouds.