Reunions of All Shapes and Sizes [4/23, evening, ALL DeLauncey's/Any 4th Floor Residents!]

[Eveline DeLauncey]

Eveline's arm was looped in her brother Lex's, but her persistence was practically pulling him forward.

"Look at how grand it all is," she said softly, ducking her head close to her brother, Eveline's voice conspiratorial and low. It was silly -- but something about the grand expanse made Eveline feel as though she should keep her voice hushed. The marvelous spiral staircase had risen higher and higher, taking them to the fourth floor wing, where Cassius had been informed that the DeLauncey family would take their residence for the duration of their stay on the island. It was a luxurious wing, Cassius had been assured by the head steward, whom seemed to shirk under the gaze of the young wolf lord. It was theirs entirely.

Well. Theirs, and just a few short corridors down, the Fitzwulfs.

"Fitzwulfs," Cassius muttered once again, begrudgingly under his breath. Then again, the man at his immediate side was technically a Fitzwulf -- but the DeLauncey's considered Atticus their own, and thus most were content to carry on their general distrust and discontent towards their distant northern cousins. Not to matter that most of their relations were within one generation of each other -- didn't matter. A Fitzwulf is still a Fitzwulf.

Eveline glanced back to where her eldest brother and Atticus Hound were trailing behind, their voices low but heated, and heard a sharp laugh from Cassius and the slap of Atticus' hand against her brother's back. She smiled, watching them slip seamlessly back in together. Atticus had been gone for weeks, almost a few months now but... it never really mattered. They were already glued to one another again.

Her green eyes reverted to the path before her, down the long corridor, the patterned carpet dancing with cavorting animals beneath, all of the emblems of the major houses finding their way into the decals within the walls. No doubt the rest of their family was trailing behind -- and perhaps their Aunts and Uncles who had remained on the island would be waiting for them.

[Thelonius Larson DeLauncey]

Larson walked along quietly but his eyes were scanning the area. He finally decided, with a little encouragement from his gut, to speak up. He popped around the other side of his brother and Eve with a grin on his face.

"Who is the daring soul that is brave enough to adventure the castle with me in search for a food source? This is a top secret mission, snacks are involved, only those who are brave survive!" Yeah Thelonius wasn't completely dramatic, well not all the time, only when it was time to entertain.

[Lucius Kaedon DeLauncey]

Lucius followed along behind his family, Marchie still on his arm. The twins’ mother was behind them, still chatting along with Josephine about the recent news in the castle and what Josie had been up to in The Hollows.

“I don’t see why Cassius cares so much about the Fitzwulfs. He stayed with them for years anyway,” he muttered under his breath, although he was sure at least Marchie could hear. And Atticus was a Fitzwulf, and so was Jon, and Lucius had to admit he couldn’t wait to see Jon.

“I wonder who else will be staying on this floor.” Because there had to be someone attractive in one of those houses...

[Atticus Hound]

Atticus was composed and relaxed in his excitement, but that didn't make his attention to and appreciation of his surroundings any less obvious. He reached out and trailed his fingers along the plaster seams of a mosaic mural as they passed it, eyes gleaming like the jewel-bright tiles. The castle was certainly exquisite. Even more than that, though, sharing discovery of a new place with the DeLaunceys, rather than leaving them behind for his own adventure, was itself something he hadn't done in years - not since some of their visits to the Vandermark banner lords - and he had not realized how much he missed it.

He caught Cassius' scornful muttering as they passed the hallway where the Fitzwulfs would be staying. Atticus had not yet seen either his half-siblings or their family, and he had his own mixed feelings on that front. Rather than getting into the matter, he merely smirked. "Cheer up, Teddy. After all, we have other, more pleasant neighbours sharing a hall with us." He grinned. "The Harcourts are a lively bunch, and Landalis too." He was leaving out a house of much importance to his friend, but the mischief in his expression indicated this was very much on purpose.

[Eveline DeLauncey]

"Lars, you know I'd love the honor of being part of your big plan -- but don't you want to get settled first? Explore? I know that what you listen to more than your head is your stomach, but you can't be starving already," Eveline said lightly, a smile on her lips, swatting lightly at her brother.

[Cassius Theodore DeLauncey]

"Yeah, Atticus, those savage Harcourts and the pretentious --" Cassius began before he caught himself. No, no more judgement like the second son. He had to approach things like the Province Lord: enigmatic, benevolent. Cassius was always one to watch his tongue and his personal assessments, but perhaps it was just the jostle of this day, and the impending weeks that were already putting Cassius on edge.

But instead of dwelling on this he smiled, the sound of his hand hitting hard on his best friend's back making a clapping noise, reverberating throughout the massive hallway. Atticus was back. This was manageable. "You are wisely forgetting the best part, my friend, but soon enough she will be here and you'll have to stomach her presence once more," Cassius said with a laugh, his eyes almost instantly moving forward again down the hall. His extended family was scattered about around him, Eveline to the front, practically dragging the twins down the lavishly carpeted corridor. Already the servants had begun to bring things to their quarters, but Cassius knew it would take some time to get settled. He could care less -- much rather leave it to Eve, or Jo and Marchie to figure out his wardrobe and plans. Cassius had to hitting the ground running already, little time to explore and already with a booked schedule.

But he'd find her, somewhere in those fleeting free moments.

[Tiberius Lexington DeLauncey]

Lex was managing to keep pace with Eveline, but just barely. He had his hand over hers on his arm, his head ducked close to hers so he could hear her hushed voice. "It certainly is grand...grand and huge," he said, his voice only a little louder than hers. He didn't feel the same need to whisper, but he wasn't going to not play along.

He laughed out loud when Lars started whining about food already. He nodded his agreement to Eve. "Snacks soon, yes, but I'd kind of like to see where I'm sleeping first, find escape routes, scope out the scene. Then we can find the sneakiest path to the kitchens."

[Marcheline Forthwind]

Still strolling along on Lucius' arm, Marcheline began to remember the castle- memories of her childhood flooded back. “I missed it here. There was a corridor down here Josie and I used to play in with a few of the other children. I got locked in the closet there once.” She made a face. “Some the children were horrible. I even used to get mud on my dresses.” She wrinkled her nose. “The Fitzwulfs aren't so bad are they?” She asked innocently.

“Cassius you wouldn't mind it so much if I stayed with my mother and father? I mean Josie and I haven't seen them in awhile and papa has plenty of room.” She missed her father's house here on the island that was for sure. “I already had my things brought over there. Lucius you should pick your room!” Marcheline smiled. “And at least make sure you're dressed properly.” She pulled on his tunic a little to straighten it. “There, now you look handsome as ever.” She smiled at Eveline too. It was nice to be here again.

[Thelonius Larson DeLauncey]

"Eveie!" Thelonius whined to his sister. "Do you see this face?" he asked as he drew a circle around his head with his finger. "This is the face that needs to be fed! I'm a growing boy and I'm hungry!"

He laughed, walking along with his siblings, they knew he was teasing. Adventure was always his thing anyways! "So where shall we start exploring once we get unpacked?"

[Cassius Theodore DeLauncey]

"Marchie, if you'd like to stay with your parents, I won't begrudge you that opportunity -- I know how rare it is you get to see them. But, of course, you'll be passing up the far superior accommodations of the castle for the manors... but if that is your prerogative..." Cassius said lightly, slipping into informal nicknames, knowing fully well he was messing with his cousins obsession with the lavishness of courtly life.

He was about to make another sidelong comment when they finally arrived before the grand double-doors of the main chamber that would lead to their estate rooms. The molding on the outside doors had been refashioned just for the occasion, and Cassius took a close step, his eyes narrowing, watching the dancing wolves leaping through the carved scenery. "Impressive. Or just desperate?" Cassius said lightly, glancing to Lexington, who was now at his side, Eveline having practically dragged him there. He shrugged at his brother, laughing slightly, before pushing wide open the double doors in theatrical expression.

Cassius was a Province Lord and Guardian of the Mark... but he was still Cassius, and couldn't help but slip into old relaxed habits around his family.

[Eveline DeLauncey]

"It's magnificent!" The words barely escaped Eveline's mouth before she set off through the open double doors into the main parlor, which was... needless to say, massive. Where did all this space come from? In the back of her mind, Eveline did reflect lightly on a needless expenditure -- Castle Licorn hardly needed the expanse that it somehow hid; it's exterior did nothing to betray the true depths of its separate apartments.

Still. Eveline was excited; she could not help herself. Everything was filagree and clearly had been temporarily redecorated with its newest occupants in mind. Everything hinted at DeLauncey -- from the burgundy brocade drapes over the bay windows, drawn for the evening, to the silver and gold sconces that were already lit against the wall.

Cassius could barely keep his family together before they set off in separate directions, to find their bedrooms, Eveline dragging the twins after her.

[Josephine DeLauncey]

"Yes, Cassius, Mother wanted us to stay with them." Josephine knew that Cassius wouldn't mind, but she had to smile a bit behind her hand when he needled Marchie about missing the castle's extravagance.

Josie was curious to see their accommodations, even though she wouldn't be staying with them, and they did not disappoint. The seneschal had clearly gone all out making the Province families feel comfortable in the castle. Eveline had her own rooms, being the only girl in her branch, and they were truly wonderful. "Oh, Eveline, this will be so nice!"

[Tiberius Lexington DeLauncey]

"Can I go with 'all of the above'?" Lex replied to his brother. It was impressive that they'd gone to all the effort, but also kind of...tacky? And a bit wasteful. What money had been spent redoing carvings around doorways that could have been put to better use somewhere else? And to what end? So that the families would remember the grandeur and gesture the royal family had made, he supposed. But it still left him with a bit of a bad taste in his mouth.

Lex didn't have long to contemplate it, though. Evie still had a good grip on his arm, and although she'd stopped for a moment to be impressed, he was soon hauled along after her. He briefly glanced back at Cassius, who was very quickly being left behind as their sister pulled him away, shrugging with something of a helpless look on his face. He'd hang out with Cass later, though; now was the time to explore with his sister.

Eveline's rooms were the first they came to, and they were quite impressive. She had a small parlour of her own, and a lavish bedroom beyond. While she was exploring, Lex managed to extricate his arm from hers, and he grabbed Lars's shirt and tugged him into the hallway again. "Let's see what they've given us, eh?" He wasn't sure whether to expect them to be sharing a room or not; it wouldn't be bad if they were, and with the family the size it was, he wouldn't have blamed them. But they were directed to a parlor that had two bedrooms adjoining, and that suited just fine.

[Eveline DeLauncey]

Eveline could not help herself.

Tiberius had departed from her side with Thelonius in tow, but Eveline was too fixated on the plush bed ahead of her, clearly thickened with lower padding and a coverlet of rich silk, creme in color with a running burgundy wolf. Without another moment's hesitation, Eveline laughed and grabbed her cousin Josephine's hand and tugged her after her, taking a great leap and throwing herself on to the bed in a short, wild abandon. Just as she imagined, they both sunk into the thick down covering.

"How absurdly extravagant," Eveline laughed, practically sinking in the covers. She put her hands beneath her head and stared up at the high ceilings, enjoy the momentary respite. "... I still can't believe we are finally here," she said after a moment, her voice hushed, glancing over to Josephine with a look of rather unbridled hope.

[Josephine DeLauncey]

"It's so much more glorious than I remember," Josephine said, smiling back at her cousin, clearly enjoying the room. "I guess I was just not paying attention when I was young." She was happy to stay with her parents, she wanted to see her parents more than she needed to stay in these beautiful rooms, but they were quite beautiful. She could not wait to attend events in the castle. If there were the quarters, what would the ballrooms look like?

"I can't wait to see everything else. These are just the guest quarters!" The ballrooms, the libraries, the halls, the gardens, everything just seemed more grand here, even though their castle at the Hollows was a capital.

[Eveline DeLauncey]

Eveline laughed, her gaze returning to the vaulted ceiling above them. She felt light, more relaxed than she had felt in a long time -- but still, on the edge, like a taut string waiting to be sprung, or snapped. It was exciting, having something to look forward to.

"I know! Imagine what the library is like, or the dining hall. I can barely wait. And the ball! I can barely wait," Eveline spoke again, with renewed excitement.

[Marcheline Forthwind]

“Who would want to go into the library?” Her nose wrinkled at the thought. “Unless it has some stories about knights and maidens. Those are the best kind.” But before she lost her train of thought she gave Cassius a hug. “Thank you! I knew you wouldn't mind. Besides the castle will be plenty busy Cassius with all the others that are staying here.”

Marchie was more excited for the ball. “I wish the ball were sooner. How hard can it be for the King to pick a bride? Doesn't he just fall in love with whoever he wants? He is a King. He should marry for love.” Those were her thoughts on the matter.

[Josephine DeLauncey]

Josephine rolled her eyes a bit. "I'd like to see the libraries, at least, Marchie. They have more books than you've ever seen in these libraries, even more extensive than the ones at the Vandermark." Marchie had little interest in books, it seemed, even in their lessons. Her talents lay elsewhere. It was fine, there was room for all kinds.

"Well, Marchie," Josie started, ready and willing to indulge her fantasy of marrying for love. It might happen - as long as he fell in love with someone well-born, only the council had any say in it aside from Adrien himself. "He has to get to know us before he can say he's in love with us, right? He should get to know us first, I think." She certainly would want to get to know him before she was betrothed, even though it would be an honor for the family. She wanted to be in love with her husband, even he did turn out to be the King.

[Eveline DeLauncey]

Eveline propped herself up on her elbows on the plush comforter of her bed, and looked at her cousins, considering her response to Marcheline's words. Yes, Eveline would like to think that the King would marry for love -- that all of them, would marry for the sheer desire to spend their time with one other person for the rest of their lives. And she didn't want to downplay her cousin's desires, nor put a pessimistic view of life before her. But Eveline also believed in being realistic.

"That would be nice, Marcheline, and something I am sure he wants as well -- but the King will inevitably marry the best political match for him. Whether or not her loves her. But I'm sure love, in some ways, can come with time." Eveline smiled lightly, and reached across the bed to grab Marcheline's hand. "Lucky you both, marrying a DeLauncey is best match he could make!" Eveline added, laughing lightly.

[Marcheline Forthwind]

Marcheline frowned. “Libraries so dull! Except for the books on love and the old tales. I wonder if they do have more about famous heroes here than in the Hollows.” Josie said the library was bigger and better. Yet she smiled at her cousin and grasped Eveline's hand. “The King should marry you. You're the prettiest out of us all and Cassius' sister. Besides my mom is already a Princess so I am royal. Well in a way.” She added. “But how wretched to never marry for love! Why can't anyone marry for love? I will marry a Knight who loves me.” Yes, Marcheline was sure of it. “But being a Queen would mean I'd have the best dresses in the kingdom.”