Once In A Wild Afternoon [4/22, mid-morning, Reagan/OPEN]

[Reagan Morgandy]

She had departed from the lavish chambers she shared with her sister, early in the morning. Cordelia no doubt would note her sister's absence quickly, but Reagan had no mind to be gone terribly wrong -- it was not fitting for a banner lady to be in attendance to the lords of Lacharn without her heir by her side. Still, Reagan had wanted a chance to stretch her legs inside the city, and this was the best time as any.

The city market was bustling now, due to the influx of nobility into the capital. It was beneficial for all; the capital city could appreciate a boom in commerce it had not experienced in over a decade, and along with the noble families came their retinues, extended branches, servants, and retainers. Many of these came with their own regional goods to peddle, and thus Reagan found the market streets overflowing that morning, an exotic bazaar boasting fine wines from Lacharn and treated pelts from the Westerlands. The smell of spices infiltrated the air and Reagan breathed deeply, pulling her furs more tightly around her shoulders. The air was still rather damp, threatening dark rain clouds gathering overhead, but that did not daunt those peddling their wares, nor dampened their customers intrigue. Reagan's grey silk skirts swished against her legs, her raven hair pulled into a tail that lay lazily over one shoulder. She enjoyed this solace, even in a crowd of hundreds.

[Nathaniel Merrick]

Nathaniel had been on his way back to the manor, a bottle of Lacharn wine purchased from the market in one hand, when he spotted the fur-clad figure, a vague familiarity to his eyes. From her features she was obviously Lacharner, too, and he placed her as a native of Enyon, mistakenly as Cordelia at first, before realising that that was not quite right. The younger sister, then; the heir. Nathaniel's ready smile grew a hair, a slight twinkle sparking in his eyes. It was good to see the arrivals from Lacharn- and from all of the provinces, in fact- easing into their new surroundings so quickly.

She looked alone, and he approached without the barest hint of hesitation.

"Lady Reagan." He smiled, bowing his head in respect. "What brings you out this way so early?" He was hosting the banners from Lacharn within his home, but in spite of that they had never really had the chance to speak.

[Reagan Morgandy]

Nathaniel's presence was a bit abrupt to Reagan, but she faltered only a moment before recognizing the face. "Lord Merrick," she said lightly, a hint of surprise in Reagan's voice, and she smiled. She dipped her head slightly in respect, knowing he wouldn't take offense to her lack of a full curtsy. Lacharn was different, and Reagan was more than pleased she rarely had to participate in those silly customs of gender subordination. "Just looking to stretch my legs. The skies suggest we will be spending the next few days indoors, so I wanted to enjoy the local splendor while I could."

"And yourself?" Reagan glanced at the bottle held in Nathaniel Merrick's hand, and Reagan let hazard a laugh, her grey eyes returning to the Authority of Diplomacy's handsome face. "Starting early today, my Lord? Or perhaps just nostalgic for homeland tastes? If you were looking for some delectable reds, you should have let us know. The Morgandy family is known for our gluttonous coveting of Lacharn's southern wineries."

[Nathaniel Merrick]

"Force of habit, I'm afraid." He admitted, his smile turning only the smallest bit sheepish. "I'm often nostalgic, and there is nothing quite like a good Lacharn wine." He raised the bottle, rotating it slowly in his hand. "Alas, this is all they sell here at the market. A tragic, heart-rending thing, is it not?" Especially given that Lacharn happened to be so very, tantalisingly close. Still, it was nice to have run into Reagan out here. She was a reminder of home, the strength and grace of its women. That was not to say that he did not enjoy his life at court, as well as the people whom he worked with. It was simply that he sometimes missed the ability to freely travel, come and go. As the youngest Merrick son he had frequently found himself largely overlooked, and nobody sorely minded when he went. Now... he was certainly in high demand.

"I wouldn't describe the Morgandys as gluttonous at all." He went on to say, laughter dancing openly in his eyes. The Morgandys might have been many things, but they were certainly not reputed within public circles for being simply that.

[Reagan Morgandy]

"Not the best of options, but when faced with the others, it is a blessing," Reagan said dryly, eyeing the bottle of wine once more. It was true -- other wines of the kingdom did not hold a candle to the Lacharn vintage. Or perhaps that was just the home-turf pride talking, but Reagan liked to think she knew a thing or two on the subject.

"Perhaps not gluttonous as one might usually use the word, but we are a ravenous breed for other facets, nonetheless," Reagan commented, smiling, watching Lord Merrick have a good laugh over it all. He had lived for so many years off of his native soil. She wondered absently if it had changed him. Not that Reagan would have much to compare with -- of course they knew once another in passing, but rarely shared intimate moments such as these. "I certainly hope I'm not keeping you from indulging in this fine bottle you've purchased, Lord Merrick. But you are more than welcome to take a stroll with me, if you'd like."

[Nathaniel Merrick]

"Oh, not at all. It would be my pleasure to escort Morgandy's heir." Nathaniel smiled, pleased for the distraction and the company it gave. He offered his arm- the free one, in any case- but would withdraw it just as easily enough. Reagan was a native of Lacharn, after all; he would not insult her by implying that she was not strong enough to handle herself.

"Let us see what local splendour we might find." He suggested, unless of course there was something she wanted to buy. "Was there anything that particularly strikes your fancy? After all, as you said, this is the best chance before the rains hit, and I have a little time." Council work was busy, but that was not to say that he could not take opportunities to enjoy his local surroundings, too.

[Reagan Morgandy]

Reagan took Lord Merrick's arm, looping it with her own, lazily resting her hand on his forearm. It was not uncommon for men and women in Lacharn to walk side by side as equals, but Reagan did not mind adhering the customs of Forsilvra.

"I was in pursuit of some of the fine silks hailing from Ahestere. Cordelia has also expressed interest in their spiced almonds, so I assumed this trip would be as best as any to find out if the rumors of their delicacies are true. Shall we?" Reagan gestured lightly down the market street, as she and Lord Merrick set off on their relaxed pace. This was a rare opportunity, the pleasure of Lord Merrick's company, and Reagan wasn't going to waste it.

"Tell me how proceedings are going, what with the chaotic gathering of the Provinces, Lord Merrick. I imagine the next few days will prove to be rather hectic for you." Her grey eyes were fixated forward, perusing the goods being peddled upon the street corners, the smoking braziers making the air around them even more hazy, with the cloudy morning.

[Melari Forthwind]

It was strange, wandering a marketplace alone, but Melari didn't want to miss her chance. All of the provinces were here on the island now; the market was going to have a wonderful variety from places she might never see. And what better time to go to market than after one had just come of age? She had money to spend! But what to buy?

Mel moved slowly, her eyes round as she tried to take everything in. This place was a blur of noise and color and scent; it was wonderfully overwhelming. It was crowded, too, but the girl kept a tight hold on her purse and slipped through the masses as easily as she could. There was no hurry. Marisee was busy with Tegan, Liam had gone somewhere, Uncle Bradyn was busy, and Father...well, who knew what Father was doing? The whole point was that she had the day to herself and it seemed likely she would spend all of it here. Mel shared her uncle's attraction to beautiful things, so she had a feeling she would not tire quickly.

Two approaching people caught her attention, and Forthwind stopped and rose on her toes to peek. Someone behind her made a noise of complaint at the sudden stop, but Melari didn't pay any mind -- she was too busy studying the man and the woman; different from anyone in Caelain. Golden-toned skin and almond-shaped eyes made the girl think Lacharn, and her curiosity heightened. Had she ever met someone from Lacharn before? She didn't remember it.

Mel picked her way forward, unable to stop looking, but then they caught her eye and she blushed and stopped dead. Naturally she would look a bumpkin in front of this beautiful woman and handsome man; naturally she would forget her manners. "...I'm sorry."

She curtsied, prettily, although her blush didn't fade. "I didn't mean to be rude. I've not met anyone from Lacharn before, is all." Melari peeked at them from under her lashes, obviously shy. "I'm Melari Forthwind. And I'm very pleased to meet you."

Another curtsy couldn't hurt, so Mel bobbed one extra for good measure. What if they'd been offended? "Please forgive me for staring."

[Nathaniel Merrick]

"Ahesteri silks are some of the finest I have seen- with the exception of Lacharn, of course." He smiled, allowing a slither of that homeland pride to show through. "As for the spiced almonds... Well, I'll let you two discover that outcome for yourselves." He liked them on occassion himself, simply for their oddity, their exotic nature. Truly, he hadn't had enough chances to visit the southern province as he might have liked.

"Not so much hectic, I would hope." He turned his face to look down upon Morgandy's heir. "I am not as involved in the organisation of things as some of the other councillers, but I am tasked to ensure that relations remain sound." More than that, he was looking forwards to speaking directly to representatives to each of the provinces, rather than having to go through an ambassador. "Whether or not that proves to be the case will reveal itself within the next little while, I'd wager."

Before he could say much more, there was suddenly there was a girl in front of them, apologising, blushing... curtsying and apologising again. And curtsying. It seemed a happy mix of awkwardness and sweet.

"No need to apologise, so long as you like what you saw." Nathaniel smiled, not appearing to take her intrusion upon them seriously at all. "Natives of Lacharn can appear different upon first meeting to foreigners, just as foreigners can appear different to those of Lacharn." She genuinely did not appear to have meant them any harm, and by her name Nathaniel wondered what relative she might be to Bradyn. It might have been worth finding out; the Counciller of War did not share with him overly much about his family life outside of Forsilvra and Belleile.

"Well, Melari, I am Nathaniel of House Merrick, and my companion is the lady Reagan Morgandy. If the lady does not mind, perhaps you might join us. We could sate any other curiosities you might have about Lacharn." He would defer to Reagan's preference, however, given that he himself did not mind being amid the presence of one more.

"I think I will be spoiled to be accompanied by not one, but two lovely ladies." He chuckled softly in the end, some semblance of boyishness showing through in the dark pools of his eyes. He was being welcoming, endeavouring to dispel any of Melari's fears that they might have been angry at her staring. Whatever happened next, however, was down to Reagan.

[Reagan Morgandy]

Reagan was about to comment on Lord Merrick's interpretation of events, and inquire how he thought the meshing of cultures was going after such a long delay of diplomatic interactions -- when before them, abruptly, was a young girl, whose eyes were at once inquisitive and embarrassed. The flush has risen to the girl's face as she stammered, and Reagan eyed her coolly, intrigued but not altogether offended. As Melari Forthwind continued to apologize and curtsy, Reagan smiled lightly, her arm still entwined with Lord Merrick's.

"No harm done, Lady Melari. If I were you, I would be staring, too," Reagan said gently, so as not to alarm the girl. Of course, the faces Reagan saw here were of no consequence; it was those from Lacharn that often boasted the most exotic features, and Reagan had grown used to the lingering looks of the native Forsilvrans. It was of no bother to her; Reagan thrived on attention.

"Yes, of course," Reagan added to Nathaniel's gesture, nodding slightly, to put the girl at ease. She glanced Melari Forthwind over once more. "You are more than welcome to join us, if you'd like. A relative of the venerable Bradyn Forthwind is always a pleasure to have in any conversation." Reagan prided herself on her expansive knowledge of the noble families; it had come in handy more than once. In truth, Reagan had some things she wished to discuss with Lord Merrick that were for Lacharn ears only, but that could wait.

All in due time.

[Melari Forthwind]

Their answers were kind, and the girl burst into a happy smile. "Oh, but I do like what I saw!" Mel's voice was earnest, and she nodded to each in turn. "How could I not? You're handsome and Lady Morgandy is lovely." Such frankness was often Melari's way, but she didn't know why she ought to bother being embarrassed about it. It wasn't as delicate a compliment as was usual for court, but Mel had too little guile to come up with the flowering kind of her peers. Besides, she was sincere. Lord Merrick and Lady Morgandy didn't have at all the sort of faces she was used to, but they were absolutely beautiful. It wasn't something she was ashamed to say. "More than that you're very generous to welcome me so. Thank you."

She smiled at them, dipped another curtsy, and then slipped into place. "I'd be delighted to join you. I know my uncle is very fond of your province; considering all the stories he's told me over the years I'm half in love with it myself."

[Nathaniel Merrick]

Melari seemed to relax as each of them responded to her appearance, in turn. Truly, Nathaniel did not mind the extra company here at all. He had always been an open, friendly sort, and he was glad to hear that Reagan felt the same.

"Well then, shall we?" He smiled, beginning to continue onwards with their sojourn through the markets, once again. At Melari's mention of her father's stories, the curve of his mouth only grew. Bradyn Forthwind had always been cordial, but stories? The councilman's curiosity was piqued.

"And what sort of stories would those be, lady Melari?" He queried, glancing down upon the young woman as they walked. "I am certain that Lady Reagan and I would be delighted to hear what you've been told about our lands and people." The smile on his face remained reassuring; if there was something that Nathaniel did not want, it was for Melari to feel in any way out of place.

[Melari Forthwind]

"Yes, stories!" Melari was her happiest self around friendly people, and her eyes sparkled as she skipped a step before settling into a more genteel pace. "Some legends and such things, but mostly true stories. About what happened with the Linchao, and folk heroes, and tales about his visits -- Uncle Bradyn always has an interesting story about his trips; I wonder if sometimes he doesn't make them up -- but usually he tells my favorites. The ones I never, ever get tired of hearing."

The girl paused a moment, distracted by a stall of lovely perfumed oils, but after a wondering "oh" and a brief silence she remembered her narrative. "About how women can lead and be knights and go to school. Uncle and Father keep me busy enough with tutors, which is a blessing, but I'd give anything to study." Mel picked up the nearest bottle and sniffed at it, enthralled. "Mostly healing. There's plenty to be learned from tutors but herb lore in Caelain is either kept by the maesters or the old women. It's a bit ridiculous, honestly. Girls can't go to university and learn things like how bones are placed and how the blood flows, but at the same time a lot of maesters turn up their nose at old wives' gardens. They oughtn't. There's power enough in the plants. I just think it's something humans do, you know? Two different knowledges are forced to compete instead of combine, and we all miss out. You'd think after milennia of human history this would be common sense."

[Reagan Morgandy]

Reagan had never met Melari Forthwind before, but she would never have placed the girl in the venerable Bradyn Forthwind's family tree -- and certainly even less, now that she opened her mouth. The girl's obvious enthusiasm and zest was not frustrating to Reagan but merely a surprise, given her own past dealings with the war councilman, whom seemed entirely the opposite. The words flowed from Melari's mouth with almost an exhausting speed, and for a while, Reagan was silent, choosing her words carefully.

"These tales of Lacharn are very true. In fact, our champion is a woman, hailing from our lands -- perhaps you have heard of the Oaken Mace. She will be competing in the tourney, in fact."

[Nathaniel Merrick]

Nathaniel grinned at young Melari's words. She was certainly nothing like her uncle; physical differences aside, she possessed a zest and zeal unheard of in the Authority of War. Idly, he wondered whether Bradyn, too, had been like this once. He himself understood well enough how a person could change.

Allowing Lady Reagan to respond to Melari's words first, Nathaniel nodded at her mention of the Oaken Mace. The only female champion... and she gave the men a good run for their money, sure enough.

"Women share equal power to men in Lacharn, and are able to accomplish a great many things, as you say. It sounds as though you would very much like to visit it, Melari." He smiled. And could she truly be blamed?

[Reagan Morgandy]

"And how do you think our fair lady warrior will fare in the tourney, Lord Merrick? I would wager my money on her, even against that Old Horn leading them," Reagan queried, her tone proud.

She knew it was unconventional but then again so was Lacharn, and Reagan had no doubt that those nobles whom had kept far from court in the past few years (which was practically them all, plague be damned) would gawk in awe as a woman in steel plate took the field in the next few days.

[Melari Forthwind]

((sorry for the absence, thanksgiving vacation wasn't really...restful >_> ))

Melari smiled back and forth at her companions, proud. "I have heard of the Oaken Mace. I hope she does well in the tourney. And yes, I would very much like to visit Lacharn."

Now that her initial excitement was over, Melari settled into a more sedate pace. "I'd like to visit everywhere, to be honest, but your lovely province is top on the list. It will just have to wait until I'm done warding in Ahestere."

[Reagan Morgandy]

[Hey girl, it's okay. Missed ya!]

This new bit of information peaked Reagan's interest. Not that the Forthwind girl had really even surfaced on Reagan's radar of people to keep tabs on; but warding was always such a complicated situation, it was intriguing to understand the circumstances.

"Is that so?" Reagan queried lightly, glancing over to Melari from the other side of Nathaniel Merrick. "And to which family are you being warded, Lady Melari?"

[Melari Forthwind]

"My mother's family." Melari answered quickly, new softness entering her eyes at the word 'mother'. "The Fleurants of Enos."

[Nathaniel Merrick]

"She is a Horn, I am certain that her prowess will be difficult to best." Difficult, but not impossible... There were other talented nobles taking part in the tourneys as well, regardless of whether or not Torrence's gender placed her at any disadvantage. "I imagine some of the lords have been looking forwards to seeing her on the field. Female warriors are rarely seen outside of Lacharn."

He was glad that Melari appeared so intrigued by their homelands. "Would that I could go with you when you do, Lady Melari. It has been some time since I last paid a visit to Lacharn, myself." First the plague had restricted travel, but now it was his work, his time at court. "You will find Ahestere exciting too, I believe, though the heat might take some adjusting. An exotic place, and the perfumes, the spices..." He sighed, over-dramatically, as though to place emphasis to his point.

[Reagan Morgandy]

Reagan looked to Lord Merrick as he seemed to wistfully muse about his long-lost homeland and the far off seduction of Ahestere, and she smiled lightly to herself at the Authority's theatrics. Such a jovial, simple man. In others it would have annoyed Reagan; but Nathaniel Merrick seemed genuine in his sentiments.

"I am sure their eyes will be trained on her in the melee, for more reasons than one. Rather pretty for a brute, in my opinion -- but her complexion suggests the sand lords rather than our coastal delicacies, truthfully," Reagan added lightly to Lord Merrick's assessment of their Oaken Mace. Reagan had always wondered why that was -- Torrence Aubrey carried herself like a Lacharn woman but her olive skin suggested a stronger gene than that of her mother and father's native land.

"Fleurants, you say," Reagan continued, moving back to Lady Melari's comment. "Your mother. Of the main branch?"

[Melari Forthwind]

"Is she a brute?"

Mel looked at Reagan with wide eyes, not expecting such a description to be given to Lacharn's champion by one of the province's own nobles. "I mean, why do you say that?"

Plenty of people were warriors without being brutes. Melari couldn't help wondering if Reagan said that just because the Oaken Mace was a girl, or if there was really something off with the woman. Visions came of a lady wearing furs and chewing with her mouth open and cursing and swinging her fists, and Mel blinked once or twice before letting Morgandy change the subject back to the Fleurants. "Um, I think so. She was Lord Renate's aunt."

[Nathaniel Merrick]

Nathaniel chuckled to himself as they continued moving along. He would not have described the Oaken Mace as a brute, per se. Then again, he would not truly have described anyone as being such. His nature was simply too friendly, too open. Too nice.

He held his silence for now, enjoying the conversation between the two young ladies beside him, instead. Naturally, he would be interested in hearing Lady Reagan's response.

[Reagan Morgandy]

Reagan paused, reconsidering her words. "Perhaps I am speaking out of turn. I mean 'brute' in the most vague of fashions -- rather, our lady Oaken Mace lacks a certain... lady-like gentility. As would be expected, of course, in one with a profession, such as hers." She smiled, then, looking from Melari to Lord Merrick.

"Perhaps that clears it up?"

[Nathaniel Merrick]

"Yes, I'm certain that it does." Nathaniel smiled, continuing to amble along. "I'll look forwards to seeing how she does in the tourney. Do you take part in such things yourself, Lady Reagan?" He questioned, without meaning any harm. After all, in Lacharn, women were the equal of men in every way. If she wanted to become a warrior, or a knight, she could. It was funny to think that such aspirations were looked upon oddly from those outside.

[Melari Forthwind]

"Yes, thank you, it does clear things up." It only made sense, though. How were people supposed take you seriously as a fighter if you were keeping the affectations often placed with being ladylike? More than that, who on earth had the time or talent to master the art of womanhood and the art of war? Melari guessed it would have to be some sort of goddess, or an example of extreme human ingenuity. There simply weren't enough hours in a day. "Oh, yes Lady Reagan, do you? I think if I were from Lacharn I would learn a little -- even if I didn't think I would like it, just because I could."

That made her think of something else, and she gave Nathaniel a curious glance. "And what of you, Lord Merrick? Is the opposite true as well? I mean...can a boy choose not to study war, if he so wishes?" The Authority of Diplomacy seemed so kind and light-hearted; it was hard to imagine him wielding sword or ax against another human being. It was easier to envision with Reagan.

[Nathaniel Merrick]

At Melari's questions, Nathaniel gave Reagan some time to answer first, before moving to reply to his own.

"I never really studied warfare. I took the time to spend on other things, such as travel, the customs and ways of other lands." He spoke warmly of this; it was certainly something that was incredibly dear to his heart. He did not believe that he would have been the same person he was now, and have accomplished so much, were it not for the fact that he'd travelled so much in his youth. Of course, most of that had been done before the outbreak of the plague... A terrible thing, of which he hoped there would be no repeat.

Still, no reason to dwell upon such sobering matters. Raising another smile, Nathaniel endeavoured to be his light-hearted self, once again. "Could you believe that I am horrible at using a sword?" He queried, as though the notion itself must have been one of the most absurd things in the world.

[Melari Forthwind]

Melari laughed, falling into bright peals at Nathaniel's joke. "Yes, my lord, I can believe it." But she smiled at him. "I'm glad of it though. If everyone was terrible with swords maybe the world would be a better place." The girl moved closer to him, eyes bright with curiosity. Merrick couldn't be much older than herself, but even so... "Not to be bold, but you seem a lot like me. Will you tell me how you came to be on the council? Uncle Bradyn wants to take me with him to Linchao, someday, and I think it would be good to learn as much as I can about...well, what you do."

[Nathaniel Merrick]

"Or more dangerous. Imagine, everyone swinging their swords around, not having even an inkling of how to use them?" The man raised one brow, as though this were a serious matter to think upon, indeed. Of course, however, the notion was foolish. Nathan did not believe that some men could be parted from their swords under any circumstance. It was an unhappy reality, but one which would hopefully diminish and fade as the provinces- as well as more distant places- all came closer together, forsaked the need for wars.

Then she asked about how he had come to be a counciller. Nathaniel saw no harm in answering; none at all.

"I was nominated for the position, by my big brother." He smiled, remembering the day with great clarity within his mind's eye. "The last Authority of Diplomacy had also been from Lacharn, and since he was our province's only representative, we needed to find another Lacharner to replace him." Or have an 'honorary advisor' step in, but that was like winning second place at a tourney, or a race. "I'm good at talking to people, and I'm also well travelled. I imagine that my brother thought me our best chance, and everything happened from there. It's been six years now, give or take." At this point, he'd already more or less lost count. "You must stop by Dyos when your uncle Bradyn takes you. It's an... interesting place to be. A fun place, full of quirks."

[Melari Forthwind]

"Well, maybe if they don't know how to use them, they don't know how to make them either." Mel's response was optimistic. She couldn't help that; she just preferred to look on the bright side of things. And Nathaniel's story was interesting, so she listened with a look of bright curiosity. "I'd love to stop by Dyos. It's always been a wish of mine to be well-traveled; now that the plague is over and gone perhaps I can have that dream come true."

She paused again, admiring little figures of carved and polished wood to the side of the road. "Oh, how pretty! ... What, Lord Merrick, do you think has been the most important thing you've done as the Authority of Diplomacy?"