The Yearly Crop

Viola had quite the difficult time deciding on her dress for the party. It had to be perfect for this event. It was the biggest one of the year, and as a newly married woman she wanted to make sure she impressed her husband as well the other guests. She was loving married life and couldn't have been happier with how things were turning out, even if she had not had a say in who she married. Things were going very well and she was definitely falling in love with Romulus.

With help from her ladies maid she got dressed in a cream and gold gown and did her hair in soft gentle curls down her back.  Romulus would be meeting her at the party later so she left by herself.  Eyes turned as she stepped out of the carriage and moved through the crowd, a coy smile on her lips.  It wasn't long before Vittoria found her and she embraced her twin joyfully.  As much as she loved being married, she honestly missed her twin immensely.  They used to spend nearly every waking moment together and she missed it.

"Vittoria! You look stunning yourself, my love!" She said, kissing her sister on the cheek.  Before Vittoria could finished asking about their cousin, Lennox found them instead.  She looked absolutely incredible, and Viola was not the least bit surprised.  "Oh yes, tell us!" She said excitedly.  Her smiled widened and she felt giddy at the news that Remington was home and she gave Vittoria a knowing wink.  "The Prince! That's amazing! I really expected him to be away longer but it is wonderful that he's back home!"

She followed Lennox's gaze out across the party, standing up on her toes to try and get a better look.  She hoped he'd arrive soon.  "You'll have to jump on that Vitt." She said with a smile.  Oh how she would love to see her twin on the arm of the Crown Prince.  They would be stunning together.  Viola had yet to officially meet Felix's new bride-to-be but she nodded eagerly in response to Lennox's request.  "Of course! We wouldn't dream of letting her embarrass you!"


Lennox Lepidus @vittoria Romulus Imbrex

Vittoria's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the Prince. This was her chance to win him over. She too scanned the party in anticipation of his arrival. She smiled at her sister and gave her hand a small squeeze. Viola had always been so supportive of her pursuit of Remington, even if she teased her about it some. "Don't worry about little Amelia. The Prince will be far too distracted to even notice her, if I have anything to say about it." Vitt said winking at Lennox. "Perhaps we should go warn Felix in any case. Just so we have more eyes on her." She added. 

She had almost as much reason as Lennox did to have things go smoothly while the Prince was here. This was the event of the season and nothing could ruin for Lenn. It was also the first time since the ball that Vittoria had seen the Prince and she needed to make a lasting impression. 

"Do you know if he is coming with anyone?" She asked Lennox, her thoughts suddenly on the ball and the Toren women. She hoped that they had stayed behind to deal with their people but the younger one easily could have come back with him. She would have a much more difficult time grabbing his attention if he brought a guest, any guest regardless of who they were, than if he came alone. But she would find a way to do it it that is what she had to do (she just hoped it wasn't).

[Lennox Lepidus]

What a relief, Lennox knew she could count on her cousins. The golden girls of Acaedia were certainly not accepting new members, especially not a peasant. The next lady in their league would only be one off their daughters, maybe the next princess of Acaedia. The prince was where he belonged, at a fabulous party and nothing was going to change that fact. There was the infamous coy smiles, "Oh darlings, of course Felix knows better but we both know how softhearted my dear brother is, the girl even goes to the kitchens in the morning demanding to cook her own meals!" Lennox's fingers went to her lips in overly dramatic horror.

"Now I hear the prince is bringing the Sparkfyre girl that he brought back, a younger one and supposedly she's engaged to Prince Cassius." Lennox reported, it was her sacred duty to know everyone's business. She had written Elyssa off as non-threatening though. "I mean he's next in line after Prince Remington, but with Cyprian protecting him, well we know that Cassius will never rule." This was the life of the rich. Everything always had to play out beautifully.

"My dears, I believe we have our work cut out for us today. Distract the Sparkfyre girl, charm the prince, keep that peasant tucked away, all while being adored by everyone, it's a team effort." Lennox said crisply with all her certainty.

@viola @vittoria

Viola raised her eyebrows. "I hadn't heard that Prince Cassius got engaged!" She wasn't surprised that it had not been formally announced yet, and she definitely wasn't surprised that somehow Lennox knew already. "Well in that case, at least the Sparkfyre girl shouldn't be too much of a distraction for Remington, it's not like she'll be trying to win his affections anyway."

She gave Vittoria an encouraging smile. "This is your chance, Vitt. We'll make everything runs smoothly so that nothing can ruin it for you." She grinned and Lennox. "And don't worry, I'll make it my priority to keep the peasant distracted and out of the way. You go and charm your guests." Definitely one of the perks of being married now was that she didn't have the extra pressure of trying to get the attention of the other men at the party, so she could get down and do some of the dirty work.

She stood on her toes to look over the crowd, no longer looking for Remy, but rather for Felix and Amelia so she could go and do her job. She spotted the woman who must Felix's betrothed, currently alone. She couldn't quite make out her features from this distance, but she was sure that it was her. She kissed Lennox and Vitt on the cheek and with a wink she made her way through the crowd.

[Amelia Marella]

Amelia did her best to stay out of the way and not talk to anyone. Felix shook her head in understanding as she watched him leave to speak to another woman and of course other people. She was trying her best to keep her head high and not embarrass Felix or his family. Amelia's blue eyes scanned the crowd and kept her hands in front of her clasped together to keep her sweaty hands to herself. She never thought she'd be so nervous in her life, but she didn't know a single person here and she was scared of this new life that was happening to her. What if they married and Felix sent her to live in a cottage and just send her an allowance to live on so she wouldn't embarrass him or his family. She knew she wasn't made of money and wasn't sure why her father gave her hand away in marriage to a noble. It had to be the greater good for the family, but seriously how did it help Felix's family other than getting the farm? All the hard work she put into it will go to waste.

Amelia shrugged her shoulders and sighed a little. She knew it wasn't proper, but no one was looking at her or at least she didn't think. Many whispered under their breaths about her which made her nervous if they spoke good or bad about her. The only good thing about this was if Felix did send her off to a cottage she'd be able to care for herself without his help. Either way she'd be a lonely person living in a world she didn't belong and she already knew Lady Lennox would tell her everyday that she didn't belong. Amelia sighed and hoped Felix at least liked her enough to be with her, but it seemed that they didn't have a chance. Maybe he would stay with her long enough to give him a heir and they would never speak again. Who knows what the future would hold for them and she knew she'd be a good silent wife.

As Viola walked closer to the woman who was supposed to marry Felix, she began to watch her behavior. The girl looked nervous and wasn't speaking to anyone, which was probably a good thing. Plenty of people glanced at her as they passed. Some were curious, a few of the men seemed to be admiring her youthful beauty. No one had any idea who she was. As she got closer, Viola realized that there was something vaguely familiar about the girl.

It took her a few moments to put it together, but when she finally realized who the girl was and that she actually knew her, she was quite surprised. What an odd coincidence that this peasant girl who she has met back when she had first got married, was actually betrothed to her cousin. Though from what she had heard, neither of them had known about it at the time.

She reached Amelia and couldn't help but smile. "Amelia?" She said with a fascinated grin. "You're the one who is supposed to marry Felix? Well isn't that interesting." Her tone was friendly and kind. After all, Amelia and her family had been an enormous help to Romulus and herself, she couldn't forget that.  She wasn't entirely sure that Amelia would even remember her, but she supposed she would find out soon enough.  

[Amelia Marella]

Here she was in sorrow because the only like she has known had been uprooted and tossed away to live among Lords & Dukes. This isn't what she had planned in life and for one thing to around a bunch of spoiled children. No she dreamed of marrying Phillip, having children, and loving the only life she knew. She couldn't complain to anyone as no one would understand her. They'd tell her " to look on the bright side" for she'd never have to work another day in her life. That was her problem she loved to work with her hands. Her fingers trailed the hems on the dress wondering how such a dress could be made so perfect. She loved to bake sweet goods and now that she had an endless supply she never wanted to leave the kitchen. Maybe Lennox was right she would never be a "lady" and nothing more than a peasant.

Amelia was in her own thoughts when she heard someone call her name."Why would someone speak to me?" Her mind raced, but as her blue eyes scanned the crowed she saw Lady Imbrex, the one who came to her families farm a couple months back. She gave Lady Imbrex a smile and curtsy to the woman and bowed her head. Yes, that is my betrothal." She was nervous and hoped no one was watching her or better yet Lennox. She wasn't scared of the woman, but she didn't want to be on the wrong side of her." Yes, you can call it a bit of a surprise." She kept her hands as her side and she chewed on her cheek. It was different now that the tables were turn. She was in Lady Imbrex world inside of Amelia's world.

[Elyssa Athena Sparkfyre]

Going to a party was not what Elyssa had been picturing when she returned to the city of Avalon, her room in the Palace had dresses hanging everywhere and she was truly spoilt for choice. They were all beautiful and Nephthys had done a wonderful job of picking them out for her. After nearly an hour of deciding she'd picked out a beautiful purple dress that seemed rather extravant for the situation but Nephthys had insisted that as a Princess of the Toren Islands and Princess of Avalon to be she had to look the part. Her long dark hair was curled around her shoulders with a few strands pinned up in an elegant style with ornate pins holding it in place.

She looked every bit the Princess and for the first time since the death of her brother she wasn't dressed in mourning clothes. A servant came to get her from the room, he brought her to the carriage that was waiting for her, explaining that Nephthys had left already but was expecting her. Elyssa merely nodded as she followed, she was nervous but there was nothing that she could do about that, it was to be expected she supposed. This was only her second time in Avalon and she didn't have her sisters to take the gaze away from her, she had no back up this time and she already knew that every noble in Avalon who thought they were anyone would be looking down their noses at her but all she could say to that was 'just try it'.

Elyssa had an eidatic memory, she could recall facts at the drop of a hat and had a knack for picking up new skills. If they pushed they wouldn't even see her coming.

As the carriage came to a stop Elyssa sat up and slowly stepped out of the open door, brushing her hands lightly over her shirts as she looked around for Nephthys who'd already spotted her. The spymaster waved her over, smiling and kissing both of her cheeks as she came close enough. "Hello Nephthys," Elyssa greeted with a smile. The two stood discussing this and that as they watched the parties other guests.

[Remington Lucius Pontius]

They were late as usual. Over the years, the prince had developed a notorious reputation for being late to most social events, even the ones at or very close to the palace. Subsequently, his retinue was often late as well but at least they always had a good excuse. Still, being late always did lead to making grand entrances that everyone was sure to see. Why be early if there was no one to see the arrival anyways?

The royal carriage was adorned to match the color scheme of the party, not that Remy actually did anything besides approve of it before they left. He was dressed in his usual regalia, a very decorated open vest. It was often at parties that the prince had some lovely lady or other on his arm, and it was rarely ever the same one, but today he was unaccompanied save Elyssa and as always Cyprian.

Trumpets sounded as he entered, and of course his first action was to greet his beautiful host. "Lady Lennox, lovely as always." He said, kissing her hand.
Lennox curtsied, "My dear prince, it's wonderful to see your safe return," the lady purred. "Come, you absolutely must see my cousins again, we've missed you being around so much!" she said, snatching the opportunity for the blonde crew to monopolize the prince's time the best she could.


@vittoria @viola Cyprian Falco

[Cassius Pontius]

The day was getting late, but that didn't bother Cassius to much. He had arrived from the Vanir kingdom. He had done all her could to help the Queen and when her missing siblings began to show up he decided it was time for him to go home. He hadn't known his brother was home until he arrived and even kept in the servents stairs to make it up to his room so he wouldn't get spotted by Elyssa. Ahh... his beautiful Elyssa was here," he thought and couldn't want to wrap his arms around her and hug her tightly. Or well nothing that would cause a scandal he might have to wait while they were alone. At least he would be able to see her tonight.

He had taken a bath as soon as he arrived back and was dressed. He took the carriage to the Yearly Crop and had the footman drop him off and went around the back. He didn't wanted to spotted nor did he was some loud entrance like he was hearing for his brother. He rolled his eyes, but then again he was the crowned prince. He headed through the edge of the party, but stopped short when he saw Elyssa standing with Nephy. She was beautiful in the purple gown and her dark hair was enchanting. He moved through the crowd until he got closer and tapped her on the shoulder," M'lady, May you grace me with this dance?" He bowed over and watched her with a smile as he held his hand out for her to take.

Viola smiled at Amelia. She was a little shocked by the turn of events. Here she was, in charge of keeping an eye on 'the peasant' and the girl turned out to not only be very pleasant but also someone she knew. She still thought that Felix should be marrying someone of higher station, but she could not fault Amelia for that, nor could she even dislike her for it. She had met her only briefly, but honestly, at least Felix was going to married to someone so kind and caring rather than a complete snob.

"Yes, I did hear it was a bit of shock to all parties involved. I do hope that it turns out well. Felix is my cousin actually." She said. Her attention was caught by the arrival of someone of great importance and she craned her neck to get a good look. A delighted grin caught her face as she saw Remington with the Toren Princess. She turned to Amelia. "I'm sorry, but I must be going." She said, giving her a warm smile before rushing off through the crowd to find Vittoria.

Felix had noticed when his cousin, Viola, had made her way over to Amelia. He bit his lip a little nervously and excused himself from current company as he made his way slowly back to his betrothed. He saw the two of them talking and it looked rather amiable but he attention was also caught by the arrival of the prince. Honestly, he could care less about the fact that Remington had arrived and was much more interested in who he had with him. No, not Elyssa, the Toren Princess; rather, his companion, Cyprian.

Felix caught Cyprian's gaze as they began to move the crowd and he gave him a smile and a little wink. It was wonderful to see him there. It was wonderful to see him any time that he had the chance to do so. He definitely planned on stealing him away as soon as he got the opportunity. But right now, Remington was about to be swarmed by adoring women and he knew Cyprian would be busy for a little bit.

He made his way back to Amelia and handed her a drink as he reached her. "I saw you talking to Viola." He said, trying to be casual about it, but was a little bit worried to see if his cousin had treated her well or not. "What did she say?" he asked.

[Elyssa Athena Sparkfyre]

During the course of her conversation with Nephthys many people had come up to speak with the Spymaster, asking after the Emperor and who the young lady was. A few of them seemed genuinely surprised to learn that she was the Toren Princess, clearly she wasn't what they'd expected which hadn't surprised Nephthys or Elyssa. When they were left alone Elyssa sighed, she disliked being asked so many stupid questions by stupid people. Nephthys laughed softly when she seen the relief of being left alone wash over Elyssa's face. "Oh, come now, they aren't that bad," the Istari said with a teasing smile. She knew that they were that bad, she often wanted to whack the nobles of Avalon with a stick so she really couldn't comment.


"Nephthys you can't even say that with a straight face." Elyssa said with a smile, the Istari had an uncanny knack for cheering up Elyssa. Something behind her seemed to catch the Istari's eye but Elyssa didn't think anything of this at first...


Until the Istari smiled and someone tapped her on the shoulder...


With a look of confusion upon her face Elyssa turned just before he spoke. Her eyes widened in surprise as she seen Cassius, her love, standing there. A bright smile came to her lips and for a moment her only thoughts were of wanting to kiss him. She'd missed him while she'd been in the Toren Islands and now that he was right in front of her all the words she'd wanted to tell him vanished from mind. "Cassius..." she whispered his name in her happiness, gladly taking his hand lightly in her own. "Of course, how could I refuse the man that is to be my husband?" She responded with a warm smile as she stepped closer to him and kissed his cheek.


All the sweet words she wanted to tell him could wait until they were dancing, when their bodies were close and she would be able to whisper them all in his ear. She found herself unable to wait for a moment when they were alone together so that she could kiss him and show him just how much she'd missed him.

[Amelia Marella]

Amelia gave Viola a smile and shook her head," Your quite right, and I didn't know that." She could remember how she felt when Felix, Lennox, and their father showed up. She was in the barn milking without a care in the world. Oh how she wished she could go back to that day and fought for her own right. Even if she was only eighteen she could have ran off from her family so she didn't have to be in a love less marriage and be free to do what she wanted. Then again who said her life would be better if she did run away? Would she been able to care for herself? She could have ran off with Phillip when he offered to take her away when her father said "No," for his blessing. Now she knew why he said "no" and for once she wished he would have said "yes". Surly she could do something to pay for her father debit.

Amelia turned toward the music and it was truly beautiful and smiled as she turned her head toward Viola as she excused herself to go speak with the prince. The prince she had to agree was quite handsome and no wonder women where going up to him to speak with him. She couldn't do that she wouldn't even know what to say to him. Other than saying,"Hello", she just couldn't embarrass herself like that. Lennox she would believe would kill her. As she was about to turn around she felt Felix come to her. She jumped a little to the side and gave him a small smile as a light shade of blush colored her cheeks. She looked to Viola gave a Felix a calm smile as she took the drink from him," Lady Imbrex, spoke no ill words if thats what you want to know." She said as she took a drink of the liquid," She came to see who her cousin was marrying and was surprised to see me.Lord and Lady Imbrex carriage was robbed back a couple months ago and my family gave them a meal and my father took them back to Avalon." She spoke and then turned to look at him," I don't really know her, other than few simple words," She said as she sighed a little because she knew she going to be alone in such a large city.

Vittoria set off around the party, talking to other guests here and there but never stopping for too long. She was too anxious waiting for the arrival of the Prince. Eventually she made her way over the the pasture to watch the horses exercise. Lennox had raised some truly beautiful creatures this year. And they provided Vitt with the perfect distraction. She could watch and still be involved as they were the main event, but she didn't have to deal with tedious small talk and pretend like she cared. It was ideal, and now she could just focus on making a game plan for what she would do when Remington did arrive. 

It didn't take long before the time came. She had stopped watching the horses and had turned around and was watching the people now. Viola was being the perfect sister and talking to Amelia, Lennox was entertaining her guests and being adored by everyone as usual. The Toren princess Elyssa had arrived and was now talking to the Emperors spymasters, well before Cassius asked her dance. And Felix was now rushing back to Amelia probably worried that Vi had offended her as if she would. It's not like Lennox is talking to her, Vittoria thought and giggled to herself. But then the carriage arrived and everything changed.

He was here. Vittoria froze. Her mind seized to process anything. She just stood there watching as he stepped out of the carriage. It wasn't until everything got noticeably louder that she was shaken from her trance and regained her composure. She was shocked that she had let herself become so rattled but she would not let it happen again. People had begun to move closer to him but of course Lennox was right there to greet him. 

Having failed to come up with a solid plan, Vittoria decided to just wing it. Knowing that Lennox would make sure Remington got to her, she made little attempt to get to him. She didn't want to seem to eager like the rest of the crowd. Instead she picked up her dress and walked casually in their general direction weaving around people and pausing occasionally when someone would tap her arm in excitement about the new party arrival. She would give them a small smile or nod in agreement before moving on.