[Featured characters: Borus, Chris, Emily, Geddoe, Percival] As someone commented... we all seem to love scening by the lake. Most commonly used spot? Probably. ^^ Budehuc Castle: By the Lake This area sits lower than the main castle--So much so, in fact, that the only path up to the front door is up a long, narrow set of stairs. Nowhere does the castle itself look more worn down than here, where the walls are moss-covered and so well worn that defensive walls and pathways have smoothed into one. The buildings that have popped up here, however, are as beautiful and new as anything--Made of brick and white walled, with red-tiled rooves and sturdy wooden beams. Here the pathways have been repaved, as well, making a pleasant stone path that leads around the lake. A well sized outside cafe sits here, with half a dozen white tables set up in the sunlight by the lake. The lake itself is the most stunning thing here--Wide and beautiful, one can see far, far across the lake the silhoette of the mountains that sit north of Vinay del Zexay. ===== Shadows are short in the noon-sun at Budehuc Castle, but tempers are even shorter. It is a hot day, but that hasn't stopped Borus from spending time at the training yard or the stables working out some of his aggressions, most of which he's still carrying. He's still cooped up in this dilapidated castle with some very strange people, the wine supply is starting to run low, and heaven forbid, this knight in shining armor still hasn't found anyone to take to the dance. Bah, the dance. An obligatory social gathering...if it was in Vinay del Zexay and there were real people there, then it might be fun. But how does one relate to one's enemies at a party? He doubted those Grassies even knew what a fine wine was...they'd probably be serving horrible, tasteless mead! So, with a crankiness that only Borus can make look attractive, he stares out at the lake, his eyes swinting in the distance at his home. At this moment, he isn't behaving his best in terms of his thoughts, nor is he looking his best. He's quite dishelved (and smelling rather ripe) from the morning he's spent at the training yard and the stables. The lake is inviting him again, so he takes off his boots, his pants and his shirt, and decides to go for a swim in his skivvies...after glancing around to be sure no accident prone Karayan girls are around. The strangest things seem to happen at Budehuc. It was suppose to be a place where an army laid. Where we all work hard planning for the time when we all have to risk our lives for the good of everyone. And what do we do instead? Prepare for dances? Hang up lanterns and glue on prissy pink paper flowers on the windows. Realizing that the resident's of Budehuc had their minds embedded on the upcoming dance, Chris was lost. She didn't know what to do. There was no work that could be done and the idea of being timid and giggly over choosing who to go with was not something she can ever imagine herself doing. Chris decided to take a stroll through the lake. There wasn't anything better to do and after all, the lake was one of the places she favoured spending her time at. Calm and peaceful, most of the time that is. Arriving near the lake, Chris noticed the small pile of material on land. She carried herself nearer to it and bent down to see who it belonged to. Not that it actually mattered as she could see quite clearly who it was. Now her own knights forgot how to be decent in public. What is the world coming to? The world is obviously coming to naught but idleness and indecency! Or rather, that's what Percival would say if Chris and Borus were within earshot. Unfortunately he is a little too far away, leaning against Mamie's counter and chatting amiably with her. They had been discussing her preparations for the ball and an offer he'd made to help with the more regional recipes she isn't as familiar with, but when he catches sight of Chris by the lake, he politely takes his leave and begins to amble over. He'd been keeping a loose eye on his friend, debating whether or not he should disturb Borus's solitude, but now seemed as good a time as any. The lady would do the job anyway, if he doesn't. "Good afternoon, milady," Percival calls as he approaches. He has wanted to talk to her since the fiasco with Viki. She hadn't seemed pleased, and he's curious about why. The water is pleasantly cool and just perfect for swimming in after a morning of hard work. Oh, sure, there were baths, but why take a bath when one could swim in a lake! Baths are hot and noisy...lakes are cool and (generally) peaceful, not to mention reminicent of home. Borus swims out a good distance from the shore, and then back. Its good exercise, too! You certainly can't do laps in a bath! As he nears the dock he lifts his head and sees what he had dreaded--someone breaking into his solitary enjoyment of the lake. Someone...that he wished hadn't been there to see him goofing off! Chris...and what's this? Percival. Oh great...poor Borus is never going to live this one down!! "Good afternoon, Percival" Chris replied in a somewhat strained and sarcastic tone. She had a hopeless, "it is the end of the world" look on her face. Not that she was thinking it was actually the end of the world because Borus was indecent currently. It was more to do with how her fellow knights have lost many morals socialising with the residents here at this castle. Chris sighed and placed her right hand on the side of her head. "Good afternoon to you as well Borus" she greeted, emphasizing "to you". She said it louder then anything else. Turning back to Percival, Chris said more kindly "How are you today?" Well well, they're /both/ in a mood? The stars must be in alignment... or maybe he has just grown accustomed to the cheerful atmosphere of the castle. It's quite an improvement over the mood that had weighed down his mission. "Afternoon, Borus!" Percival calls loudly to his friend, with a mocking salute. "Top form today, I see!" It really is a shame Chris's presence can't persuade him to show signs of maturity, isn't it? But he is perfectly composed when he turns back to her, although that smile is still lingering. A talk with Mamie and a bowl of ice cream had done wonders for his mood today, far more than drowning himself in wine ever has. That's a habit he should drop, but then... when would he have any fun? "The world hasn't ended yet, I'll give it that. But the bustle about the castle is making patrolling more difficult. You'd think we weren't in dire peril, with the way everyone is carrying on." If there was a way to remain underwater for an hour, Borus would be trying it at this very moment. But alas, there is not, so with a face as red as the tasset of his armor, he offers a meager wave at the audience. Damn Percival and his jokes. This is not funny! The illustrious Borus Redrum has been caught with his trousers down...by Chris no less! Swimming away from them, and still wishing he could disappear, he thinks it it would be a miracle if Percival would take Chris somewhere else. That would be perfect...if only just for a few minutes so he could decently get out of the lake, and run back to the castle. Alas, that would be wonderful! But he knows that his friend has it in for him after the other night, and this was perfect payback.... Everyone seemed to be in a funny mood today. The smiles planted on their faces looked mischievous. Percival was no different was what Chris thought. Oh sure he was speaking as though he did his share of work. Sadly eating ice cream and having a chat with Mamie was no different from preparing for a dance. Either way no work was being done and no one was bothering to do it. And what was even stranger was the fact that Borus began to swim away from the two of them. Not only that, he seemed really frantic. Chris began to examine the surroundings for anything that could possibly scare off Borus. Nothing! So why was he swimming away in such a hurry? When you thought you actually understood someone they do something unexplainable. Chris stood silent and then faced Percival again. "Why is Borus swimming away so rapidly?" Borus and Percival seemed really close. She was sure they understood each other at least. This would, of course, be the perfect chance to complete his revenge. But Percival isn't that cruel. Borus /is/ his friend, despite appearances, and this would be a bit /too/ dastardly. "He appears to be swimming laps, milady. I'm told it is excellent exercise, but our usual locations don't allow it. Admirable of him to keep himself in shape while the rest of us slack off, isn't it?" There is a definite mischievous lilt to his tone, but he is holding back... thank him later, Borus, or at least share a bit of your private stash of wine. "Would you care to step over to the cafe while we wait for him to finish his last round? I spent my lunch break sharing one of my mother's recipes with Mamie." A shrug. He's still on downtime - not a crime after a long mission, is it? He's still being productive. If you look at it the right way. "A second opinion wouldn't hurt." Borus turns himself around once he's made a good distance and then starts back towards the shore. Oh! What's this?! Either the grace of the goddess or Percival's infinate good nature have saved his skin. His friend and Chris are walking away! Ho, what luck! There isn't time for thanks nor hesitation. One must act upon opportunity when it presents itself! He races up onto the shore, grabs his clothing, double checks for any other _lurkers_ and runs into the basement door of the castle. Percival casts a glance back to Borus - good, he's making use of the time. He can only distract Chris for so long, no matter what he'd like to think of his stellar social skills. She's quite different than most people, never one to put up with his nonsense. "It's a fruit tart," he begins to explain, leading Chris through the maze of tables to the counter, where Mamie's various experiments are still cooling. The girl isn't one to just accept a recipe; no, she has to play with it, change it, and turn it into something all her own. It's a skill he admires, and his mother will probably be thrilled to see the results. "We've all had more exotic cuisine, but simplicity can be beautiful as well." He reaches over and pulls a plate over, looking to Chris. "Interested?" Hugo had opened the door to get a breath of fresh air. The pleasant breeze, the smell of warm sunlight and fresh air -- all so much better than that castle. Particularly the lower levels. He wasn't, however, expecting the adrenaline surge immediately after when his mind engaged before his perceptions did, moving his small frame out of the way of the large man barrelling back inside. Hugo looks up from where he rolled to the side, blinking at the door. Scratching his cheek, he shakes his head, and slowly stands back up. Deciding a beverage is needed, he head's over towards Mamie's, to see if any of that fruit juice is left. With the speed of a racing charger, Borus manages to dry off and change his clothes. Dressed now in a well tailored red shirt with gold embrodery and black pants, he returns to the area near the lake. Lunch is in order, and since he insisted on making an ass of himself and all Zexens, so is an apology. Besides, while Percival may have gotten him out of this jam, he's certainly not going to leave his friend the advantage of being closer to Chris! Games were one thing, but she was another! So, with a solemn promise to offer his comrade some of his finest vintage for his assistance, he walks over towards the cafe... It all happened so fast. One moment Chris was by the lake with Percival and Borus in the water and next moment she was being pulled along by Percival to the cafe counter, with fruit tart in front of her face. And worse of all, now even Percival is acting strange. He's as frantic as Borus was. Chris stared silently without expression at the fruit tart before turning back to Percival. "No thank you." she said plainly before turning towards the lake "Also, why did we rush here all of a sudden? It was rather rude to leave Borus there by himself eve-" she paused and stared bewildered at the lake. "Where's Borus?" Chris then said abruptly. This isn't turning out well for either of them, is it? "He's probably inside changing, milady," Percival replies blandly, taking a fork from the basket on the counter and placing it on the plate with a clink. If she doesn't want one, he'll be happy to try it himself once this is all over. The torture of cooking is keeping one's hands away, after all. "He should return soon, and I'm sure he won't mind." He does, after all, know exactly what's going on, and he's having a hell of a time keeping a straight face. Hugo's appearance is a welcome enough distraction. "Afternoon, Master Hugo," he calls, raising his hand politely. He has not met the boy personally yet, so... this should be interesting. But it's a shame he will not have the chance to bring up the other issues he'd wanted to speak with Chris about. All in good time, right? When Borus reappears, Percival can't help grinning. No, he won't live this down for quite some time. Hugo glances back at the castle once more, before surveying the cafe and its occupants. Oh, hey. Lady Chris. The one sitting with her has to be one of the knights... Percival? That sounds right. Deciding to err on the cautious side, Hugo figures he'll wait for an introduction. If he screwed up the name, his mother'd kill him. Or at least quit pretending she didn't see him sneaking to the roof so often. Smiling, he offers a nod to both knights. "Good afternoon to you both, as well. I don't mean to interrupt anything -- just thinking of getting some juice." Borus returns to the group, walking quickly and carrying an object behind him, as if he doesn't want it to be seen. As he approaches the cafe, he hesistates for a moment before walking up to the other two knights. Apologies...they never come easy. He offers a bow of his head and a salute to Chris, and then produces the pathetic regret, "Pardon my indecency, milady. It was inappropriate and unbecoming of a knight." Whatever he is holding behind his back remains there, but he gives a sideways glance at the Karayan boy. Flame Champion he might be...but one can never be too cautious. Chris nodded and continued to remain silent. She couldn't help but have a feeling that something was happening behind her back. Best not to ponder to much about it. Noticing Hugo nearby, Chris gives him a wave and says quite loudly "Good afternoon, Hugo" in a somewhat cheery voice. She was rather perplexed to see Borus show up soon after as well. Chris noticed that he was hiding something behind his back, she was pleased though to see that Borus gave her an apology for his indecency. The day wasn't looking so bad now. "It's alright Borus, we'll put that behind us." Percival's grin says it may take a little more effort for /him/ to forget. That was such a golden opportunity... it only looses a little of its luster when he has to put it off until later. "Not a problem, Master Hugo," he says, making way politely for the boy to reach the counter. "Care to try one of Mamie's new creations?" He indicates one of the fruit tarts with his hand, but his gaze wanders over to Borus. What /is/ he hiding? Hugo offers a smile and nod of his head to Borus as well, despite past experiences. Including the charge at the castle. At Percival's offer, Hugo approaches, looking at the tart curiously. "What are they?" He prods it with a finger, before looking between the three knights, still not sure he's not interrupting. Particularly since Borus looks so uncomfortable. Emily walks towards the restaurant stand, stretching and yawning a bit. She seems to be in a good mood, though, as once she's yawned, she's got a big grin on her face... Time to get something to eat! /Then/ she'll converse with people and all. Geddoe is well... on his own like usual. He tends to brood away from the rest of his unit - if only to save them HIS problems. The less he involves others the better... and feeling introspective, he'd thought to spend time in the woods near the ranch. Getting most of that out of the way, brings him up along the lake route towards Mamie's Cafe. Idly as he ambles along he notices the presence of others. Zexen. Grasslander... and... 'other'. Borus smiles as Chris accepts his apology, and brushes his wet hair from his face. He thought it was going to be much worse, and is thankful that it went so well. Hmmat least with Chris it went over fine, but he's sure from the smirk on Percival's face that he'll be hearing about this as soon as they return to their room. From behind his back he produces a small basket, one that has held his curiosity every since that strange little boy-girl entrusted him with returning it to Chris. He places it on the table carefully between Percival and his Captain, and offers the explanation, "I believe you left that a few days ago, milady." Suddenly a frown crosses his face, and realizes something is amiss. How could he have forgotten that! Now he's going to not only look like an ass, but a blithering idiot to boot! It is just not a good day, and he didn't even drink a sip of wine the night before! Maybe that's what the problem ishmmStill, he must take care of his other error. Backing away from the table, he says, "I'll see you both later then. I need give the horses their midday hay." With that, he makes haste out of the caf area and down towards the stables. Watching Hugo prod the fruit tart, Chris turned away and saw Geddoe and a girl with red hair nearby. She waved to the two and hollered out "Good afternoon, Geddoe" and paused hesistantly. "And hello to you as well.....I don't believe we've met before." she said before turning her attention back to Borus whom placed a basket on the counter before dashing off towards the stables. It was the small basket full of food for the horses she left the other day at the stables. She couldn't even thank Borus for returning her basket. She'd have to thank him sometime later. Their mutual friend has a bad habit of running off, doesn't he... today, at least. it's all amusing Percival to no end, of course, but he can't let loose now, with all of these people about. Ah well, that's Budehuc for you. He turns his attention back to the young Flame Champion, and pulls one of the other plates over for himself, procuring another fork. "It's a fruit tart - simple fare compared to most Zexen dessert, but... usually with a little more bite. Recipes from the outer reaches tend to yield more to Karayan influence." He watches Chris out of the corner of his eye, a bit more put off than he'd like to admit, and takes a bite. Hmm. Sweeter than he's used to, but that'll probably appeal more to the residents from other regions. Hugo slides a plate over in front of himself, nodding to Percival with a grin. "Thanks. Maybe this will be the kind of desert that can help me bounce off the walls." He looks over to the others when Chris calls out to them, offering a smile of greetings. His eyes linger on Geddoe, though. He looks like he wants to ask the man something, but when the young Karayan looks around at the happy atmosphere of the cafe, he seems to dismiss the thought and turns back to the tart for an experimental bite. Emily just gets a simple sandwich for a meal, turning back to Chris as she talks to her... "Oh, hello! I'm Emily... I came here with him." And she points over at Hugo. "Hey, Hugo!" She says, cheerfully, greeting him even as she rather rudely points. At least she's not laughing.. There's a nod reserved for Chris, as he sees her. Well that was a surprise - not all together unpleasant - although Geddoe hadn't expected to be greeted by her. Hugo's look hasn't been missed, it's filed away for another day but he watches Borus run off for now before he makes his way over to the cafe.... something non-alcoholic to drink would be somewhat nice. "Oh, hello Emily. I'm Chris" she says watching Emily point at Hugo. At this moment, it felt awkward for Chris as she was the only one not eating anything. She wasn't hungry and the lack of conversation made the situation really bleak. It was quiet. To quiet. Chris decided to bring up a topic for distraction. "Are you all attending the upcoming dance?" Chris asked in an indifferent tone of voice. Must not sound pushy or excited. Since Chris herself wasn't to keen on the idea she didn't want to egg everyone on. Celebrations are the cause of making everyone go off guard after all. Now there is something Percival has been curious about! He puts his fork down and gives Chris a long, speculative look. He's aware of how she feels about the celebrations, so he can guess what her answer will be, but he asks the question he's had in mind anyway. "What about you, milady?" It would be expected, of course, that the Zexen leader attend... He can guess that Borus might intend to put himself forth as an escort, unless he loses his nerve. He himself wouldn't dream of asking. Not directly, anyway. Though he may ask for a dance when she's in a better mood. Hugo gives the tart an appreciative look after a bite. "Hey, that is pretty good." At Emily's call, he turns back again and grins. "Doing well, Emily?" He takes a few more bites before Chris' question. "Upcoming dance? Hrm. I guess I should. We have an upcoming dance?" He looks back up at the castle with a sigh. "I guess I should go find out what I'm supposed to be doing about that, while I'm thinking of it. Thanks for the warning, Lady Chris." Dipping his head to the two knights, Geddoe, and Emily, he says, "If you good folk will excuse me -- I'd better go and see if I can keep my part in making a fool of myself at this dance to a minimum." He thanks Mamie for the tart, then walks off to the castle, taking the steps three at a time. Emily hmms after she bites off a bit of her sandwich. "I'm going, yes! I'm going with that loose woman's apprentice, actually, Rody. I don't think anyone told Hugo about it, though... Kind of a shame, he won't have a date. He'll have to dance alone or something!.. Are we supposed to wear anything special?" Geddoe's paused somewhere between Chris and Hugo. He shakes his head at Chris's question a faintly amused smile touching his lips, "I'm quite the old man, finding an appropriate date would be difficult." Martha is NOT his type... even if she might be the closest in age to him. Same with Sana... again... hard to dance with a frail old lady. He glances to Emily, replying mildly, "Something formal, I would expect.... if it's going to be a proper dance." "I'll probably be there" Chris says without much thought "Not that I'm excited, but it would seem strange if I didn't show up." Grand events wern't for Chris. And she could definately not dance even if it could save her life. Though the idea of meeting some of the other residents sounded attractive. "I guess we would have to wear something formal" Chris then mumbled, to answer Emily's question. Not that Chris would ever go through the trouble to get some prissy dress to dance in. How do those girls dance in those huge dresses anyway? It's surprizing they can even stand. Percival manages a polite nod to Hugo as he makes his escape, but in truth, he hardly notices. He should know better than to goad Chris, but again, he simply can't resist asking, even if he already knows the answer. It'll be great fun watching Borus ask the same questions. "Have you given thought to an escort...?" Imagine that, Lady Chris, arriving with an escort... he'd be a lucky man, certainly. If she would tolerate it. Emily says "Something formal..? What..?" She didn't expect THAT, certainly. Formal wear is so... not really her style. No, no, the hideous shorts were definately more her thing! "Well... Guess I should find something to wear, then. Maybe Rody... Wait, never mind." .... Something formal. Geddoe hasn't worn 'something formal' in at least twenty years. He'd rather not have to ever again, thank you very much. Wyatt might not have minded dressing up for parties. But he disliked them with a vengeance. Too much attention and frankly - what respectable person would date a one-eyed man... even if at one point he had been a diplomat (of sorts). Chris paused and stayed silent at Percival's question for a while and answered indifferently once again. "Not really..." Chris sat back and placed both her hands onto the counter to keep herself balanced. Going to the dance with someone? No, it never crossed her mind. How can it? If she actually went to the dance with someone, that meant that she had to dance with that someone as well. And dancing? We all know the answer to that. Lilly will most likely be at this dance too and let's just say Chris has finally had a truce with her. No more slapping, thank you. Percival smiles, and that smile shouldn't be construed as a good thing - he hides it behind another bite of tart, and after a moment says simply, "That is quite a shame." Let her take it as she will. It really is terrible that Borus rushed off like that. And now the others begin to register again in his mind, and he looks from Geddoe to Emily. He remembers the girl... she's the one he met at the tavern the other night. The tipsy one. But she seemed nice enough. He's afraid, however, that he hasn't made the most wonderful impression on Geddoe. Someone will have his head for that - probably Salome. To break his silence, he gestures to the remaining plates. "Dessert, anyone?" Hey, it's better than nothing. Emily finishes off her sandwich, not very sure what to do now. And then, Percival interrupts the silence, and she's glad for it. "Oh, okay! What kind of desert?" She hadn't been.. Well, she had, but she'd still managed to get a date! Which is more than Percival can say, evidently. Sadly, Percival hasn't made much of a knightly impression on Geddoe yet... not really at least. But things have changed since the days of Wyatt... no? But a tart would be good and he nods, picking up one, and looking at it experimentally. It looks good... smells good... well it's Mamie's cooking - it should be good. He takes a bite, chewing and swallowing. Not really breaking the neutral demeanor of his face. "None for me, thanks" Chris said staring at the fruit tarts. Something sweet at this time of the day wasn't needed. Chris examined the 3 around her and then took her hand off the counter. She stood up, off the stool and took a steb back. "I think I'll be going inside now" she said pausing "I was thinking about cleaning my room again. It really is a mess." Chris did fail to clean it yesterday. "Hope to see you later" she said as she turned towards lake road, strolling away from the cafe. That draws a sigh from Percival, but it isn't too pronounced. Once the subject of dancing came up, it was only a matter of time until she would feel like leaving, right? He knows her well enough to figure that out. And it's a terrible shame, just as he'd said. If she wants to learn how to dance... "Well, I suppose I should be on my way as well," he says, with a smile to Mamie as he hands her his empty plate. He'd already complimented her, and she'd probably had enough of it. "Nice to see you both again, Geddoe, Emily."