our time of dying; piers

[Chord D'Antoine]

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It was truly a miracle, in Chord's opinion, that his cousin had found his way back to Niendra. Being gone for nearly two weeks had placed doubts in those at court that the boy would be found alive, if at all. But here he was, safe and sound- at least mostly. He could tell by the way the boy jumped and shirked away from the crowd that he had been scarred by the experience... and why shouldn't he be?

But tonight was a night for celebration. So many people were there: laughing, talking, and socializing. Chord didn't feel the need to do any of it, unless he was approached. Instead, after making his greeting to his cousin and the crown prince, he had left to the outskirts of the area. But it didn't seem the fate would leave him to dwell in his thoughts.

He was from Northern Niendra, and as it were, his light, airy clothes in the normally cold season made him stand out. Being from the North, the cold of the East was nothing for him. He was dressed for summer- it seemed- as he did not wear his normal black, tailored pants and jacket. He was wearing a white, frilled shirt (which was custom for him), some nice black pants, and a black lace veil in his hair.

He caught sight of Piers and smiled at him from across the room, but made no way towards his friend. He would think it impolite to interrupt him in the midst of conversation.

Instead, he continued his walk along the outskirts of the room. He would be performing soon- a symphony of sound for the nobles to celebrate the return of one of their own as well as an uplifter. Dark times were certainly ahead, this may be the last time they would have to celebrate for many years to come.

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^{TAG - Piers!
WORDS - 310ish
NOTES - Whee~
TUNES - DJ Laz - Move Shake Drop
CREDIT - template by MUNZTAR * of caution 2.0}

[Piers Cavendish]

As after every mentionable occasion, there had to be a party after Felicite's safe return to the capital. And it wasn't as if the cause wasn't worthy of a celebration, quite the contrary – the boy had been gone so long, everybody had almost lost hope he was still alive, his return was considered a miracle by many – but Piers just didn't seem to get into a party-mood tonight.

The fencer had been in a rather pensive state ever since he had returned to Karenth along with the crownprince and Felicite. The whole action was quite intense – taking off as soon as the news about the boy's reappearance near the border came in, riding there almost non-stop, and then back again... and it left many questions unuttered and unanswered. The prince's care about the youth was one of a kind, for him to take such a journey upon himself so quickly, and his eyes were so gentle when they rested on the boy. Even if Piers wasn't a very gifted observer like his empathic father, he wasn't as blind as to miss the unorthodox relationship of the two.

But he hadn't had the chance to speak with his friend about it yet and honestly, what was he going to say? As he wasn't sure of how to approach the subject (in this crowded environment especially) and didn't feel like he could talk to Daenyeh'l with that elephant in the room, Piers had been avoiding his friend.

Yet he wandered across the room, from one circle to another, socializing and making pleasant conversation, as he was supposed to do. Since it wasn't his intention to attract much attention tonight, he had dressed in grays and whites. A single colourful accent was a burgundy-coloured handkerchief in the pocket of his jacket, matching the colour of wine in his glass.

When he caught Chord's glance across the room, a mixture of slight envy and melancholia overcame Piers. Conversation about everything and nothing at the same time didn't seem to come easily to the fencer tonight, since his mind was preoccupied with heavier topics. Seeing his friend reminded him of their encounter at the gardens upon Chord's arrival at court. Subjects seemed to change seamlessly when the two of them talked, even when it came to more difficult ones and right now, Piers wished to feel as light as when he did with Chord.

Carefully, the tall man watched for the next opportunity to walk away from the group he was conversing with (it was not as if he was really listening, anyway) and stepped towards the Northern Niendran. ”Good evening, Chord,” he greeted his friend with a subtle smile. ”How are you this evening? I hope you are relieved at your cousin's safe arrival back to court.”

[Chord D'Antoine]

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Piers had approached him. He smiled at his friend, genuinely pleased that he would have at least one pleasant, light conversation without any false pretenses for the evening.

"Yes... it is quite shocking, but I must say I'm pleasantly surprised. Although..." he trailed off, gazing to where the brunette boy stood with the prince, smiling but seemingly so nervous to be there. He knew that even before the tragedy, the boy was a new face at court. He also had learned that he had became fast friends with the prince-- apparently to the dislike of some of Daenyeh'l's other friends.

He held the kwondi wine glass in his hand, his eyes roaming over Piers's form. He was so different from the other men in court. Perhaps not so much in personality but the way he looked. His darker skintone, a trait from Carthonia, made him stand out. And in the war that was soon to be coming, he wondered if the court would become divided on his presence.

It was a sad, judgmental thing to think, but Chord knew that he would stand by his friend's side, even if hardship faced him. What kind of a friend would he be if he didn't show support?

"There's a rumor going around that the prince himself went to retrieve him from the border... is that true?" it was his way of asking Piers if he thought there was something more going on behind the scenes. The two boys were close, and his cousin seemed so happy to be by his side. He caught sight of them as they left the room, both heading to the gardens. Intriguing.

He sighed and took a sip of his wine- he wasn't really drinking it as he should be, though. He knew that wine made him lightheaded and dizzy- even just a little bit of it. He was, as some would call it, a 'lightweight'. But he had never found the fascination with drinking- the taste of wine was bitter, and he wouldn't even think about drinking the alcohol that they served in taverns.

Perhaps with some food, it did compliment the palette. But just by itself, it was all he could do to keep a straight face as he talked to Piers and not wince at the taste.

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^{TAG - Piers!
WORDS - 400+
NOTES - Whee~
TUNES - Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll
CREDIT - template by MUNZTAR * of caution 2.0}