Only Time Can Tell, Jonathon R.

[Duke Richard Arundel II]

Late summer 1030
Night

Sundaril
Just because Princess Alys was set to marry the King of Sundaril, Aldrin Seraphin, did not mean that he wanted to come and stand witness to the union. It was entirely his tutor’s fault anyway for pointing out that he had been made one of Edward’s Men of Honor and that Edward had been invited so he should go to support the Prince. To make matters worse the old man had added, in his snotty voice, “You may know the language young Richie but you do not understand it and till you understand it you must go.” His reply to that statement had landed him in trouble but he hadn’t cared in the least. He did not want to get on a ship and sail to another country. It had nothing to do with likes or dislikes either!

Still despite his objection of the whole matter his tutor spoke to his granda- who was always looking to put the family ahead- who agreed before running it by his mom. Now how they got her agreement he would never know but before he knew it he was put on a ship and now he was in another country. Now he just found out that he was going to be over here for a few more months thanks to his granda. Originally he was just to stay till after the wedding then leave with Edward, but looks like that wasn’t happening since he was to be here to spring. Yay lucky him! Really.

Ah but why were they even going to Sundaril so early anyway if the wedding wasn’t till next season? Why because the King moved the yearly Masquerade date up just for the two Princesses that were visiting. Richard did not like parties of any kind. They reminded him too much of his dad’s death never minds that at the time of his death it had been a small family dinner, but still, it was for him returning home. Too bad he was with Edward’s party. It would look bad on his part if he didn’t show up. Richard was really wishing that he had taken the risk though he was feeling very close to being sick. At least he made a very good poker face… and the mask he wore helped. It covered the half of the upper left side of his face curving under his nose to the left leaving his lips free so that he could eat or drink.

Since this was a masquerade it would only be fitting for him to, but Richard wasn’t wearing a costume. When he had been told what was going to be going on he had and outfit made his his house colors of Midnight Blue and Dark Grey with a darker blue cloak over it that held together by a gold chain and the mask he wore which was grey, dark blue and gold. His hair for the first time was sticking up like spikes in a messy sorta way. There was a hat but it wasn’t often he got to wear his hair like this so he had left it in his room. Anyway even if it wasn’t a costume of someone at least he had done something. Wasn’t like anyone would know it was his house colors anyway. He really didn’t like parties.

Finally growing tired of staring at couples twirling around the dance floor he went to where the servants had laid out the food. One look at it however changed his mind and he was once again thinking of leaving. Instead he picked up a glass of wine and took a sip from it. It eased some of the sick feeling in his stomach. Taking a second sip he turned from the table to look back over the room. Not wanting to catch any attention or having to ask anyone to dance he made his way across the room to where the doors to where the garden’s laid. Thankfully other than some greeting no one stopped him. Once there he leaned against the wall and took a few more sips. The wine was good.

“I could use something stronger.”

[Lord Jonathon Redalan]

Jonathon licked his lips, then raised his hand to wipe the rouge from them. It seemed that one of the Listonese ladies had found him an interesting distraction from the masquerade taking part between the two royals. He straightened his clothing, as hand pulled the expensive fabric across and moved his hand down to make sure his manhood was not exposed in a lewd fashion. It was concealed within his codpiece. Rested, satisfied, for the moment.

In the name of God he had worked up a thirst. He sighed to himself as he stepped out from behind the concealed area he had only moments ago, Jonathon at an early age realised that it was the best way to pass the time before any important events had taken place. He sighed to himself, as he thought about who would be the next woman that he would take to his bed.

The Lord watched as a young man, no, rather a boy stood there looking less than thrilled with the occasion. Lately there had been little company with mostly servants filling the dining hall, plus there was a knight there that Jonathon was sure that he had slept with both the man's wife - and daughter. Without further ado, the man watched at a distance as the young man began to head for the gardens and decided now was time to use his charm to gain some wine.

Not just wine for the sake of drinking; the kind that was frequently drunk by women and children. No the kind he was after was the kind that brought out rather loud behaviour from men and the rougher women who did happen to drink it.

A maid stood amongst some others as they prepared the wine. The woman was a rather plain little thing, an interesting way of doing things but otherwise he could not remember her damned name. As he approached the group of servants, two fingertips massaged his temple as he tried to think of her name. That's it! It was Betsy! When the women saw him, they curtised politely and addressed him as My Lord in a proper greeting. His gaze acknowledged them all, although for Betsy he gave her a smile that usually allowed him to do anything he wished with women. Her cheeks flushed with red.

"Leave us, I wish to speak with Betsy" He said and listened to the quiet cooes of excitement as the other servants nodded before making a retreat. Betsy's gaze remained on the floor, with those cheeks flushed as he took a step closer as he first gazed out the window before slowly turning to look at her. He reached out with his hand, gently trailing his fingertip along her fleshy jawline and gently pulled upwards so that she was looking upwards at him.

She looked like a love sick puppy.

"Could I have some of the wine Betsy?" He asked and shook his head with a devious smirk when she glanced towards where the other wine was located. "No my sweet, the proper stuff. The nice stuff...." Jonathon hinted as he smiled when he saw she knew the kind he was talking about. "You clever darling! You know the kind that I am talking about!"

"But my Lord, it is reserved for the banquet in the King's-"

He cut her off, as he placed a fingertip on her lips.

"Shh... just a pitcher, no need to worry yourself... " He whispered, as he brought the fingertips that had quietened her to his lips and kissed his own fingers softly. At last she agreed!

With his pitcher in hand he quickly walked past the many tables that were being set up, paused then hastily grabbed a goblet before he followed the young man into the garden. He was there just in time to overheard him complain about the lack of strength in the liquor.

"You thirsty as well my Lord?" He asked as he raised the pitcher, it was clear by his clothing that he was certainly not a peasant or a servant. But a man of wealth and standing within the court.