Family affair

You crave chaos.

Ketiga had been aware that his father had been upto something lately. Although he wasn’t quite certain what. And the man kept it rather shielded from anyone and anything. Which wasn’t normal for him to begin with but there was nothing to do about it. Terza Aphelion wasn’t the kind of man that would come forward with whatever plans he was concocting. And while he was usually the one to find out anything about everyone. His network of sources didn’t appear to have caught onto what his father was doing so he was rather blind on the matter. Calmly the man was organizing the vials in his cabinet. Mainly because he was looking for a certain ailment for a customer that had come by. Something that would help her son get rid of the coughing. Something he found quite easily. With a calm expression he appeared back at the counter and hummed softly. Writing down on how to use it. Two small sips every morning and evening. ’If you follow these orders to the dot, he’ll be better in five days. No more, no less.’ The man explained briefly. As the woman was taking out her money he raised his hand. ’On the house miss. Make sure he gets better.’ Always play it smart, give something for free to the right person and you will own them.

The woman left and as she walked out it was no other than his father who walked in. The man had never actually set foot in his store. Placing a black velvet box on the counter as he looked at his son up and down. ’Get changed boy, into something proper. We are going to Reginald Winter.’ Ketiga frowned deeply. But given by the tone of the man there would be no going against him, or else. Reaching out for the ring, but his hand was slapped away by the elder man. ’Quickly!’ A demand like no other. So Ketiga straightened his back and disappeared into the back. Terza Aphelion wasn't a man to be triffled with. Not that he had his wardrobe here to choose from. But he did have a spare suit laying in the back. Putting that one. A black vest, a white shirt and a blueish/greenish undervest paired with some black trousers and shoes. Nothing to fancy. But it was all he had here. What on earth was going on?

’You are to be on your best behaviour, you hear me?’ A short nod followed as the pair of them got out of the carriage. Following his father obediently. Oh, what a poor sod his father. He didn’t even knew how many times he had walked this same path already. But he would do as asked. Keeping up the image of a good son. They were guided to one of the many living rooms where indeed Reginald Winter was waiting. Ketiga making a small bow as did his father as a sign of respect.

Outje

& Jane Winter

You are happiest when the world is in uproar.

From the moment Jane returned to Alderrath they; her father and mother, had worked toward this very day, this very hour, this very moment. For Jane, for the family, and for the future. Her future. She was grateful that they had kept her informed throughout the whole process. If only to give her some sense of control over the whole uncontrollable situation. Her life had never truly been in her own hands. As was the fate of every girl in the upper ring. Especially one bearing the Winter name. Jane had counted her lucky stars when she was first engaged. For a while she almost believed Renestrae had listened to her prayers and answered them with Emilio as her future husband. She had to learn the hard way that life wasn't like that, however. Renestrae didn't grand anyone's wish. Renestrae simply gave and took away. Such was Her power and Her right. It worried Jane a little, making her wonder if this too was a moment of receiving or in fact a moment of loss.

She knew his name, his heritage and some of his reputation, which to all intents and purposes were perfect. Which didn't make this any less nerve-wracking however. He was a complete mystery really. One she would have to uncover. If this day would turn out the way her parents hoped. Thank Renestrae for her brother though. If it wasn't for his generous heart she wouldn't be soothed by the dear little playful puppy at her feet. Fabel was probably the only one who could calm her nerves and distract her racing thoughts and pounding heart, as he ran around the room. Putting a smile on the face of his owner. The opposite expression appeared on the face of Jane's mother, who wasn't too pleased with the rambunctious dog running around the expensive and delicate dress her daughter was wearing. The older woman ordered one of the servants to "get that dog out of here" before she turned to her eldest daughter. Placing a pearl necklace around her neck, complimenting the baby blue dress. "There. You're ready. Your father has just welcomed Lord Aphelion and his son to our home. Now it's your turn, dearest." Jane answered her mother with a smile, grateful but unable to hide the flurry of mixed emotions within. She took the deepest breath as she looked herself over in the mirror. This was it.

She had counted every step she took to the door. Behind it a future unknown. A man unfamiliar. But a life that would be hers. And most of all, hopefully. A dream come true. Deep in her soul she could feel how ready she was for that step in her life. She had been for years now. But now that it was so close once more, only a door away, she felt like life was about to betray her again. As if she couldn't trust the soft low mumbling sounds from her father making pleasantries with the other men behind the living room door. As if it would disappear like a puff of smoke once she touched the doorknob. Making her hesitate to reach for it. Was he aware of the situation? Would he be pleased with her? Or she with him? Could she make him happy? Could she come to love him as much as she had loved her first? All thoughts of coulds, woulds and shoulds, racing a mile a minute through her head. None of them could, would or should stop her from entering the room. This was it.

Her father fell silent the moment the doors opened. Meeting the gaze of his daughter as she entered. No timidness or shyness in her demeanor, but elegance and grace with a hint of pride as she held her head high. She was still a Winter. The next pair of eyes she sought out were those of Lord Terza Aphelion. The kind expression in her eyes were quickly accompanied with a soft smile. Until finally her expressive brown eyes found those of the person she'd come here for. Ketiga Aphelion. The soft smile faded ever so slightly, not in disappointment or uneasiness. No, none of that. The opposite was true. She knew now for certain that she had not met Ketiga Aphelion before. For she would have remembered a face, as handsome, like that. And even more. She would've remembered those eyes.

"Aahh there she is, my Jane. Come join us." Her father reached out his hand to her, which she gladly took as he guided her to the guest. The young woman elegantly bowed her curtsy to the older man of the two. "Lord Aphelion." Granting him that kind smile once more in a welcoming gesture, before turning towards his son. She hoped he was unable to hear the fast ruffling of her heart inside her chest as she bowed for him as well. Meeting his eyes with a hopeful innocence and a touch of curiosity for the man before her.

~Gown

@Ketiga Aphelion.

(C) Ross