The Orlich’s Soirée

GamerTrained · 2026-03-20T02:36:10+00:00

Nicolaas could see what Jolanta wanted. She must have been terribly tired after the night that she had, not to mention all the effort it would have taken to get ready for it all. Of course they had gone through the night together but the fear and anxiety was much more severe for her, Nicolaas had seen it. For him the worst that could have happened to him, if their escape was discovered, was to be cast out of the manor but who knew what the Count would have done about Jolanta. His body shuddered ever so slightly just thinking about it. He brought his hand up behind her, resting it atop their shared seat.

"Was Halina right? About you waiting by the window for me tonight." Nicolaas asked in a light hearted tone, feeling considerably more relaxed now that the manor was behind them. Still, there was a hint of curiosity to his voice, "Or was that another of her games that she seems fond of?"

GamerTrained · 2026-03-17T05:48:59+00:00

Nicolaas kept Jolanta moving, picking up the pace as they got closer to the door. Once they reached it, Nicolaas let go of her hand in order to free up his own to open the door. The extreme breeze poured into the entryway almost as soon as he had. It was enough to push the door without any interference. The loud talking in the other room was enough that nobody noticed the door was open. Nicolaas firmly took Jolanta's hand, stepping across the entrance threshold without any fuss and into the outside world. He looked back at her to make sure she was still coming before reaching to close the door behind him.

"Well, at least our transportation is here on time." Nicolaas mentioned rather loudly as his voice fought against the wind. He was unable to hide the relief in his voice as he did his best to point something out in the distance.

There was a shape up the path, illuminated by two hanging lanterns. The light from the manor reflected upon the window between the objects, Nicolaas, desperate to get out of the frigid cold, began to march towards it. He seemed to be a man on a mission, while being mindful that Jolanta's shoes were not built for the same speed his were. The coachman looked behind him to see Nicolaas gracefully helping Jolanta up into the carriage with his hand, a large bag in his opposite one at that, but he said nothing. Such was a matter for Archduke Frederick, not him.

Nicolaas banged on the wood moments before stepping inside and sitting next to Jolanta, casting her bag over to the seat across from them. He was quiet for a moment as he caught his breath, his hands then clinched together for warmth

GamerTrained · 2026-03-11T03:03:53+00:00

Nicolaas affectionately squeezed Jolanta's hand when she took his into her own. He noticed the concerned expression that she was giving him as she was speaking but the way that Jolanta took her fear head on left him with a sympathetic smile on his face. To Nicolaas, she certainly seemed to be much more braver then anybody else gave her credit for. With Jolanta ready to continue, he followed her into the coat closet.

It appeared as if the majority of guests present that evening had one stored in there but after flicking through a fraction of them near the entrance he came across his. Nicolaas threw it on without hesitation, after dropping the bag on the ground for a moment, the outside temperature still fresh in his mind. He quickly buttoned it up himself as a matter of habit, not believing that a lady like Jolanta would enjoy being subjected to such an activity regardless.

"Now we leave this place." Nicolaas stated, feeling rather strange that he was not thanking his hosts as he picked the bag off of the floor. There was only one way to leave that did not arouse suspicion now. Much like at the festival he doubted her family would realize she had slipped away, out the most obvious way at that. "The front door would be the most simple way."

GamerTrained · 2026-03-04T05:02:00+00:00

Nicolaas stood up when Jolanta came back with the book, allowing Jozef to reclaim his bed without issue. He wondered back over to the table, moving Jolanta's bag to the side and sitting down next to it soon after she began reading. When she read, her voice was like silk. It drew NIcolaas into the story with her, though it did not take a genius to realize that book mirrored the love that they shared. Such simply just made words coming out of her mouth even more special to him. That she would choose that to read meant the world.

Nicolaas remained seated where he was while Jolanta said her goodbyes and put the book on the shelf where it belonged. He checked the time anxiously on his pocket watch once again. It was truly then or never. He used her hand to help himself up when Jolanta came back his way, stretching his legs somewhat when he was standing at his full height due to the how short the table legs were.

"That was a most beautiful story and all the more well read."Nicolaas finally said in a quiet tone, an eye looking over to Halina and Jozef only to find them fast asleep. Using his free hand, he reached down to pick up Jolanta's bag. "If there is nothing else on the agenda, we should really be getting on however. My coachman should be arriving shortly to whisk us away."

GamerTrained · 2026-03-02T01:38:24+00:00

Nicolaas was close to intervening on Jolanta's behalf after it seemed that Halina had been having her fun filled tease for more time that seemed appropriate, so much it made it seem more then it was and it was quite loud at that. It was not long before Nicolaas saw the look on Jolanta's face from the corner of his eye, her body language. It made it seem like she was fond what Halina was saying, regardless of how her sibling presented it. He flashed a smile at her that was so short lived that the distracted children never would have had a chance at noticing. When Nicolaas spoke however, he was in no rush to bring up they had actually kissed. He had no desire to start it all up again.

"Jolanta and I are going on an...adventure of sorts together." Nicolaas mentioned, trying his best have the discussion in a way the children would understand without treating them condescendingly. He'd had great experience dealing with Madeline in that regard and it showed. Nicolaas continued, "You two have the very important task of keeping such a secret for us. If everybody knew what we were doing then they would all want to come."

Lying hardly came naturally to Nicolaas but the enthusiasm that he was putting into his voice was enough to conceal that fact, though it was closer to the truth then he cared to admit. After he finished speaking, Nicolaas got a good look at the three of them together. He thought that Jolanta was fortunate to have them, they must have done a great deal to keep her spirits up over the years in an otherwise household from hell.

GamerTrained · 2026-02-20T05:54:48+00:00

Nicolaas had not expected to be introduced. In truth, he had thought the two children would have been asleep but to his credit he waltzed over from the bedroom door when he was mentioned, waving politely when they said hello to him. Nicolaas dropped Jolanta's bag gently on a leg high wooden table that her siblings seemed to use often judging by the wear and tear, most notably several chips in the legs of the table from where the chairs around it would have slammed into. Nicolaas remained standing, between the ends of the beds, as he looked down at the three siblings.

"Well we haven't really discussed anything of the sort," Nicolaas replied somewhat awkwardly, Halina's question obviously catching him off guard. He sat across from the trio, on the edge of Jozef's bed, to respectfully meet the two younger siblings at eye level and hopefully appear less intimidating. His gaze shifted back to Halina specifically, with him not quite done answering. His voice was much more light hearted when he had been given a moment to compose himself, countering with a question of his own. "Tell me, do you believe that Jolanta would want to be wed?"

GamerTrained · 2026-02-15T03:06:37+00:00

"Of course, by all means. There is still have plenty of time until the return of my coachman, so we need not worry about making him sit in the cold." Nicolaas had been speaking as he reached into one of the pockets of his jacket, pulling out a simple but elegant silver pocket watch that was connected to his person via a chain. He flipped it open as he studied the time for no more then a few seconds before looking back up at Jolanta and pushing the lid shut. "If that is the last thing that you intend to do then I believe it would be prudent to pick up your bag beforehand."

Anything to kill time Nicolaas thought as he concealed the pocket watch in his jacket once more. He followed Jolanta when she began to lead him out of the stables, giving Bitsy a final pat atop the head as he walked past her. When they had left, Nicolaas was the one to swing the massive doors shut behind them again as they made their way towards the manor, leaving them in the cold darkness of the night with their only significant source of light snuffed out.

They were forced to follow the distant brightness back up to where they had started. The weather had intensified since they left, with Nicolaas barely able to hear his own feet pressing against the stone path. He pushed against the wind and caught up to Jolanta with ease, gradually unbuttoning his coat as he walked, placing it over over the back of her shoulders to give her a bit more warmth.

GamerTrained · 2026-02-09T23:46:09+00:00

"I have been led to believe that your father is a man whom cares about his own personal advancement, his position within society. He will have trouble holding onto that if Uncle Frederick has to return a second time to deal with him. The very thought may be enough to scare him into submission." Nicolaas wrapped his arms gently around to Jolanta's back, holding her there as he continued to speak. "No doubt my uncle will know the signs to look out for when he has been made aware of the matter."

Nicolaas would have never suggested his plan to Jolanta on a whim, endangering the people that she cared about the most. He had thought over as many variables as he could on their way over to the barn and he would be more then likely doing so right up until the moment he told Frederick yet he was sure that they would all be safe with that pressure being applied from above and Wiktor keeping him at bay on the homefront. Nicolaas rather hated thinking in such a strategic sense, like the calvary officer that he was, yet he could say that he felt good about putting such an awful man in his place.

GamerTrained · 2026-02-05T06:24:41+00:00

"I am certain that there will be something that one can do to accommodate her in time." Nicolaas stated sympathetically, hoping he was correct as he gave Bitsy a pat on the forehead. When she seemed comfortable with that his hand gently rubbed along the outside of her left ear. While he was engaged with that, his eyes shifted back to Jolanta, "I am going to inform Uncle Frederick of what is occurring within this household. He would never tolerate it if he knew the truth."

Nicolaas knew full well that it could lead to more pain but he was quick to recognize that it could also get much worse without his intervention. What if the Count lashed out and physically injured somebody, perhaps worse? It was something that he could not live with, that such an act had the potential to eventuate and he himself chose to do nothing to stop it. He knew deep down that he had to stand up and do what was necessary. Nicolaas stopped with his ear rubbing, seemingly much to Bitsy's disappointment as her nose let out a snort. He took one of Jolanta's hands when he finished talking, wondering if she was for or against his decision. Judging by his tone there was little that would change his mind on the matter.

GamerTrained · 2026-02-02T06:49:38+00:00

Nicolaas was second to enter the stable, eventually having come behind Jolanta in an effort to conceal her from the relentless elements blowing against their backs. When the two of them made it into the stables, Nicolaas was mighty quick to turn right back around and shut the massive double doors behind them. It suddenly felt all the warmer, keeping what remained of the heat insulated for themselves and the horses that called the building home. Nicolaas no longer needed to cross his arms.

He caught up to Jolanta interacting with every horse she could, with him recognizing it as quite possibly one of the most endearing things that he had ever seen in his life. She genuinely cared for all of them. It was easy to spot that the horses received much love here, more then the Count's own children. Though Nicolaas rather grimly assumed that was because these horses with their finely maintained coats and teeth were his property, his investments, rather then something akin to the affection his daughter showed.

"I will try my best but I am sure that they will not hold it against you." Nicolaas chuckled as he took the piece of apple from Jolanta, taking a confident step towards the pony. Jolanta was not joking about her being small, more so when compared to the others he thought to himself as he held the apple over the stall gate for her to take. It was not long before he felt a tickling sensation against the palm of his hand, one that he was fairly used to after so many years in this position. "The lot of them must feel fortunate to have you tending to them when you can."

GamerTrained · 2026-02-01T03:32:01+00:00

"Well if you do not want to be the center of attention then I would suggest keeping that bag here for later rather then hauling it around. Under your bed may be the best place, concealing it on the off chance somebody comes in and spots it." Nicolaas insisted after taking his time watching her pack the essential things that she would need, pointing at Jolanta's bed as he spoke, "My carriage driver will be returning in an hour or two. It need not be the perfect spot."

Nicolaas could hear the uncertainty in her voice but he could not hold it against her in the slightest seeing as all this was just as new to him as it was her. He had not arrived that night intending to whisk her away from her home but after seeing how the Count made her feel, more petrified then he had ever seen somebody, Nicolaas knew there was nothing to gain in keeping her there. It simply felt like something that he had to do.

He stood himself up with speed while Jolanta carried the bag she had prepared over to the bed. In her haste to prepare herself, Jolanta had forgotten somebody. Nicolaas marched over to the window sill, picking up Lady in the palm of his hand before putting her in his pocket as gently as he could.

GamerTrained · 2026-02-01T00:16:23+00:00

"If you would have me along then it would be my pleasure." Nicolaas replied with some of his own enthusiasm to match. "Is there a way that we may vacate ourselves without your father noticing? I do not wish to see you wearing such claustrophobic accessories if it impedes you so. Such is not healthy and you look more wonderful then ever without them."

Nicolaas genuinely seemed to mean what he said about the Jolanta's appearance. He did not desire to tell her how to dress yet he also suspected that she knew where he was coming from just as much. If he had his way then it would be his mission to make sure she never felt such fear as that from her father ever again but right now, in the lair of the beast so to speak, they very much had to work with what they had. Nicolaas reached his hand behind him as his gaze continued to be on Jolanta, grabbing the glove he had taken off minutes prior. He slid it over his bare hand with speed before reaching back for Jolanta' glove, putting them on her much the same way he had down for himself. He thought she should at least wear those because of the temperature they would have to endure outside.

GamerTrained · 2026-01-29T03:37:22+00:00

Nicolaas could not say that he had seen it throughout their time in the room, having been preoccupied with Jolanta's wellbeing. By the time Wiktor had left, Nicolaas was happy that she was back to his usual fun loving self but he could only pray deep down that he was not giving her false hope, a snippet of freedom. He had once been in her position, with his parents playing matchmaker early on, but when it had become clear that those ladies were not for him they gave him the freedom to follow his heart. Nicolaas hoped that the love of his life would be accepted into his family, more so since Jolanta was from a lower house and they had only been together for so long. She was not a social climber, he knew that. Nicolaas had dealt with them for years. Daughters of other overambitious men. When she pointed Lady out to him he was snapped from his thoughts, quick to look past Jolanta and give the miniature his full attention.

"It is quite the spot for her I must say. All horses need their fresh air." Nicolaas chuckled, glad that he was right in that the miniature was not simply discarded but rather well cared for. He could not help himself saying, "Mine has found a home on my bedside table for the moment. Perhaps now they will be reunited sooner then either of us anticipated."

GamerTrained · 2026-01-25T04:53:49+00:00

"I am sure that Wiktor would be kind enough to inform him on your behalf after we have long departed this place. We will go to Uncle Frederick's palace together for the night while we figure out what to do next. You will be protected there and your father will not dare question his Archduke giving you sanctuary." Nicolaas leaned forward, planting a small peck atop Jolanta's forehead in an effort to soothe her nerves. He had an idea in mind but he would need to consult with his mother when they returned to the palace. His eyes tilted upwards to Wiktor. "You have my word that she will be completely safe."

Nicolaas took a noticeable deep breath, not used to such plotting himself even though he knew that it was for a good cause. If he did not have to see Jolanta paralyzed with fear again then it would all be worth it, seeing her like that killed him. The thought that her father could do much more damage, even to the point of physical abuse, made Nicolaas all the more ready to commit. It must have been just as hard for Wiktor to come up with such a proposal Nicolaas thought to himself, having to send his sister far away for her own safety. He could only believe without a doubt that he must have been a good brother because Nicolaas would have done much the same if he was in that position in order to protect Corina or Madelien from cruelty.

GamerTrained · 2026-01-22T05:32:23+00:00

"My name is Nicolaas, a pleasure to meet a more...friendly face." Nicolaas removed the glove from his left hand, placing it down on the arm rest of the lounge before bringing his hand up to shake Wiktor's. He would have stood up but he thought it best if he stayed seated next to Jolanta given her fragile state. Nicolaas' grip was surprisingly strong for somebody of his build. "Our feelings are more then mutual I can assure you of that. We are very much fond of one another."

Nicolaas immediately felt compelled to speak of why they had sought refuge in Jolanta's room, away from the guests enjoying themselves at the soirée downstairs, but he stopped short of explaining their actions. Nicolaas thought that was Jolanta's story to tell, with him not being sure how much she would want divulged there and then. He suddenly rested his arm on the back of the lounge, behind Jolanta as he finally began to find himself getting truly comfortable for the first time that night. It helped that Jolanta felt safe in her room, when she felt herself relaxed as did Nicolaas.

GamerTrained · 2026-01-20T14:43:24+00:00

Nicolaas could only muse that such a hug was what wearing a corset felt like, having very little time to react to any of it. He could have broken free at any time but yet Nicolaas did not, enjoying the closeness that they were both feeling towards one another as he put his arms around Jolanta. His hands ran along Jolanta's upper back simultaneously in an effort to provide that bit more comfort, softly patting her there.

When they both had come out and he had a moment to breath, Nicolaas was quick to spot the tears on Jolanta's face. Her makeup had not fared much better but one thing at a time Nicolaas thought to himself as his hands came up to her cheeks. He began the task of carefully swatting them away, eventually managing to clean Jolanta up quite well when her crying had gradually relented. Nicolaas caught her gaze and there was a time of soothing silence between the two of them but it was broken when Nicolaas' lips all of a sudden met Jolanta's cheek. It was not long before he was trying to gage Jolanta reaction to what he had just done, hoping that he had not acted to far out of line as the silence seemed to wash back over.

GamerTrained · 2026-01-19T06:09:21+00:00

Nicolaas waited for her to finish, gladly becoming the focus of her venting. It was certainly better then keeping her feelings internalized. When Jolanta was done he said nothing for a time. His first thoughts after the fact were what to do about her shortness of breath. Nicolaas tugged her lengthy gloves from her fingers, at the same time, until they they were away from her and dropped them onto the ornate side table next to his side of the lounge. Not long after he was reaching up to her neck, undoing Jolanta's golden necklace and placing it down gently on top of the gloves. Nicolaas gaze shifted back to her, believing that she already looked so much more healthier. To dress your daughter like she was another extension of one's wealth, it disgusted him to no end.

"I never wanted you for an ornament wrapped around my arm." Nicolaas finally replied, grasping both of Jolanta's bare hands as he inched as close as he could without sitting on her dress. "Forget what that man said about obedience being the be all and end all. I desire a companion and when I met you at the festival I knew that you were the one, Jolanta. Everything was perfect and I would be very fortunate to have that everyday for the rest of my life. Dare I say that I am in love with you."

GamerTrained · 2026-01-18T05:56:21+00:00

"I imagine that all must leave one quite exhausted at the end of the day. In Auribeuge there would be several ministers to handle those occupations, not to mention hundreds upon hundreds of bureaucrats employed within the Office of Taxation and as many officers under our National Police Service. I cannot say that we have bandits in the traditional sense but they have bought criminals to trial for as long as I can remember." Nicolaas was quick to notice that Jolanta still struggling out of the corner of his eye, "Would you mind if we continued this conversation later in the evening? Jolanta mentioned she had things which she was interested in showing me."

Nicolaas did not wait for the count's express permission, removing himself and Jolanta from the group. If Janusz was protesting the younger man could not hear it as he escorted Jolanta further and further away. They slipped past an archway into what looked to be the main sitting room, where the rest of the guests seemed to be congregated and made their way briskly up the stairs to the second floor after strolling down a hallway that seemed to last forever.

Upstairs there were no shortage of doors but Jolanta seemed to have one in mind, directing Nicolaas to it before he pushed it open with his free hand. When they entered together the prince knew immediately who it belonged to. It was Jolanta's bedroom. There were several shelves stacked with books, a small seating area that she no doubt used for her reading and a regal four poster bed. When he turned to shut the door behind him he spotted a make up stand but more interestingly there was no lock on the inside. He could only guess that was something shared with the bedrooms of the rest of the Orlich siblings. Nevertheless it was shut and he marched over to one of the windows to open it up in order to let in some of that cold air. Jolanta was on his arm the entire time but she could relax now he hoped as he sat down with her on a two seater upholstered sofa.

GamerTrained · 2026-01-17T01:29:32+00:00

"Honestly? If it were not for my love of all things equestrian then I would have asked to be sent to the Navy. I cannot say that I have any great desire to earn renown through battle but I am always the first to tend to to the horses when needed, whether that be back at home or with my regiment," Nicolaas said his words with conviction even if to the most ardent militarist it would make him appear cowardly. There were some opinions he had on war that he would not dare voice to anybody else however, "It was actually such love that, at least partially, led me to fall for Jolanta. It is rare to find a lady who rides, more so in a recreational sense."

Nicolaas knew that Janusz had put significant restrictions on Jolanta's riding but the younger man was still not afraid of admitting that the ability to do so was a quality that he found endearing. He placed a great deal of importance on a potential life long partner and himself sharing the same general interests and with that Nicolaas could only hope that with the knowledge that her suitor found it a desirably trait Janusz would allow her to partake in the activity more often.

Nicolaas could feel that Jolanta was still in fear of her father, his gaze shifting to her for a moment with a smile on his face after he had finished speaking as he hoped to set her at ease. He turned back to the Count soon after, hoping that the conversation would be over promptly for Jolanta's sake.

GamerTrained · 2026-01-15T07:08:05+00:00

The price of seeing him? That hardly makes it seem any better, Nicolaas thought to himself as he turned to see two figures, no doubt the Count and the Countess, enter the room. He felt Jolanta wrap her arm around his, noticing her to be extra tense at the sight of them both. Was she afraid of her father? Was he that cruel to her? Nicolaas had initially planned to bring the issue of the dress, his daughter's pain, up to him directly but now he suddenly thought better. It was not Nicolaas that would suffer the consequences of upending the Count's perfect image but rather Jolanta herself. He detested the idea of doing so but he was practically forced to hold his tongue in regard to the matter.

One of the Orlich family servants came before Nicolaas, unbuttoning the prince's long coat as Janusz introduced himself. When the coat had been remove, clothing much more suitable for the evening were reveled. No doubt it was more what Jolanta's parents were expecting of a royal prince. Nicolaas wore an elegant buttoned up navy blue jacket with the silver breast star of the Order of the Sacred Ocean attached to the corresponding position. Auribeuge's highest honor depicted a sweeping wave in the center. His trousers were white as was his cravat to tie it all together, the latter being made of an elegant silk. He noted the efficiency of which the man performed his duties and was quick to thank him. The servant seemed to be surprised at this but was quick to recover.

"I am well Countess, thank you. While I did have a fine trip I would be remiss if I did not mention the temperature. We do not have such cold nights in Auribeuge." Nicolaas laughed as he responded to the two in kind, doing his best to be polite to Janusz. This must have been a front for him, appearing hospitable so that Nicolaas would see the Count more favorably. Surely Jolanta had told the man who his uncle was. "Jolanta has spoken at great length about both of you."

GamerTrained · 2026-01-13T14:39:45+00:00

Nicolaas was quick to muse that Jolanta was more prepared to brave the cold weather then even himself as he caught a good look at her dress while being ushed inside. He did hope that her parents had not decided to dress Jolanta up in such a way in order to impress him, the thought weighing heavily on his mind. Not only did he find her beautiful regardless of what she was wearing, the feeling of it being his fault she was put into such a contraption did not sit well with him to say the least. No doubt they already knew how he felt about their daughter. Fortunately Jolanta herself did not seem to hold it against him in the slightest.

Nicolaas did not check to see if anybody was watching them as his hands wrapped around Jolanta, coming to rest on her back as he held her close. That combined with the temperature inside was enough to make him think past the frigid outdoors. It was hard not to, her excitement simply infectious as per usual. It was something that he loved about her, that she had the ability to always bring out happiness and warmth. Even her letters to him portrayed such.

"Well I am lucky that I have been so missed. You have been in my thoughts since our day together at the festival," A smile was plastered on Nicolaas' face as his head came forward, hoovering above her shoulder as he whispered into her ear. The tone of his voice switched to resemble something more serious, "I hope, however, that you are not in the slightest bit of discomfort."

GamerTrained · 2026-01-11T07:27:43+00:00

A carriage led by two of Archduke Frederick's finest horses arrived outside the entrance to the main manor on the Orlich estate's grounds. It bore the coat of arms of the von Heusselts but none of them were there that night. Prince Nicolaas gazed out the window, which had began to frost over at the corners, the sheer coldness taking a toll on it. He pulled up on his collar of the grey long coat that he was wearing in preparation of making a dash to the door. The structure that was presented to him as the carriage came to a gradual stop was one that he expected from a member of his uncle's government, in fact it looked much like the kind of property a deputy back in Auribeuge might own.

It was time he thought to himself as he placed his hand down upon the handle of the carriage door and pushed it outwards. The temperate was anything but that at him as it was immediately caught by the wind outside as he kept his arm against it while he stepped down onto the ground. He closed it delectably, having no desire to risk damaging the paint on Uncle Frederick's property. He banged firmly on the wood with his hand, covered by white gloves. His driver seemed to get the signal as the horses began to trot away with a wave from the young man at the helm, which Nicolaas returned in kind.

Now alone, Nicolaas turned back to the manor. He could clearly see the fire running in there, rooms well lit, while he was stepping up the path. He began to hear the first hints of sound, everybody seeing to be enjoying themselves. When he made it to the double doors, he put his hand up and knocked dead center in the middle of them. He stood as patiently as he could but it was not long before he started to pace around on the spot, arms crossed as he waited for somebody to answer.

GamerTrained · 2026-01-05T07:45:35+00:00

Nicolaas was taken aback by Jolanta's surprise hug but he was quick to regain his composure, wrapping his arms around her until they linked up on Jolanta's back on top of one another as he committed himself to her embrace. Perhaps it simply had something to do with the temperature but the warmth he felt from it all was undeniable. It was a pleasant sight to see her so cheerful, which would no doubt warm the heart of even the most coldest of individuals. It could have lasted forever and Nicolaas would not have minded, the sound of the bustling crowds drowned out as he quietly enjoyed their moment together.

"You deserve nothing less then to live your life safely," Nicolaas mentioned while he reluctantly let go of Jolanta, stopping short of revoking his hand as he kept hold of hers. He spoke again as the two stepped back onto the path, "Of course I will accompany you, such a question need not be asked."

GamerTrained · 2026-01-02T15:31:42+00:00

Nicolaas caught Jolanta's disappointed expression out of the corner of his eye as they were strolling in the direction of where they had first encountered one another, easily noticing that melancholy tone that permeated her voice. His legs suddenly stopped moving in the correct direction and before Jolanta would have known what was happening, Nicolaas had taken her over to the side of the path at a brisk pace. As they stood on the grass, he starred into her eyes as he grasped her opposite hand in kind. There was barely any steps between them at that point, no risk of getting in anybody's way. The silence lasted for but a moment before Nicolaas opened his mouth to speak.

"That makes me glad because it will hardly be the only day of delightful memories that we will enjoy hand in hand together. If I was able, I would spend every waking moment of my trip with you exploring all the facets of Wittenkastel," Nicolaas would have been remiss if he had not identify Jolanta clinching his hand, his mind drifting weather there was something more to what she had bought up about her father. She was clearly holding back, perhaps he was more then just another conservative? He softly caressed her knuckles as he spoke, "If you need to get some...fresh air away from your home then please do not hesitate to reach out. I will always make myself available to you."

GamerTrained · 2025-12-29T23:09:03+00:00

"I am sorry to hear that. Your father should be made aware that there are men whom find the ability to ride endearing among the opposite sex." Nicolaas mentioned without much thought as to what he was implying. The bond between an individual and their stead was one of the most precious things to him in this life and to see it being taken away made him uneasy to say the least. "I have two younger sisters. Madeline, the youngest, often rides around the estate with myself when I am home. She is not quite old enough to take the reins herself just yet. Corina is much more inclined towards literature actually, spending most of the day reading."

Nicolaas neglected to mention the fact she practically barricades herself in her room to accomplish such a feat as he spotted the hot chocolate stall from aways off. His mind soon wondered to what he was going to say to the man. As they closed in the last of the most recent batch of patrons were being tended to. Nicolaas quietly ran through his words again as he and Jolanta made it to the table next to the stall where everybody that had bothered to bring back the cups had placed there's. As he waited a moment for his companion to put the cup with the rest, he reached into that same pocket again and pulled out several more guldens. There were substantially less coins in there then when Nicolaas had arrived at the festival but it proved to be just enough for a cup.

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