Bohemian Rhapsody [Arthur]

[Luciana le Valois]

Oh, it was hot… unbearably hot.

Armorica was experiencing its warmest month out of the year, and there was very little one could do to escape from the heat aside from stripping down to one’s bare skin. Luciana hated this weather. She could not ride her Cavalier without getting baked, and she could not take a dip in the pond close to the castle… not with all the royal guests swarming about.

So Luciana slept in the late, escaping the heat in her mind, dreaming about the play, Chateau Blanc, that was preformed the other night. The performance was put on in the Great Hall in front of the whole court. It began before supper, with the audience being led into the large chamber, hung with arras and brilliantly lit, and at the far end the glittering Chateau Blanc itself. The castle was an elaborate wooden construction with three towers, painted ivory and with battlements in hundreds of pieces of gold tinfoil. It contained hidden musicians and standing on the towers were eight ladies, Luciana among them. The eight court ladies were each cast as one of the qualities of the perfect mistress of chivalric tradition: Beauty, Honor, Perseverance, Kindness, Constancy, Bounty, Mercy, and Pity. The Princess of Armorica was of course chosen to personify Beauty. To have given her another role would have been an insult. The ladies wore gowns made out of white satin with a gold sash with their role embroidered onto it and gold masks to conceal their identities. Opposite them were the eight male virtues of the ideal courtier: Honesty (played by her brother Tristan), Nobleness, Youth, Attendance, Loyalty, Pleasure, Gentleness, and Liberty. The gentlemen wore coats of cloth of gold with blue velvet knee high boots and great mantle cloaks of blue satin. Like the women, they wore gold masks and sashes labeled with their character. The ladies were protected from assault by eight women manning the lower walls and dressed in black, each depicting one of the contrary feminine vices or virtues: Danger, Disdain, Jealousy, Unkindness, Scorn, Malebouche, Strangeness, and Lust. The men entered, led by a spokesman, Ardent Desire, dressed in crimson satin embroidered with burning flames in gold. Then Desire begged the ladies to come down, but when Scorn and Disdain announced that they would resist, he called on the courtiers to take the ladies by force. To a peal of cannon, synchronized from outside, Honesty led the attack, bombarding the castle, and its garrison with dates, oranges and 'other fruits made for pleasure' to which the ladies, replied with a barrage of sweetmeats and rosewater until Lady Scorn and the rest of the women retreated, keeping up a defensive fire with bows and balls. Then female coldness having fled before masculine ardor, the warm and soft qualities were taken prisoner and brought out of the castle to dance. When the dancing was over, masks were removed and all were known. They then went off with the audience to a costly banquet. It was one of the best nights of Luciana’s life.

With a dreamy smile on her lips, the princess relived the night in her mind over and over again. That is until her handmaid, Alis, woke her up, saying that the guests had begun to arrive. Luciana groaned and rolled over, ignoring her wake up call. Alis once again attempted to wake her mistress from her slumber but to no avail. Then when it seemed that Alis given up, Luciana felt herself being lifted her from the bed like a bride by a pair of strong arms belonging to the only man who could enter her chambers without permission, Tristan. Even in the presence of her twin brother, the princess kept her pearl gray eyes shut and nestled against her brother’s well-sculpted chest. Then suddenly, Luciana felt herself falling and was awoken by the sensation of ice cold water enveloping her skin.

“AAAAAAH! TRISTAN! HOW DARE YOU!” screamed Luciana at the top of her lungs, as she scrambled to sit upright in her silver bathtub.

“You brought it on yourself, Lulu,” retorted the Crown Prince of Armorica was a jocular laugh.

“I hate you,” stated the princess in a low grumble, as she removed her soaking wet chemise and glowered at her twin.

“Lu, some modesty, please.” He remarked, adverting his eyes to his sister’s naked form. Luciana only smirked at her brother’s discomfort and dunked under the cold water, favoring over the intense heat of the air. When it was clear that she had no intention of covering up, Tristan strode out of the room, reminding her to be quick about getting ready.

After she was finished her bath, the Princess of Armorica sat at her vanity, staring blankly at herself in the gold-framed mirror, while one of her maids brushed her coiled dark brown hair. She was dressed only in a sleeveless white corset and a few white petticoats, not wanting to wear any more layers than she had to. Even her maids were basically dressed down to their undergarments. Oh how the princess wished that her castle housed just a few more servants so that there were a few to spare to fan her. Unfortunately, the servants were being stretched thin in order to accommodate the Armorican royal families visiting allies. Her father was holding a great feast to celebrate Le Jour de Moisson, Armorica’s first day of harvest. The castle’s great hall would be filled with Armorican nobles and it’s allies who would be dining on her country’s best crop and game. The tables would be decorated in garlands and cornucopias of vegetables and fruits. Lively and joyful music would fill the hall, compliments of their finest musicians, and of course there would be dancing. Lots and lots of dancing! It would most certainly be a grand event.

Waving her hand at her maid to shoo her away, Luciana got up from her seat and walked over to the large window that looked over the entrance to the castle. Opening the window, she leaned against its stone frame and surveyed the convoy of guests that were being guided in to the front courtyard. Not doubt her parents and brother were greeting them right now, giving them some excuse for her absence. Of course she was purposely moving like a snail. Luciana did not want to meet a bunch of stuffy old men and be gawked at like a priceless artifact. That was just creepy. Then as she continued to look out over the parade of guests, she saw red banners with a magnificent gold dragon emblazon on them. Then Luciana eyes lit up and a thrilled smile graced her lips, the one of her father’s men bellowed:

“Prince Arthur Pendragon of Camelot!”

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Tags:[/color] Athur
Words:[/color] 1130
Outfit:[/color] Play Costume - her corset and petticoat basically have the same look except less floofy.
Setting:[/color] Armorica
Time of Day:[/color] Early Afternoon
Timeline:[/color] Two Years before Season 1
Notes:[/color] Enjoy The play is basically the Chateau Vert with a new name. I don't take any credit for creating it.

[Arthur Pendragon]

It was bloody hot. Ridiculously hot. Arthur could usually handle a bit of heat, but after having traveled at such a great distance, and being clad in all his formal attire -- his armor, cape, best boots [which just also happened to be made of thick leather] and every other article of clothing imaginable -- made him feel like he was in a fire. Thankfully, it did not show. How dreadful would it look if he arrived at Armorica, drenched in sweat and panting for some water. No. The young prince was entirely presentable. He had just been anxious to arrive at their destination. It had been some time since he last visited the wonderful allied kingdom. Having traveled through the lands to arrive at the castle, only brought back to memory the beauties this kingdom entailed. The lush vegetation and well maintained estates, and castle, made Armorica a kingdom that Arthur felt proud to call ally. Of course, the beauties were not reserved to only landscapes and buildings. He was rather looking forward to a woman who tended to grace a room with her presence.

Once they arrived in the courtyard, him and his knights of escort dismounted from their horses while several servants hurried about to lead them away and tend to them. Arthur was greeted by the the royal family of Armorica, the king, queen and prince. Yet, it was clear that someone was missing from this group. Arthur did not ask right away, but instead, respectfully thanked them for their invitation as they spoke of the great honor he had given them by attending. He also had to make apology for his father's lacking presence for the king had a great deal many matters to attend to back in Camelot. Of course it would look far too rude for no representative of the Pendragon family to come -- and since there were only two of them -- Arthur's arrival was better than no ones from Camelot's. Besides, he welcomed the change. While he loved Camelot with all his hear, it was nice to venture out for reasons other than hunting down creatures and leading battles.

Unfortunately, Arthur bored easily. So once quick introductions and pleasantries were made, everyone's presence lingered in the courtyard as they began to talk of random things. Boring things. Arthur's attention span tended to be a bit short, unless he found something of amusement or interest. He hated all those long talk of politics, or when his father gave dreadfully long speeches about the history of Camelot and such at their own feasts. Of course, he had to pretend like he was paying attention, and so he nodded along, and smiled. His gaze was wandering around though, until it was raised a bit and his eyes rested on the most exquisite of things he had seen since his arrival. There she was: Princess Luciana le Valois. She was peering down at everyone who was slowly entering through the castle gates and Arthur wondered what kept her up there. Perhaps she was waiting to made a grand entrance . . . yes. That was probably it. Most princesses were like that, weren't they? At least in Arthur's experience. They liked to hold back from being instantly seen when the guest arrived and then when everyone was seated, they would make their grand entrance so that all eyes would rest solely on them.

Morgana did it all the time. It drove him insane. But now, as his eyes found her, he gave a charming smile -- as charming as he could make one from such a distance. Wanting to acknowledge her presence through a silent greeting -- and since she was far better for the eyes than any of the old men here -- he held out his arms and lowered his body into a bow. It was a bit of a dramatic one, but worth it if it meant he could capture her attention for only a few moments. Allowing this position to drag on for several moments, he finally raised his head once more, still smiling at her, before her father called for him, inviting him to actually enter the castle and freshen up for the feast that was being prepared that evening. Giving a short nod to him, and thanking him for the offer, Arthur followed the group of nobles through the opened castle doors, preparing to be led to guest chambers where he would be spending the next few days.

[Luciana le Valois]

As the dashingly handsome Prince of Camelot rode in to the front courtyard of the Castle of Armorica, a playful and euphoric grin spread across her lips. She leaned farther out the window so that her upper body was practically resting on the ledge to get a closer glimpse at Arthur. As he dismounted his horse and greeted her family, Luciana thought about calling down to him in some poetic manner like the ladies in romance novels did when they were longing for their lovers. However the princess disregarded the clichéd idea all together at the group of royals started chatting. Instead she just gazed down at him, her pearl gray eye fixated on his practically perfect form, as she rested her chin on top of her fair, delicate hands. Then her handmaid, Alis, joined her mistress at the window, wondering what the princess was staring at.

“Prince Arthur is in a fine form today, is he, my lady,” comment the adolescent girl, taking a quick glance out the window.

Without looking back at her maid, Luciana giggled softly at her remark. Arthur always looked magnificent and strong and dignified. It was like as if he was invulnerable to everything, even this blasted heat. Then turning her head slightly to look Alis in the eye, the Princess of Armorica smirked with delight, and stated, “It’s like God fashioned him Himself.”

Then as Alis began to make her bed, Luciana returned her attentions to the visiting prince. As her gaze fell on him once more, she saw Arthur looking up at her with his ever so charming smile. It was enough to make a girl melt. It was a good thing Luciana was holding onto the window’s ledge, or else she might have found herself on the floor. Then Arthur’s next actions delighted her to no end. If it weren’t for the fact that he was watching her, the Armorican princess would have most likely squealed and jumped around like a school girl with her first crush. With his arms stretched out, the handsome prince bowed at the waist in a theatrical manner. Any lady would have been ecstatic to be the recipient of such a grand gesture. Luciana certainly was. The whole time a wide smile of sheer pleasure was plastered to Luciana’s pretty face. Then as he rose out of his bow, the princess returned it with a graceful nod; her dark curls cascading over her elegant shoulder.

As the Prince of Camelot followed her family inside the gleaming white castle, Luciana left her window, and cried, “Alis! Alis! Get my floral brocade gown! Quickly!”

As if by magic, the young handmaid appeared with the intricate dress and a pure ivory chemise. As Alis arranged the pieces of the gown on the princess’s bed, Luciana scurried to put her matching rosewood high heels. The raising her arms over her head, the princess bade, “Alis, the skirt.”

“What about the chemise, your ladyship?” inquired the handmaid, questioning her order of dressing.

“Oh, forget the chemise. It’s too bloody hot for it anyway,” answered Luciana, a bit bothered that her maid was questioning her.

Alis didn’t push the matter any further and hastily pulled the brocade skirt over Luciana’s head and fastened it about her tiny wait. While the young servant laced the back of the off the shoulder bodice, the princess of Armorica pulled the detachable sleeves onto her arms and skillfully laced them to the bodice. She did not lace them completely together, wanting to show a bit of flesh. Like a well-oiled machine, the maid and princess worked together to finish the princess’s dressing. After her gown was completed, Luciana went over to her vanity and swiftly gussied herself up a bit. Teasing her dark locks with her nimble fingers, the princess fluffed her wavy tresses to give it a bit more volume. Then with a bit of lip stain on her finger, she colored her lips an enticing rose shade that suited her complexion to perfection. Then she dabbed a bit of rosewater about her neck and wrist, favoring the barely noticeable floral scent. Finally, the stylish princess donned a pair of simple gold earring, not wanting anything to take attention off of her gown. Pleased with her overall appearance, Luciana smirked as she admired herself in the mirror, pleased with herself, and then swiftly exited her luxurious room.

Picking up her skirt, the princess rushed through the hallways and corridors, slowing down to a dignified walked just before she reached the castle’s main stairs. Then just as her family and, more importantly, Prince Arthur entered the castle, Luciana elegantly and gracefully made her way down the white stone steps like an angel descending from heaven. A charming, seductive smile danced on her lips as an enticing gleam filled her light eyes. Luciana could feel every pair of eyes, which were quite a few, in the room fall upon her, admiring her apparent charms. After reaching the bottom of the steps, the Princess of Armorica sauntered toward her noble family with so much poise it seem as if she wear floating across the floor. Once she joined with King, Queen, and Prince of Armorica, Luciana greeted her father, kissing him on both cheeks and then did the same to her mother. As she moved to give Tristan a gentle peck, the Armorican prince whispered softly in his sister’s ear that her entrance was marvelous as always. Smiling a thank you, the princess turned her attention to the only man she was trying to impress.

“You remember Prince Arthur, don’t you, my dear?” remarked King Alaric, smiling brightly at his beloved daughter.

“Of course, Father,” replied Luciana, her gray eyes meeting the prince’s light blue ones. Then she mimicked the Camelotian royal’s earlier gesture… somewhat. Sinking to the floor, the Armorican princess elegantly curtsied to the visiting prince, bending her knee until it almost touched the ground. Then before rising from the floor, she added to her earlier statement, in a tantalizing voice, “How could I forget the Prince of Camelot?”

“I was just about to show the Prince to his chambers-" began Luciana’s regal father, but Luciana cut him off, and said, like a dutiful daughter, “Oh, let me escort Prince Arthur. You would not want to neglect your other guests, now would you, Father?”

The King of Armorica nodded and approved his exquisite daughter’s request. Then with a triumphant, seductive smile, Luciana turned to the prince, and stated, “Follow me, your Highness.”

The Princess of Armorica led the exceedingly attractive prince up the white stairs at a gradually pace, feeling no need to rush. As she silently guided him through the halls of the extensive palace, a sense of electricity filled the tense air. Of course the stillness that resided between the two royals did assuage the tension. The princess would have reached out a taken the prince by the arm, but with the servants skittering about, she did not want them to report unlady-like behavior to her father. If that happen, King Alaric would probably forbid his daughter from being in Prince Arthur’s company. That would make the celebrations truly dreadful.

Entering the east wing of the Castle of Armorica, Luciana halted at large, pale double doors. Opening them, she revealed what would be the prince’s chambers for the duration of his stay in her fair country. The rather large room was decorated in the Pendragon colors. In the far corner stood a red swathed king size bed with a large white armoire next to it. There was another door diagonal to the armoire that led to the bathing room, and nearest to the double doors was a small polished wooden table with four chairs placed around it. The princess knew it had its tacky points, like the gaudy gold chandelier that hung in the middle of the room and the gilded wall décor, but she chose this room for him for a very specific reason… No, it’s not the colors.

Gliding into the chamber, Luciana pointed out the rooms various comforts, glancing back at the prince with her alluring pearl gray eyes every few moments. Finally, the princess stopped in front of a floor length tapestry that hung on the wall closest to the bed. Luciana had woven the masterpiece of a hunting party herself with a secret purpose: to conceal the door that was behind it. Pulling the tapestry away from the wall, Luciana revealed the hidden door, and remarked seductively, “And this leads to my room. Please, don’t hesitate to inform me if you need anything at any time.”

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Tags:[/color] Arthur Pendragon
Words:[/color] 1432
Outfit:[/color] Floral Brocade Gown
Notes:[/color] Sorry it's sooo long! I just wanted to give you a plethora of material, and I'm liking bohemian Lulu. Oh here are pictures of Arthur's room, Lulu's bedroom, the tapestry, and Armorica Castle.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur did not miss the fact that his actions had merited a smile from her; even a nod of acknowledgment. Seeing her beautiful features display such emotions only caused his impatience to see her properly, rise. The anticipation was almost driving him to madness, even though he knew it would not be too long. Unless of course she waited for the feast before revealing herself. Oh god he hoped not. She had to come sooner than that because . . . well, just because she had to. While Arthur's thoughts rested mostly on her and that small yet impacting glimpse he had gotten from her, he still managed to somewhat pay attention to what the other men were saying. Nothing of great importance. They were only telling him details of the feast and yet again, expressing their honor over his -- as well as the other nobles -- presence. Basically, Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah. Arthur came here to represent the Pendragons, but after seeing those few seconds of her, had a strong feeling that the shift in purpose of his visit had changed. He was not sure how much time had passed -- for it felt like hours -- before everyone was suddenly silenced as their eyes turned to the stairwell.

Arthur's gaze followed, and rested on the most magnificent being he had ever laid eyes on. There she was, Luciana le Valois looking . . . well, there were no mortal words to describe the beauty he was currently looking at. In fact, it felt like all words had escaped his mind. He was too distracted, speechless really by this entrance . . . by this goddess. He was fixated on her as she approached close to where he was, only to greet her family. Arthur would have said something along the lines of God have mercy! For that was what screaming in his head right now. But, with her father standing right there, he doubted the King would appreciate such words directed to his daughter. No matter how true or accurate they would be. All he could do was stare, noticing almost every detail of her. The curves of her luscious body, the way her gorgeous curls cascaded down her back, her alluring light pearl eyes, her sensual lips -- which now just happened to be resting on her parents cheeks one at a time. Arthur was wondering when his turn would be. Even the graceful way she glided towards them. Everything about her was so desirable; and was drawing him to her.

She had such a magnetic presence and Arthur more than ever, wished there was no one else present in this room so that he could take advantage of that seductive smile that was playing on her lips. "You remember Prince Arthur, don’t you, my dear?" Oh! Wait! Damn! He heard his name? What? Did he say something to him? Or was it just about him? Either way, Arthur had to force himself out of whatever trance she had put him in . . . the goddess before him; clearly an angel descended from the heavens. Snap out of it! And these words he told himself seemed to work . . . at least for now. For he highly doubted that he beauty could ever be ignored, trivialized, or remotely unnoticed. When she confirmed the words -- that Arthur's mind had finally registered -- he gave a smile. A polite one; not one that made him look like he was gaping at the princess. Again, he knew her father would not appreciate that. He watched as she lowered herself into what appeared to be the most poised and elegant curtsy he had seen in his entire life. He lowered himself as well, taking her hand in his.

"If possible, you have grown even more beautiful since last we met," he complimented, before his lips touched the back of her hand in a prolonged gesture, and then he released it. He of course, could not grab on to her hand for too long around all these people. But he could at least pay her the proper respects: follow the protocol of being in the presence of a Lady. When the King spoke of how he was going to show him to his chambers, Arthur felt a massive wave of relief -- and pleasure -- when Luciana interjected, offering to be the one to escort him instead. His mind filled with thoughts of plea to allow her to do this. What time he could get away from all this political talk he would take . . . and even better, he would be in her presence and hers alone. He did not say anything though, for he knew if he spoke, his words would come out far too eager. Either way, he had to conceal the full extent of delight he felt upon hearing her father accept her offer with the proper logic she had provided. "Follow me, your Highness." He did not need to be asked twice. "My Lords," he said, bidding his temporary departure from their company, he followed alongside Luciana, grateful to have this opportunity to speak to her alone. The walk to his guest chambers was not long, but it was silent.

Mostly because there were many other people wandering about and Arthur would much rather save his words when it was guaranteed that only her ears would be the recipient of them. Once they arrived and the doors were opened, Arthur followed Luciana into the room. The very . . . interesting room. The first thing he noticed was the colors: for they were themed with red and gold, the color of the Pendragon seal. Arthur knew this could not be mere coincidence and the thought of such thoughtfulness brought a smile to his lips. The room had its charms, as well as its . . . tackiness. But it was a place that would provide comfort all the same. Of course, the exquisiteness of the room paled in comparison to the woman in it so when she turned to look at him, Arthur found his full attention solely rested on her. He didn't even notice where she had stopped -- near the tapestry. He had been waiting for this moment to speak to her in private for what felt like forever, and now he could not find the words to eliminate this silence. But he did not have to, for she spoke first. Or well, she did something first. Pulling back the tapestry there was a small door. Arthur's eyebrow slightly raised in curiosity, until she explained it. And then the only feeling that filled him was . . . probably best to remain unnamed.

Now, Arthur was a man of honor, with honorable intentions. But when someone as captivating as Luciana, made such an offer with clear implications behind her words . . . well, Arthur's mind and heart had to work overtime to remind him of these, so called 'honorable intentions'. He took a few steps towards the door, well actually, it was more towards her. Such an invitation! One that Arthur knew he may not have the self control to refuse. Maybe it was more than the color scheme that had placed him in this room after all. He looked at her, an inevitable smile on his lips. "What an honor. Only a mad man would refuse such an offer, from such an alluring woman," he began to say with an obvious flirtation in his tone of voice. "What an honor it is," he added, stepping even closer to her so that they were standing right across from each other. "One that may very well be taken advantage of," he added, the insinuations of what he meant rather clear, just as had been the case of when she had made the offer, in that oh so seductive way. "And I hope, My Lady will know that the invitation is mutual," he added. That she would not hesitate if she needed anything from him . . . anything at all.