"A Meeting at Prince's Birthday"(Lady Elenora)

[Princess Polyxena]

It was Prince Arthur's birthday and as a lot of nobles were invited, Princess Polyxena and her family were asked to attend the feast as well! The Castle of Camelot wasn't far away, only some hours. Xenia was excited because she didn't get to go to a lot celebretions. She woke up in the morning, and was thinking about what to wear. She opened her wardrobe and saw a lot of dresses... "Mmm." She thinks to herself, "I have to be very beautiful and impressive, but not wear anything too heavy. And I must also wear my crown! Not the red one though, it is too heavy. Not the green either as I don't like it. The purple one? I don't think so. Oh I think that I have found it!" She smiles, glad to have finally found the right dress to wear. It was a light blue dress in the color of the sky made from gossamer fabric. It had sort sleeves though, so I must wear a light blue jacket too, Xenia thought. Oh she was so impressive now. With the help of her maid, Xenia got dressed up, had her hair brushed and put up and put on her shoes. Only one thing was missing now -- her crown! That was it. Now she was ready for the birthday celebration.

She came down the stairs and at the bottom of the stairs, her parents were waiting. All together they walked outside and stepped into the carriage. Two beautiful white horses led the carriage. Inside was very comfortable. Xenia spend the time in the carriage all the way to the castle looking outside, enjoying the wind blowing on her face, while her parents were talking to each other. She joined in the conversation only when she heard her name. The hours passed easily.

Finally they arrived to the castle. The Castle was very beautiful and impressive as always. A lot of nobles and royals were already there and were dressed very elegantly. They entered the Grand Hall and saw a lot of people were already talking. Prince Artur was very imposing and had great charm as she remembered him from their last meeting. Xenia had heard about the latest news in regards to what had happened with Lady Morgana and wanted to see if King Uther was alright now. Xenia was starting to have loads of fun and now she wanted to chat with a young lady. But with who? She looked across the hall to check the other ladies....

Tags:

[/color] Lady Elenora
Timeline: During Series 4
Location: Castle of Camelot, Grand Hall[/blockquote]

[Lady Elenora]

Prince Arthur's birthday celebration was in full swing and Nora was having a great time. For it was nice to see Prince Arthur enjoying himself seeing as his father was was finally out and enjoying himself with his son after spending the last year in his bed-chambers -- too consumed with grief over his daughter's attempts to steal his throne.

Nora looked around the room and saw lots of nobles she knew and many she did not know, but there was one particular lady -- who looked like she was a Princess if the crown on her head was any indication -- that caught her eye. She seemed very sweet and Nora saw that the Princess looked like she was scanning the room looking for someone to talk with. So picking up her skirts, she walked over to where the Princess was standing, stood in front of her and curtsied low before smiling up at her and saying, "Good Evening, Your Highness. My name is Lady Elenora and it is a pleasure to meet you."

Posting banner made by Princess Polyxena! Thanks so much for making it!

[Princess Polyxena]

As Xenia was scanning the room she saw a lot of nobles women chatting and laughing. Some were older than her, and others were around the same age as her. Suddenly she noticed a young noble lady looking at her and coming her way. She was a elegant young woman, some years older than her maybe, with a sweet smile on her face. She was wearing a very beautiful dress which suited her very well. As she was coming in her way, Xenia thought that it would be very nice to be friends with this young lady.

As the young lady greeted her, Xenia rejoiced that the lady introduced herself first because she is a shy princess. Her name was Lady Elenora. Xenia enjoyed the sweet smile on her face, and reciprocated it with a sweet smile of her own. "Good Evening Lady Elenora! My name is Polyxena and I'm the Princess of Graecia. It is a pleasure to meet you too." Xenia answered nicely as always. "Have you ever visited the Kingdom of Graecia?" She asked her but then Xenia felt a litle thirsty. So before Lady Elenora could respond, Xenia said "I'm sorry I didn't let you to answer first, but you can tell me while we are go to get some drinks because I'm thirsty."

[Lady Elenora]

Nora was glad when the Princess smiled back at her for she was a little scared that her approaching her without permission might have angered her. Instead the Princess smiled very sweetly at her and introduced herself and seemed very glad to met her.

Polyxena then asked her if she had ever visited Graecia and Nora was about to respond to her question when the Princess asked her if she could tell her while they went to get some refreshments as she was thirsty.

"Of course, Your Highness." Nora smiled and then began walking towards the servant serving the drinks with the Princess. While they walked to find the servant, who happened to be on the other side of the hall serving drinks, Nora finally got a chance to answer the Princess's earlier question. "No I have not been fortunate to visit Graecia yet, Your Highness. But I've heard many splendid things about your Kingdom." Nora smiled warmly up at the Princess (who was quite taller than Nora) and hoped that she was making a good impression to the Princess.

[Princess Polyxena]

Xenia was happy when Lady Elenora accepted her proposal to go and get some drinks. As they were walking towards the servant, who was to the other side of the Hall, Xenia got her answer to the question she had asked the young lady earlier. "No I have not been fortunate to visit Graecia yet, Your Highness. But I've heard many splendid things about your Kingdom." Nora replied and Xenia thought for a moment about her response before she answered with a sweet smile, "Well, if you do visit Graecia (though you don't have to), I will remember you. You are a sweet and special lady." As she finished her compliment, Xenia noticed a little smile on her face.

When they arrived to the servant serving the drinks, Xenia picked up a glass of a red wine and when she drank it she couldn't help but notice it's fruity aroma. "Mmm this is very tasty." Xena commented happily, "I'm sure that my father would like this wine." Xenia finally said thanks to the servant and he responded with a bow. Though, Xenia was enjoying the company of the young lady, she had one complaint. She didn't like that Elenora called her "Your Highness". So she asked her nicely, "Please Lady Elenora you don't have to call me Your Highness. You can just call me Polyxena!"

[Lady Elenora]

Nora smiled as the Princess told her,"Well, if you do visit Graecia (though you don't have to), I will remember you. You are a sweet and special lady." Blushing a little bit at her compliment -- mostly because the Princess did not know for for very long and thought she was a sweet and special lady already -- Nora thanked her graciously, "Well thank you, Your Highness. I will definitely consider visiting your Kingdom when things are not so busy at home." Nora did not want to put a damper on her conversation by mentioning her sister's death and the strain it had on her father so she did not comment on it.

Finally they arrived to the servant serving the drinks and Nora picked up her own goblet, before nodding her head to the servant in thanks. "Mmm this is very tasty." Polyxena commented happily to her and Nora agreed, "Indeed it is very tasty. But then most of the wines in Camelot are very fine and of good quality." Polyzena then told her that her father would enjoy this wine and Nora asked her kindly and out of curiosity to find out more about this King Magna, "Is your father a great admirer of wine then, Your Highness?"

The Princess then surprised her by asking her to call her Polyxena and not Your Higness, and Nora smiled at the Princess's request before she grinned and told her in kind, "Okay, only if you promise to call me Nora."

[Princess Polyxena]

"Is your father a great admirer of wine then, Your Highness?" Lady Elenora asked her curiously, and Xenia laughed before telling her about her father's love for wine. "My father is a big lover of wine! And as you said "most of the wines in Camelot are very fine and of good quality". So much so that we order our wines from Camelot because in Graecia we haven't got good wines."

As the young Ladies moved away from the servant, Xenia got her answer to her request to Lady Elenora not to call her "Your Highness". "Okay, only if you promise to call me Nora," Lady Elenora answered her question kindly. Xena had a feeling that Nora was the nickname her friends called her. Xenia agreed with a sweet smile. It was at this moment, Xenia remembered the state of King Uther. She had heard about the latest news with his daughter Lady Morgana, who had tried to steal his throne! And since Nora was living in Camelot and was a noble woman she would know the latest news. So she ask her, "Nora, How is King Uther? I have heard the latest news about Lady Morgana. Is he fine now?"

[Lady Elenora]

Nora listened very intrigued as Xenia went on to explain her father's great love of wine and how they imported their wine from Camelot as the wines in their kingdom were not as fine. Nora nodded her head, "Well I'm glad that your father manages to be able to still enjoy the fine wines Camelot as to offer."

Xenia smiled at her and Nora was glad that she agreed to call her 'Nora' for she preferred that nickname over her proper name. Somehow, 'Nora' sounded more warmer and suited her personality better than 'Elenora'. Though her father liked calling her her real name and was the only one (after her mother of course. Until she died that is) who did so.

The Princess then looked like she was deep in thought and Nora wondered what she was thinking about. But she didn't have to wait long for Xenia then asked her gently, her eyes filled with concern, "Nora, How is King Uther? I have heard the latest news about Lady Morgana. Is he fine now?"

This was a difficult question to answer as the Prince did not like to talk much about his father's condition -- understandably so. Only to update the council and kingdom that his father was slowly making some progress. "Well that is a difficult question to answer as we do not get informed much on his condition. But he seems to be making some progress for it has been a while since he attended any balls or ceremonies. And I'm glad for it as it has been very hard for Prince Arthur and its great to see the King out tonight to celebrate his son's birthday." And with that Nora quickly glanced at the banquet table and saw father and son talking with each other animatedly and it gladdened her heart to see such a sight.

[Princess Polyxena]

Xenia knew that her question was a little difficult to answer, but she didn't want to ask Prince Arthur about his father's health. But nonetheless, Nora still answered her question.

"Well that is a difficult question to answer as we do not get informed much on his condition. But he seems to be making some progress for it has been a while since he attended any balls or ceremonies. And I'm glad for it as it has been very hard for Prince Arthur and its great to see the King out tonight to celebrate his son's birthday." So it was difficult for her to know exactly how the King was. But when Nora mentioned that the King looked like he was feeling better she felt happier. Yes, it was truly great to see the King at his son's birthday and she noticed Nora was looking towards the King and his son for a moment. "It is a happy sight to see your King happy again after several months," Xenia commented to Nora cheerfully.

But Xenia started to feel a little to close in quarters with the amount of people around them, so much so that she decided that they better move. With that in mind, Xenia decided to introduce her new friend Nora to her parents. So she looked at Nora and told her sweetly, "Come Nora. I would like you to meet my parents!" Luckily, her parents weren't far away -- they were chatting and laughing with some old friends. The young ladies finally arrived to the Princess's parents and Xenia announced with a sweet smile, "Mother, father, I would like to introduce you to Lady Elenora -- or Nora as she prefers to be called." Xenia pointed to her father, "My father King Magna," and he nodded his head to greet her. "And my mother Queen Pulchra." The queen bobbed her head regally to greet Nora.[/blockquote]

[Lady Elenora]

Nora nodded and agreed when the Princess commented on how happy it was to see the King happy once again. But that slowly turned to nervousness when Xenia told her that she wanted her to meet her parents. Of course, Nora should not feel this way, being a noble and all, but still she felt anxious. Which was only natural, after all, Nora thought.

She followed Xenia over towards her parents and curtsied lowly when she introduced who she was. She gave them a very polite and friendly nod of her head, before she greeted them, "Your majesties! It is a pleasure to meet you. Are you having a good evening?" She asked good-naturally, hoping that they were indeed having a good time at the Prince's Birthday.

[Princess Polyxena]

Xenia was very proud of the very polite and friendly greeting Nora gave her parents. She knew that her parents, especially her father, was a person who judged a person's character by their greetings. They answered Nora's question as friendly as she had asked them. "We are having a great time here, thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you too." Her father replied, and then her mother added "We are always having a great time when we are in Camelot!" Her father fare-welled them very kindly, before he left to go to some other royals who had invited him to join in their politic discussion.

This left only Nora, Xenia and her mother. Her mother was happy for the new acquaintance her daughter had made for she wasn't very social. Queen Pulchra spoke very kindly with the new friend of her daughter. She even complimented Npra on her dress and appearance . Her mother, Xenia could tell, liked the young lady's sweet and very friendly personality and was very proud of this.

[Lady Elenora]

Nora found the King and Queen to be very warm and friendly, though Xenia's father did not stay very long as he was needed for some political discussions with the other royals. She was glad to hear that the King and Queen managed to always have a great time when they stayed in Camelot. She even blushed when the Queen complimented her on her dress for it was not as fine as her or her daughter's dresses.

"Your Highness, how long are you and your family staying here for?" She inquired, interested to know how long they would be staying for she had an idea of something they could do together. Though, she probably should have known this as this feast was planned a month in advance, she had been quite busy running her father's estate while he was ...ill.

Nora smiled and then asked both the Queen and Xenia another question, "Have you ever been in the Royal Gardens?" For her idea included having a little picnic in the Royal gardens before showing them some of the best flowers Camelot had to offer. She also thought that the Princess might enjoy a ride somewhere, as it was one of the only pass-times nobly ladies were allowed. That or sewing really.

[Princess Polyxena]

Xenia and her mother listened carefully to Nora's question before Xenia answered first, her eyes bright with amusement, "We will be staying here about two days." Then the Queen added, "We don't know if we will be staying longer because this is a difficult season." Queen didn't elaborate on it, making Xenia feel worried a little about what her mother meant. Was it a difficult season because King Uther was ill, or something that was happening in their own kingdom? She thought, but forgot to think more on it when Nora spoke again.

"Have you ever been in the Royal Gardens?" She asked. Oh the Royal Gardens of Camelot were very wonderful. Xenia remembered when she was a little girl she would very often get very dirty after playing in there. Xenia answered with a very sweet smile, "I did spent some years playing in the Royal Gardens. But it would be a great opportunity to spent some time in there tomorrow." Her mother agreed with Xenia. Oh my God, Xenia was feeling really excited now. She has made a new friend and now she will be passing the next few day in her company.

"So do you like to ride? Because I certainly do enjoy going on little trips!" Xenia asked her new friend, with a grin on her face, hoping that Nora did enjoy passing the time horse riding.

[Lady Elenora]

"We will be staying here about two days." Xenia explained before her mother added, "We don't know if we will be staying longer because this is a difficult season." Which the Queen did not elaborate on and by the looks of it, Xenia had no idea what her mother was referring to either. But Nora did not think much on it for two days was plenty of time to get to know her new friend.

"I did spent some years playing in the Royal Gardens. But it would be a great opportunity to spent some time in there tomorrow." The Princess responded and Nora smiled for it seemed as if the Princess had read her mind. "Well since you are going to be there tomorrow, would you mind if I joined you? Perhaps, we could have a picnic there too?" Nora asked kindly, hoping that her plan was agreeable to them.

"So do you like to ride? Because I certainly do enjoy going on little trips!" Xenia asked Nora with a huge grin spread across her face. "I certainly do love to ride. And if you like, I can show you some of the best sights not that far from Camelot." Nora offered happily, hoping that Xenia would agree to her offer.

[Princess Polyxena]

"Well since you are going to be there tomorrow, would you mind if I joined you? Perhaps, we could have a picnic there too?" Oh this was a wonderful idea! "Of course. I would love if you joined us! And a picnic is a great idea." She was going to suggest the same proposal, but Nora forestalled her. She loved the idea of having a picnic in the Royals Gardens of Camelot! Xenia also wanted Prince Arthur to join them, but she knew that he was very busy these days with his father illness. Her mother, of course, was going to join her outside while she past her time with Nora.

Xenia already started to plan what they could do the next day, when Nora responded to her previously question. "I certainly do love to ride. And if you like, I can show you some of the best sights not that far from Camelot." Xenia had to laugh as that was what she was thinking of doing the next day. She absolutely wanted to ride with Nora. She was actually going to ask her the same question, but Nora once again forestalled her by asking her first. She answered Nora quickly, not wanting Nora to wait very long for her response. "Absolutely! I would love to go for a ride and for you to show me some of the sights in Camelot! When did you want to go? Before our picnic, or the next day?" She asked Nora eagerly.
Xenia felt so excited now for she knew how she was going to pass the next days of her stay in Camelot!

[Lady Elenora]

To say that Nora was relieved that Xenia liked her picnic idea was an understatement. She was overjoyed that the Princess was more than willing to agree to her suggestion. "Well," Nora began, smiling, "In that case, would you mind if I arranged it all for tomorrow?" Nora asked, eager for tomorrow and hopeful that the Princess would allow her to host the picnic. After all, Camelot was her home and she knew the exact right spot where they could have their picnic.

The Princess then responded very happily to her suggestion of taking her for a ride and tour, before she asked her eagerly, "When did you want to go? Before our picnic, or the next day?"

Smiling, Nora replied, "Well, I think the next day would be most agreeable seeing as you are not here for very long." And Nora wished that the Princess and her family were staying longer for they seemed to be lovely and caring people. She was enjoying getting to know Xenia and would make the most of her stay in Camelot to get to know her further and become good friends. Well, she hoped so anyway. As always Nora worried that the Princess would find out more about her and find her not good enough. Though, Nora knew that was unlikely, she could not help these unrealistic thoughts filling up in her mind.

[Princess Polyxena]

Nora asked her sweetly, her smile wide if she could organise the plan for her next day. "Of course my dear, I would love for you to organize the picnic for tomorrow. Seeing as you live here, you know the best place to have it." Xenia was not bothered at all by Nora wanting to choose the place where their picnic would take place.

"Well, I think the next day would be most agreeable seeing as you are not here for very long." Xenia remembered again that she will be leaving in a few days. She started to feel sad by this, but then she remembered how she will be passing her day tomorrow, she started to feel happy again. "I think that will be awesome, Nora" Xenia said sweetly.

Xenia could see that Nora looked a little upset, especially in her eyes. "You look a little upset Nora?" She asked her, worried for her new friend.

[Lady Elenora]

The Princess smiled at her brightly and said that it was alright for her to plan the picnic, causing Nora to grin back happily at the woman. "Great, Xenia. I will get my servant to inform you where to meet me after I have made the arraignments." Nora informed her excitedly, looking forward to spending some time with the Princess and her mother.

Nora was happy again when she agreed to meeting the next day for a ride. "Lovely. We can organize our horses in two days time and meet in the Royal stables. Unless you did not bring your own horse?" Nora asked as she realized that the Princess may have not brought her own horse on the journey here. It would not be so bad as there were many horses that Xenia could borrow. Nora, herself never brought her own horses seeing as the castle had many anyway.

Nora's faced dropped a little when the Princess asked her, voice filled with concern, "You look a little upset Nora?" making her feel like a failure at trying to keep composed. "Umm I'm alright, Xenia. Thanks for your concern. My father is ill at the moment..." She began to explain to reason behind her slight sadness. And then it made her feel guilty for making these plans while her father was still at the estate, in his bed, sick. But, she could not help it, her father had insisted that she go and celebrate the Prince's birthday and have a good time. And she was. Truly she was, until she was reminded of the affairs that were happening at home.

[Princess Polyxena]

Xenia agreed with her, and told her that she was looking forward tomorrow and the arrival of her servant to let her know of their plans. When Nora asked her if she had her own horse with her, Xenia remembered that she unlucky as she didn't brought her own horse. She never brought her horse with her when she was travelling with the carriage. Only if she went with the horse. So she replied to her, "I didn't bring my own horse as when I travelling with the carriage I usually don't bring her. So I will absolutely love to borrow one of the horses from the Royal Stables." Xenia explained with a smile.

"Umm I'm alright, Xenia. Thanks for your concern. My father is ill at the moment..." Oh, Xenia sighed as she heard these words and got a little sad about Nora's father. She never wanted to think about her parents getting ill in the future. "Oh I'm so sorry Nora. I didn't know. I hope your will father be feeling good as possible. If you want we can cancel our plans if your father needs you." Xenia said, hoping that Nora would not cancel their plans. She didn't wanted her new friend to cancel, as Xenia didn't have the chance to meet new people very often.

[Lady Elenora]

"Oh I'm so sorry Nora. I didn't know. I hope your will father be feeling good as possible. If you want we can cancel our plans if your father needs you." Xenia told her sincerely concerned for her newly-made friend, yet Nora could note a little hopefulness in her tone too.

Nora quickly reassured her friend, "Thank you Xenia. My father made me come here for he wanted me to have fun and he promised that he would be okay. And if not, that he would send word quickly to me by messenger." She paused as guilt once again filled her heart, for she was here and not by her father's side. But she had tried to reassure her father that she was fine with staying with him, to no avail. He wanted her to come to the Prince's birthday and come back and tell him all about it. So she did so for her father and for herself. For while she felt an overwhelming sense of guilt, she felt deep down a little glimmer of happiness and hope. Hope that maybe her father would get better.

Hoping to distract Xenia from her pause in their conversation, Nora smiled at her new friend, "Pray Xenia, do you enjoy reading?" Nora loved reading books and hoped that her new friend did too for she would love to show her the Castle's extensive library. "Because if you do. I would love to show you the Castle's library. It's quite magnificent." Nora told her eagerly and then realizing something, added, "Unless you have seen it."