Post by Nicolette Deveraux on Feb 11, 2015 21:42:24 GMT -5
During their sojourn in Lockewood, another potential candidate for the Royal Guard was brought to her attention in the form of Mace Gardiner, brother to the Gardiner duke and a formidable fighter in his own right, if rumors were to be believed. Rather than simply leave the matter to her Uncle, Nicolette opted to interview the man herself, albeit in Jean-Luc's company. Keeping Julien's counsel in mind, that they could stand a greater amount of protection and to subtly swell the martial ranks, she opted to progress slowly and to see if Lord Mace merited the title of Sir Mace and a rank among the foremost warriors in Archades.
Deciding to conduct the discussion outside, Nicolette sent pages to request both men's presences in a stroll through the grounds. She had a definite destination in mind, though saw no need to alert either of them to that destination or what lay in wait for them there. Nicolette was of a mind to test the man's skills on a number of levels, aware that the most recent addition to the ranks stirred up more than a little controversy within her own family. Reluctant to encounter that conflict again needlessly, the Crown Princess opted to seize the reins of control on this point. If this was indeed the path that Mace Gardiner wished to take, then he would prove himself to her.
Waiting patiently at the head of one of the paths for the two men, she swept her gaze around the area, not really seeing the beauty splayed before her for the thoughts swirling in her mind. She sighed quietly, reminding herself that once this was done, she deserved a few precious minutes to find somewhere to appreciate the lovely day and the lush gardens. If she did not take that time, the cost would be higher than she cared to pay. Nicolette had chosen the path less taken herself and had to learn to walk it. So too would Mace Gardiner, if this indeed was his choice.
@macegardiner / Jean-Luc Deveraux