The Pemberton ball, the event which Nonah had promised Edmund she would attend, was finally upon the Alix family. If it were any other event, Nonah would have been making a conscious effort to get out of attending, whether it be through illness, embarrassment to the family, or even making an effort to be away at any cost. But this was Edmund, and he might as well be a brother, and if there was one thing that Nonah knew it was that she would do anything for family. But it still didn’t make the event any less nerve-racking. Or frustrating.

Even though Nonah knew the ball was going to be a formal event, she had to admit a lot more went into the preparations for it than she ever would have imagined. There was the endless amount of bathing that had to be accomplished until the point that Nonah felt like she didn’t have any skin left. There was the argument about the gown her mother had picked out. And then there were the hours that Letty spent working on her hair. Every curl had to be brushed and arranged just so to be held in place with the pins Letty had on the table beside her. Listening to the clock tick away the minutes in the corner of her room, every one seemed to bring about a greater level of agitation in the young lady. Why couldn’t she just wear it up in a simple knot like she always had? Oh, Nonah remembered now, because her beloved mother wanted her to look just as every bit as elegant as the ladies from the other duchies. But why? They didn’t have to prove anything to anyone. They had their own sense of pride and never did anything to try and prove their station. It wasn’t until Gavan whispered to her that they were expected to look just so to help encourage Edmund did Nonah understand.

Hopefully it was worth it, for there was no other way to say it besides that Nonah felt like a fish out of water. Her gown was of a far more elegant cut than she had ever worn in her life, the bodice was tighter than anything Nonah could remember, and when Letty went about lacing it up, it was with much complaint from Nonah about its level of discomfort. It didn’t matter if the beautiful shade of green did everything to bring out the fiery red of her hair or if the translucent layer of a golden yellow fabric over her skirts made them glow. The fact was that Nonah could hardly breathe and the layer of silk for her skirts made walking awkward. But the look on her father’s face when he saw his daughter let her know that Letty had done something right.

The trip was one which was filled with the all too familiar sound of their father briefing them on how they were to behave once inside the manor’s walls. Although Nonah could tell that most of his comments were directly at her: especially the one about keeping ones emotions in check. But he seemed to be all confidence when he stepped out of the carriage, helping Nonah’s mother and sister out of the carriage. Even at such an age, Nonah had to admit that he looked extraordinary wearing the honors that were bestowed upon him as a general.

Walking inside, Nonah didn’t know what to expect, but she was shocked when she saw the level of extravagance inside. Everything seemed as if it were washed in gold. This was why she hated such events: no matter what, she always felt so extravagant. It was only the reassuring squeeze the General gave his daughter’s arm that put Nonah at ease. There were just so many people from so many different parts of the kingdom, Nonah was at a loss to spot anyone she knew. Once inside, the Alix family began to part and it was only with a gentle prying the did the General get his daughter to go her own way.

Letting out a small sigh, Nonah’s eyes took in the faces of everyone around, trying to find one that was familiar, or at least friendly. She couldn’t even spot the man of the hour. But then again, Nonah could hardly see five feet ahead of her in the sea of faces. Aimlessly walking about, she occasionally dipped into a curtsy to respond to the acknowledgment of a courtier who had acknowledged her. This was going to be a long night, but she was here for family.

Edmund had spotted the Alix family as they had first entered, comfort flowing through him now as he combed his way amongst the guests. It was becoming a large turn out and Esabell had seen to it that not one would be disappointed by any lack of lavishness. Pemberton’s reputation would be solidified for certain, the extravagance spoken about for weeks afterward. Edmund noted that each flair of elegance had been done with meticulous attention to detail so that the entire overall mirage was one of golden splendor and not a single trace of gaudiness.
He had immediately headed toward the group of people closer than most of his own blood kin, his face holding that steady charming smile but his eyes quickly losing the elevated feeling as the crowd swarmed around him. He felt a broken record, greeting and nodding, bowing and making small talk. He didn’t recognize more than half of those present though he was able to accurately guess some based on physical description. Beneath the exterior of calmness, Edmund was nervous. He had arranged for the presentation of the betrothal ring later on, several servants sworn to secrecy so that it may remain a delightful surprise. He didn’t doubt that it wouldn’t go as planned but he also couldn’t manage to cease the subtle sweating of his palms. He needed to dance to forget such worry and he sought out a familiar face to do so with. The Alix clan was on the other side of the throng of courtiers between them. Edmund graciously, valiantly traversed that way, keeping well the role of pending Duke.
Finally he reached where he had last seen them and glimpsed with narrowed sight. He couldn’t see the General nor his wife but he did manage to second glance the Lady so near him as Nonah nonetheless. Edmund’s eyes nearly bulged from his face as he chuckled. It wasn’t that she lacked any beauty or presence but just that she must feel so out of her element. On the contraire, she looked an intimidating blend of womanly curves and silent fortitude. Knowing she had agreed to come largely due to his previous request, Edmund walked to her with a smile of brotherly mischief lit within that dark gaze of his. He sidled up next to her, his arm around her waist as he laughingly whispered near her ear, “And now m’dear, ‘tis time for me to teach you some moves as we both know you just plain stink at dancing.” Edmund grinned, a boyish look melting away some of the deep lines that normally creased his brow. He stepped aside then and bowed, pulling her hand to his mouth to settle a fleeting kiss atop her skin. “Lady Nonah, may you appease the request of this future Duke of Pemberton by joining me in a dance?” he asked her, not quite dispelling that teasing nature. Theirs was a companionable relationship and Edmund regarded Nonah with fondness now. He knew she could take his bantering and return it tenfold. She was a lady of virtue and one Edmund adored immensely.

How come people had to look so different when they were all formal? While there were few who Nonah regarded with fondness back home, she had developed a friendship of sorts with a few ladies with whom Nonah felt she could trust. And every time Nonah thought she had spotted one of them, or even her brother or sister, she had foolishly walked up to them and addressed them by the name which she believed matched the back of the head. On one such occasion, when she thought she had spotted Gavan, she had snuck up on some poor lord and scared the living daylights out of him. While the glare he gave her was priceless and Nonah doubted she would forget it, she could feel her face turn as red as her hair as she hurried in the opposite direction. She had traveled with her brother for a greater portion of the day, she had lived her entire life with him, yet she couldn’t even pick him out of a crowd.

It was strange: you could know somebody so well and then the moment the smallest thing changed about them, it was near impossible to pick them out of a sea of people. Nonah was more than certain that’s what the sea of bows and curtsies was all about: people were all too afraid that they would offend the wrong person by not acknowledging them, but since they probably couldn’t pick out those specific persons, they probably just bowed to everyone they encountered – just to be safe.

How a simple thing such as a promise could draw one so quickly into such an embarrassing situation! If she could only find somebody she knew…a lady whom Nonah had gotten into a verbal spat with was better than wondering around not knowing anybody. If this was how the entire ball was going to be, Nonah would have probably been better off saving herself the hours of torture preparing for the event and staying home.

That being said, it was more than a relief when Nonah found Edmund next to her. And it was no wonder she couldn’t spot him. He was every bit the duke of such an elegant duchy: from how he carried himself to the clothes he wore to the air that seemed to surround him. “Stink at dancing your grace? I do believe the proper term would be downright-dangerous.” She laughed, her smile one that seemed to erase the sense of being disoriented and replacing it with an air of joy that seemed to overcome her features. Dipping into a curtsy as he took her hand, she couldn’t help but remember the times that Gavan had tried his hardest to bring out what natural graces he thought his sister possessed, finding out that she had none. “This dance is yours, your grace, but please – remember that I did warn you of my lack of graces.” she said, hardly trying to hide the playful jab that was hidden in her voice. After all the years they had known one another, it was impossible for Nonah to hide the sisterly affection she held for the soon-to-be Duke. While she knew he would rise high, in some part of her mind she always knew he would be the same person she had known for all these years.

He laughed when he heard her repeated warning. He knew she hadn’t ever been one to dance well but he found her admitted weakness only charming. Taking her hand and leading her lightly, Edmund stood facing her while he placed his feet into position. “Like this,” he said, giving her time to match his posture. She would always appear elegant and poised to him no matter how many times she stepped upon his toes. It was his shoulder that ached him anyway so should his feet be stepped on, he’d welcome the distraction.
Edmund’s arm around her was a natural feeling, the kind that existed between two peoples such as them; self-proclaimed siblings without blood relation. He started to move, his left foot going slower so she could partially watch his feet if need be. Edmund was ever vigilant for a loved one’s needs and he could manage to help Lady Nonah appear a decent enough dancer.
“I hardly recognized you,” he said partly in jest and partly in an odd sort of wonder. The night brought many surprised and seeing Nonah dressed to impress was one of them. “Perhaps you are going soft now?”he laughed as he narrowly missed crossing feet with her own. It wouldn’t do if they both ended up tumbling to the ground so Edmund remained courteous as they danced. He showed her a few simple moves that she could resort to if all else failed. “Truly, Nonah, you are beautiful. I imagine your parents are the ones strutting as proud peafowl,” he said a moment later, remembering his earlier reference to the multi-colored birds.
“Have you met anyone from another Duchy yet?” he asked her with interest. He wanted her to enjoy her time here. He himself wanted to speak to some of the other courtiers but was uncertain if he’d be able. Time always seemed short in supply when the demand was high. Edmund set her in a leisurely paced spin so that she’d have ample opportunity to place her feet correctly before drawing her back to him.

Nonah tried to mimic Edmund’s movements, but it was as if her feet were detached from her body, choosing to go wherever they wish. While her partner seemed to possess all the graces necessary for such an activity, Nonah was completely lacking in them. So far she had almost tripped more times than she could count: she had stepped a bit too far out with her left foot and caught the hem of her skirt; she had stepped a bit too far forward and almost tripped over Edmund’s feet; she had crossed her own feet just right and almost tripped over them as well! The list went on.

“I could say the same thing about you.” Nonah chuckled at his comment about going soft. While Nonah was certainly dressed in a fashion that she found every reason to avoid, Edmund looked absolutely regal. She was so used to the Benthey style of simplicity that such elegance and extravagance just seemed comic to the lady. Feeling something other than the ground underfoot, Nonah quickly went about stepped back, barely able to keep her balance as she yet again caught the hem of her skirt. How people could ever dance in such things was beyond her. It seemed like a more dangerous sport than half of those back home.

It was strange, how even the simplest of things could be messed up by the correct person. And if it weren’t for Edmund’s patient guidance, Nonah was certain that both of them would have been on the floor with a fair share of bruises to boot. Things weren’t that different actually from back at home…it just seemed that here everyone looked a tad too flamboyant for Nonah’s tastes. “Believe me, Edmund, if it were up to me, I would be attending your ball in a riding habit, but father insisted that I was dressed to represent the family well. And what was it that mother said? Oh, that me dressed up like some disoriented peafowl along with the rest of the family was supposed to show you a bit of support.” She tried to mimic her mother’s monotonic voice as she had spoken those words, only leading to a series of slight laughing fits taking their place. “But honestly, Edmund, I believe everyone could say the same about you. You look absolutely regal. I guess that makes us both peafowl for the evening then, doesn’t it?”

As for had she met anyone from the other duchies yet? Well, Nonah knew what the answer to that one was: she had met plenty of people from the other duchies, each and every one of them looking at her with confusion as she called them by the long name believing they were somebody else. But she wouldn’t tell Edmund that. No. Not only could Nonah see such bringing up an opportunity that was wide open for taunting, but she could picture being brought around, introduced to a bunch of bores who would want to make her hang herself. “Edmund, my friend.” She sighed with a grin, “I might keep to myself, but I do know how to hold up a conversation with those I am acquainted with. While I might not have met anyone new, I’ve had quite a bit of fun catching up with old acquaintances.” Well, that sounded rather convincing in Nonah’s years. She had never been much accustomed to telling lies, knowing that most of the time they were as transparent as a window, but for once she think she might have pulled it off.

Edmund chuckled as she impersonated her mother humorously. He had to admit Nonah was quite accurate in that they resembled lavishly attired birds circling each other in various dances. He wouldn’t argue he didn’t feel the same sort of ridiculousness but he also had been becoming accustomed to the fancy ways of Pemberton these past days. “Yes I would think it certainly does,” he replied with still the traces of amusement evident.
As they danced, or rather Edmund partially held Nonah up so that she couldn’t trip his own feet, Edmund tried to imagine Nonah mingling with the other guests but instead of laughing at the absurdity, he instead mused at her admittance. He knew the familiar faces she spoke of were also mostly the ladies she detested. He didn’t think it sounded fun at all and he showed concern for her as best he could since it was almost a full time job just keeping their steps in sync enough to appear somewhat acceptable. “Nonah, you are like a sister to me... “ he said right before he missed escaping her shoe from tramping onto his left foot. He grinned swiftly, gently pushing her slightly back and to his side to help prevent the misstep from occurring again. “As I was saying,” he continued, “and because I boast of brotherly affection,” there the glint came to his gaze again, that foretelling of mischief giving him away, “I’d like to tell you that you also stink at telling lies.” He laughed, teasing her mercilessly. He twirled her before she could reply, catching her easily as they swayed across the floor.
“Without jest though,” Edmund said with a sudden solemn air, “I’d like to know what you think of the northern Duchy rulers if you should be introduced to any.” He respected her appraisal of people, remembering her low tolerance for those she deemed pointlessly frivolous. Edmund peered to her, his face masking the speculation he inwardly felt. “I shall have to seek your father before the night is over,” he said with admiration apparent. If there was one man he trusted, it was Lord General Alix.

Did this even count as dancing? Nonah couldn’t help but wonder as Edmund repeatedly steered her away from tripping, stumbling, stepping on his feet, or otherwise making a fool out of herself. “Yes, but I don’t believe such birds end up making sure that their partner doesn’t make a complete fool out of themselves. From what I’ve heard, they rather aggressive creatures.” As she spoke those words though, the wrong sort of image began to form in her mind: one of the pretentious ladies of the court and their constant series of intrigues and scandals. Despite the mild comment, Nonah couldn’t help but see a vivid similarity, and the thought brought a flash of a wicked grin across Nonah’s features.

“And Lord Edmund,” Nonah retorted, using all her efforts to keep her face in an expression of mock indignation. “With all the sisterly devotion I possess for you, I do have to say that your accusations are highly offensive.” But before she could finish, Nonah found herself falling into a fit of laughter, completely forgetting where her feet were supposed to go and came back a little to quickly on the back of her skirt. Almost as suddenly, Nonah’s arms came out of formation and started flapping in a similar fashion to those as a bird to keep her balance. She should have been embarrassed about her lack of grace, but instead Nonah found herself only laughing harder ‘til the point where she could feel tears forming in the corners of her eyes. People were probably staring, But Nonah didn’t care. This was why she didn’t dance, and for once it just felt good to actually laugh at her own shortcomings instead of facing them with a composed sense of detachment.

But while Nonah had been should have been taken aback when Edmund asked of her opinions on the rulers of the northern duchies. While they had always joked around about her quick-formed opinions on others, hardly anyone seemed to care about the opinion of a lady. “You seriously want my opinion?” Nonah asked, slightly taken aback. “That of a lady whose known for being too quick with her judgments and her temper?” While Nonah knew that there was a level of mutual respect between them, Nonah had never thought it had gone that far. At least not that far. More often than not, Nonah had ended up going to his advice one some issue that she feared her less polished ways of dealing with would land her in trouble, and Edmund had always sent her along her way with a fresh piece of insight that never would have graced her mind. But what kind of perception would she possibly have that he would have an interest in? “Although I do feel it safe to speak for my father and say that he would see it as a great honor to speak to you, Edmund.” She added in all sincerity. “If I break his confidences by saying such, you’ve become every bit the man he knew you could become.” Her words were spoken with a sense of pride that Nonah reserved for talking about a select few, for there were few whom one could hold the highest level of pride for, and Nonah knew, as it was for her, that Edmund was one of those people.

Edmund was touched by her sincerity and he squeezed her hand as they faltered across the dance floor together. He couldn’t find any words that would accurately let her know just how much he appreciated her family. They had once been his saving grace and now the grateful insight gained often remained foremost in his thoughts. Edmund knew of Nonah’s temper... after all, who didn’t? He grinned fleetingly as he thought of her enraged. She could be ruthless and calculating, never fearing to mince her words... which of course brought to mind her father and his seemingly endless stern reprimands directed to his dear daughter. Edmund understood the reasoning behind her father’s concern, knowing the man looked out only for her best interests.
Edmund was also used to Nonah’s clear dislike of mindless gossip. Edmund knew all this of course and yet he did still wish to hear of her opinion. She was placed on a high pedestal by him, having grown gracefully while being familiarized to the workings of her military upbringing. Edmund felt Nonah had an excellent sense of character and the intelligence needed to ascertain logic from rumor. Her opinions may help aid his own silent ruminations. He was relying only on his own speculation right now and he desired to gain some concrete knowledge if possible.
“Nonah,” he said as he finished their mismatched dance, “you do not give yourself the credit you deserve. Do you not think your father also considers your statements?” he asked with interest. Edmund could easily picture the General’s admiring glance as he peered proudly to his daughter. “I’ve some ideas I plan to encourage in the near future,” he continued, “your insights are important to me. Who else can I trust within this hall?” His gaze swept the room as if to make his point known. Being a duke wasn’t always bliss as they both knew. It contained a certain amount of suspicion that one couldn’t ignore. Edmund would have to soon learn just who he could trust, and who he needed to keep in plain sight.

Nonah couldn’t help but smile as their dance ended, especially with the knowledge that for once no severe damage was done. It was possibly the most enjoyable moment Nonah had at the celebration, although Nonah knew that had to do more with her company than their activity. Out of most of the people she knew, Edmund always had a way of putting everything back in perspective. Whatever happened, he had been there with a different light to shine on everything. Over the years, he had become just as much of a brother to her as Gavan was, and brought to her life a different way of viewing the world outside of her obligations to her father.

That was part of the reason why Nonah was so touched by the fact that Edmund seemed to value her opinions so much. Despite her constant flares of temper and constant state of difference compared to almost all the ladies in the Benthey court, it meant more to her than anything that Edmund still valued her opinion. Throughout all their years, Nonah found herself confiding in Edmund, sharing her opinions that would have her shunned by many others at court for they came from a lady’s lips; she had watched him transform into a man like her father under his guidance, and that fact alone made Nonah glow with pride.

“I cannot say whether my father considers what I have to say.” Nonah had to admit, “He has always preached that the most important thing a person can know is when to keep their own counsel. I guess it’s something that both he and I hold true to heart.” The inquiring look in Edmund’s gaze was one that truly made her think. Could one truly beam with admiration like Edmund seemed to at times or implied that her father did towards his daughter? “As for who you can trust, Edmund, I believe both you and I know the answer to that. Nobody, for the moment you assume that you can trust somebody, it will be your downfall. Father said that while you should scrutinize those who you do not trust, it is always more important to constantly test those with whom you keep in confidence.” Hearing those words come out of her mouth, Nonah couldn’t help but wonder if this was what he was talking about. Had growing up under her father’s strict tutelage transformed her into a different sort of lady just as it had transformed Edmund into an honorable leader? “But I am honored to be held in such a great confidence. You have always been like a brother to me, so don’t think I speak crudely, but I speak of one who wishes for the duchy under you and yours reign will be a glorious one.”

“Your father is a very wise man,” Edmund said to her. He would remember those words in the long days to come. It was a lonely affair really, becoming a duke. It certainly didn’t seem so since one seemed to always be surrounded by others and had an endless list of duties to complete but when it came down to the end of the day and business concluded until the next morning, a ruler was quite simply left to ponder it all until sleep finally claimed the body. Then it all began again. It was amazing really, to think that every single decision would affect someone somewhere. For every action, there was a reaction. For every admirer, Edmund knew there lurked one of discontent. He knew what he was committing himself to. His life for Pemberton and it was an agreement he definitely thought he got the better end of the deal.
Partly relieved their dance was over, Edmund had kindly walked Nonah to the side of the hall where guests mingled and chatted. He was glad she had come, glad he had spent their time enjoying one another’s company. Though Edmund still wore a smile of friendship, gone was the teasing banter for he knew it was time he moved on. Leaning in to whisper to her, his voice tilted in jest one last time, “Try to mingle dear” before patting her arm in affection.
Bowing before he would take his leave, Edmund faced her as a brother and not a duke. “The pleasure has been all mine, Lady Nonah,” Edmund said with formal but sincere statement. She was a beautiful woman and Edmund secretly hoped she would meet a man she (and her father) deemed worthy. With a final wink for good measure, Edmund nodded his head as he blent into the crowd of courtiers.

“A very wise man indeed.” Nonah agreed. It was only when Nonah spoke those words did she realize how closely Edmund had taken her previous statement. He was about to embark on a level of duty and responsibility that the General told his daughter he worked to make sure every man in his charge understood, even if they were themselves not suited for such a life. It was one filled with responsibility and duty, deception, and obligation. So many sought out such a life who saw only the privilege and not the work that went along with it, and the few who actually saw the opposite were definitely held in high regards by Nonah.

When their dance ended, it came as a surprise to the lady that she had actually managed to get through it without causing any lasting damage to her partner. Those who knew the lady knew of her lack of grace when it came to her own two feet and dancing. She had managed to make a fool of herself, but that was about it, and nothing out of the ordinary as far as she was concerned. Allowing Edmund to lead her across the hall, Nonah couldn’t help but snort as Edmund patted her arm and whispered for her to mingle. “I know you know that’s not going to happen, my dear friend.” Nonah whispered back, doing nothing to hide hint of jest in her voice.

Sinking slightly into a curtsy, Nonah couldn’t help but grin at the wink Edmund gave here before blending into the hall. It was funny, how some people could change in an instant and others could remain steadfast throughout their entire lives. Nonah didn’t need to hope that Edmund would do the latter. While she knew she would no longer be considered amongst his family, as he was now to start one of his own, she had a feeling that no matter what Edmund would always remain like a brother to her and one of the dearest of friends.