regency au } { of rising from the ashes and quick fixes

[hereditare]

Parrish: [and he is going to stride in, preparing to win this tournament. He's got new armor, his team behind him determined to help stand beside him to the end. They are all for the peasant to change his stars and to find a way to win his love, and that is why they all came to this tournament with him.]

Daniel: [walking over, the guards behind him] How dare you come to this tournament.

Parrish: I am a tournament champion eight times over, Lord Argent. I have earned my place in this event.

Daniel: Earned? Earned... I think you mean lied.

Parrish: [his jaw stiffens a bit] I know not what you mean.

Daniel: Oh, I think you do. I think you know exactly what I mean. [the guards move to surround the team] You see, Sir Parrish... after London I went to sit at my father's side in his last days and he told me many things I would need to know and when asked, he told me that there is no such land as Gilderland. I checked every map in London, Paris, and Rome in my travels soon after and not a single map of Europe contained this land. How far south is Gilderland if no map has recorded it?

Parrish: It is a very small town.

Daniel: [not listening] And then I went and looked at the tax records and wouldn't you know it, but there is no family Von Parrish that pays taxes to the lord kings of the lands. And so, it is with great, personal pleasure that I declare you a liar, a stain on this place of honor, and you are under arrest for impersonation of a noble. [ turns to look at Laura just a bit as the guard rush to grab Parrish] And offense, that I believe is punishable by death.

Parrish: [just glaring at Daniel, struggling a bit]

Daniel: Do you deny the charges?

Laura: [yeah, no, she doesn't like this at all, and she's already getting up to head out of the box and down to the field unless somebody stops her]

Kate: [her eyes widen because no he's not going to execute someone in the middle of a tournament]

Peter: [standing up as well] Stop this this instant! [because fuck no, he was still lord of the manner, and his voice carries far when he's angry]

Daniel: Lord Hale, I am just doing God’s work. While I know this man is a friend of the Hale family, his crimes are clear from his silence.

Parrish: [looks up at Laura and shakes his head, telling her not to come closer. He sees where Liam has run to hide when the guards rushed them and motioned with his eyes for her to take care of the boy instead]

Laura: [stops but she doesn't move to Liam. She can't. Cora does see it however, and she's sneaking away from Stiles’ side, going to take Liam's hand and pull him back towards the house. Laura is just rooted on the spot, not looking away, unable to] Please don't do this. Who has he hurt?

Daniel: He has insulted all of us with his charade, my lady. And he obviously has used it to gain wealth, and favors that are not of his station. [approaches her] You know the law, Lady. As does your lord uncle.

Peter: [closes his eyes because he can't go against the law] I'm sorry. But he will not be executed tonight. Take him to the cages and put him in stocks so that he can think on his crimes.

Laura: [the look Laura gives Peter is complete betrayal but it at least gives them time if they don't execute him tonight. She looks back to Daniel and she plans to try and convince him to not do this, whatever it takes]

Peter: [he winces, but he can't do anything publically. But he looks over his shoulder at Derek who nods and excuses himself quietly to rally his knights and get prepared just in case this turns bad] Lord Argent, I believe we need to talk immediately.

Chris: [watching Daniel carefully] I believe you are right.

Peter: [looks to Kate] Lady Argent, would you please continue on the joust in our absence. [he's trusting her to do this so that some resemblance of calm can be reestablished]

Kate: My pleasure. [and with that she'll get up and head down to bring things back to order] Alright boys. Let's get this show on the road.

Laura: [will make her way out of the stands and down to meet Daniel at his tent to try and discuss this before it goes too far]

Daniel: [sees her approaching] If you have come to beg for your lover's life, Lady, I don't wish to hear it.

Laura: He's not my lover. Nothing ever happened, Daniel, I stopped it before it could. Please, he doesn't need to die.

Daniel: You may not have parted your legs for him, but you put a claim on his heart. Only a man in love would be so foolish to come here at our ceremony and insult me like this.

Laura: Insult you? He insulted no one. If anything you insulted him when you nearly killed him in the last bout, and he was here to regain his pride.

Daniel: You think I am blind, Lady? That I don't see the looks you two exchange when you think I am not looking? I may be human, but I am not an idiot.

Laura: And I am marrying you. You already had your prize. You're only doing this because you're a vain, egotistical bastard who thinks that a man daring to exist is somehow an insult to you.

Daniel: [and yup, that is him backhand slapping her] Hold your tongue, lady.

Laura: [she barely flinches, her head turning into the slap before her eyes flash red and that anger bubbling under the surface suddenly has an outlet. Her hand comes up landing tightly against his throat as she pushes him back against the tent pole to hold him in place] I have warned you, time and again not to test me ...

Daniel: What are you going to do about it, Laura? The man lied and impersonated a criminal. If where discovered that he had help by those who knew he wasn't of noble birth and they did not arrest him, how will your pack fare in prison as accomplices. I bet even now your brother is about to try and break him out. Shame he will have to be jailed with him.

Laura: [she smirks softly as she lets him go] It's about showing mercy. Something you know nothing about. Jail him, if that's what you need to do but is it absolutely necessary to execute him?

Daniel: No, but there is something I want to find out from him. And if it's true, then he will not die.

Laura: So why not simply ask him?

Daniel: Because he needs to learn that he cannot continue on this façade.

Laura: [grits her teeth before straightening to face him] I want to be there, when you find this out. To ensure you keep your word.

Daniel: Fine. But if you don't like what you hear, then it will be your own doing.

Laura: I think I can handle it.

Daniel: Then we will go after dinner. Let him think about his options beforehand.

Laura: I will see you there. [and with that she will leave before she gets angrier and head right to see Parrish in jail]

Parrish: You shouldn't be here, my lady.

Laura: I don't particularly care at the moment.

Parrish: [he moves a bit closer, his arms in restraints on the wooden bar across the back of his neck.] I hope I haven't ruined your wedding, my lady. [there's a sad laugh there]

Laura: [she snorts] There was nothing to ruin.

Parrish: I just couldn't not come. I just needed to see you one more time before I knew you would be gone forever from me.

Laura: [her eyes fall, fingers resting against the bars] You still shouldn't have. Even if you were a noble, he would have killed you in the joust.

Parrish: It was worth it, though.

Laura: Not if you're dead.

Parrish: He can't kill me, my lady.

Laura: Actually he can. The law is very clear on that.

Parrish: No, I mean that he cannot kill me, my lady. Well, he can, but it won't stay that way.

Laura: [there's a look on her face that says it sounds like it's the most ridiculous thing she's ever heard]

Daniel: [coming down because he wasn't going to wait, and look, neither did she.] How predictable. Let me guess, a final confession of love? Airing his dirty secrets to you?

Laura: [and she'll turn one of those patented Hale glares on him. Shut up, you asshole]

Parrish: She has nothing to do with this, Lord Argent. I pray you, let her go in peace.

Daniel: Oh no, she asked to be here when I was to come and get your confession, boy. She can stand there and hear it now. [he motioned for the cage door to be open so he could step inside, but the guard blocked Laura from following]

Parrish: What confession? You already know my crime.

Daniel: Yes, but you see, I want to know where you really come from. How smooth is your tongue that you can make another story that even her werewolf ears would not hear your heart skip? You do realize she's known all along all of your lies, right?

Parrish: [looking at Laura, confused] You knew?

Laura: [she doesn't flinch] The things that mattered were true. [and that's all that she's going to say on that that Daniel gets the benefit of hearing]

Daniel: So you see, the lady knew and her family did not immediately arrest you. That makes them guilty of harboring you. However, seeing that I'm about to marry them, I would hate to arrest my in-laws days before the wedding. [he's pacing around Parrish] So tell her, boy. Tell her who you really are.

Parrish: I can't.

Daniel: Can't or won't?

Parrish: I can't. [and he means it, looking at her] I don't know who I am.

Laura: He's not lying.

Daniel: Oh, I didn't think he was. You see, before my father died, he told me about a scientist down in the south who had made a startling discovery some years back. A young child who was in the orphanage because he couldn't remember himself. The scientist heard that the boy fell down a flight of stairs one night and broke his neck, and in that moment fire erupted and engulfed the entire building. Everyone made it out safely, thank God... including the boy who had died at the bottom of the stairs.

Parrish: [and his head just lowers a bit]

Laura: [her eyes narrow in confusion not entirely understanding what's going on but waiting to see if he'll continue]

Daniel: It happened again the next year when the child, considered cursed by all, was crushed by a passing horse in the yard. That was when the scientist took him in to study this phenomena. Over and over, the boy was killed, only to rise once more. A little different each time, a few details changed but he came back. [leans over Parrish] How many times was it that you died, boy?

Parrish: [stays silent, his eyes on the floor]

Laura: [her eyes soften slightly, still watching him and not really sure where this is going and she's not entirely sure she believes it, but it's enough for her to be sympathetic]

Daniel: [nods] Well, what's one more to the number? [and he moves fast, sliding in and stabbing Parrish directly in the heart]

Laura: No! [the sound is sharp and immediate, charging forward but probably stopped by the guards?]

Guard: [yup, totally stopping her]

Daniel: [steps back, guiding Parrish to fall away from the bars as he hits the ground, looking down at him] Show me, boy, show me your magic trick. I want to see what you really are.

Parrish: [is gasping for breath, and he looks at Laura... and his eyes will start to glow orange as there is smoke starting to form around the knife in his chest]

Laura: [and she will struggle back against them, trying to get to him unless they take her out which could end badly for the guard]

Daniel: [he will make it easier and step out of the cage, shutting the door and keeping the guard between him and Laura] Don't fuss, Laura. He won't stay dead. Watch.

Parrish: [and he tries to fight against it, but he can't. He gives a cry of pain that almost sounds like a large bird screech, and then the blood on his chest ignites, and it's almost simultaneous that his body bursts into flames as he writhes on the ground. His heart stopped beating seconds before the flames started, but his brain still has a few minutes to react to the stimuli.]

Peter: [hears the screech and stops in his long tirade at Chris suddenly, his head spinning to the window.] Something's wrong...

Chris: What do you mean?

Peter: [goes to the window, trying to focus...] Fire.

Laura: That doesn't matter, you bastard.

Peter: [he and Chris are going to be running down as Parrish is lying still, his body turning to ash. He looks in the cage, then Laura] What happened?

Laura: [swallows as she crosses her arms in front of her chest] Daniel thinks that he's some kind of creature that can come back from the dead after bursting into flame, so he killed him. He didn't stop to consider that there might be limits or catches, or the fact that it is simply cruel to do so.

Chris: [glaring at his brother] You did what?

Daniel: He paid for his crime. Father told me about him, and we need to see what kind of monster he is.

Peter: I highly doubt that Parrish is the monster in this room. [goes to wrap his arms around Laura]

Laura: [just turns and leans into her uncle because it's been an exhaustive evening and she just wants to return to her room. She also can't be here, so she shakes her head and pulls away, turning to head back to the main house. She can't be here if it doesn't work]

Peter: [which is fine. It's going to take him tine anyway. But after about an hour Peter's head will lift before he looks over at the pile of ashes that used to be a man] That's impossible.

Chris: What do you hear?

Peter: A heartbeat.

Parrish: [and five minutes after that, a hand reaches up through the dust that used to be where his hand had been, and a minute after that Parrish sits up again. He shakes the dust off himself, orange eyes looking around the cage in confusion before the blinked back to a hazel. He didn't know where he was, how he got there, and he shivered because he was very, very naked] Lord Hale? Why am I in this cage?

Daniel: Interesting. Short term memory is gone, but he remembers you.

Chris: [and while he is fascinated and wants to know more about what just happened, even he knows this isn't right.] Daniel, my chambers now. Lord Hale, I will leave you to deal with the boy.

Daniel: He is still a criminal.

Chris: No, you fulfilled the sentence on the criminal. I was the witness to it. Now you will fall in line and go now.

Daniel: [huffs but leaves with his brother]

Peter: [opens the cage and goes in, wrapping his cloak around Parrish's shoulders] Come on, Parrish... let's get you someplace... [he felt how hot the boy's skin was and changed his words] Someplace with fresh air. [and he will lead Parrish out and the knights are standing there waiting because they had smelt the smoke and were worried. He will tell Derek to fetch Laura and bring her to his chamber, and bring Parrish to his own room to get him something to wear]

Laura: [has sequestered herself in her room, curled up in bed where she cried a lot because everything is awful. She also doesn't want to see anyone so she may not respond to Derek right away]

Derek: [knocking on her door] Laura, it's me. I'm coming in. [and he is going to slip inside, seeing her and worried puppy face a go]

Laura: [keeps her face away from the door, really not wanting to be here or talk to anyone at the moment] I don't want to see anyone. I'll be fine, just ... go, please.

Derek: I know, but Peter is summoning you. He had Parrish with him and smelt off. What is going on?

Laura: [when she hears the part about Parrish her heart beats a little faster, a nauseous mix of anxiety and relief flowing through her in response. Then she pushes up and swipes at her eyes] Daniel killed him.

Derek: Well, he looked very alive to me. [and now he's more confused]

Laura: He is apparently a kind of creature that can be reborn through flame. Daniel heard about it from Gerard and decided to test it himself.

Derek: A phoenix? [he thinks, and shakes his head] The bastard. That is his emblem. Why he always smelt of smoke and ash. Why did he not tell us?

Laura: Probably because he didn't understand or know what he was and anyone else who's learned has tortured him, testing the limits of what he can do.

Derek: Well then, I think it would be best if you go quickly. He probably could use some comfort.

Laura: [nods as she makes her way over to the basin on her dresser, splashing some water on her face to compose herself] Daniel?

Derek: Lord Argent the eldest has taken him to his quarters. He did not look happy at all.

Laura: [nods] I don't want to see him tonight. If I do I may kill him.

Derek: Will you allow me to assign a knight then to your side to be able to bar him from where you are?

Laura: [she pauses, before shaking her head] Let me see Peter first, and then we'll see.

Derek: Well, I'm to bring you to him, so I will stay outside for now. [and he will help escort his sister to Peter]

Laura: [and she will follow in silence until she gets inside]

Peter: [and as she enters, Parrish will be sitting in a corner of the room just in the shadows but where the cool breeze from the window can help soothe his warm skin. His secret is revealed, and he knows from Peter that Laura was there. Peter goes to meet Laura at the door, speaking softly] He doesn't remember the last week. Last thing he recalls is things from their journey here.

Laura: [nods once and part of her just wants to go to him, but she knows that she needs to sort out other things first] What are we going to do about the Argents?

Peter: Before we knew what was happening in the cage, Chris and I were talking about how much like Gerard your suitor has become in the years he was at war. We both realize that him being the one to marry you will end up facilitating war faster than us not having at all. But neither he nor I can break a contract created by the heads of family before us. We were trying to figure out a way around it when I smelt the fire.

Laura: [sighs softly, before glancing back to him] I can't marry him, Peter.

Peter: I know, sweetheart. [an endearment term he hasn't used in a long time as he reached up to caress her face] Do you trust me to find a way out of this for you?

Laura: [nods]

Peter: Then I want you to remain in here with Parrish. He needs someone to protect him right now. I've sent my page on an errand and hopefully I will be able to make some magic on his behalf to protect him beyond this night. But I need to work with Chris to find a way to free you as well.

Laura: [nods again, before pulling away to face him. Part of her just wants to take him back to her chambers - they're the most fortified area of the house - but she knows how that will look. While part of her really does not care about appearances at the moment, she knows they need to keep things in good faith until Peter can get her out of this]

Peter: [speaks silently to Derek about putting guards at the door, and to have someone under the tower window just in case. He then leaves to find Lord Argent and Derek will slip outside]

Parrish: [he can't look up at her] You lord uncle says that you were witness to my death.

Laura: [she nods, before moving to sit next to him, then reaching forward to take his hand] I was.

Parrish: [his hand is warm to the touch, much warmer than normal as the fire inside of him is still dying back down. It's also smooth, like a baby's skin. Feathery like hairs on his arms] I am sorry you had to see that. I have heard description of what it looks like. Not that I know.

Laura: It is not your fault. Daniel did this to you, and I apologize that I couldn't stop it.

Parrish: I knew what I was risking becoming a false knight, Laura. At that time, I was arrogant. What was the punishment for it? Death. The one thing I cannot do. [he looks at her] What would I have lost?

Laura: But that isn't the reason why he did it. He simply wanted an excuse to prove that you were what he thought you were. He never stopped to consider that he may be wrong.

Parrish: The other knights call him a madman. Blind to anything but his own self. They were glad when he went to war. He has no friends among them

Laura: That doesn't surprise me. And the only reason he set his sights on you was because of me.

Parrish: I never meant to fall in love with you, Laura. [his eyes were sad] I just wanted a dance with a beautiful woman. I had never had that before.

Laura: I don't blame you. Not for a moment. Don't ever allow yourself to think that I do.

Parrish: All the pain you have felt because of this though is on me.

Laura: I fell in love with you too, even when I shouldn't have. If anything, we are both complicit.

Parrish: [he tilts his head a bit] So you do truly love me?

Laura: [and she won't bother to respond with words, simply lean in and kiss him, one hand moving to rest against his shoulder gently]

Parrish: [there is a soft sigh as he kisses her back, his hands going to cup her cheek gently. It was just as he had remembered, but better. This wasn't a stolen kiss in the moonlight, but one shared between them and he savored it]

Laura: [she leans into the warmth of his hand for the moment, taking a deep breath as she relaxes into the kiss and stays close. There is so much more that she wants but still can't have. Not until Peter manages to break the contract]

- - - - -

Peter: [is reading the contract over with Chris] This is so simplistic that it's almost too hard to break. It just says that a Hale must marry an Argent to create a joining of the houses. I would have thought that the friendship that Cora and Allison share could have been the alliance that would have broken this. Those girls are close friends and will be our future, but this it too clear.

Kate: [and knock knock knock here comes sister Kate. That's about all the warning you get before she makes her way inside] Did I hear right that Daniel set the prisoner on fire?

Chris: [sighs, getting up in the presence of the lady entering the room] That is correct. I have barred him in his room until I know what to do with him. However, Lady Argent is refusing to marry him, and I do not blame her in the least. But it comes down to what we can do verses what must be done.

Kate: [sighs softly] So what options do we have left? Allison marry Derek?

Peter: [shakes his head] Derek is already in a courtship with Lady Gilbert. And seeing that Derek initiating a courtship on its own is a miracle, I do not want to risk that.

Chris: And I cannot take Lady Cora. It would not be fair to the child, or to Allison.

Peter: And I will not give her to Daniel either.

Chris: And Daniel would have every reason to declare war in our names if we do not honor the agreement.

Kate: [and Kate will just ... sigh softly. Because there aren't a whole lot of options left, but she's not going to let her brat of a brother start a war either] Well, there is one eligible match that we're forgetting.

Chris: [looks at her a bit, and it hits him and he looks at Peter and then her again] Are you serious?

Kate: Do we really have much of a choice? We can't put this off while waiting for Malia to be old enough and even then we wouldn't have an Argent to match her.

Peter: [yeah, he has an idea on where this is going] Lady Argent, you do realize that we will kill each other in a fortnight.

Kate: I am well aware of that. But again, if we are to avoid war, what other option do we have? It is either that, you break Derek's courtship or you marry Allison yourself which I would assume you hold a similar objection as my brother does to marrying Cora.

Peter: Yes, I do. [he looks at Chris, and the other man shrugs] Then I guess this is where you and I come to terms that will make this arrangement work between us.

Chris: [oh, this is going to be good. he's just going to sit back and witness and he has a sudden urge for popped corn]

Kate: [sighs as she goes to take a seat of her own] I'm afraid we can't opt for a long engagement.

Peter: No. We already have the wedding set for two days from now. [he goes to sit across from her, his shoulders set. He always wanted to be able to give his nieces the freedom to love on their own. At least he could give it to Laura] And unlike Laura, the arrangements do not need to stay tied to Hale Manor. I am not the alpha, and Laura's husband will become lord of the manor, or she can bequeath that to Derek at that time.

Kate: I have some property my father left to me, and I'm sure you have some of your own.

Peter: Yes. I am sole heir of our summer castle down in Mandal. I already have a few servants down there in preparation for myself, Malia and Cora to travel there after the wedding since Daniel had made it clear we would not be welcome in his manor.

Kate: Fantastic. Then there's plenty of space for us to live in the same home without stumbling over each other but still giving us room for retreat. [there's a pause before] I hope that you weren't hoping for more children - but not for the reason you're thinking.

Chris: It seems you have been willing to sacrifice a lot, Lord Hale, for this contract.

Peter: I have been a man of my word, Lord Argent. And as the guardians of my sister's children, I have always but them, and my daughter, before my own needs whenever possible. My only frustrations are that I could not give them what they desired most. [he nods, looking at Kate] If this agreement is suitable to you, my Lady, then you do give me the honor of giving Laura the one thing I could not give her before.

Kate: [gives a soft sigh] I think I can live with it.

Peter: Then it is done. And to answer your question, my lady, I do not expect anything more from you than you wish to give. I have been used to sleeping on my own since my wife died. It is not something I feel the need to change. And I will not complain about anything that I am not witness to. [ meaning she can have her own lovers and he won't be insulted]

Chris: The problem will still come in Daniel challenging it. Which he does have right to. He has been promised to Laura for most of his lifetime.

Kate: That wasn't the problem. [meaning she'd happily sleep with you, Peter, you're not bad on the eyes. It's just that she's human and she's been married once before and learned of those human failings all too well. As for the second dilemma] Why not make him earn it? Not that he's ever had to earn anything before, but this may be an interesting time to start.

Chris: The challenger is no longer eligible to joust.

Peter: That... is not going to be a problem for long. [licks his lips] Parrish has always held himself with honor, more knightly than half the lords I have met in my years following Derek to this tournaments. For his own protection, I sent my page to bring the Duke to my chambers to speak on making him a Knight of our manor so that he would not be subject to any more abuse.

Kate: I also never said it had to be an official joust. Since Peter seems inclined to let Parrish marry Laura no matter his station, it could just be a little thing between family.

Peter: I am inclined, but appearances need to be met. I don't want my niece to feel ramification from the laws of man for her desires. She understands that as much as I. Otherwise I would have never agreed to Cora having any contract at all, let alone to Lord Whittemore's abusive spawn.

Kate: That boy deserves a kick in the teeth. [and that has been helpful contributions with Kate] When is your page due back?

Peter: The Duke's home is but a two hour ride. He should be here before the sun rises.

Kate: Good. That gives us time to let Daniel have his temper tantrum in private.

Peter: [nods] Then we will have Daniel and Parrish joust. I have a feeling knowing that Laura's hand is on the line will be all the incentive that Parrish needs to be able to win this match. And if he does, then be the next evening, you and I will be wed, Lady Argent.

Chris: And if Daniel wins... [he stands] I will handle my brother as I see fit. [which he really doesn't want to do, but the Argents do have a history of some of their distant relations having disappeared when they threatened the peace]

Kate: [takes a deep breath before getting to her feet] Then I have some arrangements of my own to make. I'll see you boys in the morning.

Peter: My lady. [he bows as she leaves]

Chris: [once she's gone.] I promise you, Lord Hale... my sister may be a bit brash, a bit free spirited... but there is good in her intentions. Perhaps you can help her find that again, since you do have a caring heart inside of you.

Peter: I think you ask the impossible, Lord Argent.

Chris: Perhaps, but I like to have hope in miracles now and then. Seeing a boy come back from his own ashes proves that they are possible. [bows and takes his leave]

Peter: [after redoing up some paperwork of his own for an hour or two, he goes off to return to Laura and Parrish. Scott is at the door and lets him in, and goes back to guard outside] Well, it is done. We have renegotiated the contract, and you are not obligated through it to marry Daniel. [choosing his words carefully]

Laura: [glances up at him and her eyes narrow] What did we have to give up in return?

Peter: Daniel will of course contest the changes. So, there will be a joust. [looks at Parrish] If you are offered to win Laura's hand in a tournament...

Parrish: Oh, I will win. I promise you, sir.

Peter: Good.

Laura: And that is the end of it.

Peter: Not quite. First, we need to give Parrish proper title to joust and that will happen soon. And, if some reason that Daniel does win... Lord Argent will handle his brother silently. Hopefully the joust will keep that from having to happen.

Laura: [Peter that is not what she's asking you] What about the treaty?

Peter: [deep breath, then nods] The treaty is very specific. A Hale must marry an Argent. We do not want to give Daniel reason to go to war on his family's behalf, so we will still honor the contract. [clasps his hands] Lady Argent and I will be wed in two days.

Laura: [and Laura is just going to stare, dumbfounded] She agreed?

Peter: [nods] We both can look beyond ourselves to see what is better for our families. She doesn't want war any more than the rest... and I want to make sure you can have the love you've always wished you were free to have. [small smile]

Laura: [and she is incredibly, incredibly grateful for that but at the same time] Are you sure about this?

Peter: I'm sure. Malia may not be very happy, but hopefully in time she will grow to understand. And it probably won't change much beyond us going to live primarily in the southern castle as you and your mate take control of this manor. The castle is big enough for her and I to avoid one another when we need to.

Laura: [considers and nods slowly] Alright. If that is how you wish to handle it, I will back it.

Peter: I have only ever wanted you children to be happy. If I can give that to you... I think I can handle Argent. And speaking of which... with you and Derek both pursuing suitors, there is one last decision I need to have made before my role as guardian will pass to you and Parrish. [he goes to his desk]

Parrish: [he's just... not saying anything at the moment because he's just focusing on that he is actually getting to marry Laura? What is this madness...?]

Laura: [nods and gets up to follow him, curious as to what this is about]

Peter: [pulls out a letter with the broken seal of Lord Stilinski] This letter arrived when young Lord Stilinski arrived yesterday. I believe there is a proposal in her you may agree along with me to accept.

[The letter is from Lord Stilinski, talking to Peter about how when he had purchased Stiles to bring him back to his homeland and declare him heir, he knew that he owed a great debt to the Hales. He also knew that Stiles had formed attachments to those of the Hale household, including in particular the younger Lady of the Manor. Stiles is now fully taken the role of heir by law, and is in need of a wife. However, he is also still in needs of much training on running a manor. Since Lord Stilinski believes he will live at least another twenty years before his heir will need to take over the manor, and Lady Hale is very close to her family, he would like to arrange a marriage between Cora and Stiles, with his young heir living at Hale manor to learn how to run a manor from Lord and Lady Hale, as well as learning from Sir Derek on how to handle an army.

However, his heir has brought concerns to him. In his affection for the Lady Hale, he does not wish to make her feel forced to make a choice or feel pressured to marry him. Therefore, the House of Stilinski would like to request a year of courtship in which the young Lord will live at the manor and take his lessons from Sir Derek and the Lord and Lady of the manor, and properly court the young Lady of the Manor. If in that year time, she does not feel anything more than friendship to Stiles, he will withdraw his proposal and allow her to find her own husband. But Stiles has grown to care deeply for Lady Cora and would like the opportunity to win her heart as well as her friendship.]

Laura: [reads it over for a moment, before nodding with a small smile] I think this sounds perfect.

Peter: And if she chooses not to marry him, she will be eighteen at that point, and no longer my ward and able to make her own choices. I think it is a very good match myself, but it will bring it to her decision in the end. Either way, she will be able to marry for love as well.

Laura: Good.

Peter: So tomorrow after this joust, I will bring young Stilinski in here to accept this offer, and then your lady sister in to know of it. I would ask for you to be here for the later of the two, if you can tear yourself away from your own suitor.

Parrish: I think I can spare her a few minutes. [small smile]

Laura: Which part are we bringing her in the know of?

Peter: That I have yet to figure out about.

Laura: I don't think we should tell her about the arrangement for her hand.

Peter: Just that Stiles has asked to court her then?

Laura: I'm not sure. I'm worried if she'll resist on principle if she knows too much.

Peter: I just worry she will be upset later feeling we set her up.

Laura: Set her up how?

Peter: Entering into a courtship contract without telling her.

Laura: Stiles wants her to fall and love with him and have it be her choice. If we tell her the contract exists, that's not really her choosing. It still could seem like us guiding her hand.

Peter: Okay. Then we won't tell her anything. You will be the one to explain to her if it ever comes up. And I will explain that he cannot speak of this proposal to her at all if it will truly be her choice.

Laura: [nods] And in the meantime, we'll have to figure out how to get her to realize that her feelings are there.

Peter: Perhaps seeing both her older siblings in love will have a positive effect on her. God knows I don't. [chuckles]

Laura: Perhaps. Stiles still might need to make a grand gesture of some kind to get her attention.

Peter: Well, he has a year to figure it out. Perhaps Sir Parrish can bestow some wisdom on that to him. [small playful smirk]

Laura: Maybe. I suppose we'll have to see what happens.

Peter: Either way, at least I know that Cora will be taken care of moving forward, either by Lord Stilinski or of her own heart.

Laura: [she nods] I have a feeling it's more likely to be Lord Stilinski than anything else.

Peter: I do too. They are a good match. I felt it the day I bought the boy. [chuckles, and then there is a knock on his door] Yes?

Scott: Duke Oldenburg is here to see you, my Lord.

Peter: Let the Duke in, Sir Scott.

Duke: [Laura straightens a bit and in the Duke comes, glancing around the room curiously] You wished to see me?

Peter: I am sorry to summon you from your home so late, but I have a matter of state I need your assistance with to prevent war from restarting between our house and House Argent again. I'm sure you remember that time?

Duke: Unfortunately.

Peter: Well, I need your help with an affair on this young man's behalf. This is...

Parrish: [standing, a small sheepish grin] Actually, we have met. My lord. [he bows his head a bit]

Duke: [smirks softly before nodding] Indeed we have. Sir Parrish.

Parrish: I believe it is just Jordan now, my Lord.

Peter: That is the problem, Olaf. Word may not have traveled far, but it appears that Sir Parrish is not a lord at all, even though he holds himself in a knightly manner in all things that he does.

Duke: How unfortunate. I'm sure this will cause quite the uproar - he is very popular with the crowds.

Peter: And he has won the heart of my niece among other things. I was hoping I ask a favor on the House of Oldenburg. [there's a cunning look] Young Parrish is to joust Lord Argent for the right to marry Lady Hale. But he is lacking one thing that will allow him the right to do so.

Duke: [the man pauses, considering for a moment, before a small smirk crosses his face] I do love a good twist. As well as the fact that it will be well worth it to see the look on the younger Argent's face when he finds out.

Parrish: I promise more than that, my Lord. I also plan to win his bride away from him. [goes to hold Laura's hand]

Peter: It's not every day you get to be the fairy godfather in a tale of true love, Olaf.

Duke: No, its not. In fact, most don't think such a thing exists anymore. [he pauses, before shaking out his arms] Alright. How shall we do this?

Peter: You're the Duke. You tell me. [grins]

Duke: [turns to Parrish] It's your knighting. Would you like to get cleaned up first?

Parrish: [chuckles] I could probably use a shower. And reassure my squires I'm not dead in a ditch.

Peter: I'm sure we can get a gathering of people to make the display public.

Duke: Excellent. First thing in the morning, then.

Peter: I will find you a room to rest in, My Lord. Do you require anything else until the morning? Food or drink?

Duke: [shakes his head] No, just a bed and I will be fine.

Peter: I will show you to it. [and he will go and take the Duke to find the best room in the manor and will speak with Scott and have him detailed to Parrish]

Parrish: [and once they are all gone and it's him and Laura again] You know, I think those flowers on your balcony were the best investment in my life I ever made. [smile]

Laura: [she laughs softly, before leaning in closer] Once this is over you are more than welcome to start leaving them again.

Parrish: That or I will find other places in which to leave them. [leans in to kiss her]

Laura: [kisses him back, leaning in closer as though to make sure he's still there]

Parrish: [keeps her close, his arms around her, his body providing her a warmth that normally the wolves gave the humans.] So does this mean you will marry me, Lady Hale? Once I am a knight in my own right?

Laura: [smiles softly] I would have married you if you haven't a cent to your name, if I had had any say in the matter.

Parrish: Well, I don't really have a cent to my name at the moment as it is. We spent most of our money to get us here, and Watt and Liam eat more than their share of the food.

Laura: You know what I mean.

Parrish: I do. [he presses his forehead to her] I love you, with all of my heart, Laura.

Laura: I love you too. [and she's trying very hard to be the good girl and not drag him back to her chambers]

Parrish: [god, he wants to.] We should check on my squires. Let them know I am okay. [he was worried most about Liam]

Laura: [she wants to as well, but there are too many eyes on them right now. She nods] Be careful and take Scott with you.

Parrish: I will. And I will see you at my knighting tomorrow. [kisses her one last time]

Laura: [kisses him back before rising and returning to her chambers]

Parrish: [and he will go with Scott to find his squires and Liam isn't with Roland or Watt so he asks Scott to help him track Liam down and we can backtrack for a bit?]