Christmas Cheer [Castle]

[Jay]

Rosa's eyes flickered open, and her body sat up quickly. "It's Christmas!" was the shout that bounced off the walls and all but vibrated the girl's tower. Quite literally flying out of bed, Rosa rushed to her closet door and yanked it open. Fumbling through a series of dresses with a breakneck speed, Rosa fished out a pure white princess dress and quickly pulled off her clothes before pulling the dress over her head and doing the best to zip up the dress again. In another moment, the sound of feet rushing down the stairs echoed out as Rosa twisted down her winding stairs and to the bottom floor. "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" the young girl shouted as she rushed through the hallways decorated with bows of holly and lights that had been put up in the last few weeks previous to Christmas. Somehow between helping with the relief efforts and sleeping, Felis had managed to get the castle ready for Christmas: at the expense of what little sleep he had been getting, of course. Despite how exhausting this was, it made his pokemon and his people, those that lived in the castle, happy, or at least he thought it did, and for this, Felis was very willing to do.

With that being said, as the relief efforts lightened up and as people managed to stabilize for Christmas, Felis had begun to regulate his sleep schedule again, and that early in the morning he was curled up rather peacefully in bed curled up against a rather plush body pillow that had at one point been at the head of his bed but was now alongside him.

"FELIS FEEEEEEEEEEELIS!" Rosa squeaked out as she began to bang on the Duke's door. "Wake up it's Christmas!" And just like that, Rosa was no longer at the door but running down the hall towards the next room. "LANCE LAAAAAAANCE WAKE UP IT'S CHRISTMAS!" Rosa shouted as she banged on her eldest brother's door for about the same time as she had the previous door. Once more, she was down the hallway and towards another door. Rosa was off again and to another door and still another banging, shouting names, and continuing on. The young girl was bound and determined to wake the castle so that they could all have Christmas!

Felis groaned, and his eyelid twitched slightly before opening and looking around his room. Sitting up slowly, he put a finger to his temple and massaged it slowly. M? What was Rosa up this early for-- Felis's eyes flickered open fully, and in another moment, he sat straight up and then stood up in his bed and jumped up and down. "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" he shouted before flying off his bed and rushing to the door only to freeze in mid motion and step back. Rushing to his closet, Felis threw some clothes on and then rushed out the door buttoning his blouse even as he walked.

"WAKE UP WAKE UP EVERYONE WAKE UUUUUP!" Rosa called from somewhere in the castle only causing Felis to smile softly. Walking towards the main room, Felis stopped when a knock on the door vibrated his ears. Hu? Was Xavier and his mother there already? They were certainly early now weren't they? Walking to the front door, Felis pulled open the door only to freeze.

"Father?"

Rosa continued to rush down the hallways, and once she was sure that she had gotten to everyone, she rushed back towards the main room to where a large Christmas tree could be seen. Even with the vaulted ceilings, the tree was massive and nearly touching the top. Adorned with ornaments and lights, it sparkled and glistened with gold. However, Rosa had already seen this tree many times. It was a fake tree that had been used for what seemed like generations, and among other things: it took out the need to cut down a tree which, given the nature of the Eastern Duke family, was a small notion to preserve vegetation.

Rather than stand in awe at the tree, Rosa found herself staring below it, to the mass of presents left by Santa and those that had been laid out by family members over the course of the few days previous. Boxes and bags lit up the floor almost as much as the tree lit up the room. and it could only make Rosa giggle giddy with excitement.

Meanwhile, Papa Lance stood there in the doorway looking back at his second son with a calm expression. After so much waiting and after some encouragement from a rather surprising source, he had finally decided it was the day to come home. "Merry Christmas, Feliciano," the old man stood there trying his best not to feel awkward. No matter how much he had rehearsed it, Lance couldn't get over the feeling that he really shouldn't have been there. Despite this feeling, he couldn't help but look at his son glad to see that he was safe and alive. Of course he had known that he was. Even after the attacks, Lance had made sure that his family was safe and sound even from the shadows of sorts, but actually seeing Felis was another story.

Felis stood there looking at his father with nothing short of awe. This was the man, like his brother, who had left. This was the man that wasn't home when the Rebels had come, and this was the man that had disappeared when they needed him most. All these emotions Felis couldn't even explain or express, and instead, his visage was a mix of shock, fear, and awe. Awe somehow that the man, though it had been so long, was still there and was home... or ... trying to come home maybe....Shaking his head slightly, Felis shivered realizing just how cold it was as the rush of freezing air came inwards. "Father...." Felis repeated a little quieter than before. "It's... been a while..."

Lance said nothing but judged by the look on Felis's face that the man was surprised among other things. He could understand that, ye there was something in the look that he hadn't expected. "Indeed it has," he answered back. "May I come in?"

Felis had to fight himself from biting his lip. "Sure...it's cold," he answered back as though the fact that it was cold was something new to them both. Stepping inwards and allowing the tall father to enter. The door closed slowly after that. Leaning then on the door, Felis stared at the man who had stepped inwards and was now turning around to face him. "Father I...." Felis stopped but fell silent again unsure of where to even begin.

Lance had walked inwards and turned when he found that Felis was not going to lead them further into the castle. As Felis started and fell silent again, Lance pulled his glasses off and began to clean them on part of his large black coat. "You've done much while I was away, Felis," Lance started before setting his glasses back over his eyes and staring at Felis again. "Or should I say Duke Rossi."

Felis paled considerably feeling the similar feelings that had come up when he had found his brother in his castle again. That mix of hate, defiance, yet some weakness instilled itself in him. As his father stated his name, Felis smiled slightly. He would always be more comfortable with his nickname. However, when the last statement hit his ears, Felis paled again, and a nervous laugh vibrated from his lungs. "Father, please, Felis is fine...." he stated rather weakly. A part of him wanted to admit that being called Duke Rossi, especially by his father, felt wrong, but these words were choked off at the last moment by a high pitched call.

Rosa, who had heard the sound of the doors close, recognized it as someone coming in. Turning her head away from the tree, she'd started over towards the front, and when her eyes caught sight of the familiar back, Rosa's entire essence livened. "DADDY!!!" she squealed before rushing forwards and thrusting her small form onto the back of the large man.

Lance stood tall even when he felt the small form smack into his back, and after a moment of surprise flickered on his face, the man slowly smirked and wrapped his arms behind himself. "Well hello there, Rosalba...." he chuckled slightly. "Merry Christmas."

"Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!!!!!! You're home for Christmas! Welcome home Daddy! I missed you! Where did you go? I can't believe your home! And for Christmas! Just like the song said! 'I'll be Home for Christmas' have you heard it? Daddy I can't believe it!" Rosa squeaked out excitedly.

"Sorry I've been gone a while, Rosa... I'm home now, though," Lance hummed softly. Felis, though silent, couldn't help but find a small smile coming to his face.

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/Miguel_Elayne_table.png][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 300][atrb=style,border:0 chocolate none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(252),sy,as(padding:4px ;margin-top:30px;margin-left:152px;margin-right:100px;margin-bottom:30px;color: #2f1704;)]Having learned to be a light sleeper due to having spent the majority of her time in the forest hiding from any possible danger, Elayne woke up quiet easily when Rosa's shouts were heard throughout the castle. Alarmed at first, Elayne shot up in bed only to hear the repeated delighted cries of the girl and relaxed, "Merry Christmas Elly ... ,"Elayne said in a quiet voice as she pulled the covers aside and quickly changed into jeans and a white comfortable long sleeve shirt coupled with her ever present jacket. Slipping on her shoes, Elayne walked out of her room and towards where she heard Rosa's excited voice. When she had walked a little further however, Elayne was shocked to see not Rosa, but Uncle Lance and Felis talking. Paling considerably at what possible reason he could have for showing up now, Elayne hurriedly hid behind a doorway, hoping that she hadn't been seen quite yet. Elly yawned and stretched before following Elayne out of the room, only to stop moments later as Elayne saw whatever being had scared her so badly. Sitting down beside Elayne, Elly swished her tail contentedly and waited to see what would come of this. Miguel was by habit a light sleeper and an early riser and thus when Rosa's shouts echoed through the castle, Miguel was already getting out of bed. Changing quickly, he walked out the door and down the hallway just in time to see Felis open the door to someone who had apparently shocked him. Not wanting to intrude, Miguel waited silently until Rosa appeared and hugged the newcomer which Miguel could now tell was Rosa's and Felis' father. Even with this in mind, Miguel waited a moment longer before walking up to the group and bowing slightly to the man,"Good Morning and Merry Christmas, it's certainly a pleasure to meet you at last Mr. Rossi," he said in a kind, courteous voice. [/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

(Why? Why did I not know about this thread until now? xD)

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] A rather low groan emerged from Lance’s bedroom when his name was called. It seemed the eldest brother had not been ready to be awoken yet. Yet no other sounds came from the room after that. It could have meant one of two things. Lance had gone back to sleep and ignored Rosa’s callings and poundings on the door or he had gotten up. Luckily for Rosa’s excitement, Lance had gotten up, his mind grumbling all the while. He never understood Christmas. It was a day everyone bought others gifts and ‘Santa’ came. What was the point? They could just simply bye things they wanted rather than spend it on gifts. But… none the less he remember when he was little he had always enjoyed the event. So he had gotten up. Of course he couldn’t go anywhere without doing up his hair first and putting on some morning clothes. It had taken him, well about ten minutes or so. Almost a record for him, really. By the time he had made it down the stairs and into the doorway of the main room, Felis, Rosa, Miguel and Elayne (though she was out of view now) had all beaten him. Yet what confused him at first was why they were all gathered in the main entrance instead of by the Christmas tree. Soon enough his dark blue eyes came upon that reason. In almost an instant his body froze up like a statue and all the colour he had in his face was completely drained. It was as if he had seen a ghost. In his mind he had. The man before them, the man in their hallway was suppose to be dead. How could this happen? How could this be possible? And after all this time, why now? Why did he reappear now? Most of Lance’s body simply wanted to turn around and retreat back into his room. Yet his body was still in it’s statue stat and wouldn’t budge. No speaking, no moving. The only thing that was racing was heart. It was beating so fast with panic that he was certain it could jump right into his throat if given the chance. Despite this, all he could do was stand in the doorway, staring at the man he was suppose to call Father. THis would surely be the worest christmas of his entire life. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Jay]

['xD I pretty much announced that I'd made it on the day I made it and everyone ignore et. It made me sad :> lol]

Though she probably would have been content to snuggle into Papa Lance's back there, Rosa finally released him and stepped back only to walk around him and stare upwards before throwing out her arms in a questioning way. Upon seeing the motion he recognized easily enough from all his daughters, Lance bent down and picked up the girl holding her there as a gentle smile played onto his face. "Daddy where did you go? I was wondering, and it's been so long, and you worried everyone but but... but biggest brother came home too, and now you did and..." Rosa's mind was running too fast for her mouth, and thus all communication was jumbled up into what could be described as some variant of English whose slang was too hard to hear. Lance didn't reply initially but simply held Rosa there rather closely.

Felis, meanwhile remained silent still and couldn't help but watch the motions. However, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Elayne and her sudden motions back into hiding. Blinking a little, he had been about to call over to her but was stopped by not only his first thoughts but Miguel's words that followed. In truth, he physically jumped at seeing Miguel there but relaxed again upon finding who it actually was.

The address of sorts caused Lance's eyes to slide sideways and stare at the face of young man he didn't recognize, and thus his gaze slid sideways and looked at Felis a moment before looking forwards again. Felis, who had noticed this motion, was quick to jump on it least there be any confusion. "Father this is my knight, Miguel," Felis said rather quickly.

Lance simply looked back at Miguel and found himself wondering why the face and name sounded as familiar as it did.....Someone.......... in the West or something....but a knight? No he was sure it was something else, actually. A mental note was made to look into that later on. Standing a bit more straight than before, Lance then nodded his head at Miguel. "I see, a pleasure to meet you as well, Miguel," he answered back.

Rosa broke into a huge squeal of sorts and clapped her hands together. "Miggy is the best," she assured. It was only after that that green eyes had slid sideways and found themselves staring at blue ones. "LANCE LOOK!" Rosa broke the air again beaming as she stared at her older brother. "Daddy came home!" she grinned ear to ear.

It was only after Rosa had brought his attention away that Lance turned his head and stared at his eldest son. What light expression he wore dimmed ever so slightly, but the smile remained on his features for now. "I'd heard you came home before me," he smiled a little though his words held something of an obscure air.

Felis paled a little for reasons he wasn't sure of at first, though he assumed it had something to do with the paleness on his own brother's face, yet after that, he shook his head and looked sideways towards where he'd last seen Elayne before looking towards Miguel unsure of what to say, exactly.

[Maid Melody]

(That would explain why Elayne didn't see eht then because she was in Montana at the time but still orz I'm so sorry I didn't see it before ;-; )

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/Miguel_Elayne_table.png][atrb=width, 510][atrb=height, 300][atrb=style,border:0 chocolate none,b,Table][scrolly:h(220),w(252),sy,as(padding:4px ;margin-top:30px;margin-left:152px;margin-right:100px;margin-bottom:30px;color: #2f1704;)]Elayne continued to watch Uncle Lance and the others from where she was hiding, trying to still her rapidly beating heart. Part of her wondered why she was even hiding but then again, seeing Uncle Lance again alive after all these years though it should have made her happy for Felis had the opposite effect. Yes in some way she was happy Felis had his father back again but it still scared her all the same as she wondered what would happen if he saw her. Leaning against the wall, still out of sight Elayne slid down until she was sitting with her back against the wall,"What am I going to do Elly ... ?"Elayne whispered as she put her head against her knees. Yes it was Christmas, the first real Christmas Elayne had had for years but with Uncle around ... Elayne was honestly too scared in that instance to think of trying to enjoy the day. Elly looked at Elayne with a worried expression and curled up next to her. The Espeon knew that in these instances the only thing she could really do was stay by Elayne and hope things worked out for the better. Though of course if any threat were to come across them at that point Elly would certainly not hesitate in attacking, but as of right then the Espeon could sense no threat coming from anyone in the adjoining room. Miguel bowed slightly again as Mr. Rossi returned his greeting and smiled gently at Rosa as she proclaimed that he was 'the best,' and though he wasn't going to argue with the girl, Miguel certainly didn't believe this to be true. After all, he was simply doing his best to serve those of the castle, something which frequently included playing with Rosa. After seeing that Lance had arrived, Miguel turned and briefly nodded at him before looking back at Felis,"If you will excuse me, I shall begin preparations for breakfast,"he replied in a kind voice before he turned to make his way to the kitchen.[/scrolly]

[Lady Leaf]

(I was very busy Christmas day x3)

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] Lance watched as that man picked up Rosa, though he did not move. He listened as words were spoken, though his heart was pounding so loudly in his ears that he couldn’t make out the words. Miguel was entertaining him or something. Slowly but surely his anger was growing thicker and thicker by the minute. That trance was finally broken by the excited voice of Rosa calling his name once again. It had caused him to blink as those dark blue eyes locked with Rosa’s for a moment before sliding back to his father. His expression darkened hearing words directed to him, coming from his father. It was taking ever speck of will power within him to not snap at the man right then and there. He felt like screaming at the man. Yelling at him that he wasn’t welcome. Yelling at Felis for even allowing him back into the castle. But he couldn’t. He was suppose to be on his best behaviour. He was suppose to be gaining Felis’s trust. He had to keep that in tact. However, there was one thing he couldn’t hold his tongue on. Perhaps even Felis was thinking it too. “If you heard I returned home, why did it take you so long to get here?” He hissed, his eyes narrowing and back straightening. Yet before giving his Father time to respond he turned his attention back to Rosa. “Why are you hanging out in here when you’ve got a huge tree of gifts in there?” He motioned his head towards the room holding the Christmas tree as he spoke. “Common, lets go open our stockings while we wait for some hot cocoa. Hum?” He was trying his very best to forget his father at that moment and mask his anger. It was working, a bit, but it was clear by his tone that he was still rather upset. No kind words could cover that. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Jay]

As Miguel excused himself and set off to make breakfast, Felis mentally sighed only finding himself reminded that Joel wasn't here anymore. Closing his eyes a moment, he forced a smile and opened his eyes again looking towards his father and Rosa. The young girl's head had turned and watched as Miguel walked out of the room, and for a brief moment, she had squirmed a little as though wanting to be put down so that she could take at Miguel's heels but remained still after another moment when Lance's hiss forced confusion onto her face.

Papa Lance stared at his eldest already well aware from the expression that he was wearing and the tone of his voice that he was upset. He didn't answer just yet but slowly set Rosa down instead. "Rosa, head to the main room. We'll be there in a minute," he stated calmly. A rather confused look came to Rosa's face, and her head turned several times looking from Felis to both Lances and back again before finally falling silent and nodding her head.

"Ok..." she squeaked out quietly before trying to pump herself up and smiling rather big after that. "You better hurry up though!" she asserted nodding her head in one quick thrust before turning on her heels and quickly walking back towards the tree though when she passed through that particular hallway, Rosa's eyes turned and found themselves looking at.... "Elayne?" Turning and then standing in front of Elayne, Rosa offered a light smile despite a residual worry that was slowly taking into her form.

As Rosa disappeared more or less behind the archway, Felis slowly found himself looking at Papa Lance staring at him as though waiting for the answer as well. The father in question pushed up his glasses and made to look down the hallway as though he weren't going to answer at first. However, slow, careful words slowly followed. "Heh, would you believe a father had a hard time readdressing the children he had once thought were dead?" he asked though the beginning laugh was far from any sort of actual laugh and rather forced.

Felis froze and found himself staring at Papa Lance unsure of what to say in response, as though he were supposed to speak as well. Slowly his eyes dropped and found themselves staring at the floor. "...Father... where did you go?" he whispered quietly. "Why didn't you come home earlier? I mean...You left everyone! What were you thinking? Why do you think you have... any right to be here anymore...." This snapping tone that escaped from Felis was bleeding out of him, and the blond found his muscles tightening as he spoke. That horrible feeling had returned, that which belonged to that angry part of himself....It seemed with Rosa out of sight, what little had been peaceful was crumbling rather quickly.

A brief startled expression came to the father's face from the tone and the almost demanding words, and for a brief moment, he simply stood here staring at Felis until his eyes slowly narrowed and a stern expression remained. "And where do you get the right to talk to your father in that tone, young man," he snapped rather quickly back at Felis who paled considerably and found himself fighting the urge to step back in the process. Taking in a slow breath, Lance stared at both of his sons with an expression that was questionable among other things. "........We should take this elsewhere," the father stated calmly looking down a different hallway before simply starting to walk towards and down it. Felis found himself unable to move for a few seconds before blue eyes looked sideways and stared at dark blue ones. In another moment, Felis was at Papa Lance's heels as the man continued to walk.

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] We’ll be there? We’ll? ‘Damn it Lance’s mind hiss as he sucked in another breath and held it for a moment. He had been hoping to escape into the next room with Rosa to open her stocking. He could care less about what ever lame excuses his father had for his question. He almost decided to ignore the ‘We’ll’ as Rosa passed him, but stopped himself before having the chance to move. He already knew what would come out of his fathers mouth if he tried to leave. Then it came. The answer to his question. It was enough to cause Lance to let go of that breath he had held as his eyes simply fell to the ground for a moment. Still staying silent, he listened as Felis spoke. Though the more Felis spoke, the more Lance was reminded of the day he had returned. That same hurting sound in his voice. That same bravery. The same question… Though what came out of his father as a response had put Lance on alert. It caused Lance’s eyes to snap up again, his body straightening as if he were the one being snapped at. It was almost an impulse really. After all, usually the rhetorical question his father had just snapped at Felis was directed at him. ‘Damn it’ his mind hissed again as his father suggested moving there conversation elsewhere. In Lance’s past experiences he always dreaded those words as well. But nothing could be done about it now. He was on his best behaviour and so starting a scene over it would accomplish nothing. So, with another sigh, Lance found himself looking back over to Felis, whom had also given him a look. As Felis turned to quickly follow after their father, Lance huffed and forced his legs to finally move again. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/elayneLposttable-1.png][atrb=width, 430][atrb=height, 300][atrb=style,border:0 chocolate none,b,Table][scrolly:h(225),w(218),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:120px;margin-left:8px;margin-top:43px;color: #b37b5d;)]Elayne had been only vaguely listening to the conversation going on in the other room, too busy with her own thoughts about this new circumstance she had found herself thrust into that she hadn't even heard Rosa's approaching footsteps. Nor was she aware that Rosa was even there until she heard the young girl's voice. Looking up at the young girl, Elayne blinked before smiling at Rosa,"Merry Christmas Rosa ... ,"she replied quietly trying to seem cheerful despite the thoughts that kept going through her mind,"I was just ... thinking and I think I gave myself a headache,"she said in manner of explanation. Of course Elayne was not going to go into full detail of what exactly she had been thinking about and it certainly was true enough that she had a headache now, though more from stress and worry than thinking too much. "Where were you going in such a hurry hmm?"Elayne asked kindly.[/scrolly]

[Jay]

Rosa hesitated a moment and found herself looking back down the hallway for a few seconds before looking back at Elayne. "I was going to the Christmas tree... or maybe to find Miggy and help him or something..." she answered back rubbing the back of her head as a mildly sheepish look came to her face upon realizing that she wasn't quite sure where she was going... She had simply headed down the hall because... well... Daddy had asked her to.... .x. .....

Lance R. Rossi walked down the hallway knowing it well enough, and as he finally came to his office, a room that had remained untouched since the castle had been remade, he turned, pulled at the door, and stepped inwards. Blue eyes flashed around through glasses looking at the room and inspecting it, more or less. It had been what felt like, and really was, years since he had been there and seen it. However, it appeared almost as though he had never left. Walking inwards, he sat himself down behind his desk on what felt like was the same chair he had always at in. Setting his elbows on the table and habitually bridging his hands and setting his chin on those fingers, he waited and stared.

Felis, who had said nothing as he followed his father down the hall, was quickly coming to the realization as to where they were going: the room he had refused to take over despite the fact that it was a notorious room where the heads of the families were supposed to occupy themselves. He was much more comfortable in his own study, the room that had been granted to him after his room simply hadn't been enough to hold all that he wanted in it. Upon coming inwards, Felis stepped sideways and sat on the other side of the desk in one of the circular chairs and set his hands on his knees feeling as though he were sixteen again and being told that he couldn't grow ivy on the balcony because of what it did to the rocks.

For a brief two minutes minute, silence engulfed the room as Papa Lance thought of exactly what he wanted to say on the matters that Felis had brought up. Felis just sat there growing paler than he had been before. A nervousness was settling in the pit of his stomach, and he wasn't able to find the words to begin again. However, the father had started it again anyways. "For one, this has been, and will always be a home of the Rossi line," the former Duke stated in a calmer voice as he stared ever still. "You already know that. If you feel so strongly that I should not be here, then you are in the wrong on the matters of family code." He stated in a calm voice though his words were far more scolding in Felis's own mind as he heard them. Felis simply sat there still not saying anything and staring forwards at his and his brother's father. "As for why I left, you should already be aware that I wasn't in the castle at the time. I had gone to the capital to try and help the Queen quell the stress in the capital."

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] There was dread in the pit of Lance’s stomach as they followed their father. Dread in knowing perfectly well where they were heading. Yet all at the same Lance’s mind still whispered over and over again, ‘Not the study, not the study.’ It was all in vain. They approached the door and Lance found himself pausing for a moment as his father opened it. He almost wondered what would happen if he just turned around and walked back. It wasn’t like his father could do much about it, right? He was thirty years old now and this was no longer his fathers house. He couldn’t get scolded for that? Right? Well… despite his reasoning Lance did not turn around. Head hung low, he followed in after Felis, finding his way into the seat next to him. As his father spoke, Lance slide his eyes to the side, concentrating on a small pattern on the carpet. He had somewhat of a guilty look playing on his features even if he was not the one being told he had been wrong. Just being in the room alone made him feel as if he should be getting scolded as well. Though he hadn’t done anything he had been caught for, his mind still raced. It was scrambling to think of any way he could have found out about the things he had done, past and present. It was foolish really, but he couldn’t help it. After all, he had been caught for almost everything else had done in the past. Except the rose bush he had crushed. They had all suspected him, but he left no proof. “We all know how that went,” an insult slipped past Lance’s lips. It was mumbled and spoken in a rather low tone, but it was an insult none the lest. He half hoped his father heard his words and half hoped he hadn’t. At the very lest it was true. His father had failed at helping the Queen quell the stress in the capital. After all, the Queen was dead. But just in case he had heard… “We should go back to Rosa. I’d really like to go back to Rosa.” Unlike his last words, these were much louder and spoken much faster. He had even lifted himself from the seat, his eyes falling onto Felis, then the chair and then the desk. Pretty much anywhere but at his father. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=background,http://i360.photobucket.com/albums/oo48/elronia/elayneLposttable-1.png][atrb=width, 430][atrb=height, 300][atrb=style,border:0 chocolate none,b,Table][scrolly:h(225),w(218),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-right:120px;margin-left:8px;margin-top:43px;color: #b37b5d;)]Elayne nodded at Rosa's explanation and slowly stood up once again. It seemed that there was nobody in the other room anyway so it was safe to assume they had moved somewhere else while waiting for breakfast to be served much to Elayne's relief. At least she wouldn't have to face her uncle anytime soon at any rate. "Why don't we go to the Christmas tree then? I'm sure Santa came last night and I'm excited to see if we have anything from him,"Elayne suggested kindly. Of course Elayne didn't believe in Santa Claus, but chances are that Rosa did and Elayne certainly didn't want to make the girl believe otherwise, especially after all that had happened.[/scrolly]

[Jay]

Rosa perked a little at Elayne's words before nodding her head. "Ok~" she beamed a little before taking Elayne's hand and quickly leading her to the tree in question. Stopping to marvel at its size as she often did, Rosa stared upwards and breathed in quietly before exhaling. "Ok! Quick! To the stockings!" she cheered before quickly twisting her way around the tree to the hearth more or less on the other side of it. Sure enough, there was a rather large stocking entitled 'Rosalba', and after a few obscure maneuvers to increase her height, Rosa managed to pull down the stocking in question without actually breaking anything. "Get yours too, Elayne!" Rosa beamed making a gesture to the one with Elayne's name on it.

"Are you ridiculing me?" was the rather flat-lined but toned voice that escaped from Papa Lance in response to his eldest's comment. It was a challenge, truly, though he doubt it would be met in the way he wished it to be. The eldest brother's second comment only seemed to be a reaction to what had posed, and as Lance had made to stand up, his father pushed the bridge of his glasses up and gave rather stern orders of sorts. "Sit down," was the first. "You will hear this as well considering circumstances." Whatever these circumstances were, exactly, Papa lance didn't explain at the moment.

Felis had found himself looking sideways towards his older brother when he had made the comment and then the second, and for a few seconds, Feliciano wondered if they could simply get around what was probably coming next. However, some part of Felis knew it was inevitable now, and thus he stayed quiet and waited for whatever was going to be said. "Both of you be aware that as of right now, I have no intention of taking the Eastern title back. It is meant to go from father to son, not backwards." A rather stern look was directed towards Lance but then shifted sideways and settled itself on Felis instead. Felis paled a little at seeing the expression his father wore, but he said nothing everstill. "But I have come home to see my family, at the very least. As of now, I do not plan to move back in either. However, I will be frequenting this estate regularly enough. Is that understood?"

Felis found a slightly obscure feeling coming to his stomach, and yet ever still, he nodded his had in understanding. It was a weird sort of defeated feeling now that he thought about it...... however, as to why, Felis stsill couldn't grasp it.

[Lady Leaf]

[scrolly:h(230),w(390),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:10px;margin-left:10px;)] A cringe with a slight roll of his eyes followed the elder’s question. Which was foolish because Lance knew that his father would ask such a question. Luckily his distraction had worked, but not fully. It caused another cringe this time followed by a sigh as Lance plopped himself back into his chair. Something was grumbled between his teeth but it never formed complete words. Yet all the while Lance still refused to look at the man. His eyes had fallen the complete opposite direction, focusing on the line that met between wall and floor. Sometime during the event of sitting back down, Lance had managed to lock eyes with Felis for a few seconds but nothing more. There it was. The beginning of the speech Lance knew would come. He felt the eyes of his father upon him and knew very well that he was getting a stern look. It sent little prickles onto his neck but he refused to look away from the bend in the wall. He was not the Duke, end of story. Lance refused to allow himself to feel guilty for that. No, he was happy about it. He had beaten his father and denied him of his wishes. To boot, there was absolutely nothing his father could do about it other than lecture him. … Or at least, Lance believed. A part of him mentally sighed in relief when his father claimed he was not going to be moving back in, even if he did visit frequently. Then the question. The one Lance knew only had one answer because if one didn’t give that answer they would surely be squished with another lecture. Felis hadn’t spoken his reply, but Lance had been trained enough, asked this question enough, that he knew it was better to give verbal reply. Though Lance always had the knack of avoiding truly agreeing with what his father said. A way of sounding like he understood when really he was avoiding it. That seemed to never change even with his age. None the less, he was being on his best behaviour and though it required great effort to say what he was about to say, Lance managed it. Very slowly he turned his head towards the older man, though his eyes were still set on desk rather than him. “Welcome home Father.” were the three simple words spoken. His voice had been rather monotone and as he finished the last word his eyes finally flickered up and settled on his Fathers face. [/scrolly] [bg=black]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv181/SojiRem/elayneposttable1-1.png);][atrb=width, 497][atrb=height, 297][atrb=style,border:0 black none,b,Table][scrolly:h(215),w(269),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:62px;margin-left:211px;color: #feb859;)]Elayne smiled as Rosa took her hand and led her to the tree ... it was always hard to stay down when Rosa was around for whatever reason Elayne couldn't place. Whatever the case, Rosa seemed to have that sort of effect on everyone she met, or at least that was Elayne's experience where Rosa was concerned. Rosa was walking rather quickly towards the tree in her excitement and before Elayne knew it, they were already at the tree when Rosa let go of her hand and stared at the tree before racing off to grab her stocking. Elayne too stopped and stared at the tree, amazed at the sheer size of the tree when compared to her little one she was used to back home ... but then that had been years ago. Still, the size of the tree and the amount of time it must've taken to decorate it was amazing to Elayne, not to mention how beautiful the decorations made the tree. Elayne was so lost in thought that she didn't realize Rosa had spoken until Elayne heard her name being called and laughed softly, nodding as she made her way over to the fireplace. What Elayne wasn't expecting was to see a stocking with her name on it ... much less one that looked so elaborate ... for a while, Elayne simply stared at the stocking, tracing her name with a finger before finally picking it up and sitting next to Rosa with the stocking in hand. After simply staring at the stocking for a moment, Elayne remembered that Rosa was by her and looked at the girl,"Why don't you open yours first ... ?" Elayne asked kindly, still quite amazed that she had a stocking in the first place ... but then again ... what had she expected after the birthday party Felis had thrown for her.[/scrolly]

[Jay]

Rosa perked a little when Elayne suggested her opening hers first. Nodding her head, Rosa found her hand reaching inwards and pulling out....A rather confused look came to the young girl's face if only for a moment as she took out what appeared to be a small black box of some sort. A flash of memory came and went for a few seconds: the image of a ring of some sort on her mother's finger, yet after an initial stunned moment, Rosa shook her head and slowly opened the box.

Sure enough, the memory had some basis for being there. In the box sat a rather simple but elegant purple ring. For a brief moment, Rosa just stared at it unable to find the words to describe any of the number of emotions that had suddenly swarmed into her. However, after a few seconds, a squeak of sorts escaped from her, and Rosa looked sideways at Elayne beaming rather huge. "Santa brought Momma's ring back...." she said rather quietly looking down at it. "And he brought Daddy back too! He's bringing everyone back! I know it!" she beamed excitedly as this thought flooded her mind.

Meanwhile, Felis didn't speak still. His motion felt already like too much, and what should have been a happy day: seeing as it was Christmas, was threatening to already put him on edge. However, his older brother's three words were enough to bring a bit of life back into him, and the younger brother managed a smile. "Yes.... welcome home... Father," he said in somewhat of a weak tone.

The father let out a silent sigh at the responses from his two eldest sons. Nodding his head gently, he leaned back in his chair for a brief moment before standing. Though his face was still somewhat stern, a smile came to his features if only for a few seconds. "It's good to be home," was all he answered back with.

Felis slowly found himself standing up from his own chair and putting his hands in his pockets. For all the tension and for all the mis-feelings, a slight comfort, possibly brought on by reminders that he would have to keep up a demeanor for Rosa soon enough, had settled into Felis. "...Shall we go back and go settle down for Christmas then?" he asked, his voice still slightly constrained but managing to keep any sort of edge out of it. Papa Lance simply gave a simple nod. Felis nodded back before looking sideways at Lance and then swiftly starting to the door, taking hold of it, and stepping out into the hallway again as if some spirit of running had decided to nest in his legs.

Papa Lance watched this and sighed a little as his face fell once more, and his features laxed downwards. Mentally shaking his head, he started after Felis.