morning songbird (NATHANIEL)

[amidala]

just one more moment that's all
that's needed like wounded
soldiers in need of healing

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This colony was starting out about as bad as the one she'd come from, though Lyanna was certain there were reasons. Like, the whole rebellion thing going. But for now she seemed to be pretty safe so she didn't mind anything, really, especially since she was supposed to be waiting for her would-be suitor. Now there was a person she'd love to see, mostly because she would be giving them a hard time out of spite. She did NOT like being treated like a prized mare on display, but she couldn't really argue with her father. She could, however, delay this and play her own game while she was at it. Even though she was only eighteen, this didn't mean she had to become someone's wife immediately, especially if she didn't even know him or respect him.

Her chaperone pulled the laces of her corset together and Lyanna swallowed before inhaling, testing the grounds and nodding lightly, stepping aside to let her maid help dress her for the day and finish. After a small hat was securely in place, Lyanna touched the locket she carried around her neck and sighed, wishing her mother would be here now. Then things might have been different. But the Lady Stark hadn't even been around to see her daughter more than one time. Lyanna still hadn't come to terms with the fact that she was the one responsible for her mother's death. But she was thankful that her father hadn't remarried and brought someone else home.

It was time to go see this town she was now in, and since she could obviously see people passing here and there, she thought she might take a stroll herself. Exiting the house her father had gotten especially for her, Lyanna pushed a brown ringlet out of her face with a gloved hand, waiting for her chaperone to join her. There was no way she could walk alone, she knew, and also, there would be a male servant following at a discreet distance. There were orders in this household that she didn't know - and didn't want to know. So Lyanna just sighed and took the main road, passing some other townsfolk as she did so, though she was too caught up in her thoughts to notice much at the moment, just walking aimlessly.

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Tag: NATHANIEL
Credit:

[/color] Nickelback && moi && Liz (template idea!)
Notes:[/color] none[/size]
[/center] [/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Chørd]

`Nathaniel

The morning was shaping up to be a nice one; fresh, crisp dew had settled on the grass and crops, the workers out in the fields and plantations, the townfolk starting to rise and shine and going about their business.

Nathan, so far, had gotten the rise bit right, but as he dragged himself out of his bathroom, he felt as if shine was the furthest thing away from his current state.

It was normal for him to be the first one up in his household, but today he'd gotten up particularly early with the intentions of leaving his house and taking to the streets to see if he could pick up any news about the Revolution. He hadn't meant to get so involved with the war, and certainly hadn't planned on signing up to the militia, but things had taken the course they had and here he was.
He smiled to himself as he ran his hands through his hair, eventually tying it back. He'd not just joined the war because of his sister's and his beliefs, but also because the situation America was in reminded him of his own family. His father thought he could float around the world on his ship, expecting his family to obey his every command - and if they refused, he would simply go to America and force them into cooperation.

Nathan shook his head, trying to clear his mind of the thoughts of his father.
"Thank God he's away," Nathan muttered to himself as he left the house, shutting the door quietly behind him. He took a moment to savour the fresh, chill morning before setting off, a big smile on his face. He was never happier when he was away from his home and family, even though he felt guilty about thinking that way.

You should have just done what your Daddy said.

Nathan blew a strand of hair out of his face.
"And where would that leave me standing now?" He answered his thoughts. "I certainly wouldn't be able to walk down the streets freely. I'd either be at war now, against the Americans, or even back in England wearing stuffy clothing and attending tea parties."
He continued down the road, nodding in greeting to some of the people who waved at him. He had friends, that was for sure - his father could take every last thing from him, but he couldn't stop him from having friends.

Where to first then, smartass? His thoughts chided. Nathan smiled mischievously to himself.
"I think heading towards the tavern sounds a good idea," he replied, crossing onto the main street and shaking his head as two children ran past him, laughing.
"Some people are so carefree nowadays..." he mumbled to himself, not looking where he was going as he watched the children over his shoulder. "It's almost as if they're forgetting there's a war going on..."

[/size]

[amidala]

just one more moment that's all
that's needed like wounded
soldiers in need of healing

[/i][/size][/font]

****************************************

A couple of children ran by her and Lyanna smiled widely as she turned to watch them, pausing in her steps. Her chaperone almost didn't notice her, though thankfully avoided a direct collision with her mistess. Shaking her head and pacifying the stuttering older woman, Lyanna lightly rested her hand against her shoulder, motioning after the children with her head. "Do you see how happy they are? I don't think they even realise there's a war going on," she commented, watching as two young girls skipped up and down the steps of a house, trying to beat each other. "I wish I were that young," she commented with a wistful sigh and lightly fixed a strand of hair that had fallen into her face.

To be a young girl again, when everything was simple. When her father didn't mind so much about what she did, who she talked to, which books she read. When she could dress freely and well, without so much attention to herself, and when, most definitely no one required her to marry. This thought brought a frown to Lyanna's face but she shook off the questions of the older woman beside her - she didn't think her relative would think her thoughts valid, after all, it was all she lived for, to see the daughter of the governor to find a husband worthy of that title. Or something along those lines, Lyanna never really took the time to notice, it was about as annoying as it got. She mainly just tried to be herself throughout this whole charade.

Finally moving from her position, her skirt rustled a little bit as she rearranged it to step over something. At the same time she turned her head to look at the two girls once more and was too late for the warning "My lady!" that came from her left. Lyanna collided with someone, though she immediately took a step backwards to try and save herself out of this current situation. She gasped slightly, eyes wide as she looked at the young man before dipping her knees in greeting - and apology. "Forgive me, sir, I did not see where I was going. It was quite unintentional, I assure you," she managed to get out after a moment of silence from her part, still stunned from the abrupt end to her thoughts and this impromptu meeting.

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Tag: NATHANIEL
Credit:

[/color] Nickelback && moi && Liz (template idea!)
Notes:[/color] none[/size]
[/center] [/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Chørd]

`Nathaniel

Nathan had been too busy watching the children running around behind him to watch where he was going, lost in his own troubled thoughts.

When he finally turned his again, it was too late; he'd already walked right into the girl despite trying to sidestep out of he way as quickly as possible.

She curtsied him slightly and he raised an eyebrow.

What the hell did you ever do to deserve a dip o' the knees? Nathan's subconscious self snapped at him spitefully, and he only just bit back a heated reply to his thoughts.
He instead focused his attention on the young woman in front him, smiling awkwardly at her.
"It's entirely my fault, ma'am," he bowed his head. "I should have been watching where I was walking."
He waved gingerly at, what he presumed was, her chaperone, relieved that his own family had not assigned one to him.

Why would they? Your father hates you and I doubt your mother could care less, his thoughts came back again, and Nathan frowned, struggling to block out the voice.
He held out his hand for the girl to shake, not sure how she would react to his greeting.
"I'm Nathaniel Smith," he introduced himself, flashing his signature oh-so dashing smile.

Nathan took the time to get a proper look at her, studying her face thoughtfully. She was pretty, that he was certain of, but she had an almost...English look to her. Perhaps it was the smooth British accent she had, or even the elaborate dress she was wearing?
Whatever it was, Nathan couldn't quite put his finger on it. But he smiled all the same, keeping up the polite, gentlemanly pretence, never once taking his eyes off her. She looked familiar, somehow. Perhaps she was someone important or rich whose name he had forgotten? Or perhaps she'd attended one of the Patriot demonstrations, either to support the Rebels or try and stop them?

"I'm sorry," he cleared his throat. "But I feel like I've seen you before." Nathan frowned, his memory still giving him some trouble.

She's the Governor's daughter, ain't she mate? His mental voice perked up again and Nathan's smile broadened.
"Of course," he nodded, glancing at the girl's older chaperone. "You're Governor Stark's daughter, aren't you?"

[/size]

[amidala]

just one more moment that's all
that's needed like wounded
soldiers in need of healing

[/i][/size][/font]

****************************************

Lyanna could feel her heart thumping hard inside her chest, from the minor shock and from the relief that her father hadn't been here to see this. He always did want his daughter to be on her best behaviour, in public and at home, which meant she was constricted to quite a large number of rules. One of them was also something which told that she should never presume to speak while a man was speaking, and definitely not bump into him. Well, she added the last bit, but with all the rules concerning her role in a mostly male society, Lyanna was pretty sure it wouldn't have ended well if the governor had been around. Luckily for her, he was nowhere in sight.

"Well, I wasn't exactly looking where I was going myself," she added in a bashful tone, feeling heat rising in her cheeks. Inwardly, she tried not to feel too irritated by this display of embarassment. What Lyanna hated most was her mostly fair disposition that allowed any outward sign of discomfort to be easily shown. On occassions such as this one, she would have wished to remain like some of the other women in her society - calm, collected and definitely not blushing. Her chaperone was going to give her such an earfull when they were out of sight of this young gentleman. Smiling lightly, she took the offered hand, "It is a pleasure, Mr. Smith."

He beat her to the punch before she could introduce herself. Again, Lyanna wished she wouldn't have the typical Stark coloring, though there was nothing to it at the moment. "You are correct," she said, hiding her displeasure of once again being labelled only because of her father, and she dipped her knees quickly again, "Lyanna Stark, sir. Only recently arrived, I fear I haven't yet been able to meet many people here." She looked at him more carefully this time, deciding he was, in fact, handsome. She didn't meet handsome young men all the time, her father wouldn't stand for it. Well, not until recently.

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Tag: NATHANIEL
Credit:

[/color] Nickelback && moi && Liz (template idea!)
Notes:[/color] next one will be better[/size]
[/center] [/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Chørd]

`Nathaniel

As she shook his hand gently, Nathan's smile widened. "The pleasure's all mine, ma'am," he replied, retreating his hand back to his side.

Despite her best efforts to hide it, Nathan could tell she wasn't overly pleased about him suspecting her to be the Governor's daughter, for whatever reason. He tilted his head to the side slightly as she dipped her knees again.
Well this is new, he thought to himself. Being curtsied by the Governor's daughter...I just wish I could see the look on my father's face.
"Well, Miss Lyanna, it's certainly nice to meet you," he said politely in reply, wincing at how formal everything was. Granted, if she was the Governor's daughter, then she probably had to keep up a courteous manner, unless she wanted to show her father up.
Nathan pursed his lips in thought when she mentioned she'd only recently moved into town.
"I could show you around, if you like," he offered, adding a pleasant smile for good measures. Of course he could show her around; he knew this town like the back of his hand, and he had plenty of acquaintences here.

Nathan glanced aside at her chaperone, highly doubting that she be as eager about the proposal as he was. He couldn't help but smirk slightly. He could be doing the girl a favour, offering to show her around - who knew? It certainly couldn't do her any harm to introduce her to a few people, and show her the nice spots around the town to visit.

The streets were starting to get more crowded now; market sellers setting up stalls in the town square, workers heading off to work, slaves to-ing and fro-ing for their masters, and children coming out to play on the cobble-stone roads. It was a relief that the redcoats were not in town today - whenever the streets were free from the scarlet soldiers, everyone seemed at ease. But then, Nathan figured, that was probably because wherever the British were, trouble ensued.

His thoughts drifted back to the girl again, Miss Lyanna Stark, and he frowned. Why had the Governor just arrived here recently? Was it for personal reasons, or political?
"If you don't mind me asking, ma'am," Nathan cleared his throat, hoping to engage conversation again. "Are you Loyalist?"
He knew it was a silly question; her father was the Loyalist Governor, why on earth wouldn't she be? Still, he secretly hoped that she would say she wasn't - though he doubted she would say it in public even if she wasn't in favour of British rule. But all the same he hoped he wouldn't be the only person in the town having to pretend to be someone they weren't, simply to please their family.

[/size]

[amidala]

just one more moment that's all
that's needed like wounded
soldiers in need of healing

[/i][/size][/font]

****************************************

If they were to argue who's pleasure it was that they'd ran into each other and now introduced themselves, then they'd be standing here till Judgement day and still wouldn't come to an agreement. Therefore Lyanna smiled simply, nodding her head to finish that little bit of discussion. Whoever this young man was, Nathaniel, at least his manners were proper. Having been raised to think highly of anyone who showed her respect, Lyanna couldn't really do anything but admire the manner of his bearing. Of course her father would probably have a few choice words, but he was a long way away, and she was on her own. More or less, not counting the chaperone.

The prospect of getting to know the town and such was appealing, very much so. It was obvious in the way Lyanna's face lit up with a smile and her eyes took on a spark. Chaperone up or down, she couldn't miss out on such an opportunity, considering the fact that she would be staying here for a while. "That would be lovely, if you have the time that is - I wouldn't want to keep you from an important task or errand." Absolutely not, and she would go her own way if he told her he was needed elsewhere. But to stay in his company just a while longer, it would make her day, and Lyanna was hoping that, since he'd offered, he would indeed show her around a little. She completely ignored her chaperone for a moment.

At his question, she turned her head to look back at him in a sharp motion, having looked away to observe the way the town was starting to wake up. She could hear the small intake of breath the older woman beside her made. This was no conversation for her ears. "Aunt Marina, would you be so kind and find us some fruit? I believe there is none in the house. You will be able to see me, no need to worry." Her aunt muttered something, fidgeted, shot Nathaniel a dirty look then excused herself. Lyanna's dark eyes aligned on the man. "And if I were? What difference would it make? My father is; but who's to say I must share in all of his beliefs." She clasped her hands in front of her.

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Tag: NATHANIEL
Credit:

[/color] Nickelback && moi && Liz (template idea!)
Notes:[/color] next one will be better[/size]
[/center] [/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Chørd]

`Nathaniel

Nathan watched her face light up at his offer, and he couldn't help but smile back at her, his eyes creasing slightly from the broadness of his grin.

"I'm not busy," he replied, laughing lightly. He never was, really, he just made himself busy so he wouldn't have to hang around at home. He started thinking about where to show her first - he certainly wouldn't be able to take her along to a tavern...her father definitely wouldn't approve of that. There was what remained of the old lighthouse, which...though it wasn't much to look at, had its own interesting little story to be told. Nathan hadn't been around to witness the British supposedly blowing it up, but still marvelled at the few remains or bricks and mortar that were left where the tower used to stand.
"Have you visited the town hall yet?" Nathan asked, considering that, again, as a suitable place to show her.

The young man was relieved, smug even, when the chaperone was sent away to 'find some fruit', but was soon all-serious again when Lyanna turned her attention back to him.
He couldn't help but smirk at her reply.
"It would just be a pleasure to meet someone who doesn't let their family dictate their political views, that's all," Nathan responded, biting his lip. He wasn't going to judge her - it wouldn't have made a difference to him if she was Loyalist or not, and he wasn't going to decide for himself what she meant by her reply, either.

Now y'see, if you simply went along with what your family said, then you could be considered a decent suitor for young women like Miss Lyanna, the voice in his head snapped at him. But no, you have to be awkward don't you? You have to go against your father who, let's face it, you're no better than. If you were given the option, you'd run away from your family as soon as possible. A true traitor.

Nathan squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block at the sound of his subconscious other-self, so tempted to answer it back. Had he not be in the presence of another person, he would have begun arguing with himself ages ago - but he had to remain polite and collected in front of his companion.

"Shall we go then?" He suggested, shaking his head to clear his mind. He smiled nervously, glancing around at the stall-owners setting up shop on the street.
"The market's here every day," Nathan explained to Lyanna. "You can normally get some good deals here in the early morning...that's why it's best to be an early rise and shiner. Plus, the redcoats usually don't bother turning up until noon...if at all."

[amidala]

just one more moment that's all
that's needed like wounded
soldiers in need of healing

[/i][/size][/font]

****************************************

Lyanna smiled at Nathaniel, glad that he wasn't busy and could spend some more time with her. She would never admit it out loud, but she got rather lonely, in the big house with only her chaperone and the servants, and talking to someone who was close to her in age was a definite relief. It didn't bother her in the slightest to talk to their servants like they were her equals - they'd practically raised her after all - but talking to someone age-equal to herself was a plus in the day. At his question, she shook her head, "No, not yet. I've actually only arrived two days ago, and most of the time has been spent in cleaning up the house. It hasn't been used much." And besides, living in rooms where furniture was covered with white wasn't her idea of a house.

Looking at Nathaniel after what he said, Lyanna gave a small shrug of her shoulders, "I honestly don't know. I was brought up by a Loyalist, but my uncle is rather famous for having deflected to the Patriots. For my part, I've not had the chance to develop an afinity for either, since this is the first time I have been allowed to be relatively on my own, my aunt Marina not included." Therefore she didn't have any specific beliefs, since she'd had the paradoxal upbringing that said one, you should be a Loyalist and two, you should be open-minded about everything and everyone. Try to decide through that if you can.

Turning at his gesture and nodding, Lyanna stepped alongside Nathaniel and listened to him speak."I'm usually an early riser," she confirmed, smiling gently, " I can never sleep off the mornings." There was a pause before she looked at him curiously, "Do these redcoats cause much truble?" she asked, looking around and taking in the scenery, trying to imagine the people he was speaking of suddenly appearing and marching through the streets. It didn't seem like the prettiest sight to her, but then it had been a while since she'd last seen them in large numbers.

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Tag: NATHANIEL
Credit:

[/color] Nickelback && moi && Liz (template idea!)
Notes:[/color] sorry for the wait![/size]
[/center] [/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Chørd]

`Nathaniel

Nathan shrugged at her reply. Fair point, he supposed.
"I, too, only recently moved here. Three months ago, in fact," he explained, starting to lead her down the road, smiling innocently at her chaperone who gave them once last glance. "My family and I move around a lot because of my father. Whatever he says, goes."
Nathan rolled his eyes, sighing exasperatedly. "Before I can make friends anywhere, he makes us pack up and leave again."

Nathan's interest was sparked when she mentioned her uncle joining in with the Patriots, and he smiled widely at her. "Oh really?" He raised an eyebrow, trying to hide his curiosity. "Your uncle sounds like an intriguing man...I haven't met any Loyalist families with the odd Patriot in them, as of yet."
Besides yours, of course, his mind added in for him and Nathan shrugged.
"My father's in the British army. My mother sees it as her duty to support the redcoat troops - bigger the fool her, I say," he wrinkled his nose in disgust. He wasn't ever sure if his dislike for the British was because of who they were and what they did, or simply because his father was one of them. Either way, it didn't change the fact that he despised being around them, listening to their polished accents, guffawing about how Americans were stupid and would lose the war, how the petty colonists couldn't keep their own men under control. Instead of poking fun at the opposition, they should have been looking closer to home; there were plenty of traitors in their forces, too.

Nathan lead Lyanna down the street towards the town hall, staring up at the structure before her question caught his attention again. He shrugged in response, before adding a verbal reply.
"The Reds don't tend to show up around here any more," he frowned, stuffing one hand in his trouser pocket. "They withdrew from the town in 1776, burning down our lighthouse as a last stand sort of thing. You can still see the remains where it used to stand...I don't know if we'll ever rebuild it."
Nathan shook his head, frowning."That all happened before I moved here, anyway. Boston's pretty much void of the Brits now; I don't think they dare show their faces...at least not while in that uniform of theirs, anyway. I hear they've been causing uproar elsewhere."

Nathan smiled reassuringly at her. "They wouldn't dare lay a finger on you anyway," he shrugged. "Not with your father around, and not while he supports them. I'm just glad they aren't in the city, as my father would have his friends sleeping over and everything."
Nathan narrowed his eyes, looking away. "I aint giving up my bed for one of them."

They continued walking down the road towards the park, Nathan smiling as he noticed the children playing together on the streets...again, so carefree.
"What sort of places in town are you interested in?" He asked, turning to his companion again.

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