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evening, 1 September 1528

Anne was having a glorious time.

The day had passed by marvelously, she thought as she looked out into the crowd of courtiers dancing in the Great Hall. Within one day, she had transformed from Mistress Anne Boleyn to Her Grace the Lady Anne Boleyn, Duchess of Bedford and Countess of Pembroke. She was the future wife to the King of England and her family was the highest in all of England.

The only thing she could possibly ask for that she didn't have already was a baby boy that looked just like his father, but that would come at another time - when the legitimacy of the Prince of Wales could not possibly be questioned.

Glancing out at the crowd a familiar face stood out to Anne and she couldn't help be lean forward in her seat, her eyebrow slightly perked. A smirk forming on her lips, she turned to Henry and politely excused herself, "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I've spotted an old friend of mine and I think it's time for a reunion."

Taking her leave, she swiftly approached the woman she'd spotted and teased, laughing light-heartedly, "I see you've finally tired of the French Court, Mistress Mayfield?[ooc]I hope this meets with your approval. [/ooc]

Arielle had never imagined herself as a part of the English court--at least, not until a couple of months prior. She had been part of the French court for most of her life, and she had enjoyed her time there. Everyone there had known her mother, and they had always said that Arielle was the spitting image of Melodie. Still, she had managed to carve out a place for herself, and with her father's new station, the time had come to move on.

And, to imagine, her childhood friend, a duchess and countess! Arielle was still envious of Anne--as always--but she was still happy for her. Her friend's station would be forever improved, and she knew they both prayed to God that nothing would happen, nothing that could result in her death.

Since she was not an official lady-in-waiting to Anne, Arielle was there at the banquet, as a guest of her father, a member of her father's family. After all, she was his eldest, with her younger brothers and sisters not present due to their young age. This was not a place for them to be. In order to get to know some people, Arielle was simply floating around, engaging in small talk with a few people.

"I see you've finally tired of the French Court, Mistress Mayfield?"

The conversation Arielle had been deeply immersed in stopped immediately, as she heard a rather familiar voice. She turned around, and her eyes fell upon her dear friend, Anne. Immediately, she smiled and curtsied, out of respect. "Your Grace, how wonderful it is to see an old friend," she said, smiling as a light laugh escaped her own lips. "I simply came here to be with my dear father. After all, his new position warrants my presence. I see you have done well for yourself, as always."

"Your Grace, how wonderful it is to see an old friend."

Anne smiled at the honourific; it pleased her immensely to hear it applied to herself, knowing that it would not be much longer until another honourific would soon be applied to her - one with much more prestige and respect. While she certainly could not wait until the Queen's crown was safely on her head and a Prince of Wales was in the nursery, Anne was content to simply be the Duchess of Bedford.

"I simply came here to be with my dear father. After all, his new position warrants my presence. I see you have done well for yourself, as always."

Anne smiled, incling her head respectfully to the other woman, "How is your father? And these titles? They were a gift from His Majesty."

She turned back to glance at the King, smiling when she noticed him watching her. She pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she waited for Mistress Mayfield to respond.

Arielle was happy that her old friend had received such wonderful gifts, titles, and responsibilities. It was what many women wanted, to be elevated to a higher situation in life. Most people were forced to work for what they had, and they never got far. The lucky ones were those who were born into the right families, the ones who had more opportunities available to them. Anne had been born into one of these families, and so had Arielle. Her father was also a hard-worker, which gave Arielle even more opportunities.

"My father is well," Arielle replied, with an added smile. People walked around her and Anne, but Arielle paid no mind. "His Majesty already has him performing his duties, in Southampton."

Arielle missed her father dearly, and although her stepmother was a kind woman, they had still not connected. If anything, they had become simple friends, and Arielle was not sure if they would ever be more than that. Besides, the woman had her biological children to care for, and Arielle was so much older than them.

"So, you must tell me all about your relationship with the king. Of course, I have heard wonderful things, but it is always best when coming straight from the source."

Anne smiled, delighted to have an excuse to rave about her love affair with Henry, especially to someone who she did not normally. Her father and uncle, and perhaps even George, would analyze everything she said and would care little for how she felt about it. Mary rarely seemed interested in anything she had to say as of late. Nan was always a wonderful listener and companion, but there was only so much Anne could say that she hadn’t already.

“My relationship with the King,” Anne began, a dream-like glaze to her eyes, “is quite passionate, but we have never behaved immorally. His Majesty showers me with gifts, though I’m sure these titles made that plain enough to see, and all I can give him is the promise of a son once we are married – which should hopefully be soon.”

She giggled slightly, her excitement and happiness impossible to miss. Remembering where she was, she managed to control herself and changed the subject.

“But forgive me, Arielle,” Anne implored, taking the liberty of using the other woman’s Christian name, “I’ve not once inquired to how you have been, but I hope you will allow me the privilege of knowing regardless?”

Of course, word had reached Arielle's ears about the relationship between King Henry and Anne, long before Arielle had come to England. Many in Europe knew about the connection they shared. Now, Arielle had the chance to hear all the details she could manage to gain, straight from the famed woman herself. It was certainly a treat, and she was thankful to have such a friend as Anne. It had been too long since they had last seen one another.

Every woman aspired to give birth to a son someday, and she knew that Anne wouldn't be any different. Having a son was the final thing needed to bind any relationship or marriage together, and if Anne did not give the king what he desired, then her fate would be sealed, though the results would be unfavorable. "We should all aspire to have sons one day. I am sure God will bless you with one, for your moral and virtuous heart and disposition. I can see he makes you genuinely happy, and for that, I am glad."

Arielle also desired to have the same sort of relationship Anne had, though obviously with another man. Being the companion to a lady of the French court had given various men the idea that at some point, a marriage would be arranged for her. That was not the case, and Arielle found herself unmarried, scared she would be a spinster someday. She wanted to have a family of her own, but how would she get it? She did not know anyone at the English court, except for Anne, her father, and her stepmother.

"I am well, and I thank you for inquiring. I am still becoming acquainted with my father's new house, and court as well. When I am settled, I wish to become a companion for someone."

[ooc]I thought you'd like to know that I nominated Anne and Arielle for the Best Friends category [/ooc]
Anne smiled and inclined her head by way of thanks to her companion; she appreciated Arielle's kind words about her morals and how she was virtuous. Surrounded by a Court who thought her to be the mistress of the Devil, the other woman's kind words and encouragement were like a breath of fresh air to Anne.

"I am well, and I thank you for inquiring. I am still becoming acquainted with my father's new house, and court as well. When I am settled, I wish to become a companion for someone."

As soon as Arielle had spoken these words, Anne had known exactly what she should do - though she realised the thought had momentarily crossed her mind when she'd first seen the other woman. Either way, Arielle's words assured her that she would not be met with a rejection, like she had been with her sister.

Anne smiled, quite excited to have her friend with her at Court and quite sure that Arielle and Nan would get along when they met, and ventured, "Perhaps you'd like to come stay at Court as a maid-of-honour to myself? Later, when it pleases you and when I am Queen, I would be able to present you with the most advantageous match available to you, and you know I would take your heart into consideration."

There was not a doubt in Anne's mind that Arielle would reject her proposal; she would not be foolish enough to deny it, as Mary had been.

[ooc]Ha ha ha ha ha. I voted for them. [/ooc]

It was well known that people at Court weren't in favor of Anne's presence. They may have thought her to be the mistress of the Devil, but Arielle had known her for years. There was no doubt in her mind that something such as that was unspeakable, and untrue. Anne could never, ever succumb to the Devil's wishes.

Arielle was simply content with being one of Anne's allies at court, having known her for so long. She hadn't been in favor of the treatment Katherine of Aragon had been subjected to, but she was still happy for her friend. It was the dream of most women to have the chance to ascent to such a high position in society.

"A maid-of-honour? Truly? Oh, your Grace is most generous and sweet," she said with a smile. Wait? A match? Arielle couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her father was always either too busy or was away to come up with a match for her, and though her stepmother treated her well, the woman had never thought about it. If Arielle didn't marry within a couple of years, she would be considered too old, and no one would want her. "Of course, I would be more than honored to serve you."

Arielle’s reaction was no less than what Anne had expected and was certainly much more appropriate to the circumstances that her sister’s had been. It pleased Anne to know that there were some who were on her side, who adored and respected her – even while it seemed some of her own kin did not.

Considering the recent years, Anne could not begrudge England too much for its lack of enthusiasm in her, knowing that when she gave Henry a son and England its Prince of Wales, there would be happy shouts and celebrations in the streets. But her family bothered her. They did not see her; they simply saw a pawn for their own advancement.

It had not fazed her at first, her ambition giving way to her acceptance of the task they charged her with, but sometimes – when all the word was against her – she wished that she had someone other than Henry who would support her. True, she had Nan, but Nan could only offer so many words of encouragement.

Arielle gave her the reprieve that she so often desired.

“It is the least that I could do for an old and dear friend,” Anne admitted. “When shall I make the arrangements?”

Although Arielle adored and respected her dear friend, there were times when this was not the case. There were times when Arielle was envious of Anne, more times than there should have ever been. Envy was one of the seven deadly sins warned against in the Bible, and Arielle knew that. It still wasn't able to hold her back. Arielle had tried for years to rise to a position similar to Anne's, but it had never worked out. She did her best to seem content with her place, but she always wanted more. Anne had always been the one out of them to rise higher, to gain more. Why couldn't Arielle do the same, for a change?

At least Anne considered Arielle to be one of her oldest and dearest friends. Though Anne could be downright cruel at times, this was not usually the case. Anne was normally sweet, generous, and was always thinking of others before herself. Yes, she was a little ambitious, but many women were.

"As soon as they can be made," Arielle replied, still smiling. "I would like to be of use to you, especially when very little of my help is required at home. When do you suppose that will be?"

[ooc]Sorry this is so short.[/ooc]

This post has been edited by Arielle Mayfield on Mar 11 2012, 12:36 AM

Anne smiled at Arielle’s eagerness to join her household and assist her with the daily needs. So much was she pleased that she didn’t care to wait until her ascension to the Queen’s Crown and would gladly speak to the King about the other woman’s appointment within the hour, if she was able.

There was not a doubt in her mind that Henry would refuse. She was certain that when she dropped subtle hints that Arielle was more than ready to be a wife and mother Henry would offer his support in whatever marriage Anne arranged for her, and perhaps he would even name a few suggestions. Privately, Anne thought that she would accept nothing less than a titled man for one of her dear companions.

“Arrangements will be made as soon as I am able to speak with the King, though I know he will have no objections,” Anne related happily. “I suspect that you should officially become part of my household in no more than a week’s time. Would that be agreeable to you, my dead Lady Arielle?”
[ooc]Forgive me for how long this took?[/ooc]

Arielle was eager to find her place at this Court. It seemed to agree with her already, and if she didn't, what else was she going to do? Attend party after party and hope that a man notices her? Arielle wanted her life to mean more than that, and through Anne, she knew it would be possible. At the English court, the Queen usually needed a few good allies, men and women who supported her and would follow her to whatever end was waiting for them. Arielle had known Anne Boleyn for many years, and had come to trust her. She had never crossed Arielle.

Upon hearing Anne's words, Arielle's lips curved into a smile, a little brighter than the one before it. "Of course, my dear friend. I know I will be forever grateful to your for your kindness, and your friendship. I suppose I am a lucky woman already, to have a friend such as you." Arielle wanted to make sure Anne would never doubt Arielle's loyalty. "How long do you suppose it will be before I can officially enter into your service?"

[ooc]No big deal. We should get a new thread going for these two. Got any ideas?[/ooc]