Lafiel smiled both delighted and surprised almost that Admiral Hale had hugged her back truely only a friend would have allowed her to get away with such such expressive behaviour in public. Especially as she belonged to the nobility of Bretonia such a tight knit prim and proper circle of the upper echelons of Bretonian society. The only person she had known she could of probably gotten away with such a feat in front of her own kind and the public eye was for if she had hugged her father or perhaps her Grandfather but this seemed to be pushing it to some of the more extremely old fashioned nobility and would be deemed unbefitting behaviour of a lady of status.
Lafiel was unsure how she had been percieved by the esteemed Lord Canning to which she held in the highest of regard but the nobility in Lafiel's opinion didn't work like the upper echellons of liberty it wasn't corrupt there was no boot kissing and golden palmed gifts. There was just a system of mutual etiquette laced with honour and tradition. Lafiel was indeed very curious to know where she sat in the Canning's esteem as they were both lovely people. For their sake Lafiel had regarded Hale by his title and last name although she would have liked to extend the curtesy of his first name as he had so requested it would have most probably not been apropriate for such differing status.
It was very strange for Lafiel never normally cared for such things she was normally guided by her own emotion and judgement rather than being constrained by her status it had become a joke from many people including her butler Oliver and it was believed Goodmen that she was so very innocent and naive sometimes that she would be a prime target to be taken advantage of or fall into danger and be none the wiser. Her father hadn't said anything as such he had just grown very over protective as in the later years it had become apparent to him that she indeed needed someone looking over her shoulder for her.
Lafiel's green eyes had darted around the small group that had gathered as she suddenly felt very subconscious that she may have done something wrong or be seen as childish as Hale drew more than a little attention upon her. She was most grateful for the attention to shift to the Cannings even more so for it to be shifted onto that of Hales revealed companion which gave her great pleasure to see someone as uncomfortable as herself at the very moment. Its a pleasure to meet you Commander Greenson . Lafiel replied with a warm friendly smile as she listened to the Commander excuse herself for not knowing the proper customs. Lafiel moved slightly around their little circle as she reached for a champagne flute making it inconspicuous as she whispered in Commander Greensons ear, Its ok commander your doing fine I am sure there are a lot of people unsure of how to act in this given situation. Im even certain that some members of the nobility are not quite sure of themselves.
Lafiel stepped back to her original place standing flanked by Lord Canning and the Admiral hoping that her words had brought some comfort to the commander as she turned to Hale and spoke her voice softening to its usual soft melody, Yes I do feel much better now Admiral thank you for asking. Lafiels voice suddenly took on great emotion in places as she spoke, Though I must say I was rather shaken, the shock did hit one upon returning home. I do confess I felt a little unsure of myself for a few days but more importantly Admiral I am indebted to your great act of chivalry and honour, your actions were truly selfless you have my sincere gratitude for rescuing me. Know that you are always welcome in this home for it is of great privilege that I should be able to call you friend. Should ever you need anything you need only ask.
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