"Rexanna! The day goes on and I have not yet seen you, my heart withers away to dust!" Bastien called into the house as he shouldered through the door, holding in his hands his latest work on canvas to show to his love. It was a forest scene, a colour study of sorts for the painting she had asked for depicting her fight against the Pumpkin - dark trees and sky with bright oranges and browns in the changing leaves.
But as he turned into the house he saw that Rexanna was not alone - with her there was a woman he did not recognise. Immediately, his natural charm and hospitality switching on, he put down the painting and walked towards her with a smile. "Oh, hello. I apologise for my unusual entrance. You see, sometimes being engaged to this one--" He glanced to Rexanna. "Fills me with such joy I must yell. I am sure you can understand why."
With a little bow, he introduced himself. "Bastien De Rosieres. And you?" Name given he went to touch Rex's shoulder and kiss her cheek in a small greeting then looked back to the new face.
Bastien
Can you hear me you peers and privvy counsellors
I stand before you naked to the eyes
