Realistic or Modern &nbsp; Long live the Queen

Regynleif · Jun 26, 2019

Amara

Amara sat and listened as both Fairmann and Claudia reported to her. And then for a while after they were finished she thought about it all, her mind struggling to piece things together as it was constantly distracted by the aching pain in her body. But as she reached her conclusions, the pain in her heart was the one that hurt the most right now. She wasn't happy about what she was about to say, but...

"Lady Eileen was right, Captain. While the doctor may have ordered you to gather anyone who may have also been poisoned, they should not have been brought directly to my chambers where I was in a weakened state. Someone skilled enough could have used the chaos and distraction to finish the job, assuming they didn't plan to make it out alive afterwards. Any unknown persons should have been escorted to a separate room and held under watch until the doctor could examine them, if it ended up being necessary to do so at all. From there, we could have easily controlled the information they gathered." She sighed, she knew how proud Fairmann was and to call his judgment into question by his own liege could easily shake his confidence. She knew he had just been worried for her life, but that worry had clouded his reasoning.

However it should not have clouded Lady Claudia's. Whether the two of them realized it or not, they were two sides of the same coin. Fairmann was the side of light, who would always protect her from blatant frontal attacks, attacks from enemies they could see. Claudia was the side of shadows, where your enemy had no face and all you saw of them was the dagger in your back. This was her area of expertise and yet she had let Fairmann take control of the situation and doing so had let this escalate. "Lady Claudia, I do not want to see you before me until you have solid information on who poisoned the podium and who that man is who is now residing in my castle." A simple and short command but Amara felt the underlying message was clear, "If you do not prove yourself to me after this mistake, do not come back." Again, she knew it was harsh, but she need each of them to learn this lesson on their own. It was the only way to ensure this would not happen again.

Dr. Almonute

Oh dear, it would seem he arrived back at the Queen's chambers at an awkward time as the atmosphere was thick with tension. But he had a job to do and could see the exhaustion settling in to the Queen's features. Pulling himself up to appear more confident then he was, he spoke out. "Alright, that is enough for today. Her majesty needs to rest and recover so anyone unnecessary will escort themselves out now." He did not miss the brief flash of gratefulness that graced her highness's face at his order. She always pushed herself too hard to appear strong before others and it always took it's toll. Placing the supplies he had gathered, her began setting up for the night watch that was a head of him, expecting all those to follow the command.

ManofManyRoles · Jun 26, 2019

For a moment, fairmann visibly faltered, the air pushed out of him, to the point it seemed she had done more damage than any weapon could if he was as bare as the day he was born. She was right...he had failed. In his efforts to do what he could, he'd make a failing decision, and could have cost her the very life she had. The captain was good at hiding things, it'd been drilled into his brain at a young age. If you show anything, the enemy has the upper hand. But behind such stoic standing, was a young man, terrified to fail in a new position and terrified to cost someone their life...he did one, and nearly did the other. If not for the helmet that hid his visage, the look on his face may have very well have deemed him unfit to serve if words had such an effect. After a moment, he stood back at attention, his mind already working. He wouldn't...no he couldn't fail again. Failure wasn't an option, not now, nor was it ever.

Giving his salute to her, he spoke. "Of course, my queen." His voice hazarded to break but he caught it before it even had a chance to make itself vocalized, steeling his words again. "I will do better in the future, or may my body swing from gallows for incompetency to the crown. I would request to stand guard here at your side, if you will permit it. Otherwise I will inform the men to preform shifts at the door until you are fully well again.". Even as he spoke, the possible endings to today played in his mind. She could have been killed, maimed, disfigured, comatose, the list went on. And all because of one rash decision, one emotional failing. May his body swing from gallows indeed.

Songbird500

MinTea · Jun 26, 2019

Eileen looked pleased, her words were wisely chosen, made to damage a single cog in a giant machine. She was smart you see, it might make it easier to form an alliance of sorts, now that he knew how fast he could be disposed from the castle. The girl slowed down her walk into a gentle stroll, grabbing Leva by the wrist as an indication to slow down with her. She didn't want the guard to hear her next words.

"You may have friends in the city Leva, but you will need some at court." The girl insinuated nonchalantly, "I can be that friend...for a little help. You seem like a man who would be trusted with secrets, letters and other specialised information; obviously we would have to build your reputation up, but it might work. Think on it, just know your chances of staying here shrink by the minute."

Eileen released his wrist from her hand, having intensified her grip throughout her speech.

Rantos · Jun 26, 2019

Ieva Hellion
Tags:

MinTea
"I appreciate your kind offer."

Who did this woman think she was.

"Your ability to think forward seems impeccable as well."

Such insolence, such ego, an epitome of an inflated sense of self.

"I also thank you for your consideration."

Was it because she was young, was it because she had power, or was it because she was desperate for an ally? Her insinuations and ultimatums, what was she seeking from Ieva. A question that was seemingly answered in clarity, and yet there was a nagging feeling all the same. This woman wasn't threatening him, but she was without a doubt making the difference in power between them clear as night, clear as day. Ieva felt as though he was stuck in a weird position because she had a point. Much of what she said was true, yet it seemed her impression of Ieva, and maybe anyone of common birth for that matter, was condescendingly low. To a point where Ieva might argue that such an outlook would see nothing less than diminishing returns. But then again, maybe he only thought as much because he didn't know what it was like to stand on a pillar so high.

Ieva had slowed down with the maiden, he listened closely as she spoke and understood her intent as she tightened her grip. This conversation needed to continue, while he was here. The maiden could be his chance at an audience with the Young Queen. It would be a good opportunity to take, even if her intentions were nebulous.

"I believe we will be arriving at my quarters soon enough. I seek a favor from you. You who seems to stand with the Young Queen, could I be so bold as to request an audience with you? As the day draws to a close, mayhaps we could meet in my quarters and you could teach this common blood proper etiquette so I may better face the Young Queen again?"

And for a moment, Ieva reached his own hand to meet the maiden's wrist, gripping it with similar force, hoping to communicate well enough that there was more than just etiquette. He released his grip with a soft smile.

Songbird500 · Jun 27, 2019

It appeared both Fairmann and Claudia had fallen at the first hurdle. Failed at their first big event and the realisation stung more than Claudia thought it would have. They both wished nothing more than for the young Queen to be safe and well but today had showed just how easy it was for evil to slip through the cracks. And for a second Claudia thought herself a child again. Newly sold to the order of the butterfly and a failure in the game of shadows. She knew what the Queen had meant by the command and Claudia too felt the same as Fairmann. Amara didn't have to worry about Claudia returning if she failed, for if she did not require the information asked of her she would never been seen in the kingdom again. There was nothing left for her here if not by the Queen's side. So with a bow of the head to their young Queen and the same to Fairmann, Claudia slipped out of the room with a solemn look on her face.

The first order of business seemed to be the arrival of the young individual Ieva, the most immediate threat, they had appeared in the midst of chaos and now resided in one of the guests rooms in the castle. Claudia contemplated how she should best approach the situation. If it did come about that they had been the culprit of the poisoning Claudia would have killed two birds with one stone and even if they hadn't it was still in Claudia's best interest to understand who now lived in such close proximity to their Queen. However, it wouldn't be wise to approach the visitor immediately. Yes, Claudia wanted to speak with the mysterious individual but first she needed ammunition. Facts and secrets about Ieva so she may not be taken off guard by anything. If you know a stranger's soul before you come face to face the stranger has no power. But the best illusion is to portray as if you don't have the secrets. Only then do you truly have the upper hand. As such Claudia made her way back out to where this all began. The square where Ieva had bore witness to the event, as so many had, and where Claudia might began to uncover the background of this individuals life.

Regynleif · Jun 27, 2019

Amara watched Claudia leave with sadness in her eyes. If she had still been a princess and Claudia anyone else in her life, a mistake on her part would have been so easily forgiven. Amara would have been more gentle in the correction, more reassuring, more kind. But she was no longer just a princess and lessons parted by her must be strict and unyielding. With a sigh, those eyes traveled back to her guard and softened as it was just the two of them, besides the doctor whom she knew was minding his own business.

"Fairmann." She spoke his name, her earlier bite and coldness gone from her voice. "I know what you're doing inside your head right now. But over analyzing and punishing yourself for something that is already done will get you nowhere. I know there is no one in this world who is harder on you then yourself, you will learn from this and grow. This was the first of what will most likely be many attempts on my life in the coming future and it is also the first major occurrence in your new position. I have placed a heavy burden on you, and for that I am sorry, but there is no one else I could trust in this role more than you. It is a steep learning curve...but I know you can do it." She grimaced briefly as she readjusted her position before covering it with a smile. "And I know even if I tell you not to stand guard tonight, you will still be lurking somewhere nearby. So you can stay and save yourself and I the trouble. But please, at least do me a favor and take that godforsaken helmet off so I can see you when I talk to you."

Moving once more and with the help of Doctor Almonute, Amara was successfully propped up against a small mountain of pillows to allow herself to sit comfortably in bed. She knew the drill already, bed rest for the rest of the day at least and for once she didn't want to fight the issue. She was incredibly tired after all of this and the lack of sleep on her part for the last few previous days was catching up to her fast. "Doctor, would you be kind enough to order me a suitable lunch?" The man in question nodded before stepping out to relay the request.

ManofManyRoles · Jun 27, 2019

Her voice directed at him snapped him out of his dark thoughts, causing him to jump back to attention. She was right...they'd known each other for seven years now, and usually he was always within range of her...almost all secrets he could have at this point, were nonexistent to the queen. He waited patiently for the doctor to leave before speaking. His voice was softer than usual, less firm and commanding. It was much more relaxed, softer perhaps, but still with notes of melancholy in it. "Of course, my lady. As you order.". Reaching up and working for a moment, he removed the helmet from his head and placed it at his hip, offering her a small, albeit weak, smile. "You know me too well at this point. I knew events like this would come, but I'd have preferred a little more time to consolidate faith from the older guard. This is going to send tremors through every portion of the castle, not just the ones we can guess already...".

He rubbed the impressive facial scar for a moment, a small tick he'd developed when he was nervous...which is exactly why the helmet was such a blessing, the urge was gone then. After a moment of silence to ensure the doctor was gone, he heaved a heavy sigh. "Honestly, even if I had caused a failing here, I would prefer that eileen not cause a scene when an outside person is present here. It simply shows another layer of instability, and he can draw even more conclusions in his head now....I regret bringing him in, I don't trust anyone in this castle, not like I used too. Those I count trust worthy would be you, myself...and the old strategist. It's a shame...at some point, likely soon, he'll die, and then it'll just be two."

ImaGiraffe · Jun 28, 2019

Narcisse's arrival at court was pretty bleak, he was situated in a room, nothing special. He has picky tastes. His goal is to visit the queen and get to know her.
Stephan knew he needed to situate himself in the castle... he was close to the old king, and now he wanted to do the same for the queen. He had heard her speak, and, although he could have been more impressed, he still knew she could be of use to him, and he to her. Also, she was unmarried, so he wanted to see if he could take advantage of that as well.
He put on his best clothes, including a purple silk shirt, dyed with snails from Greece, and imported directly from China. I cost a years wages for the common person, and he reserved it for the most important of occasions.
He walked down the hall, admiring the elegant tapestries on the walls and the hand-woven rugs on the floor. He wanted to observe every nook and cranny in the castle, just in case. He felt much more comfortable knowing where things were in the castle. He called his servant to him when he reentered his room.
"Write a letter to my general, the tall one. Tell him to raid that plot of land I told him about, near the southeast corner of my estate, by the lake. I learned the owner fell ill, and now is the perfect time to retrieve it. That way, my land will be completed, plus I think the lakeside view could make a nice summer retreat. Send it immediately. I have to go pay a visit to the queen," he said as he turned around and walked to the door, hiding a smirk.

MinTea · Jun 29, 2019

Was this a cold threat? Or perhaps a warning? Whatever it was, it helped Eileen know that Leva could become a problem if he got to powerful. He would be a good ally, but the blatant disrespect of her authority, plus the demanding demeanour he held made this questionable. Would he look out for himself if it came to it? Yes, he probably would.

What was his plan for the queen? He seemed infatuated with her, using an opportunity to get into this castle and now demanding to see her. One could only hope that he wasn't and assassin of the queen, just some loon wanting to seek an audience with her.

"Tell me Leva," She raised her eyebrow, "You want to see the queen, why?" Now would be a time to test him; through the years of court and her own actions, she could tell when being forthright was the best option. If he said something suspicious, she could tell the queen and raise in standing with her, but if it could benefit Eileen herself, well why would she need to tell the queen?

"I ask this for you should know I cannot introduce you to her if I do not know what you want here." Eileen stood tall, even though he clearly meant something when her gripped her wrist, she would not fall pray to one mans desires. She would not his empty threats to disgrace her, her standing at court and her family.

ManofManyRoles · Jun 29, 2019

The guard
They were falling behind, and they were muttering...either they thought he wasn't paying attention, or they just felt it wasn't suspicious. But he felt fairly certain they weren't discussing the weather in hushed tones. "With all due respect, I would request you both keep pace. After I get the sir to a room, I have other duties to attend too.". Such as making note of the whispering, and getting an 'escort' prepared for leva should he wish to go anywhere. As much as he didn't want to make the note, if he didn't and the captain found out, he'd get hit for it.

Rantos · Jul 2, 2019

Ieva Hellion
Tags:

ManofManyRoles
And at the behest of the guard, Ieva began to increase the length of each stride. He motioned to the young maiden to do the same, a low rolling hand motion, but he did not wait for her before catching up the guard and apologizing for falling behind. And to the young maiden's question, he turned around so that he could face her while keeping stride with the guard.

"When one finds themselves contained by walls as regal as this, it's only natural to go wish for an audience with the Queen in her high tower. Such a majestic figurehead. But I wish for more than a glance, what I desire is a simple conversation. I wish to give the Queen Ingredi-Uruk." His voice began to fill the space more. It wasn't loud, so much as it was emotional, passionate. "I wish to give the Queen warmth in trying times, and through her, I wish to see other's draw from the same flame. I wish to have your Queen, our Queen, stand with us, a new family for the modern age free of blood ties and bloodshed." And as fanaticism and fervor blended together, the energy of the hall quickly began sinking to one singularity point. "Fantastic and pure, I wish to give to your Queen. In the same way, I wish to give to all, yourselves included."

"Although." Ieva began to calm down now. His body visibly loosened and his arms returned to his sides from where they were suspended in the air during his gesticulations. "I'm not so idealistic to assume that I could get an audience with the Queen so easily during such trying times. So my gifts can wait."

"My friend," Ieva spoke to the guard. "Pray to tell, how much further must we walk? These old bones need a moment to sit."

ManofManyRoles · Jul 2, 2019

The guard either tuned leva out, was just not making any comments on leva's short speech. He wasn't really sure what Ingredi-Uruk was, but he had the feeling that whatever it was, it was going to wind up under thorough inspection by the captain. The mans fantacism and passion was akin to the captains....why did that give him a sinking feeling in his stomach, like he was about to watch two bulls charge? Once he was personally addressed he raised an eyebrow, before giving a nod. "Not far now. Won't be much longer of a walk to the guesting rooms. I would think-". He fell silent as a somewhat annoying sound became more and more obvious. Squeak...squeak...squeak... Eventually, the guard came to a full stop, taking a wide step towards the wall. "If you'll both come over here for a moment, he needs room.". Whether they obeyed or not made no difference, as around the corner came one of the maid staff, a rather old and rudimentary wheel chair in front of her. "Stop here for a moment, please...Lady Eileen, yes? What brings you down this way...no, poor question. Who is your friend, that is a better question."

The strategist
"Stop here for a moment, please...Lady Eileen, yes? What brings you down this way...no, poor question. Who is your friend, that is a better question.". In the old wheelchair, was an even older and somewhat feeble looking man. Obviously of eastern birth, his advanced age rather apparent...how had he lived so long, rarely one would reach his age, even in the castle. His speech was more akin to one born in the kingdom than outside, betraying his looks. Eyes looked over the three of them, silently judging and weighing the situation. After a moment, he gave a kind smile to them both. "I heard you speak, young gentleman. You have a purpose here...but what is it, at it's simplest form?". Before he could speak again, he fell into a heavy coughing fit, followed by a tired sigh. "Forgive me..manners. I am Wu Long...and your name?".

MinTea · Jul 2, 2019

With the indiscreet motion portrayed by Leva, Eileen knew that he was requested to do the same. She sped up her simple stroll into a proper walk. Uncaring however, she did not apologise to the guard, whether it be unbeknownst to him she also had places to be; the girl would need to return to the queen and apologise for her forward manner. It's not like she wanted to, but she had to.

Eileen listened to Leva's speech, the man speaking with such intensity and passion. Although she didn't recognise the name Ingredi-Uruk, she was fascinated in the importance of it. To offer it to the queen as a way of removing bloodshed may peak her interest in it (considering the recent events); hopefully it wouldn't effect Eileen's plans for this castle. At least the man now knew that he wouldn't get a speech with the queen just by demanding it, especially in these times.

Squeek. Squeek. Squeek.
The sound had been becoming more apparent the further they walked down these halls; she knew who it must be.
Wu Long.
Although he was wheeled out by a maid, this man carried the knowledge of his years. He was an intelligent man, a strategist. "Stop here for a moment, please...Lady Eileen" He requested. Eileen knew he was a man to get on the bad side of, so she had always been respectful of him, showing him decency she wouldn't even show the royals. Even with his age he was a man to be feared.
"Oh why of course Wu," She curtsied down in a form of respect.
"What brings you down this way...no, poor question. Who is your friend, that is a better question." The man quizzed, blatantly curious of this strange man in Sylven court.
"I only know the bare minimum, I recommend asking him yourself," The girl responded, arising from her curtsy and putting her hand onto his.

ManofManyRoles

Songbird500 · Jul 5, 2019

Claudia had made her way back to the square and had taken up the same spot she had been situated at before. It seemed like a beneficial position, or Claudia had thought, since it gave her both a good eye line on the Queen and the podium but also the ability to look out on the crowd without much notice. Unfortunately it hadn't been particularly helpful this time round but Claudia mused that perhaps someone might still be lurking about after the event. The podium and water had already been present when they'd arrived so Claudia made a mental note to find out who'd arranged the set up. The water would have already been tested for poisons and if very contact with the podium could infect you it would be easy enough to ask around for anyone that had either been wearing gloves and had contact with the podium or had been loitering around before the main procession.

While Fairmann had been quick to leave the premise with the Queen in hand, Claudia had been hesitant to follow straight after just in case anyone might give away their emotions of satisfaction and potential joy at a mission well done. Claudia had noted these individuals and added interrogating them to her ever expanding to do list. However, something she had heard after the fact that had perked her interest was the way in which Ieva had taken the stage after their Queen's departure. He'd spoken only positive things about their Queen but you could never rule out someone playing the long game. Claudia had managed to get some descriptions off of some guards the people the Ieva had corresponded with and she thought it a good idea to get their personal perceptions of the mysterious individual alongside the anything he'd portrayed to the public so far. After which Claudia would start to dig a little deeper and try to uncover the cracks in his story. However, first point of call was the public and Claudia knew that they wouldn't trust her in the attire she was wearing. With this in mind she hurried back to her rooms to change before heading back out.

Rantos · Jul 6, 2019

Ieva Hellion
Tags:

ManofManyRoles
It took a moment to sink, the gaurd's request stopped short of Ieva's ears for a few beats too long. Still walking backwards, even as the guard took to the wall and even as the young maiden seemed to do the same, Ieva continued. And as the sounds of squeaking mechanisms graced his ears, clearly old patch work by sound alone, Ieva turned to face an elderly maid. And within her hands, she held the mobile cradle which straddled a man, graced with age and non the better for ware, so it seemed.

Ieva had to look down to greet the elderly man before him, to look him in the eyes as a respectful man aut to do. By the way everyone was talking, it seemed as though the fledgling moments of the conversation had missed Ieva, but he caught enough to lean the name of the young maiden that had long since evaded him; and to that extent, he caught the elderly man's question. Seeing fit to answer after his coughing fit had subsided, Ieva took to one knee, and placed a hand on his chest. To answer the elderly man face to face with a bow.

"All is pardoned. My name is Ieva Hellion, it would do me honor if you considered it of worth to remember. And my purpose, in it's most simplistic form, is to give your Queen a hand in trying times, as I do with all who stand to gain after loss." And maybe Ieva too could stand to gain from her loss. To stand at the Queen's side was something he did not desire, but to have the Queen stand within his own rank, a member of his church, though a little selfish would be more than appreciated for gaining public favor. Oh, just thinking about it made Ieva tingle, if only a little pleasurable amount. So with his intentions stated in a way that was neither wholly truthful nor wholly secretive, he rose.

"I suppose my words can get a little flowery at times. But to keep things simple." And as he spoke he turned to look at Eileen. "I'm simply here to help, as any well meaning member of the community would. It wouldn't do well for those I call my family, blood or otherwise, it wouldn't do them well at all if their Queen was troubled."

ManofManyRoles · Jul 7, 2019

The old easterner seemed to study leva for a moment with an almost unnerving and solid gaze, the kind of look that bore into ones very being. Just as quickly as it came however, it was gone, replaced with a kindly smile. "Greetings to you, Leva Hellion. Your name will be rememered, as is the name of all I have met. Knowledge is one of the most vital tools in life after all.". Listening to him speak to him, and then to the lady in waiting, he simply nodded again. "A gift offered without desire of return is the purest gift one can recieve...and also the most rare one shall get. One should always be wary of the gift giver who smiles too wide.". Another round of coughing, and then a disgusted sigh with it. "I wish I could stay to speak more, but I require my outing into the garden, the air is good for me.". Turning his attention to eileen he gave her the same brief, boring look he gave leva. It wasn't uncommon for it to happen with anyone he crossed paths with, though it was slightly unnerving all the same. "Lady eileen, it is always a pleasure to see you. Have a pleasant day.". Looking over his shoulder towards his 'caretaker' he gave a brief nod. "To the garden then, please.". The maid simply gave a small smile, starting off with him.

Regynleif · Jul 8, 2019

Amara let her eyes close as Fairmann spoke, his voice steady as always. Often in her childhood when she was restless, she would drag him into the gardens and have him read to her. Simpler days.

Once he was finished voicing his concerns, she reopened her eyes and gazed off into the distance, no particular subject to her scrutiny. He was right, the only person she could fully and completely trust was sitting in the room with her now. The whole ordeal that night had seen so many familiar faces turn against her and her family. They were people she had spent her days with, that she had been alone with, that she had called her friends. How many had escaped suspicion afterwards and we're still dwelling in these halls? How many spies were being replenished with the new hiring being done to replace those who had died?

Useless spiralling and even more useless wondering. Most would show their true colors and faces in the coming months as she fights for her right to the throne. "Leave the new comer to Claudia and myself, it seems he has entered our court of play. I hope he doesn't expect me to go easy on him." A small smile tugged at her mouth. No, she wasn't going to go easy on anyone that tried to befriend her. She would show her enemies that she would not be played with. "Court politics are my domain as I'm sure you're well aware of."

A knock at the door signaled that her food had arrived and she called out her permission to enter. A young maid, a girl no more than twelve, entered with shaking limbs and an apprehensive face. "Y-your majesty...your food has.." Before she could finish her statement her mouth fell agape at the sight of the captain without his helmet and the food was forgotten in her hands as it fell and clattered against the floor. As the hot broth splashed against her legs, she was unfrozen from shock.

"Ohmynoimsosorry! Ill get this cleaned up right away I was just surprised by the captain not to say he's surprising in fact he's quite handsome not that I think he's handsome that's just what I've overheard and if I was interrupting something important between the two of you not that I'm saying there's anything between the two of you unless there is that would be fine too you're the Queen you can do what you want..." The girl rambled and rambled as she fumbled to clean up the mess she had made, while Amara could only look at her with confusion and mild amusement as she tried to understand what the girl was going on about.

ManofManyRoles · Jul 8, 2019

He gave a simple nod to her about her wishes to be left to her devices where the new comer was concerned. "Of course. I know better than to play a part where I have no place in. Should he become an issue, I will of course have to step in. Politics are your domain, threats are mine. Do let me know how things go however, I've missed hearing a story about how you've outwitted someone every now and again.". Turning his face towards the door as the knock resounded...and before he could don his helmet again, someone had entered.

Blissfully it was just ellie, one of the few faces in the castle fairmann actually liked. However, a very brief look of confusion and concern crossed his features as she food fell from her shock. Even as she rambled in an attempt to apologize he shook his head, already walking towards her and kneeling down near the mess and herself. "Breathe ellie, you need to breathe.". Setting the metal helm down at his side as he started to attempt to help her clean up. A task that was really far beneath his current position, but it wouldn't have been the first time he'd helped out anyone in a 'simple' task. "You didn't get burned by the food, I hope? If not, we'll just get this cleaned up, we'll have you run off and get her another meal. Mistakes happen, and so long as no one is hurt or it's simple like this, it's an acceptable mistake I'd think. You're still young, you'll get better."

In all honesty, a majority of the time he couldn't keep up with the young maids rambling, but it really didn't matter. She had never meant any harm to anyone, she was just...clumsy. It was a little refreshing, in a way, to have a simple unknown factor in the castle like that. Sure a few plates were broken or food was spilled, but it's not like anyone had gotten hurt so far.

MinTea · Jul 14, 2019

"A gift offered without desire of return is the purest gift one can receive...and also the most rare one shall get. One should always be wary of the gift giver who smiles too wide.". The strategist said, sending a penetrating look towards Eileen.

She had always thought that he had seen through her, which he probably had, but what could he act upon if the girl had been nothing but kind to him. Not to mention, she hadn't committed a heathnous crime she could be punished for. It would tarnish his reputation and discredit him in the eyes of the court if he attempted anything; the easterner would probably lose his title at court. He most likely played the long game...but would he be able to see it through with his crippled state and tremendous age. It was also the looks he gave, yes it wasn't a thing that was unknown to the outer world, but it still gave her a feeling of worry or fear. His eyes held knowledge, and when he looked at you, it was like a book being read.

"I will try and visit you later Wu," Eileen curtsied, "Goodbye now." She was now plotting her next move. Obviously Eileen would have to explain herself to the queen so that would be the first step, but the second, that would be explaining to Long why she was with this strange man.

"Your room is that one there my dear friend," Eileen pointed at one of the doors, "I will leave you know, a lady of my standing has more pressing matters than you."

With a swoosh of her dress, she had already turned around and had begun walking towards the queen quarters.

ManofManyRoles

Songbird500 · Jul 15, 2019

While Claudia hated wearing dresses, it wasn't the most common of sights for a women to be wearing trousers, especially if she wanted to blend in with the common people. Claudia had therefore opted for a basic burgundy dress that had no frills or jewellery and a white cap atop her head. The only upside for Claudia in this attire, was that it was much easier for her to hide her daggers in belt wrapped around her thighs. No one would expect any lady to be carrying such weaponry so it gave her that element of surprise she so often desired. Claudia had placed spies in the courtyard the morning of the Queens speech and they had reported to her that Ieva had walked into the courtyard, arm in arm, with a women they heard him call Hilda. On top of that she had helped keep people in attendance when he decided to take the stage and give his own speech. A key part of said speech stood out to Claudia, Ieva had claimed to know their young Queen since she was a child but upon the Queen awaking she made no hint that she knew the young man, a fact made more obvious by her tasking Claudia with this job in the first place. As such, Claudia had sent her spies to ask around some of the older occupants in the castle and see if the common people had had any interaction with him before today. She, on the other hand, would find this Hilda character. From all reports they had seemed rather close and she could give some insight into the man they now held within the castle.

However, Ieva's claim of knowing the Queen still pressed on Claudia's mind. It surely wouldn't take too long for her to check the castle records, and perhaps the information could be used as leverage upon talking to Hilda. It didn't matter that Claudia had already changed, the matter still stood, once she uncovered what she could from the castle records she would be on her way to find this mysterious Hilda. And there is no telling what her own spies might have uncovered in that time. It was decided, and Claudia started the trek to the library, where all the past records of castle attendance was usually kept.

Regynleif · Jul 18, 2019

Ellie continued to ramble, though more incomprehensibly with the captain now at her aid. Forcibly calming herself as they finished up cleaning the mess to the best of their respective abilities, she stood and asked the Queen for permission to speak.

Amara, who had watched the exchange with a small smile on her face, just nodded at the girl to continue. "W-well, your Majesty... I was told to tell you that a couple of guests have arrived at the castle. A Lord Narcisse and your uncle, Duke Siggliatto."

Amara raised an eyebrow at the first name, not recognizing it in the slightest. Which meant this man had not been one of her previous pursuers, nor close to her older brother. However at the second man mentioned, she was nearly ready to hop out of her bed. Antoni Siggliatto was the late Queen's brother and ambassador between her kingdom and the late Queen's Homeland of Vaesulia. He was a joyous man who always made Amara laugh as a small child, bringing her gifts and who was unafraid to heap affection upon her. Generally the complete opposite of his sister the Queen.

"Please let the Duke know I am currently indisposed, however should that change, I would love to have dinner with him tonight." Ellie nodded vigorously, fully prepared to dash off to gather another lunch for her majesty and relay the message given. The girl gave a wobbly curtsey before excusing herself to do just that.

Amara realized she had leaned forward considerably in her excitement and made herself fall back into the pillows that supported her. "Fairmann, would you have another servant relay a message to Lord Narcisse that I shall receive him tomorrow. No doubt given the timing he is here for some sort of audience with me, but it wouldn't be wise to address him in my current state."

ManofManyRoles · Jul 24, 2019

As soon as the mess was more or less cleaned, fairmann had grabbed his helmet and placed it back at his hip as he stood back up, taking a step aside so the queen could look at the young maid girl without him in the way. He kept a neutral face as they were given the news of arrivals, though he mentally smiled at the mention of amara's uncle...good, she could use something nice. Though as always, pleasant thoughts turned to harsh and mistrusting once. What if it had all been a facade all that time? What if he planned to sew discord and dissent, usurp the throne from his niece? Anything was possible now, she had been indisposed by a poison...his arrival...when did he arrive? Was it right before the speech, had he been waiting? So many questions.

So lost in his thoughts, did he only barely hear amara's orders, turning his attention to her. "My liege, I can relay the order to one of the guards, and thus to one of the servants, but I hesitate to leave your side for long. As you've pointed out, your current state isn't the best and I do not wish to leave you alone...however, if you are directly ordering me to hand over the message to a servant myself, I will obey."

Rantos · Jul 31, 2019

Ieva Hellion
Tags: