The Palace(Voldar)

[Capher]

Chester

"Mouse? Unusual name. I had forgotten about that decree. I shall introduce you to your benfactor, his Majesty." Chester turned, and with a loud voice yelled, "Master Mouse, your Majesty!"

Voltigar winced. "Thank you Chester, but it is a bit early to be speaking so loudly, you may scare the mice," he said as he chuckled.

Chester sniffed. "There are no mice in the Palace," he replied and then stalked off to his other duties.

Voltigar waved invitingly to Mouse. "Welcome Mouse and have a seat. The man to my left here is Sir Clayton. Breakfast should be served soon, but in the meantime will you have a cup of tea and tell me a bit about yourself? I am most curious about the clothes you are wearing?" He asked with a warm kind voice.

[Garth Avery]

Mouse blushed even more deeply when he realised that the King himself was talking to him. He made another bow - deeper this time- and took a seat opposite the two men. He looked down when the king mentioned his clothes, then up again. "I'm s...sorry if my clothes offended your Majesty." he stuttered. "They're the best ones I have, but they're normally used when I perform." The king's friendly face encouraged him to explain a little more. "I'm an acrobat, you see, Your Majesty. I had come here yesterday to see if I could be allowed to entertain some... some of your guests."

He realised he sounded almost presumptious, or at least he thought he did. His voice died away as he looked at the king. He resulotely ignored the other man. He could feel the disapproval off this person, almost as physical heat. He was rather sensitive when it came to other people's opinion of him, when he wasn't performing. This one was even worse than what Mouse usually met with. He looked down at his hands resting on the table, wishing that other people would arrive, saving him from the scrutiny of a king and a hostile knight.

[Capher]

Rose came and placed a cup of tea in front of Mouse and placed a platter of fresh fruit, cheeses, and dark bread also on the table.

Voltigar could see that Mouse was nervous and decided to put him at ease. "Ah, some fruit. I always liked grapes," he said as he took a bunch and put them on his plate. He popped one of the grapes into his mouth. "Take something and eat Mouse," he offered and then continued speaking. "Nonsense Mouse, your clothes did not offend me. Did I say they offended me?" He asked Clayton, turning his head toward him.

Clayton looked down at the little fellow, and then back to Voltigar. "No, your Majesty. I do not recall you saying that. Perhaps the little fellow..."

"Mouse," Voltigar corrected him.

"Perhaps Mouse, just thought you said that when you stated you were curious about his clothing," Clayton answered with an edge to his voice. King or no King. He should not have done what he did in front of this...this freak! Why did not his mother, just kill him at birth, and then kill herself. It would have saved the world a bunch of misery and me from having to look at him and have him interrupt us. Clayton thought.

Voltigar turned back to Mouse and Mouse began explaining more. Voltigar sat back, listened, smiled and nodded when Mouse was done explaining. "Ah, I like a good performance. But, please do not be offended if I ask you this. But I thought acrobats were thin and very flexible, you do not look thin or flexible, but sometimes you cannot judge a person from just the outside, can you?  Take for instance Chester there, you would think him to be a bit fastidious, and possibly prudish, but I happen to know better," he leaned closer to Mouse, "I hear he is a slob at home," he confided to Mouse with a grin oh his face.

He leaned back, "Or Sir Clayton here. He has a handsome face, cultured manners, but what lies beneath the polished exterior?"

Clayton turned his eyes on Voltigar; narrowing them, his jaw twitching. What are you implying? Clayton thought.

Voltigar did not seem to notice and continued, "What even of myself? I have a somewhat cultured appearance. I dress well, but am I slob in my own quarters? I think of my myself, perhanps not handsome, but at least not ugly and I speak well. But what am I like underneath?  Now, lets take you for our last example; most would see a disfigured little man, in a funny colorful costume and pass him off as a nights entertainment and never see what is underneath the rough exterior and funny costume, but I have a very good friend who taught me how not to jump to conclusions and to take a 'watch and see' type of attitude and see if your first impressions about a person were correct or not.  Eventually, you kind of 'hone' your evaluations of people. This friend of mine, has honed his to the point that he can almost certainly tell what lies 'beneath a man's exterior' almost one hundred percent of the time. On occassion he is mistaken, but more than not, he is usually correct."

Sadness clouded Voltigar's eyes for a moment as if he was remembering something and then he chuckled. "You did notice I said men. Women are totally different. I do not think there is a man on this continent or world perhaps who can truly know a woman. They are the most elusive creatures put upon this world. They can be enchanting, loving, beautiful, mesmerizing, even down right ugly, but they can also be backbitters, gossipers, witches, impossible, wild, ill-tempered and even murderous, and though men can also be like that as well, we cannot, or at least I believe men cannot, do both at the same time and never show it. But I would not change them one iota."

Voltigar suddenly stopped talking, picked up his tea cup, and stared into it with a melancholy face.  Suddenly, after a few awkward blank moments he brightened. "Forgive me, I guess I kind of became carried away."

"Perhaps his Majesty likes the sound of his voice more than he cares to admit. Another 'what lies beneath tell'" Clayton said, smiling.

Voltigar smiled himself after a moment. "Perhaps, Sir Clayton, perhaps."

[Cherri Rowandyn]

Cadence rose as the first glimmers of the mornings light became to touch the dark sky.  She bathed and dressed in one of the new dresses that had been provided by her father.  The dresses needed some minor alterations, but over all fit her curves ever so nicely.  In a light pink gown which dipped low at the square neckline to show off the creamy white tops of her breasts, the corset of course helping to accentuate her curves in her favor.  The bodice clung to Cadence's slender form and flowed gently soft rounded hips.  The underskirts which occasionally peeked through were a soft shade of lilac.  The gown was a bit too long for Cadence.  She found several pins left over from the fitting of her now retired wedding gown and carefully pinned the skirts up hiding the pins in the folds of fabric.  Upon her dainty slender feet were slippers of the softest material she had ever felt.  The soles were solid and made a softly whispered of her passing across the stone floor.  For an odd reason Cadence had decided to pin her hair up leaving soft wisps of her hair to frame her face.  Carefully weaving a piece of pink ribbon throughout her locks she stood back and studied her reflection in the dimly lit mirror.  With her hair up, her long soft neck gently gave way to her defined collar bone.  The broad neckline gently hinted at her softly well rounded shoulders.  Making sure Iris was still asleep and well covered, Cadence stepped quietly into the hall and looked about the emptiness around her.  Would Lance remember that they were to meet this morning?  Soft butterflies fluttered in her stomach and Cadence placed her hands over it in an attempt to cease its fluttering.

Perhaps some breakfast would ease her nervousness.  She wondered briefly if Lance would like her hair up and the dress she had specifically picked out.  Her steps faltering, Cadence chastised herself for such a thought.  Lance was to be her brother-in-law!  Iris's husband and such thoughts should never pass through her daft head!  Shaking her head slightly as she lectured herself inwardly Cadence made her way to the dining hall for a light breakfast before taking a 'stroll' in the garden where she hoped to meet Lance. 

Stopping a servant as she entered the already busy dining hall Cadence asked that her sister not be disturbed until noises were heard from her room.  And only then was a tray of meat, bread, cheese, sweat meat and milk be taken in to her.  She explained that Iris was not feeling very well and that she would probably not like to be disturbed until later.  The servant nodded her head and with a "Very well Baroness Cadence, I shall see to it." the servant was gone leaving Cadence to stand with a blank look upon her face at the girl's use of her newly given title.  It was going to take some getting used to.

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

Cherri arose early and stretched out her limbs in the coolness of the morning.  Her mind was already moving past the events of the last couple of days.  She was eager to begin her duties pertaining to the training of the King's archers.  Since the witnesses had been released after Clayton's knighting Cherri had taken the time to to fetch her staff.  She had left it hidden in the forest before she had entered the city.  She knew that most mages carried staffs and to openly flaunt such a thing could be dangerous when in a city one was not accustomed to.  Still she had purchased some fabric before leaving the city and had returned with her staff hidden in the fabric and attached her back using slender pieces of leather. 

Thankfully Cherri had reentered after the changing of the guard so no one really questioned her about the stick she had wrapped and attached her to back.  She told the guard that she had been in the forest getting to know the surrounding lands and had some across a very nice and well sharpen stick that she wished to have whittled to a nice walking stick.  The guard seemed satisfied after she had opened only a small part of the fabric and had shown him a bit of the rough wood.  If he had wanted to see more it would have become obvious very quickly that she did not have an ordinary piece of unfinished wood.  Her staff was simple enough, but the particular wood that the staff was forged from was not ordinary in the least.  Made from precious wood from the Bolder Forest, the gift from Cherri's grandmother held special meaning for her.

Violet eyes sought the staff now leaning upon the wall opposite of her bed.  Her things, such as her extra pouches, small jars, her book of spells, etc., had all been neatly tucked away in their own places.  She needed to go into town today and purchase a couple more dresses.  She only traveled with one spare dress and since she was apparently going to be staying awhile she figured why not be comfortable. 

Rising with a purpose Cherri unraveled the tiny braids that she kept throughout her hair.  Asking a passing servant about a bath, her room was soon filled with servants bringing in a tub and filling it with hot water.  Upon their leaving Cherri found her bottle of sweetsip oil and added a few drops to the bath water which quickly filled the room with its intoxicating scent.  Bathing leisurely Cherri scrubbed her hair until it glistened in the candle light of her room and then moved on to her pale flesh scrubbing it until it shone and glistened as well.  Her paleness had a healthy glow about it that made her skin appear vibrant and not sallow. 

Replacing her delicately spun necklace, Cherri checked her appearance as she brushed her hair dry.  She brushed her hair until it glimmered in the candlelight and then she rebraided several small braids within different sections of her hair.  Removing her head piece from its place she positioned it upon her head tucking her hair behind it so that her well shaped pointed ears were clearly visible to all.  She was proud of her heritage, mixed as it was, and studied her reflection intently.  Resting in the hollow of her seemingly delicate neck rested the necklace made of such sheer gold it seems to have been spun from the mists themselves.  Incrusted in the necklace were a multitude of sparkling gemstones from the Quallian Forest.  Around her head she sat the gold headpiece inscribed with knotwork.  In the center front of there sat a dark blue gemstone flanked on each side by two violet ones the same color as her eyes.

Her belt was clasped about her narrow middle and she had placed some of the more commonly used pouches within the hidden pockets of dress.  Her silver dagger gleamed at her hip the intwining dragons clearly visible above its sheath.

Satisfied with her appearance she made her way to the dining hall with little trouble.  She had become familiar with the most commonly traveled halls when she had been left to her own devices.  And the smell of delectable food was extremely helpful as well.  Meeting another in the doorway of the dining hall Cherri smiled brightly as she seemed to catch the woman off guard.  She instantly recognized the woman from the previous days events.  She was not sure how she should address the young woman clad in a soft pink that did well for her skin, hair and eyes so she stood their awkwardly.

Cadence was startled as she felt, not heard, someone come up behind her.  For a moment her heart thudded in her breast causing the beat to jump visibly at her neck.  She spun around and looked up.  There before stood the elfess who she had cheered for in the archery tournament before things had gone horribly wrong.  The elfess was more beautiful up close then at a distance and Cadence stood in awe for moment.  She had heard of elves but had never before met one in person.  There was an air about this woman that made Cadence feel as tho she were a child and that she should curtsy to her, but Cadence was still unaware of what was expected of her or what was proper for her and she did not wish to embarrass herself in front of this almost majestic creature.  Her tongue moving faster than her brain, Cadence caught herself speaking before she thought.  "You are the elfess that participated in the archery contest.  My sister and I were cheering for you.  As I am unsure about how I am supposed to address you, Cherri Rowandyn, I will simply say that it is my utmost pleasure in meeting you.  My name is Cadence, now Baroness Cadence I suppose."  A small smile touched her pink lips as the title rolled off her tongue.  She was beginning to get used to saying it as she had been practicing it privately, even away from Iris's ears, seeing if she could say it easily. 

Cherri listened to the human as she spoke and could tell that the girl was nervous about her new station.  A soft smile of understanding spread over Cherri's features.  There were very few things that escaped her elven ears and she knew that this woman had gone from servant to a high position within a day.  What exactly a Baroness was she was not sure as such a thing did not exist in her culture, but apparently this very young woman was now a woman of importance.  Cherri dropped into a curtsy before the Baroness only to hear a gasp of disbelief from the young woman followed by a quick "No, no...please do not do that....I feel it is I who should curtsy to you.  I did not mention such a thing because I expected....what I mean to say is there is no need to be so formal...." 

Cherri's violet eyes found Cadence's as a soft slender hand came to rest lightly on Cherri's shoulder.  Cherri was confused as she was not sure if she had done something wrong or if she had been correct in her assumption.  "Honestly I am unsure as how to act accordingly to your human customs."  Cherri's voice was melodic as usual and friendly as she expressed a very real concern of hers.  She like Cadence wished to learn from her as to how to fit in with the humans around her.

Cadence seemed to relax and she giggled a little.  "Well one thing I know is that we have both found our way her with our stomachs.  Join me for a bit to eat, please.  Although I am afraid I will not be company for long as I have made other plans this morning."

Cherri nodded her head sending a cascade of silver hair tumbling over her right ear.  "I am hungry this morning.  I as well have other things to tend to early this morning and I am happy to break fast with you."

The two women entered the dining hall and were quickly guided to seats beside one another as Cadence requested.  Her spine had stiffened as she caught site of Clayton dressed in solid black.  For a moment she had thought Commander Scar was present but could feel that stare of Clayton's boring into her.  She suddenly felt as tho she needed to bathe again and scrub until her skin was red and raw.  Cherri sat blocking his view of her as if she had instinctively picked up on Cadence's uncomfortableness.

[Simonne Miller]

Lance woke up fully rested and ready for the day. His interrogations the previous day hadn't brought much to light - except a whispered rumour of a missing girl, linked with Clayton. That was promising, he would need to investigate that. Of course he knew that rumours were often no more than whispers in a corner. 'They say' was surely one of the worst kind of lies. But still, it wouldn't hurt to get to the bottom of it. Even if it wasn't related at all to Clayton, there was still a missing girl. Had no one bothered to look for her yet?

He got dressed in a blue doublet and grey hose, and was on his way to the dining hall when he decided he was too nervous to eat. Cadence would show him the grounds, she'd said. There must be something that she wanted to ask him, or to tell him. Of course, nobody could find fault with him walking with his soon to be sister-in-law (although some people would think it strange he was not walking with his soon to be wife), but the way she'd said it had hinted at something more urgent. He changed directions long before he reached the Dining Hall. He wanted to go to the grounds, be there when Cadence came.

Reaching a door that lead to the grounds, he stepped outside for a moment, then turned back inside. The sun was shining, but there was still quite some snow lying on the ground. He couldn't subject Cadence to that, he wouldn't want her to catch a cold. Still, if he waited here, he might see her come out. Or, if he was very lucky, she'd come the same way as he had. He paced up and down a few times, then settled himself near the doorway, gazing out on the snow-covered grounds with his one brown eye.

He couldn't really see how big they were, losing his eye had caused him also to lose his sense of depth, but they were in any case very extensive. Not many people had walked about yet, so that the snow glistened pristinely in the rays of the sun. It was beautiful. People often thought that with his disfiguration, he could not appreciate beauty when he saw it. In fact, the opposite was true. His own face being so ugly, he had come to love and honour anything of beauty. He enjoyed the serenity of the snow-covered landscape, he loved to watch the feminine prettiness of Cadence. He wanted to protect her. He looked back into the hallway for a second, hoping that she would soon come. Then he turned back to gaze on the whiteness in front of him.

[Naya More'ek]

Naya found herself entering the Dining Hall behind two women. She recognised Cherri's silvery hair and elegant way of walking. The other was a pretty young woman with a swan's neck such as Naya could only dream of, with her own small stature. She didn't see the servant approaching her to guide her to her table, not being used to such things, so she chose her own place, opposite the two women. She deliberately left a seat between her and Clayton, who she remembered from the tournament, and the knighting yesterday of course. Thus, she was looking straight at the pretty young woman. To see Cherri, she needed to turn her head just a little. Then next to Cherri was sitting a boy.

She looked a bit closer. A boy? No, he wasn't a boy, she realised. He was small, certainly, but not young. He was in conversation with the King, she saw. She left him to it and turned to the women, ignoring the man to the right of her. He probably didn't want to talk to her anyway. He'd made sufficiently clear what he'd thought of her during the tournament. With a tilt of her head, she smiled at the young woman.

She didn't realise that she was sitting opposite a baroness. Not that it'd have made much difference if she had known. Spending most of her days in the wild, she had no idea how she was supposed to act in a grand place such as this palace. She was quite sure people who had grown up in this place would think her a country bumpkin, certainly if they compared her with the unconscious grace of the elfess, but she didn't really care what others thought of her. She knew that, unlike them, she could survive a day out in the woods. More days than one, too, but she didn't think those fine lords and ladies here could even hold on for a day without losing their minds, without their silly little comforts and servants surrounding them. Not that she saw many of them here, yet, and she didn't count the young woman opposite her among the fine ladies, even if she probably couldn't live outside either.

The wolf sat on his haunches beside her chair, between her and Clayton. He was looking alert, and Naya knew that nobody would mistake him for a dog. At least, she didn't think so. But then, she'd grown up knowing the differences between animals. If all you ever knew growing up were dogs that came bounding at your slightest word, and wagged their tails just for a nice word or a pat on the head, maybe you couldn't see that a wolf was so much fiercer, wilder and so much more proud than that. Oh well, let them think, she thought. So long as they don't try to pet him, they could think whatever they felt like thinking.

[Garth Avery]

Mouse nodded at the King's question. "Most acrobats are tall and flexible. I worked long and hard to achieve what I can do, but I still pay for it in pain. But it is what I love to do, so I happily pay the price." Then followed a long speech about not knowing what lay underneath. The undercurrent did not entirely escape his notice. Was there some woman trouble with this King? Or was he in love? Well, both amounted to the same thing, as far as Mouse was concerned. Then, he'd never felt the pangs of love himself, so he didn't really know what he was talking about.

He looked around when close after each other three women entered. Two of them were seated next to him, the other on the other side, the same side as the King and Clayton. It seemed he was not the only one who didn't like the man. Trying not to think too much about how many more people there would come, he turned back to the King. "Women are themselves, always." he said softly. He took one of the grapes and put it in his mouth, chewing it thoughtfully. Then he took a piece of cheese, which followed the way of the grape. He wasn't really hungry, but he was losing his nervousness. Some of it, at least. The King was nice enough, but Clayton's stare was disconcerting. As if he couldn't wait for Mouse to go as far away as possible, preferably to the other side of Caelereth.

At least his attention seemed to be divided now. He was trying to look at one of the women. Mouse kept his attention on the King. He didn't think the man had talked so much because he liked the sound of his own voice. There was something on his mind, yes. Clayton seemed like a person who didn't look beyond the exterior. He'd heard what the King said, but he hadn't really heard it. He didn't do anything with it, because he was convinced of his own right. He was too full of himself to have room to think much of other people. Or at least, that was how Mouse saw it, from the little he'd seen of the man. In any case, he might be handsome, but he was not likeable. Too smooth and, well, cold for Mouse to be able to warm to him.

[Capher]

Voltigar nodded at Garth's simple, yet profound statement. Then he saw the women enter the room. He saw Cherri, she walked as if she owned the room, then came Cadence...she was breathtaking, dressed in a gown that only accentuated her features in the best light. Voltigar glanced at Clayton and saw Clayton's eyes widen and then narrow. Oh, this should be good. I hope she rubs it into his face. Voltigar thought, Perhaps I can help her a bit, in a little different way; her title. He looked for Iris, but she was not with her sister.  His face fell a moment, but he forced a smile upon it; the last to enter was Naya along with her wolf.  Voltigar rose as the ladies were seated. He smiled at them all.

"Lady Cherri, Baroness Cadence, and Lady Naya. May I introduce you to Mouse; an acrobat who was going to perform for us last night, but after the knighting ceremony and with your father becoming ill...by the way how is he Baroness? Will he and his knights be joinng us? And what about your sister, Baroness Iris, will she be along shortly?" His last question had a hint of longing in his voice.  He wanted to talk with her.  There were somethings he needed to say. He could not let Iris leave without saying them.  He had behaved poorly last night; but the revelations of yesterday took a toll, not only on him, but on Iris, Cadence and their father as well.

Rose came out of the kitchen trying to balance a huge platter of steaming bacon, breads and other meats when she saw the wolf. She screamed in fright and dropped the platter, its contents spilling all over on the floor.  She pointed at the wolf. "A wolf"

Voltigar turned his head at the scream and as if time stopped saw the platter drop. Suddenly time rushed forward as first Chester came running from the other side of the room, Nana, came bustling out of the kitchen, the other staff were looking at Rose, aghast, some with amused looks upon their faces, as they knew of the wolf. Some of the women staff members laughed and sighed inwardly, as they did not like this newcomer with her young, bright, cheerful look and attitude. They were certain she would be a scullery maid soon enough.

Rose froze, then began to stammer as she apologized fervently. "I...I am so sorry your Majesty...I just ...I just...it was the wolf. Please forgive me," she continued on as she bent down and fervently began picking up the food.  Naya's wolf was very well trained, for he did not move, even with meat that had slid across the floor almost in front of his very nose. Voltigar felt for the young lady and it almost brought tears to his eyes as he recalled the first time he met Iris and she was just as nervous.

Chester stopped beside the kneeling girl, peering down at her. He looked at Voltigar. "Accept my apologies your Majesty. Once this girl cleans up her mess you shall not have to look at her again."

Voltigar rose, walked over to a piece of meat and threw it toward Naya's wolf. "He can eat all the meat, he wants Miss Naya. It would only be thrown away and it will help Rose here with the clean up."

He knelt down beside Rose who was in tears, cying out apology after apology to him. He began to help her pick up some of the breads. "Rose, Rose look at me," he said softly.

Rose turned her tear staned face up and with downcast eyes began to apologize again. "I..I.."

Voltigar nodded no. "No more apologies, Rose. Accidents happen. How were you to know that a wolf would be allowed into the Palace, and sitting down to eat with us? You would not. So your reaction is quite normal. Chester will not be sending you back to be scullery maid. Are you Chester?" Voltigar asked, looking up at Chester.

Chester hesitated for a moment, but then answered. "No, your Majesty. As you say it was an accident."

"Good. Now Rose after you and I finishe cleaning up the rest, why do you not go and freshen up a bit, and then come and continue your duties."

Rose looked at Voltigar with amazement on her face. She had been expecting much worse. Her last employer would have had her flogged, before sending her out in the streets to fend for herself, for such an act.  She nodded silently and quickly, along with Voltigar's help, picked up what Naya's wolf did not eat and then she left.  It took only a few moments, but is seemed liked an eternity to Rose.

Voltigar returned to his guests, looking each in the eye, guaging what they were thinking as to how he handled the situation. He could see in Clayotn's eyes, that the poor Rose would have met with a much more disagreeable punishment, the ladie's thoughts behind their varied eye colors were not so visible. "Well I suppose we will have to satisfy ourselves with what we have, until more meat is prepared. Accidents will happen. Perhaps we can amuse ourselves with some conversation? Miss Cherri, even with the snow, are you ready to teach me archers the fine art of actually hitting what they are supposed to be shooting at?" He laughed.

"What is so funny, your Majesty?" A strong baritoned sonorous voice asked from the far doorway.

Voltigar tilted his head up and smiled. "Commander, welcome. I was just asking Lady Cherri here if she was ready to teach your archers to actually hit what they are aiming at?"

"I wish her the best of luck. I too need to work on my archery skills."

Damien, dressed in his formal attire of black leather pants, with a wide belt and large square ahaped gold belt buckle. His white pearled shirt was black silk, that billowed slightly at the sleeves; a pair of shiny soft leather boots and his cape, same color but with gold trim around the edges set his rugged, handsome face along with his naturally wavy jet black hair nicely.

He strode with confidence to the table.  He went to Cherri, took her hand, and gently pressed it to his lips. "Lady Cherri, pleasure to see you again," he walked over to the other side of the table and did the same to Lady Naya and then with a huge smile upon his face as he walked over to the other side, he did the same, but made the pont of saying. "Baroness Cadence."

He then walked back over to where Voltigar sat, who was watching his performance with an amused look on his face, and sat down.  He looked over at Mouse, smiled at him and asked, "And who might this colorful little fellow be, your Majesty?"

"Ah, Mouse, I would like you to meet Commander Damien Scar. Baron Scar is my right hand man and the one that I alluded to during our conversation."

"Mouse, my pleasure to meet you neighbor," Damien said with a warm smile. "I hope you did not believe the lies his Majesty told you?"

"What lies have you been telling, your Majesty?"

"Lies?" Voltigar asked mockingly. "I do not speak lies. I am the King."

"Yes, and the Priestess's of the temple are virgins," Damien bantered back.

Voltigar looked at Damien with a look of righteous indignation and then they both broke out in laughter.

"Sorry for the interruption Lady Cherri, shall we continue?" Voltaigar asked as Damien began to serve himself.  He noticed that Iris was not at the table. He wondered what had happened?  The Baron and his knights were not here either, perhaps they would be joining later? Damien thought as he causually glanced at all of the faces at the table.  The only face he did not look at, in fact even ignored, was Clayton's.

[Cherri Rowandyn]

Cherri was ready to greet Naya, whom she had met briefly before, when several things happened.  First the King had roused himself from his conversation with Mouse, as he has introduced him, and Cherri smiled a friendly smile and slightly nodded her greeting to the entertainer.  Much like her elven ears, her eyes did not miss much.  Especially the way Clayton continued to stare at Cadence.  She did not think his attention was wanted and so she continued to do her best to block any view of the woman from the disdainful man's eyes. 

The King inquired about the other Baroness, Baroness Iris, and Cherri recalled that Cadence had mentioned her sister.  Cherri could feel not only the tension in the room but also heard something else in the King's voice when he said the other woman's name.  Cherri's eyes revealed nothing, as elves were prone to do at such times, and she listened as the King continued to greet his guests.

Cadence inclined her head smiling genuinely at the King.  She yearned to sit with him privately, if only for a few moments, and tell him of what she was trying to do.  But there was no use at the moment.  She knew that she had to meet Lance.  He was the key, or at least she hoped.

Taking a handful of grapes onto her plate along with a thin slice of cheese, Cadence preened as the King used her title for she knew it was like rubbing salt into a wound for Clayton.  Cadence felt no different about her self, except she knew that now she had more freedom in her speech and her actions, but only if she were careful.


Suddenly there was a scream which was followed by the sound of metal hitting stone.  Cherri turned casually and placed her hand upon Cadence's arm when the young woman jumped at the sound.  Cherri smiled reassurance to Cadence.  Unthinking Cherri's other hand had found one of her pouches hidden in her dress and had loosened the strings before her had realized what she was doing.  Now she nimbly tightened the ties and slid her hand easily from the fold of her dress. 

A servant girl fell upon her knees crying her apologies to the King.  Cherri wondered how Voltigar would handle the situation.  The poor girl had been startled by the wolf that accompanied Naya.  Cherri had to remind herself some had never seen a wolf before, much less up close.  The creatures could be warm and gentle, as well as ferocious killers. 

To Cherri's amazement the King actually left the table to help clean the girl's accidental mess.  Cherri could tell that the child like woman was fearful of her punishment and Cherri admired the King all the more for putting the woman at ease.  Cherri again was reassured that this King was a good man and she would try all that she was able to do to protect him and not fail in his requests of her.

Then Commander scar entered and kissed each of the lady's hands in turn.  Cherri smiled brightly as she was not used to such attention.  She had been a student for so long it was really all she knew.  Her grin broadened as the King asked if she were ready to train his archers.  She was very ready to begin their training.

"My liege, your archers can not be all that bad.  I have seen that you surround yourself with only the best, even if they need a little work in order to achieve their fullest potential.  I am at your service.  Rain or snow does not hinder my abilities.  I would like to begin training your archers as soon as possible."

Cherri knew there would be other times and days to go into town and pick up her personal items.  She was indeed eager to begin putting some of her skills to work.  As for her other skills, she would wait and see.  She wanted to keep her magic skills honed and so she would need to practice them daily on top of training the archers.  She wondered where the best place to do so would be and finally settled on the fact that when the time came she would find a suitable place.

Turning her violet eyes across the table to Lady Naya, Cherri spoke her melodic voice carrying softly across the way.

"Lady Naya, it is indeed a pleasure to see you once more.  I do not know how long you are planning to stay, but since you are versed in that of sword play I was wondering if there might be a chance that you could show me a couple of things.  I trained during my youth with a short sword, but my skills are far lacking.  If you wouldn't mind, that is."  Cherri's eyes were bright with enthusiasm and then danced as a thought occurred to her.  "But then again if the King's archers need as much work as he indicates I am not sure I will find much spare time in my day."  Cherri's smooth features gave way to a large smile that showed the hint of her white teeth.

Cherri had watched the woman fighter and knew that she could learn a few things from the human.  She was sincere in her wanting to spar with Naya.  She would feel better sparring with a woman indeed.  A man did not possess the same grace and style as a woman did.

Cadence took a drink of her juice that was before her and smiled almost sadly at the King.  "My King, my sister Baroness Iris was not feeling very well last night and I have asked that she not be disturbed till later.  As for my father, he suggested rest was all that he needed.  If he was still ill this morning I am sure I would have heard of it.  He and his knights should be joining you shortly.  I myself have several things that need tending to this morning and while I have enjoyed your company, however brief, I must set about my tasks.  I would really like to discuss a few matters with you in the near future.  Now if you all will excuse me."

Cadence nodded her head to Lady Naya and Lady Cherri as well as the Commander and the entertainer now known as Mouse.  Taking a small bushel of grapes Cadence walked confidently from the room allowing her shoulders sag only after she had turned the corner and was out of sight of the dining hall.

Clearing her thoughts from her mind, Cadence made her way to the entrance of the gardens.  There was no way that they could walk the grounds with the snow on the ground, but there was a covered walkway that surrounded the grounds that they could stroll.  It was used whenever it rained or snowed, like today, to view the grounds which were always beautifully kept.  No one traveled the walkway unless they were touring the grounds as it was still cold and open somewhat to the elements.

Hurrying along her way, Cadence's slippers whispered softly against the stone of the floor, she hoped that she would find Lance soon.

[Naya More'ek]

Naya looked up at the cry and clatter, and brought a hand up to her mouth. Her eyes went a little wider than they had been. What was wrong with her these days? She seemed to be able to do nothing right. Wanting to fight had led to the death of a young man, bringing her friend with her almost caused a young girl to lose her job. She blinked once; twice. It was only thanks to Voltigar's kindness that the girl could stay on. It confirmed her feelings: she didn't belong in a great city like this, not really, and certainly not in a palace. She preferred the woods and wildlands, where she could roam as free as her companion, where there were no men to tell her not to, where there were no people to get scared from seeing a wolf.

She watched the wolf eating for a moment, then looked at the King as he returned to his seat. "Thank you", she mouthed - for some reason she wanted only him to know. It was not only thanks for giving her wolf meat, appreciated though it was. It was also for not sending the wolf away. If he had, she would have left as well. Not that she would mind overly much. Somewhere she was beginning to wonder why she was even here. She smiled at the King as he sat down, then looked over to Cherri. In the process she sweeped her eyes right over Clayton, as if he was no more than air. Creep, she thought.

Cherri's request for a spar took her by surprise, though she was not disinclined to accept. She smiled her appreciation. "Thank you for the invitation, lady Cherri." she answered. "I should be delighted to spar with you. My own skills are also in some need of training, as I have spent the past few weeks travelling. And I'd like to come watch your work with the archers, if you don't mind. I couldn't draw a bow for my life, but it's an art I would like to learn some day."

Commander Scar interrupted the conversation, kissing each of the ladies' hands in turn. He was an imposing man, with a fierce look due to his scar. Naya rather liked him. The banter between the King and his right hand brought a smile to her lips, though it did not completely reach her eyes. "They seem to be great friends, the Commander and the King, are they not?" she remarked to Cherri. "Sometimes I find myself wishing I could have a friend like that."

[Capher]

 

Cadence made the excuse she had duties to perform and left the table. Damien wondered if it was because she could no longer stand the sight of Clayton, or if there was some other reason? Suddenly he remembered Tanari.  Making his apolgies to the ladies and to Voltigar he also left.

On his way out he almost stepped aside as Baron Thorigor and his knights, dressed in gray doublets and black hose walked into the Dining Hall. Damien met Thorigor's eyes and he felt like he should apologize to the elder Baron, but then the Baron surprised him. "Baron Scar, I do not blame you for the death of my nephew. He was rash and acted too impulsively. I blame myself for not training him correctly."

"He was young, Baron. And young people do such things, especially if they are trying to impress or protect someone they love. I used to have the same tendicies, fortunately I only ended up with wounds that could be healed until I grew up and learned," Damien answered softly.

"I understand completely Baron Scar. I too carry some of my youthful wounds still. Are you leaving?" Thorigor asked.

"Yes, Baron. I have an appointment," Damien answered.

"An appointment, this early in the morn?" Thorigor asked. "Must be a woman," he chuckled.

Damien grinned, "You are wise Baron."

"Then I shall keep you no longer," Thorigor dismissed Damien.

Damien gave a slight bow with his head and then left.

Chester who stood discreetly some distance from the two waited until they were done and then came forward and escorted the Baron and his knights to the table.

Voltigar was watching Damien leave when he noticed the Baron enter. He held his breath a bit when he noticed the two talking. The two parted and it seemed liked it was in amiable terms, which was good, as far as Voltigar was concerned, however seeing the Baron and his knights also brought back the thought that Cadence and especially Iris would be leaving soon. He needed to speak with Iris before she left...alone.

Chester in his booming voice announced, "His Majesty I present Baron Thorigor of Cemphira and his entourage."

Voltigar rose, and waved to the chair that was just vacated by Damien. "Baron, why do you not sit here and your knights can find a place along the table.  Baron Thorigor sat down as well as his knights. "I hope you slept well Baron?" Voltigar asked.

"It was most comfortable. Your Majesty should be commended on his training of his staff. They are quite competent," Thorigor answered, looking at Cherri and then looking around Clayton at Naya, his eyes did not miss the wolf either. "Your Majesty has beauty as well as danger," Thorigor remarked.

Voltigar looked a bit puzzled and then realized what Thorigor was saying. "Forgive me Baron, Baron Thorigor may I introduce you to Lady Cherri Rowandyn and Lady Naya More'ek and ths little fellow's name is Mouse. I am afraid that you just missed one of your daughters, Baroness Cadence. She said she had duties to attend to. I assume she went to her sister, Baroness Iris, whom I was told was feeling ill this morning," Voltigar looked at the knights and did not see the Baron's older nephew, Lance. He decided not to mention it though.

Baron Thorigor nodded. "Lady Cherri, Lady Naya, your beauty graces this table as well these eyes," he said in greeting. He then looked at Mouse. "Master Mouse, I assume you were to be the now postponed wedding's entertainment. May I ask what sort of entertainment you were going to provide?" Thorigor asked cordially.

Voltigar

[Garth Avery]

Mouse became increasingly uncomfortable as more and more people came in for breakfast. The amusement at the banter between the King and the Commander didn't stop his palms from going sweaty, while the rest of his body felt cold. Still, he put up a brave face; he'd known there would be a lot of people here. And he got some comfort out of his clothes, didn't he? They were normally a source of confidence. But then normally, he performed in them, and that was the biggest comfort, a wall behind which to hide himself. The wall only came to about the height of his knees when he only wore the clothes, without the performance.

He nodded his head at the Baron. "I had indeed hoped to perform last night. I am an acrobat. As the King said, most acrobats are... well, taller than me, but I worked hard for it." He looked shyly up into the Baron's face for a moment, then turned his gaze back to his plate. He quickly, and hopefully unnoticed, wiped his hands on his pants and then took another grape. He wondered if he should stay or if he should go back to Arth's spot. But then, there were bound to be people there as well, and it was too early to perform. He voted in favour of staying, for now at least.

[Capher]

"An acrobat? A very strenous profession. And as his Majesty has already told you, most people think of acrobats as being very skinny, tall and flexible, however" The Baron paused as he took a long look at Garth, "I would say by your build, especially your arms, that you must be quite strong and with your diminutive stature can probably do things that a normal acrobat would have a very hard time doing. I would be pleased to have you perform for my daughters wedding, however it would mean coming to Cempheria. If his Majesty would allow and you are willing, I would make the trip for you as comfortable as I could and pay you well. Then if it is your desire to come back here, I will send an escort along with you so that you need not concern yourself about your safety. You think about it Master Garth and give me your answer. Do not think long as I will be leaving on the morrow," Baron Thorigor said warmly.

"On the morrow, Baron?" Voltigar asked.

"Yes, your Majesty. I believe the roads should be passable by then. Still it will take a better part of a month before we reach home."

"Yes, I suppose so," Voltigar answered softly, suddenly in deep thought.

Rose came in and served the Baron and his knights. One of the knights gave her a real nice smile as he looked her over. "Your Majesty should be commended on his eye for his women, as well,"

Voltigar broke out of his thoughts and saw the knight eyeing Rose. "Sir knight, I thank you for your compliment, however if she is my woman, as you have stated, then perhaps your eyes would be best placed upon your plate then upon her heaving bosom."

Voltigar did not mean for his words to come out so harsh, but he was just imagining Rose as Iris and it brought his ire to surface. Perhaps the knight was really just complimenting him and Rose, and not leering at her as if she were a whore.

The knight huffed. "M'lord, perhaps the morrow would be too late. I yearn for our own lands and people."

"Perhaps, Nathan. On the other hand, wisdom is its own teacher and it is wisdom that cometh from his Majesty's tongue. You should learn from it and heed it. It will help you from many a challenge,"

Baron Thorigor answered. He put some grapes, bread, butter, honey, a rather large sized piece of cooked beef, a couple of eggs and placed them all on his plate. He buttered the bread along with slapping some honey on it as well, picked up his knife and fork, cut into the beef and ate it. He washed it all down with some tea. "My compliments to the chef," he said, forgetting all about Nathan, as if what he had said was enough.

Voltigar's opinon of the man rose a notch when he heard the Baron speak. When he first heard of the man and what he had done to Iris and Cadence, he had thought of him as being some kind of monster. Who would sell their offspring? Even if they were illegitimate? But, as Thorigor had explained, it was not his decision, but his wifes. Voltigar wondered how the Baron's wife would react to Iris and Cadence now? The thought of Iris leaving began to darken Voltigar's mood, but he tried to put on a brave face and talked to the knight.

"Sir Nathan, perhaps my words came out a bit harsh and perhaps your eyes were lingering a bit too long on Rose, either way, this is not the way to make friends and it is always nice to have friends, especially when some unforseen disaster may strike. It has been a long journey for you and being a man, and Rose is definately a pretty lass, I can understand your thoughts, however as a knight, you took an oath to protect and honor, especially womenfolk, did you not?" Voltigar asked.

Sir Nathan looked up from his plate, his face a bit chagrined. "Yes your Majesty, I did. I forgot myself."  He turned to Rose, "Miss, forgive this humble knight for the words and thoughts that arose from him."

Rose, was all flabbergasted, and quite nervous, that all of this attention was directed at her. She nodded demurely, "I could do no more than what our Liege has already done, Sir knight," she said and then she quickly made her way to the kitchen.

Voltigar tried to break the silence that had overcome the table when Rose left. "I wonder if there is enough snow outside for a good snowball fight? Ever been in a snowball fight, Lady Cherri? With your aim, you would probably make a very good ally in such a fight. What do you think Baron?" Voltigar asked.

The Baron chuckled. "If you say so your Majesty. I have not seen the young lady's skills, so I could not say. But I am a bit old to go frolicking in the snow, however your mentioning it brought back many a cherished childhood memory."

"Exactly," Voltigar answered.

[Capher]

More food, especially meat was served and the table became quiet as the King and his guests ate in silence. Finally Voltigar finished his meal with a last swallow of tea. "Lady Cherri, I am sure that my archers are up by now. Sir Clayton and myself would gladly escort you to the archery range and then you can begin your work.  Master Garth, after you eat, your welcome to stay and ponder the Baron's request. Lady Naya, would you and your wolf mind being on your own? The Palace is all yours, well most of it anyway.  Baron, what plans do you have?" Voltigar asked.

"If it pleases thee, your Majesty, I was thinking about calling upon my daughters. Our meeting yesterday, was a shock to them and I am sure they have many questions I need to address." Thorigor answered.

"Hopefully, a nights rest has cooled Baroness's Iris's temper," Voltigar added.

"Only one can hope, your Majesty," Thorigor answered softly.

"Well, if that is all then I suggest we meet back here say around 13 bells for lunch," Voltigar said as he rose, "Ladies?" He asked. "Are you ready?"

[Cherri Rowandyn]

Cadence came upon the large open doorway that led to the covered walkway. Lance had his back to her and she could envision walking quietly up behind him and sliding her arms around his waist resting her head on his firm solid back.  The act seemed so natural that she almost did just that only to catch herself as she reached out to him.  Instead her hand reached to thetop of his shoulder.  She heard him take a sharp intake of breath and wondered what he had been pondering so. 

"I hope I did not startle you or offend you with my touch..."  Cadence was unsure why she felt so nervous in Lance's presence.  Her stomach flipped flopped and her palms became slick with perspiration.  For a moment all she could hear was the deafening sound of her heart in her ears.  As she began to lower her hand Lance turned quickly and caught her hand.  "You have not offended me Baroness Cadence, I only did not hear your slippers upon the stone."  Bringing Cadence's hand to his lips, he softly kissed her knuckles as he bowed slightly before her.

Cadence felt Lance's warm breath upon her knuckles and while it was not an intimate touch, Cadence's body began to tingle all over.  Never before had she felt such a sensation.  A small blush crept over her features and her lowered eyes raised to meet Lance's good eye.  Her smile was genuine and her voice was soft.  "Cadence, please just Cadence."

Lance straitened and tucked Cadence's arm within his own.  With his other arm he gestured towards the covered walkway.  "Shall the tour begin?"  Cadence nodded and with Lance in tow they began their walk.  Remembering the grapes in her hand Cadence offered them to Lance.  "I don't know if you had breakfast earlier, but I brought you some grapes in case you were hungry."  Cadence removed several grapes from the bushel and handed them to Lance.  He took them in his unoccupied hand and popped them into his mouth.

Beginning tentatively Cadence began what she had been rehearsing in her head.  "I know that you do not know my sister Iris, but she is actually a very warm and caring woman.  She practically raised me.  I don't know how much or how little to tell you so I will just tell you.  Iris will not come to love you.  She is in love with the King and he is very fond of her.  While nothing has ever happened between them because of circumstances being what they were, there was always something unspoken and not acted upon between them."

Cadence's voice was low and she leaned in unconsciously so that only Lance would hear what she had to say.  Stopping abruptly Cadence turned to face Lance.  "Lance you seem like a good man...a man deserving of a good wife and mother for your children.  Someone to love you as much as you are capable of loving them.  You and Iris will not have that I am afraid."

Cadence's eyes were sad and she began her walking once more, Lance falling in step without pause.  "You both deserve to be happy and that is what I wished to speak to you about.  I am indebted to the King for he has saved me a lifetime of pain and cruelty and a short lifetime at that.  Clayton appeared to be everything I could ever have wanted in a husband, but looks are deceiving at times.  While I have known you but a short time and I fear misjudging to trust the wrong person again, I have seen the way you take care of my father.  You have forgone your own happiness to fulfill your duty.  Clayton does not possess those qualities.  He is one to manipulate and use force harming and possibly killing to get his way.  The King saved me from Clayton for I could not see him for the monster he really is until it was too late."

Cadence shivered involuntarily as thoughts of what a life with Clayton would have entailed.

"Now Iris must forfeit her happiness as well to please our father's demand for an heir.  I would gladly trade places with her if it meant that she and the King could have the chance they deserve.  Iris and the King have not even had a chance to speak to each other since all this has happened.  I do not wish our father to be displeased with either of us, quite the opposite, I want to make happy...it's just that we don't know him very well.  We don't know how he would react to learning that Iris has no wish to marry you and is in love with the King."  Cadence plucked several more grapes from the bushel, popped one in her mouth and handed the others to Lance.

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

Cherri listened to all the things around her.  The dining hall was becoming crowded and she yeared for the outdoors.  "Lady Naya I would be honored to help you improve your bow arm.  Perhaps you could train with the King's archers?"

Damien made his exit and as he did so the Baron made his entrance will all his knights in tow.

Cherri picked at the meat and cheese on her plate as she listened to the exchange between the others at the table.  When she was  addressed she inclined her head as a sign of respect to the Baron.  She smiled easily as she listened to the Baron and the King's discussions.  One of the Baron's knights lost control of his tongue and the King was quick to remind the knight of his oath and duty.  The Baron agreed and things became pleasant at the table again. 

A smile crept across Cherri's face at the mention of playing in the snow.  She had spent most of her life studying at the Twin Towers and did not play much like other children had.  She had played levitation games and conjuring games.  Not idle games in the snow.  Plus it never snowed in Elving. 

A servant came and motioned to her plate and she nodded for them to take it.  She was full and ready to begin training. 

Voltigar advised that his archers would be up and ready to get about their training.  As he stood, Cherri followed suit eager to begin her day.  "Your highness I would be most pleased for your company."  Her violet eyes never moved towards Clayton's direction.

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

Inwardly Clayton seethed his hatred and the mask he wore about his face showed nothing of his thoughts.  Only his eyes spewing hatred towards the King belied any of his emotion.  When he had a free moment, he would find that fool of a servant again and see if he could scrounge up another young lady for him to take his pleasure in.  Surely the King did not expect him to be celibate for the entire year!  Yes, he probably did.  For the next year he was supposed to be the King's lap dog and the thought caused great displeasure to Clayton.  But on the same note perhaps he would learn something of important to Nyer...

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