The Palace(Voldar)

[Simonne Miller]

Bodyguard? A little weasel like this Clayton character would become a king's bodyguard? Somehow Lance was convinced that Voltigar would be in greater danger with the guy next to him night and day then when he sent him far away. Then again, there was some wisdom in the choice as well. It was better to keep enemies as close as possible, rather than away where they could plan mischief. He remembered an old saying: Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. This was certainly one way of doing that. The implications concerning Cadence were also not lost upon him, and apparently not on his intended bride either. The intake of breath that he heard next to him clearly told him that she had seen and understood everything in the few moments after Voltigar had said it. She was a smart one, this Iris.

The turmoil of Cadence's thoughts was clear on her face. Lance longed to put his arms around her. Somewhere, he felt glad for her reaction. It could not have been made clearer how she felt about not being able to marry this man, no matter how she had felt when she'd said yes to him. Not that it gave him much hope for himself, though. Perhaps she did not want to marry at all, now, and he still had an intended bride sitting next to him. He'd have to convince his Lord to let her marry the King somehow. She deserved no less. Even if Cadence should not want to marry him, though perhaps she could be wooed, despite his own appearance. He was conscious of the fact that he was not a pretty boy. He never had been, really, and the years had not been so kind as on some. He was a soldier, and he looked the part. Briefly, he touched the black patch covering his one eye, or what was left of it. He'd never before thought of his looks, but then he'd never before thought about wooing a woman as fine as Cadence. Maybe, just maybe he could persuade her to look behind the patch and the hare-lip to the real him.

When the Baron started coughing and applied to him for his strength, Lance jumped up without a second thought. Excusing himself to Iris, he passed her to support his Lord and lead him down from the dais and towards a small door nearby, that was probably mostly used by servants. The Baron leaned on his arm - perhaps a trifle more than he usually did when he had coughing fits. Did he really have more trouble now than usual, or was he acting for the benefit of others? Lance didn't know, but he would let his Lord speak first - whether it was to instruct him to get something to relieve the coughing, or for something else.

[Cherri Rowandyn]

The Barron smiled inwardly at the speed at which Lance was at his side.  He could not have chosen a better Knight and man to wed his daughter.  He was a fine man, tho his disfigurement was not lost upon anyone, the Barron knew the man had a good heart and knew he could rest at ease about one daughter's marriage. 

Once they cleared the door, the Barron looked around inconspiciously to make sure none were about.  "Let us find a sitting room so I may rest for a moment."  The Barron pointed to a room slight ways down the hall.  A servant passed by paying the Barron and his knight no more attention than was necessary for no disrespect to be made.

Once inside the room the Barron no longer leaned upon Lance's arm as heavily and instructed that the door be closed.  Once that was done the Barron settled into a chair and motioned for Lance to take the seat next to him.

"Lance, I have a matter I want your personal attention to.  While Cadence's reaction confuses me, most of the things a woman does has over the years, it does not change the fact that this man Clayton may wish to still wed Cadence after his mandatory of one year sevice has concluded.  I know nothing about this man and I do not trust the King's judgment, about this matter.  I did not care for the way that the man was staring at my daughter, honestly.  Keep an eye on her and Iris as well and make sure no harm comes to them.  You are my most trusted knight now and my future is in your capable hands now.  Also, I want you to gather information as discretely as possible about this Clayton fellow.  When need be, I can have a couple of the other knights look after Iris and Cadence's well fare." 

[Capher]

Voltigar watched out of the corner of his eye the Baron and Lance leave the throne room. It seemed to have been the start of an exodus as others also began leaving, suddenly a guard came into the Throne room.

"Sire, there is a blizzard raging outside."

Moans and groans went all the way up to the rafters. "M'lord and M'ladies, the Palace is large enough to accomadate you all.  Please stay here until my servants come and get you and take you to your rooms. We will go by rank." Voltigar said.

Voltigar looked at Clayton. "Sir Clayton please come up on the dias and sit by my side. I am sure there are questions you wish to ask me, now is the time to do so as I do not plan on leaving this room until all of my guests are taken care of."

Damien bent over and whispered into Voltigar's ear. Voltigar nodded and Damien left.

Damien was stopped by a guard as he headed for the library. "Commander, Miss Tanari had to go to the stables; something about her ride causing problems there."

Damien frowned and then his face lit up. her drake!! he thought.  He thanked the guard and rushed to get his heavy cloak and then left the palace heading for the stables.

[Capher]

The servants finally had escorted all of the guests to their rooms, all except Baron Thorigor, Iris, Cadence and the Baron's knights.  Voltigar who had sat down, staring straight ahead as those proceedings went ahead finally turned his attention to Iris, Cadence and the rest of the Baron's knights. "Baroness's Thorigor I do not know what has happened to your father, but I think it wise if you should go and find out.  If he is unwell, perhaps I should call a healer for him, if he is over his fit, then you should tell him that everyone is gone and that the servants are awaiting his presence so that they can escort him, and his knights to their rooms for the night."

Clayton had to stand next to Voltigar. He could not disguise the contempt he had for Voltigar nor for Iris and Cadence being called a Baroness.  That made Cadence, though a woman, of much higher rank than he and he had no control over any of it.  His quick mind, though not quick enough, finally realized what Voltigar had done to him and he vowed someday that Voltigar and Commander Scar, for he was sure that man had something to with this, will pay and pay dearly...as well as Cadence and iris.

[Simonne Miller]

Lance nodded his hand in agreement as his lord spoke. "If I am not mistaken, this Clayton man doth indeed mean ill to thy daughter, mayhap even both of them, my Lord. I shall do my utmost to find in which way. If I may be so bold, however, my Lord, I could mayhap shed some light on the confusing reaction of thy youngest daughter. She is yet young of years, and hath been swayed by this knave into marrying him. Being of an astute mind, however, she hath since seen through his guise, thus regretting her troth to him. I may be wrong in this, but hath it come to pass thus, it doth explain the range of emotions visible in her whilst the King gaveth the assignment to Clayton.
I will do that, which thou hast commanded of me: protect thy daughters and seek information about the new knight."

He came no further in his rather elaborate speech, as the door started to open. There was no time to try and talk to him about letting Iris marry the King. There would be time for that later, though, and he now had the opportunity to speak more both with his future wife and her sister. Perhaps there would be a chance to gauge Cadence's reaction if he should propose to her. Well, propose might not be the best word, as he was now already betrothed, but she might still be persuaded to think favourably of a marriage with him, if he could convince her to look past the patch and the lip.

[Cherri Rowandyn]

Baron Thorigar could only nod his head before Iris pushed open the door.  She knew instictually that Lance and her father had been discussing something but was not sure what.  There was an air to room and Iris lingered in the door a moment longer than she anticipated causing Cadence to bump into her back.  Iris had seen the coldness in the King and when he had suggested that they check upon their father she had quickly gathered her skirts and swept out of the room, her head held high and her heart breaking.  A single tear had rolled down her face and she hurridly swiped in away with a brush of her hand upon her cheek as if a bothersome bug had landed there.

She had heard Lance's voice from the hallway, though it was distorted by the walls, and had quickly found the room.

Stepping further Iris had to catch herself before she curtsied to her father.  Was that appropriate, should she have knocked?  She had no idea what the protocol was for being a barroness.  Inclining her head to her father and then to Lance she came to stand on one side of the Barron while Cadence keeping her eyes, which seemed to develop a mind of their own suddenly, tried to keep from looking directly at her sister's betrothed.  She wanted to know more about him, but knew that it would appear inappropriate.  Cadence took to the other side of Barron.

"Are you well father?  The King has asked that we advise you that the room has been cleared and that there are servants waiting to escort you and your men to your rooms.  Also, he has suggested that if you need his healer all you have to is send for him." 

Iris went through the motions of being a dutiful daughter while Cadence stood, holding the old man's hand.

[Simonne Miller]

Lance looked at the Baron with a knowing look in his one good eye, but it was the old man himself who answered. "No, I think not that a healer shall be a necessity. I thank thee, daughters mine, for thine concern, but a spell of sleep shall do more good than herbs and salves. Lance, my faithful knight, pray escort the Baronesses to their rooms. I shall find my own way back to the Hall."

He left the small room, leaving Lance, his intended bride and her sister looking at each other. He moved inbetween them and offered them both an arm, Iris on his right side and Cadence on his left. It was his left side that tintled all the way from his toes to the tip of his head, as soon as the girl laid her hand on his arm. "My ladies, though I escort thee with greatest pleasure, I do fear me that the leading shall be thine part, for I do not know the way."

[Cherri Rowandyn]

Cadence and Iris stepped forward and laid their hands upon Lance's offered arms.  Cadence felt almost as if lightning had struck her as she laid her hand upon Lance's arm.  A small blush crept up from her chest and she glanced to her sister to see if she had had the same reaction.  Iris as it seemed was no different as she had been before.  Cadence chanced a brief glance at Lance to see if he had felt the current that seemed to run through Cadence's entire being.  She had never felt that way when Clayton had touched her. 

Cadence watched Lance's face, fondness evident in her expression, when he had admitted that he needed to be led himself to their quarters.

Iris nodded her head reluctantly not saying a word.  Cadence on the other hand seemed to brighten at the prospect of being able to put the knight at ease.

"Of course, Sir Knight.  It is this way.  These halls can be ever so tricky if you are not familiar with them and sometimes even when you are."   Cadence was not sure of the proper way to address her soon to be brother-in-law and fell into the old habit that she had used before.  Being a Baroness had not changed much for her in her own mind only that now she could know her father and that he would probably arrange a marriage for her himself.  If her father chose a knight like Lance...Cadence's thoughts lingered there for a moment as she had set the party in motion towards the room her and her sister shared. 

Making several twists and turns slowly the party made their way through the halls of the castle.  Iris seemed to be anxious to reach the comfort of their room and her pace was a few steps faster than the one Cadence tried to set which was a slow leisurely pace.  Cadence knew that her sister had forfeited her own happiness so that Cadence would not have to marry Clayton, but at the same time Cadence wanted desperately to spend time with Lance.  There was something about the way her carried himself that made her feel so secure and safe.  Cadence allowed her eyes to roam over Lance's profile.  She was not blind to his imperfections, but perhaps some had them on the outside and not on the inside like Clayton.  Clayton was handsome but he was a vile man on the inside.  Perhaps Lance was just the opposite.  Most would consider him vile to look at, but the more Cadence looked at his features the less she saw the imperfections.  Her fingers twitched as she thought about tracing the outline of his strong jaw.  Cadence knew she should not have such thoughts about her future brother-in-law,  but she just couldn't help it.  Her pulse quickened at the thought of Lance touching her hair softly or her face. 

Before Cadence could allow her imagination to venture any further the trio were standing at their door.  Cadence reached out to open it, but Iris was much quicker.  With a monotone voice Iris turned to face Lance and said, "Thank you for the escort to our room, but I wish to lie down for a while.  I may not see you until the morrow."  and with that Iris turned and fled into the depths of the darkened room.

Cadence moved reluctantly allowing a small sigh to escape from between her lush lips.  "I apologize for my sister's behavior.  This has been a very day for her, indeed."

Cadence glanced into the depths of the room to make sure Iris had gone into another compartment of the room and was out of hearing range.

Taking a step closer to Lance so that she was near enough to smell his mascline scent, Cadence lowered her voice and her eyes searched the corridors around them for signs of any eavedroppers, "I know this is not a proper request and please do not think badly of me, but I need to talk with you privately about a matter of great importance.  If you shall agree, please come by before breakfast in the morning.  I shall show you the grounds as my sister will be ill and unable to do so."

Cadence faltered in her step backwards.  She could feel Lance's heat and she uncontrollably yearned to stay close to him.

[Simonne Miller]

Lance's lips curved into a smile, which would have been sweet, had not his hare-lip turned it so grim. The real sweetness of his smile lay in his one brown eye, although most people didn't care to look into it. "I shall be honoured, my lady, to be shown the grounds by you. I hope this storm will have let up by then." Before she completely disappeared into the room, he took her dainty little hand in his own and, bowing down, pressed a light kiss on it. He hoped with all his heart that she wouldn't revolt from the touch of his lip. What he most wanted to do now was to take her hand and press it against his cheeck, but with an iron will he only righted himself and let her hand go. "Untill tomorrow, lady."

With that, he strode down the hall, a soldier in all his bearing. Two lines of thought warred inside his head, though they were related to each other. One had to do with his own betrothed, and how he would get the baron to let her marry the king, the other concerned the betrothed of the woman he was falling in love with, and how he might learn as much of him as possible. He didn't pay much attention to his surroundings, other than what he instinctively followed - the positions of other people that he passed, among other things. Somehow he found himself in front of the large palace kitchen. It was as good a place to start as any - servants knew more than anyone, and most servants ended up in the kitchen for one errand or another. He went in and, immediately identifying the head cook, went over to her and asked: "Hello, mistress. I was wondering if you could spare a pot of ale for a thirsty soldier?"

[Naya More'ek]

When Naya woke up, she noticed that she had tears in her eyes. She didn't remember her dream, only that it was sad, so sad. Her heart seemed to wrench inside her chest. She slowly got up out of bed and walked to the window, which looked out on the palace. It was early morning yet, the sun had only just peaked over the horizon. It lightly kissed her tanned limbs and naked skin. She put her right hand over her left breast, where her heart was beating, but the wrenching feeling did not go away. Naya bowed her head, let the tears that had been standing in her eyes fall down. She turned away from the window and slowly got dressed, her short skirt and top not nearly enough to keep out the morning cold. She shivered.

She sank down on the ground beside the wolf, who had been sleeping as well but woke up when she started moving. He was now sitting on his haunches, looking at her intelligently. There seemed to be pity in his golden eyes, as if he understood why she felt the way she did. She buried first her hands, and then her tear-stained face in his soft fur. He didn't usually allow people to stroke him, but this was not stroking. This was a cry for comfort. He sat still, being hugged by the small woman who he had come to see as his leader. He gave her arm, which was closest to his face, a few licks. Aroused by the feeling of his warm tongue, Naya sat up again and put up a brave smile.

Of course she knew why her heart was wrenching so, why her dream had been so sad and why the tears had started falling. She was feeling guilty. It was the second day now after the events at the Tournament, when her wish to enter a sword-fighting competition had resulted in the death of a brave young man, who should have had his whole life in front of him. Oh, the guilt would abate in time, as every other hurt did. Didn't they say that time heals all wounds? But she would need more time than two days, much more. Nevertheless, she forced a smile on her lips, though her eyes showed the opposite feeling; they showed her heart. She refused to let the world see how this feeling bore her down. She was proud; she was Eyelian. Her guardian spirit was the Wolf, who was also a proud animal. The world would not see them weak now; it never would. With the smile still in its place, Naya opened the door of her room and in purposeful strides walked to the Dining hall, where she now knew breakfast would be served.

[Capher]

Nana the head cook

Nana brushed back from her face a lock of her gray hair as opened the clay oven and pulled out another large pan of baked loaves of dark bread, placed them on a cooling rack and then replaced them with unbaked ones and put them in the oven. She had risen way before the sun and began her duities. She was short two experienced kitchen helpers; Iris and Cadence. Her spine creaked as she stood up and looked around. The two girls who had taken Iris and Cadence's place were inexperienced and dreadfully lazy.

Rose and Verna were sitting around a huge wooden tub, a tower of potato's was on one side. The girls were laughing and whispering to one another as they peeled the potato's and placed some of the peeled ones in a large pot of boiling water and others on a pan to be baked in another clay oven.

Rose had sandy-blonde hair that fell almost to the top of her hips. It was tied back into a long pony tail.  Her large round blue eyes twinkled mischieviously, a round face, with small features and an infectious and quite loud laugh. She wore the standard drab brown dress of a maidservant.

Verna was quite the opposite. She had short dark purplish black hair that barely reached her shoulders, small beady black eyes, an oblong face with a nose that seemed to large for her face and eyes, and a sour disposition. The only time she seemed to laugh or smile was when she was around Rose.

"Rose, Verna! You two should be done with those potatoes by now! Iris and Cadence would have had those potato's done long ago and would have been setting up the table in the great hall.

Verna grumbled under her breath. "Iris and Cadence. Iris and Cadence did this and did that. Is that all you can talk about you old nag?"

Rose looked at Verna in horror. "Shush Verna!" She whispered, "she will hear you."

Nana strode heavily over to where the two girls were. "I heard that Verna." She sighed, "I guess I will have to split you two up. Verna you stay here and Rose you will come with me. Verna I expect those potato's to be finished by the time we return."  She turned her back on Verna and her and Rose went to another part of the huge kitchen.

Verna glared at Nana's back as she hefted the knife in her hand. "One day, you old hag, one day." She continued with her work. Soon another younger girl plopped down besides her and began to help her. "Nana sent me to help you. I am Heather," she said.

Verna glared at the young girl, she resented that Nana thought she could not do the job, but then as she glanced at the tower of potato's was a bit thankful. "Verna," was all she sad in reply.

Nana took Rose out into the Dining Hall. Rose had never been in the hall and was mesmerized by the huge chandielers that hung from the ceiling and all of the golden candleabra's that were placed on a white silk covered table cloth that seemed to stretch for ever as the table was almost as long as the room. Many servants were placlng plates, cups and silverware upon the table by each gleaming dark wooden chair, others were throwing logs on the three large ebony stoned fireplaces set in alcoves along the walls.

"Chester, come here," Nana ordered.

A tall, skinny gray haired man walked elegantly over to Nana. "Yes ma'am. What can I do for you?" He asked pleasantly.

"This is Rose. I want you to put her on your staff. Teach her how to serve the King and his guests."

Chester looked down at Rose. "Yes, ma'am. I shall endeavor to turn this waif into a civilized person."

Nana nodded, "Then I leave her in your capable hands." She turned to Rose. "Follow and obey all of Chester's instructions or you will find yourself back in the kitchen peeling potato's."

Rose nodded demurely. "Yes, ma'am," she said.

Nana turned and left.

Rose turned and looked expectantly at Chester who was looking at her as if he were looking at a piece of meat he wanted to buy. "Open your mouth," he ordered.

Rose frowned and wondered why, but she did as she was told.

Chester took a cursory look. "Good, at least you have all of your teeth and they seem to be straight." He continued his inspection, walking around her, straightning up her shoulders; talking all the while. "You are expected to follow my orders to the letter. When the King and his guests arrive, you are not to speak to them, unless you are spoken to first and then you keep your conversations short and simple. You are here to serve his Majesty and hs guests, not to be twittering like a bird, as you would with your friends."

He finished his inspection. "You are young, well made, not too heavy in the bosom, which can be distracting. However you must change out of this dreadful dress."

Rose did not know how to feel. She had never had a man, much less anyone speak to her like that and the way he inspectied her, she felt, at first, degraded. Then she saw the praise in his words as well. perhaps if he taught Iris and Cadence this way, I too could become a baroness She giggled at the thought.

"Do you think changing your dress is funny, young lady?" Chester asked.

"No sir," Rose said softly. "I do not have another dress. This is the only one I have."

Chester nodded. "We shall change that."  He looked around until he saw who he was searching for. "Gladys come here," he ordered.

A stout, older lady with brown hair up in a bun that seemed to stretch her face walked quickly from the table to Chester. "Yes sir. What can I do?" She asked.

"I want you to take Rose here and see if she can be fitted for a dress fit for our purposes."

Gladys nodded, took Rose's hand, "Follow me," She said.

Rose nodded and then quickly followed Gladys.

[Capher]

Voltigar

Voltigar's sleep was restless; broken up with dreams unrealized, love unrequited and morose thoughts of how fate had given him the chance to be with Iris as man and wife and then snatch the prize away, much like you would tease a kitten with feathers on a wand and dangle it over him and then when he thinks he has it, pull it away and laugh at his frustration.

Having Clayton Drake as his personal bodyguard, a man who was a spy, and would probably want to kill him given the chance and opportunity, would also keep a man awake; at least he got her away from Cadence and even Iris; that at least was one good thing that happened.

He rose from his bed and looked where the little brownie Tulpje was sleeping. She had made herself a very comfortable home. He thought, I wonder who sent this little one to Damien to warn us?
He did not want to awaken her to ask and probably she would not be able to understand his question anyway, so he bathed, dressed, and walked out of his room.

He walked past Clayton's room and was surprised when the door opened and Clayton, bathed and dressed met him. "I was waiting for your Majesty."

'How did you know I was awake?" Voltigar asked, as they walked down the hallway.

"I am to know everything. I am your bodyguard, after all." Clayton replied.

"Yes, but how do you know?" Voltigar asked.

"That, your Majesty is my secret."

"You do not keep secrets from me. I am your King," Voltigar replied a bit perturbed.

"If you must know, I bribed the servants to keep an eye on you and then tell me so I can do my duty. Without information, it is hard to one's job. Do you not agree, your Majesty?"

Voltigar eyed Clayton from the side and saw that Clayton's features were mirrorless and that he was staring striaight ahead. He was dressed all in black. Votigar did not know if he wore all black to emualate Damien, or to mock him; either way he supposed, it would be up to Damien to decide, not him.

They entered the Dining Hall. A man with gray hair quickly rushed up to them. "Your Majesty, you are early. Your guests have not arrived yet and the table preperations are not quite finished."

"Never mind, Chester. I will just have a cup of tea and talk with my new bodyguard until the rest of my guests arrive."

"As you wish, your Majesty," Chester said with a slight bow.  He waved Rose over. Rose, who was still a bit mesmerized by the Dining Hall , her new white dress with a black apron tied around it, rushed forward, eager to be of service. Voltigar had his back to her, but Clayton saw her and he approved at what he saw. He stared at her as she came forward.

Rose almost stopped in mid-stride as she noticed the dark haired man staring at her. She had never had a man stare at her the way he was. She felt somehow like she had not clothes on, and it made her blush and very nervous.  When Voltigar turned, she almost died on the spot. His Majesty!

She quickly came forward, and curtsied low and then stood up, her eyes a bit down cast.

"Your Majesty and Sir Clayton this is Rose. She is new here, but she is eager. Rose, his Majesty would like a cup of tea and for you Sir Clayton?" Chester asked.

"Tea will be fine with me as well," Clayton answered.  "I must compliment your Majesty on his taste in maidservants; first Iris and Cadence and now this pretty young thing."

Voltigar did not miss the meaning behind Clayton's seemingly complimentary words. The man had a way with words, he could say one thing and have them mean something entirely different. If one did not have a quick wit about themselves, they would find themselves lost within his words and then when they least expected it, would find out the true meaning, usually with undersirable results.

Voltigar gently lifted Rose's head until he was looking at her eyes. At first she did not want to look at him, but finally she stared at him. Her bright blue eyes were enchanting, but there was intelligence behind those eyes.  He smiled at her. "Welcome Rose. I hope your service will be a happy one. Now go and do your duty."

After Rose left Voltigar sat down, Clayton did the same, then Voltigar turned on Clayton. "Sir Clayton, I thank you for the compliment, but I do not choose my staff. I have others who do so and I expect you to treat all of the staff with respect. Do you understand me?"

"As your Majesty decrees. I shall keep my thoughts to myself so as not to anger his Majesty," Clayton spit out.

"Sir Clayton, you are walking a dangerous line. Keep a civil tongue, and I want to know your thoughts, just not about the staff, especaily the female staff, unless it is information dire to my well being."

"Does your Majesty wish to release me from my service? I shall gladly give up my duties and continue on with my life with the Baroness Cadence."

Voltigar realized that Clayton had figured out he was tricked and was doing everything in his power to tell him that he knew without coming right out and accusing him; which would mean that he would have to prove his accusation and if he could not then he would have to face Damien in combat and Clayton was no fool. He was not going to go that far, but he would push the line, just to see how much he could get away with and to test his patience.

Voltigar gave no reaction. "Your service to me is for one year, then, after that you may pursue whatever you wish. Until that time I expect you to behave like a knight."

"As you wish your Majesty." Clayton replied.

Rose came back and served the tea. The two men then began talking about more civil things, but Voltigar's mind was thinking about Iris and wondering when she, her sister,her father and Iris's intended as well as the rest of his knights, and the rest of his guest would arrive for breakfast.

[Garth Avery]

Garth woke up in a rather good mood, though he couldn't really say why. He hadn't been able to perform yesterday, but that wasn't too bad, since he'd earned quite enough from the performance in the inn earlier. The show he had seen here had been interesting as well. The man who had been knighted - Mouse hadn't been able to see much more than his back - had been surprised, he thought. And not pleasantly surprised, if Mouse had read his body language rightly. His shoulders had visibly tensed up the moment he heard he'd have to serve the King for a year.

He climbed out of the bed that a servant had shown him the previous night and tried to decide what to wear today. He'd left Pepik in the stables, but brought his pack which usually hung on her back with him to the room. Now he took out his nicest performing suit, and lay it next to his brown and dull travelling attire. Consideringly, he looked at first the one, then the other, then back again. The suit was really meant for performances, not for just wandering around. On the other hand, the travelling clothes, with their patches and rips and faded colour, were really not the right clothes for this environment at all. Well, who could have guessed he'd sleep in a palace tonight! After looking at the two sets of clothes once more, he opted for the performing suit. It was really the best kept of his suits, the yellow and violet shining as if new.

Dressed thus, he stepped out of his room and looked left, and right, through the hallway. Well, he thought. Let's walk left and see where that takes me. It wasn't really a difficult choice, as the right was only a dead end with a window. He glanced through it cursorily, noting that the snow had fallen quite heavily and that there were still a few flakes falling, though less by the minute. Then he did as he'd thought, and walked left. The servant had said something about breakfast being served in the Dinner Hall. This was a good thing, if only he could figure out where the Dinner Hall was. He took a few turns and twists, and walked through many doorways. How big was this castle? The final doorway that Mouse went through led to a big hall where two men were seated by a very long table, deep in conversation.

Mouse stopped dead in his tracks, then coughed once. "Excuse me," he said, looking at the two gentlemen. "Is this the Dining Hall, please?"

[Capher]

Voltigar turned his head as he heard someone speak. He looked and saw no one at first, and then he spied the little fellow standing by the door. He was dressed in a very bright and colorful costume of gold and violet colors.

Chester was rushing forward, his face aghast.

"Hold Master Chester. This is a guest," Voltigar ordered.

Chester skidded to a stop, looking back and forth at Voltigar and the garish dressed looking little man by the door, at least that is what Chester thought. "Are you sure your Majesty? I...I do not recall seeing that man on the guest list."

He turned to the little man. "What is your name?" he asked.

Voltigar sighed. How long? How long before prejudices finally come to an end? He kept his tongue until the little man would tell Chester his name and then he would invite whoever he was to the table and then quietly and discreetly talk to Chester. It would do no good to berate the man in front of his guests and especially in front of his staff.

[Garth Avery]

Mouse blushed under the servant's scrutiny. He was used to this kind of reaction to his size, but it was never nice to be so openly confronted with it. "Please sir," he said with a small bow, nervous from all the looks that were directed at him. "My name is Mouse. I... I was not officially invited, but the barkeeper at the inn I was staying said that there was a grand feast here and that everyone was invited, the town's people as well as nobility. And then after the knighting the blizzard was raging, and it was impossible to go back to the inn, so the King had kindly decreed that the people who could not get home would be given a room in the palace, and then the servant who led me to my room said something about breakfast in the Dining Hall..."

He said this to the servant, not realising that one of the gentlemen was indeed the King himself. The knighted man had been with his back to him most of the time, and the King on the dais had been too far away to see much more of him than the colour of his hair, and there were enough people with the same colour.

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