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The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon, Attaday, the twenty-seventh day of Dragon

Bekkah ... and Lady Anastasia and Princess Romana

"Old Lady?"

Anastasia considered Romana's words as she ushered Bekkah and her ward from the council chambers. At Daxia's request she paused in the grand corridors, letting the Allaine contingent and the Kierkegaards continue until they were lost to the echoes.

"Well I must say, if you can get him to call you Princess, I can certainly live with being the Old Lady.

"And you have been traveling with Lady Bekkah all this time?"

"Yesyesyes!"

Was Romana's quick reply, which was rewarded by another question.

"Do you have a hat?"

"Yesyes ...." Romana's eyes narrowed a bit suspiciously, " ... yes?"

Instead, the Atteran High Priestess turned her attention to Bekkah.

"I take it you have taught her the basics of first aid, the Lady's touch for healing those who are beyond bandages and stricthing, and taught her how to summon Our Lady's power for when things go even beyond that ...

"But on the road, I suspect she is lacking in the practicalities of our mission, of our work. This I believe is very important for the newest of Her Children.

"I am of two minds, concerning your apprentice, Lady Bekkah.

"The politically proper side of me thinks that having her work in the Keep Hospice has its merits. It is quiet work, it keeps her close, probably out of trouble, and there are many she can learn from. On the other hand it places her right under the nose of the Court, and I cannot guarantee she will not feel the sting of who she is - even from her sisters.

"But its where she can be kept under our watch too.

"On the other hand, we can send her down to the first wing, or to the hovels that rest against the outer walls. This would get her out of sight, and thus out of the minds of our Lords and the Montagues. But we do not have a hospice there; she would be on her own. She will have Our Lady's protection, so she will not be harmed ... but that does not mean she will be liked.

"The work is hard and she would only have the thanks of our most poor.

"On the other hand, it will be good work, hard word, test her resolve and commitment.

"And between me and you ...

"The Kories make sure the upper rings are well tended; they pay their tithes and taxes, yes?

"The folks on the outer rings, they are the ones who need our help the most.

"She is your Initiate ...

"I can have her set up where you wish."

The elder Atteran smiled then to Romana.

"The hat is for respect. To show your respect for them - acknowledging who you are without forcing it upon them. You'll know when its time to take the hat off.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon, Attaday, the twenty-seventh day of Dragon

Mikal, Dean, Cesare, Kadri ... and for a little while, Talia Montague-Korie

Their escort paused, making sure thatKadri Korie was the last to enter her husband's rooms,

"I don't know what you are scheming are you little whippet ..."

Dame Talia leaned close to Kadri; and for a lass who had faced eastern Avatars and the collapse of silk creek bridge, the look she was given was perhaps the most sure and most truly evil she ha ever had leveled upon her.

"But it is my son will be the one ruling the Mainland, once the Khorall and his son have passed away.

"Get in my way and you'll b making Dominic Domine a widower ad your child food for the worms."

She then straightened, dusted off her hands and smiled oh so innocently and spoke oh so pleasantly.

"Have a nice day."

Once the sheets were drawn away and folded, the sitting room presented itself. It was a simple space, really, its fineness made up from material rather than decoration - warm polished wood floors, finely cut and planed walls which were broken by heavy timber columns supporting the big simple trusses that in turn supported the floor above.

There was a large stone hearth - open on two sides; the side opposite the bedroom and through the opening could be seen a covered canopy bed, many armoires and a few wooden trunks. There was a tall and narrow window in the far wall, set in diamond paned glass both clear and stained. Through that window can be seen a tower twin to this one, with its own matching window.

The room is semi-circular; obviously taking up half the tower, leaving a quarter for the bedroom and a quarter for the study - perhaps a little less than a quarter, the stairs and entrance to the suite taking up a modicum of space.

A large and comfortable couch sits in front of the fire, big enough for almost four people but with a well worn dent in the cushions of one arm. It is flanked by two high cushioned chairs that seem almost unused. behind the couch is a round wooden table with straight backed wooden chairs four two; it was not as if Dominic appeared to have expected many guests.

A peek in the study would have discovered a small room lined with bookshelves that have a comfortable but not crammed collection of books; that and a comfortable chair and small end table. This room also has a window, one that looks out towards the Black Mountains upon the far off horizon.

Kadri

Her face remained placid all the way to the room, her pace even and measured, almost gliding. Her face remained as placid even in the face of Talia's ... Interesting comments.

This ... woman ... honestly thinks that I would want aught to do with ruling the mainland? With this? And that had I a child I would subject them to this? Tcha, lady mine, she knows less of me than a newborn babe."

Once they were in the room, and the door shut - and more importantly were alone - she immediately looked slightly pale. She went straight to the couch and proceeded to collapse on it. She looked as if she were shaking, uncontrollably. But after a moment … was that really shaking or … was that ... a small giggle? A chuckle perhaps? It grew, until it was slightly hysterical laughter – which continued for a time. Then, she finally spoke.

"These. People. Are. Crazy!!!!!"

OOC: I split the end of my other post, edited a bit, and put it here where it can be responded to as my first post in response to wolfs.)

Cesare

He knows that mixing with people who feel they have a given right to make decisions that suit them without thought of any consequence for others, near or far, is a very dangerous thing.

He dutifully (and readily) follows Kadri from the room, taking up a position by the now closed door once they are all inside. He wants some warning if anyone approaches.

He lifts his head, looking at Mikal.

"So, what's your assessment of the threat now you've seen the opposition?"

Mikal

He smiles slightly at Kadri's outburst, then shrugs in answer to Cesare.

"Oh, nothing much has changed from my initial feelings. We've walked into a lair of Softpads. If they wish to kill us, openly, we have no chance other than to take some with us, or if we're lucky to get early warning and figure out a way to flee first. The best I can do is to protect us from assassins in the shadows. Fortunately, that is the weapon of choice among these kinds. That and poison. If they choose to dose our wine with Corallis......", he pauses and glances at the group. "I don't suppose any of you have a means of detecting poison in food or drink?"

He turns back to Cesare. "Some at that table I could take, others I'd not have as much chance against. But these kind almost never do their own dirty work. As you saw from the Khorall. They use their guards and knights. Those, or at least some of those, I can handle. As long as it's not too many at once."

Bekkah

"You know well my preference on such things." Bekkah had never been the kind to favor the rich and privileged. She loved the poor and always wonderful when she helped those that had so little. She hoped that Romanas would feel the same way. In her mind there was no better way to feel the love of the Lady than to help the poor.

"They will accept you quickly when they see where you heart is. You can do good without having to play politics with the high and mighty."

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon, Attaday, the twenty-seventh day of Dragon

Bekkah ... and Lady Anastasia and Romana

"Never dones before ..."

Romana considers that for a long time, brows furrowing before a smile crosses her face.

"Which is always good. Like raspingberries. Never had them before yesterdays too!"

The eldest of the Atterans simply folded her hands behind her and nodded, sharp and sure, as if everything had just been settled.

"Excellent.

"I would recommend getting a good night's sleep. I'll set the twins to wake you two bells before dawn.

"Of course there is room for you in the cathedral's cloister, if you wish. Take your leave of this keep and its the tall building with bronze doors just across the court; the cloisters can be reached through the arcade to the right if you don't want to wade through a cacophony of Brothers, Squires and Knights.

"Your companions are in the young troublemaker's rooms ... down this hall, take your first two right hand turns and then take the tower stairs all the way to the top.

"Fair evening my children. Oh ... and if Sister Jasmine tries to give you other work ... tell her to come find me."

With that the Priestess headed back the way they came; towards the great hall, bound for her cathedral and hospice and cloister.

"... Bekkahs ...."

Romana queries quietly.

"Did Old Lady say before dawns?"

her Initiate would follow Bekkah, upon whichever destination she chose from here.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon, Attaday, the twenty-seventh day of Dragon

Mikal, Dean, Cesare, Kadri ... and sundry servants

"Of course they are crazy, mi'lady. They have the responsibility to properly govern the lands from Highside Heather to the Blackwater River, a task so trying and formidable no sane person would even attempt."

With that entrance three strangers - two women and a man, would trundle into the suite as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The one who spoke, a bestraggled looking and slightly underfed lass with tousled brown hair, carried a heavy silver tray upon which were two carafes, two covered bowls of silver and a basket covered in gingham that carried with it the scent of warm bread.

The other two - a lanky lad who looked far worse for wear and a blonde girl who kept her head ducked, looking to the ground, face unseen, were barely visible behind the goods they carried; mostly bedding and linens of one sort or another.

"Wine. Water, roast beast, apples and cheese."

The bestraggled one pointed to each covered item in turn.

"And you can feel safe for your food. If anyone was to be poisoned, the blame would fall first on us and the cooks and we do not wish to be dancing with Lady Krysta any time soon. Your bigger worry is two fold."

She then turned, setting her platter on the table and then with a handwave directed her two charges to distribute the blankets and sheets about suite, making sure there was some allotted for each of their guests ... and assigned to either a big chair or sofa.

"First, if'n you come from east of the Silk Creek, remember that all members of the Imperial Court are represented here. Second, the Kories and the In-laws fully well understand and practice well the divisions of Law when it comes to Nobles and everyone else. While our new Ladyship has the same protection and rights, us Servants do not.'

She then paused, as if forgetting something.

"Oh, apologies, My Lady.

"I am Kathi, the buck there is James and the little one is Mouse. We are Lord Dominic Domine's retainers. We welcome you to the Keep and if you have any need of anything just call for me."

She'd pause then, looking respectfully down, very respectfully.

"We are glad you are here. When our Lord is away the Master has us cleaning the floors. Of the kitchens and below grounds. We can also return to the servants quarter's tonight too."

Kadri:

She pauses a long while and listens to the servants speak.

"Kathi. James. Mouse."

She looks at each in turn, as if memorizing both their faces and their names. She pauses in thought, and then, perhaps impulsively, decided to trust them. Her resulting smile was quite genuine - she liked people like this. People like this were who she had lived with since running. This was where she had much more comfort than with the high and mighty.

"The law and custom may divide us into 'lady' and 'servant' Kathi. But I have lived both lives. And there is one thing I can tell you with no doubt at all."

She pauses, and makes sure to emphasize the use of Kathi's name, and looking into her eyes, or as directly at her as she can.

"I make no such division. I recognize no such division. Act as you need to in order to fulfil expectations outside of this room and stay safe, but in here, I am no better than you. I'm just a woman. I am merely Kadri. And I am most definitely not one of them, out there, whatever my name might say. You can look into my eyes, look up. I don't need, or want, to see the top and back of your head."

She motions at the tray.

"Kathi - you look like you might be hungry. Would you three perhaps like to share food and drink with us and talk of matters at the court from the view of those who are ignored? Relax for a moment - if you do not wish it, understand that it is only an invitation - not an order - and I would not keep you if you need go."

Verchovai Daxia Yurisdotter

She noted Khorall Kristof’s gaze as they walked, but thought little of it. She and her group had left an interesting trail as they’d traveled down the Highland Path from Cragside to Talantal. There was nothing that could be done to change the events that had occurred, nor anything that could be done to mitigate any unforeseen consequences that might have accrued to the Kierkegaards. And Dazi had grave doubts about the Khorall’s potential interest in their stories anyway. Rikart was more of a contemporary; he might find one or two of the tales of interest. But he was still a Noble... she, most assuredly, was not.

Talantal was the one place on the mainland where it was vitally important to keep that in mind.

Perhaps, though, the Khorall would be interested in knowing what had become of his eldest son, Lord Danton. That was not a tale Daxia was going to tell him, however. She needed to find a way to tell the tale to Kisa, and then let Kisa tell the tale as and to whom she deemed proper. It was certainly not a tale that would be told today, that much was certain.

At the elder Koromov’s silent answer to her innocent question, Daxia merely raised an eyebrow. Dandy would share the information about her troop when the time and place were more appropriate... if she felt it ought to be shared at all.

Upon the ramparts, the red haired Dayalan simply shrugged. She’d had quite a lot of experience at watching Kisa do the things she did before she’d left the Vale, and Kisa’s methods really did make sense. But understanding — even in the moment of receiving another of her messages — just why Kisa sent a particular tile without any clue to its purpose or meaning was still frustrating. And the frustration was borne so heavily out of the experiences that followed the receipt of a new tile. After the Lone Pine Inn, Daxia had begun to believe the arrival of a new tile mean that she and her band of misfits — maybe, maybe Barris would grant they were no longer a bunch of fishwives — were going to have an unpleasant and harrowing adventure.

Of course, that didn’t bode well for the group, as Kisa had handed her yet another tile when their group had entered the Khorall Korie’s Great Hall.

No. No, it didn’t bode well for them at all.

“I know,” she admitted. “And I even understand your reasoning. But since they are so vague, a simple note saying I’m thinking of you would be as useful.” Her words were simple and matter of fact, with no echoes of complaint or recrimination; neither was appropriate or necessary. She’d chided Kisa but once in their years of friendship, on the very night her mother contrived to have it begin.

Daxia looked out across the landscape, and smiled. “I do appreciate them for other reasons, of course... both in the moments prior to being tossed into the middle of a blizzard and in the recovery from the storm.” She paused, looking sidelong at Kisa. “And with another tile in my pouch, I can’t help but feel we have been thrown again into the deepest bank of snow beyond the Temple walls... even at Midsummer.”

She had simply ignored the Captain’s suspicious looks.

The Koromov Kerfuffle caused the young Starrider to sigh, to closer her eyes for a moment, to shake her head.

“Technically, Captain, I didn’t find the last one one... that would have been the Shannon Squire and those traveling with him.” She opened her eyes and looked over her shoulder at Dandy. “Camelia found her feet, and her spine too, though. But I think she’s more your mother’s daughter than your father’s.” She shrugged. “Staying in Bordertown with Garrick will suit her. Will suit them both, I think.”

She simply listened to the remainder of the family reunion, her lips twitching at Kay’s accurate assessment of Morning Star. At Kisa’s intervention, at Kay’s mention of Tashka, Daxia remained silent though her eyes instinctively sought out the bit of sky known as the Dark Patch. She had known the Priestesses Tashka and Linette for such a short time that missing them as much as she did was irrational. She also didn’t care.

Nodding at Kisa’s comment about Thomas Montgomery, she filed away the questions she had about family connections. They could wait. Something else could not.

“Da. First, an official introduction to Ekaterina Koromov here,” she said with a smile for Kisa, before looking at Kay... and regarding both her and Dandy for a moment. “Hmm.” Dazi seemed to make up her mind about something, but merely said, “Kay... Dama Kisa Allaine, Heir of the Allaine Noble Family.”

Again looking from one Koromov to the other, Daxia smile slightly. “I suspect there is a collection of traits associated with the Imperial Family Koromov that one might categorize, for simplicity’s sake, as ‘feistiness’,” she said to Kisa. “At least these two are not likely to toss people from the roofs of buildings,” she added wryly.

“I would guess the rest of my company would be found in Lord Dominic’s quarters.” Her eyes twinkled as she said, “I’ve no doubt you know the location of the rapscallion’s rooms. It would be a pleasure to introduce you to my friends.”

Bekkah

She listened, committing the directions to memory. Romana's question put a smile on her face.

"She did indeed. We start our work early my dear. Oh and I would be careful about calling her 'the old lady', some may not take it well. I had heard much of her and she has rightfully earned the right to be called Lady Anastasia."

"We shall rejoin the others at some point, but I think it best if we do our best to be proper ladies so let us go to the cloister. We shall get what sleep we can, then we can begin to train you to help others in our Lady's name. I think it will make quite an impression on you."

"Come." she said heading off towards the cloister.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon, Attaday, the twenty-seventh day of Dragon

Daxia ... Kay, Kisa Allaine and Captain Koromov

"But I'm always thinking of you ..."

The heir's words come out a bit sudden, a bit shocked and very innocent; extremely simple, as if it were something obvious and known, like the fact the sun rises with each day. she; then close her eyes and let out a breath,

"I wish it were snowbanks on the jambles on Midsummers. This is very different than Dawnview CAstle... there the snowbank we were buried in was, in the end ours. Here, this is someone else's home, their court ... "

"Ja ... its like fighin' someone on a field that was someone else's choice."

Kay chimed in, down to earth and pragmatic. The Captain followed.

"The scamp's right."

"I am every now and then you know ..."

Though, at the introduction, that was when the littlest one was caught suddenly off guard, her eyes going wide, blinking several times, before looking down to the floor.

"Kisa? Aallaine? But she ... they, I mean, she was with Verchovai Jeminy and she ... but how ... I mean ... she weren't anything, I mean you're much fancier and prettier ... but then, most anyone would be compared to us, we had been on the run since Tor-an-Dal and all. I didn't mean .. oh I don't know... i wasn't trying to be disrespectful on purpose and ...."

The Allaine heir shook her head and smiled, raising a hand.

"Its fine. My mother, she was a student of history. That and she thought my name was just nice.

"Kisa is remembered, Lady Ekaterina. Every time someone calls for me. That's a good thing, isn't it?"

The youngest Koromov just wrinkled her nose.

"I ain't a lady. I'm just a ... scamp. That's right. A scamp. And all.

"But ja ... I guess that's true. I think ... she'd like to be remembered well. Nothin' fancy ... not like the minstrel's sing, but just, everyday like."

Shrugging her shoulders a bit, the young namesake smiled.

"Da ... every day."

Her attention then returned to daxia, letting out a long, long and exasperated breath - a very familiar manner of exasperation.

"Dominic's rooms, they should be this away; we need to get to that tower over there ... "

She points to the closest of a pair of towers farther around the curve of the keep.

"We need to reenter the castle there ... go down a set of stairs, wrap around the corridors until we can find the stairs to his tower.

"And yes.

"Mother made memorize the keep layout before I took a step out of the Dawnview gates."




... a little while and a couple wrong turns later the small entourage arrive at their destination, in the wake of three servants obviously bringing blankets and pillows to the normally unused suite ...

Cesare

In his position by the door, Cesare gave advanced warning that some were approaching, continuing to lounge casually near to the door.

The Heartwood
Talantal, the Grand Duchy of Talantal
Late Afternoon, Attaday, the twenty-seventh day of Dragon

Bekkah and Romana

Romana took a step after Bekkah, her brow wrinkled in concentration.

"Romanas understands cloisters and all.

She rose to tip toes, looking down the corridor Lady Anastatia had also pointed out.

"If go straight, Dazidazi and Kadriskories not know where we are.

"That not good. For we have also have special good to do here, yesyesyes? Sick boy find?

"Maybe ... maybe tell Dazidazi first, before cloisters? Then Dazidazi not worry.

"Dazidazi worry ...

"Dazidazi gets grumpy."

Bekkah

She smiled at Romana.

"Of course. I would think she'd be done catching up. If not, we'll simply tell her where we're going and be off."

She began walking towards where they'd expected to find Dazi.

[OOC: Good, I like how you assume Dazi is going to get there this month. AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!! And if my utility room ceiling is in shambles, a contractor might go on The List. Also, work + chorus = don't expect a post before late Saturday (which, by the way, is next month). This has been a very stressed-out recording... which will be replaced with an actual post at some point. Next month. Sigh.]

Cesare

In each case Cesare warns Kadri and the others that people are approaching. It is best that some things are not overheard. They have a front to keep up in public. He is relieved though that it is Daxia's group and then Bekkah and Romana arriving, though Daxia brings someone he has yet to form an opinion on.

Mikal

"Kathi. James. Mouse." He echoes Kadri's repetition of their name to better instill them in his memory.

"Thank you." He says, moving to take the heavy tray from Kathi, but she sets it down on the table before he reaches her.

He nods at Kadri's comments to them, adding, "Perhaps, after you have eaten, you might show me around the servant's areas?"

He doesn't like being 'penned' up in this tower one little bit, and knowing the exits might be a life or death thing. He also suspects that the servants know ways in and out of this place that the Nobles don't.

Cesare

"I'd like to come along too Mikal."

Even though he hopes they won't be here for too long, getting the lay of the land sounds like a good idea.

Mikal

He nods at Cesare. "As long as someone is here to watch the group, sure. But if Daxia, Kay, and Dean get called away one of us needs to stick around. You can go look around without me if that happens."

Verchovai Daxia Yurisdotter

Daxia simply smiled. “I know,” she said softly.

But she snickered when Kay protested that she wasn’t a lady. “You’ll get even less far arguing that point with your cousin than I did, youngling, and I didn’t get very far. You’re a scamp, that’s true. But you’re also a Koromov, a member of an Imperial family.” Dazi shrugged. “Lord Dominic is a scamp, but he’s still a Korie and a member of a Noble family.”

She smiled, then patted Kay’s shoulder. “You’ll get used it. I only start looking behind be for Lady Daxia one out of three times now. And as the Captain so rightly pointed out to me... titles can be useful tools.” She looked across at the tower that was their destination. “Especially here, I would have to say. And of the three of us...” Daxia pointed to herself, then Kay and Dandy. “...I am least entitled, as it were, to claim to be a Lady.” But then she grinned. “A member of an Imperial family named me so, however. Who am I to argue?” She glanced at Dandy. “Anymore.”

Daxia walked at Kisa’s side, though she made sure she was seen to be the appropriate half pace behind the Heir should they happen upon anyone in the corridors or stairways. That the Khorall had insisted Kisa memorize the Korie castle did not surprise Daxia in the least. That was pure pragmatism. That the Khorall knew the castle well enough to instruct the Heir on its layout... No. Dazi decided that didn’t really surprise her either.

She did, however, precede Kisa, Dandy and Kay into Lord Dominic’s suite, just in time to hear Mikal’s remark.

“Unless we are ordered by Dama Allaine to do so, it would not be proper for me or Kay to attend Lady Korie.” The corners of her mouth twitched in an attempt not to grin. “Kay is a member of the Allaine House Guard. Common perceptions would see me in that role, as well, I’m afraid.” Dazi shook her head. “I know you hate politics, Mikal, but... that’s all we have here.”

Daxia turned to the redhead beside her, and did smile. “It is my pleasure to finally introduce you to my friends, Dama,” she said, aware of the servants in the room and the need to maintain at least a veneer of propriety. “May I present Dama Kadri djinn Khayriyah djinn Terilanquel al’Korie... my Second, Mikal D’Allyne... Cesare khal’Jasmine kha’Sayako kha’Twilight kha’Horosha Danika... and Squire Dean Marguard of Talesan’s Village.”

She then glanced around the room. “Did Bekkah and Romana get lost?”

Bekkah

"I never get lost." her sister said with a smile as she entered the room with Romana in tow.

"We wanted to show proper respect the Lady here. I also wanted her to hear first hand that Romana is serious and that I am not using my Lady's name in some game."

"And Romana will have the opportunity early tomorrow to try out her new skills." she said with a wink and smile for Romana.

"All is well here, I assume?"

Verchovai Daxia Yurisdotter

Dazi smiled at her sister and chuckled. “All is well, and I distinctly remember you getting lost. Once. That time right before you left for Lilia’s Castle.”

“Dama,” she said again to Kisa, laughter still in her voice, “may I also present Lady Bekkah Yurisdotter, Priestess of Attera — the very same Bekkah of whom I have spoken at great length — and her Initiate, Princess Rhomanishkah' al'lhahrhonsha' al'khylyrishkatsarinish.

“My friends, this is Dama Kisa Allaine, Heir of Allaine.”

Then Daxia looked at Dandy, and nodded to both Dean and Romana. “Dean and Romana were well met along the Brementown Road,” she said more softly, “though I suspect some in Bordertown will dispute their vital assistance in the... ah... events that transpired there at Midwinter.” She shrugged. Garrick had explained Dandy’s opinion of the goings on at the Temple. “I am fortunate to call them both friends, for the thing we undid could not have been undone without both of them.”

She looked first at Romana, and then Dean. “Captain Dandelion Koromov of the Wild Horde.” Daxia’s eyes returned to Romana. She was not exactly worried about Romana’s reaction to the senior Starry-bred Killer... though she did want to convey in her gaze that Romana was, indeed, far safer among three Dayalans than she would have been in her own home.