The Kingdom of Medias Res II -The Darkness of War-

[Tenchi Masaki]

OOC: Sorry had a busy day yesterday >.< Now I have to play catch-up!

BIC: Jerii's eyes widened at Jean Louis' offer. He tried to search for the words to say in his head, but the constant ramblings of the two spirits of his swords disoriented his thoughts.

"SAY YES!" Masa and Mune shouted.

"Ow, jeez alright calm down," Jerii whined "I can barely think with you guys bickering back and forth, telling me what to do!"

"Well, if you had any intiative, you'd know that having a chance to meet with the Queen is not something you get everyday," Mune noted "And maybe this is your chance to tell her you want to go to the war."

Jerii nodded his head, knowing this would be his big break. Before he could answer Jean Louis, he began to notice the gestures and body language the two were giving each other.

"Is it just me, or is there something weird going on here...." Jerii muttered.

"Well Quinn is a very attractive young woman, I don't see anything wrong with this picture," Masa explained "and Jean Louis might look young, but he seems more mature, probably more mature than you."

"Agreed," Mune spurted.

"Thanks guys," Jerii replied sarcastically.

Before he could have a chance to join in the conversation, Jean Louis began to escort the two squires into the Royal Fitting Room. Jerii never thought in his entire lifetime that he'd be in such a magnificant place. Clothes from all over the world spanned the entire wardrobe, and the choices seemed endless. There were many tailors and valets roaming about, yelling at each other, and rushing back and forth to retrieve material and deliver information. Jerii was taken to a seperate room, thinking to himself that this was the place for men to be dressed and cartered to.

"You size sir?" A valet asked.

"Ummm, not sure I guess a large?" Jerii answered unconfidently.

"Useless..." The tailor sighed taking out his measuring tape.

He began to stretch it back and forth, writing down the measurement and then started another area of the body. Jerii was confused at what the tailor was doing, but followed his orders to move about, turn around, and raise his arms. Finally, he jotted down all the information and handed it to a valet to retrieve the proper suit for the him. Jerii sighed not knowing what he got himself into. He saw Quinn glance over at him, flashing a smile. Jerii waved back but was immediately scolded by one of the tailors in front of him.

"Hey, pay attention now," the tailor snorted "we still have a lot of work to do!"

"Jeez why are these guys so uptight?" Jerii questioned.

"Well, the Queen has many attendants, and these fellas have to work around the clock to do measurements, tailor and create clothing, maybe even write down orders for special material and fabrics to be delivered," Masa explained.

"Only the best for the Queen of Media Res," Mune proclaimed.

"Makes sense, I'd be kind of grouchy too if I were cooped up in here for most of the day," Jerii thought.

"Oh and doesn't Quinn look irresistable?" Mune commented.

"Yeah maybe you should start calling her Lady Quinn from now on," Masa joked.

"Whatever, she's still my friend, probably the closest thing I have to a sister," Jerii replied.

"Awwww how cute," said Mune.

"Still, I wouldn't be surprised if Quinn got a chance to live the easy life here in the palace," Jerii thought "It would probably be for the best, with the war and all."

"So you're saying Quinn can't handle herself?" Masa retorted.

"No, I'm just saying it'd be good because she wouldn't have to get her "hands dirty" so to speak." Jerii snapped.

"Might I remind you, that Quinn still has more wins over you in the jousting department," said Mune.

"Yeah, that's true, if she wanted to help out with the war, she would do an amazing job," Jerii thought.

"But we understand that you wouldn't want to your friends to be in danger, so don't us wrong, we know we're you're coming from," Mune said consolingly.

"Heh, thanks" Jerii said, smiling in his mind.

"There all done," The tailor replied.

Jerii was confused for a moment, but then remembered that the tailor had been working on his outfit through the entire conversation. He could surely pass for a Duke, maybe even a Prince if he played his cards right. He wasn't sure of what to make of the suit, but knew it was better than what he was currently wearing. Probably Jean Louis could explain the outfit to him, because Jerii has no knowledge of fashion. He usually just wore what was given to him, and thought that would be enough to satisfy everyone.

"You look almost presentable enough to be in the Queen's presence," Mune commented.

"I never knew you were so handsome," Masa coo'ed "If I could squeeze your cheeks I would!"

"Stop that guys," Jerii chuckled "You're gonna make me laugh or blush, or both."

The three had a good laugh, while Jerii stepped off the platform. He made his way to Quinn's area, and was glad to see she was done with her outfit. Quinn looked absolutely stunning, and Jerii could barely recognize his fellow comrade.

"Wow..." Jerii, Masa, and Mune replied in unison.

[Zamemon]

Deo slowly walked thrpugh the doors of the castle and headed down the street.The night air was crisp and cool as he walked through the town.His stomach growled once more as he thought about where he was to go as he stopped by a pub.He looked inside as he stood at the door.He pushed through and loked around.The counter in which the bar tender stood behind with the drinks.He sat on a stool behind the bar and spoke in a dep voice pointing to one of the drinks behind the counter "I want one of those....how much?",as he said this the bar tender looked at him and said "16 my good man."As jhe handed Deo the drink he paid the man.The pub was noisey and filled with people laughing and joking telling stories or just being idiots.Deo looked around as he began to drink.He stopped as he noticed a very suspicous group of people wearing pitch black cloaks hudled in a corner wispering amungst themselves.He let a low "hmmmmm" before he took another sip.He took the bottle and walked out side.He looked up and down the street.He walked until he saw a street pedler selling what looked like fruits and vegetables.He grabbed an apple and asked "How much?".The pedler looked at him and said with a smile "Twelve gil.....but since your my first customer you can have it for 3." Deo knodded and handed the man some money.He took a bite and walked away farther into the streets.When he finished his apple he threw the core aside downing the rest of his drink and throwing the bottle aside.He wondered what was going on at the castle.

[haldir-the-elven-warrior]

Haldir felt like an idiot when he found out she was an orphan. He wondered the halls until he came into a lone hallway. Stopping at a old oak door and looked at the dusty door knob. Slowly he opened the door into what was his old room when he stayed in the castle. The room had fine oak wood furniture and a placed to put his equipment. He walked to the closet and opened it up to see his silver armor. Stripping of his regular armor and switching into the silver armor. It was his formal armor that he kept in the castle for dinners and ceremonies. He came out with only his knife with him just for safety. Haldir walked into the dinning room where he saw amazon and wanted to apologize.

[Amazon_Goddess]

Mia sighed as she noticed how crowded the place was getting. She turned and noticed the Queen sitting at the head of the table. She wanted badly to discuss the details of her next mission with her, but knew that she would have to wait till the end of the dinner. Mia noticed the elf as he walked up to her. "Greetings Lord Haldir." she said. She wondered what he had to say to her.

[haldir-the-elven-warrior]

"Good evening," haldir said bowing politly when he walked up to her. "I would like to apologize for what happened earlier," he said lowering his head slightly. His armor made it seem that he was in a dim mood. He had that suit of armor for so long it started to dull in color. Haldir did not mean to make her upset in any way cause he asked about her parents. He had just met her and felt like he had made her upset.

[Ayumi]

*The State Dinner became something of a curious affair for Jean Louis. Upon entering every eye was cast upon he and the beautiful lady on his arm. Though it made him concerned for a moment, the 'Duke of Innocence' as he is affectionately called, did not give it a second thought as he imagined it was because she was so very lovely.

Ofcourse such an naive idea was only part of the truth. Indeed all agreed that the woman in the emerald silk was as fair to the eye as any, but their interest centered mainly on two things. The first was her presence on Jean Louis' arm, a very unusual thing as the Young Duke has never escorted any lady into an affair such as this... No young woman ever gained his Grace's notice before.

The second article of curiousity and near scandal was the jewelery around her neck. Everyone knew how priceless that particular ancient set of baubles actually is and that it was given to Jean Louis by the late Queen to give to the women he planned to marry. Thus those at the tables were abuzz with excitement and avid interest. The gossip mongers watched Quinn looking for any sign to indicate that she would be the next Duchess of Evan-fleur, while every matchmaking mother in the aristocracy attempted to sum up her good and bad points to try and give her some competition with their own daughters.

The only thing that was confirmed in everyone's mind was the understanding that Lord Jean Louis, His Grace the Duke of Evan-fleur, was the best catch amongst the nobility and whoever this lucky lady was she must possess a 'certain something' if the normally oblivious Duke was paying court to her so readily.

When the trio approaches the Queen they are shown into their seats... Jean Louis smiles at the surprise in Quinn and Jerii's eyes as he is seated to the right of the Queen and they who sit on his other side are but a seat or two away from her Majesty. The Queen in turn smiles warmly to all three and speaks in a sotto voice.*

"My Dear Jean Louis, my heart is gladdened at the sight of you so very happy. But tell me, who are your guests?"

*Jean Louis grins in return to Klea, his very blue eyes alight with merriment.*

"Your Majesty, allow me to present Lord Jerii and Lady Quinn, two of my newest and most prized friends... Your most humble and obedient servant begs their allowence of lodgings in the palace."

*Nodding slightly the Queen's mouth twitches in amusement. Her stormy grey gaze sweeps over the squires seeming to read every secret they possess. There seems to be something like approval in her smile towards them both.*

"Ah Jean Louis how could I refuse you anything? Ofcourse they may have lodgings in the palace as well as a place at my table. But my Evan-fleur I believe I shall have to improve on their accomodations, after all it is not seemly for two such promising young people not to have the things the should by all rights require."

*At this point the Queen's voice drops so that only Jean Louis, Quinn and Jerii can hear.*

"I am well informed as to their status as students in the arts of war as well as who their Masters are. You have been schooled by the finest warmasters that Medias res can boast, Warriors of fame throughout the Multiverse, and I should like to extend their services to your friends as well my Jean Louis. No doubt their progress will quicken with their instruction."

*Turning, Klea smiles again at Jerii and Quinn.*

"Do you both believe that to be to your liking?"

[lord_saikuya]

Crea realized he was in Medias Res and quickly looked for the nearest gaurd. He asked her to escort him to a good taylor and immediatly paid the man to make him a specific type and design of clothes. He then borrowed a horse and rode to Plytori Amorth while the taylor worked away.

Reaching the country's capital Plantiri, he had noticed much work had been done to the capital. He was happy to see that the country was repairing from the attack and the shock and quickly approached the palace. He was greeted by his faithful minister and they spoke breifly while Crea gathered a few things.
"Your Majesty you must set a date for your accension to the throne." Crea glared and him, but his expression quickly softened. "Your right, let us begin the preparations immediatly. We'll sit the banquet for the end of the week. I believe we should ask Queen Klea to preform the ceremony as an act of friendship between our two countries. Send a messenger immediatly."
The Minister bowwed and dissapeared down the hall. He moved to the throne room and sat in his father's chair. He felt strange and memories of his childhood buzzed in his head. Standing up, he decided to walk around the city.
He stepped out the doors and into the city streets, his gaurds walking beside him.

[Amazon_Goddess]

Mia looked at the elf sternly "Look Haldir don't think that I am a little whiny girl because I said that alright?!" the last thing she wanted was for anyone to think she was weak because she said that. But she realized that her temper had gotten ahold of her again, she looked to the ground and exhaled slowly

"Look, you did not offend me Lord Haldir, and it is not necissary to apoligize. I am not sorry that I do not have parents, I am actually grateful. It made me a stronger women today, and becoming stronger is what it's all about right?" she smiled at him, trying to assure him that nothing was wrong at all. "besides, I can't miss people I never knew." she shrugged. "Hey would you mind sitting with me? Unless of course you plan to sit with someone else, I do not mind either way, it's up to you."

[haldir-the-elven-warrior]

"I understand my lady," he said know knowing she is right. There is no point of missing someone that dont even know. "No, i do not mind sitting next to you," he said happily knowing she wasn't mad by him. 'I need to polish my armor its getting dull," he said walking to a chair and pulled it out a chair for her. Haldir was extremely polite around ladies exspecaily ones he has just met.

[Amazon_Goddess]

"Well even though I don't look like it right now, I am pretty good at tending to armor and swords. If you want I can do it for you later, that is, if you don't mind having your armor polished by a girl" she smirked. "Ya know haldir, you don't have to be so polite with me. I am not like alot of the people that are present at this dinner."

[haldir-the-elven-warrior]

Haldir looked at his armor and said "if you really want to its fine with me." Honestly, haldir couldn't help being polite it was how he was raised during the 2005years he has lived. "I was raised this way i cannot help being polite," he said with a slight laugh even though sometimes he wish he wasnt so polite. The queen of the elves was his mother but he would not admit it any where for he would not wish any harm to come to her. 'Why do i have to be an elven prince that why im so polite and i cant help it,' he thought to himself as he sat down. He wanted to tell someone but he just couldn't not even amazon should know.

[Zamemon]

Deo stopped as he looked around the streets.He sighed and walked towards the castle dragging his feet.He stopped by a window of a house.He gazed inside as the family ate a big dinner.He drooled and looked longingly at it.It had been a while since he had had a good dinner.He looked away and kept walking.He came to the castle and pushed his way through the doors.He looked at the empty halls and he looked down one walking down it aimlessly.

[Nyanko]

Akako sat to the queen's left, and no one could ever figure out why she let a cat sit at the table. Already the neko had amassed a mountain of food on her plate, and was hording all the dishes of creme that were passed her way. Of course, all the nobles were there to talk politics or other things of noble importance; Akako was just there to eat.
She quickly brushed the food from her whiskers before diving into the chicken meat on her plate.

As she ate she noticed the three humans to the queen's right.
Kittens... she thought, studying each one of them. They were the three she had passed in the halls, but only the boy next to the queen she really recognized. The others she didn't know. At that moment, Akako didn't care to know, either... not with four bowls of creme around her spot of the table to eat.

[Tenchi Masaki]

Before Jean Louis could explain Jerii's attire, he was pushed out of the fitting room, and lead straight to the dining room, where the Queen was holding her royal banquet. At first, he began to look a little embaressed, seeing many of the eyes follow his path, but upon second glance they were really fixated on Jean Louis and Quinn.

"Well, I'm glad that someone is getting the attention they so rightfully deserve," Masa commented.

"I agree brother, it's about time someone give Quinn the respect she's worked so hard for," Mune said gleefully.

"Yeah, I'm going to have to go along with you guys on this one, the guys at the barracks sure give Quinn a hard time, her being a female squire and all, so it's nice that everyone is treating her like a real lady for once," Jerii thought with a smile on his face.

"For a second there, I thought you'd be jealous of Jean Louis there, don't you hear all the chatter about Quinn being the "Duke's Fiancee(sp?)" Masa replied.

"Naw, I'm glad for Quinn, truly happy for her," Jerii sighed.

"Buck up kid, I'm sure there's a lady out there just waiting for you," Mune said consolingly.

"Yeah, she MIGHT even be in this room!" Masa exclaimed.

"Heh, don't get my hopes up guys, I should just worry about not making a total buffooon out of myself, instead of trying to impress the ladies," Jerii chuckled.

"Good call," Masa and Mune answered in unison.

Jerii was escorted to his seat, and was shocked at how close he was to the most powerful person in all of Media Res, Queen Klea. He tried to think of something fancy to say to the Queen, because he was never in the presence of royalty before. Jerii thought that Kings and Queens were taught by the finest scholars in the land, and were hard to impress. Everytime he would rehearse a conversation with the Queen in his head, it would soon fumble and fizzle into something ridiculous and silly.

"Start off with a joke," Mune suggested.

"Bah, she's probably heard them all, I mean she does have a court jester, at least I think she does..." Jerii muttered.

"How about compliment her about something, maybe her dress or her eyes, something!" Masa urged.

"Well she's always stunning, and I'm sure she gets that every waking moment of her life," Jerii thought.

"Argh, you're useless! Okay, Romeo just follow your gut and don't try to make a complete fool of yourself," Masa snapped.

Jerii was about to open his mouth when Jean Louis began to talk with the Queen. He was surprised to hear that Queen Klea herself, would allow some lowly squire to stay at the palace for the evening. He didn't know whether he was dreaming, or if it was really reality that was taking place before him. Jerii just pinched himself out of pure shock to make sure this was all real. The Queen was more than willing to have Quinn and Jerii stay, and then she peered her head over towards them. Sweat began to pour down Jerii's forehead.

"Idiot, wipe your forehead!" Masa and Mune screamed "Deep breaths! Deep breaths....remember to breathe for crying out loud!"

Jerii began to breathe slowly and calmly, trying to feel more and more comfortable. He was almost shocked at the Queen's answer. He tried to search for the words to say when he noticed a cat munching on her meal to the Queen's left. He thought it was kind of strange that a cat was allowed in the dining room, especially with a seat for herself on the Queen's left side.

"Lovely cat," Jerii smiled as sweat slowly began to form once more.

"IDIOT! She just offered you a night's stay at the palace AND services to some of the most elite soldiers in the entire kingdom and you comment on the Queen's Cat!!!" yelled Masa.

"Wow, wow, wow HURRY REPLY TO HER FAST! NOW!" Mune roared.

"Oh, I think that would be awesome Klea," Jerii answered.

Everyone began to stare at Jerii, but Jerii himself was confused as to what he did wrong. He began to rewind his words and try to figure out what he said to upset everyone in the room.

"Why is everyone staring at me, what did I do wrong?" Jerii thought, panic starting to develop in his mind.

"Oh boy...." Masa and Mune sighed.

"You JUST addressed the Queen by her first name," Masa said.

"Not even Jean Louis calls Queen Klea, just Klea," Mune explained "Clean this mess up now kid, or I have a feeling the Queen is going to prepare proper lodging for you in the castle's dungeon."

Jerii stuttered a bit, constantly trying to figure out the proper way to ask for forgiveness.

"Just say you're sorry...." Mune muttered.

"Please forgive me your Majesty, my tongue sort of slipped," Jerii begged "I'm really sorry for not giving you, your proper respect, and I understand completely if you want me to leave and return to my bunk in Media Res' soldier barracks."

The eyes then turned to the Queen, awaiting her answer. It's as if the room was silent, waiting for a judge to deliver the final verdict to the accused. Jerii had messed up a lot of times in his life, but right now was not the time to have a "slip of the tongue." The chances of his dreams and aspirations began to grow thinner with each passing second in that dining room. He could only wait patiently for the Queen's answer, hoping and praying that he would be forgiven, and not be "thrown out to the dogs" so to speak.

[Tora_No_Unmei]

OOC: Lets just say Jerii knows about Quinns ability already....yada yada..

BIC: Quinn reached out, hidden by view of the table to grasp one of Jeriis hands, turning her gaze to him. The slip of the tongue had been amusing but there was something else that had caught her attention.

She held his gaze with her bright green eyes, said eyes narrowing,'Don't start treating me like a lady after this Roman. I'm still your squire friend. And I better not hear you telling the other boys in the bunks to lay off. I can deal with them. I'm not some wimpy girl now. And stop acting like I'm betrothed either. Masa, Mune, keep this boy in line already! I'll whip your butt in jousting tomorrow if you keep it up Roman.'

She gave him one last glare before turning her gaze to Queen Klea, speaking up as to turn the attention away from Jerii's 'slip of the tongue', still grasping one of his hands,"Your Majesty. I thank you for the kindness you have shown us this eve. Letting us join the State Dinner and now letting us sleep here for the night."

[Nyanko]

Akako's ears perked up at the squire's mentioning of her.
Okay, that one's not so bad, she thought. The neko absently wiped her white face with the back of a paw before attacking the roast duck meat that was in front of her.
If she wasn't so busy with food, she would've personally tackled Jerii and ordered him to apologize to the Queen for just calling her by her first name- something the neko never heard anyone do before. Akako figured the queen could handle it... and went to bugging people to pass more creme.

[Zamemon]

Deo went to the end of the hall.He looked around and saw the chamber doors leading to the dining hall.He could smell the food from where he stood.His mouth drooled as he thought of what the might be eating."mmmm" he let out as he sat down with his back to the wall.He bgean to think.'They must be eating all sorts of good things' he thought.His stomach let out a low rumble.And he sighed taking out a dagger and began fidiling with it.

[Ayumi]

*Silence reigned over the table as all present sat staring at Jerii and now the Queen who's countenance is frozen in shock. Klea blinks her bright grey eyes several times and slowly the side of her mouth twitches ever so faintly. Ruby lips compress but fail to restrain mirth from bubbling forth in the form of laughter.

The Queen bends foward having to set down her black and gold ivory fan as she continues to laugh. Seeing her obvious amusement, the courtiers follow suit not wishing to miss out, though what exactly they are laughing at they have hardly an idea.

Still giggling, Klea picks up her fan again snapping it open and fluttering it just below her rain colored eyes. Slowly she turns that potent gaze to Jerii and studies him for a long moment before closing her fan and smiling warmly.*

"Your jest is well received young master Jerii... How clever of you to pass off such a joke as a 'slip of the tongue'. I do hope you will remember that the Queen of Medias Res does reward cleverness, just as I do quick thinking in moments of perceived trouble Madame Quinn.

Indeed, perhaps you will both in addition come to my entertainments tommorow evening as well... I hope you will both not be too troubled by an extra day and night's stay at the palace."

*Her delicate fingers squeeze Jean Louis' as though to reassure him and dinner conversation around the table continues on it's normal course amongst the court. Klea's smile grows again but now with the touch of mischief that Jean Louis knows is trouble. She leans foward slightly and remarks quietly to Jerii.*

"Well received indeed Young master... but do not let it happen again lest you find yourself challenged to many a duel for being too familiar with a Maiden Queen such as myself by all my possible and many royal suitors."

*Giving him a decidedly wicked smile and a secret wink she turns her attention to her cat.*

"Oh Aka! You are covered in creme and food! Naughty kitten have you never heard of what becomes of the gluttonous?"

*Laughing again sweetly she rubs Akako behind the ears calling for more caviar to be brought for the Neko to enjoy.*

[lord_saikuya]

Crea wass standing on the steps that were overlooking the Cherry tree gardens behind the palace. Strings of colored light were being hung throughout the blossoming trees. Massive varieties of flowers were lining the paths that met in a huge clearing where a large tent was raised and being filled with tables and chairs. Ivory fountains were being sat up along the inside tent walls. In another smaller clearing a orchestral stage had been sat up and a net raised into the trees. This was for the dancing that was to follow the dinner.
Crea was happy... Which was saying something since he had'nt been in quite awhile. He had heard news of a banquet being held in Medias Res and wondered if Klea had recieved his messenger yet.
The gardens and the palace would recieve special guest for the accension to the throne banquet, but he had ordered many other places sat up in the city for his citizens to have fun well.
Plantiri was looking well, its radiant silverish-blue lights spreading out across the grassy hills. The beautiful towers stood tall and proud once again.
A young man appraoched him and said. "Your majesty, preperations for the banquet are almost complete. Guest are already arriving and being shown their rooms." Crea smiled, thanking him for the information. The young man hurried off as Crea looked torward the horizon, seeing the sun start to set.
He thought about Klea again and figured that the messenger was at Medias Res by now.
Crea hurried off to greet some of the arriving guests in the main hall. Apon arriving he saw Duchess Tepharni in her flowing black gown and silver jewelry. Her blond hair hung loosely across her shoulders. She glanced at him and smiled sweetly. For years she had tried to get him to ask for her hand in marriage, but as the saying goes, beauty is only skin deep. Inside her heart is quite cold and dark.
Returning the smile he turned away and headed up the grand staircase, heading for the western tower. Crea wondered what true love felt like. He had hoped to meet her one day but felt like it would never come and that there was really no time for it. Reaching the tower-top he looked down apon the city. It sparkled with lights that twinkled in the fading light. A warm and silent wind swept across him carrying the smell of roses. He smiled and began to wonder.

[Amazon_Goddess]

"Oh, Lord Haldir well if you cannot help but be polite, then I don't mind. I don't really know much elves, so I don't know their behavior. I mostly keep to myself, it's better that way..." her voice trailed off as she looked over at the Queen and her guests. Crea, Jean Louis, and some women with him... she said, rallying off the familiar faces. But she couldn't remember a time when she spoke to these people, she just knew them by name and face. She shrugged, then looked off into the distance, sighing.

[Zamemon]

Deo heard jerii and looked through the door to the dining hall.He saw the squire and the queen.He looked around at the food and his eyes widened.Such a feast and yet he couldnt eat a bite.He looked longingly at the duck and potatoes.The asortment of food and then he saw the neko.Those creatures always fascinated him.His mouth drooled.He had to force himself from coming in as he turned away his stomach let out a low rumble.He looked as a person sitting at the edge of the table nearby saw him.

[Tenchi Masaki]

Jerii could feel the warm hand of Quinn's touch his. His eyebrow raised as he heard Quinn's thoughts in his head. He looked at Quinn, sweat still pouring from his forehead, preparing his response.

"Don't worry, this will just be between you and me," Jerii replied "You'll always be my friend no matter what you become."

"It sounds you are still implying that she will be Jean Louis' bride..." Masa sighed.

The two spirits began to intervene in the conversation, in hopes of repairing the answer that Jerii just gave to Quinn.

"What Jerii means is, that he is glad to see you haven't lost your backbone, so to speak," Masa said.

"And he's happy to hear you still plan on continuing your training to become a knight," Mune explained "Besides, he doesn't need another jousting stick shoved at his skull."

Jerii smiled at Quinn hoping she would recieve his response positively. The entire room was still waiting for the Queen's response. Soon Jerii could see a smile forming from her mouth. She then began to laugh, and soon afterwards the entire room began to laugh as well. Some were hesistant at first, but the domino effect was inevitable to avoid. He watched as the Queen began to fan herself, trying to cool herself off.

"I think she's going to throw me in the dungeon," Jerii cried.

"Or maybe she has a lion's den somewhere!" Mune exclaimed "That'd be exciting."

"You can't go wrong with the guillotine, quick and painless," Masa noted.

The Queen announced to the room, that Jerii's comment was just a joke, and nothing more. As if a large boulder had been lifted from Jerii's back, his stress and anxiety was completely erased by Queen Klea's mercy.

"Lucky break there," Masa laughed "Looks like the Queen really likes you."

"You really think so?" Jerii replied anxiously.

"Eh, don't get your hopes up THAT high," Mune replied.

The room began to fill with conversation again. Jerii then noticed the Queen lean towards him and exchanged a few words. He smiled scratching the back of his head, embarressed at what Queen Klea had just said.

"Heh, don't worry if I ever mess up such an important thing like that again, I'll throw myself out of town," Jerii chuckled "And I'm sorry once again, I know referring to you by your first name is reserved only for your husband, unless you state that someone else may address you like that as well."

"You sentence sounded a little weird," Masa replied "Looks like your slacking in your english."

"Bah, as long as she gets the right idea yeah?" Jerii snapped.

"I suppose..." Masa answered.

He then watched as the Queen attended to her cat. Jerii couldn't help but watch Queen Klea enjoy herself and for a moment he thought of her as just a normal person, and not a Queen in charge of a vast kingdom.

"Stop daydreaming, she can still have your head chopped off," Mune laughed.

"Always gotta ruin my moments," Jerii grunted.

"Naw, we just want to keep you alert, in case you decide to get into any more trouble," Masa said.

"Heh, good point," Jerii smiled.

He began to eat his share of food. Jerii had never had such delicious food in his entire life. He could picture his stomach smiling, because it had finally been satisfied and full.

"This beats the dining they have over in the mess hall," Jerii exclaimed.

[lord_saikuya]

The Plytori Amorth messenger reached the Medias Res palace. He stopped in front of the young maiden and bowwed. "I have a message for the Queen, from his majesty Prince Crea of Plytori Amorth." He was quickly informed that she was in a banquet and was quite indisposed of at the moment. He asked if it would be possible to pass the letter on to her and the young maiden quickly took the letter and left. He sat down on the steps to wait for a reply from the Queen. Looking up at the evening sky he saw stars starting to fall and old memories of his childhood passed through his head....

[Ayumi]

*Watching the table as she rubs behind Aka's ears, Klea notices as Deo is given a seat between a Duchess and a Count and given all the food he likes with a little smile. Her eyes drift for a while, taking in Jean Louis' obliviousness at how every eligable young woman is trying to catch his eye in hopes of attracting his notice away from Quinn, before they settle on Jerii again.

Her smile as charming as it is catlike, the young Queen cannot help but tease the squire lightly.*

"I see that the cuisine of my table has not disappointed ... You eat as though it's your last meal though I promise you I am not planning on any execution."

*She laughs in a good natured way her eyes the color of rain and twinkling with mischief... As of now the Queen had only eaten any food placed before her with delicate manners and at a very slow pace... Many of her Maidens often complained that the Queen did not eat enough to keep a bird alive.*

"I am glad to see a man with a healthy appetite... Would you care for more roasted duck... perhaps another helping of caviar?"

*Her smile widens and as she waits for him to respond she takes a little note from her Maiden and whispers a message to her in return. Turning back to Jerii, she watches him in a way that indicates that she finds him amusing and likable. Queen she may be, but a snob she is definately not.*

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

* Jean Louis lightly taps his champagne glass lightly against Quinn's offering her a charming smile. Though everyone had been all that was accepting and polite to the Squire, there continued the underlying feeling of tension and competition. Some of the Young ladies around them went so far as to send him notes begging a dance at the ball after dinner. All this confused Jean Louis but it gave him an idea and he simply smiled at Quinn and asked,*

"My Dear Madame, would you do me the honor of a dance after dinner?"

*He smiles hopefully, his very blue eyes as warm as the summer skies.*

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

*With word from the Queen, the young maiden signals to another young woman who nods and takes the message from her and leaves her place at the dinner table. Having passed the Queen's message on to another, the first maiden tells the messanger that his master should expect a reply soon.

Heloise, a very favorite lady of the Queen's, slips down through the palace halls into the Atrium of Time ( The Royal Transport Chambers). With a brief nod to some other guards, she slips through a portal and positions herself in the shadows close to Prince Crea.

Stepping forward she makes an elegant curtsy and smiles pleasently as she offers her message.*

"Your Highness Prince Crea, I the Queen's Maiden Lady Heloise of the Order of the Garter, bring to you a message from Her most Royal Majesty Queen Klea of Medias Res. She who holds the most beautiful of souls bade me to inform you that as a Queen who leads a country into war, she cannot leave her country without inciting great danger. Therefore she will be sending a Halo of herself to the ceremony to watch it being performed.

It is not the place of a foreign Queen to perform such ceremonies. The Guardian of Spendor ( Another of Klea's titles) believes it best that you engage the head of a religious order from your own lands so that the people will be apeased and not think that Medias Res is interfering with their governmental affairs."

*Heloise curtsies again and waits patiently for a response to return to the Queen. Her eyes study the young prince thinking he is lucky to have a Queen like Klea, obviously more seasoned in politics and ruling than he is, as a friend. She would probably do whatever possible to help him rule his people for nothing more than the sake of friendship.

She like others in her order believe their Queen to be infailable and generally in the league of an Angel or higher. Smiling again she can't wait to return to the court of her mistress.*

[Tora_No_Unmei]

Quinn flashed a sour look at Jerii, and in turn the two spirits at their conversation. Her reply was taking a time to come so she listened to the Queen talk. And unlike Jerii, she was able to multi task and yell at him even as she turned to Jean Louis, having heard him,'Jerii will get a jousting staff to the skull. He hasn't practiced anyway. I've spoken to Master Gar. I know what you do Jerii. You need to polish your skills if you plan to toss me from the saddle in the far future. Or do you like landing in the mud?'

Even as she mentally yelled at Jerii, her attention was on Jean Louis, a small smile playing her lips at his question. She'd noticed all the girls shooting her sheething looks at Jean Louis being so nice to her. But she brushed it all aside and spoke up, at a pitch and tone that all the young maidans would hear her response clearly, and nodded, flashing Jean Louis a light smile,"I'd love to dance with you after dinner Your Grace."

She nodded lightly to him, hiding a cat grin at what would probably be the maidans responses to her agreement to the dance with turning to her plate, where unlike Jerii eating alot, she'd only gathered the much healthier and lighter bits, eating carefully. She couldn't break the habit of eating slowly and gently, even though others had tried to work it out of her when she was in training. If she was dressed like a guy, and everyone else was eating fast, she'd eat fast also, though not as messy as some.

She sent one more response to Jerii while she took a bit,'Ofcourse anything is better then the mess hall food. But this is the best there is. Enjoy it.'

Another thought came to mind and Quinn turned back to Jean Louis, this time lowering her pitch as to block out most maidans from hearing her, the same small smile playing on her lips,"Say..Your Grace? Ever jousted? If your interested in it, Jerii and I could show you. I have to help him with his skills a bit. You could join us tomorrow if we're all free to do so."